This page is for news and announcements about band & orchestra classwork, activities, and program functions

Two Documents Uploaded - Marching Band Calendar and Uniform Agreement

Our full year (with band camp) performance and rehearsal calendar has been published! You can find it here at our Band Download Center. You can also get our annual Marching Band Uniform Agreement, which is due signed w/paid fee by Oct. 1st. These were both already sent out via e-mail and parent square. 

Newcastle Days  - Sept. 6, 2025

The marching band has its first football game performance on Friday, Sept. 5th. The next morning, we will travel to Lake Boren Park and performing at the annual Newcastle Days celebration. CLICK HERE to download the logistical information or grab is from our Band Download Center. 

Start of school Orchestra Update - Sept. 3rd, 2025

The purpose of this message is to give both 1st Period (Hazen Philharmonic) families and 3rd period (string orchestra) families updates as to what has been going on in class since the first day of school. 

1st Period  - Orchestra II - Hazen Philharmonic Orchestra

Tuesday was the first official "playing" day. Students should have their instruments at school each day going forward, along with a pencil and any other materials we distribute. Over the next 3-4 weeks, we will be focused on reinforcing fundamental skills, technical exercises, sight-reading literature, and seating auditions. Our first official performance will be on Friday, Oct. 24th at the Pacific Lutheran University annual Orchestra Festival. 

3rd Period - Orchestra I - Hazen String Orchestra

We have 64 students in this class! This is our largest 3rd period class in the history of its existence which is an exciting opportunity; however, as the only adult in charge of managing the class of 64, it is taking me a LONG time to take care of preliminary business. With kids coming and going because of the labor day weekend and either returning from or going on vacations, taking attendance and crafting a seating chart have been high maintenance ventures each day. 

Today, I finished assigning instruments to cellists and am moving on to violas and violins on Wednesday. It is my goal to have instruments assigned to all students that need to use our inventory by end of 3rd period on Wednesday. ALL STUDENTS should bring instruments to school every day for use, starting on Thursday of this week! We will begin going over rehearsal procedures and routines and will start playing basic exercises. The string orchestra's first official performance will not be until our orchestra vertical concert in December. 

Paperwork & Communication

Performance calendars and program handbooks will be distributed and discussed in the coming weeks. I try to have these items ready within the first week of school because the handbook requires more edits and the performance calendar still has some details to work out. Also, with my 3rd child being just 3 weeks old now, I have very limited time after school and I work to take care of my wife and 2 older kids, in addition to our new baby. I appreciate everyone's patience!

Students using school instruments have a "loan agreement" to complete and $70 fee due for use of the instrument. Parent/guardian and students need to sign the loan agreement and the $70 fee should be paid online where you pay student fees OR in person at the ASB office. Due date for this is Sept. 30. Loan agreement and payment confirmation/receipt should be stapled or paperclipped. 

For now, communication for our 3rd period orchestra will be made via parent square and eventually I will use an e-mail distribution list. Philharmonic families will receive information via e-mail using the list carried over from last year. Both parent square and e-mail will be used together for major announcements while e-mail will be the primary form of direct communication and for quick announcements.

We will also utilize the following social media accounts for short form announcements and reminders:

Instagram: Hazenorchestras

X/Twitter: @hhsorchandband

Thank you!

Marching Band @Rainiers - Aug. 23, 2025

Students were given a logistical info sheet that covers the important details regarding our performance of the National Anthem at Cheney Stadium. All band families should make sure they have read this form! CLICK HERE to download it from our Band Download Center. 

Pre-Camp Reminders - August 10, 2025

Happy Band Camp Eve!

As of just after 12pm on Sunday, Aug. 10, nearly HALF of volunteer positions are still unfilled!!! We have need of daily setup crews and people to serve on water duty! NOTE – volunteers should be parents/guardians of currently enrolled band members OR the immediately family of current band members accompanied by a parent/guardian. For example, if the brother a of band member wants to help at camp, then the parent of the band student should be here too to supervise their child. I cannot provide supervision, nor can our camp staff, to students not enrolled in our program. If a recent graduate or family of a recent graduate wants to volunteer, then they need to have already spoken with me about it OR need to get approval from me.

For example, Anna and Dale Nelson (thanks for being my example), parents of two band graduates, have already told me that they may signup/volunteer for a performance in the coming months because of how much they enjoyed working with us while their kids were here. That is A-OK. A student who graduated two years ago signing up to hang out around with their old buddies while occasionally handing someone a water bottle, is not helpful. In the past, we have had some sign-ups for volunteers be “groupies” rather than workers. This lead to logistical problems and work not getting done, with some occasional goofing-off that I had to quell.

Thank you for your understanding; now, PLEASE SIGNUP before we start the week with noticeable logistical deficiencies!

ACT NOW Volunteer sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-57755052-band <-- ACT NOW

Many food/drink donations still needed, SIGNUP to donate here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-57755032-band

CAMP REMINDERS:

Monday morning, promptly at 9am, we begin our opening session of 2025 band camp! Check-in begins at 8:30am. Please make sure your students arrive, at a minimum, a few minutes before 9am; however, to ensure we begin on time we need to start at 9am so coming anytime after 8:30am would be helpful. Check-in is important this week as that is where attendance will be taken AND students will be making the name tags they will need to wear all week. Attendance is a HUGE factor in who I select as our 72 marches for pre-game and halftime.

We expect VERY warm temperatures on Monday and Tuesday. While it will cool down later in the week, it is important students start off by taking care of their health. We will give breaks during every outdoor session but your student must take the proper precautions, such as regular application of sunscreen and staying fed/hydrated. Bring sunscreen (the spray stuff doesn’t work as well in my experience) and bring a water bottle. We really don’t want students getting weak/dizzy on the first day because they didn’t take care of their bodies!

Band Update - Posted: Aug. 4th, 2025

From Mr. Coy:

Good Evening Highlander Band Families,

Today was the first day of percussion camp and leadership training. The students present were attentive and hard working. It was a solid first step toward a great season. 

Tuesday is our second session with the same students and we will have the same schedule. Please make sure students are here once again ready to start by 9am. We will end at 5pm.

Our schedule has fundamentals practice from 6pm - 9pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for the rest of the week; however practice for Wednesday, Aug. 6 is CANCELED. We will resume with fundamentals on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 6pm.

The due date for my third daughter is nearly here and my wife's doctor has scheduled Wednesday as the day  to induce labor to ensure an on-time and healthy birth. I will be with her and eagerly awaiting the arrive of our baby all day (and night) on Wednesday. While we have high hopes for a smooth process (as we had with our first two children), every birth is different. 

Please plan to have all band members present for our Thursday practice; but, stay tuned for an announcement via e-mail and social media should we need to cancel Thursday night because I am still with my family at the hospital. 

Thank you for your support and flexibility!

Band Camp 2025 - Official Information Newsletter - NOW POSTED!

All band families, new and veteran, should download and read the official information letter regarding band camp 2025! You may CLICK HERE to direcly download or you can go to our Band Download Center and find it there. Read carefully!!!

2025 River Days Parade Logistical Information - NOW AVAILABLE!

A one-page logistical newsletter containing all marching band @River Days parade information is now live! Go to our Band Download Center to get a copy, check the e-mail address we have on file, or ask your student for the paper copy they were given during Thursday's rehearsal!

