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Band
Boosters
Handbook
From Band Camp . . .
. .. . to Band Banquet
Table of Contents
Band Boosters Board of
Directors.............................................. 1
Committees............................................................................... 2
Communication............................................................................. 3
Telephone Tree......................................................................... 3
Website.................................................................................... 4
Academic Band............................................................................. 4
Marching Band Fees.................................................................... 6
Uniforms....................................................................................... 7
Coats........................................................................................ 7
Pants........................................................................................ 7
Hat........................................................................................... 8
Shoes........................................................................................ 8
Marching Band Calendar............................................................. 8
Student Leaders........................................................................... 8
Drum Major.............................................................................. 9
Student Leaders........................................................................ 9
Color Guard.................................................................................. 9
Auditions................................................................................... 9
Color Guard Fees..................................................................... 10
Summer Practice Schedule....................................................... 10
School Practice Schedule......................................................... 10
Color Guard Commitment......................................................... 10
Percussion................................................................................... 11
Drumline................................................................................. 11
Pit Percussion.......................................................................... 11
Band Camp.................................................................................. 11
Band
New Member Mini-Camp........................................................ 11
Full Band Camp....................................................................... 12
Band Practice.............................................................................. 12
Pep Band..................................................................................... 12
Volunteer Opportunities............................................................. 13
Chaperones............................................................................. 13
Pit Crew................................................................................. 13
Prop Field Crew...................................................................... 13
Social Events............................................................................... 14
Senior Night............................................................................ 14
Band Banquet.......................................................................... 14
Fundraising Activities................................................................. 14
Band Snacks................................................................................ 15
Apex High Band Boosters Organization
Band Boosters Board of Directors
The
Board of Directors is comprised of six elected officers – President, First and
Second Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms. The Band Director serves as a non-elected
officer on the board.
Board
officers are elected by the general members of the Band Booster Organization on
an annual basis and may serve a maximum of two consecutive one-year terms. Elections are held each spring prior to the
Band Booster’s kick off meeting in May.
A nominating committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to accept
nominations and organize the election.
The
duties and responsibilities of the officers, who play a tremendous role in the
success of the band program at Apex High, are defined in detail in the by-laws
for the Band Booster organization on the band’s website at http://www.apexhighband.org.
The
general Band Booster meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and
begin at 7:00 p.m. Band Booster members
are welcome to attend the Board of Directors meetings, which are held in the
band room at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
The
meetings are a great way to stay up-to-date on upcoming band activities and
fundraising events.
Committees
In addition to the Board of Directors, there are several committees who help the band program run smoothly:
Ø
Band Camp –
responsible for activities associated with scheduling and running band camp.
Ø
Chaperone –
responsible for ensuring that adult chaperones are available at each band
event.
Ø
Color Guard
– responsible for all aspects of the color guard.
Ø
Communication
– responsible for establishing and maintaining communication within the Band
Booster Organization including the band program’s website.
Ø
Historian –
responsible for photographing and recording the band’s activities throughout
the year.
Ø
Middle School Liaison – serves as point of contact to middle school band
programs for entry into the
Ø
Pit Crew –
responsible for activities associated with the sideline percussion area for
performances and for coordinating the transportation of instruments, equipment,
and props.
Ø
Prop Design and Construction – responsible for coordinating activities associated with
designing and building props for the band program.
Ø
Prop Field Crew – coordinates the unloading, set-up, and tear down of the props at
competitions and home football games.
Ø
PTSA Liaison
– serves as point of contact to the Apex High School PTSA.
Ø
Public Relations – responsible for informing the general public of the band program’s
activities through school and community publications.
Ø
Social –
responsible for organizing social activities for the band including the band
banquet.
Ø
Transportation
– responsible for arranging transportation for the band to competitions and
parades.
Ø
Uniform –
responsible for all aspects of the band’s uniforms.
Ø
Ways and Means
–responsible for fundraising activities.
The main avenue of
communication within the Band Booster Organization is by e-mail. Parents are notified of schedule changes,
volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and social events through
e-mail. Please be sure to include your
e-mail address with your contact information.
The Communication
Committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining communication within
the Band Boosters Organization. Each
year, the committee creates and distributes a band member directory with names,
addresses, and phone numbers for all the participants.
Telephone Tree
A telephone tree
is used to communicate important information about the band when they are
traveling during trips. Each band family
is grouped into teams of five to six families.
Team contact information and guidelines are distributed by e-mail at the
beginning of band season.
