Upcoming Events & INFO for Next Week

Greetings Band Parents:

I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of our new parents at tonight’s Band Parent (Booster) meeting and afterward, at the Parent Preview performance – starting at 6:00 in the band room.  I believe you’re going to be very impressed!

– Next Thursday, August 23 we need all of our students to stay after rehearsal until 6:00 for our annual Trailer Training Session. 

“Big Blue” was specially designed and outfitted by Mr. Keel to maximize the efficiency of loading and traffic flow as students literally travel through the trailer to get their instruments, uniforms, shakos, etc.by themselves.  There are several points of specificity that all students need to know about so that we use the trailer safely and without damage, from the doors, to the ramps, stairs, shelving, and uniform hook locations.  

At the end of next Thursday’s rehearsal, we will go to the stadium and go over these things, showing students what to do since we will be loading the trailer officially for the first time on the next day…

*ANY PARENTS who can join a dedicated “Equipment Crew” please respond to Mr. King’s recent email.  It would be incredibly helpful to attend this session as well.

– Next Friday, August 24 is our first public performance at the Varsity Football Jamboree @ Madison County High School.  This is an in-county performance and so students will need to carpool.  We will load the trailer DURING 4th block band class.  The call time to be AT Madison County High School is 5:00-5:30. 

The reason for the window is because I know, depending on where you live and if the student rides the bus, it can be difficult to get anywhere by 5.  Those who can, should.  However, keep in mind that some schools start taking parking fees by 5:30, so you may have to drop off your student outside of the parking area, if the driver is not staying.   Students need to eat a good dinner before arriving!  We will provide water throughout the game, at away games.  Water coolers will be needed at home games.

*We will not wear uniforms at the Jamboree.  Instead we will wear the band shirts that are currently being distributed, khaki shorts, and tennis shoes.  We will still load the trailer completely and use the jamboree as practice for how organized we have to be for future away games and competitions when we will have 130+ students changing and unloading at the same time.

STUDENTS MUST CLEAN/WASH and polish their instruments for each performance.  New students can talk to veteran students to learn how this is to be done.  DO NOT USE BRASSO OR ANY OTHER BRASS CLEANING AGENTS ON INSTRUMENTS! 

The only product to be used on silver horns is Wright’s Silver Polish and for gold lacquered instruments, use Pledge Furniture Polish.  Often times, brass students will team up and share a jar of Wright’s Silver Polish ($5 at WalMart, I think) and use an old t-shirt or very soft towel to polish it off.

Finally, cleaning instruments is not just for aesthetics at our performances but also ensures that the instrument functions dependably.  We are already having lots of instrument issues because students have not cleaned and maintained them (valve oil, cork grease, key oil, tightening screws, etc.).  Please be sure your student cleans their instrument every couple of weeks so it does not need expensive repair.  Those who use school-owned instruments will be charged for the repairs and cleaning of their instrument at the end of the season if not properly maintained.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Jacob Souder

Director of Bands

Buckhorn High School

256-851-3300 ext. 21142