July 17, 2008

Dear Cougars:

I hope that everyone is having a fantastic summer. If it was anything like mine, then it was probably way too short! Even though the summer is coming to an end, I hope that everyone is looking forward to our summer band rehearsals beginning next week! I am personally excited about the Cougar Band & Guard for the 2008-2009 Season. The first part of the 08-09 season is shaping up to be outstanding. Our marching program is entitled “Enigma” and we are very enthusiastic to begin work on it. Please note the following:

Leadership Camp (July 21-July 25; 9am-4pm)
Percussion Camp (July 21-July 25; 8am-4pm)
Guard Camp (July 21-July 23; 9am-4pm)

Our leadership, percussion, and guard will have a required camp at University High School beginning next Monday. Lunch will NOT be provided. Students should bring lunch, snacks, WATER, comfortable clothing, and smiles! This is a required camp, if there are any problems, please contact a director or Mr. Obado (Philip.obado@ocps.net).

Band Camp!
July 28-Aug 1 (8am-4pm) – all students
Aug 4-Aug 8 (8am-4pm) – all students
August 8 (1pm-8pm; BBQ Premiere Show @ 6pm)

All students enrolled in the band program are required to participate in our summer band camp. This is the time when we learn marching fundamentals, performance fundamentals, and the music/drill for the 2008 Marching Program. As you would imagine, there is a lot to learn. Please go to the following link for items you need to bring to band camp: http://uhsband.com/bandcamp2006.html. You may bring a lock and claim a locker on Monday. LOCK YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS!

All students must either purchase a lunch at band camp or bring a lunch from home. Students must PRE-ORDER lunches on MONDAY, JULY 28 before camp starts if you are interested in participating at our lunch program. Lunches are $5 per day. There will be extra menus available on Mon, July 28th.

If you are still unsure about joining the band program, come to the first day of band camp. Be prepared and bring the items listed at the website above.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to our Premiere show on August 9th. Tickets are $5 to the BBQ (students should also bring $5 or a dinner from home). It would be most helpful to pre-order tickets on the lunch sheet (due on Monday, July 28) for our preparations. The show will begin at 7:00pm on the band practice field. PARENTS – make sure YOU bring comfortable shoes! In case of bad weather, we will have the premiere show in the PAC.

All new students are required to purchase band shoes to go with their uniform for marching band. Returning students are also welcome to purchase a new pair if there is a need. We will be fitting for shoes on Wednesday, July 30 at band camp. Checks should be written out to “University High School Band”.

While there is a financial commitment to participating in the band program, we know that there are some individual situations that may make this difficult. Students should not drop band because of the financial commitments. The directors work hard to ensure everybody’s participation regardless of financial situation. There is a place for all students who want to be in the band program. Fundraising is available. Please contact a director about financial concerns.

Reminder: $50 was due on June 6 to band camp to cover band camp expenses. You can check all due dates at: http://uhsband.com/2008-2009/Assessment 08-09.pdf.

As usual, don’t hesitate to contact me at Philip.obado@ocps.net if you have any questions or concerns. Looking forward to seeing you at rehearsal! Go Cougar Band and Guard!

Sincerely,