MARCHING BAND NOTES
Tom Wilson and Janis Stockhouse, Directors
June 2003
Welcome, Parents and Students!
Welcome to the Bloomington North Cougar Band! The Cougar Band is a hard-working musical ensemble that strives for excellence and advancement. You have chosen to become a member at a very exciting time. Our season holds many challenges, as well as exciting performances, most notably our trip to New York City to perform in the 77th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Congratulations for choosing to be a part of this award-winning ensemble. We directors are excited to have you aboard as a member of the Cougar Band!
For the past ten years, Bloomington North has become known as one of Indiana’s outstanding high school marching bands. Our high level of musicianship and quality of performance has contributed to this success. On five occasions, North has qualified for the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) State Finals, which are held in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Performing inside the dome is an incredible, memorable experience providing a day of both high-level competition and lifelong memories. Schools are grouped by ISSMA based on their enrollment (10-12), to ensure that everyone competes against schools similar in size. North will again be competing in Class B this season, so our prospects of being a state finalist this year are high.
By being a member of the Cougar Band, students learn discipline, cooperation, loyalty and time management. They develop a real sense of pride, accomplishment and a solid work ethic as students depend on each other. Each member is integral to the success of the entire band. With over 140 members, the Cougar Band is certainly one of the largest student groups to represent our school and Bloomington community. This responsibility cannot be taken lightly. Upperclassmen serve in important leadership roles as section leaders and drum majors. Musical growth and strong friendships are very important aspects of this organization. To be a part of a “family” when entering high school can truly make a difference in a student’s school year. While marching band involves hard work, the rewards are immeasurable. These memories of extraordinary performances, and most importantly musical growth and achievement, will last a lifetime.
Fall 2003 Show
Marching band will take place from August 4th through our return from Macy’s November 28th. Marching band is not a regular daily class, although students receive .5 credit for their participation. Attendance in MANDATORY at ALL practices and performances unless excused by the director. Time management is crucial to our success. It is important that rehearsals start on time so much can be accomplished. We directors promise to end all rehearsals on time.
This year’s marching band show is based on the works of American composer Leonard Bernstein. The majority of our show will come from Bernstein’s First Symphony “Jeremiah”.
Bernstein wrote this symphony in 1942 for a competition sponsored by the New England Conservatory of Music. He always denied any literal “story” behind the piece; he insisted that his intention was “not one of literalness, but of emotional quality.” “Thus,” he continued, “the first movement (‘Prophecy’) aims only to parallel in feeling the intensity of the prophet’s pleas with his people; and the scherzo (‘Profanation’) to give a general sense of destruction and chaos.” Our ballad this year will come from Bernstein’s “Mass”. Commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy in honor of JFK, its first public performance was in 1971. We will be using Movement I of “Chichester Psalms” as our opener. The show promises to be full of emotion, mixed meters, driving tempos and beautiful melodies.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Out of over 300 applicants nationwide, our marching band has been selected to participate in the prestigious Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! This historical parade is viewed by an estimated 75 million people Thanksgiving morning. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for all involved in our band program as well as the city of Bloomington. The Macy’s parade consists of a street parade, approximately two and one-half miles in length, originating from 77th Street and Central Park West. It steps off at 9:00 AM and proceeds down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, where it shifts over to Broadway. At Macy’s Herald Square, NBC televises its three-hour network spectacular seen coast to coast. Our six-day trip (November 23-28) will include such sights as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero and a Broadway show. The initial payment of $150.00 has been extended to June 10th, with the second payment of $150.00 due on July 1st and the final installment of $175.00 due October 1st. (note this slight change) Payments should be mailed to Maggi Schuman 313 Reisner Drive Bloomington, IN 47401. Please note the name of your child on the check or in correspondence to have the payment credited correctly. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Maggi at 332-4452. Fundraisers to cover additional expenses are coming up this summer. We need EVERYONES support to make them a success. Thanks!
Welcome Marching Band Staff
Joel Brainard, who student taught at North last fall, will be joining our marching band staff as drumline instructor and percussion coordinator. Joel is a recent graduate of Indiana University and was just accepted into the Masters Program at IU with a concentration in Jazz Studies. Joel will also be in his second year of instructing the Marching Hundred Drumline. Best wishes to Joel as he spends his summer on the road with the Capital Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. He’ll be back after the DCI Finals to be held in Orlando on August 7th-9th. Trent Chitwood will be returning as guard staff after his brief time with us last fall and his great work with the winter guard. Trent is a native of Lebanon Indiana and is also, imagine that, an IU student.
