RACER BAND 2016

Band Camp

August 6th:

Percussion, Guard,

and Leaders Report

to Camp

August 10th:

Woodwinds and

Brass Report to

Camp

August 16th:

MSU Classes Begin

Football Games

September 10th

September 24th:

Family Weekend

October 15th

October 29th:

Homecoming

November 12th

Concerts/Tours

August 14th:

End of Camp Concert

September 17th:

Festival of Champi-

ons

October 1st:

Local Tour

October 22nd:

KMEA Regionals

RB Newsletter

Hello everyone! Welcome to Racer Band 2016! This newsletter is designed to

provide you with information regarding our 2016 season. Below you will find

information about our tour days, football games, band camp, and move in day.

Racer Band is one of Murray State’s largest and proudest organizations. Con-

sisting of around 250 members, the Racer Band brings a new level of spirit

and excitement to every event that we attend. Our major concerns for the sea-

son are performing well and having fun— and we cannot wait to see you in

August! After reading this newsletter, if any questions remain, feel free to

check out our newly updated website at www.racerband.com, where you can

find contact information for Mr. Fannin, officers, section leaders, and BARCs.

Looking at the schedule, you can see that the Racer Band has a very busy

and exciting season planned for 2016. Every member of the Racer Band will

move into their housing earlier than the rest of the student body (early hous-

ing and meals will be provided by the band) — that means bypassing the rush

and the craziness of the university move in date. Racer Band Camp lasts all

day, with indoor music rehearsals during the day and outside practices at the

stadium at night. Incoming freshman receive help and are welcomed to cam-

pus by members of the Band Ambassadors for Residential Colleges (BARC’s)

and fellow band members. Band Camp will last until classes start. Our first

performance will be a concert and cookout at the end of band camp for all

family members to come and hear the new music of the season. Following the

Camp Concert will be Festival of Champions, one of the highlights of every

season as the Racer Band holds their own high school competition and per-

forms again as exhibition. Murray State’s Family Weekend will also consist of

a concert as well as the football halftime game performance.

One of most exciting items is that we will be traveling to KMEA 4A Regionals

in Hopkinsville to perform for 30 bands. At the end of the season we will

also be performing a Halloween show which will involve fun, themed music

and a chance to wear costumes! Continuing on to the next page is an in-

depth schedule of check in. Following the schedule are specific details on

the upcoming season. We are looking forward to seeing you in August! Re-

member to check out racerband.com and the 2016 Facebook page for more

details!

Registration:

First things first, in order for us to have an accurate count, you

need to do 3 things NOW (if you haven’t already):

1) Register online at Racerband.com – click “Join Racer Band”

2) Call your section leader to verify you’re in our database (“2016 Leader

Info” on Racerband.com)

3) Sign up on myGate-– MUS 152 for underclassmen and MUS 352 for

upperclassmen— If you do not have Internet access, call (270) 977-

0761 to leave your information with Lucas Morgan, RB President.

If you have a class conflict:

1) Make sure you won’t be missing more than 1 hour of Racer Band per

week due to class conflicts

2) Sign up for MUS 152/352 Section 2 (Same RB class! – Times are TBA

to avoid myGate problems)

3) Fill out form at: https://docs.google.com/a/murraystate.edu/forms/

d/1EapXRe9fhNS7ErGwjAak2Ww5HpdqNLaBDV6WNgkaGKA

**Remember: Check racerband.com regularly for any updates—Please

check Racerband.com the day before you leave for last-minute instruc-

tions.**

Directions:

The Price Doyle Fine Arts Building is on the corner of 15th and Olive Street.

Olive is thered light on 12th Street (US HWY 641) right before McDonalds.

Old Fine Arts is right next to the eight-story building, straight across from

the library. Check-in begins in the1st floor lobby. Check the Facebook group

for a link to Google Maps.

Band Camp

**This is tentative. Be

looking out on

www.racerband.com

and the 2016 Racer

Band Official Facebook

page**

Check in for guard,

percussion, and

leaders on the 6th will

be at 9:30 AM and

check in for woodwind

and brass on the 10th

will begin at 8:30 AM

(check the website for

your section’s specific

check in time) on the

1st floor of the Fine

Arts building. Here you

will receive your 2016

RB shirt, order white

shoes, and receive your

meal card for camp.

