6/20/22 - Summer Marching Band General Updates and Band Camp Prep

Hello everyone,

As we start into summer there are just a few reminders to send out!

Where do I go for information?

General and large information will typically be sent out via email so parents and students can be on the same page. Otherwise, student-specific information is sent out via the "Band" app. A section leader can help you join if you are not already. Section leaders may also send out section-specific information via whatever method is most convenient for their section.

I have a question, where do I go?

Most of the time, a section leader or drum major can help answer questions from students and/or give out information and resources. Otherwise please feel free to email me at erothacker@mcpasd.k12.wi.us and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

What should I be doing now before band camp?

Practice, practice, practice! The goal section leaders and drum majors shared for this year is to have every member know how to play through their music (notes, rhythms, articulations, dynamics, etc.) by day one of band camp. Returning members and leadership should have as much of their music memorized as possible in order to help new members at the beginning of band camp with the same process. To help, sound files of each movement are located in the band app for your use. Please reach out to a section leader with instrument-specific help if needed!

Families of new members, please remember to purchase shoes, flip folders, and lyres (if applicable) by the first day of band camp as well. Please let us know if financial assistance is needed. All information can be found HERE

I heard a section was having practice, do I?

Sectionals in the summer are decided by section leaders and are specific to that group of people (with the help of instructors if you are in percussion or colorguard). While we understand people will have plans already made or cool vacation plans, our primary expectation is that if you are in town or available, you attend. This should all be communicated with section leaders.

I lost my music or never got it, can I get some to practice?

Yes! All music parts are posted in the band app. If you are unsure of your part assignment, section leaders all have that information.

Lastly, new members, it is OKAY if the music is hard for you or even confusing! That's what section leaders are for and most of them were in the same situation when they first joined. Do your best and work to play at the highest level you can!

Thanks so much,

Eric Rothacker

Music Teacher & Band Director

7/20/22 - Marching Band End of July Updates

Hello everyone,

We hope everyone is having a good summer so far and is catching up on some well-deserved rest and fun. Some important updates will be in this email so please read fully!

Supporting Show Shirts

We will be selling additional show shirts for anyone that is interested and wants to show some additional support at football games, competitions, or just around town! The design for the shirt will be attached to this email and is a grayscale version of the student show shirt. We will be selling them through our booster website at this link for $20. Although the shirts are not intended to turn a profit, please know that any profits made will be returned to the program and student experiences! Hurry, as the shirts will no longer be available to order after July 28th!

Drillmasters, lyres, and flip folders

Please refer back to the handbook and/or the website if you still need to purchase any last items for new members! Now would be a great time to order so that your student has what they need for the first performances. If you are in need of any financial assistance, please feel free to reach out.

Important Upcoming Dates by Section

The following dates are only the most immediate dates for sections/people and are taken from the handbook. For additional rehearsals after these please refer to your handbook or ask a section leader for clarification.

Colorguard first choreography and drill rehearsal: July 25th @ 8 am

Percussion Camp's first official day: August 8th @ 11 am

Officers Leadership day: August 12th @ 10am

New Members and Leadership Rookie Camp: August 15th @ 8 am

All Members Official Start to Band Camp: August 15th @ 12:30 pm

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to a section leader either through the Band app/their preferred contact method, or send me an email. We're excited to see everyone in a little less than a month!

Eric Rothacker

Music Teacher & Band Director

7/28/22 T-Shirts Last Call & Front Ensemble Instrument Return

Hello everyone,

We'll have lots of updates in the next few weeks but just wanted to give you a few short ones.

1. T-Shirts - Due to the large interest, we'll keep the cart open through this Friday, July 29th for any last-minute purchases. T-Shirts can be purchased HERE. They will be given out at band camp for students to take home.

2. Front Ensemble Instrument Return - If you rented a front ensemble instrument from us, we will need them returned on Aug. 4th, 2-4 pm. The band door will likely be the most convenient. This return is so we can start setting the instruments up for sound and so they are ready for the next week. If you cannot make that time or ask someone to help make that time work, please reach out to me and we can try to figure another time out.

3. A Note to Parents of New Members - As we get closer to Marching Band Camp, your new member may suddenly decide they don't want to do marching band after all for any number of reasons. This is normal -- just shove 'em out the door on the first day! We promise we will take good care of them.

Keep an eye out for more updates next week!

-Eric Rothacker

Music Teacher & Band Director