VETERANS MEMORIAL H.S. PATRIOT BAND2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

Welcome to all current and future VMHS Band students & parents!

VMHS Band Staff

The Veterans Memorial HS Band Staff is comprised of four band directors at the high school.

Alonzo Martinez- Director of Bands

Gabriel Molina- Associate Director of Bands

Isai Reyes- Associate Director of Bands

Issac Vasquez- Associate Director of Bands

Auditions for the VMHS BandVMHS Band auditions determine placement for the Fall semester only. During the Fall semester, all students work on th same material, including marching music and region band audition music. Band placement for the Spring semester will be based on an average of multiple individual hearing times with the directors.

Results posted on May 30th

Band placements occur each semester

More information can be found on the band website on the Students tab.

THE VMHS Patriot Marching BandALL students in the band program participate in the Patriot Marching Band. We have two levels of performance. Varsity members perform at every performance. Junior Varsity members perform at football games and a few select other performances. Placements are determined by band placements, attendance, and movement abilities.

ALL students participate in marching band

Varsity Marching Band

Junior Varsity Marching Band

Final placements occur during 1st week of summer band

Music CampMusic Camp occurs on May 22, 23 and 25 and will conclude with a performance and pot luck dinner on May 25th at 7:00 pm. Music camp is for all current 8th-11th grade students.

Music Camp- May 22, 23 and 25 from 5:00PM-6:30 PM @ VMHS Band Hall

Performance and Pot luck Dinner - May 25 at 6:30 PM @ VMHS

Music Camp Information (May 22, 23, 25)During Music Camp, students will be taught many of the playing fundamentals that are specific to marching band. Students will also begin to rehearse the 2017 marching show along with other music that will be performed in the stands at football games. All students should bring an instrument to music camp. Some students will receive school owned instruments, depending on what they play.

Students will need to bring instruments- except school instruments

Rehearsals will be indoors

Pick up students at 6:45 pm @ VMHS Band Hall

Students will receive a Patriot Band Shirt to be worn to the performance

Additional Camp InformationOn the first day of Music Camp, several forms will be passed out to the students fro them to take home to their parents. These forms should be completed and returned to Mr. Molina at VMHS by Thursday, May 25 (Conclusion of Music Camp)

Forms will be passed out on May 23

Forms should be completed & returned by May 25

Summer Band CampSummer Band rehearsals for everyone on July 24. Students are encouraged to stay active during the summer and should acclimate themselves to the heat prior to the beginning of Summer Band Camp. The full schedule is available on the band website.

July 24- FULL BAND

IT WILL BE HOT!!!!

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!!

BRING SUNSCREEN, A CAP AND SUNGLASSES!!!!

Percussion & Guard Summer CampsIn addition to summer band, the percussion and guard students will have additional rehearsals during the summer. Please consult the calendar on the band website for these dates.

Percussion Camp-

Guard Camp- July 17-21

Marching Season Rehearsal ScheduleThe marching season in a very busy time for the students. However, studies show that this is also when the students receive their best grades. The students are forced to become better with their time management skills. The students also feel a strong sense of responsibility towards one another and do not want to let one another down. All students will have one afternon off most weeks to schedule appointments and go to tutoring. Most mornings are also available.

Monday- FULL Band Rehearsal 5:00pm-7:30pm

Tuesday- FULL Band Rehearsal 5:00pm-7:30pm

Thursday- FULL Band Rehearsal 5:00pm-7:30pm

Friday- Football Game 4:00pm-11:30pm (approx.)

Saturday- Contests in October and November)

Football Game InformationFootball games are some of the most fun experiences that students have during marching season. Parents are encouraged to attend all games to watch their students perform and to support the outstanding VMHS football team. ALL band students will perform at football games. The VMHS football team has a histroy of making the playoffs. Games may continue each week into mid-December.

Dinner is provided

Games start at 7:30pm (there are exceptions)

Return time is approximately 11:30 pm

Times may subject to change due to away games

Marching Contest InformationMarching Contests usually occur on Saturdays during the season. This year’s contest schedule is posted on the band website. Attendance is REQUIRED at ALL contests. Students are encouraged to NOT sign up for ACT or SAT tests on contest days. Contest days are usually an ALL DAY event. Most meals will be provided. Return times are usually very late at night.

