DC Bands          Volume No. 4    Issue No. 1      April 01

The 2001 Decatur Central Marching Band is ready to begin.  Actually, the planning has already been going on for several months.  Music has been chosen, drill writers, visual consultants, summer staff, competition schedules, and more have been well thought out and are nearly complete.  We are very excited and wanted to get all of you involved in our organization.  We always have great parents that help us to get everything done.  YOU are a big part of our band program!!  We need everyone to help in putting together our exciting 2001 marching band season.  This year looks to be an outstanding one with a new LOOK and a new attitude in our music.  We hope to have everyone involved!!  I look forward to meeting many of our "new" band parents and visiting with our returning parents.

BAND BOOSTERS 

Every band parent is a Band Booster!!  Yes, in every great band their are GREAT parents.  This is true at DCHS. This organization is truly a "team".  Everyone can do something and every little bit helps out a lot.  For example, we have band parents who do concessions, fix uniforms, drive the semi, unload the semi, wash uniforms, set up tables, chaperone buses, build props, fix things, engineer, support fund raisers, attend concerts, etc.  and in general - support their (among others) children!  We need everyone and we can not do it without YOU!!

We have booster officers that help to direct our activities, but is wanted and needed.  CONSIDER THIS YOUR INVITATION TO BE A PART OF OUR GROUP!!  Our activities do happen throughout  the year and even if you can't help out a lot we still want you to be a part of the band boosters.  Just helping us with event or one contest is wonderful and would be very appreciated by me and the other parents who are helping.  Most parents comment about how much fun it is to help and be a part of group.  We have a regular meeting once a month to discuss the upcoming events and plan for the future.  I hope to see you at the next meeting on: 

Band Booster Meeting - June 7th at 7:00 P.M.  -      DCHS Band Room

 Contracts and Deposit DUE

We have set up a "contract" for you and your student to sign.  This contract helps the student to understand the type of commitment that is needed to have a great band.  It also includes information about participation in fund raising adn attendance at all band performances.  This is due ASAP (by the end of school).

Summer Practices 

As in most activities, we do practice during the summer, but only for a limited time.  I hope you have a copy of our band calendar for the summer and fall. (look under All band for calendar) If not please let me know (856-5288 ext. 2417).  Our students do receive a credit and a grade for their participation in summer band.  We will sign the students for this credit.  We do expect students to attend summer rehearsals if they are in town.  All Family vacations, bible school, and other such activities are excused.  However, work is NOT an excuse.  Employers will work around schedules if they are told in advance.  Summers are very important to the success of the band in the fall and at football games.  Our schedule begins in June although the color guard and percussion section may have a few rehearsals before this time.  Full Band starts on June 11 from 6-9pm.  Other rehearsals are June: 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28:  6-9pm  July 2 and a parade on July 3rd.   We do a Pre-Camp beginning July 30th - Aug. 3rd and a Band Camp from Aug. 6-10.  These are the most important 2 weeks of rehearsal for us!! 

Lets Make $$$$$

We have a wonderful opportunity to make a lot of money for the band department in ONE day.  Instead of a traditional fundraiser, we can work one day and make thousands!!  The Indianapolis racetrack offers many groups the chance to do a clean-up after the race.  All we have to do is clean a certain portion of the track or surrounding area.  The bigger the area - the more money we earn.  We have selected a large area which means we need a lot of people!! Students as well as parents/friends/siblings can help us-however they must be 16 years of age.  We have done this in the past and it is an easy way to earn money. We are still waiting to see if we are chosen to do the Brickyard 400 or Formula One (the 500 did not).  Details will be available soon!!

Thanks for being a part our our organization.  Without great parents we would struggle.  We depend on active parents.  I believe that you will see the rewards of being involved.  Fee free to call the High School band office if you have questions.

Sincerely,