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*Band students are those in any of the band programs at Athens Drive: Marching Band (including color guard), Class bands (Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble), Winterguard, Indoor Percussion Line, and Jazz Ensemble.
ADHS Band Program Overview
Letter from Dr. Markoch | View as Word document |
Spring, 2008
Dear prospective band member,
The purpose of this letter is to introduce you to our band program and to offer suggestions regarding scheduling. There are several reasons for considering membership in our band at this time: 1) eighth graders will be asked to sign up for high school courses in a few weeks; 2) several opportunities are available during the following months to visit our high school and attend concerts and other events; and 3) students interested in performing in our marching band can begin earning services hours this Spring in order to lower the cost of participation.
Priding itself as being Athens’ #1 ambassador, our band consists of many of the brightest, friendliest, and enthusiastic students in the school. During the past 30 years, our program has earned critical acclaim in all areas of performance including marching band, wind ensemble, concert band, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble, and winterguard. In addition to musical honors, our band has maintained a high level of character among its membership. Leadership traits such as self-discipline, courage, integrity, and teamwork are demonstrated on a daily basis and are the foundation of our philosophy.
THE ATHENS DRIVE BAND PROGRAM
Our band program can be divided into two basic categories: co-curricular ensembles which meet during the school day and for which students receive credit; and extra-curricular ensembles which meet after school and for which students receive no credit.
CO-CURRICULAR, CREDITED ENSEMBLES
The Concert Band (Band I & II) is open to all woodwind and brass students who have successfully completed middle school band. MOST EIGHTH GRADERS WILL ENROLL IN THIS COURSE (EXCEPT PERCUSSION). The purpose of this ensemble is to further develop the musical skills students have achieved in middle school. Although the focus is on fundamentals and concert music, time is spent during the first several weeks helping students master their marching music. The Concert Band performs several concerts throughout the year, including N.C. State Band Festival and Graduation. Students are highly encouraged to enroll in concert band in the Fall and Spring semesters (i.e., double block).
The Wind Ensemble (Band III & IV) is the advanced woodwind and brass ensemble in the band department, comprised of mostly juniors and seniors. This group performs the most challenging literature and maintains a very high level of performance. The Wind Ensemble has earned SUPERIOR RATINGS at the N.C. State Band Festival for many years. An audition is required for membership; freshmen may audition only if they receive a recommendation from their middle school band director. Students who study privately and/or have participated in Honor Bands generally make the strongest candidates. Due to the nature of this ensemble, students will be expected to enroll in wind ensemble in the Fall and Spring semesters (i.e., double block). EIGHTH GRADERS SHOULD CONTACT THE BAND OFFICE ASAP IF INTERESTED IN AUDITIONING FOR THIS GROUP.
The Percussion Ensemble (listed in the course guide as “Jazz Ensemble”) is the band that all percussionists (including ninth graders) enroll in at Athens. The course is open to all students who have completed middle school band. Students work to improve their skills in all areas of percussion technique including mallets, tuned and non-tuned percussion, and auxiliary instruments. The students will participate in small ensembles, will be responsible for working on an individualized program, and will also be assigned to perform in concerts with the wind ensemble and/or concert band. Students are highly encouraged to enroll in percussion ensemble in the Fall and Spring semesters.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR, NON-CREDITED ENSEMBLES
The Marching Band is the most visible and active group on campus. This ensemble includes most woodwind and brass instruments, percussion, and colorguard (flags, rifles, sabers). There is an audition required for percussion and colorguard; the audition is in May (information is available by the end of April). Woodwind and brass instrumentalists who have successfully completed middle school band are not required to audition; however, all students planning to participate will need to complete a membership intent form by the end of May.
The marching band rehearses from late-July through mid-November. In the summer, the band rehearses a few weeks at school in the evenings (July 21-24; August 12-14; August 19-21) and one week away at band camp (July 27-August 1). Once school begins, the band rehearses after school three times a week. Performances include all home football games, several band festivals/competitions and parades. There are also many social events including parties and fun trips. [The band has recently performed at Walt Disney World, Hersheypark, and Busch Gardens.]
There is a “fair share obligation” for participating in the marching band because the marching program is not funded by the county (except for uniforms). In order to cover the cost of bandcamp, additional staff, music, choreography, equipment, transportation, and various other services, each student is assessed two types of commitments: a cash commitment and a service commitment. Last year the cash commitment was $450 and the service commitment was the same. The service commitment is relatively easy to fulfill provided that the student (and family) is willing to commit time to some very enjoyable group efforts—working the concession at the Durham Bulls Baseball Game, the Raleigh Arena, distributing Christmas gift boxes at Belks, purchasing Food Lion/Lowes Food coupons, selling frit at our annual fruit sale, etc. Financial assistance is available through the booster organization for students who demonstrate need. No student should be discouraged to join due to the financial obligation; we will assist every family willing to contribute their “fair share.”
STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO MAKE A DECISION REGARDING THE MARCHING BAND UNTIL MAY. Students do not sign up for marching band through the school system; rather, they sign up directly through the band department. Families interested in learning more about this ensemble can visit our website or contact the band office.
The Jazz Ensemble is an extra-curricular group that performs a lighter variety of music including all forms of jazz (swing, ballads, Latin, etc.), some rock and popular music. The group meets 1-2 days after school from January through May and performs at several concerts, festivals, and school/community events. Like the marching band, students do not sign up for jazz ensemble as a class; rather, they will sign-up through the band department in December.
The Winter Guard is the indoor complement to the marching band color guard. The purpose of the winter guard is twofold: to develop the skills of existing members and to recruit new students to join the marching band. Like the color guard, this group is dedicated to achieving the highest quality of visual performance through dance and the manipulation of equipment such as flags, rifles, and other props. The winter guard performs at several regional competitions. Auditions are required for membership (held in early December). A fee is assessed for instruction and equipment.
SCHEDULING
All of the high schools in Wake Co. (with the exception of Enloe) are on the “block schedule.” The structure of the block schedule is simple: students take four 90 minute classes in the fall and four 90 minute classes in the spring for a total of 8 credits.
Based upon the success that we have experienced in our program on the block for the past three years, we urge students to enroll in band class for BOTH FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS. This arrangement affords students to take an additional six different courses per year.
We are very diligent in exploring ways to make the most out of our 1.5 hour music period. The additional rehearsal time afforded by the block schedule has allowed us to incorporate the following experiences into our curriculum: 1) sectional and individual practice time included in the rehearsal in order to sharpen performance and lessen the amount of time students are required to practice at home (students have more time for homework); 2) more individualized attention (in sectionals); 3) increased time for warming-up and reinforcing fundamentals (this is particularly valuable for younger players); 4) the exploration of a larger quantity of literature and/or the preparation of literature of greater artistic depth than that possible on more time-restricted schedules; and 5) a more comprehensive approach to music via videos (e.g., “Young Peoples Concerts” w/Leonard Bernstein & N.Y. Philharmonic) and guest performances. Most importantly, the overall performance of the band is better!
It must be reiterated that if band students enrolled in band class (Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble) for only one semester each year, the quality of the overall band program would suffer. The strength, precision, and finesse required to play a musical instrument well requires daily practice. Experience has proven that few students actually practice their instruments when not enrolled in a scheduled group activity. Without daily practice and instruction, no progress/improvement in our program can be expected.
HOW DOES MARCHING BAND FIT INTO ALL OF THIS?
The majority of our band students (approximately 80%) participates in both marching and concert bands; however, students may elect to participate in one or the other. Please understand however that students who participate solely in the marching band receive only 3-4 months of after school instruction and the experience is focused to a great degree on learning the music and marching maneuvers for one “show.” Students who enroll in concert band during this time receive a much more thorough level of musical instruction. Other benefits of participating in concert band and marching band include the following: 1) we will spend the first several weeks helping students learn/memorize their marching music (this has proven to be very helpful); 2) students learn all of the pep music and eventually branch out to concert literature (a good variety); 3) students receive a more well-rounded music education, as well as a thorough orientation to the school and the band program; and 4) the director gets to know the students better, which is important for many reasons such as the determination of future leadership positions within the program. With the additional credits available to students on the block schedule, it is hoped that all of our marching students enroll in the class bands for a more complete musical experience.
Students who enroll in concert band but not marching band miss out on one of the most enjoyable, exhilarating experiences music education affords! Marching band students get to experience the following: 1) the fun of combining physical motion with music; 2) the thrill of performing for thousands of people throughout the season; 3) the passion of working intensely toward a goal; 4) the discipline and commitment involved with working as a group; 5) the gift and comfort of many friends; 6) the reward of achievement; and 7) the pride of being recognized as one of Athens’ best!
Students should try to plan as much of their four year schedule as possible. I urge everyone to double-block concert activities next year and consider signing up for marching band in May. In this way, students get involved from the beginning. After having participated for a full year, students will be able to make a more informed decision regarding their future.
You will be receiving more information about our program in a few months. Upcoming concert dates are Feb. 26 (Concert Band/Jazz Ensemble), Mar. 6 (Percussion Ensemble/Wind Ensemble), May 22(Concert Band/Jazz Ensemble), and May 31 (Percussion Ensemble/Wind Ensemble). All concerts are held at ADHS and begin at 7:30pm. Please visit our website, www.adhsband.com, for the latest information. In the meantime, if there are any questions I can answer for you, please do not hesitate to call or email.
Sincerely,
Jerry Markoch (aka, “Doc”)
