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. With so many papers being carried home in student’s book bags, it was decided that a mail-home version of band information might be welcome.

More band information can also be found at www.hayfieldbands.com and at http://fcps.blackboard.com

The 2008-09 Middle School Band Handbook is also a great source of basic band information. These will be distributed to students during the first week of school. Extra copies while they last will be available from Mr. Helm.

Band Uniforms

The band uniforms for this year will remain the same as last year: white tux shirts with black tux pants or skirts. Like last year, they will be available from the band boosters for $60. This year, however, the price will not include hemming.

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 12 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.

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 2, from 2:20 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. On Friday, October 3, 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.

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

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 2009 All-District band. Held on Saturday, December 13 at JEB Stuart high school, musical examples and information packets will be available in mid-October. The auditions are divided into four sections: 1) Major scales 2) Chromatic scale 3) Prepared Piece 4) Sight Reading