Band Updates and Reminders - July 21, 2025

Tonight is our first day of official Highlander Band functions! We have a leadership meeting for section leaders and squad leaders at 5pm, our first practice for all band members starting at 6pm (starting, not arriving!), and we have a brief introductory band parent meeting at 7pm, hosted by our Band Booster officers.

REMINDER: Summer uniform clothing orders are to be picked up and paid for this week, before the start of any of our practices. We will have band booster officers stationed at a table somewhere between the front doors of Hazen and the band room. This table is where unform orders can be picked up and paid for. ANYONE who wants new summer uniform pieces may stop by this table to get what they need. We will have band hoodies, uniform jackets, hats, and band t-shirts all available. If you are new, considering buying some “fan gear.” If you are returning, perhaps its time to replace old garments with fresh ones?

FACILITIES: We have limited access in our building during the summer due to ongoing construction projects. Many areas of Hazen are currently blocked off and closed. Students will be directed as to what areas are acceptable for use. Both students and parents/guardians entering the building should be observant and aware of areas that are restricted to construction personnel only. At no time should anyone attempt to use an area that is roped/taped/locked.

MOD Pizza FUNDRAISER: On Friday, July 25, we have a MOD Pizza Fundraiser to benefit our band program! We have a lot of big spending goals to meet, most urgently is the replacement of Sousaphones and tubas, which cost us just under $11,000 each! We hope that since this is the one day we do not have band rehearsal next week, people will take the time to grab some food from MOD on our behalf and help us raise critical funds to pay for our large equipment needs!!! Order online or use the attached flyer in-store to make sure 25% of your bill comes back to US, your Hazen Band Program! Spread the word!!!

Renton River Days Parade Week - Practices and Performance!

The Hazen Highlander Marching Band starts its 2025-2026 season with the Renton River Days Parade! We have practices four days next week and the parade itself on Saturday, July 26th. 

Practices are Monday, July 21st thru Thursday, July 24th, from 6pm -9pm each day. 
The parade is on Saturday, July 26 at 10am

BAND LEADERSHIP has meetings at 5pm on Monday and Tuesday of parade week. Be on time!

Please visit the Band Download Center to download and READ the summer informational letter to make sure everyone is prepared!!!

We need volunteers from band parents/guardians to help with site logistics, please CLICK HERE to go to the volunteer page and SIGNUP!

Summer 2025 Marching Band Info

Important documents are being added to the Band Download Center and other pertinent announcements will be posted here, to supplement what is going out via e-mail and social media. Stay tuned!

Gala Ticket Availability and Pickup Info - Dec. 2024

​Online ticket sales for the 11th Annual Holiday Gala Concert ended at midnight, on Monday, Dec. 16th. We end online ticket sales a few days early to ensure that our booster organizers have time to assign seats, as all seats are reserved. If you have yet to purchase tickets, you may do so IN PERSON at HHS, at the following times:

​

• Tuesday, Dec. 17th, 6pm - 7pm, HHS Auditorium Lobby - prior to the Hazen/Risdon/McKnight Vertical Orchestra Concert

• Wednesday, Dec. 18th, 6pm - 7pm, HHS Auditorium Lobby - prior to the HHS Choral Holiday Concert

NOTE - There may be some tickets remaining for sale the evening of the concert, December 19th, but do not wait! We have sold out 75% of the auditorium capacity!!! 

As a reminder, admission to the concert is free; however, we are asking for a $20 per ticket to ensure we can continue offering equipment, uniforms, and travel for our three music programs. Without this fundraiser, festival trips we have planned for the will not be possible and some instrument in need of replacement will not be purchased! 

TICKET PICKUP: For those of you have already purchased tickets and need to pick them up, you may do so at the dates and times listed above, or at the will call station on the night of the concert, starting around 6pm. All seats are reserved, meaning you will be assigned a seat number and row that you must sit in to ensure we can seat everyone that wishes to attend. If the concert is a general admission free-for-all, some get the seats they want, many have to find ways to squeeze in or must separate from their party to have a place to sit. We tried that in the past and it did not work. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to sit in your assigned seat. 

At the posting of this message, you can still purchase Gala Dinner tickets at www.hazenboosters.org so please consider joining us at 5:30pm for a delicious meal that will further support our music program. We would LOVE to see a full dinner service as a great way to kick off our evening. As a reminder, our gift basket silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and dessert auction will be taking place at the same time as the dinner out in the main commons, where the Highlander Jazz Band will perform a brief set to entertain dinner and auction patrons.  

Dec. 2024 - Band AND Orchestra Updates!

December is a busy month for our music department and the purpose of this message is to make sure all band and orchestra families are fully aware of what is happening leading into Winter Break.

All band and orchestra students wear formal "concert black" attire for on-stage and formal concert performances. This uniform is an “on own” purchase, meaning we do not provide this or check it out to students. Students have two options, please see below:

Band and Orchestra Uniform and Dress Code

The purpose of the performance uniform is to blend as one. Ensembles must give a neat, clean, and professional look to show the audience that it takes serious pride in itself and its work. We blend with one appearance to take attention away from individuals, so the audience may focus on the work of the whole.

• UNIFORM – Concert Black

  • Option #1 (typically male)

    • Solid black long sleeve button up dress shirt properly buttoned and tucked into pants (no vests or polo shirts)

    • Solid black standard tie (no bow ties)

    • Solid black dress pants with solid black belt with standard buckle (no empty loops, fabric belts, or looped buckles)

    • Solid black dress socks – crew length for professionalism

    • Solid black dress shoes (solid black sneakers are not acceptable)

    • No hats/headphones/bandanas/sunglasses

• • Option #2 – Matching dress (typically female) - different for band and orchestra - see below

    • Symphonic gown title: “Jocelyn”

    • Orchestra gown title: "Lena"

    • Found at www.tuxedowholesaler.com

    • Gown is to be purchased on one’s own. Students should possess their gown as soon as possible to ensure its ready for first performance.

    • Students need to take their measurements to determine the size of gown they need. Go to: https://tuxedowholesaler.com/fittingvideo to see instructions on how to properly take measurements.

    • Gowns may need to be adjusted/tailored once received so last minute orders are not recommended.

    • Shoes/socks/etc: Closed toe solid black dress shoe. Varying heel styles/flats allowed. No sandals. Black/nude socks/hosiery allowed

    • Jewelry: Watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. may be worn as long as they enhance the look of the uniform without being visually distracting or intrusive.

All students have the option of wearing option #1’s shirt/tie combination instead of the dress.

**Booster assistance: If the cost of purchasing your own concert uniform causes financial hardship, please contact Mr. Coy to express the need ASAP and a petition to the Hazen Booster Club will be made to provide a uniform “scholarship.”**

If your student chooses to wear the matching dress, then PLEASE take your measurements ASAP and place your order so you have enough time for it to arrive. The dress has been very popular amongst our students and it was they who a few years ago asked that we add this option.

IF the dress will not arrive in time for Dec. 17th and 19th, students should prepare FORMAL concert attire that will match the look of the above as much as possible. No excuses for uniform will be granted after Jan. 1, 2025.

