DCI & Parent Meeting & Band Camp

If you are interested in going to the Bluffton Cinema on July 15th to see what Drum Corps is all about and to watch the Fort Mill, SC’s Carolina Crown’s Inferno (2015); Rosemont, IL’s The Cavaliers’ Propaganda (2016), Concord, CA’s Blue Devils’ Metamorph (2017); Santa Clara, CA’s Santa Clara Vanguard’s (2018) Babylon; and Canton, OH’s Bluecoats The Bluecoats 2019), you may purchase tickets and get more information at https://www.fathomevents.com/events/The-DCI-Celebration-Countdown?date=2021-07-15.

Below is a lot of information for you prior to the REQUIRED PARENT MEETING / REGISTRATION on July 24th! There will be a raffle during this time as well!

The athletic packet that is attached does not have a block for “Band” or “Color Guard”, only for the other sports. If your child has already completed it with Brooke (the Athletic Trainer) or has already turned it in to the front desk for another sport, I can get it from them.

The calendar is not on our Website (mayriverbands.com) yet because we are in the process of revamping it, so I have attached all tentative dates for the year to this email.

Below are a few questions you may have prior to Band Camp starting:

Do I have to have a physical before beginning Band Camp? YES! You must have a physical prior to band camp. If you do not have one, we are not able to work with you outdoors. If you have one scheduled prior to band camp, but have not actual had it yet, please still show up for camp, but we will work with you indoors on music, etc.

Do I have to be at the parents meeting on July 24th and what do I need to bring? YES! You AND a guardian MUST be at the registration day on July 24th! You must bring with you the “Athletic Packet” (with the doctors note signed), the Band Hand Book signature pages at the end, a credit card if you intend on paying the $150 for Band Students or the $175 for Color Students, as well as the $90 if you need to borrow a school owned instrument throughout the year at that time, AND for all new Band students and any other student who needs a new shirt (outgrown, lost, or stained), you must pay for the polo shirt ($25), as well as $60 for a new pair of black shoes for the Band students (or any student who does not have a fitting pair in their possession from last year), and $5 for a pair of black gloves for Band personnel. The Band does have a few gently owned shoes and gloves that we may be able to fit you with if you would rather go that route. COLOR GUARD students must bring $75 to purchase their uniforms for this year. We are trying to lower the price of what is normally charged for Band and Color Guard this year, but you MUST assist us in fundraising in order to make this work!!! Please be at the Band Room with the required paperwork listed above at the following times:

10 - 11 - Band / Color Guard Students who have never competitively performed whose last names begin with A - M

11 - 12 - Students who have never competitively performed whose last names begin with N-Z

1 - 2 - Students who have competitively performed whose last names begin with A - M

2 - 3 - Students who have competitively performed whose last names begin with N-Z

Please also see the Bylaws in the last email so you may vote for or against them at registration as well.

When is Band Camp scheduled and do I have to be there for every day? Band Camp begins on July 26, Monday through Friday for the Rookies (any student who has never Competed in Marching Band), Leadership from 8:30 – 4:30, and Color Guard. You MUST be there every day the entire time if at all possible. We will break for one hour for lunch. The following week, August 2 – 6, will be for everyone, Monday through Friday, also from 8:30 – 4:30 with an hour for lunch. From August 16 – 20, practices will still be Monday – Friday but from 4:30 – 7 instead of full days. When school begins the following week, we will meet from 4:30 – 7 Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Football games will be on Fridays, with competitions on Saturdays. These tentative dates are in the attached calendar. I know this sounds like a lot, but this is what makes band so much fun! Being able to interact with other students and put on an amazing show! If you are unable to make any rehearsals, please let me know IMMEDIATELY via email so we can properly prepare!

What do I need to bring to Band Camp? Every student should wear comfortable clothes (school appropriate), tennis shoes with socks, a baseball cap of some sort. Please bring with you EVERY DAY a water bottle, a pencil, your instrument, music, your written out individual drill (that will be provided the first week), a pencil, bug spray, sunscreen, and lunch if you are not leaving campus to get it. There will be a sign up sheet for bringing items such as water, snacks, etc for the students during these weeks as well.

What if I need to borrow a school owned instrument? Attached is the form required to borrow a school owned instrument (this includes ALL PERCUSSIONISTS). The price is $90 for the year, and covers any maintenance / cleaning, etc. With that being said, it is important that you take care of these instruments as if they are your own. We will have copies of these forms on the day of registration. Prior to your child bringing home a school owned instruments, the form must be completed in full (I will add the information about the instrument such as the serial numbers at registration).

I know this is a lot of information, but please do your best to read it and bring all required COMPLETED paperwork with you to registration to save time. I will have additional copies if you are unable to print for any reason. I am looking forward to seeing you all on July 24th!

Sincerely,

Deborah Hamner Director of Bands May River High School