Students and Families: 
We made it to the end of the year and our final newsletter!  Thank you for following our weekly newsletter.  Thank you to the Anderson family and Boles family for putting these together every week!  Congratulations to our seniors!!!  We will miss you.  Best wishes to your future and we can't wait to see the great things you will do.  We will see you at graduation!

After this week, we will be graduating our seniors out of charms and beginning to upload our new freshmen, some of whom are already receiving this because of the London trip!  We will be welcoming our new freshmen at rookie camp May 30-June 2.  We will also be having color guard and percussion camps that week.

This newsletter is LOADED!!!  See below in this newsletter for a Fall schedule of games and competitions!  The tentative band camp schedule is attached. We will be putting all these dates into charms through the summer.   We have an optional but exciting trip opportunity to a DCI competition coming up as well.

We will be sending out as needed information in June and a big email with final details for band camp in July.   

Have a terrific summer!!!
Stuart Tankesley and Andrew Kirk

Graduation Schedule 
Thursday Graduation Schedule:
We are taking school buses this year!  This is to help parents and families out to avoid all the congestion and parking at the VBC.  We need a couple of chaperones to join us!  Please sign up in charms or by emailing Jaime Davis at [email protected]
3:30 pm - Meet in Band room.  If you are not planning to ride the bus, please email a director so we know not to be expecting you.  
4:00 pm - Load and depart to VBC.
5:30 pm - Graduation!
~7:15 pm - Graduation ends - load and depart
~7:45 pm - Back at school.  
Dress is business casual:
No t-shirts, no jeans or shorts, no tennis shoes.  Guys should tuck in shirt.   Modest attire.

2023-24 Band Fee Payment #1
$250 due by the last day of school.  There is a 5% discount to anyone paying full band dues at the time of their first payment!

The schedule for the week of May 30 - June 2 is:
8:00 - 12:00 pm   All new members (including percussion)
1:00 - 4:00 pm Percussion Camp (new percussionist are welcome to leave for lunch or bring a sack lunch)
8:00 - 2:00 pm Color Guard Camp - bring a sack lunch!

Thursday, June 1st - new parent meeting - 6:00 pm Band Room​​

DCI Competition
We are looking at the opportunity to take a bus to DCI Master of the Summer Games competition in Murfreesboro, Tn (MTSU stadium) on Friday, July 28th.  This is an optional opportunity and on a first come basis.  The cost of the trip will be around $80 and is strictly the cost of the bus + the cost of your ticket.  If you are interested, we need to know this week.  Please fill out this form:  https://forms.gle/nUR8aTZGwdiJugz49

Find out more about DCI (Drum Corps international) at dci.org

Band Camp
Our tentative band camp schedule is attached to this email.  An updated schedule with food options and other information will be coming in July!
Fall 2023 Schedule
Friday, Sept 1                    Football game @Oxford HS 
Friday, Sept 8                   Football game vs. Grissom. Milton Frank pm    
Saturday, Sept 9              HHS Band car show (performances by the marching band)      
Saturday, Sept 9              ACT Date!  Take the ACT!   
Friday, Sept 15                 Football game @JCHS (school bus)                                                         
Friday, Sept 22                Football game vs. BJHS Joe Davis Stadium. Middle School Band Night (tentative) 
Saturday, Sept 23           All day band competition (buses).  Location TBA 
TBA                                   Performance at HCMS/HJHS middle school game 
Friday, Sept 29                Required Football game vs. Jemison Milton Frank 
Thursday, Oct 5              OPTIONAL game during Fall break vs. Albertville 
Wednesday, Oct 11         Homecoming rehearsal 4-5 pm. 
Thursday, Oct 12th         Homecoming Parade 
Friday, Oct 13th               HC Game vs. Florence Milton Frank  
Friday, Oct. 20                 Game @Sparkman (school bus) 
Saturday, Oct. 21              All day band competition.  (Buses) Location TBA.   
Friday, Oct 27                   Game vs. Austin (A&M – will take buses).  
Saturday, Oct 28             All day band competition (Buses). Location TBA.  DO NOT TAKE THE ACT ON                                                   THIS DAY!!!!! 
Thursday, Nov 2              Game vs. Hazel Green Milton Frank  
Tuesday, Nov 5        Falll Concert.  Band booster payment #3 – remaining balance 
Friday, Nov 10                 Football Playoffs round 1 (if we make it) 
Saturday, Nov 11             Huntsville Veterans Day Parade 10 – 2. 
Tuesday, Dec 5        Winter Concert 
TBA                                    Auditions for Spring Semester 
Saturday, Dec 9              ACT Date!  Take the ACT!!! 
Dec 27 – Jan 3                 Optional trip to London to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade 
 *This is a tentative schedule and changes may be possible. 

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2 Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Placement Camp from 1-4, and Guard Camp 8-2 (percussion times edited 2/24; guard times added 4/20)
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp (8-12).  (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28 Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!
​

The "Red Carpet" Band Banquet was a great culmination to a fantastic year! Many great memories were made this year. Congratulations to all the seniors who participated in the fine arts signing day. So many great things ahead for these awesome students. This accomplished senior class will be greatly missed as will the fabulous Ben Boles. Many, many thanks are due to Ben and Erin for 7 years of tireless and enthusiastic service to the band. You and your family will be greatly missed! 

