8/23/23 - MHS Bands Welcome Event -- Monday 8/28

Hello MHS band families,

Please consider attending our welcome event next week Monday! (Open house starting at 6:00pm, with a brief presentation at 7:00pm.) It's a great chance to meet the teachers and other band parents, tour the facilities, hear about events planned for this year, and find out how you and your student can get involved. Hope to see you there!

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BIG BAND WELCOME EVENT

Monday, August 28th

MHS Band & Orchestra Rooms

6:00 pm Social Hour & Tour of the Music Rooms

- Social hour

- Say Hello & Introduce yourselves to the teachers!

- Tour the music spaces

- Learn about Program Book Sponsorship

- Sign up to Volunteer

- Meet the Boosters Board

- Ask any questions you may have

7:00 pm Presentation in the P.A.C.

- Brief preview of programming

- Middleton Band Boosters introduction

- New Orleans trip presentation

Whether you are a new or returning MHS band student or family member, please attend to meet other families & learn about the exciting events planned for this year!

We're so excited to welcome you to the band community!

See you on Monday!

Mr. Brown

Mr. Rothacker

Mr. Ver Voort

Middleton Band Booster Board

Marching Band Heat Advisory Update (8/21)

Hello MHS marching band families,

We wanted to share some information about marching band concerning the weather forecast this week. Currently there is a heat advisory beginning at 11:00am tomorrow, and an excessive heat watch beginning on 11:00am Wednesday through Thursday. Air temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s with heat indices above 100 degrees.

We have been in communication with our athletic department about school procedures for outdoor sports and activities in extreme heat. We will still have band camp this week as it is our only opportunity to learn the field show; however, there are some precautions we will need to take to keep everyone safe:

What students should do

1. Hydrate - drinking water is not optional. During water breaks, everyone must be hydrating even if it's just a few sips. Continue to drink lots of water when you go home so that you come to camp hydrated.

2. Sunscreen - also not optional. Even mild sun exposure that you wouldn't consider a "burn" will reduce your skin's ability to cool itself. Reapply sunscreen every other water break.

3. Dress - think light colors, loose-fitting and breathable, with long sleeves preferred for additional sun protection. Absolutely no denim or other heavy clothes this week (even if you have a great costume for a dress-up day)!

4. Self-monitor - if you are feeling sick, let a staff member know and step off the field. The new stadium building provides extra shade we can use. Don't take lots of unnecessary breaks, but if you are truly not well please take care of yourself first before it becomes an emergency.

What staff will be doing

1. Extra water/shade breaks - We will be taking scheduled breaks three times as often as usual to allow students to cool off and hydrate.

2. Indoor rehearsal - We will be monitoring the heat index every hour. Although we need to be outside learning drill as much as possible, we will come inside at peak temperatures to work on music and body movements. On Tuesday-Thursday (the warmest days), we have reserved the indoor fieldhouse all afternoon.

3. Monitoring - Staff (as well as student leadership) will be watching students for any signs of distress and encouraging precautionary measures. However, each student knows their own body and should talk to a staff member if they are feeling unwell.

--

Eric RothackerMusic Teacher & Band Director Middleton High School

8/18/23 - Great First Days & Small Calendar Change for August 31

Hello Everyone!

We'll keep this short, as most of the last big email that went out is still applicable.

Marching Band is in full swing, and we're off to an amazing start! Our leadership team has been an amazing asset, returning members have led an excellent example, and our new members are working incredibly hard. Based on what we have seen the last few days we're going to have an amazing season!

One change to our calendar to be aware of:

In light of August 31st becoming a full day of freshman orientation, we will be canceling our rehearsal on that day (August 31st). Between the individuals that would need to miss and the importance of freshmen starting off the school year strong, we do not think it will be in anyone's best interest and want to respect everyone's time. Everyone has reviewed the music and learned/reviewed almost all marching techniques to start on drill this upcoming week. Now, the real fun begins! Make sure to get some rest, take a look at the music, and reset before this upcoming week! A reminder that drill videos, music, and copies of everything are available in the band app. See everyone on Monday! -- Eric Rothacker