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Home > Band FAQs Band FAQsWhat is the band fee used for? The band fee is used for several things. It helps to cover the cost of the clinicians that are employed during band camp and throughout the year. It also covers the cost of band T-shirts that are used throughout the year and the black gloves that are a required part of the marching uniform. In addition, a portion of the fee is used for meals that are provided during marching competitions. Because the fee is budgeted and (largely) spent before band camp even begins, it is nonrefundable. Why does everyone have to attend summer band camp? Attendance at band camp is vital to the band’s success as an ensemble. During band camp, expectations for the year are set and group unity (a key component for success) is established and developed. In addition, the marching drill and music, obviously integral factors for success, are learned during this time. Any unavoidable conflicts must be reported to the band director in May or June prior to camp. There are several different bands. Please provide a description of each one. At the beginning of each school year, the band performs as a whole (the Marching Huskies) during the marching season (August to October). After marching season concludes, band members audition for positions in either the Concert or Symphonic band. The Concert Band is an ensemble with two purposes. First, to provide an outlet for students who enjoy participating in music but have not reached an advanced level of performance. Secondly, the Concert Band serves as a training band for those students interested in eventually reaching a level of performance that qualifies them to audition for the Symphonic Band. All freshmen are placed in the Concert Band at the conclusion of marching season and may work toward placement in the Symphonic Band via an audition process in November. The Symphonic Band is the top performing group comprised of students who have shown superior performance abilities. The Percussion Ensemble is comprised of the band’s percussion students. Members are assigned to either the Concert or Symphonic band, and they also work separately in the steel drum band and/or Percussion Ensemble, as well as being part of the Marching Huskies during marching season. The Jazz Ensemble I allows students to explore the history and performance of jazz. They are a select, top performance group. To audition for Jazz Ensemble I, students must be a member of the Symphonic or Concert band (with the exception of guitarists). The Jazz Ensemble II provides students with the opportunity to perform jazz music and, if desired, work on improving their skills in order to eventually move to Jazz Ensemble I. To audition for Jazz Ensemble II, students must be a member of the Symphonic or Concert band (with the exception of guitarists). In addition, a volunteer core group of 30 to 40 students will represent the band program at basketball games (December through February). This group is known as the Pep Band. All students in band must sign up to perform at two basketball games of their choice during the basketball season. What is a section leader? Within each band, instrument groups are designated as “sections.” For each section, the band director selects a specific student or students to serve as peer leaders for the section. These individuals are generally upperclassmen who have achieved a higher performance level within the group and who possess leadership skills. They are responsible for assisting the director with overseeing the section in terms of preparation, performance, and general conduct. What is the lock-in? The lock-in has become a tradition for the Hersey band in the concluding days of the band camp. It is a mandatory event that is geared at building whole-band, section and class camaraderie and unity. The lock-in is an opportunity for the band to get to know each other on a “non-performing” level, and to socialize! Activities for the evening are pre-planned and the event is fully chaperoned and staffed (the director and assistant director are present all night). What is the Picnic/Fall Preview? The Picnic/Fall Preview marks the end of band camp. On the evening following the lock-in, all of the band families are invited to enjoy a picnic dinner and then see the band in their first “real” performance before school actually begins. Why is my child not marching? What is a shadow? Some of the students (mostly freshmen) will share a spot in the drill (marching show). This is referred to as having a shadow or being a shadow. Basically, this means that these students will alternate practicing in a particular position in the show, and alternate for performances as well. Shared spots are generally based upon instrumentation needs, individual performance level or frequent rehearsal conflicts (due to sports, for example). What should my child wear under the marching uniform? During warmer weather, the students generally wear shorts (soft, athletic shorts, not cargo or denim) and a t-shirt. Because they will often take the jackets off between performances at competitions, they need to be wearing (at least) a t-shirt. During the colder part of the season, many students wear flannel pants/leggings and a long sleeved t-shirt under the uniform. The important thing is that whatever is worn underneath cannot show (e.g., like a turtleneck, or pants that are longer than the uniform pants) and are not so bulky that they do not make the uniform appear ill-fitting. Do the students keep their uniforms at home? No and Yes. Marching uniforms are kept at school in specially labeled garment bags in a locked uniform closet. The marching shoes are either kept in the band locker or taken home between marching performances. The kids are responsible for wearing black socks on the days that they will be performing. Concert and symphonic uniforms ARE given to the students to keep at home. On performance days, the students generally come dressed in the uniform rather than changing at school. Who do I contact if I have questions about uniforms? Each year, we rely on a team of volunteers to handle any uniform issues. If you do not know who these people are, contact your band mentor