Non-Athletic Band and Orchestra Schedule

• Dec. 6th - Full Orchestra Friday, 7:30am (Philharmonic Only)

• Dec. 13th - Full Orchestra Friday, 7:30am (Philharmonic Only)

• Tues, Dec. 17th, 7pm - All Orchestra Vertical CONCERT featuring Hazen String Orchestra (orchestra I), Hazen Philharmonic Orchestra (orchestra II), and Risdon & McKnight Advanced Orchestras (student report times TBA)

• Thurs, Dec. 19th, 7pm - 11th Annual Hazen Holiday Gala Concert, featuring Vox Lumini, Hazen Chamber Chorus, Hazen Philharmonic Orchestra, and Hazen Symphonic Band (tickets required)

Band Basketball Schedule

I can now confirm and release the schedule of basketball games at which our Band will perform. During the season, there are MANY more games that both teams will play; however, we will only play the ones below. All students are required to perform with us as these are official functions of the band. That is why we only do select games. It would be unrealistic to have all band members at all games, so I try to create an “even” schedule that on average, has the band at one game per week. The days of the week are not consistent but that is out of my control.

Please add the below dates to your schedules. Thanks for your continued support!

Sat, Dec. 7, REPORT: 2:30pm, Tip-Off: 4pm – BOYS ONLY

Fri, Dec. 13, REPORT: 5:15pm, Tip-Offs:  6:30pm & 8pm – QUAD

Wed. Jan. 8, REPORT: 6pm, Tip-off: 7:15pm – BOYS

Wed, Jan. 15, REPORT: 6pm, Tip-off: 7:15pm – GIRLS

Wed, Jan. 22, REPORT: 6pm, Tip-off: 7:15pm – GIRLS

Tues, Jan. 28, REPORT: 6pm, Tip-off: 7:15 – BOYS

October 5, 2024 - Issaquah Salmon Days Parade Logistics

• REPORT time for students: 8am

• Students will check out uniforms and change between 8:05am – 8:25am

• Percussion and tubas will load equipment trailer immediately upon arrival, then change into uniform

• At 8:25am we will load RSD busses for transport then leave for Issaquah at 8:30am

• We will stage parade block and warm-up onsite between 9am – 9:30am

• Parade start is 10am. Band will begin marching the route dependent on where in the parade order we are assigned.

• We will complete the route between 10:30am – 11am. Once we have finished, we will report to busses, reload, and depart for HHS

• We plan to be back at HHS between 11:30 – noon

• Percussion and sousaphones will unload trailer FIRST, then change out of uniform

• All others may change back into street clothes, check in their uniforms, and go home as soon as we return back to HHS.

As with football games, everyone rides the bus for unform and equipment procedures. This is an official RSD trip so we are liable for all students that leave with us, that the come back safely.

Friday, Sept. 13 – First Home Game

• Band will perform during pre-game, half-time, and throughout the game in the stands.

• Band members are to be fully ready to begin game-day rehearsal at 4pm, on the HHS turf. This means instrument ready, dressed appropriately, and ready to begin their first drills.

• We have from 4pm – 5pm to marching through all material and do last minute cleaning.

  • The 4pm start time is a hardline, meaning anyone not present and ready to start by 4pm will be tardy.

  • We cannot rehearse on-field during class time on Fridays because the periods are too short.

• Students should arrive wearing “edge” marching shoes from “bandshoesonline.com,” grey marching band shirt, long black socks, and athletic shorts/pants (this is what they wear under their uniform)

• DINNER will be served to students, courtesy of Hazen Band Boosters, starting at 5pm. (special diets should PACK dinner to be safe and properly fed if there is any doubt about allergy)

• Students change into uniforms immediately following dinner, load RSD busses, then travel to Renton Memorial Stadium

• Band students stay together as a team throughout the game and return to HHS together via bus – there is NO self-transport or early pickup from the stadium unless there is an emergency or direct schedule conflict that requires student to be elsewhere for sports or academics

VOLUNTEER signup for game day is Below! We have MANY needs at HHS, dinner time, and at the stadium. NOTE: if you sign up, you are “on-duty” and part of operations, you are not there as a spectator and cannot spend the night just watching the game! These jobs can’t be done by students, so please join us and be vigilant!

SIGNUP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-50906771-first#/

UNIFORM PAYMENT UPDATE:

• A $60 fee for uniform cleaning and maintenance is due by Sept. 27. This money goes directly to clean the uniforms this year or replace a piece that is irreparable.

• Payment may be made before/after Wednesday night practices, before 4pm Friday start time, or during game-day dinner. This may be different from previously announced.

• DO NOT attempt payment during uniform checkout. Our uniform volunteers have asked that distribution and collection time be focused on keeping processes smooth and handling records/money makes it very tough

Thank you very much for your support so far – the season is 1/3 of the way done – just 66.6667% percent more to go!

2024 UW Band Day Information:

Logistical letter can be found by clicking HERE

Other info:

Families may PURCHASE tickets to watch UW vs. Eastern Mich as spectators using this link and help make money for our band: https://fevo.me/hazenbandday-24

• VOLUNTEERS for UW Band Day can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-50906764-husky#/

  • NOTE: all traveling spots are full – remaining spots are to help at HHS only

• Students should arrive to HHS dressed in their grey band t-shirt, LONG black socks, marching shoes, and athletic shorts. This is what they wear with their uniform

• EAT – kids need to EAT before they come to HHS in the morning. Yes its very early but we will not get a “Lunch” break until between 9:30am – 10am and kids may get hungry

• BRING water and a CLEAR bag – UW wants to minimize baggage and security issues. Some small clear backpags/shoulder bags should be brought per section for put water, music, or other life essentials

• We are asking that all students return to HHS via RSD bus following halftime

  • We are on UW campus and do not have facilities of our own. It is very difficult to keep eyes on students around 40,000 people – this is a tough trip and adding exceptions is tough on everyone

  • There is no where to store a student’s uniform if they wish to change out of it into street clothes and we don’t have a way to meetup with families to exchange kids  

  • We are leaving after HT because it will be likely around 2pm when we head to our busses, getting us home likely after 3pm. 5:45am – 3pm is a very long day for our kids after a full week of school

  • Family or student emergency will always be considered and we will adjust accordingly for student health and safety

• Thank you for your understanding – we control very little on this trip as we are following someone else’s timeline off-site

LAST CHANCE uniform fitting will be on Friday, from 2pm – 3pm – if anyone has yet to be fitted for and try on a band uniform, this is the last scheduled time. We will NOT do fittings or try on Saturday morning. Anyone without a uniform will not be allowed to travel or perform at UW Band Day. Anyone missing a uniform after this weekend will need to contact our uniform coordinator, Becky Wayment at: rmlarso@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY night help still needed! We need an on-duty “nurse” volunteer for each night practice as we still have kids that feel faint, noxious, or have sore muscles and need attention. Please sign-up to help. We also need TWO volunteers to be monitors for building doors. We need access to 700 wing bathrooms and the main commons from the D-wing courtyard. We are not allowed to prop doors for longer than a moment or two per district security. These monitors stay at the doors to admit students as they need during the night. PLEASE help – we have several spots open:

Wednesday link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-50639758-wednesday#

2024 - 2025 Band Program Calendar - NOW AVAILABLE

The band performance and rehearsal calendar for the full 2024 - 2025 academic year is now available. These dates are subject to change and there are many factors that may cause additions or edits. We will try to communicate these as soon as circumstances allow. Program attendance policy applies to all scheduled dates. CLICK HERE to get the calendar OR go to the Band Download Center. 

