Summer Band Info
Hello McNeil Band and Guard Family,
We begin the marching band season on Monday, July 25th and it is important everyone arrives prepared. Our typical schedule has been 8:00 - 12:00 outside, but we are adjusting this to 7:00 - 11:00 because of the extreme heat we are experiencing this year. Our typical schedule during summer band is below, but please check www.mcneilband.org for specifics.
7:00 - 11:00 marching/ visual rehearsal
11:00 - 12:30 lunch (bring from home; no one leaves campus)
12:30 - 4:30 music rehearsal (Guard in gym)
4:30 - 6:00 (dinner on extended days)
6:00 - 8:00 (rehearsal on extended days)
We can only control what happens when the students are with us, but there are things that must be done by students and parents too.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
All students should bring their FILLED Mav Band water jugs to every rehearsal. New members will receive theirs on their first day, so bring at least a half-gallon of water in an insulated jug.
Students must bring their own lunch every day. We want everyone to stay on campus for lunch.
Wear athletic clothing (shorts, t-shirt, athletic shoes (recommended list), and socks).
Bring a cooling towel. HERE is an example, but there are plenty of brands. I can’t express how beneficial these are in the heat.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. We recently discovered these COOLING HATS that seem great.
EAT REAL FOOD! And drink more water. The quality of your food impacts your health and endurance in a major way.
Okay, I say this one every year and someone still does it and gets sick. AVOID DRINKING MILK IN THE MORNING (even in your cereal). Someone will puke! Watch. No, really.
Submit all medical paperwork in Rank One and turn in physical form to Mr. Dimiceli
REHEARSAL MATERIALS:
Marching instruments, flag bags, sticks/ mallets, etc. Some students are taking private lessons during the day, so they will need their concert instruments as well.
Yoga mat or beach towel for outdoor exercises
Printed show music
Flip folders with at least 10 pages. You can find these at Music and Arts, Better Than New Band Repair, Strait Music, or any other music store.
ITEMS NEEDED SOON:
Black athletic shorts (NEW SUMMER UNIFORM). BOYS GIRLS (Girls can also choose to purchase the boys' 7-inch inseam shorts)
Socks (black low-cut ankle for summer uniform; tall black socks for full uniform)
Compression shorts to wear underneath your marching uniform. I recommend having at least pairs for when we have Friday and Saturday performances.
Please plan all appointments around our rehearsal schedule because students will fall behind when they are absent. Students and parents are expected to familiarize themselves with our calendar at www.mcneilband.org. We have it filled with dates for the entire marching season.
Please submit any paperwork, especially those physical forms so you can participate with us. We’ll see you on the 25th!
REQUIRED: JOINING THE BAND APP
We will use this new app for immediate communication, so it is vital we have everyone in the program enrolled in our groups. All students must join the full band group and parents should join the parent group. If students do not have a cell phone, then their parents should join the full band group in their place. IMPORTANT: TURN ON YOUR NOTIFICATIONS FOR THIS APP! The app only works for us if you receive our communications when we send them. ONLY THOSE WITH TWO FULL NAMES IN THEIR PROFILE WILL BE ADMITTED.
Sincerely,
Jason Dimiceli
Director of Bands
McNeil High School
TMEA Region 26 Band Division Chair
512-464-6424
