Does everyone have to march?
Yes.
What if I play a fall sport?
We recommend that all students who play fall sports march in the field show, if possible. The vast majority of students who participate in the field show report that it was more fun, fewer rehearsals, and less of a time constraint than they had expected or heard from friends (many of whom have never marched in the field show).
However, we understand that sometimes it is impossible to work out the conflicts that inevitably arise between after-school sports practices and games and after-school band rehearsals and performances, so we give students who play fall sports the option to march in parades only.
In order to be eligible to march in parades only, students must be a member of a school-sponsored fall sports team (football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, or cheerleading), STAY on that team, and work out scheduling conflicts within the schedule with their coaches IN ADVANCE.
Students who march in parades only are absolutely required to be at every parade and every parade rehearsal. The diretors look at the sports schedules in advance and ATTEMPT to schedule things around fall sports schedules, but sometimes it is impossible to do so.
By not marching in the field show, fall sport athletes are being excused from roughly 80-90% of all fall band activities. They are therefore expected to be at ALL scheduled parades and parade rehearsals without exception. Students who miss parades or parade rehearsals for sports conflicts have no way of making up these missed performances and/or rehearsals.
If I play a fall sport, do I have to come to band camp?
All incoming freshmen should attend Freshman Camp (July 21-23, 9:00am-12:00 pm @ UHS) and Basics Camp (July 26-30, 9:00am-1:00 pm @UHS).
After July 30, fall sport athletes will need to attend the parade rehearsal from 9:00-1:00 the day of the Monongalia County Fair Parade on August 9.
After the fair parade, the next parade rehearsal required for fall sports athletes will take place after school begins, and will depend upon when the first parade is scheduled.
All field show marchers should simply follow the summer schedule listed, including band camp.
If I play a fall sport, do I have pay the full band camp fee?
No. There is no camp fee for parade-only marchers.
If I play a fall sport, do I attend the Kennywood trip in August?
No. Fall sports participants are required to attend only a small percentage of the summer rehearsals, and the Kennywood trip is a reward for those students who are required to attend the full summer schedule (and have excellent attendance).
Where can I find a summer band schedule?
Here.
What class do I sign up for?
For most incomng freshmen, the answer is concert band. For those who auditioned and made it, the answer is wind ensemble. Classes like percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, and music theory require teacher permission, and are generally taken by upperclassmen.
How do I fit band classes into my schedule for four years and still take other electives?
One popular option is for students to take the professional track and the fine arts major. This approach will get students into college in any degree program and give them the ability to take more band classes than if they choose another high school major.
We alre also hopeful that UHS will eventually move to an 8-period day. There are many reasons to make this change academically, and Mr. Palmer will continue to push for this or any option that allows students to take more elective classes.
Otherwise, most students are able to take one band class per year. The students who usually suffer are the ones who wish to take wind ensemble and jazz band in one year along with other electives.
When does the marching band rehearse once school starts?
This schedule also has yet to be finalized, but the 2009-2010 rehearsal and performance calendar can be found HERE.
If I have a brother or sister in band, do I pay full price for band camp?
There is a 25% discount for the second (and third, etc.) member of each family in the band. So if there are two family members in band, based on 2009-2010 rates, the first would pay $108 and the second $81.
Additionally, the fundraising obligation of $200 (see the band handbook) is counted PER FAMILY, not per student. So if there are two family members in band, they raise only $200 TOTAL for the year.
What if I have question that is not answered here?
E-mail Mr. Palmer at mpalmer@access.k12.wv.us |
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