1. Welcome Parents and Students! LRHS Marching Band 2016

2. Why marching band? The marching band exists to support the mission statement of the music department at Loch Raven High School- Any student who desires an education in music is entitled to the opportunity to learn and participate in a musical activity, regardless of ability or prior experience. The marching band serves as a public representation of LRHS.

3. When you think of marching band… What do you think? Who are the best that you know of? Do we think the same thing?

4. Long term goals, build with purpose- Although competitive organizations are exciting and certainly offer a great deal to students, the LRHS Marching Band will exist not to compete, but to build a sense of community within the school. By the next 4 years, the goal is to have 10% of the school population involved in the organization Roughly, 900 total population= 90 students participating in marching band activities that put on a full, moving performance

5. What does the community of musicians need? Support from families in the following areas: Fundraising Uniform management Media Chaperoning Construction Nurses Potluck Coordinator

6. What does involvement in Marching Band mean regarding time commitment? 1 week of band camp- August 1-5 th 9am-4pm (Parent meeting on the first day at 7pm, parent show and dinner on Friday at 6:30pm) *Color guard and Drumline will meet additionally on SATURDAY AND SUNDAY July 30 TH AND 31ST from 12-5pm for placement and equipment training. 1 rehearsal day a week from the start of school until mid Dec- Wednesdays from 2:30-4:30pm- study hall 2:15-2:45pm Football game performances Parades BCPS Showcase of bands

7. What is band camp? Band camp is a time during the summer where we establish the identity of the ensemble and meet specific goals for performance: Learn 2 Parade Tunes Battery Percussion learns cadences Learn a half time show (3 separate tunes with a drum break) Learn stand tunes Learn how to march- parades and field show drill

8. A typical day of band camp 9am-4pm 9am- Stretch/Movement/Pulse Identification/Body Carriage/ Marching Technique 11am- Sub sections- Small groups refine music- Student and staff directed 12pm-Lunch and Games 1pm- Full Ensemble (Music) 2pm- Full Ensemble (Visual+Music) Learning the drill for the show 4pm- Dismiss/Announcements/Pack and Clean *Please do not expect that students will be ready to be picked up right at 4pm. This is when we end our time together before debriefing prior to the next rehearsal

9. What to bring to band camp and rehearsals! WATER. Not a little bottle either. Half gallon insulated Coleman is preferred. Not juice, definitely not soda, AT ALL. Comfortable shoes, not sandals or boots. Comfortable clothes- please no jeans. Hat Sunscreen Music/Instrument FOOD FOR LUNCH.

10. What music should we expect to hear? The current halftime show design includes music from The Rolling Stones, The Who, and ZZ Top- we’re going to continue in the element of “Rock” Raven. Music for the stands will include everything from Super Mario Brothers to Kanye West (We’re keeping some stuff from last season and adding a good bit)

11. We’re all excited! But there is a fee isn’t there. Yes. If you know me, you know that I hate this part- but we do have to discuss it. In order to provide the best educational opportunities for students in this activity and to properly outfit the marching band, there will be a seasonal fee of $80.00. Please see the last page of the registration packet for specific information regarding this fee. *New members are expected to additionally purchase a membership jacket for $40.00 as well

12. Build. Build. Build. Reflections on achievements, 2015: Re-establishment of the program New image and ensemble design Nearly 50 members in total 2 parade performances, including a 1 st place trophy at Reisterstown Participation in the BCPS Showcase of bands

13. Where to now? Goals for 2016 Establishment of Color Guard as a facet of the band program Increase membership beyond 50 performers Contribute to athletic events by performing a moving “pregame” show, establishing a lasting tradition Pregame is a traditional aspect of marching band that sets the tone for football games. A good program delivering a solid pregame show always increases investment in the overall athletic program, and in turn, supports the music program. It typically includes the Star Spangled banner, the school’s fight song, and the Alma Mater in some form. Perform a moving half time show with 10-20 sets

14. Frequently asked questions- or at least a few things I think you’re wondering that I can answer… Can my child miss band camp and still participate in marching band? Arguably, yes… but it is absolutely not recommended. Band camp is when we are going to put together the drill and learn all the charts of how to move together on the field. To plug someone into that after the fact is incredibly difficult. Contact me directly to work this situation out. Are we doing uniforms this year? Not sure yet- if we have more people than uniforms again, then that will be a bridge to cross later. Ideally, I’d like to be in the uniforms, but at the same time, I want to have too many people. Keep recruiting and we’ll talk. We don’t have an instrument, can we borrow from the school? Yes, of course, if it is available

15. More questions answered… Are we doing drill this year? Yes. Get ready to move and play on the field. Start practicing it now. Are we going to have a front ensemble this year? (Perc in the front) I’d like to, but I need help physically reinforcing the keyboard percussion instruments, and we need to build a towing system. Moms and dads with carpentry experience, this is all you. As a parent, how can I help? Ensure your child gets to rehearsals early. Make sure you hear your kiddo practicing! Don’t hear anything at home? Ask them to play something from the show for you. Come to football games and performances! Volunteer to help move equipment at performances (Might be a bigger deal this year than last) Be the medical professional at Band Camp! (Definitely a big deal this year)

16. Still not sure about the whole thing? Check these out!

21. What are we waiting for!? Let’s go! Contact Mr. Welker with further questions- bwelker@bcps.org bwelker@bcps.org Registration packets due ASAP!