​Monday - Off  Band room open until 5:30 pm for leadership projects.
Tuesday - Off  Band room open until 5:30 pm for leadership projects.
Wednesday - Off  Band room open until 5:30 pm for leadership projects.
Thursday -    Off. Special brass and woodwind quintet performance 
Friday  -  Off

Graduation
This is a reminder that all students who are not graduating are required to perform at graduation on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5:30 pm at the VBC.   We provide a very important role in the graduation ceremony.  It is our final performance of the year.  

We are working on a plan to take school buses this year to help out parking and transportation issues.  The full schedule will be in next week's email.  

Exams
Students in A2 (Symphonic Band), A3 (Wind Ensemble), and B1 (Marching band class) will rehearse graduation music during their scheduled exam time.  Attendance is required.

End of Year Items
MARCHING UNIFORMS  
These were due back by March 31st and we still have some students who have not returned them.  They must be dry cleaned, a receipt included, and garment bag included.  Don't forget to return your shako and gauntlets.   Detailed instructions were handed to students and included in March newsletters.Questions?  [email protected]

Color Guard onlyPlease return both your marching and winter guard uniform to Mr. Tankesley (or put on the band table with your name on it).   They should be clean when you return them.

If you have any additional equipment that belongs to the band other than our stand equipment that stays in the guard room, make sure we check that back in.
Questions?  [email protected]

Concert Band Uniforms
These were due back Friday, May 12th.  Do not turn in tuxedo shirts or shoes unless you would like to donate them.
Questions?  [email protected]


School owned instruments
Students who played a school owned instrument (concert or marching) excluding percussion need to take these to Southeastern Instrumental Services to have them evaluated.  You are responsible for any repairs made.  Seniors need to do this now.  Everyone else should do it after they audition next week.  Marching instruments can go now.    Do not wait to long on this as Southeastern gets backed up with repairs in the summer.  The longer you wait, the longer it will take to get it back.  You are also welcome to use Gadsden music to do repairs, but they are less familiar with our process.  We need this done prior to the last day of school on May 24th.

Southeastern Instrumental Services
3308 9th Ave SW
Huntsville, AL 35805
+12565395906
8:30 am - 5:00 pm M-F

After you have done this, check in your instrument with Mr. Kirk.  Make sure you include the receipt given to you by Southeastern.  Questions?  [email protected]


Music/other items
If you have original music or other items that belong to the band, please make sure they get returned.

Seniors!
If you haven't turned in a uniform or equipment to the band room, we will be reporting it to the school next week.  Anything not returned or unpaid would prevent you from walking at graduation.  

Band Fees 23-24
The first payment of band fees is due by the last day of school (May 24th) of $250.  Upcoming freshman's first payment is due by the end of rookie camp.   If you want to pay the full amount of $750, there is a 5% discount ($712.50)

Letterman Jackets
Lee’s Sporting Goods has opened an online “store” for us to purchase letterman jackets. This is organized by parents and is not school sponsored. Just a fun way to bring back tradition and boost school spirit! If interested, the link is below and will be open until May 20. The letter options for band is a treble cleft or the word “BAND”. Please contact Lee’s directly with any questions about your order.
Link:
https://hhsletterman2023.itemorder.com/shop/product/31728185/

London Connection! (updated 3/26)
Remember, even if you plan to do concert band only, if you are planning to march the parade in London, you need to attend week 1 of band camp!
Click here to see an updated list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

All information on the trip can be found in our google drive:  Click here to access google drive - 

Parent Coordinator
Our parent trip coordinator for London is Karen Hansberger.  If you have specific questions about the trip as we get closer, she will be a great resource.  She will also be helping collect rooming lists, passport copies, bus lists, shipping documents, and more.   Her email is [email protected]

​Next Payment
To be included in our travel count with the travel company, each traveler must have paid $1000 at this point.
The next payment of $800 is due September 1, 2023.
What do I need to do right now?
 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!  There are major delays with passports - watch this recent news report 
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London 

Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 25th - Graduation 5:30 pm  VBC arena .  All non-graduating Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble members are required to perform.    Dress is business casual (no jeans, no t-shirts, no tennis/athletic shoes).
May 30 - June 2 - Rookie Camp (8-12), Guard Camp (8-2), Percussion Camp (1-4)

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2 Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Placement Camp from 1-4, and Guard Camp 8-2 (percussion times edited 2/24; guard times added 4/20)
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp (8-12).  (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
​August 1- Marching Band pictures will be made from 2-4pm for the Football Media Guide and for family purchase. This is MANDATORY.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

There was so much musical talent on display at the Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Music Concert! Kudos for a job well done.

