Welcome to the new & veteran UHS J-Hawk Band Family members. We’re glad that you’re going to be a part of the 2019-2020 Urbandale J-Hawk Band Department.
The calendar of all activities for the UHS band next year 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.
July Fourth Parade
You will also find information about the July 4th parade linked here. As you know, Urbandale and Independence Day go hand-in-hand. The community has tremendous pride in the J-Hawk Band. This is a great time to show them our appreciation and provide an excellent community service. Plus, it’s a great way for new band members to meet and work with the older students before the school year begins. Please read the information carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Uniforms will consist of khaki shorts, tennis shoes and white “UJB” T-shirts (available to all band students at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the parade).
New Marchers and New High School Band Parents
There are a few activities designed just for you on July 1st. All activities will be in the UHS Band Room.
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 band website. Feel free to e-mail 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.
Attendance expectations:
Band is a performance class. Attendance at rehearsals and performance is expected. We believe students who elect to be in band are electing to attend all events according to this calendar.
During June and July specifically, students who are in town should make plans to attend rehearsals. Please communicate with jobs / schedulers accordingly. Students who are on family vacation or working at camps out of town are not expected to alter their travel plans. Beginning in August, attendance at all camp rehearsals is expected and necessary for students and the ensemble to succeed.
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 (Payable at Band Camp)
- Marching Band Shoes (specific shoes purchased at school) $39
- Marching Gloves (Purchased at school) $2
- Marching Band T-Shirt (“UJB” Shirt – reusable in future years) $8
- Uniform Cleaning Fee $12
Solo/Ensemble (payable next winter)
Students may opt to 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. 28th
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 on the same instrument – both during the summer and during the 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 (your child) is 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
A BIG thanks to Rhea Gaskins who is leading the team to organize the 2019 Dairy Barn efforts. You’ll hear more from Rhea from this e-mail address: UHSDairyBarn@gmail.com in the near future.
In the meantime, you veteran band folks can sign up for 3 student shifts and 2 adult-shifts-per-family by visiting the sign up pages starting Monday. https://mooband.bringit.bz/dashboard/ca85df
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 $21,500 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