Nighthawk Band Notes

BAND CAMP CALENDER

2008-06-03T12:02:00.003-04:00

This year, band camp will start at its usual time but with a new wrinkle. In order to ease the transition for new members, the first two days will be focused on introducing first year members to various techniques, terminology and practices. Returning members will join us for the rest of camp beginning on Wednesday, August 6th. The calender for camp and evening rehearsals is posted below. Our tentative performance calender, two posts below this one. Please take a look and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks & I'll see you in August - Mr. E.

August 4 & 5 - 7:45am - 1:00pm - New members, percussion and section leaders ONLY
August 6th - 8th - 7:45am - 1:00pm - ALL BAND & COLOR GUARD MEMBERS
August 11th - 15th - 7:45am - 1:00pm - ALL BAND & COLOR GUARD MEMBERS

TUESDAY EVENING REHEARSALS
August 19th - 6pm - 8pm
August 26th - 6pm - 8pm
September 2nd - 6pm - 8pm
September 9th - 6pm - 8pm
September 16th - 6pm - 8pm
September 23rd - 6pm - 7:30pm
September 30th - 6pm - 7:30pm

New Music Classes offered at FFHS

2008-06-03T11:36:00.002-04:00

Music Theory - open to all students
Introduction to Jazz - open to band members who haven't participated in the high school jazz band.

Tentative Marching Schedule for Fall 2008

2008-06-03T11:29:00.002-04:00

August 29 - Football vs. Camden
September 5 - Football @ Manteo
September 12 - Football vs. Williamston
September 13 - ECU Band Day or Currituck Exhibition
September 26 - Football @ Hatteras
October 4 - Peanut Festival in Edenton @ 5:00pm
October 17 - Football vs. Edenton
October 24 - Football vs. Bertie
November 7 - Football vs. Currituck

More info will be posted as it becomes available.

OBX Jazz Overseas (French Alps)

2007-09-14T10:18:00.000-04:00

Here, the kids are performing at the closing ceremonies for an international photo competition. Pralognan is a tiny ski resort right next to the French - Swiss border in the Alps. It started raining early during the performance which is why it appears the audience has pretty much left. In fact, they merely retreated to porches and doorways and continued to listen.

OBX Jazz Overseas (Italy)

2007-09-14T10:12:00.000-04:00

OBX Jazz performing at a club in downtown Rome. Our first gig overseas, no air conditioning in the club and the kids still nailed it. They were so good that the audience complained when we packed up at 11:00pm. Above, members pose next to billboards near our hotel in Rome the afternoon before the gig (June 20th).

Awards Benchmarks for FFHS Bands

2006-08-29T14:11:00.000-04:00

Parents & Students –

Please find below, the point system used to determine how some of the awards at our spring awards banquet are earned. We began using this system in 2005 and will continue to use and update it for the foreseeable future. All points are cumulative over the course of a student’s participation in FFHS instrumental music groups (Pit Orchestra, Dixie Do Daz, Jazzhawks etc.). If a student who was in band last year would like to know what their current point total is, they should see me. Otherwise, please feel free to call with any questions. Thank you for your continued support of the bands here at First Flight High.

Sincerely-
Mr. Ebert

Point Benchmarks for Nighthawk Bands
2005 - Present

100 points = Certificate of Participation
225 points = Varsity Letter
375 points = Varsity Jacket
450 points = Senior Plaque

Point Amounts per Activity (subject to amendment as necessary)

Required Events
Band Camp – 20 (for perfect attendance, less if time is missed)
Football Games – 5 points
Competitions – 5 points
Concerts – 5 points
Parades – 5 points
Evening Rehearsals – 2 points

‘Extra’ Events
Small Ensemble Rehearsals – 3 points per hour
Sectionals/Tutoring Sessions – 2 points per hour
Concessions Stand – 1 point per hour + booster account payout

Jazz Band Syllabus

2006-08-29T11:51:00.000-04:00

Nighthawk Jazz Band Syllabus
Mr. Ebert, Director of Bands at FFHS, Fine Arts Department Chairman
School phone: 252-449-7000, ext. – 2463

Overview

Students will perform a variety of styles of jazz ranging from ragtime to big band to contemporary. They will learn how to improvise and perform as soloists within a group. The history and basic structure of jazz will also be studied and discussed. In addition, students will be introduced to a variety of composers, styles and terminology and will be expected to have a working familiarity with everything we cover. Members are expected to practice on a regular basis (in this instance, once a month does not constitute a regular basis). Good practice habits include a minimum of 3-5 nights a week, 30-40 minutes per session. They are also expected to attend all after school rehearsals and performances. The jazz band will perform at school functions, concerts and around the community.

Classroom Rules

1) Treat others the way you want to be treated.
2) Work hard and employ a positive attitude.
3) Be prepared. Always.
4) Maintain your equipment meticulously. If you don’t, it will develop the nasty habit of letting you down when you need it most.
5) Clean up after yourself.

Materials

1) Instrument (or sticks & mallets)
2) At least 2 pencils (no pens, please)
3) All of their music
4) Extra reeds (woodwinds only, naturally)
5) Valve oil (brass only)
6) Extra patch cords, strings and pics (for electric instruments only, of course)
7) A medium sized binder; 1” – 2” in thickness with loose leaf paper

Concert and Performance Dress Code

All members are expected to wear the following: black shoes and socks, black dress pants, white tux shirt (no ruffles), black vest and royal blue bowtie. If you’re not sure where to obtain some of these items, please talk to Mr. Ebert right away.

