2018-2019 (Revised 12/12/2017)

Class of 2022 New Member Information Packet

CONCERT BAND • SYMPHONIC BAND • WIND ENSEMBLE

MARCHING BAND • COLORGUARD • PIT ORCHESTRA •

JAZZ BAND • WINTERGUARD • INDOOR DRUMLINE

Information for rising ninth graders about joining

the Milton High School Band program

Visit www.miltonband.org for additional details. Q&A available at www.miltonband.org/pbmenu/parents-boosters

WHAT IS HIGH SCHOOL BAND?

Students who join the Milton High School (MHS) Band program will be placed into one of three concert band classes that meet daily as part of the six-period academic schedule. Unlike middle school band, each of the three band classes is ability-based, and therefore, has a mix of 9th-12th grade students. Most freshmen are placed into the Concert Band (intermediate), but some players who choose to take the optional audition can be placed into the Symphonic Band (advanced) and Wind Ensemble (mastery). The only exception to this is that all Freshmen who play percussion instruments will be placed in the 9th grade Percussion Ensemble. All students who sign up for band class will receive class placement audition materials and information at NMS and EPMS early in the spring. Band class placement auditions will take place on Monday, March 26 from 4:00-8:00 PM at MHS. We have a place for everyone, regardless of ability or experience.

Above: The MHS Wind Ensemble performs at an annual fall concert. All three bands perform 3-4 concerts a year and regularly participate in GMEA Large Group Performance

Evaluations. Students enrolled in band classes also have the option to take a private lesson during their band class once a week with a private lesson instructor.

THE MILTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All band students must sign up for band class to be eligible to participate in the extra-curricular Milton High School marching band. Marching band begins in July with practices at the school and at our marching band camp. Once school begins, the marching band rehearses after school from August through the end of football season in early November. While all prospective members are required to attend a few practice sessions in the spring, these are not formal “auditions” and nobody will be “cut.” The practice sessions are used to place each student on the appropriate drum (for percussion), give the students an opportunity to perform with the high school band, and play a marching instrument (for brass players). For the colorguard (flags), the auditions will be a time to get everyone familiar with the flag equipment used. To be a member of the colorguard, no experience or band class is required, so feel free to encourage your friends not currently in band to audition for this group. The mandatory marching band interest/informational meeting for parents will take place on Monday, January 22th at 7:30 PM at MHS. Registration for both marching and concert bands is Monday, April 30th from 4:00–8:00PM in the MHS band room, with a registration meeting at MHS on April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

MARCHING BAND WOODWIND AND BRASS SECTIONS Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Trombone, Baritone, Tuba (Sousaphone). Mr. Shumick will speak individually to oboe and bassoon players about other instruments that they can play so they can be involved in marching band.

Students must attend a music rehearsal from 4:30-6:30PM on Tuesday, April 24th in the MHS Orchestra Room. At this time, all returning and new members will play as a full ensemble for the first time, music will be distributed, and school-owned marching instruments will be checked out for summer practice. As long as the student is registered by a parent at the band registration session on Monday, April 30th, a spot in the group will be reserved.

Members of the 2017 MHS Marching Band performing “The Tipping Point.”

MARCHING BAND PERCUSSION SECTION Snare Drum, Quads, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Front Ensemble

In order to be a part of the marching band percussion section (drumline), all interested students must attend practice on Thursday, April 26th and Friday, April 27th from 4:30-6:30PM at MHS. During these rehearsals, all returning and new members play on their choice of percussion instruments. Music and other materials will be distributed several weeks in advance at NMS/EPMS. At the end of the two days, a finalized list of participating students and their assigned drum will be posted. Nobody will be “cut.” This audition is a way to make sure everyone is placed on the instrument to which they are best suited. Percussionists will then be assigned a spot in the front ensemble (mallet percussion, drumset, auxiliary percussion) or the marching battery (snare drum, bass drum, quads or cymbals). Students who participate in the fall marching band percussion section also have the opportunity to participate in the Indoor Drumline, which begins rehearsals at the conclusion of the marching band season in November.

MARCHING BAND COLORGUARD SECTION Flags, Weapon, Dance

All band students and non-band students are eligible to participate in the Milton High School Colorguard. Members of this group do not have to enroll in a band class. The guard performs with the marching band as an auxiliary unit utilizing flag, rifles, sabre and dance. Members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. To become a member of this group, students must attend auditions on the week of April 23rd in the MHS cafeteria from 4:00-6:30PM. No experience is required! Students who participate in the fall marching band colorguard also have the opportunity to participate in the winterguard, which begins rehearsals at the conclusion of the marching band season in November.

PARADES Each year, the Marching Band participates in the Old Soldiers’ Day Parade in Alpharetta. Every other year, the band may also participate in a parade in another state, which is optional. In 2018, the marching band will participate in the Veteran’s Day Parade in November in New York City, NY. Additional details will be provided on this optional trip in early 2018.

Members of the Milton High School Marching Band L- Hollywood Christmas Parade in California (November 2016)

R- Old Soldier’s Day Parade in Alpharetta (August 2017)

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN OUR

AWARD-WINNING BAND PROGRAM?

150+ instant friends, even before school begins Gaining an identity by being a member of a smaller group in a school population of 2,000 students Being surrounded by the brightest, friendliest, and best group of students at Milton Gaining confidence in oneself and his/her abilities Learning the value of teamwork and discipline Establishing time management skills Developing leadership skills Being a part of a successful musical ensemble Eligible for participating in other ensembles including, Milton Indoor Drumline, Winterguard, Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra Enjoying great seats at all MHS football games An exciting and wonderful high school experience Fun, Fun, Fun!

