7/18/23 - Summer Marching Band Updates & Reminders

Hello everyone,

Hope everyone's summer is going well and getting some well deserved rest before the upcoming year! It appears most of the marching band has been uploaded into infinite campus, which will likely mean we'll transition to send emails via that platform instead of direct through email to be more reliable. Just wanted everyone to have a heads up for when that happens.

Activities Physicals

As we sent out earlier earlier in the year, physicals need to be submitted to the school for students to participate in marching band and we now have updated information regarding how to submit these forms/paperwork. Please see the attached PDFs for what is required of the physicals as well as how to submit them. They should be submitted via the athletic/activities website for the school's record. Please note that sending anything to the band directors will not submit it to the school and will not count.

Flip Folders, Lyres, Drillmasters, etc

Please visit this link on our amazing boosters page to purchase flip folders, lyres, and drill masters as needed! (Colorguard please note your equipment is different and you should contact Kasey or a section leader regarding what you will need) A reminder that these materials should be purchased before band camp to avoid items selling out. As a special note, drillmasters are the required shoe for the marching band to look uniform and any other black or mostly black shoe will NOT work for this activity.

Guard Camp July 24th-28th

Members of the Colorguard! You've been doing amazing work so far! Your official intro camp is coming up next week and you will learn the majority of skills and information you'll need for the season during this time. Please make sure you are present and on time for these days and meet in the band room (unless otherwise noted by Kasey)

Percussion Camp August 14th-17th

Percussion! Your official intro camp will start on the 14th and it is critical you are also in attendance and on time. Your camp will overlap with the rest of the band on the 17th while the band starts learning the fundamentals so you can continue to refine what you have. Please continue to work on the music you have and ask questions of section leaders/instructors if you have them!

Band Camp Starts August 17th!!

We'll have a large email coming out in the beginning of August with lots of specifics so please keep an eye out. Until then please continue to keep your calendars clear so we can have a great start to the season. A reminder that the marching band calendar can also be found in our handbook and on the booster website HERE.

Additional Friends and Family Show Shirts Final Reminder

Final reminder that we have additional family and friends show shirts available for purchase through our booster website HERE for those that are interested. Participating students get a free color version, but if you'd like additional options, feel free! Many families purchase these for when they come to watch the performance and support the band at football games, competitions, and around the community. All proceeds go directly band into the program to help purchase items including instruments and equipment, supplement day to day needs, and scholarship students. Last day to submit a purchase order is THIS Friday July 21st

-- Eric Rothacker

6/9/23 - Marching Band DCI Events over Summer & Family Supplemental Show Shirts!

Hello everyone and happy summer!

If you are interested, there are a few DCI (Drum Corps International) events this summer that students from Middleton would have easy access to. DCI is a marching band on the highest competitive level filled with high school through college students that practice for hours over the summer and compete on an international level throughout the summer. If you have never been to see one of these events/competitions, it is strongly recommended while they're in our backyard. If you're on the fence, here are three recordings of big performances. Carolina Crown E=MC2, Santa Clara Vanguard's Babylon, and Bluecoats' Tilt.

Drums on Parade at Middleton July 1st

This event will be ticketed as normal and takes place in our very own MHS Stadium. The link to the tickets is here.

Whitewater Classic at UW-Whitewater July 8th

If you expressed interest in your initial registration for the marching band, there should be a ticket waiting for you at the event (more information to follow regarding the pickup process). If you did not, but would now like to go, you can purchase tickets here. Additional tickets should be available at the event as well for a higher price.

Additional Show Shirts

Every student gets a free show shirt to wear to competitions, but often families enjoy showing their support by attending competitions and wearing our grayscale shirts! If you'd like to support the program and also have some merch for competitions, please head to the link here on our booster website to place an order. Shirts will arrive by the first week of band camp for students to pick up and bring home!

6/6/23 - Marching Band Updates & Info

Hello everyone,

A huge thanks to everyone that was able to show up to the welcome event last week! We are excited after hearing everyone sightread some of the show to see what this group is capable of in the fall! We have a couple of small updates for everyone below.

sightread

Instrument/Music Pick Up

If you were unable to attend the welcome event and still need an instrument or music, please feel free to swing by the music office June 12-16th 10 am-3 pm and we'll be happy to provide anything needed.

Music Preparation

We know many people received a lot of music last week and you might be wondering where to start or how to begin. Generally speaking, the show music is the place to start. Many pep band songs have been played in middle school or will be taught in the fall. It can be easy to return to something you know, but we encourage you to lean into the new show music. If there are notes/ techniques you haven't seen or learned before, section leaders are happy to help! Our goal is to have all new members playing through their music by day one of camp. If you need additional copies or a reference recording, they have all been uploaded to the band app for your convenience.

Summer Sectionals

Section leaders will be reaching out soon if not already about summer sectionals. These are instrument-specific meetings that are designed to get help on any and all music as well as additional instrumental technique. We're all coming from different levels and might need different things. Incoming freshmen through seniors are strongly encouraged to attend so we can hit the ground running in the fall and accomplish our goals.

Shoes, Flip Folders, and Lyres

Please remember to check the website HERE to make sure you have everything for the fall and/or purchase as needed.

Need Help? Have Questions?

Start with a section leader or returning member! They are often the best and fastest source for questions. If they don't know, they can ask additional leadership or drum majors.

Keep an eye out soon for additional information on local DCI events! -- Eric RothackerMusic Teacher & Band Director