be part of the band! an informational packet for prospective …€¦ · we have earned many...

Be part of the band! ● An informational packet for prospective students and parents

WELCOME

It is my pleasure to invite you to become a part of the 2015-2016 Freedom High School Band Program! Our award-winning band is one of the largest and most popular organizations at Freedom High School. In our short nine-year history, we have earned many accolades and are recognized as having one of the finest band programs in the area.

• The band program is a 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 Virginia Honor Band. • The Concert Band and Wind Symphony have earned superior ratings at the District XVI Band Assessment and

first place honors at competitions in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Orlando, FL. • The Jazz Ensemble earned superior ratings at the Chantilly and Loudoun County Jazz Festivals. • The Winterguard has earned many first place awards at Atlantic Indoor Association competitions and has earned

a gold medal at the AIA Championships. • The Indoor Drumline has earned many first place awards at Atlantic Indoor Association and Winter Guard

International competitions and is a four-time silver medalist at AIA Championships. The Indoor Drumline has also earned the bronze medal at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, OH.

• The Marching Band has earned numerous first place awards at local and regional competitions, superior ratings at the VBODA State Marching Assessment, is a three-time USBands Virginia State Champion, earned second place at the USBands National Championships at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, and earned first place at the James Madison University Parade of Champions.

As you begin thinking about your plans for next school year, especially for rising freshmen who will are preparing for the exciting transition from middle to high school, I want to share some thoughts about our program and how it benefits your child.

Playing music in band allows students to be artistic and creative, but it is so much more. For four years, the Band Room becomes like a second home its members who are surrounded by supportive and safe atmosphere. Members are engaged at the highest levels among the best and brightest students at Freedom High School. The senior class valedictorian or salutatorian (or both!) has been a band member every year since we opened the school. Band is a place where students will be challenged to pursue excellence while learning about character, commitment, teamwork, and leadership. These are the values and skills will help students grow into successful young adults.

This packet contains a lot of information about the various band programs we offer at Freedom High School, how you can get involved, and some interesting facts and statistics about band members. Feel free to contact the contact me anytime at [email protected] if you have further questions.

Joel P. Galway Director of Bands

mailto:[email protected]

WHAT ARE THE BAND CLASSES?

We currently have four different band classes at Freedom High School. Each band class meets during a regular class period and fulfills one Fine Arts credit needed for graduation. Subsequent years fulfill elective credits.

• Concert Band is our intermediate-level concert band class consisting primarily of 9th and 10th grade brass and woodwind players.

• Wind Symphony is our advanced-level concert band class consisting primarily of 11th and 12th grade brass and woodwind players along with some very advanced 9th and 10th grade students. Placement into this ensemble is by audition.

• Jazz Ensemble is our advanced-level jazz class consisting of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, and drum set players. Placement into this ensemble is by audition.

• Percussion Ensemble consists of all intermediate and advanced percussion players. Members of this class perform as a percussion ensemble and also serve as the percussion section for the Concert Band and Wind Symphony.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BAND CLASSES

How often do the band classes perform? Every year, the band classes perform a Holiday Concert in December, at the District Assessment in late February/early March, and a Spring Concert in May. In addition, the Jazz Ensemble performs at one or two regional competitions (Chantilly, Mid-Atlantic, and/or Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival), at the Loudoun County Jazz Festival, and at the Freedom High School Cabaret in April.

Do the band classes practice after school? Yes but not very often. Prior to each performance, the various band classes rehearse 3-4 times. We typically hold these rehearsals in the evening to minimize conflicts with sports practices.

What band class should I sign up for? If you are a rising freshman, you should sign up for Ensemble 1 (Concert Band) if you play a brass or woodwind instrument, or Instrumental Methods (Percussion Ensemble) if you play percussion. Current Freedom band members should sign up for the class or classes you most desire to be a part of, then when auditions are completed in April, changes to the students’ schedules will be taken care of automatically.

How do you determine placement within the advanced-level ensembles like Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble? In April, Mr. Galway will hear all middle school and current Freedom band members perform scales and sight-reading. Students who achieve the highest scores will be placed into the advanced-level ensembles.

How can I improve my chances of making it in to one of the advanced-level ensembles? Consider switching to an instrument in need. We typically have shortages of oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone, and tuba players.

Can I be in band if I’m also in the Academy of Science? Yes! However, you may need to take a class during the optional “zero” period (8:00 – 8:45 AM), online, or during summer school. We currently have many students in band who attend the Academy of Science.

Can I play sports and be in band? Yes! We have many athletes in the band program at Freedom High School. Scheduling conflicts in the evening between games, rehearsals, and concerts are infrequent and always easily resolved by the band director and coaches.

Do the band classes take any trips? Yes! In 2012, the band performed in Myrtle Beach, SC, and in 2010 and 2014, the band traveled to Orlando, FL.