contact for assistance. If you have a band directory, the names of these volunteers are listed in the front. I am receiving a monthly newsletter and calendar. Is it really important that I read it? Because of the nature of band events, there are often last minute changes. Or sometimes, a performance may be added or deleted from the original calendar. So—YES, it is key that you read the newsletter for important updates and pay particular attention to any changes in the calendar. Does the band travel? Each year, the band participates in several competitions/performances within or around Illinois. Depending on the type of competition or performance, all or part of the band may travel to participate. Additionally, the band may participate in out-of-state competitions, performances or other trips. The determination for these trips is made by the director with the best interest of the band in mind. Since 1999, the Hersey band has made trips to New York, Florida, Washington D.C., and Indiana, among others. What is the HIA? The HIA is the Hersey Instrumental Association—basically, the band boosters. The HIA is a non-profit organization, whose purpose is to enhance the band program at Hersey. The HIA board consists of six elected officers (who are band parent volunteers) and the band director. Voting members of the HIA are the parents/guardians of all students participating in band or flags. The HIA board meets monthly and general meetings are held every other month. Who should attend the HIA general meetings? All parents are invited to and should attend the HIA meetings. It is the best way to stay updated on the latest news, changes, announcements, volunteer opportunities and more. It is also an ideal way for the HIA board to stay in touch and connected with the band families. In addition, all parents/guardians of band students are voting members of this body so it is important if you want your opinion to be heard! What is a student account? Throughout the year, band students are asked to participate in various fundraising efforts. Of the funds raised, a portion will go to the HIA general fund (to help fund various band-wide expenses) and the remainder goes into the student account. Student accounts are funds set aside for band expenses such as trips, supplies, fees, etc. For example, funds from the student account may be used to pay for the cost of admission to the Band Awards Banquet in May. Unused funds DO carry over from year to year and may be passed to siblings in the band program if/when the student graduates or leaves the program. If a graduating senior had funds remaining in their account and no younger siblings in the program, the funds go to the Caneva scholarship fund. How does the Manna fundraiser work? The Manna program is a gift certificate purchasing program that is a vital fundraising tool for the band program. Each month, an order sheet with the names of participating vendors (grocery stores, restaurants, specialty stores, et. al.) is sent home with the students. Gift certificates are selected and paid for, and the certificates are delivered the following week at designated pick up times. For each amount sold, a specific benefit percentage is indicated on the form. Of that percentage, a portion is paid to Manna as a fee, a portion goes to the HIA general fund, and the bulk goes to the student account. Example:
The $25 proceeds are divided as follows:
*Discount amounts vary by vendor and are shown on the order form. How can I volunteer to help with band events? In the late spring newsletter, a volunteer form is sent out with the HIA newsletter. The form includes pre-planned volunteer activities for the following school year. You can complete this form and submit it with your child to the band room, or via mail to the address provided on the form. If you prefer, you may enroll online through this Web page. What is the Caneva scholarship? Donald Caneva served as the first band director at John Hersey High School and remained in that role for ten years. During that tenure, the Hersey band gained national recognition, performing at the Tournament of Roses parade, the Cotton Bowl and the Orange Bowl, to name a few. In 2001 the Caneva scholarship was established in his honor to help promote musical growth to the Hersey band student(s) who have shown promise. The scholarship is provided to a freshman or sophomore class member for the purpose of attending a summer music camp of his/her choice. What is Superstate? The Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival or “Superstate” is an event sponsored by the University of Illinois Bands and the School of Music. Twenty four outstanding middle, junior and senior high school bands from across the state are selected for the festival by a judging panel of band directors not affiliated with the University. Bands are selected based on audition tapes. The event normally takes place in early May at the Urbana campus of the University of Illinois and, if selected, the Hersey Symphonic Band performs. What is the Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival? The CICBF is the band’s largest fundraiser. This band competition event takes place each year in April at Hersey. Middle school, junior and senior high school bands from the Illinois area come to participate. Participation includes a performance before a general audience and private evaluation (on a band by band basis) with well respected music professionals. Are band members allowed to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities? Yes. The key here is communication! A preliminary band schedule is provided well before school starts (although it is subject to change). Once you receive your child’s practice and event schedule for the other sport or activity, compare the two schedules and identify any conflicts. As a rule, a meet or game outweighs a band rehearsal, and a band performance will outweigh a practice. If the two events in conflict are “equal” in weight (e.g., a band concert versus a tennis match), consult the band director and the coach/leader of the other activity of the other activity and they will communicate to reach an agreement on which event will be attended. |
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