If you live on campus,

you will proceed to

meet with your BARC

and begin your move-in

process. Check out the

next page for more info.

Check In Schedules————————

Saturday, August 6th— Guard, Percussion, and Leadership Move-In

9:30-10:00 AM….Racer Band Check-In……...1st Floor Fine Arts

10am-Noon……..Housing Check-In………….(Check the Web)

Noon……………..Lunch……………………...On Your Own

1:30-2:00 PM…...Staff/Leadership Meeting….Band Room– FA 3rd

2:00-2:30 PM…….Meeting with EVERYBODY…...Band Room

2:30-5:00 PM…….Percussion & Pit Auditions…… Fine Arts

2:30-5:00 PM…….Guard Rehearsal………………….CFSB Center

2:30-3:30 PM…….Leadership Meeting………… Band Room

5:00 PM…………..Dinner………………...………. Winslow

6:00-10:00 PM....Guard and Percussion Meeting…Johnson Theater/FA

7:00-8:30 PM……...Leadership Meeting……..Band Room

Wednesday, August 10th— Woodwind and Brass Move-In

***All wind members must check in so we can start

drill writing at 10:30 am***

Member Check-In (Old Fine Arts Building, 1st Floor)

8:30 AM — Woodwind Rookies Check In

9:00 AM — Brass Rookies Check In

9:20 AM — Woodwind Vets Check In

9:40 AM — Brass Vets Check In

**Lunch is on your own— everyone should have time at some point**

Housing/Uniforms (Housing Assignment/Roy Stuart Stadium)

10:30am Uniforms – Woodwind Vets

11:00am Uniforms – Brass Vets

11:30am Uniforms – Woodwind Rookies

12:15pm Uniforms – Mello/Baritone/Tuba Rookies

12:30pm Uniforms – Trumpet/ Trombone Rookies

1:00pm – Uniform Room Closes

Check In Schedules (cont.)————

1:30-3:00 PM — Brass horn check-out (Fine Arts—Mr. Thile’s Office)

**Part Assignments TBA @ check-in**

1:30-3:00 PM — Guard/Percussion Rehearsal Lovett/CFSB

3:00-5:00 PM — Rookie Training @ Lovett Auditorium

5:00 PM — Dinner @ Winslow

6:15 PM — Wind Rehearsal @ Lovett Auditorium

6:15 PM — Percussion Rehearsal @ Fine Arts Complex

7:00 PM — Full Band Practice @ Lovett Auditorium

7:30 PM — Full Band Meeting @ Lovett Auditorium

7:45 PM — Full Band Introductions @ Lovett Auditorium

9:00 PM — Move to Stadium

9:20-10:45 PM — Full Band Rehearsal @ Stadium — Learn 2001

**The rest of the schedule will be posted online at

www.racerband.com**

Wednesday, August 10th— Woodwind and Brass Move-In

Check-in Procedures:

All members should report to the 1st Floor of the Old Fine Arts Building for general band

check-in. Here you will verify contact info, get your 2016 shirt, pick up your order white

shoes, and a few other things. If you plan to live on-campus, you will then proceed to

your residential college to meet your BARC and check-in with your Residential

Advisor. After moving in, follow the schedule based on your year/ instrument. It is very

important to arrive on-time so we can get a final count of members (drill writing starts

at 10:30am August 10th).

Band Camp Attendance:

Attendance is required of all members. Members that are unable to attend band camp will be alternates until a spot opens.

We will learn all music and routines during camp. We will also learn the drill for 2001, Pregame, and our 1st show. Attend-

ance is vital to achieve these goals! Missing any part of camp is a huge problem. The only members that can miss any part

of camp will be members marching in Drum Corps – speak with Mr. Fannin (see “DCI Membership.”) Work is never an ex-

cuse! Racer Band members are encouraged to be part of other campus organizations. However, you must be in attend-

ance during our scheduled times throughout camp and the season. There are many campus organizations that have pre-

semester events. You will not be able to participate in all of these (Sorority Rush, RA Training, etc.) Your BARC will help

guide you through what you will have time to participate in regarding the First-Year-Leader program and Great Begin-

nings. **Please email Mr. Fannin concerning other camp conflicts (testing / other MSU conflicts)**

DCI Membership:

Because of this year's schedule, DCI marching members will miss all of band camp. Racer Band members marching with

drum corps must be back by Monday, August the 15th for our 6:00 pm practice. DCI Racer Band members need to con-

firm their membership with Mr. Fannin prior to the start of Racer Band Camp. These members should also notify their sec-

tion leaders of their corps involvement. Contacting Mr. Fannin and the section leaders ensures them a spot in RB

shows. Marching in a drum corps is the only excused absence for Racer Band Camp. No Racer Band members will miss

any days of camp to watch DCI Championships.

