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Welcome to the Langley High School band programs! Congratulations on being selected to one of these fine ensembles. The expectations are very high...but worth every minute! Summer is a perfect time to continue to work on your skills and get a head start on the challenging literature that's going to be performed throughout the year. Summer is not a time for taking a vacation from your practicing. Taking a vacation from practicing means that you probably shouldn't be in one of Langley High School's fine ensembles. The LHS bands depend upon how well you will be prepared.
Band Requirements
Students in Wind Symphony must audition for All District Band. Wind Symphony students may choose to perform a solo or in an ensemble at the Solo/Ensemble Festival. Students in Symphony Band must perform a solo or perform in an ensemble at the Solo/Ensemble Festival. Symphony Band students may choose to also audition for All District Band. Your District 12 event (All District Band/Solo/Ensemble) is part of your overall grade. In addition, all students in Advanced Band and Percussion class must participate in Marching Band in the fall (part of your overall grade).
All students are also expected to study with a private lesson teacher and travel with the band to festivals, competitions and performances.
General Supplies
All band members must have a red pencil, a blue pencil and a regular number 2 pencil in their music folder at all times. In addition, any maintenance materials (swabs, valve oil, etc.) must be obtained to ensure your instrument is in proper working condition. It is the expectation that your instrument is always in working condition. If your instrument needs repair, it is expected that you secure an instrument for rehearsals. Not having an instrument in a rehearsal is unacceptable. We need everone participating all the time! The ensemble depends upon you!
Brass Mutes
It is the responsibility of each brass player to secure the needed mutes for performance. Please check you music often to find out which type of mute is necessary. "Dennis Wick" metal mutes (or comparable) are recommended. "Stone-lined" mutes are not acceptable.
Music Preparation
In addition to learning all the notes, rhythms, etc...the following must be done when you receive new music:
1. Number all the measures in each piece.
2. Red and blue marking must be done for all dynamic markings and accents.
3. All terminology or instructions that are written on the piece must be defined and learned.
4. Secure a recording of each piece. This can be done by bringing in a blank CD to Mr. G. who will burn a version
of the piece, or by going on the internet and downloading the piece, or purchasing a CD.
Visit www.floridamusicservice.com, www.markcustom.com, www.amazon.com or the store of your choice.
The expectation is that you must have all the above completed prior to the first rehearsal of the piece. Rehearsals are not designed, in any way, to learn notes and rhythms or your part. Rehearsals are designed to learn everyone else's part. Only then can we make music.
Summer Study
Please search out a music camp, or other opportunities during the summer to keep your playing in excellent shape. Most of your work in the summer will greatly help the ensemble in the fall.
Private Lesson Teachers
All students are expected to study privately. Please contact Mr. Gekoskie, or look at the Private Lessons page, if you need the names of private lesson teachers. In addition, private lessons during the summer are essential to the success of the ensemble. Again...summer is not the time to take a vacation from private lessons.
School Instrument Use During Summer
Please make sure you secure your school-owned instrument from Mr. Gekoskie prior to June 1, if you need one.
Wind Symphony
Students, in the select Wind Symphony, are expected to travel with the ensemble to all concerts, special invitations and other performances determined by the Director of Bands/Artistic Director. The Director of Bands/Artistic Director will ensure, through the addition of students, a full ensemble at all times in the Wind Symphony.
Band Website
The band website is your life line to Mr. Gekoskie and all band information. Check it often! Updates will be posted during the summer, as well as throughout the school year.
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