Hi parents,
For those who don't know me, I'm Mr. Spatz, the new Marching Band Director at Mainland. I say 'new,' but I've been working with the band since 2012, so I'm not exactly "new."
Before the season begins, I want to touch on a few important things:
See you on July 6th for our first rehearsal and Band Booster meeting,
Marc Spatz
Marching Band Director
For those who don't know me, I'm Mr. Spatz, the new Marching Band Director at Mainland. I say 'new,' but I've been working with the band since 2012, so I'm not exactly "new."
Before the season begins, I want to touch on a few important things:
- Our first rehearsal is Thursday, July 6 from 6-8pm. We will meet in the Band Room. Students are expected to wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothing for rehearsals. This includes members of the Pit as they will be spending some time learning to march with the rest of the band. Students should also bring water!
- Our website will remain at the same address: http://mainlandmarchingband.weebly.com/ Most frequently asked questions are answered on the website. For example, you can (and students should) subscribe to the Google Calendar to get the most up-to-date calendar.
- Most of the field show music has been posted to the shared Google Drive. To access this, go to the band website, under "Files," click "Pyware/Music." You will be prompted to enter the password. If your child hasn't printed their music yet, they should print and begin practicing their parts. If they're not sure what part to print, e-mail me.
- Absence Form: Students are expected to be at all rehearsals, however, if/when a conflict arises, the student is to speak with or e-mail myself or Ms. Melson before filling out the Absence Form found on the band website.
- Forms Packets are due Tuesday, July 18, the first Mini-Camp Day. If you can't get a doctor's appointment before then, please turn in the remainder of the packet to Ms. Melson by July 18. If you don't have a packet, you can get one at our first rehearsal.
- Band Camp fees have not been set as of yet, but plan on the cost being around $150. This is due by the end of Band Camp, August 11. The band camp fee covers dinner for each day of camp, a green M shirt, an overnight trip for Atlantic Coast Championships, and helps offset competition and staff costs. Other than the band camp fee, students are expected to purchase marching shoes (approximately $30), a 3-ring binder with plastic sleeves for music and drill, and a lanyard.
- The Band Boosters are a parent group that support the band in countless ways. They could always use additional help. The next meeting is July 6, during our first rehearsal. All parents are encouraged to attend.
- Unrelated to Marching Band, but if your child is in the Marching Band, they should be signed up for a curricular concert band (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble) with Mr. Rohaly as they will get experience playing a varied repertoire of music throughout the entire school year, weekly lessons, performance opportunities, and trips.
See you on July 6th for our first rehearsal and Band Booster meeting,
Marc Spatz
Marching Band Director