What to Bring

It’s up you, it would be wise to bring all your stuff for the semester. You will be moving in earlier than other regular stu-

dents. Some members in the past have chosen to have their parents bring everything on Sunday, August 14th since we

don’t practice until 1 PM. That’s also when many other students arrive – it can become a madhouse.

Be Sure to

Check Out:

racerband.com

Official 2016 Racer

Band Facebook

Page

Contact Info

John Fannin

(Director):

jfannin@murray

state.edu

(270) 210-1429

Lucas Morgan

(President):

lmorgan11@murray

state.edu

(270) 977-0761

Guard, Percussion, and Leaders living in temporary housing from August 6th-9th may also bring everything. You

will be able to store your belongings in your actual room for the fall, while living in temporary housing for 3 days.

However, you should aim to pack a separate small suitcase (include bedding) to live out of for 3 days so you

don’t have to take all your belongings into temporary housing. Trust us – it’s a lot easier.

Dining Services:

Food is provided for you at Winslow for FREE during camp! If you are living off-campus you may still make use of

the free meal plan during band camp (you don’t have to have a meal plan for this.) This is a great deal – take ad-

vantage. Check the schedule to see when you can and cannot eat at Winslow – some breakfasts & lunches are on

your own. If you have food allergies/requirements (gluten, vegan, lactose, etc.) please make sure that you indicate

this on the Racer Band Registration Google Form (https://docs.google.com/a/murraystate.edu/forms/

d/1EapXRe9fhNS7ErGwjAa

k2Ww5HpdqNLaBDV6WNgkaGKA). We will make sure you have something to eat.

Housing:

The MSU Housing Office will notify all on-campus students of their permanent housing assignments on myGate

during the third week of July. Temporary housing from August 6th-9th is provided for FREE to Guard/Percussion/

Leaders ONLY.

Guard/Percussion/Leaders – After check-in on Saturday the 6th, you will move into temporary housing until

the evening of Tuesday the 11th. If you live anywhere on-campus, you should be able to store belongings in your

permanent room. Members living in Some dorms (TBA soon – check racerband.com often) will be able to com-

pletely move into their permanent rooms when they come to campus on the 6th – no temporary housing neces-

sary (we will keep you posted - racerband.com). Temporary housing will be in (Dorm TBA-check racerband.com)

this year. Off-campus members should contact their appropriate housing offices to make sure they can move-in.

If you are a COMMUTER AND a member of the GUARD, PERCUSSION, or LEADER groups, AND need housing for

camp, please email Lucas Morgan, at lmorgan11@murraystate.edu. MSU temporary housing Aug 6th-9th may not

be available for those living OFF campus in the fall!

Brass/Woodwinds – All on-campus brass and woodwind players move into their permanent housing assignments

on the morning of Wednesday the 10th. Check the schedule for check-in times. Off-campus residents should con-

tact their appropriate housing offices to make sure they can move-in. If you are a COMMUTER and a member of

the BRASS or WOODWIND section, AND need housing for camp, please email Lucas Morgan, at lmor-

gan11@murraystate.edu

**Special requests for early or late move-in are nearly impossible because of RA Training**

**Final Information regarding camp housing will posted on racerband.com and Facebook Group!!**

**NO REHEARSAL TIME WILL BE MISSED TO MOVE IN/OUT**

Membership Policies:

Instrumentation: To make the strongest Racer Band possible, all members should perform where they are

most proficient (what you did in high school marching band). Racer Band is not the place to try something new!

Instrument transfers will be handled on an as-needed basis (email for more information). If we have already

talked, plan on what we discussed. QUESTIONS? – email Mr. Fannin.

Music Majors – you must perform on your major instrument. Exceptions require a request to Mr. Fannin and ap-

proval by Dr. Wurgler (Department Chair), Mr. Johnson (Director of Bands), Mr. Erickson (Unit Chair), and your

private teacher. Email Mr. Fannin if you would like to be considered to perform in another area/instrument.