Grades

Grades will be earned according to effort, preparedness, participation and progress. Each performance is worth 100 points and every after school rehearsal is worth 50 points; each classroom rehearsal is worth 20. Any assigned homework (aside from practicing) will have a value equal to the amount of work involved. Students will lose points for, among other things: not being prepared, excessive absences or tardiness, poor effort, etc. Students can earn extra credit by recording (in their binders) how much time they practice at home during the week, having a parent/guardian sign the paper and turning it in to me. Other extra credit may be available on occasion. Lastly, if a student is going to miss, or misses, a rehearsal or performance, please call and bring a note from your parents explaining the situation. If the absence is excused, make-up work will be assigned. Otherwise, it will count as an unexcused absence and the student will be given a zero for that assignment.

*** All performances are mandatory. Exceptions will only be made in case of emergency. Forgetting to get time off work or to find a ride are not emergencies. Serious illness, accident, death etc. are examples of acceptable excuses. If one of these should occur, please let me know as soon as possible. I can be reached at the school between 7:30am and 3:30pm, Monday thru Friday and at home or on my cell phone beyond then.***

Finally, I will keep you up to date as best I can regarding any changes there may be throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding class, performances or anything else, please let me know as soon as possible.

Welcome to Jazz Band!
Mr. Ebert

Nighthawk Band Syllabus

2006-08-29T11:47:00.000-04:00

Nighthawk Band Syllabus
Mr. Bob Ebert, Band Director; Fine Arts Department Chairman
School phone: 252-449-7000, ext. – 2463

Overview

During marching season, students will encounter and perform several styles of music. Performances include football games, basketball games, pep rallies, parades, competitions and or festivals among other events. Students will learn basic marching techniques and demonstrate their knowledge and application of these, in class, during after school rehearsals and through performances. During concert band season, students will encounter, attempt and perform many styles of music beginning at Level 4 and progressing to Level 6 (there are 6 levels; Level 1 is the lowest and 6 the highest). Students will be introduced to a variety of composers, styles and terminology and will be expected to have a working familiarity with everything we cover. Students are expected to practice on a regular basis (in this instance, once a month does not constitute a regular basis). Good practice habits include a minimum of 3-5 nights a week, 30-40 minutes per session. We will perform at public and school related events both as a concert band and in small ensembles when appropriate. We will also perform when we travel. The final exam, if necessary, will cover the entire year. Extra help will be available on an as needed basis through individual instruction, peer tutoring and small group sessions.

Classroom Rules

1) Treat others the way you want to be treated.
2) Work hard and employ a positive attitude.
3) Be prepared. Always.
4) Maintain your equipment meticulously. If you don’t, it will develop the nasty habit of letting you down when you need it most.
5) Clean up after yourself.

Materials – For marching season student will need: a dark blue ‘Nighthawks’ t-shirt ($10) and marching shoes ($35) both of which should be purchased through Mr. Ebert. For the year, students should have the following for every rehearsal:

1) Instrument (or sticks & mallets)
2) At least 2 pencils (no pens, please)
3) All of their music
4) Extra reeds (woodwinds only, naturally)
5) Valve oil (brass only)

Concert & Performance Dress Code

During marching season, students will wear uniforms provided by the school or a seasonal uniform depending on the circumstances. Students are expected to purchase the appropriate shoes for marching band (these can also be used for concert band). The shoes should be purchased through Mr. Ebert and cost $35 per pair. No visible jewelry of any kind is permitted during marching performances. Also, if your hair touches your collar, it needs to be pulled back in a pony tail or braided in such a way that it stays out of your vision.

During concert season, men are expected to wear black dress pants, black socks, black shoes with a white button down shirt (no polo shirts, please) and a black tie. Women are expected to wear a black dress or skirt and black shoes. If you choose a skirt, women should have a white blouse to wear with it.

Grades

Grades will be earned according to effort, preparedness, participation and progress. Each performance and after school rehearsal is worth 100 and 50 points respectively; each classroom rehearsal is worth 10. Any assigned homework (aside from practicing) will have a value equal to the amount of work involved. Students will lose points for, among other things: not being prepared, excessive absences or tardiness, poor effort, etc. Students can earn extra credit by recording (on paper, preferably in a notebook) how much time they practice at home during the week, having a parent/guardian sign the paper and turning it in to me. Other extra credit may be available on occasion. Last, if a student is going to miss, or misses, a rehearsal or performance, please bring a note from your parents explaining the situation. If the absence is excused, make-up work will be assigned. Otherwise, it will count as an unexcused absence and the student will be given a zero for that assignment.

*** All performances are mandatory. Exceptions will only be made in case of emergency. Forgetting to get time off work or to find a ride are not emergencies. Serious illness, accident, death etc. are examples of acceptable excuses. If one of these should occur, please let me know as soon as possible. I can be reached at the school between 8:30am and 3:30pm, Monday thru Friday.

Finally, I will keep you up to date as best I can regarding any changes there may be throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding class, performances or anything else, please let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks and welcome back!
Mr. Ebert