FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In what band class should my child enroll? Freshmen woodwinds and
brass meet in the same class period of the day. Woodwind players should sign-up
for class # 3530W and brass players
should sign up for #3530B, Guard members for class # 3530G, and all Percussion
should sign-up for class # 3530P.
What is the best way to stay current on Riverdale Band News
and Activities? The Band Website is
updated regularly. www.riverdaleband.com contains newsletters, calendars, etc.
How may I reach the Band Directors by email? Mr. Meers-
meersr@rcschools.net or Mr. Aymett- aymettm@rcschools.net
Will this interfere with my child’s other classes? Band students are
typically the best academic students at Riverdale. By participating in band,
students often gain valuable skills in time management and prioritizing their
responsibilities. We are very proud of our Riverdale Band members who were
selected Valedictorian (4 of 10) and Salutatorian (1 of 3) for the class of
2010. We had the Salutatorian for 2011.
Can I take all the classes I need and still be in band? Yes! You can be in
band for four years and get everything you need to graduate. In fact, a Fine
Arts Credit is required for graduation and admission to all State Universities.
Marching Band can count as ½ P.E. Credit.
Can I do band and other activities? Yes, we will work with
students who bring schedules and conflicts to the directors’ attention in a
timely manner. After marching season ends, conflicts are greatly diminished,
allowing students to participate in many activities.
How much time does band take? In the fall, the band
rehearses for approximately 6 ½ hours
after school each week, in addition to football games and contests. As with any
championship organization, anything done well requires an investment of time.
The memories you will have will be worth the extra effort. After marching
season ends, after-school practices drop to practically nothing, with
rehearsals mainly preceding Concert events.
How many competitions (Saturdays) will my student be in? About 3 - 4. Students
will participate in four competitions and Riverdale hosts the Division I State
Marching championship.
How long is the “season”? Marching season lasts throughout the fall, until
the final football game, and is resurrected for the Murfreesboro Christmas
Parade. If past seasons are any indication, Riverdale students should plan on
the “season lasting from band camp
through the Blue Cross Bowl Football Championship held at MTSU, on the
first Saturday in December. After the
regular football season is ended, we have more flexibility with our football
game performance attendance requirements.
When and how often does the band rehearse? During the first 6 – 7
weeks of school, the band rehearses 2 – 3 times a week, after-school.
Typically, the band rehearses on Monday afternoons, until the fall break.
Throughout marching season, the band rehearses on Tuesday evenings, 6 - 8:30pm,
and on Thursday afternoons/nights during extreme heat. Definite times are set
prior to the start of school. Check the band calendar for times.
Do students have to attend every practice / performance? In short, yes.
Performances of high quality and value can only come forth from dedicated and
focused rehearsal. Students perform with the intensity and effort they
practice. Absences from band rehearsals or performances are excused when they
are the result of (a) personal illness, (b) death in the family, (c) an
emergency, or (d) special permission of the Directors obtained no less than two weeks in advance. Due to the intensive nature of rehearsals and performances,
students missing all or part of a rehearsal may find much has changed from the
previous rehearsal and time constraints may not allow for learning and proper
rehearsal in the time allotted.
What if my child plays an instrument that is not in a
marching band (oboe, bassoon, harp)? There are many opportunities for these students,
performing on a similar instrument (i.e., oboe could learn flute, clarinet,
saxophone, or mallet percussion) or learn another instrument for marching
season.
Are private lessons available? Yes, we have a very competent staff of private teachers. You may
contact them individually to line up lessons. Mike George (trumpet) 631-5694,
Tim Hale (Percussion) 631-0137, Brandon Jones (Euphonium & Low Brass)
785-5777, Ken Ozmick (Woodwinds 589-2199), Emily Bowland (Bb Clarinet)
337-4768 , Wilson Sharpe (Double reeds and Saxophone) 427-2638, Melissa Keeling (Flute) 270-792-0944, Scott Kinney (trombone) 631-3467,
890-9845.
How does weather affect the rehearsal / performance schedule? Rehearsals continue
regardless of weather. For marching band rehearsals, students should be
prepared with “weather-appropriate clothing”. In cases of severe weather,
rehearsal will either be moved indoors or cancelled.
