Welcome (back) to The Pride of Mayfield! As we are about to begin band camp, here are a few recent frequently asked questions.
Q1. While at band camp, is there a place to secure my belongings while I'm away from the band room?
A1. All students are given an instrument locker where valuables can be stored while away from the band room. Percussion instruments are stored on top of cabinets, but these students can share with a friend or ask Mr. O if he can lock something in his office. Also, some upperclassmen have cars and drive to band camp and may be able to store purses and what ever in their car. The band room is locked if students are marching outside on the field so the risk of theft is very low.
Q2. Should students bring food to eat during lunch and dinner breaks?
A2. Students should bring PLENTY of WATER to drink while outside (and sun screen) and can either bring food in a cooler bag or money to purchase food at a local place while on meal breaks. Many students go to Denny's, Panera, Drug Mart (yes, even Drug Mart for ice cream products and cold drinks or deli sandwiches). If you have a vehicle, you are able to drive but must adhere to the time schedule. Water fountains are working in the school for times students are practicing in the band room. Many students brown bag for lunch and venture out for dinner. If you live close by and want to walk home, that is fine as well.
Students are given one hour for lunch break and one and half hours for dinner break.
Q3. Do students need to wear their summer band uniform?
A3. No, appropriate casual attire is fine. Kids wear light colored shorts and a t-shirt with tennis shoes for marching. These are pretty important is light colored clothes will reflect more light and tennis shoes are a requirement at all practices. Hats and sun glasses are permitted as long as they do not interfere with your instrument. Did I mention to wear sun screen? Please do.
Q4. Where do students go for uniform fitting?
A4. Students will be fitted by the stage and band room. Accessories which were purchased can be picked up in the old band room (127). It is essential that all students get fitted for a uniform. If you are out of town and unable to make a fitting this week, please notify Mr. O and make other arrangements to get fitted during the rest of the Band Camp activities. It is expected that you get fitted this week unless otherwise permitted to come at a different time.
Q5. Will transportation be given to students to the pool party?
A5. No, everyone must provide their own transportation to/from the pool party.
Q6. Will there be samples of the spiritwear at the pool party?
A6. To my knowledge, blank samples will be present so that sizing can be determined.
Q7. Should I plug in ALL of the dates from 2015 End-of-Summer Calendar and the 2015-2016 Full Year Band Calendar into my own calendar? If so, where do I get them?
A7. Yes, definitely! :-) The PDF's are available at - http://www.theprideofmayfield.org/calendar.html
Q8. What's the best way to stay informed?
A8. The Band update page - http://www.theprideofmayfield.org/updates
Q9. Where do I drop off my student for band camp?
A9. In order to help keep our band entrance and exits safe, while keeping the flow of traffic moving, we are requesting that all traffic (dropoff, pick-up, and parking) follows a specific plan that will divert cars away from our students walking. We are asking that all Freshman and Sophomores be dropped off/picked up in the North East staff parking lot, with all cars going in and out of the North entrance to the lot. All Juniors and Seniors should use the drive behind the school (along the field-house/South parking lot) to enter and exit the South East Pool parking lot for drop-off, pick-up, and parking. Please use the map below for specific driving/parking directions. Please remember to not drive, stop, or park in between the two parking lots. Students can enter the building using door 19, 20 or 21.
Please refer to the traffic pattern on the Band Traffic form.
Q10. What is the staff performance on Fri Aug 14th 8:30-10:15ish?
A10. All District staff attend meetings at the high school that day. They kick it off in the auditorium and the band marches in and plays a few short things. It gets the staff all revved up and the band members enjoy doing it. Attendance is expected but not mandatory. In recent years, very few band members have missed this short event. Summer band attire is required. Please refer to traffic patterns when dropping off and picking up. See traffic form mentioned above. Doors 19, 20 and 21 will be unlocked for students to enter.
Q11. My son/daughter is not able to attend all of band camp. Who do I report this to?
A11. Attendance is handled by Mr. Trevor McGrath. His email is: [email protected]
Important things to remember during band camp. The schedule is not identical every day. Check the calendar to make sure you attend when you are expected to. 2015 End-of-Summer Band Calendar
Leadership, drumline, instrument sectionals, uniform fitting, pool party, rehearsal, band pictures, senior meetings, etc are all distinct times. Refer to the band calendar mentioned above.
Please refer to summer band schedule posted on www.theprideofmayfield.org website. It is critical that all be present for these sessions. Band camp is where most of the learning to march and half-time routines is figured out. If you miss time, it could adversely effect the band performance. Each student is responsible to learn the routines. Talk to squad leaders, band directors and other students if you need help. Upperclassmen have been through this before and should be happy to help.
Band camp is long and hard but fun and rewarding when a song is completed so hang in there and get ready to have a great time. Be a proud band member!
Check out the schedule, as we start tomorrow with activities! - 2015 End-of-Summer Band Calendar
Mr. Nathan Oshaben
HS Band Director
The PRIDE of Mayfield
440-995-6858