Pre-Camp Newsletter
Dear Band Students and Families,
We hope summer has treated you well and helped you rejuvenate your energy for another great year in the Urbandale J-Hawk Bands (UJB).
A marching band whose motto is Performing to Inspire will expect a great deal of its members:
- Energy and concentration
- Musical skill
- Complex maneuvering
- Esprit de Corps (a feeling of pride in belonging to the group)
Our Marching Camp is one key step to the success of the J-Hawk Marching Band. It’s important that students are mentally and physically ready to hit the ground running (and with all the right gear) in August.
PREPARE FOR SUCCESS
Plan on hot weather during rehearsals. Bring comfortable clothes, tennis shoes (no sandals or crocs), sunscreen, a hat, and most importantly drink lots of water. Bring your own water bottle; we’ll have water to refill your containers at all camp rehearsals.
It’s important to take care of yourself when working this hard outside in the heat! Get plenty of sleep each night. Eat and drink healthy meals.
LEADERSHIP SESSION #2 – SENIORS INCLUDED!
ALL senior band members are expected to attend. Your excellent leadership is vital to the success, climate and culture of the band. This will be on Monday, July 31st from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
ORIENTATION
9th graders, new members, and section leaders – The first rehearsal at 10 AM will be just for you! We’ll use this time to further acquaint you with our processes for learning the music and marching band maneuvers.
UNIFORMS
All students will be fitted for uniforms on August 5th according to the included schedule on page 6. We will have volunteers to help fit uniforms. The uniforms have on-the-spot adjustable sleeve and pant lengths. Volunteers will make these adjustments for each student. As outlined below, the students will be fitted for shoes and gloves at the same time. Returning members will have access to last season’s shoes to try on and make sure they still fit.
T-shirt, glove, and uniform cleaning costs are now being covered by our Performing Arts Boosters for all incoming members. Thank you, Boosters! New students are only responsible for new shoe fees. All returning members who need a new t-shirt, gloves, or shoes will be charged accordingly. All payments should be completed online through the Activities Office.
EXPENSES
The following fees will be collected through the Activities Department Website
- Marching Band Shoes (specific shoes purchased at school) – $41
- When students outgrow their shoes, they are typically donated back to the Band. There is a strong possibility that we have your shoe size available in a slightly worn shoe that is free of charge. Try them on and save some money.
You may reuse t-shirt, shoes & gloves if yours are still in good shape. If you need a new/additional shirt – $10, if you need new gloves – $3
Students will be assigned a uniform once they’re current on their payment. If you are unable to make payment at that time, contact Josh Frey, Activities Director, 457-6994 to make alternate payment arrangements. Students must be paid and fitted before they will be able to perform with the band.
Each student will provide his/her own Music Flip Folder and Lyre (from Rieman’s or other music source).
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
PHOTO _____ ____
Before our first home game performance, we will set aside some time for parents to take their child’s picture in uniform. This will take place before the game on September 1st. There will be opportunities to order formal band photos following the State Marching Band festival on Oct. 14th.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
On Tuesday, August 15th, the Performing Arts Booster Club (PABC) and the Athletic Booster Club team up to canvass Urbandale asking citizens to join the booster club. The proceeds are split between the PABC and the Athletic Boosters. All students who participate in any activity, including band, are asked to participate. The Booster Club needs adult drivers to transport students from UHS to various neighborhoods in the district.
VOLUNTEERING
Many of the band events throughout the year depend on parent involvement for their success. Please visit the J-Hawk Bands website and follow the “Volunteer” tab to find information about volunteering and links to our sign ups. Our first priorities are to fill the Aug. 5th Uniform Fitting and September 1st Halftime slots. Thank you in advance for helping give our kids a great high school band experience!
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS REHEARSAL
The last rehearsal of band camp on August 11th will offer students an informal opportunity to demonstrate the progress they have made on our fall marching show. Family and friends are encouraged to observe and participate in a rehearsal and performance under the lights of Frerichs Field! The night’s schedule is listed below:
- 7:00 PM – Regular rehearsal
- 8:00 PM – Informal performance of halftime show
- 8:15 PM – Families march with students
Families should arrive no later than 8:00 PM to see our informal performance. At 8:15 PM we invite families onto the field in order to learn drill along with our students. No experience necessary! This is a fun opportunity for everyone involved. Students should wear their UJB t-shirts and khaki shorts. We hope to see you there!
MISCELLANEOUS
During camp, students are often scheduled to have school photos and pick up their fall semester schedules. Students will be provided time on their assigned day to pick up schedules during camp. Please be sure to arrive to all rehearsals on time.
All-State: The Iowa All-State Etudes are posted on: http://www.ihsma.org
For those working towards the All-State auditions, please note the following required events to aid in your preparation:
- All-State Mock Auditions:
- Aug. 28 – First Mock Audition – 3:30 PM *This will determine the musicians who continue through Oct. 22nd auditions.*
- September 11 – October 16 – Mock Auditions continue on Mondays after school from approximately 3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
- Students who wish to audition for instrumental All-State are expected to attend all mock auditions.
Jazz Bands: All students interested in Jazz Band must do the following:
-
- Submit a video playing the required audition material found here
- Attend Tuesday August 29, September 5, and 12 from 6 to 8pm
- During the Tuesday evening auditions, Mr. Doggett will run a rehearsal with everyone while Mr. Breese works with different sections separately.
Results of the auditions will be posted by Friday September 15th
Beginning Tuesday September 19th, Jazz I and Jazz II will rehearse every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm through the end of Marching Band. Jazz III will begin October 24th.
After the marching season, jazz rehearsals will change to the following:
Jazz I:
Tuesday –6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Jazz II:
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Jazz III:
Tuesday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
CAMP SCHEDULE:
All rehearsals will start at the UHS band room unless announced otherwise.
For details, please review page 2 of our Calendar of Events
During the fall marching season, rehearsals are as follows:
- Monday 9:20 AM – 9:45 AM
- Tuesday 7:00 AM through the end of 1st period.
- Wednesday 7:00 – 7:50 AM.
- Thursday 7:00 AM through the end of 1st period.
- Friday 7:00 – 7:50 AM.
- We will start this on the 1st day of school.
If you will be missing any of the above rehearsals, please e-mail in advance and let us know.
Uniform Fitting Day: Saturday — August 5, 2022
Student Arrival Schedule – Preferred (If you need to come at a different time, please do)
9:00 – 9:30 Seniors A-H
9:30 – 10:00 Seniors I-P
10:00 – 10:30 Seniors Q-Z
10:30 – 11:00 Juniors A-H
11:00 – 11:30 Juniors I-P
11:30 – 12:00 Juniors Q-Z
12:00 – 12:30 Sophomores A-H
12:30 – 1:00 Sophomores I-P
1:00 – 1:30 Sophomores Q-Z
1:30 – 2:00 Freshmen A-H
2:00 – 2:30 Freshmen I-P
2:30 – 3:00 Freshmen Q-Z
Payments for new shoes, extra gloves, or an extra/new shirt will be collected online through the Activities Office.
Students will be assigned a uniform once they’re current on their payment. If you are unable to make payment at that time, contact Joshua Frey, 457-6994 to make alternate payment arrangements. Students must be paid and fitted before they will be able to perform with the band.