Notes from May 16th Parent Meeting

Post date: May 21, 2017 8:38:02 PM

1. Highlights from 2016-17

It’s been another great year, carrying on the great traditions of the BHS Bands, plus a number of new events (Indoor Marching Concert, Holiday Concert at the Bartlett Rec Center, etc.). Congrats to the Students and well wishes to our Graduating Seniors. Photos from the final concert, including Senior Portraits and the after-show Bowling.

2. Band Schedule for Rest of School Year and Summer

Mr. Hollaway understands that there will be inevitable conflicts with certain practices and events. Please advise of any conflicts ASAP via e-mail (erichollaway@U-46.org)

a. Graduation – There a couple of practices ahead and graduation on Saturday, 5/27. Performing students will be expected to report around 6:00 pm and will return to BHS around 10:00 pm.

b. Fourth of July Parade

i. Practice Monday, June 26th from 9:00 to Noon (Drumline will get started from 8:00 to 9:00)

ii. Parade Sunday, July 2nd likely step off around 1:00, call time 12:00 and we’ll be meeting somewhere near the Gazebo / Bartlett Elementary in downtown Bartlett. High school performers will wear khaki shorts and their BHS Band Shirt (green, dri-fit). We’ll likely need a few parents to assist with water More info will follow via e-mail and Facebook as the time approaches.

c. Band-O-Rama – July 12^th: this a great event to get primary and middle school band students excited about the program, reinforcing that this is one continuous program. This is an optional event involving 5th through 11th grade students. Current high school and other students should register for the event HERE. We may follow up with a request for a few parent helpers for the day.

d. Summer Band Camp

i. 7/31: 9:00 am – Noon (followed by group lunch) – Drum Majors & Section Leaders

ii. 8/1: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Student Leadership and incoming Freshmen

iii. 8/2: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Student Leadership and incoming Freshmen

iv. 8/3, 8/4, 8/7, 8/8, 8/9, 8/10: 9:00 – 4:00 pm – All Members

v. 8/12 (Saturday): 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – All Members (this will include practice, preview performance, and family picnic)

vi. Drumline schedule – to be announced

vii. Miscellaneous

1. Uniform Distribution – this will take place one or more evenings during band camp.

2. Supplemental Uniform Items (Shoes - $30 for new/$15 for used (while available), gloves - $2 per pair, green shirt – order form)

3. Water – Throughout the marching season, the band goes through a lot of water. Accordingly we look for each student to bring in a case of water or $3 to go towards water purchases.

4. Picnic – More details to follow as the time approaches.

3. Additional 2017-18 School Year Plans

a. Football Games - 9/1, 9/8, 9/22, 9/29, and 10/13 (perhaps one or more may move to Saturday(s)). As you can see, the season is heavily front loaded, placing additional importance on the need for a focused and well-attended band camp (but the good news is hopefully no cold, snowy nights!).

b. BHS is exploring options to launch a Color Guard that would perform with the Band. Stay tuned for more details.

c. U46 Marching Band (10/11 at EHS)/ Jazz Band / Concert Band Festivals

d. Thanksgiving Parade – an All-U46 Marching Band has been accepted to perform in the 2017 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. We expect that it will be around 500 students and quite a performance.

e. Fox Valley Music Fest will be held at BHS in Spring 2018 (4/29-4/30/18). This will be the 90^th annual event. As the time approaches, we’ll need to coordinate a number of volunteers for the event.

4. Fundraisers – Fundraisers fall in one of two categories: general (to support the BHS music program, offset certain student costs) and student account specific (funds raised are allocated to student “accounts” that go towards the cost of travel (i.e. Disney)). Generally, these are optional opportunities. Please consider helping with the coordination of these events:

a. Car Wash (August)

b. Gift CheckBooks (August)

c. Pancake Breakfast (Part of 20^th Anniversary Event – September 23)

d. Fill the House Bowling (November)

e. World’s Finest Chocolate (September, November)

f. Craft Fair / Bake Sale (October)

g. Pies (October/November)

h. Restaurant Nights (various)

5. BHS Booster Club Update: the Activity Complex will be developed with grants and donations, but the exact timing of completion remains uncertain. This fall, watch for Booster membership forms – joining the BHS Boosters gets you entrance into a number of BHS events (varies based on level of membership) and Boosters’ funds benefit various programs at BHS, including the Arts.

6. Spirit Wear – Orders are due Monday, May 22^nd. Options include several new items and past favorites that show off our band pride. Items will be delivered by the July 4^th practice.

7. Disney Trip – Spring 2018: The BHS Marching Band will return to Disney World in Orland for Spring Break 2018. This year, the Band will be accompanied by the BHS Choir. Tentative dates: Depart Sunday March 25^th,, Return Saturday March 31^st. Final cost for the trip will be determined based on the number of students / buses. It is expected that the cost for each student will be no more than $1,250 (this includes transportation, lodging, park tickets, breakfast daily, and a $20 daily meal card). The students will perform at a Disney park and participate in a clinic with a professional Disney musicians / instructors. The trip will be an unforgettable experience. More details will follow throughout the fall.