We are a comprehensive program. We include as many styles of music as we can, and lots of performance opportunities throughout the year. That said, the year is divided up like this:
First quarter:
We play pep band music at the home football games. We usually play a bunch of short rock tune excerpts to get the crowd excited and provide some energy to the games. Football is huge at Wahconah, and it's great to be a part of it. The games are a party atmosphere, and we really have a great time- right down to the tailgate party's that we throw before kickoff. The football music is relatively easy to play, so we don't spend a whole lot of time rehearsing it. We spend the bulk of our rehearsal time on wind ensemble music for the winter concert, and ensemble fundamentals.
We'll participate in UMass Band Day. This is an event where thousands of band students from across the country get together for a mass band performance at a UMass home game. It's great to see and hear how a football game is treated in college, and it's nice to visit the Umass campus in the fall. Many Wahconah grads end up going to Umass Amherst upon graduation. Band Day will be on Saturday, September 26 form noon to 10:00 PM. Busses will leave Wahconah at 10:30 am. Here's a schedule for the day
Second quarter:
Our winter concert in December includes a few holiday selections, but mostly traditional wind ensemble music. We do a performance of carols at the Christmas in Dalton festival.
Our new band uniforms will be delivered on December 1. Can't wait!
Third quarter:
We perform something very different every year in late March or early April. Last year we performed the entire Beatles Sgt. Pepper album (we have performed Carmina Burana, The Divine Comedy, music of Ireland, and a Renaissance feast in the past). This year, we are toying with the idea of the music of Africa.
We'll also take an overnight field trip to a band/chorus competition. We're planning for a New York City trip this year.
Fourth quarter:
A spring concert featuring soloists in the band, and the Memorial Day Parade in Dalton. We will also play for Class Night, and Graduation.
Gear up!
In addition to your instrument, you'll need the following things to be prepared for the first few performances:- Drillmasters shoes- basic black uniform shoes that are equally at home in the grass as they are on the stage.
- A Wahconah Music Department hooded sweatshirt- Cool to wear everyday, and what we wear to all of the football games.
- A lyre and flip folder with enough pages to hold all of your school music
- A lock for your instrument storage locker
Assessment
Each quarter, students will make an mp3 recording of themselves playing an assigned piece of band music. We use Smartmusic software to record these assignments, and the school has several computers with active subscriptions. Many students choose to get a subscription at home, and can then record their work at home instead of school. If you would like a subscription at home ($30.00 for the year) click the link to SmartMusic in the sidebar.
I look forward to a great school year. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Brian Rabuse
