William Blount High School Band

Dear Band Families:

All band members should be aware that attendance at band camp is mandatory. During band camp, the band accomplishes more than six weeks worth of work. Here are a few reminders:

• New This Year: EVERYONE IS REQUIRED TO BRING THEIR OWN PERSONAL WATER CONTAINER. Cups Will Not Be Provided! It can be as simple as a half-gallon milk jug. One 12 oz. water bottle is NOT adequate. It needs to be at least a 32 oz. Container. No Gatorade will be provided – just ice and water. Also, bring a hand towel everyday for body temperature control. You will be soaking it in ice water.
• Prepare for camp by spending time outdoors during the heat of the day, conditioning your arms by carrying a gallon of water around at eye level, and eating healthy (stay away from soda).
• Band room opens at 7:30 a.m. Arrive before 9 a.m. (students need to be ready and on the field by 9 a.m.).
• It is very important to eat breakfast! Don’t forget to bring a lunch (hot weather food, stay away from dairy), dinner will be provided during the evening rehearsals.
• Wear shorts, light colored T-shirt, tennis shoes with socks, DEODORANT, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lots of sunblock.
• Don’t forget your instrument, lyre, flip folder (can be purchased from Rush’s or Lunsfords), pencil and highlighter.
• On July 14, there will be a required parent meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the WBHS auditorium. For those that work evenings, there will be an identical meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday 7/15.
• Items you will need to purchase are marching shoes (~$30), gauntlets & gloves ($10-15 each) and a band shirt ($10) and blue shorts. Depending on the weather, uniforms may not be worn the first few games in August, instead, band shirts and blue shorts.
• Our potluck dinner and concert begins at 6 p.m. on July 23. Please bring enough food for your entire family and some to share.
• The medical form needs to be filled out and notarized by the first day of camp. We will not be able to give your student even one Tylenol during camp if this form is not on file. We will have a notary available the first night of camp.

During band camp, there is a need for parents to get involved. Any time that can be given would be much appreciated, even if you just want to bake brownies! If you have not already signed up, you can contact Colleen Mausser at 995-1555 or wbconcessions@charter.net or Deanna Wolff at 981-9750 or srt1500@gate.net.

Sincerely,

WBHS Band Directors

The Flag team is having a yard sale this Saturday, June 27 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Smokey View Baptist Church. The church is on the corner of Old Glory and 321 just above the golf driving range.

2201 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Maryville, TN 37801

If anyone who has any items they want to donate to the yard sale, please contact Bethany schsbandchick@bellsouth.net.

Wow! Wasn’t last night fabulous? Because of the logistics of the 9th Grade Academy, all of the students played together for the first time in front of everyone. They did not get a chance to rehearse as a group 8th through 12th grades, until the actual concert performance. This year it seems each performance is noticeably better than the previous. Next year is going to be so exciting!

Thank you to all the parents who helped with the picnic. From those guys and gals on the grill, to those that just showed up and did what needed to be done for all to get served and cleaned up. It’s like we’re just one big family and everyone pitches in when needed. And such wonderful food, potlucks are so much fun.

May is a transition time for our Booster Club as we say welcome to our new booster officers and good bye to our senior officers Teri Henderson (Josh Spillers) and Kevin Johnson (Jessica). Thank you both for all your hard work and dedication over the years! You will be missed!

Graduation night is the final event of the year for band.

Dear Parents,

On Monday, May 4 the WBHS band is having the 8th grade band students from CMS and UGMS to the high school for “band day.” This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and make new music! The schedule for the day will be as follows:

* 8:30 a.m.    Busses will transport 8th graders from CMS & UGMS to WBHS
* 9:00 - 2:30    Rehearsal in the band room
* 2:30    Busses will transport 8th graders from WBHS to CMS & UGMS
* 6:00 p.m.    COOKOUT! We will have a cookout for all band students and parents
* 7:00 p.m.    Concert in the gym

All students should wear their Sunday best – must meet school dress code!

Admission to the concert is free.

We look forward to a wonderful day with your students and to a great performance that evening. We hope that you will plan to attend!

