HHS Band Weekly Newsletter May 8-12, 2023

Things We Like

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

Schedule for the Week

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.
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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!