The ORCHESTRA calendar will be available soon.

Band - For Those That Missed Band Camp - INFO Letter for 2024 - 2025

Any band student that did NOT attend band camp but is enrolled in band and planning to participate, needs to read this letter and make sure they are ready for the time commitment, supplies requirements, and uniform needs. There is a LOT to know and those joining now are behind! CLICK HERE to get that letter or visit the Band Download Center.

Logistics for August 16th - Preview Show and Rainiers Game Performance

E-mails have gone out with information regarding the many important logistical pieces that go into making Friday a success. That information has been turned into a bullet point list in time-line order. Please CLICK HERE to get that ESSENTIAL information! 

Tuesday, August 13th - Two Marching Band/Band Camp Updates

FIRST – The Rainiers game isn’t just a performance, it is a fundraiser! We are committed to paying the Rainiers for 200 tickets, no matter what. Right now, we have sold 90. If the sale ended today we would lose money. When last we did this in fall 2022, we sold beyond the 200 mark. PLEASE buy a ticket and come to the game!!! We can make a solid profit if we sell all 200. Each band student needs a ticket and it would be great if some of their friends and family made the trip to Cheney Stadium and watched us play! You can place your order for tickets with our band booster Co-President Anna Nelson, by using the linked flyer (order form) and brining her payment before rehearsal or during lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. Don’t wait – ACT NOW!

Click Here For Order Form

SECOND – Summer uniform clothing items have arrived. Grey marching band t-shirts, polo shirts, hats, jackets, etc. can be picked up and paid for during Wednesday’s lunch break, before 9am, on Thursday, and during lunch on Thursday. Questions? Please contact Anna Nelson – nelson.anna@comcast.net At minimum, every student needs the grey shirt and blue polo.

Uniform and logistical info for Friday evening’s Tacoma Rainiers trip will be sent out on Wednesday. Stay tuned for that!

2024 Summer Marching Band Information Letter - NOW AVAILABLE!!!!

We have two week-long sessions for marching band and lots of information that needs to be known by all if we are going to be successful. ALL members both new and returning need to read and KNOW this info. Go to our Band Download Center to get our Summer Information Letter or CLICK HERE to get it! 

See you all in just under two weeks!!!

Important PERCUSSION Update - Percussion Camp and Audition Progress

Percussion camp:

• August 5 and 6, 9am – 5pm 

• For ALL percussionists joining band this year, grades 9-12

• LUNCH is on-own, packing suggested so students are not tardy for afternoon session

• Clothing and shoes for physical activity, as if one was in PE class

• Students should bring whatever drumsticks or mallets they own

• Students should bring flip folders if they own them, if they do not yet own one, then do not purchase one until we know what instrument each student will be playing

• ATTENDANCE: We have limited space on the drumline – if a student misses percussion camp they will NOT be assigned a spot and will not get to play with us this year!!!

NEW: Drumline limited space available and “audition” process

• We estimate 18-22 percussionists this school year

• We only have enough instruments likely for 15 total players and cannot buy more instruments – they are too expensive and take months to get

• Our band is usually around 80 students – to maintain proper balance and instrumentation sound we cannot allow 20% of the band to be “on drums” if we are to sound our best

• Percussion camp will serve as an “audition” to join the band for this year for potential percussionists

  • During percussion camp students will be instructed by a specialized instructor from the UW marching band, our section leader, and myself

  • Students will get chances to play all instruments during percussion camp and will be evaluated for their aptitude on each

  • Students will work on proper stick/mallet technique, marching technique, posture, etc

  • Students will learn group warm-ups, cadences, and sample performance material

  • Students will be carefully observed for positive attitudes, strong work ethic, cooperation, and teamwork across both days

• Based on those present at camp and the criteria above, I will choose students to assign to an instrument and a spot on the drumline. 

• We have limited space on the drumline – if a student misses percussion camp they will NOT be assigned a spot and will not get to play with us this year!!!

• Students that are not selected and assigned a spot will have the following options:

  • Agree to switch to a wind instrument, preferably brass, to learn and play instead of percussion

  • If not willing to switch, student will need to choose a new elective and will not be able to be in band for the 2024 – 2025 school year

• We will not have alternates or designated “subs” for drumline – we cannot provide enough instructional time and we do not have enough instruments to give one for a student to play

• Drumline spots assigned will be awarded based on the above – current year in school will not be a factor – we will take hardest working students with the best attitudes

I know this is a BIG change from the past. Typically in past years we end up with a percussionist shortage and needed to recruit from ourselves to fill spots. This is the first year where we are only losing 2 percussionists and gaining several from the middle school. While this is a good problem to have, it creates an unfortunate situation where we will have to make “cuts.” As I said above, we cannot buy more instruments. They take MONTHS to come in and we just spend $40,000 last year on our new set. We also cannot have too many percussionists because it will hurt the groups overall sound or balance. The same way that having 20 saxes would be a problem for a group our size, so is having 20 percussionists. We cannot rotate players because that means students will miss out and we cannot offer divided instructional time – our music and marching drill takes every moment to learn. Students that only get partial rehearsal time to learn theses critical parts will not be ready.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I regret needing to make these tough decisions. We really do not want to lose any student so please have conversations about potentially switching to trumpet, French horn, baritone, etc in order to stick with us. We would love to find ways for everyone to play with us, even if it means on a different instrument.

Highlander Marching Band - Summer 2024 UPDATED Calendar

A NEW version of the Summer calendar for the Marching Band has been published. Please go to the Band Download Center to get it now or check your e-mail!

HHS Graduation: Performance day logisitics for band/orchestra students can be found HERE: https://tinyurl.com/bdht48s9

BAND AWARDS BANQUET: . - Monday, June 10th in the HHS Cafeteria at 6:30pm for dinner and awards.

In order to make sure we plan for the right amount of food and ensure proper availability, we are asking you to complete an RSVP! There is no charge for the evening but we want to get it right. Please complete the RSVP form via the link below as soon as you can!!!

LINK to RSVP: https://s.surveyplanet.com/uefkqy2k

Remaining Rehearsals and Performances for 2023 - 2024 School Year

The 2023 - 2024 school year has only a few weeks left; however, the calendar for the Hazen Bands and Orchestras has much left on it! Here is what we have left:

• Full Orchestra Rehearsal - Friday, May 17, 7:30am

• Hazen Orchestras CONCERT - Thursday, May 23, 7pm

• Full Orchestra Rehearsal - Friday, May 24, 7:30am

• Symphonic Band and Philharmonic CONCERT - Thursday, May 30, 7pm

• Graduation Orchestra - Friday, May 31, 7:30am

• Orchestra Banquet - Wednesday, June 5 - Coulan Park - 5:30pm

• Graduation Orchestra - Friday, June 7, 7:30am

• Band Banquet - Monday, June 10, 6pm

• GRADUATION - Wednesday, June 12, 3:30pm

• TICKETS for the 10th Annual Music Department Holiday Gala are available NOW! Please CLICK HERE to go to the Hazen Booster Club website's online purchasing portal to get your tickets for the concert and/or our special 10th anniversary dinner!