Member Criteria: 98% of all successful high school band members will be able to meet the following Racer Band

membership criteria:

Be an average high school band performer, able to keep up with musical reqs. of our shows

Be able to stay in-step & keep up with visual requirements of our shows

Work effectively within a large organization

Be on time and organized *

*If you cannot fulfill these criteria, speak with Mr. Fannin for alternate placement**

Fees:

There are no fees! Woo!

Handbook:

Please read the 2016 Racer Band Handbook on Racerband.com prior to coming to campus (this is basically a syl-

labus.) It will be updated and posted by August 10th. You must sign the Racer Band Handbook contract at check

in. The contract basically says you have read and agree with the policies inside. The Handbook will be available at

camp if you have computer problems.

Instrumentation:

Percussion Part Assignments: Please go to RacerBand.com for information regarding the video audition re-

quired for all new members prior to attending camp(and vets wanting to switch instruments). If you haven’t al-

ready, please submit your videos as soon as possible. You will receive an email by letting you know what instru-

ment(s) you might play in the 2016 Racer Band. At camp, we will continue to evaluate all percussion members.

We will continue switching people around over the first weekend until we feel like we have the line set. Bring

sticks/mallets for your instrument (we will provide bass drum mallets & keyboard mallets). Our goal is to find a

spot for everyone, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level.

Email questions to: kdunn10@murraystate.edu or zgarcia1@murraystate.edu.

Color Guard: Color Guard: Members interested in Color Guard should submit an online application as soon as

possible( See Racerband.com for details) All guard members must submit an audition prior to camp. Uniforms

and shoes for guard will be fitted and ordered at camp. Uniforms are free (covered by the budget) but expect

shoes to cost around $25 – bring money to check-in.

Mellophones/Baritone/Sousaphones: We will provide as many baritones, mellophones, and sousaphones as

we can. Our goal is to find a spot for everyone on his or her instrument of choice, but there are limited numbers

of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. If we run short on instruments you may be asked to

play something else. We have 27 mellophones, 19 baritones, and 20 sousaphones. **Bring your own mouth-

piece**

Trombone Players — MSU does not furnish trombones. You must provide your own instrument. If you have a

nice instrument that you don’t want to march with; you might try a pawn shop to get an older trombone to march

with. We want all trombone players to play trombone-It’s louder :)

Wind Part Assignments: Trumpet, trombone, mellophone, and clarinet players will be assigned parts. This will

be very informal! Don't stress! The music for the auditions will be decided on by the section leaders at a time TBA

(you will be contacted and informed) Please try to memorize as much music as possible prior to camp! MP3’s and

PDF’s of most music will be on Racerband.com shortly. Download the music and play along! Contact your sec-

tion leaders to ask what part. (As a general rule, pick a lower part.)

Uniforms and Equipment:

Equipment Check-out: Each Racer Band member is responsible for his/her own shoes, reeds, valve oil,

mouthpieces, sticks, etc. Trumpets, saxophones, flutes, clarinets, and trombones need to bring their own instru-

ments unless prior arrangements have been made with Mr. Fannin. We are blessed to have percussion, sousa-

phones, baritones, mellophones, color guard equipment, AV equipment, and uniforms furnished by MSU. Bring

your own mouthpieces!

**Students are responsible for damage and loss of this MSU equipment**

Marching Shoes: All members must have WHITE band shoes, not nursing shoes or any other substitute. If you

already have white band shoes, you are all set – no need to get new ones. If you need shoes, you will need to pur-

chase a pair at check-in. The cost will be around $34 – check Facebook posts from Uniform Officers. Color Guard

will have a separate shoe – this is handled at camp (approx. $25) Shoes will be fitted and paid for at check-in. If

you need new shoes, bring cash or checks to check-in made out to Robert Kapp and Associates.

All shoes will be shipped directly to Murray State and passed out at a rehearsal. All shoes must be fitted and paid

for by Aug 10th. After that date, contact a Uniform Officer so we can place your own private order. (You will pay

more, because of shipping/etc.) There is a huge penalty for not having the correct footwear.

