5/24/23 - Memorial Day Celebration

Dear Band Families, We are excited for our yearly Memorial Day event coming this Monday. This is an important opportunity for us to give back to our community while honoring members of the armed services who have passed. We will perform two memorial ceremonies and march a parade in Cross Plains. This event is required for all band students and any band students who are unable to attend can complete the alternate assignment in google classroom. The schedule for the day is below. All students will be provided a band polo for the day, please wear something light to wear under the polo, khaki shorts, and athletic (closed toe) shoes. Lunch will be provided at Legion Hall in CP. Schedule for the day: 8:00 Report to MHS for warm up and rehearsal 9:00 Buses depart for Community of Ashton 9:30 Ceremony at St. Peter's cemetery 10:00 Snacks and depart for Park Elementary in Cross Plains 11:00 Parade begins 12:00 Ceremony at American Legion Hall in Cross Plains 12:30 Ceremony ends, lunch provided ~1:00 Buses depart back to MHS

Marching Band Welcome Event Reminder and Physicals

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder that we are holding a welcome event 5/31 from 4-5:30pm. We'll be handing out music/instruments for the fall, playing through some music, and meeting members of the band. We will meet in the band room on the north side of the building.

If we do not have the instrument you need back from the shop (or you cannot attend on the 31st), you are welcome to swing back anytime June 12-16th 9am-3pm.

Things to bring:

Your instrument (unless you're renting from us and we'll rent it to you on the day)

A place to hold your new music

Water bottle

Sunscreen if needed (we'll likely be in the shady part of Fireman's Park after the band room)

Physicals for the School

Please see attached for the high school's physical's policy for marching and other activities/sports. This would apply to all sports and activities. We and the school want to ensure all of our students are safe and ready for the fall. More information will come with how to submit these forms to the activities and athletic departments once completed.

-- Eric Rothacker

5/15/23 - First 2023-2024 Marching Band Email

Hello and welcome to the 2023 Marching Band Season! Marching band is starting up and we're excited to have you be a part of the amazing show we have planned for this year! While marching band doesn't officially start until late summer, we like to provide a quick welcome and meet & greet before summer begins to meet current members, rent out marching instruments, and provide music to start practicing before the fall. Please join us on May 31st 4-5:30 pm for our mini welcome event! While it is not required, it is strongly recommended to help you get acclimated to the people in the group including your section leaders and leadership! Schedule for Welcome Event 5/31: 4-4:30pm: Welcome, instrument check out, music hand out. Meet in band room, move to fireman's park. Please bring some water in case it is a little hot. 4:30-5:30pm: Music read through! (New members no need to worry about sight reading, most of us will be new to the music as well!) 5:30pm: Dismissal Instrument Check out: If you already know that you will be in need of an instrument, please respond to this email with your name, and your instrument so that we can do our best to have it ready for you right away. (Tubas and french horns/mellophones we already know you will need an instrument) Music: Section leaders will have your music on the day of the meet and greet. New members, it is NOT an expectation for you to play through or sight read any of the music at the same level as returning members. It is more of an opportunity to hear generally how the song goes, and give you an idea of what music you'll need to focus on, or might need help with. Show music will also be made available on the BAND app should you lose your initial copy. BAND App: Students, please make sure you have joined the BAND App for easier communication/announcements as we get closer to the beginning of the season! This is where section leaders will initiate communication to help make the season run smoother for you! Marching Band Calendar: The calendar has been updated now that we have an A/B calendar from the district. Please check the handbook or calendar page for the updated dates for all rehearsals. With limited rehearsals compared to other competitive bands, it is important that everyone is in attendance for rehearsals. We're excited to see everyone and start this amazing experience! Please bring your instrument (unless you need one for rental) and some water! Families, your student might feel nervous about going to this event if it is their first time. This is completely normal, please push them out the door, we will take great care of them. See you soon! -- Eric RothackerMusic Teacher & Band Director Middleton High School 608-829-9683 erothacker@mcpasd.k12.wi.us