2010 Band Camp

Opens Monday, August 23, 2010

Our annual event is beginning on Monday morning, August 23, 2010, at 8 a.m. sharp. The first group to report will be Drill Instructors. They will have a short review of what they are to teach on the first morning of camp. At 8:45 a.m. sharp ALL rookies will report to the band room. After a brief refresher session, the rookies will join the D.I.s for the first full morning of camp. This session will run until 11:15 a.m. After a lunch break, camp will continue starting at 1:15 p.m. SHARP! Rookies and D.I.s will continue working on fundamental footwork until 4:15 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., the entire Mustang Band will gather in the band room to focus on music for the upcoming season and the basic band repertoire for the fall -- fight songs, national anthem, stands tunes, etc. The evening session will conclude at 9 p.m. There you have the first day of Band Camp 10. The times will be consistent all week, however, activities will vary. We have a tighter timeframe than usual due to the altered school opening schedule this year. There will be a full camp day on Monday, August 30.

Daily Morning Rehearsals begin at 8:45 with stretching, laps, and general conditioning. The morning session will conclude at 11:15.
Afternoon Sessions begin at 1:15 p.m. and run until 4:15 p.m.
Evening Sessions commence at 7:15 p.m. sharp and conclude at 9 p.m.

Band members should report as follows:

D.I.s report Monday at 8:00 a.m.
Rookies report Monday at 8:45 a.m., and will meet all week at the daily muster times.
Percussion sectional Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday afternoons, other times TBA
Full Band Playing Rehearsal Monday-Friday nights
Full Band Marching Rehearsal Thursday morning/afternoon, Friday morning/afternoon
Full Band Monday, August 30, 8:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 7:15 p.m.; Tuesday, August 31, and Wednesday, September 1, times TBA; Thursday, September 2, and Friday, September 3, begins regular daily rehearsal at 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

General Camp Information

Be Prepared

For the rookies and reminders for returning upperclassmen: When you come to camp be sure to bring a jug of water or a good sports drink to keep yourself hydrated. Your shoulders should be covered so wear a T-shirt with sleeves. A baseball type cap or some kind of hat is always good to have as well as sunglasses and of course a good sunscreen, especially if you are fair-skinned and tend to burn when exposed to direct sunlight. Absolutely no flip flops or sandals are to be worn on your tootsies ... a good pair of athletic shoes with socks are the only acceptable form of footwear to be worn. Gym shorts or knee-length shorts are ok ... long baggies and super short shorts are not easy to march in so don't come to camp dressed to make matters more difficult. Ladies be sure to wear a good "foundation" ... be functional not fashionable (a good sports bra is the ticket). If you are on some form of medication be sure to let Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Klein know immediately. If you are allergic to bee stings or any other form of insect bite tell us about it. If you need and use one be sure to have your inhaler with you. And don't forget you need a good pencil and of course, bring your instrument and music! (Unless you are told otherwise.)

Band Shoes

What to Get and Where

Band shoes are black, imitation paten leather, spit shine look, Corfam material, with a heel, no extra fancy trim, a plain DEXTER uniform oxford or the equivalent. Ask to see a sample. Parents have had luck finding shoes at:

Globe Shoes, Paramus (201-843-6515)
Main Army Navy Outlet Store, Paterson (973-278-3754)
Ray's Sporting Goods, North Plainfield (908-561-4400)
National Footwear
CopShoes

We also have a few pair of donated shoes by Band Alumni that are free for the taking if they fit! Nothing wrong with them that a little Pledge furniture polish can't fix.

White Gloves

Buy Them From the Band Parents

The white gloves that band members wear at every performance are sold by the PTSA Band Committee and are usually sold when Spirit Wear is sold at General Meetings. They will be available at the first parents meeting on September 7.

FAQ for Parents

Is band camp mandatory? Yes, this is where they learn the fundamentals of marching.

Where do I drop off my child during band camp? Students get dropped off at the band room and then walk up the hill to the "band field."

Where do I pick my child up for lunch and after camp? Make a pick-up point with your child. Usually they are waiting for you near the band parking lot at the far left of the building.

When and what time is band camp? Mr. Morgan will set the time. Always arrive 15 minutes early.

What should my child wear and bring to band camp? Most importantly his/her instrument, sneakers, T-shirts only (no strapless, mid-riffs or spaghetti straps), a loose-fitting, decent pair of shorts, a cap or sun-visor, suntan lotion and a water bottle/jug.

Is band camp cancelled if it rains? No, practice is moved indoors.

Can my child go home for lunch? Absolutely, just be back on time. Attendance is being taken. Also, drink plenty of water and eat light since they practice in the sun all morning and afternoon.

Do flute players also need a piccolo for Marching Band? Yes, we recommend a metal piccolo, resin doesn't hold up.

Do you recommend the students have tutors? Absolutely, if you need a list we will provide names. Just remember to have them tutored by someone who specializes in their instrument.

Can you smoke, eat or drink in uniform? Do you wear anything under it? Absolutely no drinking, smoking, or eating in uniform. Definitely use a T-shirt(band shirt) underneath and silky tights or shorts in case you need to unbutton or loosen your uniform.

May I feed or approach my child between performances? Definitely no to both. We provide snacks as necessary.

How do we know if students need to be dropped off at CCMS or CHS? For all football games students are dropped off and picked up at CCMS and for all other events (i.e. festivals, parade, trips, etc.) drop off and pick-up is from the CHS parking lot.

What happens if you need to miss a show or game? The band needs and expects a total commitment from band camp to Thanksgiving; there are no excuses.

Is there a fee of some sort for being a band member? Yes, we have a general fund obligation. This helps defray the cost of awards dinner, band BBQ, dances, buses to events and so on. Fundraisers will be available if you are interested.

How do I get information? Starting in August at Band Camp, at our monthly meetings once band is in session and this website.

How can I help? When you attend our regular meetings we ask for volunteers.

FAQ for Kids

Is band hard? For our Marching Band to have its world-renowned reputation hard work is required, but it is also a lot of fun.

How long are practices? Practices are usually from 3 - 5 everyday during Marching Band season (Sept. - Nov.). Sometimes if we are learning something new, practice will run a little longer.

Can you do other activities besides just band? During the fall you cannot participate in other sports but you can be in clubs. During the winter and spring, you can be in other sports unless you are in one of the smaller ensembles.

What's the band director (Mr. Morgan) like? He is strict and expects your best. However, he is always there for you if you need help.

What is band class? It counts as a regular class and it helps you learn your music. At the end of the school year, you perform in a concert as part of either Freshman Band or Concert Band (upper classmen).

What is band camp? It's the last two weeks of the summer where the upper classmen teach the fundamentals of marching to the freshmen.

Does band affect your schoolwork? Most people find that during Marching Band season their grades are higher. However, if you need to go to remedial, it will not interfere with practice.

What other ensembles are offered to band students? Wind Ensemble, Brass Band, Percussion Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, and Flute Consortium are all offered to band students during the winter and spring. However, you must be in Marching Band to participate in these.

Are you required to do anything other than Marching Band? No, but it is strongly suggested to join other ensembles.

Do freshmen make band? All freshmen make band, but those who are having trouble with their music or marching stay on the sidelines. Eventually, everyone is put into a show.

What does the band do besides play at football games? The Marching Band also plays at parades and music festivals. There are also band bashes (dances), the Holiday Dinner/Dance, and the Awards Dinner. The band has also traveled to different places internationally to perform.

Clifton High School Mustang Marching Band