Changes to Band Basketball Calendar - UPDATED Nov. 8, 2023

The marching band's football season is over but basketball season is coming! We perform at a number of basketball games in support of the athletic department and Hazen community. The dates that were initially published for basketball season have been changed to the following: 

• Sat, Dec. 2 – Boys BBall

• Friday, Dec. 15th – Double header

• Wed, Jan. 10 – Girls BBall

• Sat, Jan. 13, - Boys BBall

• Fri, Jan 26th – Double header

Band Updates - Sept. 26, 2023

PRACTICE CANCELED – Wednesday, Sept. 27

Our next football game is Thursday, Oct. 5, which means we need to prepare a new show for our audience; however, I need to actually write that next show! My work load is increasing on all fronts and I need to find time from somewhere so I can dedicate myself to getting marching drill prepared. Right now, it looks like my best chance to get that work done is to do it Wednesday night when I already had time blocked off for band work. We do not have anything pressing that has to be done this week so it’s the one time missing a practice will have a minimal effect on the band. This means I will be at my computer writing marching drill and ALL band students can have Wednesday night off! Expect this to be the only night we have a Wednesday night practice off considering our remaining schedule and I hope people can use this time for something personally productive.

ANOTHER CAR WASH!

Saturday, Sept. 30th will be a Band Booster sponsored Car Wash fundraiser to help us raise money toward our goal of replacing our drumline equipment. Our car wash back in the spring was a HUGE success! We held it at Les Schwab in the Renton Highlands and the staff at Les Schwab as well as their customers, raved about the exciting drumline music and the friendliness of our volunteers. They ASKED us to come back! The car wash will run from 10am – 2pm on Sept. 30 and we DO need volunteers! Both students and parents alike. Please use one of these two links to SIGNUP!

• Student SignUp: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-hazen16#/

• Parent adult volunteer signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-hazen15

UNIFORM FEES and CONTRACTS

The marching band uniforms you have seen our students in the last three games were a very expensive investment! At time of purchase, each uniform was worth over $400 each. With inflation I imagine replacement uniforms likely are more than that. Each season we dry-clean the uniforms 2-3 times at least. The price of cleaning has increased significantly as well. Each student must pay a $60 uniform maintenance fee to help us purchase replacement parts and clean the uniforms during the season. Each student was also given a signature page to return that acknowledges our uniform policies. The FEE and CONTRACT are due no later than uniform checkout time on game day, Oct. 5th.

The form itself says Oct. 4th; however, our volunteers are not typically here on Wednesday nights and they are here on game day. Its more practical to turn it in when uniform personnel are actually in the building. PLEASE make sure that page is signed and $60 is paid by Oct. 5 or we will no  longer be able to sign-out the uniform until payment is in. IF any student/family is facing financial difficulties and this fee cannot be paid at this time, that fee may be differed or waved by our band boosters so no student is prevented from participating fully. PLEASE let us know.

Marching Band Homegame #2, calendar, and Newcastle Days!

• We have completed one home game with the marching band and game # 2 is fast approaching, on Sept. 7! We have MANY volunteer needs so please help us by clicking the link and finding a way you can serve! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-hazen14

• Our full year calendar has been published via e-mail and is available here on our website! The downloadable one is available at the Band Download Center and our Google calendar here at can be found on the website drop-down menu as "program calendar of events!"

• On Saturday, Sept. 9th the Marching Band will join the Hazen Choirs and Hazen Dance team at Newcastle Days 2023! This community festival will be at Lake Boren park and will feature a short parade at 10:30am and stage show soon to follow. The band's logistics can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UbWgIhV-tXhkWzBUPKjvfu_ETWX7bogd/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115775214297129691420&rtpof=true&sd=true

Aug. 24th - Grill 'n Chill and Other Reminders

After speaking with the organizers for the night, I learned that the “pep assembly” portion of the night will begin around 6:15pm. 

Percussion are still to report at 4:30pm so they can play at the event’s start, just prior to 5pm. 

Woodwinds and brass should report to the band room at 5:15pm. We will rehearse until 6pm, then stage & perform in the main gym at 6:15pm. I estimate we will dismiss by 7pm and students may go home then. All students should arrive in their summer uniform (polos, khaki shorts/pants, marching shoes). 

REMINDER that starting this Wednesday, we have band rehearsal from 6pm – 9pm every Wednesday night throughout football season. 

Per our Pre-Camp Informational Newsletter, here is our performance calendar as of August:

Thurs, Aug. 24 - Freshman “Grill ‘N Chill” Night, 4:30pm – 6pm

Fri, Sept. 1 – Home Football Game – 4pm REPORT

Thurs, Sept. 7 – Home Football Game – 4pm REPORT

Sat, Sept. 9 – Newcastle Days Festival – AM – TBD

Fri, Sept. 22 – Homecoming Football Game – 3:30pm REPORT

Thurs, Oct. 5 – Home Football Game – 4pm REPORT

Sat, Oct. 7 – Issaquah Salmon Days Parade – AM – TBD

Thurs, Oct. 19 – Sounds of the Highlands Concert – 7pm Start, REPORT TBD

Fri, Oct. 27 – Home Football Game – 4pm REPORT

Wed, Nov. 1 – PICTURE NIGHT, 6pm – 8pm 

Our complete Handbook that outlines all attendance, grading, uniform, and procedures will be released sometime in the next 1-2 weeks, once I finish revisions for this year. Our previous handbook can be used as a start-of-year reference and can be found at the “band download center” on my program website, which is linked in my signature. 

A complete year-long calendar will be released as well, which will include the above dates as well as symphonic band performances, and summer 2024 parade & camp tentative schedules. 

Finally – please ensure your student is in attendance this week. While this is technically still summer vacation, all we learned during camp will be in grave jeopardy if our band goes two weeks having not touched the material. It took us every moment of band camp to bring you what we did at our preview show. The only way we can continue to succeed and grow is if we continue that learning before its been lost. We don’t have the hours available to relearn everything prior to our first football game. 

The Grill ‘N Chill on Thursday will be the first impression we set for our school staff and new freshmen families. A solid performance is necessary that night to ensure Hazen sees we are off and running and we can be relied on by Hazen to be ready to support it throughout the year. 

Thank you and see you all soon

August 18th, 2023 - Band Camp Community Preview Show Logistics and Info!

This is a reminder that our Community Preview Show will be held at Renton Memorial Stadium, at 3pm on Friday, Aug. 18th.

Yes – 3pm, not 2pm like last year. Students will ride the bus to and from the Stadium, and we will have a brief meet and greet at the end of the preview show so students can interact with their families over a cool treat.

A complete logistical newsletter can be found by clicking here!!!

Any student wishing to be dismissed from the stadium rather than ride the bus back to HHS, must have a parent/guardian contact me letting me know that they, their legal guardian, will be the one picking them up from the stadium and I must see the pickup occur. Percussionists/sousaphones are to ride the bus regardless, because they are responsible for unloading their equipment at HHS after the show. It is not our parent volunteers job to put away drums and tubas. Camp is dismissed at approx. 4:30pm on Friday, when the busses return to HHS.

NEXT – WE ARE HIRING a new official band videographer! Eric Tuazon did wonderful work the last two years but his son has graduated and moved on. We REALLY need someone to be at our field shows and concerts taking video, starting TOMORROW!!! Right now we have no one to make a video of what we do at the preview show. PLEASE consider taking on this role! Candidates must be adult family members of the band! Not brothers/sisters of current students or alumni students. We need someone with a current and active direct tie to our band.