Welcome Color Guard Members!
Trent Chitwood and Mr. Wilson are excited to announce our color guard members for the 2003 season. Members include: Alison Beasley, Kate Geene, Morissa Moore, Emilie Schoch, Lanell Sparks, Sarah VanderZee, Megan Allswede, Stacy Brewer, Kenna Daniel, Miyako Fuqua, Katy Popplewell, Christine Sturrock, MeriEllen Fleener, Ashley Allswede, Melinda Baker, Natasha Carter, MacKenzie Colston, Kalina Dunn, Kylie Holtsclaw, Brittany Landrum, Talcha Morquez, Katie Schimdt, Dana Boruff, and Amber White. A brief parent meeting for all color guard members will take place Tuesday June 3rd from 7:30-8:30 in the band area to discuss the season and Macy’s Trip. Color guard members should take notice of their summer rehearsal schedule attached in this newsletter. Congratulations to our Guard!
Uniform Distribution Date
Uniforming Day is set for Saturday, August 23rd from 9am-3pm. We need 12-15 moms and dads to help, so please mark your calendars and volunteer. With enough parent help, no one is overwhelmed and the distribution goes smoothly. If you can help, please contact Donna Rinckel at 334-1378. Thanks!
MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION
As always, our show will be custom-written for the EXACT number of instrumentalists and guard members. Therefore, it is imperative that students honor their word and follow through with their commitment to the Marching Band. The drill will be written for students who have paid their Macy’s deposit, or have given verbal/written intention to be a part of this year’s band.
As with many school activities, there is a fee for participating in the Cougar Band. It takes at least $30,000 to run a competitive marching band program, and this financial burden falls on the shoulders of our Band Boosters. Uniforms, buses, truck costs, guard equipment, instruments, staff, food, music arranging are just a few of the costs. The band camp/season fee this year is $200.00. We are requiring a deposit of $50.00 due by June 20th and the remaining $150.00 due by August 1st. However, we directors do not want to exclude ANYONE from the marching band because of monetary issues. Please contact us if you have concerns.
Please tear off and mail this form with your deposit by June 20th. Thank you for supporting your son or daughter’s participation in this exciting and rewarding musical activity!
2003 Marching Band Camp Registration
(Please PRINT clearly)
Student Name_______________________________________________Grade______
Parent Name(s)_________________________________________________________
Marching Band Instrument______________________________Phone______________
Student E-mail_________________________________________________________
Parent E-mail__________________________________________________________
T-shirt size______________ Vegetarian: Yes_____ No_____
Return form and deposit to: Total season Cost $200.00 $50.00 due 6/20
Checks payable to: Bloomington North Band
Thomas Wilson
Bloomington North Bands
3901 North Kinser Pike
Bloomington, IN 47404
2003 Cougar Band Dates
June 3, 5 Freshman, New Marchers 6-8pm
Color Guard 5-9pm
June 3 Color Guard Parent Meeting 7:30-8:30pm
June 10, 12 Color Guard 5-9pm
June 16,17,18,19 Color Guard Camp 9am-12pm, 1-4pm
July 1,2,3 4th of July Parade Practices 3-6
(optional)
July 4 Bloomington 4th of July Parade
August 4,5,6,7 Freshmen, New Marchers, Section leaders 2-5pm
FULL Band 6-9pm
August 11-15th BAND CAMP! 9am-9:30pm
August 18,19,20,21 Full Band 5-9:30pm
August 27th First Day of School
*Regular Rehearsal Schedule starts this week!
FULL Band Tuesday/Thursday 6-9pm
Extra Guard/Drumline/Pit TBA
September 6 Mini-Camp 9-5pm
September 13 Rehearsal/Marching Band Invitational
September 20 Invitational
September 27 Invitational
October 4 ISSMA District Contest
October 11 Invitational
October 18 ISSMA Regional Contest
October 25 ISSMA State Finals RCA Dome, Indianapolis
November 23-28 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Trip!!
(Rehearsals for Parade TBA)
Bloomington North Bands
3901 North Kinser Pike
Bloomington, IN 47404
IMPORTANT MARCHING BAND INFORMATION