summer band camp 2021 Newsletter!

 - Happy Summer!

We are only 5 days away from the start of band camp 2021!  This email is lengthy, but should be a one-stop location to find out everything you need to know about band camp. Please read carefully.
Although this email is mostly geared towards our marching band students, please note that if your student is concert only, there are things in this email that are very important to you as well such as uniform fitting night and the band parent meeting.  
Before we get into band camp (starting July 19th), I want to remind the 9th graders who didn't attend the first rookie camp to come to the makeup camp Wednesday, July 14 - Friday, July 16th from 8-12.   If you are a sophomore, you didn't get to march last year.  Although this is not required, we encourage you to come to make up camp as well!!

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Band Camp Schedule  - click here for detailed schedule
There is one major change for Percussion students (batter and front ensemble) only and we have added pictures and orientation in the schedule from when this was sent out in May  Percussion Week 1 (July 19-23) will practice 8-12 and 6-9 pm now.  You will have the afternoon off except for the 4-7 time frame that you are scheduled to get fitted for uniforms based on your grade level.  This does not impact anything in Week 2.ORIENTATION - The band will have a SPECIAL Orientation Thursday, July 29th in the afternoon instead of going to your orientation by grade level as scheduled.  They will get their schedules at this orientation.  Students will not be allowed to miss band camp to attend their grade level orientation to keep distractions to a minimum.
Pictures will take place Friday morning, July 30th.  This will not impact the overall schedule - instead of a full rehearsal outside this morning we will be doing individual and group photos.  Football band students will need to come this morning to have their picture taken.
Band Camp SafetyWe are excited to start band camp, but it's HOT outside!  Keep in mind while the directors, staff, and volunteers provide a safe environment by taking precautions and following school policy in the heat, the most preventative measures to heat come directly from each student.  
Band Camp Precautions

• Educating students on heat safety
• Throughout band camp we have a first aid tent staffed with parents near the entrance gate to the field.  
• We have tents set up for shade during breaks around the field.
• In the hottest hours of the day, students have their water with them at all times and are reminded by directors and staff to drink.
• We give short breaks throughout the rehearsal.

What students can do to ensure a great and safe band camp!

• Acclimate yourself to the heat prior to band camp
• Do some light to moderate exercise prior to starting band camp.
• Eat and Drink healthy food prior to and during band camp.
• Eat Breakfast Daily during band camp even if you don't usually eat breakfast.
• Every student must have a LARGE water jug with them at all times.  DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!
• Wear Sunscreen daily and have extra at band camp.
• Wear appropriate clothes for being outside in the summer (no long pants!)
• Wear ATHLETIC shoes - no crocs, open toes shoes, or converse.
• Hats, Sunglasses, and creative ways to hydrate (camelbacks, etc) are encouraged.

Band Camp FoodStudents have 2 options for lunch during Week 1 and Week 2.  Students can bring their own lunch each day or they can order lunch from our awesome hospitality committee.  Students must order ALL meals if they choose for this week (week 1 and two are separate) with this option.  Students must stay on campus during lunch.   If you have special allergies or have questions regarding food, please contact Kim Ejide at kimberlyejide@yahoo.com.  The deadline to order food is the end of the day on Friday, July 16th:
To order food for week 1, click on this https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMUkHX7CEOg5GZZljUchkH0vlFXoLCPXlqaiuaxBRAMT-HPQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
To order food for week 2, click on this:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerzXgFk-gL01mJjiqUnIQpUDy_dNGuRCJl0n3F8SszFQBtGA/viewform?usp=sf_link
 Students are able to go home, go out to eat, or walk to a nearby restaurant. The bandroom will be closed from 4:15 - 5:30 pm so that the directors and staff can also eat.  
What I need for Band Camp

• Instrument or equipment and accessories (valve oil, slide grease, etc)
• LARGE WATER JUG (1/2 gallon minimum) - NOT A Dasani water bottle or a small water bottle.
• Sunscreen
• Pencil at all rehearsals 
• Binder to keep your music   
• Small Bag/Drawstring bag to help carry your things to and from rehearsal

UNIFORM FITTING NIGHTS (FOR ALL BAND STUDENTS - CONCERT ONLY INCLUDED)Students and Parents should come to their assigned marching band uniform fitting night during Week 1 of Band Camp.  This is super important.  In addition to fitting your student with a uniform, you will be able to fill out mandatory paperwork, pay band dues #2 ($200), order your band polo, order a band show shirt, buy band merchandise, and have any questions answered!   If your student is only in concert band, they will not be fitted for a uniform but will need to do everything else.  
Monday, July 19th from 4-7  Seniors and Juniors
Tuesday, July 20th from 4-7  Sophomores
Wednesday, July 21st from 4-7 Freshmen
Parents and Students should drop by anytime during the 3 hour range of time.  You should not be there the entire time (unless everyone comes right at 4!!)
**If you can't come to your assigned time, you can come to another grade level's night.  Please email Bonnie Eversole at bonnieinbama5@gmail.com**
Parents:  How to Volunteer​We need you!  We need volunteers to be around band camp to staff the first aid tent and to help serve food at lunch!  Visit your Charms account to sign up or email Audrey Beumer at abeumer09@gmail.com.  Not sure what Charms is?  We will explain at our parent meeting on Thursday.
Parent Meeting - THURSDAY, JULY 22 at 6:00 PMParents of all band students (Concert Band included) need to plan to attend this very important meeting to talk about the upcoming band year.  Students are always welcome to attend.  
PAPERWORKParents are required to fill out necessary paperwork that are required by our school system and band program.  This paperwork needs to be turned in on Uniform Fitting night.  We will have these forms available these nights, but if you would like to read the handbook or fill these out in advance, you can access them here:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/351prrink78ygsr/AACl1f9UOKtnLRXL6RQ59e3Ua?dl=0
MARCHING BAND SENIORS:You should have received information about the football media guide ads and bios and the deadline is today!  Please email Johnnie Bradt johnnie.d.bradt.civ@mail.mil if you have questions.


Preview Show
The preview show is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Milton Frank Stadium on Friday, August 5th.  There is no food provided this year, but feel free to bring your own picnic!  The Marching Band will be performing pregame, halftime, and stand tunes as well as doing some demonstrations.  We will also use this night to train truck crew members, chaperones, and other adult help that we use throughout the season.  We hope to see you there.