Welcome to the band program at Monticello High School. As high school band programs are a bit different from middle school programs, some orientation to our instrumental program may be helpful as you and your child navigate the halls of MHS.

Susan Nothnagle directs the band program at MHS. The phone number for the band room is (434) 244-3106.

THE YEAR AT A GLANCE

The band season begins each year in August with Band Camp. Band camp takes place during the two weeks before school starts at MHS, in the evening, between 6 and 10 P.M. If it rains, band camp is held inside the school. During camp, students will learn the “drill” (how and where to march for the “Field Show.”) The Field Show is a thematic show, which takes place on the football field. At the conclusion of band camp, you are invited to see an exhibition of the Field Show. This show is performed at all home football games, any away football games and at band competitions. The Field Show for the 2007-2008 school year will be “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”. Students from the band and flag corp. perform together at football games and in competitions.

Late summer and much of the fall, marching band activities are the primary focus of the band. Once again marching band class will be part of the school day for one hour Tuesday - Friday. When marching band season is complete, this class time will be used for other band classes, such as wind ensemble and symphonic band. Also, jazz band and stage band will meet before school throughout the school year. The jazz band will rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30a.m. -9:00a.m. The stage band will practice on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:30a.m. -9:00a.m.

The band performs at all varsity home football games. These games normally take place on Friday evenings. Students remain at school on these days for after-school practice. Students can participate in a meal program coordinated by the Music Boosters, which provides dinner for a fee. After each field show performance, a small Pep Band will sit in the stands to play for the remainder of the game. Each student will be assigned to the Pep Band, on a rotating basis, for home football games. When the field show is over, students are expected to return to the band room, change out of their uniform, properly return the uniform to the uniform chairman, and pack up their instrument returning it to the proper storage spot. We hope that you’ll come to see the band perform at the games. There is a fee to attend football games, which is paid at the gate.

A Pep Band may attend away varsity football games. Students travel to away football games on school buses with the band director, and are accompanied by chaperones. Participation in pep band is voluntary for away games. The band travels to away games only if enough students show an interest in participating. There is a sign-up list for the Pep Band on Monday morning. A decision on whether the band will travel to the away game is determined on Wednesday based on student interest. Uniforms are not worn for Pep Band. Monticello High School band tee shirts are recommended for Pep Band.

This year, on Saturday, October 6, 2007, Monticello High School will be hosting the

Sixth Annual Jefferson Classic. This is a band competition attended by other high school bands from around the state. It is a major source of fundraising for the Monticello High School Music Booster s, Inc. (MHSMBI), the parent/community organization which supports the music programs at MHS. At last year’s competition, there were several thousand attendees. Needless to say, this is a major undertaking, and requires the hard work and dedication of many volunteers. We look forward to your participation to help make this a successful event. You will be receiving information soon about the opportunities available to volunteer for this, as well as, other events throughout the school year.

During the fall the band competes at several events. These events take place on Saturdays. Students, faculty and chaperones travel by bus to these events. This is an opportunity for the students to perform the Field Show, receive feedback in the form of scores, watch other bands perform and receive awards for their hard work. Often, these events are within a reasonable driving distance from Charlottesville. Please plan to attend competitions whenever possible and support the band.

At the conclusion of the marching band season, students will begin to work on concert music. Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will meet during the school day. This work culminates in the annual Holiday Concert performed at the MHS Auditorium.

Another event which takes place in late fall is the audition process for Honor and District Band. District Band is comprised of students selected from all of the District XIII High Schools. Honor Band is comprised of students from all Albemarle County High Schools. In order to be considered for Honor Band, one must audition for District Band. Both of these events take place after the winter break. Students who qualify will travel to Western Albemarle High School to work with students from other schools led by a musical director hired for this special event. These two days of rehearsal conclude with a concert to which we are all invited. Students, who secure the top chairs in the district band, will then have the opportunity to audition for the All-State Virginia band. MHS has had student representation at these auditions in the past. Also during the winter months, MHS bands participate in the District XIII Jazz Band Festival held in Charlottesville.

Also each year, in early spring, students travel to the Tri-State Jazz Band festival at James Madison University. Both the Jazz Band and Stage Band normally compete. Parent/family attendance and support at these events is always appreciated.