Band T-shirts: Our 2016 Racer Band t-shirt this year will be gray. The 2016 t-shirt is part of the MSU Racer

Band Uniform and is to be worn under your formal uniform at all performances. We will sometimes wear our Band

T-Shirts with jeans or shorts instead of marching in full uniform. Your first shirt is free and will be passed out at

check-in. Check the web/Facebook later this summer for the design.

**We often have shirts for parents to purchase during Family Weekend – stay tuned**

Section T-shirts: Section shirts will be designed by your section leaders. Your section will likely discuss this

topic during sectionals at camp. This is not required, but a lot of sections make section shirts. Money should be

collected during camp or soon after. No one is required to purchase section shirts, but it’s always fun!

Gloves: Brass and Woodwinds wear white gloves. Your 1st pair is free. If you lose them, we have additional

gloves for sale before each game for $5.

Family Racer Band Camp Concert:

Invite parents and friends! The concert is Sunday, Aug. 14th at 7pm on the steps of Lovett. We’ll be performing

music from our 2016 shows. We will be grilling out, so bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc. This is always a fun event!

Parent’s Weekend:

The Music Department will host its annual Fall Fanfare Collage Concert on September 24th at 2pm in Lovett Audi-

torium. Various vocal and instrumental ensembles will perform short, fun numbers. The finale to the concert will

include a guest performance of the Racer Band! Parents and friends are encouraged to attend this fun concert.

Admission is $10 with proceeds benefiting music scholarships.

Football Games:

Because of the limited space inside our section of Stewart Stadium, friends and family are not allowed in the Rac-

er Band section. However we would love for parents, family, and friends to attend our performances! A tentative

2016 schedule is attached to this mailer. Purchase tickets at the gate OR at goracers.com. Last year we tried a

Racer Band Tailgate party on Parent Day before the game – we would like to try this again, possibly even more

often than just Parent Day. We will also need some parent volunteers to make/buy cookies for the band (we snack

at half-time.) This must be pre-arranged by the officers – stay tuned to the web and Facebook for these details.

Fall Break:

There is NO home football game the weekend of fall break this year. Hooray! Free weekend!

Halloween:

There is a football game on Halloween. For the game, Racer Band will put on a themed musical performance and

members are asked to wear Halloween costumes!

Thanksgiving Break:

There is always a slight possibility that we will host a home playoff game Thanksgiving weekend. If it looks like

this will be the case, we’ll take care of it later in the season. No need to worry about this now.

Absences:

Rehearsals – Go to Racerband.com and fill out an online absence request form 2 weeks in advance (unless

sick or death in family). It must be approved by Mr. Fannin to be excused. Please don’t wait until the last minute!

Work is never an excuse, only MSU conflicts (class lecture, trip, etc.) You will be docked meal money for unex-

cused absences.

Performances – Unexcused performance absences can result in MAJOR meal money and grade reductions. Go to

RacerBand.com and fill out an online absence request form in advance (unless sick or death in family). These

must be filled out at least 1 month beforehand Check the Handbook for more details – let us know NOW if you

have performance conflicts. WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ANY PERFORMANCE ABSENCE

PRIOR TO CAMP.

Contact Mr. Fannin today!

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule (beginning 8/19)

__Brass/Woodwind/Guard ____________ Percussion ______

Monday – 4:45-5:45 No Monday Rehearsal

Tuesday – 6:15-8:15 Tuesday – 6:15-9

Thursday – 6:15-8:15 Thursday – 6:15-9

Friday – 5:15-7:15 Friday – 5:15-7:15

**Several days will be taken off depending on weather, show learning etc. – check

Facebook & web**

Festival of Champions:

FOC is all-day Saturday, September 17th at Stewart Stadium with special appearances by the Racer Band! Every

member also works at FOC – do not plan anything on this day. This Festival is almost entirely student operated.

More info will be available as we get closer. Festival of Champions has been telecast on PBS in the past – we will

see if they do it again!

Questions?:

As a general rule of thumb, always follow the chain of command when asking questions.

1. Racerband.com & Facebook (was the question already answered?)

2. Section Leader/BARC

3. Officers/Drum Majors

4. Mr. Fannin

Mr. Fannin

jfannin@murraystate.edu or (270) 210-1429 (Mr. Fannin’s Cell Phone)

Leaders & Staff

Go to Racerband.com and click on “Leadership” for a list of leader & staff contact info.