Welcome UHS J-Hawk Band Family members. We’re glad that you’re going to be a part of the 2020-2021 Urbandale J-Hawk Band Department.
The calendar of all activities for the UHS band is linked here. We’ve taken every opportunity to ensure the accuracy of the calendar to help avoid or resolve conflicts with work, vacations, and other activities prior to the event.
Please know that our primary goal is student safety when scheduling summer and fall rehearsals. As of now, our June 30th and July 4th events have been cancelled. We ask that you keep our July 1st – 3rd dates penciled in your calendar just in case things improve. We are closely monitoring the situation along with our activities department.
Without knowing how COVID-19 will continue to affect our community throughout the summer and fall, we ask that families remain flexible regarding our scheduled rehearsal dates. All calendar adaptations will be communicated via email and the band website.
Instruments
Students in high school, especially those in the advanced groups (or aiming for the advanced groups in the future) are highly encouraged to step up from their beginner instruments to professional level instruments. We’ve compiled a list of quality instruments, which is posted on the quick links section of the band website. Feel free to email the directors for further advice when preparing to shop for a new instrument. It is one of those occasions when you truly get what you pay for and we’d love to help ensure you get the most for your investment.
Band Website
All band students and parents are encouraged to bookmark the band website jhawkbands.urbandaleschools.com. All letters, forms, and other documents will be posted there. A great tab to explore is the “Handbook,” which contains background and band policy information.
Costs
Over the course of the school year, the students will be asked to help with some of the unique expenses relating to their experiences in band.
Student Responsibilities
• Music Lyre & Flip Folder (Purchased from Rieman’s or other music source) $10-$15
Flute: DEG A16-HC225 Flute/Piccolo Lyre
Clarinet: B-flat Clarinet Lyre & DEG Universal Flip Folder
Saxophones/Bass Clarinets: Saxophone Lyre & DEG Universal Flip Folder
Trumpet/Mellophone/Euphonium: DEG HC260, or Brass Lyre w/ Bent Stem & DEG Universal Flip Folder
Trombone: DEG HC250 Trombone Bell Lyre
Tubas: DEG Universal Flip Folder
Percussion: 3-ring binder and clear plastic sleeves
Marching Band (*New – Payable through the activities website. Coming soon!)
- Marching Band Shoes (specific shoes purchased through school) $39
- Marching Band T-Shirt (“UJB” Shirt – reusable in future years) $8
Solo/Ensemble (payable next winter)
Students may participate in two solo/ensemble festivals. The following are the estimated costs:
- Solo – $15 ($7.50 each festival)
- Small Ensemble – $10 per player ($5 each festival)
- Accompanist – arranged directly with accompanist
- 1 official copy of solo literature – Cost variable
All-State
Students interested in auditioning for Instrumental All-State are reminded to:
- prepare 12 major scales 2 octaves & full range chromatic scale
- prepare 60-80 seconds of solo literature
- study with a local professional on your instrument
- develop fundamental skills such as tone quality, range, endurance
- set and stick to a regular practice routine throughout the summer
- play on the best instrument you can afford
On July 25th, www.ihsma.org will post the additional audition etudes.
Jazz Band Rehearsal Schedule
For your advance planning, the rehearsal schedule is:
Jazz I & II:
Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. beginning Aug. 25th
After Marching Band is complete the jazz band rehearsal schedule will be:
Jazz I & Jazz II
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:50 a.m.
Jazz I will also continue on Tuesday evenings.
Jazz III will rehearse Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning Oct. 16th
*Private Lessons
We encourage students to seek private lessons with local professionals who play the same instrument – both during the summer and school year.
The Reality: With the limits of student and staff class schedules, the high school lesson program allows for a 20-minute lesson every 2 weeks. To be honest, this is a bare minimum to ensure students are able to move forward in their skills, but it falls quite short of helping them fulfill their maximum potential. Weekly 30-minute private lessons with a local professional is the standard for students who wish to excel. We are happy to help students find the perfect private teacher. Let us know when you and your child are ready.
*Lessons at school
Lessons will cover a combination of Rubank – Advanced Method Volume I and solo literature.
Percussionists: Book(s) will be determined on an individual basis at your first lesson next year.
Exceptions:
- If a student has finished Volume I, they should move to Volume II.
- If a student is studying with a private teacher, he/she should continue using whatever technique book is being used in those lessons.
*If a student is taking private lessons during the school year, they may opt to “vouch” out of lessons at school.
Dairy Barn
The State Fair is currently scheduled for August 13th – 23rd. More information regarding our annual Dairy Barn Fundraiser will be sent out in the near future. Iowa State Fair organizers are expecting an announcement regarding COVID-19 to be released early to mid-June. Safety is our top priority as decisions are made regarding this fundraiser.
The Dairy Barn project provides important funds that allow the band program to secure expensive instruments, equipment, music, marching band drill, uniforms, guest artists, clinicians, repairs, and more! The band program is set to earn $20,000 during the run of the State Fair. This level of revenue is virtually irreplaceable by any other single opportunity.
Have a great summer!
Louis Dupuis, Thomas Doggett, Dana Andrews