October 21- UIL Region Marching Contest

October 28- Area Marching Contest

November 7 & 8- State Marching Contest

Pre-UIL Contest events are still pending

Eligibility (No pass, No play)At the beginning of each year, all students are eligible for participation at all band events. The students must pass all of their classes at the end of the 1st six weeks in order to maintain their eligibility. Students who become ineligible are NOT allowed to attend any trips or performances and may lost their marching position. Ineligible students are still required to attend ALL rehearsals. The #1 reason students fail classes is because they don’t do their homework!

ALL students begin the year eligible

Students must pass all classes at the end of each six weeks to remain eligible

Some AP and Pre-AP classes can be waived to regain eligibility

PhysicalsALL students in the marching band are required to receive a sports physical prior to participating in marching band activities. These need to be done during June or July. The band program will NOT host a day for students to come in and receive a physical. The VMHS Band does not have a preferred physician. Any licensed doctor should be able to provide a sports physical. A blank physical form is available on the band website.

All students must receive a sports physical prior to marching rehearsals

VMHS Band does NOT host a “physical day”

A physical form will be available at the Music Camp and on the VMHS Band website

VMHS Band Check-In Day (May 27)During Band Check-In Day, parents will be able to ensure that all paperwork has been turned in and most fees for the year will be paid. Students will receive marching band related items as well as get sized for their marching band uniform.

Last Name A-L: 9:00am-12:00pm

Last Name: M-Z: 1:00pm-4:00pm

All forms and fees will be handled on these days

Check-in may take approximately 45 minutes

Band FeesIn order to participate in the VMHS Band, there are required fees. We try to have as many of the fees possible paid up front so that we do not have to continue to collect money throughout the year.

Uniform Fees (Shoes, Poncho, Cleaning, Show shirt)

Summer Meal Fee- $40

Supplies (Water jug,Flip Folder, Gloves)

Spring Trip (varies each year)

2018 Spring TripThis coming year, the band will be traveling to Dallas, Texas for the Spring Trip. The anticipated trip cost will be between $500-$600.

This trip is optional.

Dallas, Texas- Medieval Times, Six Flags Over Texas, and more!

Anticipated Cost- $500-$600

FundraisingThe VMHS Band participates in several fundraising activities every year.

Our success is determined by the extra help we get from parents running these events.

And of course, everyone in band participates for the ultimate success of making money -for yourselves- the band!

Patriotic FLAG- all year

March-a-thon- August ***

Silent Auction/Concert- April ***

And more!

VMHS Band Booster OrganizationThe VMHS Band Boosters are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The boosters are an organization that operates under a set of by-laws and written procedures adopted by the founding group. The organization exists to assist the directors of the VMHS Band in reaching the band program goals as defined in the By-laws.

Alonzo Martinez- Band Director

Luisa Reyna- President

Richard Arevalo- Vice-President

Opportunities to ParticipateThe Booster organization provides several opportunities for parents to participate in serving the band organization. Volunteering to serve the band is a wonderful way to stay active in your child’s high school life.

Chaperones

Colorguard

Uniforms

Activities

Hospitality

For All Additional InformationIf you need additional information about participation in the VMHS Patriot Band, there are several ways to find it. The calendar on the band website should always be the most updated calendar. Please consult if for all details on rehearsals & performances. Please feel free to email or call a director if you need additional information.

www.vmhsbands.weebly.com

Mr. Martinez- amarti41@mcisd.org

Mr. Molina- gamoli96@mcisd.org

Mr. Reyes- iareye13@mcisd.org

Mr. Vasquez- ivaqu09@mcisd.org

CHARMSThe CHARMS Office Assistant is how we keep track of all student information as it relates to your student’s band account. All parents should set up an account on CHARMS in order to update all contact information.

A link is provided in Student section on the band website.

School Code is vmhspatriotbandPassword is Student’s School ID#

REMIND NOTIFICATIONSPlease sign up for our Remind Notification Service. This enables us to send information regarding band activities to everyone with ease!

Send the message “@vmband1718” to the number, “81010”.

Receive text notifications regarding band activities.

Standard messaging rates may apply.

SUMMER INSTRUMENT CAMPSConsider Summer Instrumetal Music Camps during your “OFF TIME” this summer!

List of camps are coming through!

Check the Band Website for more information!

www.vmhsbands.weebly.com

THANK YOU FOR COMING!!