Normally, the band takes a trip in the spring. Past trips have been to Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Italy, Atlanta, several cruises to the Caribbean and New York City. On these trips the students will perform, be judged and have the opportunity to receive awards. This year the trip will be to Niagara Falls/Canada!

At the end of April the marching band usually participates in the Dogwood Parade, however, this year the band will be their Spring Trip. Marching band practice resumes a few weeks before this event. Also, the band may travel to the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester. This event takes place in early May. The two parades that are part of this festival are among the largest in the country and are very enjoyable to watch.

In May, the band will perform its final concert of the year. This concert/award ceremony takes place in the Monticello High School Forum. Student awards are presented during the evening.

In June, the underclassmen are expected to perform at the Graduation Ceremony. This performance will conclude the band activities for the year.

MUSIC BOOSTERS

MHSMBI (Monticello High School Music Boosters, Inc.) is the parent/community organization for the MHS Music program. The primary objective of this group is to provide support for the music programs. This support ranges from helping out in whatever capacity needed (e.g. chaperoning, assisting with competitions, providing snacks) to financial assistance. MHSMBI raises money through various fundraising activities, Jefferson Classic and working concessions during the Fall or Winter sport season. We are always seeking new, innovative ways to obtain funding to support the programs. Parent/family involvement in this group is a key requirement for success.

The Music Boosters organization is open to parents/family of students in band and flag corp. The Executive Board of MHSMBI consists of the school principal, the band director, president, immediate past president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, student account treasurer and up to 6 At-Large members. Each of these individuals has one vote.

The MHSMBI website is: http://www.mhsmusicboosters.com At this site you will find helpful information, as well as photos from recent events.

Meetings: The Music Boosters meet the second Monday of every month at 6:30 P.M. in the band room. All parents are encouraged to attend.

**A very important Music Booster Meeting will be on September 10, 2007 at 6:30. This meeting will address the needs and concerns of the Jefferson Classic**

STUDENT ACCOUNTS

Students who participate in fundraising activities will be able to establish a personal account within the music boosters. For each fundraiser, the student will receive 80% of the profits which is placed in their individual account. Monies from this account will be used first and foremost to collect any outstanding band fees. The remaining money can be used for school trips, band attire, costumes, etc. There are several large fundraisers planned for this fall. These include Classic Cookie, Virginia Diner Peanuts, Poinsettias, Citrus Fruit and Zap-a-Snack Pizza.

Again, welcome to the Monticello High School band program. This manual is meant to

serve as a general guideline for the upcoming year in band. We are looking forward to

a productive, enjoyable year. Please feel free to contact any of the individuals listed on

the contact sheet with your questions, comments or suggestions.

CONTACTS FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR

Band Director: Susan Nothnagle 244-3106 snothnagle@k12albemarle.org

New Band Parent Liaison:

Martha Smith 979-4671 mesjss@aol.com

Webmaster: Gale Smith 245-6440 smithsva@comcast.net

Board Officers:

President: Gayle Millner 975-4526 the5millners@earthlink.net

Past President: Martha Smith 979-4671 mesjss@aol.com

Vice Presidents: Wes Breeden 293-7892 sandy@webrown.com

Secretary: Gale Smith 245-6440 smithsva@comcast.net

Co. Treasurer: Tanya Walker 977-0913 twalker2@generaldynamics.com

Co. Treasurer Martha Smith 979-4671 mesjss@aol.com

Asst. Treasurer: Ana-Abad-Sinden 296-6019 ara6t@virginia.edu

At Large: Open

Uniforms:

Sandy Breeden 293-7892 sandy@webrown.com

Holly Mangano 295-3845 hollymangano@earthlink.net

Jefferson Classic Competition:

Randy & Gale Smith 245-6440 smithsva@comcast.net

Competition Driver/Coordinators:

Sam Mangano 295-3845 sam.mangano@snapon.com

Fall Concessions Coordinator:

Stacy Walker 975-3320 walkx4@embarqmail.com

Bob Kennedy 962-3148 jkkenned@hotmail.com

Jeff Hensley 984-1924 hensleytwinmom@aol.com

Martha Beverley 973-7793

Trip Coordinator:

Martha Beverly 973-7793

INSTRUCTORS

Assistant Band

Director: Logan Riddick 466-2026 lmr5d@virginia.edu

Flag Corp: Aubrey Rohr 804-437-0200 guardJMU@yahoo.com