2017 Milton High School Marching Band – Grand Champions!

L- North Georgia Marching Band Championships at South Forsyth High School R – St. Pius High School “Lion’s Den Invitational”

IMPORTANT DATES FOR JOINING THE 2018-2019 MILTON BAND PROGRAM

The band’s calendar, which includes all events, practices, concerts, and other activities, is posted to the band website, www.miltonband.org/calendar. For the most current dates/times, check this calendar often. It’s a Google calendar, so you can sync it to your personal/home calendar as well. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our email alerts on the band’s website, under “Subscribe to our email list.” These emails are our main communication vehicle. Mr. Shumick also will set up a text reminder system at the beginning of each year. To join, text @miltonmb to 81010. Spring 2018 - Sign up for band when you select your high school courses. All students will register for “Intermediate Band I” and then be placed into the correct ensemble after class placement auditions.

FOR STUDENTS WHO SIGN UP FOR BAND: Monday, January 22 Marching Band Interest Meeting @MHS (required) 7:30 PM

Monday, March 26 Band Class Placement Auditions (only required for rising

10th-12thgraders, optional for rising 9th grade students) 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Monday, April 16 Band Registration Info Meeting for Parents @MHS

(required)

7:30 PM

Tuesday, April 24 Marching Band Brass and Woodwinds Rehearsal @ MHS (current 8th graders MUST attend)

4:00 – 5:30 PM

Thursday, April 26 & Friday, April 27

Marching Band Percussion Auditions at MHS 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Monday, April 23 – Thursday, April 26

Colorguard Auditions @MHS 4:00 – 6:30 PM

Monday, April 30 Marching Band & Non-Marching Band Registration @ MHS

4:00 – 8:00 PM

MANDATORY SUMMER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

Tuesdays during June and July

Colorguard Optional Rehearsal @ MHS 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Sunday, July 8 Marching Band Parent Meeting @ MHS (Band Camp Information) – required for all parents

6:30 – 7:30 PM

July 9 – July 13 Marching Band Rehearsals at MHS (Required for all members)

8:00 – 5:00 PM

July 15 – July 20 Marching Band Camp @ Reinhardt University (Required for all members)

All Week

July 23 – August 3 Marching Band Evening Rehearsals at MHS (Required for all members)

See Band Calendar for times.

Saturday, August 4 Old Soldiers’ Day Parade in Alpharetta

See Band Calendar for times.

The Marching Band performs at the annual Old Soldiers Day Parade, all home and away football games, the Fulton County Marching Band exhibition, the White Columns Invitational (the competition we host here at MHS), and 2-3 competitions a year.

PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

With a program as large and vibrant as ours, there are many volunteer opportunities for all parents, regardless of your specific talents. All parents are expected to contribute time so that the program runs smoothly. Examples of volunteer opportunities to choose from include:

Working concessions at Verizon Amphitheater – our largest fundraiser. Additional information at www.miltonband.org/pbmenu/verizon Range of jobs at our marching competition- White Columns Invitational Organizing and planning other fundraisers such as Taste of Alpharetta,

Poinsettia sales Chaperoning, including those who administer first aid Equipment Crew – from building props to moving equipment Feeding the students on Friday nights and before competitions Spiritwear sales- Friday lunches, football games, registration Football program – from selling ads, to layout, to selling at games Band Banquet in May – organize and decorate Hospitality – after concerts and other special events, both baking and serving Photographers Sewing – alterations to uniforms and sewing flags Uniforms – both marching and concert – fit students, distribute and maintain

Additional information on volunteer activities can be found at

www.miltonband.org/pbmenu/volunteer

How much are Marching Band Fees?

Estimated Fees for Milton HS Band 2018-19 Marching fees are variable based on the exact number of uniform items you may purchase (e.g. some people purchase show shirts for parents or two sets of under uniforms). These are the estimated costs for a new marching band member:

Uniform Items: Marching Shoes $36

These shoes are worn with the marching band uniform to football games/competitions/parades. Under Uniform $28/set This is a Marching Band shirt and shorts that all marchers wear under the uniforms. 2018 Show Shirt $12/each

This shirt will have the 2018 Show theme design, and is worn to marching band camp, Old Soldiers Day Parade, pep rallies, etc.

Uniform Maintenance Fee $70 This fee covers dry cleaning the marching uniforms throughout the season, purchasing gloves for all marchers, and any repairs and replacements that may be needed. It also pays for rental, dry cleaning, and maintenance of the concert uniform Tuxedos and Concert Dresses.

Colorguard only $250 This amount covers the warm up suit/sports bag/gloves/shoes/tank top/show shirt for Colorguard members. Returning Guard members cost = $45, since most items are only purchased the first year.

Other Costs for Band/Colorguard: Band Participation Fee $260

Our outstanding Marching program requires considerable funding to perform at the high level that we enjoy at Milton High School. This funding helps cover many instructional elements, equipment and general expenses required to run the marching band program.

Band Camp (estimate) $355 July 15-20, 2018: One week of camp at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, with extensive staff instruction, where the students will learn how to march, learn the show music and drill, and have a great time bonding as a cohesive group.

Performance Dinners $110 A team of parent volunteers will feed the entire marching band before every football game, competitions, during the mini-band camp, etc.

Concert Band Costs $25 (Boys only) Your student will be sized and a Tuxedo (boys) or Concert Dress (girls) is rented for the school year - which will be worn at all concerts. BOYS are required to purchase a Tuxedo Shirt and studs to wear with the Tuxedo they are issued.

Total cost estimate for new members of the Milton Marching Band Program 2018: Girls - $871*

Boys - $893* Colorguard - $987*

First Payment Due on April 30th - $475

Balance due on June 13 – Amount TBD. Questions? receivables@miltonband.org *Fee when you also participate in 6 Verizon concert shifts