Our band boosters will have Band Spirit Clothing available for sale as well as Brown Bear Car Wash Tickets! These both act as major fundraisers to help us achieve our goal of purchasing new drumline equipment to replace our aging instruments! 

Thank you, Highlanders!

This message has last minute reminders about Band Camp 2023!

First – we managed to get a few volunteers signed up today; however, we currently have ZERO volunteers doing water for our kids and the morning does not have an on-duty nurse to look after our kids! PLEASE help! SIGNUP HERE: Volunteer duties: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-band12

Second – Managing the Heatwave!

• We will be outside every day! While we will try to spend most of our outdoor time in the morning and early afternoon, to avoid the hottest part of the day, we cannot accomplish our goals for the season if we spend all of our time inside.

• SUNSCREEN! Students should apply at the start of each outdoor session. We cannot provide sunscreen to all 80 kids – please make sure your student has enough for the week!

• HYDRATE – we will have water in large jugs and some cups/plastic bottles, but students should bring their own bottle for filling

• COOL/breathable clothes – avoid dark colors and heavy cottons, hats and sunglasses are encouraged!

• SMOKE? – We will watch local air quality as smoke from nearby fires has been on the radar. We will move inside if the air quality exceeds reasonable levels

• Breaks will be provided every hour – students should be mindful of their own tendencies and communicate any health needs

MEALS – We will provide lunch to all students – vegetarian options will be available but those requiring gluten free and vegan diets should plan to pack to fill in any gaps that we cannot accommodate. Please make sure students arrive having eaten breakfast. Some snacks will be available by the water station at the turf.

ALL BAND MEMBERS must be fitted for their uniform prior to the first day of school. Returning band members will be checked with the uniform they used last year and reassigned if needed. New students will be measured from scratch and fitted to a uniform. The following dates and times remain:

• Tuesday, August 22nd – Highlander Day #2 (Freshman preferred, but anyone who this works better for)

• Wednesday, August 23rd – Night Practice, 4pm – 5:30pm (anyone who needs to be fitted)

BAND STUDENTS that wish to take advantage of Highlander Day services should plan on August 22nd. We will NOT be excusing students from band camp rehearsal time on Aug. 15th. Our rehearsal time and field availability are both precious. Students can do Highlander Day activities during their lunch break if they wish on the 15th. 

FRIDAY – A community preview show will be held at 3pm at Renton Memorial Stadium. Students will travel to and from the stadium via school bus and camp will be ended when we return to the school campus following that show, approx.. 4:15pm.

I think this covers everything. If there are further updates, we will send them out !

Thank you for your support!

Band Camp Weekend Update - 1 of 2 - August 13 . 2023

we have TOO MANY band camp volunteer spots still unfilled as of today!!! We need parent help DAILY being the “nurse” on duty and people to help manning the water station. There are spaces unfilled every day next week. Please consider helping us out!!! Our kids will have a tough week without you!

SIGNUP HERE: Volunteer duties: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-band12

SECOND – this one is a brief project but an important one Proper step-size is critical to the success of our on-field drill. While we can use yard lines, we do not always march “east to west” on the field. Quite often, we march up and down the lines as well. To ensure we make the proper formations and are reinforcing proper step size all season, we need measurement poles to measure off our distances.

We had two of them, but they have seemingly disappeared since last season. Myself and the students looked everywhere and we cannot find them. We need someone to make us new ones!!! This isn’t something we can simply buy from a music store, but it can be a simple DIY project.

We need at least 2, but 4 would be great, PVC or wooden poles that are 2.5 yards long, aka 7.5 feet each. Every 22.5 inches should be painted or taped off on the pole, to show us the 4 steps it takes to cover the length of the pole.

Would anyone be willing to take this on, make these, and get them to us by Tuesday or Wednesday? This is a short turn around but having them for camp would be a HUGE help. We can reimburse your supply costs!

Please consider this project and/or volunteering to help our students next week!

2023 Pre-Camp Informational Letter!

Please visit our Band Download Center to get the comprehensive band camp newsletter!!!

River Days Parade - LOGISTICAL INFO  - 2023

Good evening Highlander Fans!

The primary purpose of this message is convey critical information about the what/where/when/how of the Renton River Days Parade on Saturday, July 22nd. That information is located by CLICKING HERE – please read it thoroughly. Do not “skim.”

A few other items to update everyone with:

• We need volunteers ASAP to signup and help on Thursday night AND Saturday Morning! See this link and get signed up right away! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e49acaf2ca0fd0-renton3#/ - READ the job description on the Signup website!

• Reminder: if you do not signup to officially volunteer, then parents/guardians/family must remain in the audience and may not accompany the band at its performance. Too many people cause distraction and hinder our professional/educational work.

• Flip Folders and Lyres – all band members need to have these ASAP! When practicing outside we do not use music stands. Whether in the streets rehearsing a parade route or on the field for marching drill, we need our music and it must be attached to our instruments for ease of use. Several students have reported for practice this week and do not have one of or both items yet! Amazon, Music and Arts, Ted Brown Music, or other outlets that sell music supplies can get these for you. Please do not wait – these are essential supplies!!!

• REMINDER – Thursday practice ends at 8pm, NOT 9pm!!! Please make sure your child is picked up on-time Thursday. 6pm – 8pm Thursday!!!

• Make sure your student has all pieces of uniform needed for the parade! Blue band polo shirt, khaki shorts (or pants but it will be warm), marching band hat (optional), black “edge” marching shoes or appropriate athletic shoes, short athletic socks (white/black/grey OK). If a student isn’t fully uniformed they cannot march as our uniformed appearance is a major part of what we do as a unit. It conveys our group’s unity, professionalism, and eliminates visual distractions since we all match.

We are getting close! Thank you for your support to start the season – we are heading in the right direction!

Highlander Marching Band - River Days Parade, Day 1 - UPDATE - July 17, 2023

Good evening Highlanders!

We are in the final minutes of our first rehearsal in preparation for the Renton River Days Parade and I am much pleased with the effort and energy of our band to start off this new marching season! Our freshmen are adapting quickly and positively and our veteran leadership are being the examples of excellence we need in times like these. While we are taking a break from summer vacation to come “back to work” it certainly doesn’t feel like work when we are off to such a good start!

That being said, we had several unexpected absences today and several last-minute absence notifications. Our trumpet section especially, took a major hit today having only FIVE students out of TWELVE show up. The trumpet in most instances carries the melody and when over 50% of the section is missing, this is a huge detriment to the team. I hope that we will see more of our trumpet section in our coming rehearsals as our overall instrumentation is in big trouble if we only march with five at the parade. This has never happen to us before. You will hear a big difference missing so many trumpets.

To all – please remember that every absence negatively impacts the whole band. Yes – our schedule is busy and we ask a lot of time – but it takes all the time to make this team successful. If it was easy, everyone would do it and it wouldn’t be special anymore. There is a big reason why the Hazen Marching Band has been the ONLY successful marching band in our district and our entire region of WMEA. Unless we stick to our commitment to making this program the best it can be, we can end up like many other area schools that find themselves looking at marching band as only something fancy colleges do. 