When do I know to pick my child up from a rehearsal /
performance? Monthly calendars include rehearsal information. Detailed schedules
are passed out the week of performances and trips, detailing times, places,
directions (when needed), and other pertinent information. The Riverdale Band
makes a point to return from travel and end rehearsals on time. After rehearsals
end, students have to put their equipment away and get their stuff to go home.
To make it easy on yourself, allow approximately 10 - 15 minutes after the
listed rehearsal ending time for students to be ready to leave. When
significant changes occur to our monthly schedule, new calendars are passed out
as well as posted on the board and on the band web page.
What will my child study during the band class?
Riverdale band students will study music of different styles and genres, developing musical experiences that enhance the overall educational experience as well as prepare students to be productive citizens. Band participation will also provide a suitable background in music instruction for students, who elect to continue the study of music after graduation, and aid in developing a lifelong appreciation for music and a continuation of musical activities.
What fees are involved in the band program? Are there ways my
child can fundraise to pay their band expenses? Riverdale Band dues
are lower than most bands, especially in comparison to other competing marching
bands. Dues are $550 (Guard $565), paid in installments prior to the beginning
of the school year plus $100 in fund-raising(money not fund raised is to be
paid by the individual family. Students are expected to purchase their own band
shoes (approximately $30) and gloves (approx. $3), which are ordered during
band camp. The Band Boosters conduct several fundraisers throughout the year,
including ButterBraid Pastries, the annual Citrus Sale, Basketball Concessions,
and hosting the Tennessee Division I State Marching Band Championship. These
events enable students to raise funds towards their account for band trips and
future dues.
What do my dues pay for? Dues go toward immediate band expenses such as
music arranging, marching show design, uniforms, school instrument repair,
travel expenses, contest entry fees, student awards, and band camp staff to aid
in the teaching of our halftime show.
What is the payment schedule for the 2011-12 band dues?
Instrumentalist dues: $100 Due
by May 23rd, $175.00 Due by June 23rd,
and $175.00 Due by July Uniform Chechout.
Guard dues: $115 Due by May 23rd, $175.00 Due by June 23rd,
and $175.00 Due by July Uniform Checkout.
ALL STUDENTS - Fund-raising schedule ($100 or payments)
$25 due by Sept. 15th , 2011 (Butterbraid)
$25 due by Oct. 15th, 2011 (Citrus – Pecan – Fudge sale)
$25 due by Nov. 15th , 2011 (Citrus – Pecan – Fudge sale)
$25 due by Dec. 15th, 2011 (Citrus – Pecan – Fudge sale)
Total Dues for 2011-2012= $550 Instrumentalist/$565 Guard. All Band/Guard Dues MUST BE PAID IN FULL to participate in the spring trip!
There is a discount for multiple band members from the same family.
Dues checks should be made out to the “Riverdale Band Boosters” and may be
mailed to: Riverdale High School Band Boosters, 802 Warrior Dr., Murfreesboro,
TN 37128.
How
Can we see what payments and charges have been made to our STUDENT ACCOUNT? Go to the band web
site www.riverdaleband.com. Click
on “student accounts” For username- enter the student last name and first
initial (i.e. “smithj”) (all lower case) For Password enter- “0110”. You will
then be able to set up your own new password.
In which fundraisers does the band participate? The main fundraisers
for the Riverdale Band are the August butter braid sale, the Tennessee Division
I State Marching Band Championship, hosted by the band and boosters at RHS, and
the annual fall citrus, pecan, and cookie dough sale.
What if my student only wants to do Marching (or only
Concert)? Due to the ongoing nature of band activities, all students are
expected to participate in both concert and marching activities. However,
students who have a legitimate school conflict (i.e. athletic endeavors) can
expect accommodations on an individual basis after meeting with the directors.
When are booster meetings? Regular booster meetings are held the second
Tuesday of each month in the Riverdale band room at 7:00PM unless there is a
conflicting event. Booster meeting dates are also included in the monthly
newsletter.
Does the Band Booster organization put together a newsletter? Yes, the newsletter is
e-mailed monthly(and can be snail mailed on request), approximately 1 week
prior to the scheduled booster meeting and posted on the band website on the
“News” page.
What additional publications are available? Warrior Notes Magazine is published once per
quarter and is a great source of information! Thanks to Mr. David Creech!!