In the event of an
emergency or if it is necessary to notify families of a change to the arrival
time after a competition, the primary contact for the telephone tree will
notify each team contact. The team
contact calls the first person on the group list, who then contacts the next
person on the list until the last contact has been made. The last person on the list calls the team
contact, which confirms that each band family in the group has been contacted.
If no one answers,
leave a message and call the next person on the list. If the team contact does not hear back from
the last person on the list within a responsible amount of time, the team
contact will begin calling again in reverse order until all of the band families
have been contacted.
Band families have
the option of limiting participation if they have other methods of
communicating with their student (such as a cell phone) or if they do not wish
to receive calls after a certain time at night.
Please notify the
Communication Committee of any changes to your contact information, any
secondary telephone number such as a work or cell phone numbers that you would
like to be included on the list, or if you do not wish to participate in the
telephone tree.
Website – http://www.apexhighband.org
The Apex High Band
website is your best source of information about upcoming competitions,
schedules, fundraising activities, the Band Booster Organization and by-laws,
and more.
The website
includes a member’s area where you can access the minutes from the Band Booster
Organization’s general meetings.
The member’s area
also includes a media gallery with both pictures and videos of the band’s
performances. Band families can share
digital pictures by e-mailing them to the webmaster at webmaster@apexhighband.org or FTP
them directly to the website. Easy
step-by-step FTP instructions are available on the website.
Students
who have signed up for an academic band class pay a participation fee. This fee covers the cost of entrance fees for
district and state band competitions and for the cost of transportation to
these events. The fee is determined on
an annual basis by the Board of Directors based on anticipated expenses. A notice will be sent home through your band
student when the fee is due.
Concert
attire is required. The approximate cost
for girls is $80.00 and $60.00 for boys.
Pre-owned dresses may be available for purchase. Girls should check the bulletin board in the
band room for notices of dresses for sale.
There
are three levels of academic band:
Ø
Concert Band I
This is not for Honors credit. There is no audition required for this
band. This class is intended for rising
freshman students performing grade 4 through 5 music from the N.C. Band
Association music list. In addition,
students learn basic music theory.
Ø
Concert Band II
This is not for Honors credit. This class is intended for sophomore, junior, and senior students. There is no audition required for this band. However, entry into this class for freshmen is by audition only. Students perform grade 4 through 5 music from the N.C. Band Association music list. In addition, students learn basic music theory.
Ø
Instrumental Ensemble Wind/Percussion
This is
an Honors level/credit class. Entry in
this class is by audition only. Students
perform grade 5 through 6 music from the N.C. Band Association music list. Students also learn basic/advanced music
theory. This is the premier band at
Ø
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz
ensemble is offered as an extracurricular activity. Participation is by audition only. Students perform all styles of jazz
literature. Improvisation is a must with
all jazz band students. Students also
learn basic/advanced music theory.
Note: Depending on class sizes, jazz ensemble may
become an extracurricular activity.
The academic bands perform in a winter concert and a spring concert.
Academic band
student may choose to audition for All District Band. Auditions are usually held the second
Saturday in January with a 2-day clinic scheduled for the end of that
month. The fee is paid by the band
program. Parents are responsible for
providing transportation to the audition, clinic, and performance.
The academic bands
participates in the state Festival of Bands competition. The fee is paid by the band program. Transportation is provided by the band
program for the competition, but parents must provide transportation for the
pre-festival event.
Refer to the academic band calendar on the band’s website at http://www.apexhighband.org
for a list of dates and locations.
Because marching band is a voluntary extracurricular activity, it is primarily funded by student fees. These funds are used to pay for competition fees, transportation, equipment, props, uniforms, and other expenses incurred through the promotion and instruction of the marching band and concert band programs.
The
fee is determined on an annual basis by the Band Boosters Board of
Directors. The fee includes a
non-refundable deposit.
The
band fee payment schedule and payment coupons are distributed at the Band
Boosters’ spring kick-off meeting.
Payments are scheduled at intervals throughout the summer with the final
payment due the week before band camp is scheduled to begin.
The
marching band fee must be paid in full prior to the beginning of band
camp. Students with unpaid fees will be
removed from the program until payment is complete. Re-entry requires permission from the Band
Director and completion of payment.
A
refund of paid fees minus the non-refundable deposit will be granted if a
student drops out of the marching band program prior to the end of band camp.
Incidental
expenses include payments for Dinkles and replacement gloves. Additional expenses may also be incurred if
your student chooses to participate in a trip with the band.
