Letter to Parents

An open letter to parents of the Pride of the Dutchmen Band: Over the years there are a few questions that seem to come up often. I would like to try to answer a few of them as best as I can. 1. Why do you run band camp instead of starting the first day of school? Band camp has developed over many years. As the band program grew in size and developed in skill, we decided to explore the world of competitive marching contests. We discovered that competitive bands started before the actual first day of school because the skills necessary to perform at a competitive level could not be achieved through regular rehearsals. 2. Why do you run band camp during the first week of August? There are two major reasons - FIRST, we have two teachers for 170 students. To make up for that deficiency, we bring in a group of the finest marching specialists in the United States to provide more intense instruction to the band while learning the show. The first week of August is the ONLY time that we can get this group of instructors together and in Orange City. SECOND, we have many students in both band and fall athletics – cross country, football, volleyball, cheerleading. We enjoy having these students involved in our program. We try to get our major work done before regular practices start for these activities so that these students can survive and thrive in all experiences. 3. Why is band camp so long? We learn a completely new competitive field show every year. Students are required to learn and memorize all new music AND learn and memorize 90 or so pages of drill movements. That is a very large task. It takes many, many repetitions to remember all of it. When students come to band camp they do remember how to play their instruments, but they need additional time to get physically conditioned (legs, lips, heart) for the rigors of the activity. 4. Who pays for the instructors, show and equipment? Yes, it does take additional money. The school has been very supportive of the program in many ways. In addition to the salaries of Mr. Connell and Mrs. Hulstein, the school has purchased many of the major instruments (tubas, baritones, drums), given us fine practice facilities, contributed to the purchase of our newest trailer, and provides transportation to the band when we travel to competitions. The Band Parents Board pays for the rest. All of the staff members that we bring in during August, the cost of the production of the field show, and the replacement and purchase of all band uniforms, guard uniforms, flags, rifles, drum replacement and repair, and additional percussion equipment are paid for by funds raised by the Band Parents Board. 5. How does the Band Parents Board raise the money? The Band Board has THREE major sources of fundraising for the band program – *The Dutchmen Field Championship raises the vast majority of the money *Redeemable Pop Can Collection is the second largest fundraiser for the band *Tulip Festival Stand also brings money into the general fund If you have additional questions please e-mail them to me.  I will try to use this page to answer them.