NEXT – summer uniform order pickup is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week from 5pm – 6pm and it may stretch into the first hour of practice. Please make every effort to come pick up your clothing order. PAYMENT is due a pickup. Exact change cash, check, and credit card are accepted. There will be band booster volunteers outside the bandroom with orders ready. If someone cannot pickup their order this week because they will not be present until August practice, then we will announce further times when we get closer to band camp.

Khaki pants/shorts and marching shoes are purchase ON-OWN meaning families need to acquire these from elsewhere! Shoes are online at as per our summer newsletter and shorts can be purchased from whatever store you prefer. Just remember, pants/shorts need to be functional, not just fashion forward. Polo shirts must be tucked in and students must be mobile.

VOLUNTEERS needed!!! We need parent volunteers to distribute water to our students during the parade and practice for that routine at our Thursday night practice. We need to keep our performers hydrated but we can’t stop for water breaks on parade day, so we have a very special routine that we go through for water distribution. It takes coordination. We also need to have a band “nurse” on duty – kids twist something, need an ice pack, feel faint, etc. and a parent needs to be ready to help care for our students while the rest of us work.

Please use THIS LINK to signup to help! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E49ACAF2CA0FD0-renton3

For the parade we really need core veterans to help alongside a couple new freshmen parents. Consider these critical roles!

Last but not least – if you do not signup to volunteer, then you cannot “be” with the band on parade day. Anyone not signed up must remain as a spectator with the audience/crowd and may not hover near the band or walk with us during the performance. Official signed up volunteers and students only! We are a complex unit and have lots going on – we need focused official work at all times and cannot afford distractions or last minute additions.

FINALLY - on Wednesday at 6 o'clock we will be having an informational meeting for all band parents regarding upcoming summer band activities and the start of the school year. Any parents that have questions about band/volunteering should attend this meeting!!! This meeting will brief and will take place just outside the HHS building, near the front entrance doors.

A logistical message regarding parade day will be out in the next 48 hours – watch for it!!! 

Pre-River Days  UPDATE! - July 11, 2023

Good afternoon! I have several important updates regarding next week’s kick off of summer band action! Since there is a lot of info, I am going to try to keep it to a concise bullet point list. Please read carefully and pay attention especially to the END of this message!

• We need graduated seniors to participate! While I know not everyone is available, over a quarter of the band will be marching band rookies and we only have 4 days to prepare. To succeed, we need as much veteran leadership and experience as possible and our recently graduated seniors are a HUGE part of that. Please attend practice and participate to ensure the next generation has the support it needs
  
  

• Those needing to use a school wind instrument should plan to arrive early on Monday to be assigned an instrument. While it only takes an individual a few moments to get an instrument from me, if 20 students all want an instrument at 5:55pm we have no way of starting on time!
  
  

• Percussionists should arrive no later than 5:45pm for the first day of practice! We need drums setup and tuned QUICKLY. Our first rehearsal WILL start will FULL BAND as opposed to the past where sectionals were first. If percussionists show up at 5:58 we have no way or starting on time.
  
  

• LEADERSHIP should plan to arrive by 5:30pm for the first day if at all possible. We have 20+ freshmen joining us and they will have no idea where to sit or what to do. If our leaders show up at 5:57 in a huge rush, they set a poor example for the new kids and we again will not start on time. This is the first day so leaders should be ready and in place to receive and greet their section members.
  
  

• Summer uniform order pickup and payment will be Tuesday through Thursday. Since we have lots of first day logistics and organizing to worry about on Monday, we need an extra day to be prepared for transactions and item sorting. Those who need to pay for uniform pieces and pick them up, please come to the hallway near the band room before 6pm on Tuesday through Thursday. We may also have pickup/payment time available during the first hour of practice or near the end. Stay tuned for updates.
  
  

• There will be LIMITED water available in the Hazen building during parade week!!! Due to pool wing construction and the plumbing system in the building, water must be shut off to everything that is part of the same system as the pool. The “D-WING” of the building will be the only part of the building with running water. Students will need to use those toilets during rehearsals. Students that need to fill water bottles also need to use D-Wing sinks. Note – we are NOT without water, we are just restricted to D-Wing water sources. Bathrooms are in the D-Wing and are useable.
  
  

• HYDRATION! ALL students should bring water and actively consume it. We will be working 2-3 hours per day and will be active in music making or physical activity. No student should go without water. Since we are only here for 2-3 hours though, we will not be actively providing water/snacks for parade week. During band camp week we WILL provide water, snacks, and lunch every day because it is a full day. Students are responsible for their own water this week and should arrive FED for practice. No student should be going hungry. Please make preparations to ensure your child is getting the proper nutrition next week and arrives with water!

In case anyone missed it,  back in June a comprehensive newsletter was e-mailed, posted to our program website, and put on Facebook/Twitter. If you did not see or get that newsletter about our summer band work, you can get a copy of it here: https://sites.google.com/g.rentonschools.us/highlander-band-and-orchestra/home/marchingsymphonicjazz-bands/band-download-center

Please bookmark our program website, follow our Facebook page, and follow our twitter for quick reminders and updates. E-mail is where the long form information like this will go, but you can check those places for shorter versions or up-to-date reminders.

Finally, I want to stress to everyone that the procedures, policies, and requirements we set are based on over a decade of experience, practice, and real-time results. We have learned what it takes to get 80+ students to succeed as one unit. Logistics are intricate, discipline is essential, and full-group cooperation is critical. The Hazen Highlander Band Program has become popular in our community and beloved by the staff and students of Hazen. For our new parents and families, you will see how all this info comes together combined with hard work from our students, to present something truly special. It may seem intimidating, but once the pieces come together it will all make sense you will be proud of the work we do.

Thank you and see you next week!

Summer 2023 Marching Band Information is now available!

During the Summer, the Hazen Marching Band rehearses and performs in the Renton River Days Parade and has two weeks of critical rehearsal and performance in August. All information is now available! Go to our Band Download Center NOW to get the Informational Letter and Summer Uniform Order Form.

ALSO - Sheet music PDFs are now available for our parade music! Students that did not get a paper copy of their music from their middle school teacher or just need a replacement before we return on July 17, can now get their music here! These are available at the Band Download Center 

It's finally here! The leadership roster for the 2023-2024 Highlander Marching Band!

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/10BNrtbK-x9ZhRci3EMnn6ZuRggZgV85i/view?usp=sharing

End Of Year Event Dates:

• Monday, June 5 - Band Banquet @HHS  - 6:30pm (Food Provided, some donations requested): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e49acaf2ca0fd0-band9#/

• Wednesday, June 7 - Orchestra Banquet @Gene Coulon Park - 5pm - 7pm  (Food Provided at 5:30pm, awards at 6pm)

• Wednesday, June 14 - HHS Graduation @Kent Showare Center, 7pm (students REPORT at 4pm to HHS)

• Last Day of School: June 22nd

GRADUATION ORCHESTRA INFO - June 14, 2023

• Graduation begins at 7pm, at the Kent Showare Center.

• REPORT time for students on June 14th is 4pm, after school.

• Students need to arrive having eaten an early dinner AND be fully dressed in their formal, black concert attire

• We will rehearse from 4pm – 4:45pm, and DEPART HHS via bus for Kent at 5pm

• We are leaving 2 hours before the ceremony because in all past years, travel time to ARRIVE at the Showare center has taken an HOUR due to heavy traffic and infrastructure not meant to handle all the cars

• We CANNOT eat on site! Students need to eat prior to arriving at 4pm. If they wish to bring a snack, it will need to be consumed BEFORE entering Showare center. SORRY!!!

