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@rcs.k12.tn.us or Mr. Aymett- aymettm@rcs.k12.tn.us

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 Valictorian (2) and Salutatorian (1) within the past 3 years.

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.

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 5 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 4 - 5. 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 first contest. Throughout marching season, the band rehearses on Tuesday evenings, 6 - 8:30pm, and on Thursday afternoons. Definite times are set prior to the start of school.

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 on either flute, clarinet, or saxophone) or learning an 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 (Brass) 631-5694, Tim Hale (Percussion) 631-0137, Ken Ozmick (Woodwinds 589-2199), Celine Pendergrass Thaxton (Flute) 476-8006, Emily Wasson (Bb Clarinet), Scott Kinney (Low Brass 890-6450x23320, and Karl Wingruber (Saxophone).

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 extremely low, especially in comparison to other competing marching bands. Dues are $350 (Guard $365), paid in installments prior to the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to purchase their own band shoes (approximately $20) 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 fees 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 2007-08 band dues?

Instrumentalist dues: $85 Due by May 1st, $132.50 Due by June 1st,

and $132.50 Due by July 1st.

Guard dues: $100 Due by May 1st, $132.50 Due by June 1st,

and $132.50 Due by July 1st.

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.

In which fundraisers does the band participate? The main fundraisers for the Riverdale Band are the Tennessee Division I State Marching Band Championship, hosted by the band and boosters at RHS, and the annual fall citrus 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 mailed out monthly, approximately 1 week prior to the scheduled booster meeting and posted on the band website on the “News” page. ( www.riverdaleband.com )