TO:     Band Members and Parents
FROM:   D. Chipman
DATE:   July 02, 2001
RE:     Band Camp Information

The purpose of this letter is to give you general information, duties and times of this year's band camp. Also enclosed in this mailing is show music for instrumentalists.

CAMP SCHEDULE:

July 20 (Friday) 10:00 a.m. until finished. All band officers and section leaders will report to work on band camp preparations, i.e. setting up band room, copying drill, lining off field, etc. If section leaders are unable to attend, please contact Mr. Chipman. You will need to make sure the assistant section leader can show up to work.

July 23 - 26 (Monday-Thursday) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Camp rehearsals for ALL band members. We will work on music and marching fundamentals. The band room will open at 8:30 a.m.

July 30 - Aug 3 (Mon - Fri) - Band Camp for ALLband members - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
**NOTE: We will begin rehearsals ON TIME both weeks. Students should arrive at least 5 minutes early.**

Please note the dates and times listed above. Students are required to attend all band camp rehearsals during both weeks and any other meetings that may apply to them. The success of the group depends on the dedication of every member. As the weather will be hot and humid, students should dress in light clothing and comfortable shoes. No "flip-flop" or sandal type shoes will be worn during marching practice. Proper marching technique cannot be accomplished while wearing this type shoe. Students will not be allowed to march in bare feet. Some type of comfortable atheletic shoe is required. For the second week, students should bring lunch as no one will be permitted to leave the school campus until dismissal times. Soft drinks will be will be sold for .50 cents during lunch time and at the end of the day. They will be sold during the first week at the end of rehearsal. If you are going to drink soft drinks, please buy them at camp. The money raised will go toward buying music and supplies during the year. Water will be provided during breaks on the marching field, or students may bring their own cooler with water, juice, gatorade.

Music: as stated above, show music is included in this mailing for woodwind and brass players. For the percussion section, we will pass out music during the first couple of days of camp. Wind players should begin practicing the music on a daily basis before camp starts. Work on notes, rhythms, and begin to work on memorizing. I do not expect the music to be perfect at our first meeting, however I do expect every student be familiar with notes and rhythms so that we may concentrate on musical detail during our full band and section rehearsals. Again, daily practice is essential - starting NOW! You will be playing your instrument an average 4-5 hours a day during camp, so make sure that you get your self in shape. Practicing a day or two before camp starts will do you no good and you will be miserable during camp if you don't keep in shape.

Flip folders: All brass and woodwind players should come to band camp with a Flip Folder to hold marching music and a Lyre to hold the folder on your instrument. If you do not already have these, both items can be purchased at Amro or Mid-South Music. You should take your instrument to the music store with you to ensure that the Lyre fits. Flute players should purchase a Lyre that straps to your arm.

Band fees for the 2001-02 year: A fee of $230.00 will be charged to all students in the band program. All students have been contacted. Those that have indicated they will be a member have been assigned a spot in the show and will be charged the full band fee. This was stated in the letter mailed out in April. It will cover all fees for band camp, uniform fees (normal wear, cleaning), and transportation costs to football games and contests. It will also include your band T-shirt.

This fee is due the week of July 23. Reminder: When playing, please make checks out to "Bolton Band Boosters".

This year's show contains the music of the Broadway hit, "Les Miserables." These are first rate arrangements, and should make for a very exciting show.

The music could seem challenging to some of you and might scare you a bit at first, but don't worry about it. As with every piece of music that a band plays, it will require time and a lot of work from everyone to perfect. Everyone will be required to learn and perfect their individual part. There will be no 'slacking off', relying on others to perform your part for you, or 'faking' parts. I firmly believe that, in working together, we will present an outstanding show - one that will be very appealing to our audience and will be competitive at contests.

We have a very talented group returning and very talented group of new members this year. We will be marching 115-120 members. I am very excited about our continued growth and improvement. I look forward to seeing all of you and I look forward to another great year. If you have any questions, please call 873-8150, ext 225 and leave you name and number on my voice mail. I do check my messages and will return your call ASAP. I can be contacted faster by email: banddir@bellsouth.net