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J. R. ARNOLD HIGH SCHOOL
BLUE THUNDER BAND
Mr. C. Jason Bennett
Director of Bands
Dear Students and Parents,
You are now a member of one of the finest organizations in Florida, and the beached only High School, J.R. Arnold High School! We have been rated as a "Superior" band consistently for the past three (3) years, and we are proud to have reached this point! The J.R. Arnold High School "Blue Thunder" Marching Band has performed for thousands of people throughout the state and country! You are now a part of a rich tradition that will positively influence you for the rest of your life! Be proud to be a member of the Blue Thunder family!
As a part of this journey, you will have many responsibilities and obligations to meet. You will be expected to do your part (attend ALL rehearsals and performances, practice individually, etc.). Most of all, we expect that, in everything you do, both in and out of the band program, you will strive for excellence.
You will find a cross section of the school in our band. We have athletes, scholars and "socialites". We have student leaders in virtually every club and activity in the school. Honor students are commonplace, rather than the exception, in our band. While not every member will go on to be a college musician or performer, we consistently have graduates who attend college on some kind of music-related scholarship or to pursue a particular field of music.
The 2011-2012 Student Band and Auxiliary Handbook, found on the home page of our web site, shall serve as your syllabus for band classes. Most of the simple regulations and information contained in handbook have been established for some time and have proven to be successful techniques for maintaining a high degree of excellence in a band program. While it is not possible to cover every circumstance which may arise over the course of a school year with an appropriate rule, policy or response, this handbook will furnish everyone with a working knowledge of what is expected in most situations as a member of the J.R. Arnold High School Band program.
Attached at the end of the Band Student Handbook, you will find a student and parent contract. This must be read, signed and returned by August 12, 2011, and will be your first class quiz grade.
We are looking forward to another successful year with the Blue Thunder Band! The positive influential support and hard work of the students and parents are vital to this success are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
9th & 10th Grade Intermediate Band - Class consists of 9th & 10th grade students, as well as upperclassmen who need remedial work. The class will pay particular focus on the core fundamentals of instrumental playing. During the Fall semester, class time will be based on Marching Band music. In the Winter/Spring semester, emphasis will be on Concert Band literature. Students will participate in football games, Marching Band Festivals, Florida Bandmaster Association events, parades, and Christmas and Spring concerts. Class is open to any student interested in learning to play an instrument. No audition is required. In order to participate in the Blue Thunder Marching Band, students must participate in the band camp scheduled each July. ** All freshmen are required to attend the Rookie camp prior to the regular Band camp. Click here for the Band Program Calendar.
11th & 12th Grade Advanced Band - Class consists of 11th & 12th grade students, as well as advanced 10th graders. The class will focus on Marching Band music in the Fall semester, and Concert Band literature in the Winter/Spring semester. Students will participate in football games, parades, Marching Band Festivals, Florida Bandmaster Association events, and Christmas and Spring concerts. Enrollment in the Advanced Band is based upon student audition. In order to participate in the Blue Thunder Marching Band, students must participate in the Band camp scheduled each July. Click here for the Band Program Calendar.
Percussion Class - Class consists of 9th - 12th grade students. The class will focus on Marching Band Drum Line music for Fall semester, ensemble work for the Christmas concert, Florida Bandmaster Association events, parades, Spring concert as well as performing with the Intermediate and Advanced bands. During the Winter/Spring semester, particular focus will be on the indoor percussion ensemble. Class is open to any student interested in learning to play percussion. No audition is required. In order to participate in the Blue Thunder Marching Drum Line, students must participate in the Drum line camp and Band camp scheduled each July. Click here for the Band Program Calendar.
Color Guard & Dance Line - Class consists of 9th - 12th grade students. The class will focus on flag skills, marching and dance maneuvering. For Fall semester, the Color Guard and Dance Line will participate with the Marching Band at football games, marching band festivals and parades. The Dance Line is only a half-year credit. For Winter/Spring semester, the Color Guard will perform in indoor winter guard competitions, exhibitions and public performances. In order to participate in the Lightning Color Guard and Dance Line, students must participate in scheduled clinics (TBA), and participate in the Color Guard and/or Dance Line camp and full Band camp scheduled each July. Click here for the Band Program Calendar.
