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"TRANSFORMATIONS ... The
Beginning"
2008-2009 Marching
Band Show
    
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Have you seen the Apex High School Marching Band in action?
Have you seen their show performances at football games? Seen them march
in parades? Or, maybe you are a lucky one and have seen them perform on
the field of competition at area competition events. Whatever your first
exposure has been to the Apex Marching Band, you are sure to feel their energy
and excitement.
 Have you considered joining the Marching Band?
About 80% of the students enrolled in academic band classes have already signed
up to participate in the Marching Band, which is a real testament to the drawing
power of the program. Marching Band is a voluntary after-school activity,
and it is not a requirement to be enrolled in an elective band class to qualify
to be in Marching Band, but most marchers prefer band classes so that they are
continually improving their playing skills. If you have the talent and
desire, then this wonderful program is open to you.
Marching Band can be especially attractive to rising ninth graders
or transfer students. Where else can you start the first day of high
school already knowing and working with over a hundred people? Every fall
semester in conjunction with a high school home football game, the band sponsors
a Middle School Night & Band Social. Ninth graders can come and
play music along side the high school band to test it out (get the date details
from the local middle school band directors). Students will practice
familiar tunes in the band room, march to the field together, see the marching
band show at half time, and then play in the stands during the home football
game!
Be sure to
visit "Reasons to Join Marching Band." This webpage was created by
our graduating seniors since they have been through the program and know it the
best, and they wanted to share their insights and experiences with you.
Still, you may have more questions that are not addressed on these pages, so we
have developed an open "Got Questions??" webpage, giving you the
opportunity to freely express your interest and pose whatever questions you may
have lingering.
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Marching
Band creates a community of dedicated performers that rises to superior
achievement. It can be physically demanding at times, but it is
healthy to grow and challenge yourself. Students enjoy the
cameraderie, and have felt that it is one of the best investments of
their time and provides some of their best school experiences.
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QUICK FACTS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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The Marching Band is under the direction of Mr. Paul Rowe.
Mr. Rowe has a distinguished musical career -- including a band position with
Disney World in Orlando, and Apex High School is most fortunate to have him at
the helm. Since he joined Apex High School in 2001, he has led the band
program to enjoy numerous awards. No doubt, Mr. Rowe has the creative
genius that can design and execute a quality, crowd-pleasing show. From
a parent's viewpoint, Mr. Rowe can be the closest teacher relationship that
you may establish during your student's high school career due to all of the
outside activities and interactions. |
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There is a fee to join the Marching Band, payable in
installments. While the new 2008-2009 season's fee is yet to be set,
prior information for the 2007-2008
fee was $450, with a $25 discount when paid in full by the last payment
deadline, a net cost of $425. This is a very
competitive rate, since other area schools can charge upwards of $800.
We are able to offer this low rate because of active parent volunteers and
fundraising. This fee is all inclusive. Comparatively, it is also
a great value, as costs for other outside activities do not offer as much
variety of involvement at a set price that covers the entire school year
(from Summer Band Camp to Spring Annual Banquet). Color Guard requires a
higher initial deposit because the show costume needs to be custom fitted and
ordered early. Please ask to review
an annual budget if you have additional questions. |
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RECRUITMENT NIGHT is scheduled
on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Please plan
to attend. |
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Enrollment paperwork will be
distributed at the meeting and will be
available online. Please contact the Band Director, Mr.
Rowe, via email or call the band room at 919-387-2236 to express your
interest. If you
have additional questions, use our "Got Questions??" webpage so that we may
reply to assist you. |
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The season begins with Marching Band Camp that runs for two
weeks in the summer just before school starts (2008 DATES = weekdays from
July 28 - August 8, plus additional practice days on T/W/THs before the
school year commences, click here for complete
Schedule). Here,
campers learn their positions on the field and practice the show music under
the guidance of the professional Camp Staff and instrument Section Leaders. |
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There are ongoing after school practices for Marching Band from 3:00 - 5:00
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to reinforce skills and perfect the show
during the competition season. An occasional one-hour after school
practice may be called on Friday afternoon in order to fine-tune the
performance. This depends on the Away Football schedule and Saturday
competitions. The Color Guard may practice on Monday from 6:00 - 9:00
p.m., and then with the band on Wednesday and Thursday. |
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Students perform and play stand tunes at home football games
on Friday nights -- they get into every game for free! |
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The Marching Band enters five or six competitions
during late Fall, which are held on Saturdays. It will also march in
approximately four area Christmas Parades. |
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Parents of students in either academic band and/or marching
band can participate in the active Band Boosters organization. It is a
great way to promote your child's activity and develop some great
relationships with other parents in the process! |
We look forward to seeing you on the
field of competition!
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