Welcome to the Mt. Hebron High School Band Program. We hope that you have enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer. The purpose of this letter is to provide some general information about the MtH Band Program. Several forms, handouts and materials are referenced below. Please read carefully.
It is going to be a great year and we are so glad that you are going to be a part of our family. Remember - the best way to get the most out of the music program is to get involved! We look forward to seeing you soon.
NOTE: You WILL NOT need your instrument on the first day! You WILL need your instrument everyday after that!
It is going to be a great year and we are so glad that you are going to be a part of our family. Remember - the best way to get the most out of the music program is to get involved! We look forward to seeing you soon.
NOTE: You WILL NOT need your instrument on the first day! You WILL need your instrument everyday after that!
PRINCIPALS OF THE BAND PROGRAM
Band is unique among the other classes that are taken in high school. Some student musicians have been together since 3rd grade and high school offers 4 more years to pursue a collective endeavor that requires collaboration and team work, as well as an individual commitment of responsibility. We believe in a set of values that guide us as both musicians and young people. The Principals of the Band Program document outlines these principals. Please review and help us maintain the character and integrity of the Band Program. |
COMMITMENT
You are becoming a member of an organization with a storied history, built upon the hard work and efforts of generations of dedicated musicians and their families. We are proud of this history, of our traditions and invite you to help us write the next chapter in our story… together! We are an organization in which YOU ARE IMPORTANT! Recognizing that all members are equally important to fulfilling their role towards the success of the entire group, we take our commitment very seriously. With great tradition and success, comes great responsibility. Welcome to the Band Program! |
BAND HANDBOOK
We have found that students learn better when they know what is expected of them and parents feel empowered to get involved when they understand the values that are being taught through the band program. For this reason, we have a comprehensive Band Handbook that outlines all guidelines, procedures, policies and expectations. Please review this information together so that we are all on the same page as we begin the school year. |
BAND MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT
Once you have reviewed the Band Handbook, we ask all students and parents, review, sign and return the Band Membership Agreement during the first week of school. *You will receive a hard copy of this agreement on the first day of classes. |
SYLLABUS
In addition to the Band Handbook, the Course Syllabus outlines details about the specific course you are enrolled in. Please review this information together so that we are all on the same page as we begin the school year. *You will receive a hard copy of the syllabus on the first day of classes. |
SYLLABUS SIGNATURE PAGE
Once you have reviewed the Syllabus, we ask all students and parents, review, sign and return the Syllabus Signature Page during the first week of school. *You will receive a hard copy of this page on the first day of classes. |
EVENTS CALENDAR
If you are like us, we like to see everything in one place. All performances, rehearsals, and event dates / times have been set. **Please review the calendar dates carefully and add all rehearsal/concert/event dates to your family calendar. If you notice a pre-existing conflict, please contact Mr. Fischer NOW so that we can make plans to work through conflicts together. We need every student present at every rehearsal/performance so that we can be at our best. It is important that ALL students are present for ALL rehearsals and performances. You can reference the calendar in several ways...
NOTE: `The online version is a Google calendar. Use it online or subscribe with your smart device so you have all of our dates in the palm of your hand. |
COMMUNICATION
Communication is a key component to our success. We will continue to use the email system in Canvas to communicate important information but there are also times when we will need to send emails/texts outside of the Canvas system. We use an online system called CutTime to organize contact information and track student finances. We ask that every student/family log into CutTime and update their contact information. We will provide detailed information at the Band - Marching Unit Orientation about how to log-in, update and access student account info. Updating this information will ensure that you don’t miss any communications. Use the links below to join our Remind group chats so that you can get updates and reminders throughout the season. |
ENSEMBLES
We will seat 3 curricular performing ensembles this year, totaling over 100 student musicians. Ensembles include... Symphonic Winds - Wind Ensemble - Percussion Ensemble We will offer several other performance opportunities, including... Jazz Ensemble - Jazz Combo - Chamber Ensembles - Pit Orchestra |
WEBSITE
www.mthebronmusic.org will house all information related to the Band Program. Check it out for detailed information, including concert information, schedules, performance calendar, GT ensembles, all state, ensemble music, and much more. PASSWORD - Some sections of the website, including student performances and published music intended only for student viewing are protected by a password. The password is VikingStrong1964. |
CONCERT ATTIRE
Students will be required to purchase formal concert attire to be worn at all concerts and performances. Detailed information can be found on the Concert Attire page. More information will be emailed and distributed in class during the first week of school, with fittings scheduled for early in September.
Students will be required to purchase formal concert attire to be worn at all concerts and performances. Detailed information can be found on the Concert Attire page. More information will be emailed and distributed in class during the first week of school, with fittings scheduled for early in September.
CHANGING INSTRUMENTS
One of the challenges of our growing program is providing balanced ensemble instrumentation. We have too many of some wind instruments and not enough of some other wind instruments. You might consider learning a new instrument to help close the gap. This is a great opportunity to grow as a musician, re-energize your love for music, and fill an ensemble need. Contact Mr. Fischer is you would like to be considered. We particularly need more of the following instruments: Band Needs... Oboe, Bassoon, Horn, Euphonium, Tuba |
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
The school has a small inventory of professionally maintained instruments. Students who do not own their own instrument (or have been asked to switch to a new instrument to fulfill instrumentation needs) will have priority in using these instruments. Detailed information can be found on the Equipment Loan page. NOTE: Due to our growth, we may not be able to provide school-owned instruments to all who might need them. Please be patient as we work through this challenge together. Students may need to rent an instrument to fully participate in the band program. |
INSTRUMENT RENTAL
Students that need to rent an instrument can find information at the links below. INSTRUMENT DONATIONS
If you have a gently used instrument that is just lying around the house, we would love to put it to good use. Any wind, string, or percussion instrument is welcome. We can even write you a tax receipt! |
ENRICHMENT ENSEMBLES
HS GT Orchestra - HS GT Band - HS GT Jazz - All State Ensembles Students interested in auditioning for these “honors” ensembles should contact Mr. Fischer for more information. General descriptions and requirements for each of these ensembles can be found on the Enrichment page. |
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
We receive a lot of requests for information about lessons. Please reach out to Mr. Fischer to discuss options and review the resoruces available on the Private Instruction page. |