Marching Band Show:
The new marching band music is handed out the last day of school at an evening rehearsal. Student section leaders are responsible for organizing sectionals during the summer and contacting students about the details. Sectionals vary depending on the section leader in charge, but generally they consist of rehearsals designed to: 1) Help students get to know their fellow clarinetists, percussionists, trombonists, etc., 2) Learn and practice the marching band music for the upcoming season, and 3) Enlighten new freshmen on the rites and rituals involved in being a member of that particular section. Please encourage your student to attend these and practice in between time.
The Drill team is a major part of the NW Marching Cougar Pride and will communicate their practice schedule with students as it coordinates with the band throughout the season.
Band Camp:
This is usually held the end of July/first part of August normally there is one free week between the conclusion of band camp and the start of school. New marchers come for two half days prior to the start of camp. During the week, students usually go out to eat with their section and section leaders at restaurants close to NW or one of the section members homes. There is always the option to bring along a sack lunch. Ms. Snead has only upper classmen drive. She stresses the need to be responsible and a good example to the underclassmen.
On the last night of band camp the students perform the first part of the music and participate in a drill down with all current and former students. This standing room only performance takes place on the practice field at NW and is followed by a family picnic. This is a great time to meet other parents and support your kids!
Football games:
The band will march for all home games (which are usually at SMN stadium). They meet at the high school to load the bus at 5:30 p.m. Drumline arrives at 5:15 p.m. to load the percussion truck. Uniforms are kept at school making it easy for students to change and load the bus quickly. Ms. Snead has been so great at allowing those also involved in Cross Country to eat at the Friday night pasta dinners prior to joining band members in loading the bus. XC, in turn, serves the band members early so they can get going.
If you're looking for a place to sit at the game, many band parents congregate in the section just to the north of where the band sits. Come join us and get acquainted. This can be a great time to ask questions about anything re: NW. :)
Marching Festivals & Competitions
The NW Marching Cougar Pride typically performs at two festivals each year (K-State and KU) with an occasional change. The school provides transportation. There is usually a clinic session and a performance. Parents are encouraged to come see the performance just like they might attend an athletic event. It is also another opportunity to get to know other parents. Last year the booster club grilled food for students and parents at KSU. A great time was had by all.
There is a SMSD Festival, usually held on a week night at SMS, where all five SM schools perform their program. It is also a fun event to attend.
There is an admission charge for parents attending the college festivals, but the SMSD Festival is free.
Regular Concerts:
Pep Band:
This is another great opportunity for students to belong and have fun! The pep band plays for home Varsity basketball games, both the boys and the girls. To join, students need to audition an excerpt for Ms. Snead or Mr. Talley.
Jazz Band:
Students may audition in the spring for the following year. They participate in Jazz Festivals, Cabarets and at the regular concerts (sometimes playing 15 min. before the concert begins). Jazz band is a 7th hour class taught by Mr. Talley. Students need to also be involved in some other music class in order to be in Jazz Band.
District/State Band:
A student may try out for district band beginning their sophomore year. These tryouts usually take place the first weekend in November, and the results are posted shortly thereafter. If a student makes the district band, they attend a full day of rehearsals that are then followed by the overall concert. After making district band, the students then have the opportunity to audition for the All-State band the first or second Saturday in January. The All-State Band is held in February, in Wichita, and is a multi-day trip consisting of rehearsals and other activities, culminating in concerts open to the public Saturday afternoon. Jazz band, orchestra, and the concert band all perform at the same venue, just at varying times. Again, parents, you are encouraged to attend the performance.
Symphonic Band:
First semester, students have the option to be in marching band or concert band. In November, tryouts are held for those interested in Symphonic Band for second semester. Music may be obtained from Ms. Snead. Many times, the openings depend on how many seniors in each section graduated the year before. If it is determined that you will be in Symphonic Band then you will remain in 1st hour Band for second semester. If you will be in concert band then your schedule will switch to 3rd hour Band and your 3rd hour class will move to 1st hour. Symphonic Band plays in an additional concert and the music is more challenging. There is also a tux jacket rental fee of $30 from the school which supplies the jackets. Students generally purchase a tux shirt, bow tie, and pants. JC Penny’s is a good place to look for these items. Females rent dresses for the same price. All black is the attire for Concert Band.
Solo/Ensemble Contests:
Students may prepare a solo for contest. The Band Booster Club pays the entry fee; students need to let Ms. Snead know they are planning to participate. It is up to the student to arrange and pay for an accompanist. District Contest is usually the 2nd Saturday in April. If you receive a 1 rating then you move on to the State competition two weeks later in Emporia at Emporia State University.
Lettering in Band:
Requirements for lettering, along with other helpful information can be found on the website at www.smnwband.com.
* Please remind your students to note the communication posted outside of the band room and to communicate with Ms. Snead or Mr. Talley if a scheduling conflict arises. At NW the Coaches and Band Directors have been great at working together to help make it possible for students to participate in multiple events. We are very fortunate in this regard.