• Instruments will go under the busses or on our equipment trailer

• The graduation ceremony will likely end around 8:45pm. We will load the busses and return to HHS as quickly as possible.

• Students should be picked up from HHS as soon as we return, between 9:30pm and 10pm.

• Yes, we still have school on Thursday, June 15

• Graduation is required performance function and is the focus of our study for all of June – it is worth 100 points of academic credit

• Attendance policy for all other concerts/performances applies to this

NOTE: A common question is can students leave with family FROM Showare and not take the bus. Students may do so IF I have a written request from a Parent/Guardian NO LATER than Tuesday, June 13. The request MUST be from a Parent/Guardian AND it must be a Parent/Guardian taking the student home (email is OK). In addition, I need to physically see Students leave with that family member. Students may NOT ride home with anyone else than said parent/guardian. This is for student safety and security. Since this is an academic performance and trip sponsored by the Renton School District, we must follow strict protocol. I cannot release students without seeing a parent pick them up and NO they cannot go home with just a brother, cousin, aunt, grandfather, best friend, etc. Showare is a VERY busy place and crowd make it very difficult to keep track of everyone. It is a HUGE help to us that everyone follows this policy to ensure all students get home safely.

CONCERT UNIFORMS FOR BAND AND ALL ORCHESTRAS

Option #1 (typically male)

• • • Solid black long sleeve button up dress shirt properly buttoned and tucked into pants (no vests or polo shirts)

    • Solid black standard tie (no bow ties)

    • Solid black dress pants with solid black belt with standard buckle (no empty loops, fabric belts, or looped buckles)

    • Solid black dress socks – crew length for professionalism

    • Solid black dress shoes (solid black sneakers are not acceptable)

    • No hats/headphones/bandanas/sunglasses

    • Students may go to: www.tuxedowholesaler.com and order the “show package” in the “concert dress” section as a simple solution to the above. Pieces should be all black, which includes shirt, pants, and tie to ensure all pieces match and are of good quality. Shoes can also be purchased there.

• • Option #2 – Matching dress (typically female)

    • Gown title: “Jocelyn” for Symphonic Band, "Lena" for all Orchestras

    • Found at www.tuxedowholesaler.com

    • Gown is to be purchased on one’s own. Students should possess their gown as soon as possible to ensure its ready for first performance.

    • Students need to take their measurements to determine the size of gown they need. Go to: https://tuxedowholesaler.com/fittingvideo to see instructions on how to properly take measurements.

    • Gowns may need to be adjusted/tailored once received so last minute orders are not recommended.

    • Shoes/socks/etc: Closed toe solid black dress shoe. Varying heel styles/flats allowed. No sandals. Black/nude socks/hosiery allowed depending on shoe style.

    • Jewelry: Watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. may be worn as long as they enhance the look of the uniform without being visually distracting or intrusive.

    • All students have the option of wearing option #1’s shirt/tie combination instead of the dress.

UPCOMING WINTER PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL REHEARSALS

• Wed, Nov. 30th - Full Orchestra Rehearsal, 7pm - 9pm

• Fri, Dec. 2nd - Band @Girls and Boys BBall - 5pm Rehearsal, 6:30pm tip-off

• Fri, Dec. 9th - Full Orchestra Rehearsal, 7:30am

• Tues, Dec. 13th - Risdon/McKnight/Hazen  Orchestras In Concert - 7pm 

• Thurs, Dec. 15th - Music Department 9th Annual Holiday Gala Concert - 7pm ($$) - tickets at www.hazenboosters.org

LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND PERCUSSION CAMP: August 8th & 9th - Reminders

August 8th and 9th is both our Leadership Training and Percussion Camp. The day will run from 9am – 4pm, in two 3-hour sessions, here at HHS. A lunch break will be set from noon – 1pm. Students are on their own for lunch so they should either pack a lunch OR make appropriate plans to get lunch and return by 1pm.

Students should be dressed for athletic work just like all other band practices.

• Percussionists should bring whatever sticks/mallets they own and their flip-folder/lyre if they have one.

• Students NEW to percussion will be supplied with appropriate sticks/mallets as they as assigned an instrument – lyre purchase will need to be done by the student unless we have a spare

• Wind Players that report to leadership training should bring the same supplies they bring to any other band practice – PENCIL included

We will be both indoors and outdoors so please consider water, sunscreen, and dress appropriately.

Thank you and you’ll hear more about the rest of our band month in the coming days!!!

2022 Pre-Band Camp Informational Letter is posted!!!

Please go to Band Download Center to get a copy of our pre-band camp info letter. This was e-mailed out and posted to our Facebook page. It covers all you need to know about the band's work in the month of August. This is our most critical time as we prepare the fundamental skills for the whole year. This letter is a must read and its one that you cannot afford to skim! Triple check the letter to make sure you got things covered!!!

INSTRUMENTATION! One of the most important things I must stay vigilant with is our instrumentation. For our band to SOUND its best and to be able to play worth-while music effectively, we MUST have the right number of players on each instrument. This year, we have a deficit in TWO critical sections.

We have a BIG need in both the percussion section and the tuba section. The drumline (Percussion section) is the engine, the heartbeat, of the band. We need to have at least 11 people on the drumline or else we cannot function against a band of our size (over 70!) We are looking for volunteers from one of the woodwind sections to consider making the switch to percussion. If you play flute, clarinet, or saxophone, we very much encourage you to consider trying percussion. We have TWO days of percussion camp in August at which students will be taught all the skills they need to be successful on percussion. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP if your student is interested. I need to plan ahead and I need to know who wants to make the switch before I can approve it, so please make sure you talk to me before attending percussion camp.

TUBAS!!! The tuba (sousaphone) is the bass. The lowest sound of the band. Next time you listen to music, turn the bass all the way down and listen to the music on your speakers or headphones. Doesn’t sound very good when its all top-heavy does it? We only have TWO tuba players this year against again, a 70+ person band. We very much need TWO students to be willing to make this essential switch to the tuba. We will sound empty and music selection again is tough when we are lacking the bassline instrument. PLEASE speak amongst your family to see if we can get two tuba volunteers to begin their learning. We will cover the cost of using a school instrument for this school year, so there is no additional financial burden. We just need students to help us!

Every year it takes a lot of work on my part to keep balancing the band’s section sizes. While students love to play what they play, imagine a baseball team with 6 1st basemen and no outfield. How about a football team with 8 receivers and only 2 people on the offensive line. What about a soccer team with no goalie? Yes, its just like that if we don’t have players in the right spots.

Thank you as always for a great parade week. I look forward to continuing our work in August for an exciting year. Please make sure you’ve read everything and consider percussion or tuba as a possibility. This is a big need. 

2022 SUMMER BAND INFORMATIONAL LETTER!

About two weeks ago, our Summer Informational Letter for the Highlander Band Program was e-mailed out to all band families we have on file, both new and veteran.

If for some reason you did not get that e-mail and/or you are not receiving e-mail updates from the director, Mr. Coy, you can CLICK HERE GET THE INFO LETTER!

ALSO: contact Mr. Coy ASAP to get added to our e-mail list for all upcoming band updates!!!
christopher.coy@rentonschools.us