Monday - Leadership Training 4-5 (anyone interested in being on the leadership team 23-24)
Tuesday - Leadership Training 4-5 (anyone interested in being on the leadership team 23-24).  HJHS Band Concert in the Auditorium at 6:00 pm.
Wednesday - Drum Major Auditions 4:00 pm.  Senior Showcase 7:00 pm (Click here to sign up by May 8th)
Thursday - Leadership Training 4-5 (anyone interested in being on the leadership team 23-24).  HCMS Band Concert in the Auditorium at 6 pm.  
Friday - Color Guard Pictures in Class.  Senior Signing Day.   2022-23 Band Banquet - Stovehouse!

Band Banquet 
The Band Banquet is this Friday night May 12th at 6:00 p.m. in the Royal Room at Stovehouse. There is a sign-up sheet for parent volunteers on charms. Come walk the red Carpet and re-live the great moments of this year.
​
Graduation
This is a reminder that all students who are not graduating are required to perform at graduation on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5:30 pm at the VBC.   We provide a very important role in the graduation ceremony.  It is our final performance of the year.  

Exams
Students in A2 (Symphonic Band), A3 (Wind Ensemble), and B1 (Marching band class) will rehearse graduation music during their scheduled exam time.  Attendance is required.

Fine Arts Signing Day Information
Signing Day for fine art's seniors is this Friday at 2:30 pm in the Auditorium.  Parents should enter through security in the Freshman Academy and enter the auditorium.  You will be a part of the signing ceremony.  Dress is business casual.  A reception provided by the Huntsville Symphony Guild will follow in the lobby.

End of Year Items
MARCHING UNIFORMS
These were due back by March 31st and we still have some students who have not returned them.  They must be dry cleaned, a receipt included, and garment bag included.  Don't forget to return your shako and gauntlets.   Detailed instructions were handed to students and included in March newsletters.
​Questions?  [email protected]

Color Guard only
Please return both your marching and winter guard uniform to Mr. Tankesley (or put on the band table with your name on it).   They should be clean when you return them.
If you have any additional equipment that belongs to the band other than our stand equipment that stays in the guard room, make sure we check that back in.
Questions?  [email protected]

Concert Band Uniforms
Please dry clean and return in the garment bag by Friday, May 12th.   Do not turn in tuxedo shirts or shoes unless you would like to donate them.
Questions?  [email protected]

School owned instruments
Students who played a school owned instrument (concert or marching), excluding percussion, need to take these to Southeastern Instrumental Services to have them evaluated.  You are responsible for any repairs made.  Seniors need to do this now.  Everyone else should do it after they audition.  Marching instruments can go now.    Do not wait too long on this as Southeastern gets backed up with repairs in the summer.  The longer you wait, the longer it will take to get it back.  You are also welcome to use Gadsden music to do repairs, but they are less familiar with our process.  We need this done prior to the last day of school on May 24th.

Southeastern Instrumental Services
3308 9th Ave SW
Huntsville, AL 35805
+12565395906
8:30 am - 5:00 pm M-F
After you have done this, check in your instrument with Mr. Kirk.  Make sure you include the receipt given to you by Southeastern.  Questions?  [email protected]

​Music/other items
If you have original music or other items that belong to the band, please make sure they get returned.

Seniors!
We would like to feature ALL seniors on social media over the next month.  If you would like to be featured, please fill this form out:  https://forms.gle/15ji7wvq5h5FADR39

Make sure you are on top of returning all uniforms and equipment to the band room over the next month.  Make sure all band dues are paid.  

Band Fees 23-24
The first payment of band fees is due by the last day of school (May 24th) of $250.  Upcoming freshman's first payment is due by the end of rookie camp.   If you want to pay the full amount of $750, there is a 5% discount ($712.50)

London Connection! (updated 3/26)
Remember, even if you plan to do concert band only, if you are planning to march the parade in London, you need to attend week 1 of band camp!
Click here to see an updated list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

All information on the trip can be found in our google drive:  Click here to access google drive - 

Parent Coordinator
Our parent trip coordinator for London is Karen Hansberger.  If you have specific questions about the trip as we get closer, she will be a great resource.  She will also be helping collect rooming lists, passport copies, bus lists, shipping documents, and more.   Her email is [email protected]
Next Payment
To be included in our travel count with the travel company, each traveler must have paid $1000 at this point.
The next payment of $800 is due September 1, 2023.
What do I need to do right now?
 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!  There are major delays with passports - watch this recent news report 
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London 

Upcoming Events
Friday, May 12th - Senior Fine Arts Signing Day (4th block).
Monday, May 8 - Thursday, May 12 - leadership training for those interested in leadership team.  4-5 pm after school.
Tuesday, May 9 - HJHS Band Concert (Auditorium)
Thursday, May 11 - HCMS Band Concert (Auditorium)
Wednesday, May 10 - Drum Major Auditions
Friday, May 12 - Band Banquet at Stovehouse banquet hall (all band students and families invited)
Thursday, May 25th - Graduation 5:30 pm VBC arena.  All non-graduating Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble members are required to perform.    Dress is business casual (no jeans, no t-shirts, no tennis/athletic shoes).

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2 Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Placement Camp from 1-4, and Guard Camp 8-2 (percussion times edited 2/24; guard times added 4/20)
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp (8-12).  (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28 Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 1- Marching Band pictures will be made from 2-4pm for the Football Media Guide and for family purchase. This is MANDATORY.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!