A
student account is established for each member of the marching band. Students can earn money by participating in
specific fund raising activities throughout the year.
Fees
and expenses can be paid from money in the student account. A request to apply money from the student’s
account to the marching band fee, incidental expenses, or trip fees must be
made to the Band Booster Board Treasurer.
Financial
aid is available based on a recommendation from the Band Director and is
reviewed by the Band Boosters Board of Directors. Requests for a waiver of the marching band
fee can be obtained from the Band Director.
The marching band uniform consists of pants, jacket, hat, gloves, and Dinkles (shoes). Dinkles are ordered by the band but must be purchased by the parents. The purchase price for the Dinkles is about $25.00. Orders for Dinkles are taken during band camp. Replacement gloves can be purchased throughout the marching band season for about$2.00 per pair.
Band
uniforms are assigned to band members at the beginning of the season. Some uniforms may require alteration such as
adjusting the length of the jacket sleeves or the pants legs.
Note: No permanent
alterations should be made to the uniform.
Do not use scissors to cut the sleeves or pants legs when making
alterations.
Band
uniforms must be returned to the band room after each event. Gloves may be stored in the student’s hat
box. Your student’s Dinkles should come
home for cleaning after every event.
Dinkles should not be left in the band room. They will wander off and never find their way
home. It’s also a good idea to write
your student’s name inside the Dinkles with a permanent marker.
The
uniforms are dry cleaned prior to the beginning of the season. Periodically throughout the band season –
particularly if the band has performed in the rain – students will be asked to
take their uniforms home to “air out” or freshen up.
Coats
Uniform
coats may be spot cleaned using a mild laundry soap and warm water and then
sprayed lightly with a fabric freshener such as Fabreeze. Once dried, the coat can be pressed with a
warm iron. The white collar liner may be
removed, washed, and air-dried as needed.
Pants
The
pants may be spot-cleaned or machine laundered in cold water on the gentle
cycle using mild laundry soap. Hang the
pants to dry. Once dry, press with a
warm iron.
Hat
Remove
the string from inside the hat and wash it and the hat box using a mild laundry
soap and warm water. Wipe out the inside
and outside of the hat using a damp soapy rag or a little Windex. Once the hat is dry, a small amount of baby oil or Vaseline should be applied to the
outside of the hat. Don’t forget to weave
the string back into the hat once it is dry.
Shoes
Dinkles
can be cleaned using a mild laundry soap and warm water and then dried with a
soft cloth. A little dab of Vaseline or
baby oil will maintain the shine and protect your Dinkles from water damage.
The marching band
participates in about five different competitions each year. The competition season begins in late
September and wraps up around the end of October. Traditionally, the marching band participates
in three holiday parades – Apex/Friendship, Cary, and Raleigh.
The marching band
also takes part in all of the Apex Cougars home football games, which offers an
excellent opportunity for students to perform their show for students, faculty,
and family.
The complete
calendar for the marching band is available on the band’s web page at http://www.apexhighband.org.
The following student leaders – President, Treasurer,
Secretary, Librarian, Detail Officer, and Uniform Officer – are elected each
spring to assist the Band Director in carrying out various functions of the
band: Refer to the band’s website at http://www.apexhighband.org for a list
of this year’s officers.
Drum Major
Each spring, a
Drum Major is selected by audition.
Prospective Drum Majors must have at least one year of marching band
experience and be enrolled in an academic band class for the coming year. The Drum Major leads the band during parades
and on the field during games and marching band competitions. The Drum Major also plays a key role in band
camp by assisting the Band Director.
Section Leaders
With
the size of the marching band expanding, Section Leaders play an extremely
important role. Section Leaders are
alert to any problems that their instrument section may be experiencing with
music or marching routines and work to ensure that their section is functioning
properly. Section leaders are
responsible for ensuring that their section has the proper music, knows the
routines, and is properly attired for performances.
Section
Leader selections are made in the spring and are based on musical and marching
ability, communication skills, and leadership potential.
The
Color Guard performs a drill/dance routine specifically choreographed for each
season’s program. Flags, rifles, sabers,
and other props are used to enhance the program.
Auditions
Auditions
for Color Guard are held in early to mid April.
One or two weeks of after-school practice sessions are scheduled prior
to the audition to assist students is learning the basic flag and marching
techniques. The audition is held on the
Saturday following the practice sessions.
Members are selected by the Band Director and the Color Guard
Instructor. The number of members
selected varies from year-to-year and is at the discretion of the Band
Director.
