Prospective Students

A MESSAGE TO OUR FUTURE MEMBERS

from the Desk of our Director

Welcome to the Parkway West Band. The primary purpose of the Parkway West Band is to provide young people with an experience in music that is both enjoyable and educational. The elements of music are taught through the exciting medium of performance. The drama of Russian composers, the elegance of Mozart, and the patriotic fervor of Americans like Sousa, are brought to life in the Marching Band, Concert Bands, and Jazz Band at Parkway West High School. Of course, the friendships and good times are as important as anything else!

Thanks for checking us out!

- Ben Payatt

The success of Parkway West Band depends on the participation of new prospective students. If you like to have fun, enjoy music, or like to perform, Parway west band is a good choice. Think about this, before starting your high school career, you already know a lot of friends from the band. How cool is that. Check out the top ten reasons to join Parkway West Band. The top ten reasons are from our current and past band members. We are looking forward to meeting you during our audition.

Following are the frequently asked questions by the prospective students.

1. What is the attendance policy for band camp?

In order to present the highest quality marching program possible, students begin practicing during the summer. Band Camp begins July 26th and continues until school beings. Students are REQUIRED to be in attendance daily, Monday through Friday. See question 9 below for full Camp schedule.

2. What if a schedule conflict does arise?

The commitment that students make to the Marching Band program for the Fall must be a serious one. Due to the nature of the activity, it is essential that every band member be in attendance for all rehearsals and performances. Routine medical and dental appointments must be scheduled around rehearsal times. Please attempt to resolve any such conflict in favor of the published Band Camp schedule. If unable to do so, please communicate the conflict to the Band Director at the earliest possible date.

3. What are "sectionals"?

Sectionals are sessions of instruction and rehearsal that are focused on your student marcher’s section of the Band (percussion, low brass, flutes, trumpets, saxophones, etc.). These are scheduled sporadically throughout the summer and, though not mandatory, provide an opportunity for head-start practice times for both music and marching.

4. Where is Band Camp held?

Band Camp activities are typically held on the campus of Parkway West High School. Typically at the practice field (below the stadium) and in the Band Room.

5. What will student marchers need for Band Camp?

Hat
Personal water bottle - approx. 1 liter in size
Large capacity water jug - at least 2 liters in size
Sunscreen
Light, loose-fitting clothing
Lip protection with sunscreen
Sneakers and socks
Instrument or weapon/flags
Compact spiral-bound notebook
Pen and/or pencil
A good breakfast

6. What is provided to student marchers for Band Camp?

Butt-packs – these are handyman nail aprons used to carry personal water bottles, notebooks, pencils, and poker chips.
Poker chips – these are used by the student marchers to mark spots on the field during rehearsals
Marching drill diagrams – these are used instructionally during rehearsals. Students will place reduced-size photocopies of these diagrams into their personal notebooks for future reference.
Instrumental sheet music

7. What if the temperature gets very hot during Band Camp?

While August temperatures can be high in our area, student safety is paramount for all of us. Every effort will be made to conduct rehearsals on the practice field whenever possible. Our Band Directors, however, refer daily to weather forecasts and will move rehearsal indoors when temperatures and/or heat indices get extreme.

8. When Band Camp is over, when will student marchers have rehearsals?

Once Band Camp is over for the summer and school has begun, rehearsals will be held after school from 3:30 - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday unless announced otherwise.

9. What is the schedule for Band Camp?

The specific daily schedule is in the Blue Book located on the Band website (www.parkwaywestband.com).

10. What should I, as a parent, expect my student to experience during Band Camp?

Band Camp is a rigorous, stimulating, tiring, and exhilarating experience for the student marcher (and for their parents!). Your student will get very tired and will need to get a good amount of rest in order to keep up. Likewise, getting good balanced meals will help fuel their “marching machines” during Camp. There may come some occasional frustrations when fatigue hits – they may question whether they can do it or whether the work is worthwhile. Your parental encouragement can significantly assist the students as they go through their daily schedule. Their effort is certainly “worth it” and will pay off in immeasurable ways!