Summer Band Week 1: Rehearsal Schedule; Let's "Taco 'Bout" Band; Bass Hall Masterclasses

Paschal Band families and friends,

Tomorrow is a big day!  We officially being the 2019 Marching Band Season.  Students will be learning a tremendous amount of music over the next 3 weeks and we’ll be well on our way through learning a majority of the marching aspects of our UIL Marching Band Contest Show (working title “Purple Mountain Majesties” and will feature melodies from Aaron Copeland’s Simple Gifts melody from Appalachian Spring, America the Beautiful,  Gershwin’s Three Preludes for Piano, melodies from the movie “Field of Dreams,” an Andrews Sisters version of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Aaron Copeland’s Promise of Living) by the time school starts. It’s going to be a great show!! But the key to our success is consistent effort and attendance from ALL MEMBERS of our band. Make our rehearsals a priority and prepare yourself physically and mentally for the work and challenges ahead.  By the end of the first week, we will have prepared and auditioned our entire membership and will have chosen their entire cast of performers for the UIL Contest Show. Weeks 2 and 3 of summer band will simply be a continuation of this very important first week.
Reminders for the week:
FULL CAMP BEGINNING ON JULY 29:  See info below and on www.paschalband.com for days/times.  Dress appropriately for physical activity (tennis/running shoes, shorts, t-shirt, sun screen, hat).  We’ll be rehearsing music (indoors) 1 - 4 PM, take a dinner break and then practice marching (outdoors) 5:30 PM - 9 PM.  Attendance is required for all band members. We’ll be assessing all student marchers July 29-31 in preparation for beginning to learn our UIL Marching Contest show on Thursday, August 1.  Only students with consistent attendance and effort will be considered for spots in the UIL Contest Show. Contact Mr. Wright if you have any schedule conflicts. Work schedule conflicts are NOT considered excused at any point during the marching band season.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE (WATER JUG INFO):  As we all know, staying properly hydrated during outdoor activities is very important.  Drink water throughout the day. If you wait until you’re thirsty, you’ve waited too long.  ALL STUDENTS should have their own water jug/bottle on Monday. Veterans who still have an old water jug are welcome to bring that.  New members should bring any water bottle or water jug they can. Our parents will be distributing new PHS Band Water jugs to all students at the end of Monday’s rehearsal.  Students will be required to have the PHS Water Jug (filled with water - no Gatorade or Energy Drinks) at all marching band rehearsals and performances. The water jugs are paid for by your band participation fee.  
NEW PARENT EVENT ON WEDNESDAY “LET’S TACO ‘BOUT BAND!”:  Parents of new members are invited to the Let’s Taco ‘Bout Band event at the Harmon home on Wednesday.  Veteran parents and Booster Club members will be in attendance to talk about (Taco ‘Bout) all things Paschal Band.  No need to bring anything but your enthusiasm what’s ahead! The party is 7 - 8 PM at 2245 6th Avenue in Fort Worth.  
BASS HALL MASTERCLASS CLARIFICATION:  I must apologize for causing some confusion on the masterclasses.  One of my original emails about the masterclasses was sent to the ENTIRE band.  However, only students who received the PDF permission form (sent out today and a few days ago) are signed up (mainly upperclassmen and Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band members).  Please know that the directors will be introducing the TMEA All-Region etudes to all students in our program who are interested in participating in those auditions once school starts.  Again, I’m very sorry for the confusion this has caused. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES NEEDED FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS:
We have a very convenient new setup for instrument accessories this year!  You are welcome to use any store or online source for music accessories you prefer, but we have a fairly convenient setup with N-Tune Music in Aledo.  You can purchase whatever you need online and the items will be delivered to Paschal. Here’s the link: https://ntunemusic.com/product-category/choose-school/paschal-high-school/    
All Wind & Percussion Players Need a Flip Folder:  Brass, WW and percussion players MUST have a flip folder to be able to play at pep rallies and in the stands.  Too often, students think they have the stand tunes memorized, but they still make errors that detract from the band’s performance.  Directors will be monitoring this in the stands throughout pep rallies and games. Order your lyre and flip folder now so that you’ll have it when you need it. 
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Saxophone players:  We’re encouraging you to purchase a Legere reed for the marching band season.  These reeds will last the entire season and can also be used during practice times for the rest of the year!  Their price is more than an individual reed, but will last the length of several boxes of reeds! Order one ASAP if you haven’t done so already.
Brass players:  Order valve oil, slide grease and trombone slide oil/cream now if you don’t have it.  Don’t rely on your friends or the directors to provide these basic supplies.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE:
Mon-Fri, July 29-Aug 2:  Marching Band Rehearsals (1-9 PM)
Wednesday, July 31:  Freshman Parent Event - Let’s “Taco” ‘bout Band!  (7 - 8 PM) @ Josh Harmon’s
UPCOMING EVENTS: 
Mon-Fri, Aug 5-9:  Marching Band Rehearsals (1 - 9 PM)
Saturday, August 10:  Band Car Wash (9 AM - 3 PM) 

​Mon-Thur, Aug 12-15:  Marching Band Rehearsals (4 - 9 PM)
Friday, August 16:  End of Camp Debut Concert (7 - 8:30 PM)
Monday, August 19:  First Day of School