Band Camp 2009

* UPDATED * 2009 SEASON INFORMATION

Band Camp is a 5-day program where the kids will get to know each other, learn their music and drill for this year’s show, and of course, have lots of fun.

• Where: Ridge High School
  
• Dates: Monday August 17th through Friday August 21st, 2009
  
• Times: 8:15 am – 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday
  
• Times: 8:15 am – approx. 4:30 pm Friday
  
• BBQ dinner: Friday after camp
  

NOTES FOR 2009 CAMP

** Dinner – Mr. Z. will dismiss the students for 2 hours Monday-Thursday at dinnertime. They can either eat a dinner they’ve brought or walk into town to eat. The Section Leader of each group will make sure that freshman and new members to the band are well taken care of while at school as well as during any trips to town.

** Please have your student eat a hearty breakfast each day before they arrive and bring a bag lunch and snack. The RMBA will provide a huge water cooler with water and ice each morning that the kids can use to fill their individual water bottles throughout the day.

Band Shoes

Every student must wear band shoes! For new members and any returning members who do not own marching shoes, or have outgrown an old pair, please make sure to order IMMEDIATELY from bandshoppe[dot]com

The style is Pinnacle. Color is Black (not high gloss). Another similar shoe that fits very comfortably is the Dinkles Glide, available at Dinkles[dot]com. Please place these orders as soon as possible to ensure that they are received in time.
The footwear for the Color Guard will be determined once the costumes are finalized.

Stuff to Bring for each day of camp

• marching gear: shorts, sweats, athletic pants, t-shirts (depending on weather)
• sneakers
• hat/sunglasses
• instrument
• music
• lyre
• pencils
• 3-ring binder & plastic sleeves for drill
• reeds/valve oil
• bug spray
• sunblock
• water bottle

Instruments and Music

It is important that all instruments are in perfect working order before the season starts. If there is any mechanical issue with an instrument, please bring it to a qualified repair technician so that it is ready for band camp. Elefante Music in New Providence has a fully equipped repair facility with qualified repair technicians.

• Label your instrument case with name, address, phone #, and RHS Band. Parents should write down the brand name and serial # in case the instrument is misplaced or stolen.
• Percussion equipment is to be played ONLY by percussionists.
• Students who use school owned instruments must return the instruments in the same condition they were given. Damage is to be repaired quickly at the expense of the borrower.
• Your name, instrument, and part should be written on your flip folder and binder.
• Keep a pencil with an eraser in your folder at all times. Never use a pen on your music.
• If you lose your music see a music librarian for a new copy.

Woodwinds

All instruments must have correctly functioning key mechanisms and pads which “seat” properly. Dry the bore of your instrument after each playing session. A small paint brush is perfect for periodically dusting key mechanisms.

Flute & Piccolo

A Cleaning rod and cloth (an old handkerchief works well) are required. Wipe the bore of your instrument each time you finish a playing session. Check the position of the head joint cork periodically.

Clarinets & Saxophones

All players must have a minimum of four good (Vandoren) reeds, a reed guard, cork grease and a swab in their cases at all times. Mouthpieces should be washed frequently with soap and luke-warm water.

Brasses

Each player should have a supply of valve oil and slide lubricant in their case. All instruments should be cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild detergent every four weeks. An appropriate cleaning snake is vital for this purpose. Mouthpieces should be cleaned every week. All instruments should be polished for EVERY PERFORMANCE!

Percussion & Guard

Percussionists and Color Guard members will have instructions specific to their area. Please consult your instructor for specific answers.