Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/14/2022

Summer Band Camp – Our summer practices are in the books. I am exhausted but also have a feeling of accomplishment. I hope every student feels the same way. All that hard work pays off in the end. Despite being tired every day, the band showed up ready to work and maintained a positive attitude. We have already completed 108 hours of rehearsal!  Once school starts, there are roughly 80 hours of rehearsal during the semester! We are over halfway through learning our marching band show!

Band Practice 8/15-8/20 –  We begin our 6:30am-9:10am practices on every B day this week. Tuesday, 7th period STARTS at 6:30am in the stadium. Doors will be open by 6:15 at the latest for students to get inside to get instruments and equipment. All students will have a job to do for each practice. There is a lot of “stuff” to get outside and set up.

Monday – No practice, band room closes at 3:30

Tuesday – 6:30am practice, and 4:00pm-7:00pm practice (winds and percussion)

Wednesday – No practice, band room closes at 4:00pm

Thursday – 6:30am practice, and 4:00pm-7:00pm COLOR GUARD ONLY practice

Thursday – Uniform fitting and portraits 4:00pm-5:00pm (all that missed it 3 weeks ago)

Friday – No practice, band room closes at 4:00pm

Saturday – 6:30am-10:30am practice, 10:30am-11:30am Semi-Trailer loading practice

BandRaiser – We are over a quarter of the way to our goal. To get there, every student must provide 10 or more email addresses and phone numbers. I need every student to dig deep and find more contacts. Call someone and tell them about what we are doing. Write personal texts, emails, social media messages, etc. to politely ask for a donation to The Pride of Lamar! We are asking for donations to help fund the band program for the school year. This is critical to our ability to provide a high quality experience for our students. Share this link to everyone you know on social media to help us achieve our goal!

Schedules and the First Week – There are always schedule issues during the first week. Mr. Riley has been working diligently to make sure the band students have the correct classes. The most efficient way to get it done is to email Mr. Riley zriley1@aisd.net The counselors will be emailing students with updates. Every student should check their school email at least once per day.

Band App – Students and parents all need to set up their Band App accounts. We communicate primarily through this app. The main Lamar Band app page is required of all students. The other pages are specific for certain groups. ALL the links can be accessed here.

https://band.us/nc/bfo0Eec208Yf3

Band Registration Day – If you missed our band registration day, all forms and fees can be turned in this week to Mr. Lang. Contact lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com to find out what you missed from our booster club. To pay band fees with credit/debit card, use this new link.

Attendance Policy – ALL before and after school practices are required. There will be a participation grade in the gradebook. The following excerpt is from the Lamar Band Handbook.

All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

Marching Band

One unexcused absence from any rehearsal during the week will result in the student being banned from the next football game. Points will be deducted from the daily grade. Any additional unexcused absences in a week will result in being banned from future football games. Directors will decide whether or not the student will be allowed to retain their marching show performer assignment. Being tardy will be a deduction from the daily grade. 2 tardies will result in being banned from the next football game.

Non-Marching Band

The attendance policy applies in the same way for rehearsals in any other band sub-group. Instead of consequences of a football game, the group’s next performance or public event will be considered.

Examples of excused absences:

• Students who are home sick must have an email from a parent/guardian.
• Religious events are excused with an email from a parent/guardian.

Examples of unexcused absences:

• Missing rehearsal for work is an unexcused absence.
• Non-school sponsored activities, teams, organizations, or jobs must not conflict in any way with the practice/performance schedule of the band.
• Transportation issues of any kind are unexcused.
• Any absences due to medical issues must be accompanied with a doctor’s note.
• Birthday or birthday parties are unexcused.

Students in other school activities (athletics, fine arts, etc.) must plan ahead to avoid conflicts. However, other group organizations that may change schedules or make demands of students on short notice will not be allowed to interfere with long scheduled rehearsals or performances of the band. Students who find themselves involved in such activities may have to make a choice to drop one or the other if such conflicts arise.

Varsity marching band assignments are at the discretion of the directors. Excessive absences could result in the loss of a varsity marching position. It is highly encouraged that medical and dental appointments be scheduled on afternoons that we do not practice.

Band Activity Fees – Pay your fees online here. Lamar High School Activity Fees.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/8/2022

Last Week of Camp – We are in the final stretch of our summer band camp. We have already completed 80 hours of rehearsal!  Once school starts, there are only 80 hours of rehearsal during the semester! We are halfway through learning our marching band show! This hard work will pay off soon with many performances at contests and halftime shows. On Wednesday, only percussion and color guard will have rehearsal. Brass & woodwinds will have the day off.

Lunch – During practices this week, the school will no longer provide lunches as the free summer lunch program is over. Students will need to bring their lunch with them to practices in the morning. They will be kept safe in the AC of the band room during morning practice. We encourage a big healthy lunch with lots of protein.

Exhibition Performance and Ice Cream Social – Our very long standing tradition of performing what we learned during camp and then socializing and enjoying frozen treats from Rita’s Italian Ice will be this Friday August 12th at 8:00pm at Cravens Field. We look forward to seeing families and alumni! We will wear our summer uniforms!

