WELCOME EMAIL FOR 2017
Greetings current and future members of the Wade Hampton Marching Generals!
My name is A.J. Pace and I am the Director of Bands at Wade Hampton High School. Thank you for taking the time to fill out our online application for the 2017 marching band. The Wade Hampton Band program is the fastest growing and highest achieving marching band in Greenville County, and we are very excited that you will be joining our family! The marching band is the school's largest group, and we see ourselves as a large family, as well as the largest set of school spirit leaders. We provide entertainment and lead school spirit at all home football games, pep rallies, and even at basketball games. Beyond the school, the band is a very competitive ensemble, earning an ever-growing number of awards.
Start here by viewing this slideshow with important introductory information. In this e-mail, you will find important dates, information, as well as list of frequently asked questions to provide you with as much information as possible. Throughout the year, your source of information for all things band is the
website at http://www.whhsbands.com. There you'll find the band calendar, weekly announcements, meeting minutes, FAQs and more. Bookmark it today!
Plus join our Facebook page for pictures, videos and more.
Important Dates (also found on http://www.whhsbands.com/calendar) Drumline Training Sessions – Tuesday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 18 – 4 to 6 PM
These are open to any student that is interested in auditioning for the 2017 drumline (these are the drummers who march on the field, rather than the percussion that remains in the front, or the pit). We will cover basic concepts, introduction to marching percussion, and will serve as training before the actual drumline auditions.
Drumline Auditions – Tuesday, April 25 – 4 to 6 PM
The individuals that are selected to be in the drumline will have weekly rehearsal after school until the summer break. We will decide a schedule once all members are selected. The rehearsals will be 4:00 to 6:00 PM once a week.
Color Guard Auditions – Tuesday, April 18 , 25, and 27 – 4 to 6 PM
All individuals who wish to participate in the 2017 color guard program should be in attendance at these auditions unless excused by Mr. Pace prior to this date.
Spring Band Camp – Saturday, May 6, 2017 – 9 AM to 5 PM. Lunch will be provided
All students who wish to participate in the 2017 Marching Band must attend this Spring Camp unless excused by Mr. Pace prior to this date. We will introduce all students to basic marching fundamentals, assign our “big brother/big sister” buddies, work on our fundamental music exercises, and even play some of the 2017 show music!
Parent Welcome Meeting - during Spring Band Camp, Saturday, May 6, 4 to 5 PM
Join us for the last hour of Spring Band Camp for some important information for parents, including what to expect and what is expected of parents.
Percussion and Color Guard Summer Mini Camp – July 26, 27 and 28
Color Guard will rehearse 9 AM to Noon and Percussion will rehearse from 1 to 4 PM. All color guard members, drumline members, and front ensemble members must attend these dates unless excused prior by Mr. Pace.
Summer Band Camp Week 1 – July 31 through August 4 Summer Band Camp Week 2 – August 7 through August 11 9 AM to 1 PM – Morning Rehearsal, 5 PM to 9 PM – Night Rehearsal
All students are given the afternoons off to avoid extreme heat. Students are welcome to leave during the afternoon hours; however, we will have chaperones available to monitor any students that do not have a ride during that time. Meals are NOT provided during band camp.
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND BOTH WEEKS OF BAND CAMP
FAQ for those new to band (also found on http://www.whhsbands.com/faq) Do I have to participate in marching band? Yes, marching band is required of all students in the Wade Hampton Band Program. The only students who are exempt from this requirement are students that participate in football and fall competition cheer. Can I still play a fall sport and participate in marching band? Yes! You can participate in any fall sport except for football or competition cheer. We are able to work scheduling conflicts with all other fall sports! Do I have to attend the football games? Yes, we perform at all home football games. What are the dates for contests? The dates for our contests have not been finalized yet. We anticipate 2 Saturday Contests in September and 3 Saturday Contests in October Do I need to provide my own instrument? We will provide all marching specific instruments (i.e. percussion instruments, marching brass instruments, and color guard equipment). We ask that you bring your own woodwind instruments. What class do I sign up for? All color guard members should be signed up for Color Guard 1 and 2 All percussion members should be signed up for Percussion classes
*Freshman – Percussion 1 and 2 *Sophomores – Percussion 3H and 4H *Juniors – Percussion 5H and 6H *Seniors – Percussion 7H and 8H
All wind members should be signed up for Instrumental Music: Band
*Freshman - Instrumental Music: Band 1 and 2 *Sophomores - Instrumental Music: Band 3H and 4H *Juniors - Instrumental Music: Band 5H and 6H *Seniors - Instrumental Music: Band 7H and 8H
