PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS 2011-2012 Academic Year Mr. Duane Minnick Director of Bands & Fine Arts Chair Developed by the Briar Woods High School Music Boosters Association Web Site: www.falconfever.org -> Community -> Music Boosters or http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/bwhs > Staff > Minnick, Duane PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS CONTENTS BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAMS …………………………..…… 4 OUR DIRECTOR ……………………………………………………..….. 4 THE BAND PROGRAMS .………………………………………………………..……… 4 MARCHING BAND ……………………………………………..………. 4 FALCONAIRES …………………………………………………..…….... 6 CONCERT BANDS ……………………………………………..……….. 6 JAZZ BANDS …………………………………………………..…………. 7 WINTER DRUMLINE / WINTER GUARD ……………………..………… 7 ALL DISTRICT & ALL STATE …………………………………..…………. 7 NEED TO KNOW BAND INFORMATION ……………………………………..……….. 8 STUDENT CONTACT INFORMATION ………………………………..…………. 8 BAND PICTURES ………………………………………………………..………… 8 CONCERT RECORDINGS ………………………………………………..………8 BAND NEEDS AND SOURCES OF FUNDS …………………………….………. 9 BAND FEES ………………………………………………………………………. 10 STUDENT ACCOUNTS ………………………………………………………….. 11 BAND TRIP ……………………………………………………………,…………. 11 CHAPERONES AND VOLUNTEERS …………………………………………… 12 MUSIC BOOSTERS ASSOCIATION (MBA) ………………………………………….. 12 MBA BOARD ………………………….……………………………………….. 12 MBA MEETINGS ……………………………………………………………….. 13 BOOSTERS PHILOSOPHY …………………………………………………….. 13 THE BAND AND BOOSTERS WEB SITES …………………………………….. 13 GET INVOLVED / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES …………………………………… 14 FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES ………………………………………….………… 14 o ONGOING FUNDRAISING EVENTS …………………….…………… 14 . HARRIS TEETER VIC CARD ……………………...….………… 14 . TAG DAY ……………………………………………………….. 14 Be a part of your child’s experience – get involved . Page 2 PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS . 50-50 RAFFLE ………………………………………………... 15 . CITRUS SALE …………………………………………………. 15 . MATTRESS SALE ………….……………….……………………16 o PAST FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES ……………………….…..….…… 16 . CAR WASH ……………………………………..……………. 16 . CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS ………………….………….. 16 . DISCOUNT CARD ……………………………………………. 16 . SCRIP PROGRAM …………………………..…………….…. 16 PIT CREW ………………………………………………….…………….……. 17 UNIFORM TEAM ………………………………………..……………….…… 17 PUBLICITY TEAM …………………………………………..…………….…… 17 BRIAR WOODS FINE ARTS 2011-2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ……………….. 18 Be a part of your child’s experience – get involved . Page 3 PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS BRIAR WOODS HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAMS This award-winning instrumental music program focuses on musical skills, instills a sense of discipline, and creates a spirit of camaraderie. Our marching band, called the Falcon Regiment, is active in the community through its performances and fundraising activities. Under the direction of Mr. Duane Minnick, the overall Falcon Regiment program has grown since its inception in 2005. Now in its seventh season, over 150 students participate in the band programs including: marching band, the Falconaires, concert bands, and jazz bands. OUR DIRECTOR Mr. Duane Minnick, Director of Bands at Briar Woods High School, has over 26 years of experience in music education and is entering his 25th year as a band director. He graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Music in 1987 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree on a full music scholarship. While at LSU, Mr. Minnick was a student of Frank Wickes, revered throughout the country as an exceptional music educator and conductor. Mr. Minnick taught previously in Louisiana and Texas, and has over 13 years of professional experience with DCI Drum & Bugle Corps including the world champion Phantom Regiment. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas. His primary instrument is the trombone, and he also plays other low brass instruments. THE BAND PROGRAMS Marching Band The Marching Band season starts with Band Camp in early August and runs through football season in November. The Falcon Regiment performs at football games and in marching band competitions around the region. In addition to the marching band, the unit features the Falconaires, a flag and rifle corps. Students who join the Falcon Regiment will be participating in one of the largest and most-respected marching bands in Loudoun County. One of the program goals is to prepare students for college marching band, which for many is one of the most memorable and worthwhile college experiences. The Falcon Regiment accepts all musicians, including guitarists and pianists. In addition to the marching performers, the Falcon Regiment Be a part of your child’s experience – get involved . Page 4 PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS has a