Sincerely,

Mr. Mark Connell,
Director of Bands

Mr. James Slaughter,
Asst. Director

Mr. Brandon Arnwine,
Asst. Director

Dear Parents,

On Monday, May 4 the WBHS Band is having “band day.” The 8th graders from Carpenters and Union Grove Middle will spend the day at WBHS in a long practice session with the band culminating in an evening concert performance. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, make new music, and encourage our incoming freshman band members.

At 6 p.m. that evening, the booster club will host a picnic, providing the hot dogs and hamburgers. Everyone else is asked to bring sides and desserts. Please remember that we are furnishing the food for the band and the 8th graders (over 40 students) from two schools.

There will be a large group of 8th graders and their families, and they are not asked to bring anything. Please bring enough food to feed a huge group! Feel free to bring your favorite item even if it is not in the category you are assigned.

Band families, please provide the following:

*  Everybody – 2 liters of drinks

*  9th & 10th  – Side items such as chips, various salads, baked beans, etc.

*  11th & 12th – Desserts

We look forward to a wonderful day with your students and to a great performance that evening. We hope that you will plan to attend!

Sincerely,

Mr. Mark Connell,
Director of Bands

Mr. James Slaughter,
Asst. Director

Mr. Brandon Arnwine,
Asst. Director

The William Blount Band Banquet is from 6:30 p.m.  to 11:00 p.m. on April 23.

The cost is $10 for parents, family, and friends.

Join us in congratulating the members of this fantastic Band and bid a fond farewell to our seniors, both students and parents.

2009 WILLIAM BLOUNT SYMPHONIC BAND

The 2009 William Blount High School Symphonic Band will begin the first day of the second semester of the 2008-2009 school year.  The Symphonic Band is made up of all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students enrolled in the William Blount High School Band program.  This is going to be the premier performing ensemble at William Blount High School.  There are several expectations that will be followed in order to be a part of this ensemble.

1. Every student will be expected to participate on an advanced level every day. Students who are sick will be expected to check out of school. If you are in class, you are expected to participate.

2. Every student will be expected to have their instrument in excellent playing condition every day. This includes all music, reeds, mouthpieces, oils, mutes, etc.

3. Every student will be evaluated on his/her performance of the selected music and skills. Additionally, attendance at after school rehearsals and deportment during ALL rehearsals have a significant impact on student’s grade in this class! Director will work individually with students who play sports, etc.

4. Every student will be held accountable for his/her performance of the selected music and skills.

5. Any Student not performing up to the expected standards may be removed from the performing ensemble at the discretion of the conductor.

6. Professional student behavior will be expected during all rehearsals, performances, and any time you are representing the William Blount High School Band program. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the band program.

ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO MEET THESE STANDARDS IN ORDER TO BE A PART OF THE WILLIAM BLOUNT SYMPHONIC BAND PROGRAM.

THE WILLIAM BLOUNT HIGH SCHOOL BAND

The William Blount High School Band program is going to strive to be among the most highly respected music organizations in state of Tennessee.  Every portion of our band program is important and requires a great deal of discipline and commitment.  The following are the guidelines for each of these disciplines.

Philosophy
1. Every student will learn to enjoy the beauty of music.
2. Every student will be able to produce a characteristic sound on his or her instrument by the end of the first semester of study with this program.
3. Every student will have a full understanding of his/her embouchure and demonstrate good breathing techniques.
4. The directors will introduce, motivate, and train the information base, schedule events, and lead discussions over the course of the semester.
5. The directors will guide the musical direction of these disciplines to ensure that all students are performing music at a high level.

Evaluations
1. Students will be evaluated on a daily basis through specific assignments.
2. Students will be responsible for all basic fundamental skills of their particular discipline within the program, as well as the pursuit of college and professional level skills.
3. Video and Audio recordings of individuals will also be a method of evaluation.
4. Directors and other contracted persons will pull students out to help when they are experiencing difficulties.
5. Participation in regional and state band events will be encouraged.
6. Private instruction will be strongly encouraged.

Expectations
1. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will bring credit to themselves, their family, community, and school.
2. Students are expected to attend class every day with the expectation of learning the art of performing music at an extremely high level.
3. Students are expected to have all of the necessary supplies for daily class instruction.
4. Students are expected to be physically and mentally prepared for class each day.
5. Students and parents are expected to attend all performances of these ensembles.
6. Students are expected to enjoy making beautiful music through the following lifelong guidelines: Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, No Put-Downs, Active Listening, and Personal Best