Color Guard Fees
The
fee for participating in the Color Guard is the same as the marching band fee
and follows the same payment schedule.
However, a nonrefundable
deposit of $100.00 is required at registration (once the selection process is
complete) because it is necessary to order custom order uniforms, accessories,
and practice equipment early in the season.
Additional expenses include:
Ø
Shoes – $20.00
Ø
Socks/tights – $5.00 to $15.00
Ø
Jackets/warm-up suits – $50.00 to $150.00
Ø
Santa hats for the Christmas parades – $5.00
Summer Practice Schedule
Typically, Color Guard practice begins after the
school year ends, around the second week of June. The weekly practice is held from 6:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m. on Mondays (subject to change).
Color Guard members will learn the choreography (flag, dance, and prop
work) for the show.
During band camp, the actual drill will be taught by
the Band Director, and the choreography is then incorporated into the marching
drill.
School Practice Schedule
Once school begins, the Color Guard is required to
practice with the band from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays,
and with the Color Guard Instructor from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on
Mondays.
Color Guard Commitment
The
Color Guard is an integral part of the band’s performance and requires a
commitment to participate in all practices, football half-time shows,
competitions, and parades. The
choreography and marching band drill are based on the specific number of Color
Guard members. Missing a performance
will adversely affect the band’s performance.
Participating as a member of the Color Guard means that the marching
band program takes priority over church trips, club activities, family
vacations, etc. The Band Director must
be consulted well in advance in the event that a conflict arises.
Drumline
The Drumline is a crucial part of the Marching Band because it sets the tempo. Membership in the Drumline is by audition only. Auditions are held in the spring. The Drumline follows the same rehearsal schedule as the band. However, additional practices may be scheduled.
Pit Percussion
The
pit or sideline percussion instruments consist of the xylophone, bells,
timpani, auxiliary percussion, and chimes.
Pit Crew volunteers assist the percussionists with setting up and
breaking down the sideline percussion area for performances.
Band
Parents
and band students are invited to attend the band camp picnic, which is held on
the Sunday prior to full band camp. This
catered event, hosted by the Band Camp Committee, is free to band students. The cost for other family members who attend
varies from year-to-year. Parents are
notified by e-mail with the date, time, location, and cost for the picnic.
New
Member Mini-Camp
The
marching band season officially begins with band camp. The new member mini-camp, which is scheduled
around the end of July, focuses on bringing new members up to speed on marching
techniques and skills. The remaining
members of the marching band join the new members later in the week for a few
days of music camp before the full marching band camp begins the following
week.
Full Band
Camp
Band camp begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 10:00 p.m. with a 1-hour-break for lunch and a 2-hour-break for dinner. Students should pack their lunch and remember to include lots of water. The dinner break is longer and gives students a chance to go home and cool off. It’s also your opportunity to assist the Band Camp Committee by inviting the Band Director and Band Camp volunteers into your home for a meal before practice resumes at 7:00 p.m.
On
the last day of band camp, the Band Camp Committee provides dinner for the
students. Be sure to join your students
after they eat for Family Night –a demonstration of what the students have
learned during band camp and a preview of this year’s performance.
Students
should dress in light-colored t-shirts and shorts – it will be hot. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen.
In
the case of rain, students will practice in the band room.
When
school is in session, regular band practices are held from 2:45 p.m. to 5:30
p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Practice continues through the end of the first semester. Additional practices may be scheduled at the
discretion of the Band Director.
The pep band
travels to the Apex Cougars away football games. Because transportation is limited, only a
smaller version of the marching band is needed.
Participation is on a voluntary basis.
Students should look for the sign-up sheet in the band room.
Your help is needed with almost every aspect of the band program. Volunteers are needed to assist with building and transporting props, uniform alterations and sewing, fundraising activities, social events, lining the field for band camp, and assisting the pit crew.
Chaperones
Several adults are
needed to chaperone each event that the full band and pep band participate in,
including parades and competitions. The
chaperones are responsible for monitoring the students, distributing snacks,
helping with uniforms, and other duties as needed. Requests for chaperones are sent primarily by
e-mail.
Pit Crew
Adult
volunteers are also needed for the Pit Crew, which is responsible for loading
and unloading the sidelines percussion instruments and props for the half-time
shows and for competitions. Pit crews
are an important part of the competition and are judged on their efficiency and
enthusiasm. The Apex High Pit Crew was
awarded the 2003 Cary Band Days Top Pit Crew Award.
The Pit Crew also transports instruments that are too big to load on the buses when the band travels to a competition. Volunteers are a