Apex High Band

Paul Rowe, Director of Bands

387-2236

prowe@wcpss.net

www.apexhighband.org

Marching Band

Time Commitment:   Being in the marching band requires a time commitment comparable to extra-curricular athletics.  All students are expected to attend band camp during the summer at Apex High.  Upcoming dates to be noted are:

·       July 28 (4pm-8pm), July 29 (4pm-8pm)—Freshman/Rookie Camp (new band members, section leaders and officers) aka Mini Camp.

·        July 30—Full Band (9am-1pm) and Mini Camp (4pm-8pm)

·       July 31, August 1—Full Band (9am-4pm with an hour for lunch)

·       Sunday, August 3—Full Band Practice (4pm-5:30)  Family Picnic @ Apex Community Park 6pm to 8pm

·       August 4 to August 8---Full Band (7am–11am). Lunch (11–12:30). All students must stay on campus for the lunch break---bring your own lunch. Afternoon session is 12:30 to 4pm--Students must leave campus for the dinner break from 4pm to 6pm. Evening session is from 6pm—9pm.

·       Friday, August 8—7 pm Parent Performance @ Apex High

·       There are rehearsals on August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 in the evenings from 6 pm—10pm. First Home Football Game is August 22.

·       Once school has started, the marching band rehearses every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school from 2:45-5:30pm.  There are also rehearsals scheduled, as needed, on Friday afternoons during competition season. Other section rehearsals are scheduled as needed.  The band plays at all home football games.  Competitions are held on Saturdays, usually starting the last week-end in September and finishing the first week-end in November.  Rehearsals continue one day a week until all the parades are finished. There are usually 3-4 parades during the holiday season. This year’s schedule is included in this packet.

Percussion:  As a section, the drum line has a huge responsibility—it is the main source of tempo for the entire band.  Membership in the drum line is by audition only.  (However, if you don’t make the drum line, there is still a spot in the band for you.)  The drum line also has additional rehearsals.  Auditions are held in the spring each year. The Front Ensemble/Pit (sideline percussion) is a crucial part of the band.  Examples of instruments played by the Front Ensemble/Pit are:  xylophone, bells, timpani, auxiliary percussion, snare, bass drum, crash/suspended cymbals and chimes. 

Color Guard:  Color Guard is a group of students who provides the visual element to each season’s show. Flag routines are specifically choreographed to show’s music.  Flags, rifles, sabers, etc. are used to enhance the visual presentation.  No experience is necessary. The Color Guard rehearsal schedule may vary from the Band practice schedule to include summer rehearsals up until band camp starts.  Tryouts generally take place mid to late April or May prior to the season start in late July. 

Band Fees:  These fees are necessary to cover expenses incurred by the booster organization and help purchase such things as new instruments, uniforms, guard equipment, field props, and to pay for competition fees and travel expenses and other day-to day operational expenses.  Fees will be $475.00, with a $25.00 discount if fees are paid on time.  They are spread out over 3 months, with the final payment being due August 1.  If for some reason you cannot meet the fee schedule, please contact Paul Rowe.

Instrument Loaner Fee:  For students who use the instruments that are owned by the band, a one-time fee of $50 will be due by September 1. This fee is necessary to keep up with the rising cost of instrument maintenance and repair.

Uniforms:  Each student will be issued a uniform that they will use during the marching band season.  They are stored in the band room and are not usually taken home.  Parents may occasionally be asked to launder uniforms. Alterations are the responsibility of the student’s family.  Other necessary parts of the uniform include black socks and Dinkles (shoes).  (Orders for Dinkles are placed through the band, but must be paid for by the student--cost about $25.)

Fundraising:  Ample opportunities for fundraising are available, however all fundraising is optional.  Money earned from some fundraising goes into an account for each student.  This money can only be used to pay any future band-related expenses (trip fees, Dinkles, etc.).  Other fundraising may be done to raise money for specific band purchases (instruments, props, etc.).  See the band website for more information on fundraising.

Parent Involvement:  As a parent of a band student, you are automatically a member of the boosters. It is imperative that parents maintain an active role in the band organization. Attendance at monthly booster meetings (second Tuesday) allows you to learn firsthand about the happenings in the band. Beyond those, it’s necessary for parent involvement with prop construction, chaperoning, loading and unloading equipment, helping with fundraising, etc.  Our band’s success depends on the active support of the parents; not to mention the fact that you will have fun in your participation!  It’s practically guaranteed!

Communication:  Our sole method of communication is through e-mail.  If you do not have access to the internet, please let us know so another method can be arranged.  New this year, we are asking parents to join our Yahoo group so communication is readily established.  You’ll learn about dates and changes as soon as they become available.

Academic Bands

There is no fee for participating in an academic band; however you will be required to purchase concert attire.  The approximate cost is $80.00 for girls and $50.00 for boys.  If your student uses a band-owned instrument, you would also be subject to the $50 loaner fee.

Wind Ensemble:  This is an Honors level class. Entry in this class is limited by audition only. The band director gives out audition music to both Apex High and middle school students in the spring. Students will perform grade 5-6 music from the North Carolina Band Association music list. Students will also learn basic/advanced music theory. This is the premier band at Apex High School and is comprised mostly of upper classmen but freshmen are encouraged to audition.

Concert Band II:  Entry in this class is also by audition or by middle school Director Recommendation; however this is not an Honors level class. Students will perform grade

4-5-6 music from the North Carolina Band Association music list. Students will also learn basic/intermediate music theory.

Concert Band I:  No audition is required for this class.  This class is comprised mostly of freshman. Students will perform grade 4-5-6 music from the North Carolina Band Association music list. Students will also learn basic music theory.

Jazz Band: The Jazz Band meets after school one to two days a week beginning in December. There is no audition required to participate in the Jazz Band program; however in order to keep your membership, you will need to attend rehearsals regularly and practice on your own. State Jazz Band Festival takes place around the 1^st week of May.