As director I always get complaints from parents and band members about the added night during each of the two weeks and the heavier rehearsal schedule. Not many complaints, but enough to get me to write this blog explaining what is at stake here. First of all, the schedule has been up since April so none of this should come as a surprise. People start missing things due to their not being used to the schedule, fatigue, and not seeing the big picture. Some band members have SAT and other classes scheduled on Thursday nights, fully knowing that we had these two Thursdays scheduled when they signed on with the band. It is your responsibility to miss those things and be at these rehearsals. Our schedule is minimal and it is requred to be at each and every rehearsal.
Please realize that we rehearse 80 hours and that 11 1/2 hours are in these last two weeks. That is 15% of our rehearsals are ahead of us. Add the fact that these rehearsals are right before the Dome and on show days and the real impact in terms of concentration is pretty much doubled. So, as a band director and staff we pretty much consider 1/3 of the rehearsals are in the last two weeks (in terms of how much work we can get done and how much better we can get). These rehearsals combined equal band camp!
THESE REHEARSALS WILL HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON OUR SEASON!
OUR REHEARSALS DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS
Thursday, October 20th - Newsday 6pm to 11pm (one hour rehearsal)
Saturday, October 22nd - Mineola Show 2pm to 11pm (three hour rehearsal)
Wednesday, October 26th - Rehearsal 6:30 to 9pm (2 1/2 hour rehearsal)
Thursday, October 27th - Rehearsal 6:30 to 9pm (2 1/2 hour rehearsal)
Saturday, October 29th- Rehearsal after Phoenix (2 1/2 hour rehearsal)
We need every single person at these rehearsals. Students who miss any of our very light schedule will obviously be able to remain in the band because we will not hurt everyone by making a hole at this late a date. But realize that missing a rehearsal will eliminate you from the right to even interview for a leadership position. Since every single person expects one of the 25 leadership positions, this should be enough of a deterrent. Once again, missing one rehearsal is the equivalent of 3 or 4 rehearsals in any of our competitor’s bands which would be an automatic out.
Our competitors practice 200 to 400 hours in a season. We get it done with a fraction of that due to 100% attendance, focused rehearsals, and proper planning. We need everyone to get enough sleep, keep up with their school work, and eat right. We cannot afford to have anyone get sick this week.
Homework
You will be able to do homework in the Newsday stands during the show, and on the bus ride to and from Syracuse. We have the busses with outlets in front of every seat so you can bring your laptop and plan on 10 hours of homework/study time. We show no movies and leave that time open for you to use in any way you see fit.