Can I be in a band class all four years of high school? Yes! The first year, band fulfills one elective credit needed for graduation and subsequent years fulfill elective credits. Even students who strive for an advanced-studies diploma, take several AP classes, and are part of the Academy of Science program are able to be in band four years. Colleges love to see students who stick with an activity for many years and it looks great on college applications.

How does being in band help me get into college? Colleges appreciate students who participate in activities like band in addition to maintaining good grades. Band experience looks great on college applications! Students in band learn how to work hard, manage their time effectively, how to work together as a team, and leadership skills. These valuable skills help students succeed in high school and beyond. In addition, many schools offer scholarships for participation in band at the college level, and you don’t have to be a music major to get them!

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM MARCHING BAND?

The Spirit of Freedom Marching Band is one of the largest, most popular, and most successful activities at Freedom High School. Marching band is an optional co-curricular, after-school band activity that takes place during the fall sports season (August through early November). It operates much like a fall sport with after-school practices and weekend competitions.

• Membership is encouraged but not required for students enrolled in a band class. • The band consists of brass, woodwind, percussion, and piano players plus a dance-oriented color guard. • Membership is by audition. A two day audition camp is tentatively set for Friday, May 15 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM and

Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Attendance at both sessions is required. • If selected, members are required to attend Band Camp in August. Percussion and color guard members must also

attend a camp one week prior to Band Camp. Camps are held at Freedom High School. Here is the complete summer schedule:

o Thursday, July 9, 6:00 – 9:00 PM (This rehearsal is OK to miss if you are away for a family vacation) o Thursday, July 16, 6:00 – 9:00 PM (This rehearsal is OK to miss if you are away for a family vacation) o Thursday, July 23, 6:00 – 9:00 PM (This rehearsal is OK to miss if you are away for a family vacation) o Thursday, July 30, 6:00 – 9:00 PM (This rehearsal is OK to miss if you are away for a family vacation) o Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7, Percussion and Colorguard only. Times to be determined. o Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14, Full Band (Band Camp), required for all members, 8:00

AM – 8:00 PM. An hour lunch break and a two hour dinner break are provided. o Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21, Full Band (Band Camp), required for all members.

Monday and Tuesday are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Wednesday through Friday is 4:00 – 8:00 PM. o An important fundraiser takes place on Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. o Monday, August 24 through Thursday, August 27, Full Band, 4:00 – 8:00 PM (These rehearsals are OK to

miss if you are away for a family vacation). o Here is the complete summer calendar:

JULY 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4

5

6 7 8 9 Full Band 6:00 – 9:00 PM

10 11

12

13 14 15 16 Full Band 6:00 – 9:00 PM

17 18

19

20 21 22 23 Full Band 6:00 – 9:00 PM

24 25

26

27 28 29 30 Full Band 6:00 – 9:00 PM

31

AUGUST 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

3 Percussion & Colorguard (Required)





8

9

10 Full Band 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Required)





15

16



19 Full Band 4:00 – 8:00 PM (Required)



22 Fundraiser (Important)

23

24 Full Band 4:00 – 8:00 PM

25 Full Band 4:00 – 8:00 PM

26 Full Band 4:00 – 8:00 PM

27 Full Band 4:00 – 8:00 PM

28 Possible First Football Game

29

30

31 First Day of School

• When the school year begins, the Marching Band practices as follows: o Mondays, Percussion, 6:30 – 9:00 PM o Tuesdays, Brass and Woodwinds, 4:15 – 6:15 PM, Colorguard 6:30 – 9:00 PM o Wednesdays, Full Band, 4:15 – 6:15 PM o Thursdays, Full Band, 4:15 – 6:15 PM o Fridays, Full Band, 4:15 – 6:15 PM Only If Needed

• The band performs at all home football games and one or two away games which are typically held on Friday nights. • The band also performs at five to six local, regional, and national competitions which are held on Saturdays. Nearly all

Saturdays throughout the season are occupied by band events except the October SAT date and the Homecoming Dance which are kept clear.

• There is a cost associated with membership in the Spirit of Freedom along with two required fundraising events. Approximately half of our operating income comes from these required fundraisers while the other half comes from membership fees. The cost of membership for 2015-2016 is $400. No student will be excluded from participation because of financial hardship. Contact Mr. Galway to arrange for private financial assistance if needed. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MARCHING BAND

Am I required to be in Marching Band if I’m in a band class? No, you are not required to participate. Membership in Marching Band is completely voluntary.

Can I be in Marching Band if I’m not in a band class? For brass, woodwind, and percussion players, we do not encourage it, but if a major schedule conflict prevents you from taking a band class, please discuss it with Mr. Galway. Colorguard members do not need to be in a band class.

I’m a rising freshman who is nervous about the transition to high school. How does Marching Band ease this transition? Being in Marching Band provides rising freshman with the opportunity to make 100+ new friends and learn the layout of the building before school starts. As a result, new Marching Band freshman approach the first few weeks of school with a much higher level of confidence than their non-marching counterparts. This is often the #1 benefit members cite as the best reason to join Marching Band as a freshman.