BandRaiser – On Friday, we kicked off our annual fundraiser. Every student must provide 10 or more email addresses and phone numbers. We are asking for donations to help fund the band program for the school year. This is critical to our ability to provide a high quality experience for our students. Share this link to everyone you know on social media to help us achieve our goal!

Schedules and the First Week – We are almost to the first day of the school year. I know schedules may have some issues. I will address them as quickly as I can. If you send an email to your counselor and myself, we will coordinate to figure out a solution. This week, the upperclassmen will spend a little time during practice to show the new students around the building and to find their classes. We encourage the new students to ask other band students and the band directors for help. We want to make the band kids feel the most comfortable on the first day of school.

Band Registration Day – If you missed our band registration day, all forms and fees can be turned in this week to Mr. Lang. Contact lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com to find out what you missed from our booster club. To pay band fees with credit/debit card, use this new link.

Drumline Performance – On Thursday from 5:30pm-6:30pm, the drumline will entertain the freshman orientation at LHS. Mr. Kelly will have more details.

Attendance Policy – Rehearsals during our summer band camp are required. We will assign performance roles during the first days of camp. The following excerpt is from the Lamar Band Handbook.

All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

Marching Band

One unexcused absence from any rehearsal during the week will result in the student being banned from the next football game. Points will be deducted from the daily grade. Any additional unexcused absences in a week will result in being banned from future football games. Directors will decide whether or not the student will be allowed to retain their marching show performer assignment. Being tardy will be a deduction from the daily grade. 2 tardies will result in being banned from the next football game.

Non-Marching Band

The attendance policy applies in the same way for rehearsals in any other band sub-group. Instead of consequences of a football game, the group’s next performance or public event will be considered.

Examples of excused absences:

• Students who are home sick must have an email from a parent/guardian.
• Religious events are excused with an email from a parent/guardian.

Examples of unexcused absences:

• Missing rehearsal for work is an unexcused absence.
• Non-school sponsored activities, teams, organizations, or jobs must not conflict in any way with the practice/performance schedule of the band.
• Transportation issues of any kind are unexcused.
• Any absences due to medical issues must be accompanied with a doctor’s note.
• Birthday or birthday parties are unexcused.

Students in other school activities (athletics, fine arts, etc.) must plan ahead to avoid conflicts. However, other group organizations that may change schedules or make demands of students on short notice will not be allowed to interfere with long scheduled rehearsals or performances of the band. Students who find themselves involved in such activities may have to make a choice to drop one or the other if such conflicts arise.

Varsity marching band assignments are at the discretion of the directors. Excessive absences could result in the loss of a varsity marching position. It is highly encouraged that medical and dental appointments be scheduled on afternoons that we do not practice.

Band Activity Fees – Pay your fees online here. Lamar High School Activity Fees.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/31/2022

Hot Dogs, Uniforms, and Fire Trucks – Week 1 of band camp was very productive. Attendance was the highest it’s been for a summer band camp. The students learned all of part 1 and can perform the music from memory. The booster club was also busy supporting our students. We had parents running the first aid tent, checking out uniforms, serving a hot dog lunch, and much more. They even got Arlington Fire to bring some trucks out to soak the kids on Friday afternoon! I greatly appreciate the incredible parent support and even if they don’t say it, so do the kids!

Band Registration Day – This Saturday, August 6, we will have our band registration day. Students will take care of band fees, forms, and other various items needed to start the fall season. Band fees are $300 and can be paid with check, cash, or with a card online with the schools credit card system. ALL forms are due August 6th at band registration day. Only the medical form requires a notary’s stamp. The booster club will provide a notary. The forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the band website.

BandRaiser – This Friday, we will kick off our annual fundraiser. Last year we used a company, VerticalRaise, to raise funds by using their platform to collect donations. When using a fundraiser company, there are always fees associated. The booster club and I decided we could do the same thing on our own, avoiding the fees. So we will kick off the Lamar HS BandRaiser this Friday during band camp. More details coming soon.

Camp Schedule – Rehearsal begins at 6:30am. To begin promptly at 6:30am, students should arrive between 6:10-6:25. Some students have utilized VIA, on-demand ride service for $5 or less, when transportation is an issue. Please plan accordingly. Lunch is provided on campus. Students will all stay on campus during lunch. Rehearsal ends at 4:00pm. Rides should be waiting at that time. Some students may not be done putting away equipment until a bit after 4:00pm. Leadership team will stay after until 4:15pm.

How to Prepare for Summer Marching Band – Take care of yourself by getting 8 or more hours of sleep. Eat healthy foods only. Do not drink soda for the entire 3 weeks of camp. Drink 100-150 ounces of water every day. Eat fruit, vegetables, soups, and other nutrients and H2O supplying foods. Avoid sugar and caffeine.

Wear loose fitting shirts and shorts. No jeans or thick hoodies. Athletic shoes only. Running shoes are the best. You should wear a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen every day.

When you feel good, you will have FUN and get better every day!!!

