Welcome to a new year with the Hayfield Band. In an effort to keep parents and students better informed of band activities, we are initiating a quarterly newsletter. Important dates and activities will be highlighted, and some attention will be given to frequently asked questions. More band information can also be found at www.hayfieldbands.com and at http://fcps.blackboard.com  We are discontinuing the “hard copy”  band handbooks this year, but will provide an online version on our websites.

 

 

BAND POTLUCK DINNER

MONDAY, SEPT. 17 at 6:00pm

Middle School Lecture Hall

 

This year we will begin what will hopefully be a tradition for our band. The band potluck dinner will be a chance for parents to talk with Mr. Helm and other band parents about the band program.

 

The following items are suggested:

If your last name begins with

A-F: Entrees,

G-M: Side Dishes

N-P: Desserts

Q-Z: Soft Drinks

The band will supply the paper plates, napkins, cups, utensils, etc.

 

Band Uniforms

 

The band uniforms for this year will remain the same as last year: white wing-tip collar tux shirts with black tux pants or skirts. Like last year, they will be available from the band boosters for $50. This year, however, the price will not include hemming. Parents of rising ninth graders who want to sell their old uniforms should contact Mrs. Capel for details at Sabrena.Capel1@fcps.edu 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

Students will not need their instruments on the first day of school, but those in Concert and Symphonic bands will need them on the second day of class. Beginners

have until the September 14 to obtain their instruments. Students on free or reduced lunch should see Mr. Helm for the possibility of obtaining an instrument from FCPS. Those playing on larger school instruments, such as low brass, bass clarinets, etc. should see Mr. Helm for instrument rental forms.

 

Band lockers will be issued on the first day of class. Students should bring their instruments to the band room in the morning before school for proper storage.

 

Band Fundraisers

 

The band boosters depend on two fundraisers to supply the band with funds for extra music, supplies, supplemental instruments, special event fees, awards and many other line items that help the students have the best band experience possible. Details will be available soon.  

 

Middle-School Marching Band Night

The middle school marching band participation night is an opportunity for middle school band students to experience a marching band performance at a high school football game. Students participate in one rehearsal on Thursday, October 27, from 2:20 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. On Friday, September 28, they perform the national anthem and the Hayfield fight song with the high school marching band during pre-game ceremonies. During the game, the middle school students sit with the marching band in the bleachers, playing pep songs. Music is provided. Middle school band students are admitted free into the football game with the marching band.   Participation in this event is mandatory for members of the Symphonic band. Parents should notify Mr. Helm if they plan to attend.

Participation in this event is mandatory for members of the Symphonic band. Parents should notify Mr. Helm if they plan to attend.

 

After-school Rehearsals

 

Symphonic band (Advanced Band) members are expected to attend all scheduled after-school rehearsals, scheduled sporadically every few weeks. Those who are unable to attend a specific rehearsal may attend one scheduled for other instruments, provided advance arrangements have been made with Mr. Helm.  We rely on these rehearsals to focus on in-depth techniques and strategies.

 

 

Upgrade your Musicianship:

Here are some great ways to add to your musical experience:

 

Jazz Band

Jazz band is open to students on most instruments, but saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass and drums are generally featured.

Since rehearsals take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school (until 3:30pm), parents need to drive their kids home.

 

Band Leadership

 

The Hayfield Middle School Band program offers a leadership program open to all students who attend a minimum number of after-school meetings.
Prospective students should be interested in service to the band, such as concert preparation, band room decoration, band library, Spring trip organization and other volunteer activities.
A minimum of five leadership meetings must be attended in order for students to serve as band leaders on the Spring trip. Fifteen leadership meetings will be offered throughout the year. Those willing to make the commitment will be successful as band leaders.

 

Instrument Switchers

In order for the band to perform a high level of music, a certain variety and mix of instruments are required. We are typically in need of players to play French horn, trombone, tuba, bassoon, tenor sax, bari sax, bass clarinet, oboe and baritone. Making the switch to one of these instruments can be fun an rewarding. After-school sessions are scheduled sporadically for students who are up for the challenge.

  

Private Lessons

Private lessons can help to focus on the many details needed to play at an advanced level. We do not endorse specific teachers, but there are a number of qualified individuals on every instrument in Northern Virginia. See Mr. Helm for a list of private teachers in our area.  

  

All-District Band Auditions

 

Students are encouraged to audition for the 2008 All-District band. Held on Saturday, December 8 at JEB Stuart high school, musical examples and information packets will be available in late October. The auditions are divided

into four sections: 1) Two Major scales 2) Chromatic scale 3) A prepared musical example 4) Sight reading. Students are advised to stress practice of their major and chromatic scales now in order to properly prepare for the audition.

See www.Hayfieldbands.com for more information.

 

2007-2008 Hayfield Middle School Band Schedule

Band Potluck Dinner...............................................   .. Monday, September 17 at 6:00pm

Rehearsal for Middle School Marching Band Night……………Thursday, September 27                                                                                    after school, from 2:20pm-3:20pm
Middle School Marching Band Night…………………………….…..…..September 28 at 6:00pm

Middle School Band Booster Meeting..........................Tuesday, October 16 at 6:30pm
Fall Concert (Symphonic band and Jazz Band only).........Thursday, October 25 at 7:00pm

All-District Band Auditions (at J.E.B. Stuart H.S.)............. Saturday, December 8 as scheduled throughout the day

Winter Concert  (all bands)......................................... Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00pm

Alternate All-District Band Auditions (at J.E.B. Stuart H.S.)...Saturday, January 5 as scheduled throughout the day

Symphonic Band Extended Rehearsal………………….…Tuesday, January 8: 2:30-6:00pm

Middle School Band Boosters Meeting ………….………Wednesday, January 9 at 6:30pm

Concert Band Extended Rehearsal………………………Thursday, January 17: 2:30-6:00pm

All-District Band..............................................................Thursday, January  31 (evening),
Friday, February 1 (all day), Saturday, February 2 (all day)  Hayfield is host school

Middle School Band Boosters Meeting.................Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30pm

Pre-Festival Concert……………………………………...………...... Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00pm

V.B.O.D.A. Band Festival...........................................Friday, March 1 (Concert Band) OR
Saturday, March  2 (Symphonic band) (exact times and dates to be announced) at Sandburg Middle School

Pyramid Concert (Symphonic band, Jazz Band)……………..Monday, March 10 at 7:00pm MOVED TO APRIL 16

Early Spring Concert……………………………………………………….Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00pm

Middle School Band Boosters Meeting..................................Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30pm

Solo/Ensemble Festival........................….. Saturday, April 26 at Holmes Middle School

Middle School Band Boosters Meeting……………………..………. Thursday, May 8 at 6:30pm

Spring Concert (All bands)................................................... .Thursday, May 22 at 7:00pm

Spring Trip (Hersheypark, Hershey, PA)................................................Friday, May 30

Music Department Picnic………………………………………………………………………….Saturday, June 7

Hayfield Summer Band Camp (for rising 4th to 9th--Not marching band!)………………..
.......................................................................................Tuesday, June 24-Thursday, July 10

High School Marching Band Camp (for rising ninth graders).....................August 11-28

 

DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION