The Gael Chronicles What`s Inside

Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
2 Welcome
What’s
Inside
5. Drum Majors
Shout Out
9. Look Fabulous this
Season!
2. Welcome from
Mr. Nichols
6. Dates & Events for
Parents
10. Finance & Logistics
3. RHSBPA Class of
2016/2017
7. Meal & Food Tips
11. Classic Preview!
4. Band Camp Basics
8. Campers
Confidential
12. 2016 Classic: Help
Wanted
Join the RHSBPA Email List : [email protected]
Find us on the web at www.roxburybandsnj.org or
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Roxbury-HS-Band-Parents-Association
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/@roxbands
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
A welcome message from RHS Director of Bands, Mr. Todd Nichols…
Dear Family and Friends,
I would like to welcome our new members and families and welcome back our veterans to another exciting new school year. Over
the summer there has been tremendous work done around campus. Thank you to the Roxbury administration for implementing
such wonderful improvements! I am excited to inform as you return to school you will see many new facility upgrades including
updated HVAC in the music wing, new carpet in the small choir room, and a new fully renovated state of the art press box.
On behalf of the entire Roxbury band family, I would like to wish Mr. Harsuiker nothing but the best as he begins his new journey
as Director of Bands at Morris Hills High School. Rich is a dear friend and colleague and has touched the hearts and lives of
thousands of Roxbury students. While we are sad to see Mr. H. go, we are also very excited for him and this new exciting
professional opportunity! Crazy as it is, Mr. H. is replacing my high school band director and will now lead the band program I
graduated from. I know he will do an incredible job and my alma mater is very lucky to have him as director. Congratulations
Rich!!!!
Over the summer the Marching Gaels, Roxbury Sound, and Roxbury Color Guard have been hard at work preparing their respective
2016 field shows. I can tell you one thing…YOU ARE IN FOR A REAL TREAT THIS YEAR!!! Both groups are very special and their
performances will be exciting and entertaining to say the least!!! The Gaels will present a state of the art cutting edge show
entitled Slide! Be prepared for engaging music, drill, and professional level choreography that will be incredibly exciting. Our
students have been hard at work already and their work ethic is exceptional. This show will be one of our finest ever! Also, be
ready to rock the house on Friday nights as the Roxbury Sound celebrates its 5th anniversary with power and energy sure to get you
on your feet!!! Our staff is exceptional this year and I am very excited to be able to return to the marching band program and help
our students prepare the best shows you can imagine! It will truly be an exciting marching band season!
Our two large scale festivals, the Roxbury Band Classic and Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational, are already filled with high quality
ensembles and the finest evaluators you can find in the nation!!! Please keep an eye out for specific correspondence regarding
both festivals and how they benefit all students in the Roxbury band program. Information will be sent out throughout the school
year.
I would like to extend a very special thank you to our Band Parent Association. This summer they have worked tirelessly to help
feed our students, fit uniforms, construct countless props, fix equipment, and so much more! Thank you to our Committee Chairs
in all areas for your time and talents!! Without you, we would be unable to function on the level we do! THANK YOU!!!!! Welcome
to Mr. Tom Graf, our new BPA Treasurer, and Mrs. Carla Dexter our new BPA President.
Thank you for jumping in with both feet this year! Please check your email for information from Mrs. Dexter and Mr. Graf
regarding a newly redesigned financial infrastructure and detailed information to help you stay connected throughout the school
year. This year you will find an infusion of higher level technology within our instrumental music program. With the district wide
initiative of moving to the Google platform and utilization of Google Chrome Books, you will find that we will now be able to use
this technology both in and out of the classroom. Memos, announcements, student assignments, homework and so much more will
now be able to be sent to students RHS school email accounts with the click of a button. Expect to see even less paper coming
home and all correspondence done through Google sharing and Gmail. Please also visit our newly redesigned website
www.roxburybandsnj.org. It will be updated routinely and have everything you need to stay informed throughout the school year.
This year will be full of memorable performances and exciting events for all students in our Roxbury band program. Our concert
bands, marching bands, color guard, jazz ensembles, and chamber ensembles are all important. Our department’s goal is to
provide the highest quality education and instruction to all our students while creating exciting programs and performance
opportunities on the national level. You can expect to see this same tradition continue in the 2016-2017 school year. It is with great
excitement and enthusiasm I welcome you all into the fabulous Roxbury band family!!!
Warmest Regards,
TN
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
WELCOME TO RHS MARCHING GAELS BAND CAMP 2016!
Folks you should know - THE RHSBPA Band Parent Committee:
The Roxbury High School Band Patrons Association (RHSBPA) consists of
volunteer parents who provide support and services to further the mission of
Roxbury High School’s Instrumental Music Program. Activities include;
organizing and administration of band events, fundraising, publicity,
communication with parents, school administration and the community, as well
as supporting special needs so that every child has an opportunity to pursue
music as part of their high school education. Additionally, RHSBPA sponsors
scholarships awarded to students continuing their music education into college.
New RHSPBA committee chairs are selected at the end of each school year.
Please feel free to reach out to any of the committee with your questions, or to
offer your assistance. Thank you, your support is critical to the RHSPBA’s success
each year.
2016/2017 RHS BPA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
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President
Carla Dexter
[email protected]
Treasurer
Tom Graf
[email protected]
Communications/Membership
Sue Walsh
[email protected]
Band Merchandise
Denise Bouvier
[email protected]
Fund Raising
TBD
Uniforms
Debbie Maroulis
[email protected]
Hospitality
Amy Rust
[email protected]
Logistics
Mike Mangano
[email protected]
Publicity
Pete Forester
[email protected]
Roxbury Classic
Beth and Tom Graf
[email protected]
MWBI Concert Band Festival
Carla Dexter
[email protected]
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
THE BCB’s-BAND CAMP BASICS
Drop Off
Parents please be aware of the new drop off and pick up policy. Students
must be dropped off for camp in the parking lot across from the band
room doors. Curb side drop offs are no longer permitted. Please
Drop them off 15-30 minutes BEFORE report time. Report time is when
They are to be on the field.
Pick Up
Pick up is now also in the parking lot across from the band room doors.
Students are dismissed from the field within five minutes of the
scheduled end time. Be prepared to wait up to 10-15 minutes for
marchers to clean up and collect their things. If your student is in
the percussion section, Color Guard, or a student leader it will take
them a little longer as they have more equipment to put away. Also,
as a courtesy to all, prompt pick-up is appreciated.
TO HELP YOU BE PREPARED BRING OR KEEP IN LOCKER:
-Instrument, mouthpiece & appropriate
maintenance equipment
-3 Ring Binder with Plastic Sleeves, Music
Pencils, Highlighters, dot book,& drill charts
-Comfortable sneakers and lightweight
clothes
-Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Lip Balm, Hat, &
Sunglasses
-
Extra socks, shoes, clothes, and rain -Large Strong plastic garbage bag for
gear
Equipment in case of rain
-WATER, WATER, WATER…and MORE
WATER
-Sandwich size bag for cell phone in case
Of rain
-A Healthy LUNCH (for all day rehearsals)
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CHECK FOR BAND CAMP UPDATES HERE:
On the web at www.roxburybandsnj.org or
On Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Roxbury-HS-Band-Parents-Association
On Twitter: https://Twitter.com/@roxbands
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
Welcome from Marching Gaels 2016 Drum Majors,
Garrett Dexter & Jess Roberts…
Hey Guys!
We are SO excited to be a part of the this year’s show, Slide, which can most definitely be one
of the most groundbreaking, creative, and exciting shows Roxbury has seen! Get pumped!
This year’s show is perfectly designed to bring out the best of Roxbury’s band program!
This includes more marching and more playing, with not as much choreography. With this
in mind, it is important everyone comes to rehearsals prepared and ready to work hard.
Let’s make this show the best one to date!
As for Pre-Camp and Band Camp, it is extremely important to bring extra water,
clothing, sunscreen, etc. to stay comfortable throughout the hot summer days.
Better to be over prepared than underprepared! The purpose of Pre-Camp is
also to introduce music, exercises, and the basic layout of marching band
rehearsals before Band Camp kicks in. As we progress through both, reviewing
music, exercises, and even drill (even a couple of minutes a day!) will help the
entire band. If all of the individual work is done, the band can start refining
and perfecting the show much quicker!
A little different from last year, rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursday run all the way
until August 18th. Then, starting Saturday the 20th to Thursday the 25th is the
ever-amazing Band Camp! Every one of the six days of Band Camp has a designated
spirit day everyone is encouraged to take part in, as well as post-rehearsal activities
with the Band Parents Association that everyone enjoys! It only adds to the fun,
closely-knit atmosphere that our marching band is a part of! In addition, as is our
tradition that we will be supporting Roxbury Social Services. During the week of
band camp, we are asking all members to bring canned goods, paper products,
cleaning products, etc. into a box in room I-101 to donate at the end of the week!
Lastly, we have A LOT to look forward to this season! Especially that for the first
time ever, Roxbury will be going to a National Championship in mid-November! This
adds a few weeks to our regular marching band season, which is great as we can be even
closer to making that perfect show! As well as competitions close to home, we will also
be returning to the Yamaha Cup at MetLife Stadium and the New Jersey State
Championships at Rutgers University! With every performance we will strive to
get better and better every time, let’s really work our tails off this year!
Best wishes and here is to an incredible season!
Garrett and Jess
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Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
Important August dates and events…
2015 Band Camp Key Events and Spirit Days:
Saturday August 20th: Band Camp Opens, Free Parent Breakfast 9:30-11
‘Merica Day Theme
Sunday August 21st: Jersey Shore Day + Ice Cream Social
Monday August 22nd: Super Hero Day
Tuesday August 23rd: Sports Day + Sports Night
Wednesday August 24th: Twins Day
Thursday August 25th: Section Pride + Parent Preview + Dance party
Hospitality Chair Amy Rust needs parents help to make these theme nights
a success! Please go to sign up genius here for more info and how to help!
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C044DAFA928A0F58-band1
Parents, please join us for breakfast…
What: Parent Breakfast
When: Saturday, August 20
Time: 9:30 (drop off time for kids) – 11:00 AM
Where: Roxbury High School Parking Lot
Who: All Marching Gael and Roxbury Sound Parents
(especially 8th grade parents)
RHSPBA Chairs and parent volunteers will be on hand (with coffee!)
to answer your band questions, inform you about upcoming events
and preview volunteer opportunities at the Roxbury Marching Band
Classic where both the Marching Gaels and Roxbury Sound will be
performing.
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We Look forward to seeing you there!
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
A great band runs on it’s stomach!
(and Band Parents)
Can you believe that Band Camp 2016 is right around the corner? Well, it’s coming! The
kids will be working very hard to prepare for their show and are not allowed to leave
Roxbury High School during camp. The RHSBPA provides dinner service to all marchers and
staff during the week of band camp, Saturday, August 20 thru Thursday, August 25. In
addition, we have some evening events planned as well.
We hope you are asking, “How can I help?” Let me tell you! Please go to one of the links
below and sign up to assist either with set up of dinner, dinner service and clean up or one
of the evening events. It is a great way to get involved, meet other band parents, support
the hungry marchers, and see how much your child loves Band Camp!
Marchers should bring
a cooler with lunch and
enough food and
drinks to sustain them
throughout rehearsal.
Parents may also drop
dinner off by the band
room door at their own
discretion (should your
child not like what is on
the menu). Check with
your child as to the
appropriate time.
DINNER SERVICE:
Shifts are available as follows:
3:45 - 4:45 pm Food Prep / Set-up
4:45 - 6:30 pm Service / Clean-up
Dinner Service Sign Up Website:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C044DAFA928A0F58-band
Menu for the Week:
Saturday-Chicken/Beef Stir Fry
Sunday-Tacos
Monday-Italian, Ham, and Turkey Sandwiches
Tuesday-Pasta
Wednesday-Pizza
Thursday-BBQ-Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
*Salad or Carrots will be served on all nights
If your child has allergies or special dietary needs, please e-mail
Amy Rust at [email protected] to discuss menu.
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Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
From one camper to another…
by Junior Katie Walsh
ARE YOU READY???
As you know, band camp is just around the corner, followed by an intense season of rehearsals,
football games, and competitions. With band camp fast approaching there are some things every
marcher, old and new, should know.
NEVER BE LATE!
We often use the phrase “To be on time, is to be late”. You need to arrive early in order to
prepare for the start of rehearsal. Arriving about 15 minutes early should give every member
enough time to get your equipment ready, and be where you need to be before we start to rehearse.
If rehearsal starts at 10, be on the field a few minutes before 10 in order to ensure
that as a group we make the most of our time together!
CLOTHING
We will practice in the blazing August heat and play in the cold November nights! Although it seems
far away, prepare now for the cold football games and rehearsals with things such as under armor,
thick (black) socks, scarfs, gloves, and hats! For the hot August rehearsals, tank tops and shorts are
appropriate as it will be hot. No matter the time of year, sneakers are a must! You cannot march in
flip flops or sandals. Some marchers even rehearse in their marching shoes! Weather can be very
unpredictable, I advise keeping a change of clothes in your locker for days when it may rain!
FOOD
Every marcher should always be prepared with food and snacks for breaks! During band camp you
must bring or have lunch brought to you by a parent, and dinner is provided by our amazing band
parents association. Also, make sure that before long days at band camp you eat breakfast, and
before after school rehearsals you have had something to eat!
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Bug spray is never a bad idea and sunscreen is strongly advised, as we will be spending many hours outside.
WATER IS A MUST! It will be hot and we will be working hard so bring lots of water! Most marchers use
insulated water jugs for rehearsal every day!
FOOTBALL GAMES
Most band parents sit on the far end of the bleachers closest to where the band sits. Depending on the
night, it could be hot and humid or very chilly! The Band Parents Association provides drinks and snacks
to our Marching Band and the visiting band after the half time performance.
HAVE FUN!!
Marching band is all about having fun, meeting new people, and working together to achieve a common goal.
During band camp there are themed days such as twin day and section pride day. Participate and have fun
with it! On certain days, after band camp there are planned activities such as a dance party, sports night
and an ice cream social! Even if dancing isn’t your thing, or you don’t really like sports, stay and hang out,
make some new friends, or just have fun with your friends to wind down after a long day of rehearsals!
As a band, we will be spending ample amounts of time together, but marchers will be spending even more
time with their respective sections! All marchers should know who their section leader
is and should know that their section leader is there to help!
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Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
The RHS Band Merchandise Mobile is Rolling Back into Town!
Looking to show off your Roxbury Band pride while
supporting our Band Program? Look no further than
our “Band Merchandise Mobile” parked by the Band
Room doors at rehearsal pick-ups throughout the
Marching Band Season. From clothing to lanyards to
phone chargers, these items, and more, with our
official Roxbury Band logo are available! Band merch
will also be available for purchase during Band Camp,
The Marching Band Classic, Suckasunny Day and all
home football games and concerts throughout the
year. Please feel welcome to stop by to browse this
year's inventory or to just mingle together while
waiting for our talented young musicians to wrap up
their rehearsals. Your purchases directly support
ALL Roxbury High School Band Programs!!
Thank you!
Denise Bouvier
[email protected]
2016 RHS Marching Gaels Section Leaders & Stats
Led By RHS Band
Director Todd Nichols & Associate Band Director Gregory Boccuti
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Winds
Percussion
Color Guard
Taryn Guettler
Samantha Tesfaye
Chris Spino
Andrew Amato
Keysha Strong
Maggie Miller
Loren Lallo
Lauren Zenna
Marching Gaels: 99
Roxbury Sound: 155
Drum Majors
Jessica Roberts
Garrett Dexter
Ryan Mangano
Katie Walsh
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
Incoming Finance Chair Tom Graf has an important message for you…
Dear Band Families,
As you know, the RHSBPA is in the midst of a change in leadership for the upcoming
school year. Part of this change is the installation and implementation of a new accounting
system. The new accounting system will allow for greater visibility and accountability into
the finances of the organization. As you can imagine, implementing a new system is quite
an undertaking. Despite some delays, we are almost finished. Once the system is 100%
completely installed, we will have the ability to accept credit card payments. More
information will be forthcoming via email notification later in August. Our target date for
distribution of account statements is before the end of the month. Statements will be
emailed to the parent email on file. Should you not receive an account statement for your
child by August 31st, or if you have any questions about the statement you receive, please
contact me via email: [email protected].
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we implement the new
system.
Tom Graf
THE ROAD CREW, WANTS YOU! Hello from Logistics Chair Mike Magnano…
So do you think being in band is easy? For the most part yes. But as you can imagine,
keeping the show moving from week to week is quite a large task. It is only possible
with the help and assistance from many parent volunteers. As in years past, this
year, the kids will have great opportunities to play in a multitude of venues, such as
The Yamaha Cup in MetLife Stadium, The State Championship at Rutgers Stadium
and JFK Stadium in Bridgeport CT. The Marching Band Logistics Team (Road Crew)
helps the Marching Band by transporting equipment and props to and from venues,
as well as setting up props and helping the kids get the props and equipment to the
performance field. The Road Crew also helps get the equipment on the field prior
to the performance and off the field after the performance. Under the Lights,
on Friday nights the Roxbury Sound performs at all home football games.
The Road Crew also helps get the equipment to the field before the game
and during the half-time show, the Road Crew helps the kids get the equipment
on and off the field. This sounds like a lot. But with a lot of hands, the work goes
quick and easy. Consider joining our Road Crew family. If you have any
questions or need more information, please contact
Mike Mangano at: 201-841-5601 or email: [email protected]​
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Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
2016 Roxbury Classic Preview
From Event Chair Beth Graf…
We are excited to be hosting The 8th Annual Roxbury Marching Band Classic
on Saturday, September 24, 2016! Our committee heads are already hard at
work to create a fantastic event for our community and visiting bands.
With online band registration in full swing, we are anticipating a terrific show!
But we can’t do it alone. The Classic is the Roxbury Band Parent Association’s
largest fundraiser and we need your help. Here’s how you can get started now:
·
·
·
Sell an ad or sponsorship for the Classic Program book. You can
also place your own personal ad or message to show pride in your student.
Imagine if everyone sold just one!
Donate items for the Classic Café. Every donation is pure profit for
the band program. Purchase items from the provided list and bring
them with you when you pick up your student after marching band
practice. Look for an open trunk!
Donate your time and talents the day of The Classic. Look for sign
up lists at the Band Parent Meet and Greet on Saturday, August 20
and a sign-up genius email coming in September.
On behalf of the Classic Committee, I extend our thanks for all your
anticipated support in making the 2016 Roxbury Marching Band Classic a
success. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
me at [email protected].
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Beth Graf
Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
Q: What Makes the Roxbury Classic, a Classic?
A: Your Support!
There’s many ways to help, one is to purchase a classic program ad, or
recommend a vendor to Jean, Jean, the advertising machine!
Greetings Roxbury High School Bands fans!
Exciting things are happening to prepare for the upcoming school year and
the 2016 Marching Band Classic. We are once again conducting our drive
for businesses and families to help our band programs. We have the Bands
Sponsorships where, for a specific sum, businesses help our entire band
program for the full school year. In return they receive varying levels of
recognition at our band concerts and events. We also have the option for
businesses to purchase a onetime advertising space in our Classic program
booklet. Both options help raise funds to be used for all of our wonderful
Roxbury Bands programs. The more we can raise from the business community,
the better we will be able to reduce costs to our hardworking band families.
Please take a few minutes to ask your favorite businesses (nail salon,
hairdresser, landscaper, repair services, employer, etc.) if they would
consider helping our talented students. Every little bit makes a big difference!
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. Good luck and happy soliciting!
Jean Chadorne – [email protected] – 973-927-1909
Food and Drink Items are needed for the 2016 Marching Gaels classic. We’ll be collecting
after each Gaels and Sound rehearsal. Look for the open trunk in the parking lot across
from the band room at pick up time. Items needed include:
Soda - 12 oz cans - diet and regular
Water - 16 oz bottles
If you find it easier, we would also greatly appreciate gift cards to Shop Rite and BJs.
Thank you, band parents!
Andrea Sussman & Dana Taggart
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[email protected] [email protected]
Volume 33, August 2016
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Volume 33, August 2016
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Volume 33, August 2016
The Gael Chronicles
AUGUST 2016 RHS BANDS CALENDAR
YOU CAN ACCESS A FULLY INTERACTIVE RHS BANDS CALENDAR ANYTIME AT:
http://www.roxburybandsnj.org/calendar/
Marching
Gaels
Band Camp
Begins
Band Camp Ends
Parent
Preview 7 PM
Sound Camp
Day!
IMPORTANT SEPTEMBER DATES:
15
-September
-September
-September
-September
-September
6th – First Day of School
10th- Suckasunny Day 9am
16th - Roxbury vs. Wayne Hills-Sound 5pm
24th - Roxbury Classic
30th – Roxbury vs. Mendham -Sound 5pm