Pre-camp Newsletter

Dear Band Students and Families,

We’re ready for another great year and our Marching Band Camp is one vital 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 in August.

Prepare for success:

You will need the following items every day at Band Camp:

  • Instrument: If your instrument is in need of repair, talk to a director immediately.

  • Music in a flip-folder and lyre: Even if you have it memorized, you will need your music during every rehearsal. We currently have two boxes of donated flip-folders and parts in the Band Room, but we can’t guarantee that we have one for every student. If we don’t have one, a flip folder and lyre can be purchased at Reiman Music, Sleister Music, or Up Tempo music. This is a vital piece of equipment that is as important as their instrument, and required for participation.

  • Athletic shoes: Marching, running, and dancing require proper shoes to avoid injury.  We’re serious about this; we want everyone to be safe while marching.  If a student is not wearing athletic shoes, we’ll have them change into a pair of marching band shoes (black athletic shoe).

  • Water bottle: We’ll provide water but we can’t provide a cup for every student every day.  Please bring a water bottle of your own.

  • Sun protection: Hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, etc.

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.

Rehearsals will begin every morning on the football field at 8:00 am (weather permitting). Please arrive early so you are ready to participate promptly at 8:00 am. The PAC doors will be open from 7:45 until 8:00 am.  Remember, early is on-time.  If you are late, for any reason, go directly to the stadium and check-in with a director and join rehearsal.  Any equipment needed from inside will be obtained once it is convenient.

If you are participating in another Urbandale summer activity, please communicate with a director and your coach.  Coaches, Directors, and the Activities Department have been contacted to help coordinate splitting time between activities.

What to expect each day:

WEEK 1

Monday, August 4

Leadership Session #2 (***Leadership ONLY***) – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Band Camp Orientation for All New Members and All Incoming Freshmen) – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(remember that PAC doors will be open from 9:45 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.)

  • Begin in the Band Room for announcements before going to the stadium.  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.

Tues/Wed/Thurs, August 5, 6, 7:  ALL Band Members!

Band Camp Rehearsal: 8:00 – 11:30 p.m.; 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

  • Students can leave campus for lunch or eat in the Band Room

  • Most outside activities will take place in the morning

  • Most inside activities will take place in the afternoon

Friday, August 8th

Band Camp Rehearsal: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. *rehearsal begins at 8:00 a.m.*

  • Enjoy the afternoon and return to school at 5:45 p.m.

Band Camp Rehearsal: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  • Once instruments and equipment are put away, let the games begin!

Capture The Flag 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.

  • Create a team, join a team, cheer from the stands!

Saturday, August 9th

*** Marching Band Uniform Fitting ***

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ALL Members – UHS Band Room

  • Enter through Band Room doors (behind stadium)
  • Arrive anytime between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, or based on preferred times below
  • Instructions are provided upon arrival

  • If there is a conflict with this day, a uniform will be fitted on another day when volunteers are available.

Preferred Student Times: 

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

All students will be fitted for uniforms according to the schedule. 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 uniform, hat, gloves, and 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.  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.  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

  • New Marching Band Shoes (specific shoes purchased at school) – $41

  • You may reuse your 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

VOLUNTEERING
Many of the band events throughout the year depend on parent involvement for their success.  Visit the J-Hawk Bands website and find the “Volunteer” tab.  It currently doesn’t have anything listed because it is being updated.  However, you’ll be able to find information about volunteering and links to sign ups.  Thank you in advance for helping give our kids a great high school band experience!

WEEK 2

Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs, August 11, 12, 13, 14: ALL Band Members

Band Camp Rehearsal: 8:00 – 11:30 p.m.; 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, August 15: ALL Band Members

Band Camp Rehearsal: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

  • Enjoy the afternoon and return to school at 6:45 p.m.

Friday Night Lights – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

  • The last rehearsal of band camp on August 15th 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!

Booster Club Membership Drive
Tuesday August 19, 6:00 p.m. Meet in PAC, All Band Members

The Performing Arts Booster Club (PABC) and the Athletic Booster Club team up to ask Urbandale 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.

All-Staff Kick Off
Thursday August 21, 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM: PAC
An optional but encouraged performance opportunity is the All-Staff Kick Off Thursday August 21st in the PAC.  Every teacher in the Urbandale Community School District gathers in the PAC and what better way to start off the school year then by hearing the J-Hawk Marching Band!

School Schedule
Starting the first day of school, Monday August 25th. Rehearsals are as follows:

  • Monday and 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.

  • Rehearsals will begin every morning in the stadium, weather permitting.  The PAC doors will be open Monday-Friday from 6:45 a.m. until 7:00 a.m.  Remember, early is on-time.  If you are late, for any reason, go directly to the stadium and check-in with a director and join rehearsal.  Any equipment needed from inside will be obtained once it is convenient.

You will need the following items every day at school:

  • Instrument: if your instrument is in need of repair, talk to a director immediately

  • Music in a flip-folder; even if you have it memorized, you will need your music during rehearsals

  • Athletic shoes; marching, running, and dancing require proper shoes to avoid injury.  You can keep a pair of shoes on the shoe rack in the Band room for rehearsals.

  • Water bottle: we’ll provide the water but we can’t provide a cup for every student every day.  Please bring a water bottle of your own.

  • Sun protection…cold protection, rain protection; jacket, hat, gloves…Marching Band happens in all types of weather

 

Band Photos
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 August 29th.  There will be opportunities to order formal Band photos following the State Marching Band festival on October 19th.

 

All-State: Band & Orchestra
All-State: The Iowa All-State Etudes are posted: 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:

    • September 9th – First Mock Audition – 3:30 PM *This will determine the students who continue through October 25th auditions.*

    • Every Monday: September 9 – October 21 – Mock Auditions continue on Mondays after school from approximately 3:20 PM – 4:00 PM

  • Read more about the audition process here.

 

SCIBA Honor Band
Required: Audition for All State Band.  Read about that audition here.

  • If you make All State Band or Orchestra, you are not eligible to audition for SCIBA Honor Band.

  • If you are auditioning for All State Choir, you are required to play the audition material for a director three times before October 26.

 

Jazz Band

Placement in Jazz Band is a combination of previous jazz band experience, Spring Band Placements and audition material.  The audition material will be announced during Marching Band Camp.  Jazz Band is open to all Band students regardless of ability.

  • Tuesday, August 26: In-person audition and clinic

  • Recorded auditions need to be submitted by Friday August 31.

  • September 9, only Jazz 1 will rehearse from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through the end of Marching Band season.

  • After the marching season, jazz rehearsals will change to the following days and times:

  • Jazz 1:
    Tuesday – 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    (Morning Rehearsals Begin Wednesday, October 29)
    Wednesday/Thursday/Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM

  • Jazz 2:
    Monday/Wednesday/Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM starting Wednesday October 22

  • Jazz 3:
    Tuesday & Thursday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM starting Thursday October 23

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