Decatur High School

Band Parent Association Website

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Closing out the 2021 Marching Band Season

Thanks to the 100 students in our Marching Band and hundreds of parent volunteers over the course of the season. The staff had our debrief meeting two weeks ago, and we are incredibly excited about Fall 2022!

Thank you to our Calhoun volunteers: Irene Sandler, Ted Verren, and Cathy Marella-Luce. It was a long journey and an exciting game.

A huge concession stand thank you! Our concession stand raised over $8,000 this Fall. This is our largest fundraiser of the year! A huge thank you to our concession stand managers – John McCrosky, Lissa Tchernis, Vanessa Layne, and Kendra Felando. Thank you for all of your time making this fundraiser happen! Thank you as well to everyone who poured nacho cheese, served a slice of pizza, and helped in any capacity.

Decatur Marching Band

Pep Rally on Friday

On Friday afternoon, we will have an outdoor pep rally.

In order to be released early from seventh period, students must wear their marching band show t-shirt and band track jacket.

Band Camp 2022

Save the date! Band Camp 2022 will start with our parent meeting on Sunday, July 10, and camp will begin on Monday, July 11. All families should expect to be back from travel before July 10. Thank you!

Picture Day Rescheduled *Again* – Fri, Dec 3

Picture day will now be held on Friday, December 3. This will be a chance for us to create a Decatur Band composite (what hangs in my office.) The last one created is from the 2009 school year, and I think it's a great way to memorialize everyone's participation in our band program.

Marching Band students will wear their uniforms. Students not in marching band will wear their black concert attire.

I will work with the Guard Directors to figure out appropriate attire for our color guard students.

I am working with Ms. Kraemer on how to get eighth-grade students over to DHS for pictures. Stay tuned.

2021 District Honor Band Audition Times

Please see this link for District Honor Band audition times for Saturday, December 11. Note that the audition will be held at:

DeKalb Agriculture Technology and Environment

1492 Kelton Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083

The auditions will not be held at Lithonia High School!

Please be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your listed audition time for check-in.

Course Enrollment for Fall 2022

Course Enrollment for the 22-23 school year has already begun! All students will sign up for "Symphonic Band" as a course request (not alternate), and they will be placed in the correct course after our band placement audition in late March.

If students have any questions, I'm happy to help. If anyone is keen on taking two band classes, let me know, and I can set that up for you.

Don't forget that all students interested in being in marching band (except color guard students) must also be a member of a curricular band class (concert band, percussion class, symphonic band, or wind ensemble.) IB Music does not meet this requirement since it is not a band class.

Thanks!

Winter Drumline Interest Form Due Friday

We are considering offering a Winter Drumline Activity beginning in January. This would be an ensemble that rehearses Tuesdays from 5-7 PM, and is designed for both new and returning members of our marching band percussion section.

This is a great activity for students who are considering percussion for marching band in the Fall, especially rising ninth graders. Prior experience is not required.

Please complete this Google Form by Friday, November 19 if interested.

Decatur High School Jazz Band and Combo

Note there is no jazz band this week – jazz band will resume on Wednesday, December 1.

Please see this Google Doc for all information about Jazz Band.

To submit the registration payment, click here, or visit the band website, choose "My Account" and select "My Forms/Paperwork." A payment form can be found on the bottom of the page.

Curricular Classes (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Class)

Winter Concert Dress Rehearsals

Students in Concert Band and Percussion class will have two after-school rehearsals. These are required.

Wednesday, December 8: 3:45 to 4:30 PM
Thursday, December 9: 3:45 to 4:30 PM

Calendar

Please follow this link for our 21-22 calendar, and be sure to put all required dates in your family calendar as soon as possible. As stated in the DHS course catalog, attendance at concerts outside of the school day is an expectation for band classes.

2022 Winterguard Information

2022 Orlando Trip

Finances:

Please remember that a payment is due each month unless financial aid arrangements have been made through the school. You can log into your account to make sure your balance is current. Thank you!

Reminder: Beginning Dec. 31, there will be a 50% penalty for canceling your trip. Trip insurance is available through Gateway Music Festivals or many financial institutions.

Most questions are answered in this packet from Gateway. Otherwise, feel free to write to me.

Thank you!

Parent Volunteers Needed – Spring Coffeehouse
I am excited to have our first Spring DHS Band Coffeehouse on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

What is this event? The coffeehouse will be a place for students to perform solos, duets, trios, chamber music, etc. in a less formal space than in our theater. The event will also have a fundraiser component with ticket sales, a silent auction, and a dessert bar. It will take place in our cafeteria and courtyard. Big thanks to Cathy Marella-Luce to help organize this event.

–Parent Needed: Silent Auction Manager (administer the silent auction.)

–Parent Needed: Dessert Master (find donations/purchase desserts to have for sale at the coffeehouse.)

–Parent Needed: Decorator (transform our cafeteria/courtyard into a posh space for parents and students!)

If you're available, you can write to Cathy Marella-Luce at <magicalmeals@gmail.com>.

21-22 Private Lesson Teacher List
Here is my list of private teachers in the area for this school year. This is not exhaustive, but it can serve as a starting place to find a great teacher.

I am always happy to connect with parents and students to find a teacher that can best support each individual. Please contact me with any questions or if I can help. Thank you!

Become a Patron of the Band

Through a new initiative, Patron of the Band, you can help make a difference and provide a richer, fuller experience for our talented musicians.

Click here to find out how.

Thanks to our Business Sponsors

The generous support of our business sponsors helps with the critical financial support needed for the band program. Click here to check out all of our fantastic business sponsors. Please be sure to thank and patronize these great organizations in our community!