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.
SENIOR MEMBERS – LEADERSHIP
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, Aug. 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ORIENTATION
9th graders, new members, and section leaders – The first rehearsal at 1:00 PM 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 7th 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 or through the Activities Office.
EXPENSES
The following fees will be collected through the Activities Department Website on Aug. 7th, 2021
- Marching Band Shoes (specific shoes purchased at school) – $39
–You may reuse t-shirt, shoes & gloves if yours are still in good shape. If you need a new/additional shirt – $8, if you need new gloves – $2
Students will be assigned a uniform once they’re current on their payment. If you are unable to make payment at that time, contact Dr. Bill Watson, 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 3rd. There will be opportunities to order formal band photos following the State Marching Band festival.
HOT TUB RAFFLE FUNDRAISER – NEW*
Hot Spring Spas of Iowa has generously agreed to donate a hot tub to be raffled off in support of the UHS band program. 100% of the proceeds will go to the band department and support the cost of instruments/equipment, performances, events, clinicians, guest artists, and more. Raffle tickets will be sold at the following band events for $25 each:
- 3 – Home Game
- 10 – Home Game
- 23 – Homecoming Parade
- 24 – Home Game
- 2 – Marching Invitational
- 15 – Home Game
- 22 – Winner Announced (do not need to be present to win)
Our goal is to sell 300 tickets. If each band student encourages the purchase of 2 raffle tickets, we will achieve our goal. The fall band fundraiser normally brings in 50 percent or our annual income. We are continually thankful for the support of our sponsor, band families, and the community.
Volunteers to sell tickets can sign up HERE.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
On Tuesday, August 17th, 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 raffle ticket sale slots and uniform fittingslots. Thank you in advance for helping give our kids a great high school band experience!
MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS REHEARSAL
The last rehearsal of band camp 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: As of July 22nd, the 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:
Mock Auditions:
- Aug. 30 – First Mock Audition begins
- Sept. 13 – Second mock audition. These will determine the musicians who will continue through Oct. 23rd auditions.
- September 20 – October 18 – Mock Auditions continue on Monday evenings.
Debriefing Sessions:
- These sessions will be held Tuesdays after school. All-Staters will rehearse for the opening ceremonies of the Urbandale Marching Invitational & discuss general All-State audition topics.
- Students who wish to audition for instrumental All-State are expected to attend mock auditions and Tuesday briefing sessions.
- Jazz Bands: Jazz Bands I & II will begin on Tuesday, August 31st with rehearsals on Tuesday evenings 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. We also hope to start a Jazz III this year! Rehearsals for this ensemble would also take place within this Tuesday timeframe. More information coming soon!
If you have any questions, please let us know. See you soon!
CAMP SCHEDULE:
All rehearsals will start at the UHS band room unless announced otherwise.
*See Band Calendar
Monday, Aug. 2
Leadership Session #2 – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Senior Leadership Session – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Band Camp Orientation – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday – Friday, Aug. 3 – 6
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, Aug. 7
Uniform Fitting (see schedule below)
Monday – Thursday, Aug. 9 – 12
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Friday, Aug. 13
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Capture The Flag – 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Monday, Aug. 16
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday Night Lights – 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
*During the fall marching season, the band rehearses each morning from 7:00 AM through the end of 1st period. On days we don’t have first period (Wednesdays and Fridays), rehearsal will still occur from 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
Student Arrival Schedule – Preferred (If you need to come at a different time, please do)
Saturday — August 7, 2021
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
Fees will be collected at the time of uniform fitting on Aug. 7th, 2021
Payments 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 Dr. Bill Watson, 457-6994 to make alternate payment arrangements. Students must be paid and fitted before they will be able to perform with the band.