Middle School Bands

What can we expect as an incoming (9th grade) High School Band Student?

Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

BAND CAMP

  • 2010-2011 Band Season start date is the first week of August, 2010. Usually starts 2 weeks prior to school starting. Very important time for the Band, they are learning a lot. Schedules are posted on the WEMEA website www.sfhsband.net 
  • Lunches for band camp are provided by WEMEA.
  • Band members should dress for warm weather (shorts and Tee Shirts).  Good comfortable lace-up shoes are a must, absolutely NO Flip Flops.
  • Daily they will need: Large bottle water/jug of water, good sunscreen, and daily transportation to and from (they cannot be late).
  • Can’t stress enough to limit or postpone other activities during camp. The students will be exhausted and need their rest.
  • Prompt arrival is a must. At least 15-30 minutes before start, so they can get their instruments, bathroom, etc and be on field or starting location at start time.
  • Family & friends are welcome to watch at camp from outside the camp area; however, please do not distract students. You may watch from in the stadium if on the football field, or outside the fence if practicing in the practice area. The last few minutes are usually announcements and are very interesting to hear.
  • Have dentist appointments, doctor checkups, and school organized before season starts. Your student will have minimal time for these things until season is over.
  • Have tune-ups and repairs of your instruments done during the summer.

 

BAND PRACTICE

  • Make plans to watch practices in the stadium after pride camp. Thursday nights are usually the best time to watch.
  • It will help you identify where your students is on the field during performances. It lets your student know how much you care and support them. You can meet other parents, and you can learn a lot by listening to announcements given at the end of practice.
  • Please be quiet and not distracting. The directors need the student’s attention at this time.

CLOTHING and GEAR

2010 - 2011 SFHS Band Uniform is primarily provided by the school, but accessory items are initially purchased for freshman and new students via the WEMEA Activity Fee.

  • Full marching uniform, top & bottom(Provided by school)
  • Socks(purchased by student)
  • Tradition T-shirt (they wear under uniform) (provided by WEMEA)
  • Ball cap(provided by WEMEA)
  • Shoes(provided  by WEMEA)
  • Show shirt(purchased by student)
  • Students will need insulated underwear to wear under their uniform. These are at your own expense.
  • 2010-2011 Color Guard Uniform that is paid for with fees consists of:
    • Color Guard Jacket. Purchased at the student’s expense.
    • Color Guard members may need special undergarments for uniforms. These items are at your own expense.
    • Color Guard usually wears flip flops or slip on shoes to stadium from practice area.

IN STATE COMPETITION

  • Bring a camera. Professional pictures will be available, but they can get expensive.
  • You will spend hours in a chair, bring ibuprofen.
  • Contest are outside, dress in layers. SFHS Band shirt or show shirt is what most parents wear to the competitions. Remember, these are available at Band Parent meetings for sale.
  • Students will need pocket money for drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
  • There are times at every event that you can see your child. However, much of the time, students will not be able to call you, text you, or visit with you because they are busy.
  • On purchasing tickets for events, there are usually the options of all day ticket pricing or preliminary tickets and finals tickets. Every event is different. It really doesn’t matter where your tickets are usually there are Band parents and friends very close by. You will need cash for these tickets, some of the events you cannot use credit or debit card.
  • WEMEA does do group tickets for OBA finals for reserved seating. They will announce closer to event when these go on sale and cost. Other in-state competitions do not have reserved seating.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

  • Sign up for e-mails by e-mailing WEMEA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com . This will give you updates on things that happen throughout the year.
  • Sign up is on the homepage at www.sfhsband.net .
  • Attend Band Parent Meetings, Initial Meeting at the end of band camp, then 2nd Monday of each month Sept – May, held in the band room at the high school. You will get an update from directors and information about upcoming events, fundraisers and etc.
  • Attend the foot ball games. The Band will perform at halftime for home games and before the games at away games.
  • Volunteer at events: this is a great way to meet other parents and learn about things. They don’t mind to answer your questions and if they don’t know the answer, they can find out who does.
  • There is a Band Banquet in the spring of each year.  Anyone can attend the banquet, so tickets for parents, grandparents, and friends will be available at Band Parent meetings. Some choose to dress up for the event and some come casual, it is totally up to you. Date, time and location will be determined closer to event, usually May
  • Tryouts for CODA (Central Oklahoma Directors Association) honors band the first of November at SFHS.   Over 1800 students from around the area participate.  WEMEA provides food and refreshments during this event. 
  • Tryouts for All State and All District Bands are right at the end of marching band season. Make room for practice time and get extra private lessons if possible. Your kid’s band director can give you a list of instructors.
  • Private lessons are a huge plus and for some a must for your student to compete at this level. List of instructors is available from your band director.
  • WEMEA is starting a mentoring program this year. If you are interested in becoming a mentor to new band parents or you are a new parent and would like a mentor, contact – Vice President at WEMEAVicePresident@sfhsband.net.

 

ACTIVITY FEES

  • WEMEA request parents to contribute an annual assessment of $230 ($150 for each addition student band member per family). 
  • The fee can be paid in 3 installments.  The initial payment is due at the end of Band Camp in August, Sept 15th and paid in full by October 15th (before OBA).
  • If you pay100% of your activity fee at the end of band camp, you will get a merchandise voucher good for $30
  • Special fundraising activities for parents or students where payments are made to WEMEA.  If you need to use this option, please contact a WEMEA Board Member

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WAYS to VOLUNTEER for WEMEA and SFHS Band & HOW TO SIGN UP

  • Work concessions – Home football games
  • Fundraisers will be available all year, look for information. This information usually goes out on e-mails and on the website.
    • Car wash, CODA hosted at SFHS and others throughout the year
    • Meals on Wheels – At all band contest, WEMEA provides 1to 2 meals, drinks and snacks for all band members.  We need people to setup and serve all these meals.  Contact Meals on Wheels chairperson.

Operations Crew (help get equipment on/off the field, repairs, loading/unloading the truck, etc.) at all band contest and football games as needed

Summer Band Camp

Open to all students who have just completed the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Rehearsals are from 9:00AM to 11:00AM , June 7 - June 11 and June 14 - 17 with a concert for the parents outside of Santa Fe High School on Thursday evening June 17th at 6:30.

Enrollment registration form is below.  Deadline is May 25 or as space is available.  Contact Mike Lowery, Director for additional information.