non-marching percussion “pit” consisting of marimbas, xylophones, timpani, guitars, electronic piano and other rhythm instruments. Each year the composition of the pit varies based on the music selected and student participation. During Band Camp, students learn how to march and work on both the music and the drill (marching choreography) for the season’s show. In addition, the MBA funds clinicians to assist with the different band sections and to help students perfect marching and musical skills. The marching show is usually programmed with thematic material from classical, popular, or motion picture music, creating a total show concept. The show is performed during halftime at home football games and during the competitions that take place during the fall. The Falcon Regiment also performs at a limited number of away football games within Loudoun County. While we encourage students to focus on the Falcon Regiment, Mr. Minnick does make allowances for participation in fall & spring sports. Members of the Falcon Regiment have marching uniforms assigned and fitted to each band member, each year; along with receiving a band T-shirt (included in band fees.) Dry cleaning fees for marching uniforms and other band-related attire (i.e. concert attire) is part of overall band fees. This cost is not covered by the school system. For some shows, units within the Falcon Regiment may wear something other than the school marching band uniform in order to match the theme of the show. For these instances, the students may be asked to buy part or all of the costume; whatever clothing is purchased by the student is the property of the student. Be a part of your child’s experience – get involved . Page 5 PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS To promote uniformity, all band members are asked to wear the same shoes. In August, black marching band shoes are ordered for new students and those that do not have a pair that fit at a cost of approximately $35. Once purchased, these are the property of the student. These shoes may be used by the boys for all band concerts (Symphonic, Jazz, All District, All State) but must be purchased in August. The Music Boosters Association handles the ordering of these shoes and the fitting of the uniforms. Falconaires The Falconaires are a top-rated flag and rifle corps and provide a stunning visual element to the show. We encourage all students interested in dance and rhythmic movement to join the Falconaires. Each year the Falconaires design a new costume for the particular show. Each Falconaire is responsible for the fee for this costume. Concert Bands The Falcon Regiment music program also includes two concert bands: Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band. These groups perform a variety of works from a challenging wind ensemble repertoire. These concert bands are established in September at the beginning of school. While most of the members come from scheduled Band classes, it is not mandatory to take a band class to be in one of these bands. The Symphonic Winds is the elite band and is comprised of students invited by the band director – based on Be a part of your child’s experience – get involved . Page 6 PARENT GUIDE TO THE BRIAR WOODS BAND PROGRAMS individual musicianship and musical composition of the ensemble. These bands perform at several events throughout the year, including a Christmas concert in December, a Spring Concert in June, a Loudoun County competition in the spring and for the annual band field trip – in locations such as Orlando, New York (Carnegie Hall), Chicago, Boston, London and in 2012, Williamsburg. The school provides tuxedos and gowns for use by the students performing in either band. Students supply their own dress shoes (or are welcome to purchase marching shoes for $35 in August. The dry cleaning is done by the Music Booster Association and the cost is included in band fees. Jazz Bands Popular in concerts and competitions around the area, the music of Jazz Ensembles I and II runs the gamut from traditional jazz to modern jazz/rock fusion. Whether it’s through the sounds of Woody Herman or Earth, Wind & Fire, our Jazz Ensembles never fail to delight an audience. Students are encouraged to show off their musical talents in one of the Jazz ensembles. Jazz Band I is the premier ensemble and is selected by audition only. To promote a uniform group appearance, students are required to buy the jazz performance shirt in order to perform in either the Jazz Band I or Jazz Band II. The student can select his or her own “jazz name” to be stitched on the shirt. Winter Drumline / Winter Guard The Winter Drumline is a percussion unit consisting of the marching drumline with accompanying rhythm section. The Winter Guard is an extension of the Falconaires color guard and dance team. These groups are active after the marching season has concluded and perform marching band-style music and