Hello Band Families,

Here is list of information to take us through the end of August. For those new to the program, I send out a Director’s Update at least once a month and then follow up with emails as needed. Please make sure to be on the BAND app for reminders and other helpful information. LINK to sign up for the BAND app. Please take time to read through all the information. I know it is thorough, but it will hopefully answer any questions you have. I promise the emails will get shorter!

State Fair

This year marks our first state fair appearance since I have been with the band. To clear up some confusion, I would like to explain why we are taking only summer marching band students. The reason is that we did not spend much time on high step during band camp week and we did not cover the parade song. Students need to be familiar with the high step style, know the summer song, and have the endurance to march a parade. I wish there was more time to cover these things during band camp, but we are already pressed for time to learn a whole new style of marching, new music, and field drill. Thank you for your understanding! Please check the email that was sent to summer band emails for more details on the day.

Monday practices

We will continue to have Monday practices this week (today). Please email to let me know if you will be absent.

Next week, August 26, is the date of the State Fair. This weekend I received an email from KARE11 that asked for the band to stay after the parade and play for the KARE11 6pm show. This cuts into our rehearsal time, but I feel that this opportunity is not one to miss. The big thing this effects is uniforms, which we were planning on distributing after practice that night. With the KARE11 conflict, we will cancel marching band practice and push uniform distribution to start at 7:30pm. If you are not going to the State Fair, please plan on being at the band room at 7:30pm to pick up your uniform and do one final try on. The students that will be returning from the State Fair will pick up their uniforms when we get back. It is important that you try on your uniform one last time to make sure it fits because our first home game is Thursday, August 29.

Here is the  VIDEO we made last summer on how the uniform should fit and how to properly store it in the garment bag. Please review it so you have a representation on how the uniform will fit. Please note that these are band uniforms and they fit different than normal pants and coats. We need to have room to move and march in them. Also note, the compression shirts will be full length.

Football game v. Stillwater

Speaking of football games, it is finally time forFridayThursday Night Lights! The following schedule goes for any time we have a home football game.

Thursday August 29
Practice – 5:00pm
Uniforms/Snack – 6:00pm
Marching Down from music doors – 6:47
Pregame – 6:55
Halftime – approx 8:00-8:15
Marching back up – approx 9:30

For practice students can wear street clothes. We recommend wearing black socks and marching shoes to practice. Many students will wear shorts that they will wear under their uniforms to practice and the compression shirt. Students are required to purchase the shoes and compression shirt through the boosters. We want to make sure that everyone is uniform. We plan on having the items for those that ordered them ready to pick up on August 26. If you have not already purchased them,please email me to set that up. Please make sure to have the compression shirt and shorts under the uniform during the game. It gets warm these first couple games and we like to take our vests off in the stands to stay cool.

We are an important part of the game day atmosphere and need to be ready to play throughout the game. After pre-game, the band takes their seats in the North end zone and we play through out the first half of the game. Students need to stay with the band during this time. After halftime, students are allowed to go get concessions a few members at a time. We will talk to the students about eating in the uniforms. We want to keep these uniforms looking nice and clean for years to come! When not in line for concessions, band members need to be in the band stands. The band then returns to playing during 4th quarter and stays until the end of the game when we march back up to the music doors.

There have been several families that have reached out to me about sports conflicts. If you do have a sports conflict please email me as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.

Instrument rental

Several families have reached out to me about paying for instrument rental. Because the way that the district computer system works, we wait to pay for instrument rental until school begins. I will send out an email that first week of school. We use the fees to repair and maintain the instruments as needed, so they are very important. Thank you in advance!

UofM Band Day (optional, but fun!)

One of our favorite days of the fall is the UofM Band Day! This year it is on Saturday, September 7.
Students will need their full band uniform during this time. Students need to sign up HERE so we can purchase the correct amount of tickets.

Then they need to submit payment ($25) on CampusPay, please do so ASAP. (InfiniteCampus  under “Field Trips”). Please do not send payment through the boosters. It needs to go through the school.

Students will need to print out their music and put it in their flip folio before Saturday, Sept 7. MUSIC LINK

Below is the schedule:
4:30am – band room open
5:00am – load busses
5:15 – depart LNHS
5:40-5:55am – Arrival on UofM Campus
6:00am – Rehearsal with the Pride of Minnesota Marching Band
7:30am – Change/Prepare for Game day (full uniform)
*breakfast will be provided to band students & staff
8:30am – Perform in tailgating lots
10:00am – Enter Huntington Bank Stadium; watch the game from the stands 11:00am – Kickoff
Start of 2nd Quarter – All bands report for halftime performance. post-game – join the Pride of Minnesota on the field for a post-game show
Arrive back at LNHS – approx. 4-5pm. There will be a post in the BAND app with a more accurate time once it is known.

If you would like to purchase discounted tickets, you can so HERE. This link is only for family members that want to go to the game. Students need to purchase their tickets through InfiniteCampus.

I think that is all…If you have any questions or need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Kind,
Dr. Wanken