Needham B. Broughton High School Band

We are extremely excited that you may chose/have chosen to become a member of the Needham B. Broughton High School Band program. We hope that you will enjoy your experiences and hope that you will prosper from your stay in the program. Hopefully the information you will find in this packet will assist you and answer any questions you might have regarding the operating procedures of the band. Each program in the Wake County Public School System is structured differently and the format of the Needham B. Broughton program has been very successful for many years.

Each August (roughly one week before the first day of school), all band members will begin their band camp activities. This allows the organization to become ready to perform when school opens. All members---horn line, percussion, and color guard---work closely with instructors so that all may benefit and so the band may be extremely well prepared. Schedules for the band camp activities are usually completed and distributed to all potential members by April 1st of the preceding school year. There may be one attached to this information packet.

Because of the format of the program, all students who register into the band program are split into two classes. For the marching band, these two classes are combined; thus we have the large marching band. This is the band that participates in football games, parades, marching contests, and other community events. “New” students and parents are usually very wary about participation in the marching band but present band members and families will no doubt confirm that this is one of the best ways to get involved with school activities and to have 165 friends on the first day of school. Once the first nine weeks and football season is complete, then the students will split back into the two concert programs known as the concert band and the symphonic wind ensemble. The two concert groups will then begin to work on musicianship daily with the ultimate goal of participation in the North Carolina State Music Contest Festival. We are very fortunate to have this program at Needham B. Broughton as it allows the marching band to rehearse only two days a week after school. Many of the schools in Wake County will rehearse their marching programs every day after school. Our schedule allows students to still be “students” and to be very involved with other Needham B. Broughton activities, community events, or just socialization with their friends.

When you decide that you wish to be a member of the band program, you are expected and required to attend all rehearsals and performances. It would only make common sense that the only way any organization can grow and become better is by having all participants in the organization at all events. We do understand that unfortunate deaths in the family and sickness will occur in the school year. However, church retreats, family reunions, work schedules, etc. do not justify as an excused missed absence. Band schedules are published months in advance so that all band members and parents can adjust their schedules so there will be no conflicts with band related events. In Wake County, bands fall under the same guidelines as athletic teams and therefore, band members who do miss events not excused by the director will be asked to leave the program.

Along with our marching band program and two concert groups, we also offer two jazz ensembles. These programs are by audition only and perform regularly in the community for various events. In years past, the jazz groups have met during the school today but can also meet after school hours. A strict instrumentation is implemented so that the jazz ensembles may perform the music of the “Big Bands” and jazz today.

Once our fall marching season is complete, we also offer two performing winter guard programs for the members of our fall marching band color guard and other interested personnel. Offered as a dance elective, this allows those involved to participate and improve their individual abilities as a performing guard/dance member. Contests are scheduled throughout the winter months. Membership is open to all having dance ability and showing interest in becoming a color guard member.

Students can also become involved with the vocal and orchestra departments. Many band members work closely with the vocal students and provide instrumental back-ups for their vocal programs. Students can also volunteer their time (and get community service) for participating in the school orchestra on their programs.

There are some expenses with your involvement and participation in the program. All members are required to purchase shoes, white/black gloves, solid white nylon shorts, and other needed necessities. All large instruments as well as color guard equipment is provided by the school. A band maintenance fee is charge to each participating member to assist the band boosters with the upkeep and maintenance of all band uniforms. There will be times when you will be required to dry clean your uniform. You are always expected to have shoes cleaned and polished, pants pressed, white/black gloves washed, hair properly displayed under hat, and other appearance items that will make the band look “uniform.”

Students in the Needham B. Broughton program are not charged for their participation. Instead, students are strongly encouraged to participate in all fund raising activities sponsored by the Broughton Band Boosters, Inc. The profit from these fund raising activities is then applied to the expenses of each student. Many high school programs will charge students for their participation in band camp and other budget items throughout the year. However this program does not do that but instead allows students to “earn” their way through the profits “earned” in the fund raising activities. Through the years, many families have commented on how this approach has assisted families so their child may participate at no cost to the family. If there is an overnight trip throughout the school year, students may be charged a trip fee. However, overselling of their fund raising activities allows students to use that profit towards their overnight trip.

We are proud of the band program at Needham B. Broughton. This program is extremely strong because of the many students, parents and friends who have assisted through the years to make the program second to none. We hope that you will enjoy your experiences in the program.

For more information on the Needham B. Broughton High School Band, please feel free to contact the band director, Mr. Jeffery H. Richardson, at 856-7826 or by e-mail at JHRICHARDSON1@WCPSS.NET.