Summer 2011 Letter #1

Band Parents and Students;

Hello from the Music Department! The intent of this letter is to communicate early the information you will need to help prepare your son/daughter for a productive summer camp, as well as a rewarding fall marching season.

As we prepare for day camp (Aug. 1-5) at APHS, I would like to stress the importance of summer practicing, rehearsals, and of course, camp. Students will all receive fall music in June so that they may practice for the eventual memorization of the fall musical selections.  If students practice the music at home, during sectionals/rehearsals, and finally camp, you (and they) will be amazed at their musical productivity.  Please make sure that the music is practiced regularly…..it will help!

The marching band will meet every Wednesday from
3-4p.m. throughout the summer in the high school band room to rehearse fall marching music (these are voluntary rehearsals, don't worry about a vacation conflict). Also, student section leaders will be calling your son/daughter to notify them of sectional practices.  Sectionals are an  important part of a successful marching ensemble but again, attendance is based on availability.

Our time spent at camp is an intensive study of fundamental marching techniques, along with the physical drill work necessary for our fall football games and performances. In the 5 days spent at camp, students learn various skills demanded of ensemble playing, field drill coordination, and musical performance standards in an outdoor setting. The time spent at camp is imperative for the marching individual and the group.

Having mentioned the importance of camp, I thought it would be useful to include the essentials necessary for our week at camp. Here is a check-list of important items:

• Instrument (In great working condition, with all supplies: grease, oil, etc.)
• Flip Folder (Marshall Music)
• Lyre (Marshall Music)
• All Marching Music
• Drill Charts
• Pencils (LOTS)
• Itinerary for camp (print from web site)
• Gym shoes (necessary for daily field work….sandals are not allowed on field)
• Cell phone (your option...for convenience)
• Outdoor provisions (hats, sunglasses, raingear, etc.)
• Lip balm and sunscreen
• WATER BOTTLE!!!!!!
• Light colored T-shirts for daily work on field...students should be properly covered to avoid sunburn.

Other items of interest:

• Band camp paperwork, money and questions should be directed to your paperwork coordinator.  You can find out who your coordinator is by checking the marching band link on the web site.
• Band camp is a CLOSED campus...family can visit at will- students are not permitted to leave campus during camp hours
• Continental Lunch at camp is provided daily
• Students will receive a complementary T-shirt
  (purchasing extra shirts will be possible after camp concludes....come to the H.S. band room to purchase)
• School-owned instruments: If you need to check out an instrument for use during throughout the fall season, please call the music office at:
  (313)827-1200ext. 3139, or kruger@apps.k12.mi.us
• Marching Band Uniforms will be sized during and distributed AFTER band camp...Uniforms are loaned to students and kept at school....we require a $25.00 care fee for the uniforms annually

 

PLEASE SEE THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT WEB SITE CALENDAR PAGES FOR ALL OTHER IMPORTANT DATES!!
http://www.aphsmusic.com/webdesk/calendarpage.htm

Kristi Kruger

www.aphsmusic.com      email Ms. Kruger