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 | New Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
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A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR INCOMING NEEDHAM B. BROUGHTON MEMBERS
Welcome! The first day at any new school is a big day for any student and you have taken on an additional challenge by deciding to continue your music education as a part of the Needham B. Broughton Band. Band participation is a commitment, not just for the student, but for the whole family. This guide is intended to answer some of the questions that you and your parents will have as you begin your involvement with band.
- The NBHS band website: Your best source of information!
First, the website on which this survival guide is posted is the best place to find band information. As you can see, its user friendly and is kept up-to-date with announcements throughout the whole year. Many band members & parents include it in their list of "favorites" for easy access.
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- I'll never be able to march and play at the same time!
Sure you will! That's why we have Band Camp. One week late in the summer is set aside for Band Camp. This week is publicized months in advance, enabling families to plan vacations and other activities so students won't have to miss this important week of rehearsal.
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- I've heard people talk about "sectionals." What's that?
The band is made up of groups of instruments. People who play trumpet, clarinet, flute, etc., meet for rehearsal with just that section periodically, during and after regular rehearsal time. Each section has one or more section leaders, who are seniors or juniors. These section leaders are at Band Camp and will help you with your marching and your music. Sections sometimes get together for social events.
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- I've never been on the Broughton campus. Where's the student parking lot?
The student parking lot (also referred to as the back parking lot) is the first lot you turn into from St. Mary's Street. This is the most convenient lot for being dropped off & picked up.
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- What is the Covered Dish/Parent Performance?
On the last evening of Band Camp, parents (and anyone, really) are invited to see a short re-cap of what the band has been sweating over all week. In recent years, the performance has been followed by a covered dish dinner and a short Band Boosters meeting. It's a fun night and usually kicks off marching season with a bang.
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- Does the band perform at every ball game?
The band performs only at home football games. Football games are almost always on Friday nights.
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- I've never been to a marching band competition. What should I expect? Do I need to have transportation to the competition?
Students ride buses to all band competitions. The entire band, with the staff and the chaperone crew, are together from early in the afternoon until we return to school in the evening. Contests might involve a preliminary performance in the afternoon and a finals performance in the evening. Several days before each competition, you'll receive an itinerary that will give you the specifics about call times, performance times and return times.
If your family will be attending the performance, they should dress for the weather, because they'll be outside most of the day. Early in the season, it will be hot, hot, hot. By the end of the season, they may want to wrap up in blankets (available at the Band Store!). There is an admission cost for competitions. There are usually food sales at competitions, although many partake in the band's potluck dinner before the performance and cookies and fruit afterwards. Each student that wishes to eat at the potluck must bring an entre or side dish to share (4 - 6 servings). Families and friends of the band are welcome!
Needham B. Broughton Band parents and boosters are known to be courteous and supportive of all the bands at a competition. Before the first competition, watch your email and the Broughton Band newsletter for marching band contest etiquette. These simple guidelines that will make competitions fun for everyone!
Lots of families decorate their cars for competition; it's especially fun for the band, as they're riding on a bus, to see a car whiz by decked out in Broughton's distinctive purple!
Commemorative t-shirts, patches and programs are often available at competitions. Let your family know if you'd like to have such merchandise and ask them to purchase it; students never have the time or opportunity to do so.
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- What should we expect for overnight trips?
The band might take an overnight trip each year and these trips can make for some great band memories. We stay in hotels and before the trip you'll be asked to sign up with three other people for a room assignment. You'll also be given the opportunity to request to ride the same bus with friends. The director makes the final decision about bus and room assignments, but makes every effort to accommodate preferences. Boys and girls room on separate floors; the student/chaperone ratio is about 8 to one.
As is the case for day trips, you will receive an itinerary for overnight trips several days in advance. Itineraries are always posted on the Broughton Band website the week of the trip.
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- What do we have to pay for on overnight trips?
Transportation, food (including snacks) and lodging are all included in trip payments. Except for rare occasions, there are few needs for pocket money during a band trip. Visit the "Fundraising" section to see how to "earn" free trips.
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- What happens when marching season is over?
As busy as we stay during marching season, band continues through the school year with an equally busy concert and jazz season. Concerts (usually three a year) are included on the calendar and there are usually several after-school rehearsals for each concert, in addition to the in-class time that is devoted to concert rehearsal.
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- Are there honor bands in high school?
The North Carolina Band Masters Association holds auditions each year for All-State band, orchestra and chorus. The band auditions are held in two stages: the first round is held in January, usually outside of Raleigh. Visit the N.C. Bandmasters Association Link to learn more about the audition process. "Central" district is our region.
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- How will I be notified about band events?
In addition to notification in your band classes, additional communication for the Band is electronic, via email, and the band website. We've found that email is the most efficient, least expensive way to get information out to hundreds of people as quickly as possible. If you do not have access to email, please let the Band Boosters presidents know so that alternate arrangements can be made. We want you to be informed!
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- Why do we have so many fundraisers?
The payments that you pay are just part of the cost of fielding the Needham B. Broughton Band. Expenses include trips, uniforms (and their cleaning), food, drill design, music arrangements, and more. We depend on everyone to pitch in to raise money for the band, although for each fundraiser, a family may make an "in lieu of" payment. Visit the "Fundraising" section to learn how our fundraisers work.
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- Do my parents really need to be involved?
Absolutely! The Needham B. Broughton Band needs hundreds of volunteer hours to thrive, and we're proud to say that Broughton Band Boosters is one of the best booster associations in the state. Take a look at the dozens of jobs that are available for volunteers and see where talents are needed. This can be a great activity not just for you, but for your whole family!
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- What if I have questions that aren't answered here?
If you have ANY questions about anything, please feel free to call any member of the board of directors. All of their contact information is available on the website.
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