It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the West Hills Blue and Black Brigade 2010/2011 class!  This year is going to be filled with many opportunities for your student to broaden their music education.  We’ve got some new staff on hand and I am hoping to introduce some new ensembles for the students to join.  My goal this year is to bring about new and exciting ways for your student to be a part of the music scene.

           

            First things first though, marching band.  I think it is only fitting marching band is one of our first ensembles for students to be a part of when they start each year.  Through marching band the students are able to get to know each other very quickly.  In a matter of weeks the entire ensemble is asked to play music, memorize it, and then march it on a field in front of a crowd.  To fully be prepared for this task, the students must work closely together to ensure that everyone succeeds. 

           

            As a student of the West Hills Band there are many areas for you to grow and develop talents beyond just music. One way is through the IMC, which stands for the Instrumental Music Council. As director, I rely on the students to get much of the administrative tasks done and this is through IMC. Be sure to visit the band web page and read about the many jobs they do.  This year’s IMC is dedicated to making your students year with us a successful one!

 

 

            I also mentioned Band Camp. Band Camp is equivalent to what sports teams refer to as “hell week.” I think of it more as basic training, considering marching bands are derived from the military. It is here the students will learn marching basics, breathing techniques, and of course music. Band Camp is essential to our program and is NOT an optional event. I will not lie to you that much is demanded. First, and foremost, is attendance. We can’t teach anything if the students are not there. If you are not there, we all loose out as a team.  Band Camp will be Monday August 23^rd through Friday August 27^th from 12:00pm to 9:00 pm and Monday, August 30^th through Thursday, September 2^nd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.  Yes, those times are correct. We will be rehearsing outside during the cooler parts of the days, and inside during the warmer parts.  On Friday, September 3^rd we will be having a rehearse-a-thon from 12:00pm to 9:00pm.  The students will be asking people to sponsor them as they participate in an all day rehearsal with a performance at the end to culminate our band camp. Details will be discussed at the meeting on August 19^th.  Because marching band is a strenuous activity we are required, as will all sports to “clear” all participants through the administration office. What this entails is a physical by a doctor, proof of insurance, and the purchase of an ASB card. We will have Clearance Packets available at the parent meeting, but you my download them from the Charms Web Site.  No student will be allowed to begin band camp without proper clearance!

 

If you or your student cannot attend this meeting it is imperative that you email me at cpate@guhsd.net so I may get this information to you.

 

            In closing, I want to express to you my excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming year. It is my hope that pulling together as a team that this band will see great success. Also below is a little paragraph for you to read. I would like each person to consider their part in this band as it relates to this paragraph and the importance of everyone being at band camp. I also look forward to meeting each of you at this meeting on Thursday, August 19^th. Once again if someone from your family is not able to attend please contact me so that I may get the necessary information to you. Again, thank you and we’ll see you August 19^th!

 

Sincerely,

Courtney Pate

Band Director

 

            Here are a couple important dates to remember.