Parents
Q: Why is there so many rehearsals and activities scheduled outside of the school day for the band?
A: The Band is a Co-Curricular activity. Yes, it is a class that happens during the school day, but in order to achieve the standards set by the Ohio Department of Education students must also perform in concerts, and marching band performances, and take part in sectionals outside of the school day. These activities are frequently adjudicated and comments are given to the director and/or the students to improve future performances. This feedback is very similar to what english, science and math teachers get from the OGT and OAT tests.
Q: What is a sectional?
A: It is a rehearsal set outside of the school day to get more individualized attention for sections and to help improve the overall performance of the band. This allows for more efficient rehearsals during the school day.
Q: How do I know what activities my child needs to attend?
A: Almost all activities scheduled for the Firelands High School band will need students present. Marching Band is by far the busiest season, but there are several activities that are service oriented that we request student be present like our Crafts Bazaar the second weekend in November and our Pancake Breakfast in the Spring. The calendar is sent out during the first week of band camp and is regularly updated on the band website. If you are unsure if your child should attend please ask.
Q: Why is there student leaders? Isn't that the band directors job?
A: The Band director is the leader of the organization, however with any organization there must be a level of leadership within the group. This is vital to any successful organization. Student leaders are not permitted to discipline other students, but they are encouraged to guide fellow students in proper procedures and assist with performance goals. Leaders within the group include band officers, squad leaders, section leaders. If your child has an interest in becoming a leader they should contact Mr. Wiley to find out what they can do to step up as a leader in our organization.
Q: How will I know what is going on?
A: Look at the google calendar for the High School Band on this website or on
www.firelandsschools.org
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Contact any Band Booster officer or a director
Q: Why Should my student attend the June and August Band Camp?
A: June Band Camp is the beginning of the marching band season for the upcoming school year. It is extremely important that your student attends every camp and rehearsal so they can be fully prepared for the marching season.
Q: What are Thursday Nights all about?
A: Thursday Night begins at 6 and goes to 8:30p.m. The students rehearse on the upcoming and current shows and around 8 we have a final dress rehearsal under the stadium lights! Come and see!
Q: What are the Football Games about?
A: All Band students participate in Marching Band. The times you see in the paper are not the times your child is needed for Marching Band. To check the times click on the calendar link on the calendar page. For Football games, the Band performs before, during, and after games. Come and Support the Band!
Q: How do I contact the director
A:
call 440-965-4255
or e-mail at dwiley@firelandsschools.org
Q: Who do I contact for instrument repair, reeds, or other instruments accessories?
A: Contact any
local music store, Firelands is services weekly by Driscol Music
Co. and they deliver accessories as well as pick-up instruments
other store offer similar services but Driscol stops by every
week for deliveries and pick-ups.
Q: Why do I have to take my child’s instrument to get repaired every year?
A: Your
Student’s instrument is like a vehicle, it does need maintenance
from time to time. Woodwinds need their pads replaced
regularly to function properly. If this type of care is not done regularly, it would be like driving your car 10,000 miles before an oil change.
Q: Why should my child take private lessons? isn’t teaching music to my child the director’s job?
A: Students should take private lessons because they are able to get one on one time with someone who has had many years of experience performing on that instrument. There are so many students in band that Mr. Wiley is not able to give enough individual time needed.