I heard Marching Band is really time-consuming. Is this true? Marching Band is no more time consuming than any sport that practices 3-4 days per week and has evening and weekend games. We practice only as much as we need to in order to maintain our consistent level of excellence, and we are recognized as having one of the best programs in the area. Members will tell you the extra time commitment is worth it.

I’m nervous about the extra time commitment interfering with my ability to get homework and studying done. How can I make it work? We have many of the highest academic achievers at FHS in the Marching Band. Last

year’s salutatorian was a four-year member and drum major currently attending Yale University. The 2013 salutatorian was flute rank leader who is currently studying engineering at Virginia Tech (she is also a member of the Marching Virginians). The 2012 year’s salutatorian was also a four-year member and percussion captain studying engineering at Georgia Tech (he is also a member of the Yellowjacket Marching Band). The point is, if you manage your time carefully, there is plenty of time to get your schoolwork done. A bonus is since you’re in a group with such high achieving students, there is a lot of opportunity to get extra help and tutoring within the band.

I heard there are a lot of leadership opportunities available. What are they? Each section of the Marching Band has a captain and rank leaders who help teach marching and music. We also have two or three drum majors who conduct the band in performance. Leadership positions look great on college applications and the Spirit of Freedom offers more leadership opportunities than any other activity at FHS.

Can I play a fall sport and be in Marching Band? No. Sports generally practice at the same time as the Marching Band.

Am I allowed to miss Band Camp? No. Band Camp (August 10-21) is mandatory for all members.

I play percussion or plan on being in the Colorguard. Can I miss Percussion or Colorguard Camp the week before Band Camp? No. Percussion and Colorguard Camp (August 3-7) is mandatory for members of those sections.

How does Band Camp work? It seems like such a long day. Band Camp consists of a wide variety of activities to help prepare students for the competitive season. Here is how the schedule works:

o 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM: Marching Outside (breaks are provided as needed) o 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch On Campus o 1:00 – 4:00 PM: Music Inside (breaks are provided as needed) o 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Dinner (students can leave campus for dinner) o 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Marching and Music Outside (breaks are provided as needed)

As you can see, we are outside during the coolest parts of the day (early morning and evening) and we are inside during the hottest parts of the day (late morning and afternoon).

I heard there are no trombones or French horns in Marching Band. Is this true? We have many trombone and French horn players in the Marching Band. Both instruments can be unwieldy for students to march with, often causing damage to student-owned instruments, so for the past several seasons, trombone players performed on marching baritone and French horn players performed on mellophone. The mechanism is a little bit different but the mouthpiece and playing technique is the same making it extremely easy to learn. Our trombone and French horn players continue to play trombone and French horn in class while playing baritone and mellophone for marching band only.

I am not a percussion player, but I would like to be in the percussion section for Marching Band. Can I do that? No. Brass and woodwind players are expected to play a brass or woodwind instrument which is where we need the highest number of performers.

Does the Marching Band take any trips? Yes! We typically travel to the USBands National Championships which are usually held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ or at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and/or to the Virginia State Championships which were held in Virginia Beach this year.

Why is there a fee for membership? LCPS provides only limited funding for Marching Band which covers the costs of two instructors and basic equipment. In order to cover the costs of bus transportation, equipment truck rental, competition fees, additional instructors, music, drill design, colorguard equipment, uniform cleaning, and end-of-year awards, we must fundraise and charge fees. There are two required fundraisers: The Mattress Sale in August and Tag Day in September. Funds raised through these two fundraisers cover approximately 40% of the expenses not covered by LCPS. The remaining 60% is covered by student fees.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER BAND OPPORTUNITIES?

Besides band classes and the Spirit of Freedom Marching Band, there are several other ways you can get involved:

Indoor Drumline • Indoor Drumline is a competitive, marching-related activity that takes place from late November through early

April. • Instrumentation consists of marching drums, cymbals, keyboard percussion, electric piano (synth), guitar, bass,

and drum set. • Anyone is welcome to audition, even non-percussionists, however participation in the fall Marching Band is highly

recommended in order to gain marching experience. • The Freedom Indoor Drumline is a four-time silver medalist at the Atlantic Indoor Association Championships and

a bronze medalist at the Winter Guard International World Championships.

Winterguard • Winterguard is an extension of our fall colorguard that takes place from late November through early April

performing indoors at local, regional, and national competitions. • Participation in the fall colorguard is very highly encouraged in order to gain mastery of colorguard skills.

Pep Band • The Pep Band performs at home basketball games. All band members are welcome to participate.

Pit Orchestra • The Pit Orchestra performs with the cast of the Spring Musical Production put on by our drama department. • The Spring Music is typically held in late April or early May. • Instrumentation varies depending on what musical is chosen.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Galway at [email protected] or visit www.freedombandboosters.org for more information.

Hope you decide to be a part of next year’s band!

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.freedombandboosters.org/

be part of the band! an informational packet for prospective …€¦ · we have earned many...

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