The new marching band music is handed out the last day of school at an evening rehearsal. Student section leaders are responsible for organizing sectionals during the summer and contacting students about the details. Sectionals vary depending on the section leader in charge, but generally they consist of rehearsals designed to: 1) Help students get to know their fellow clarinetists, percussionists, trombonists, etc., 2) Learn and practice the marching band music for the upcoming season, and 3) Enlighten new freshmen on the rites and rituals involved in being a member of that particular section. Please encourage your student to attend these and practice in between time.
The Drill team is a major part of the NW Marching Cougar Pride and will communicate their practice schedule with students as it coordinates with the band throughout the season.
Band Camp:
This is usually held the end of July/first part of August normally there is one free week between the conclusion of band camp and the start of school. New marchers come for two half days prior to the start of camp. During the week, students usually go out to eat with their section and section leaders at restaurants close to NW or one of the section members homes. There is always the option to bring along a sack lunch. Ms. Snead has only upper classmen drive. She stresses the need to be responsible and a good example to the underclassmen.
On the last night of band camp the students perform the first part of the music and participate in a drill down with all current and former students. This standing room only performance takes place on the practice field at NW and is followed by a family picnic. This is a great time to meet other parents and support your kids!
Football games:
The band will march for all home games (which are usually at SMN stadium). They meet at the high school to load the bus at 5:30 p.m. Drumline arrives at 5:15 p.m. to load the percussion truck. Uniforms are kept at school making it easy for students to change and load the bus quickly. Ms. Snead has been so great at allowing those also involved in Cross Country to eat at the Friday night pasta dinners prior to joining band members in loading the bus. XC, in turn, serves the band members early so they can get going.
If you're looking for a place to sit at the game, many band parents congregate in the section just to the north of where the band sits. Come join us and get acquainted. This can be a great time to ask questions about anything re: NW. :)
Marching Festivals & Competitions
The NW Marching Cougar Pride typically performs at two festivals each year (K-State and KU) with an occasional change. The school provides transportation. There is usually a clinic session and a performance. Parents are encouraged to come see the performance just like they might attend an athletic event. It is also another opportunity to get to know other parents. Last year the booster club grilled food for students and parents at KSU. A great time was had by all.
There is a SMSD Festival, usually held on a week night at SMS, where all five SM schools perform their program. It is also a fun event to attend.
There is an admission charge for parents attending the college festivals, but the SMSD Festival is free.
Regular Concerts:
- Fall Concert (Oct.)
- Northwest Area Band Festival (Jan.)
- Jazz Chili/Silent Auction (mid-Feb.),
- Spring Band Concert (early May)
Pep Band:
This is another great opportunity for students to belong and have fun! The pep band plays for home Varsity basketball games, both the boys and the girls. To join, students need to audition an excerpt for Ms. Snead or Mr. Talley.
Jazz Band:
Students may audition in the spring for the following year. They participate in Jazz Festivals, Cabarets and at the regular concerts (sometimes playing 15 min. before the concert begins). Jazz band is a 7th hour class taught by Mr. Talley. Students need to also be involved in some other music class in order to be in Jazz Band.
District/State Band:
A student may try out for district band beginning their sophomore year. These tryouts usually take place the first weekend in November, and the results are posted shortly thereafter. If a student makes the district band, they attend a full day of rehearsals that are then followed by the overall concert. After making district band, the students then have the opportunity to audition for the All-State band the first or second Saturday in January. The All-State Band is held in February, in Wichita, and is a multi-day trip consisting of rehearsals and other activities, culminating in concerts open to the public Saturday afternoon. Jazz band, orchestra, and the concert band all perform at the same venue, just at varying times. Again, parents, you are encouraged to attend the performance.
Symphonic Band:
First semester, students have the option to be in marching band or concert band. In November, tryouts are held for those interested in Symphonic Band for second semester. Music may be obtained from Ms. Snead. Many times, the openings depend on how many seniors in each section graduated the year before. If it is determined that you will be in Symphonic Band then you will remain in 1st hour Band for second semester. If you will be in concert band then your schedule will switch to 3rd hour Band and your 3rd hour class will move to 1st hour. Symphonic Band plays in an additional concert and the music is more challenging. There is also a tux jacket rental fee of $30 from the school which supplies the jackets. Students generally purchase a tux shirt, bow tie, and pants. JC Penny’s is a good place to look for these items. Females rent dresses for the same price. All black is the attire for Concert Band.
Solo/Ensemble Contests:
Students may prepare a solo for contest. The Band Booster Club pays the entry fee; students need to let Ms. Snead know they are planning to participate. It is up to the student to arrange and pay for an accompanist. District Contest is usually the 2nd Saturday in April. If you receive a 1 rating then you move on to the State competition two weeks later in Emporia at Emporia State University.
Lettering in Band:
Requirements for lettering, along with other helpful information can be found on the website at www.smnwband.com.
* Please remind your students to note the communication posted outside of the band room and to communicate with Ms. Snead or Mr. Talley if a scheduling conflict arises. At NW the Coaches and Band Directors have been great at working together to help make it possible for students to participate in multiple events. We are very fortunate in this regard.