Music Expectations – While we don’t take official grades during the three weeks of band camp, we do monitor and evaluate student progress. The first day of school is the first major test grade in the grade book. Daily personal practice is critical to our success. We have a large staff and many section leaders all eager to help those that need assistance.

Attendance Policy – Rehearsals during our summer band camp are required. We will assign performance roles during the first days of camp. The following excerpt is from the Lamar Band Handbook.

All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

Marching Band

One unexcused absence from any rehearsal during the week will result in the student being banned from the next football game. Points will be deducted from the daily grade. Any additional unexcused absences in a week will result in being banned from future football games. Directors will decide whether or not the student will be allowed to retain their marching show performer assignment. Being tardy will be a deduction from the daily grade. 2 tardies will result in being banned from the next football game.

Non-Marching Band

The attendance policy applies in the same way for rehearsals in any other band sub-group. Instead of consequences of a football game, the group’s next performance or public event will be considered.

Examples of excused absences:

• Students who are home sick must have an email from a parent/guardian.
• Religious events are excused with an email from a parent/guardian.

Examples of unexcused absences:

• Missing rehearsal for work is an unexcused absence.
• Non-school sponsored activities, teams, organizations, or jobs must not conflict in any way with the practice/performance schedule of the band.
• Transportation issues of any kind are unexcused.
• Any absences due to medical issues must be accompanied with a doctor’s note.
• Birthday or birthday parties are unexcused.

Students in other school activities (athletics, fine arts, etc.) must plan ahead to avoid conflicts. However, other group organizations that may change schedules or make demands of students on short notice will not be allowed to interfere with long scheduled rehearsals or performances of the band. Students who find themselves involved in such activities may have to make a choice to drop one or the other if such conflicts arise.

Varsity marching band assignments are at the discretion of the directors. Excessive absences could result in the loss of a varsity marching position. It is highly encouraged that medical and dental appointments be scheduled on afternoons that we do not practice.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/23/2022

Camp Schedule – Rehearsal begins at 6:30am. To begin promptly at 6:30am, students should arrive between 6:10-6:25. Some students have utilized VIA, on-demand ride service for $5 or less, when transportation is an issue. Please plan accordingly. Lunch is provided on campus. Students will all stay on campus during lunch. Rehearsal ends at 4:00pm. Rides should be waiting at that time. Some students may not be done putting away equipment until a bit after 4:00pm. Leadership team will stay after until 4:15pm.

How to Prepare for Summer Marching Band – Health is paramount. If you are present and healthy, the rest will fall into place. Take care of yourself by getting 8 or more hours of sleep. Eat healthy foods only. Do not drink soda for the entire 3 weeks of camp. Drink 100-150 ounces of water every day. Eat fruit, vegetables, soups, and other nutrients and H2O supplying foods. Avoid sugar and caffeine.

Wear loose fitting shirts and shorts. No jeans or thick hoodies. Athletic shoes only. Running shoes are the best. You should wear a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen every day.

When you feel good, you will have FUN and get better every day!!!

Music Expectations – While we don’t take official grades during the three weeks of band camp, we do monitor and evaluate student progress. The first day of school is the first major test grade in the grade book. On the very first day of band camp, we expect students to have already memorized part 1 of the show music. Part 2 should be learned if not memorized. Daily personal practice is critical to our success. We have a large staff and many section leaders all eager to help those that need assistance.

Attendance Policy – Rehearsals during our summer band camp are required. We will assign performance roles during the first days of camp. The following excerpt is from the Lamar Band Handbook.

All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

Marching Band

One unexcused absence from any rehearsal during the week will result in the student being banned from the next football game. Points will be deducted from the daily grade. Any additional unexcused absences in a week will result in being banned from future football games. Directors will decide whether or not the student will be allowed to retain their marching show performer assignment. Being tardy will be a deduction from the daily grade. 2 tardies will result in being banned from the next football game.

Non-Marching Band

The attendance policy applies in the same way for rehearsals in any other band sub-group. Instead of consequences of a football game, the group’s next performance or public event will be considered.

Examples of excused absences:

• Students who are home sick must have an email from a parent/guardian.
• Religious events are excused with an email from a parent/guardian.

Examples of unexcused absences:

• Missing rehearsal for work is an unexcused absence.
• Non-school sponsored activities, teams, organizations, or jobs must not conflict in any way with the practice/performance schedule of the band.
• Transportation issues of any kind are unexcused.
• Any absences due to medical issues must be accompanied with a doctor’s note.
• Birthday or birthday parties are unexcused.

Students in other school activities (athletics, fine arts, etc.) must plan ahead to avoid conflicts. However, other group organizations that may change schedules or make demands of students on short notice will not be allowed to interfere with long scheduled rehearsals or performances of the band. Students who find themselves involved in such activities may have to make a choice to drop one or the other if such conflicts arise.

Varsity marching band assignments are at the discretion of the directors. Excessive absences could result in the loss of a varsity marching position. It is highly encouraged that medical and dental appointments be scheduled on afternoons that we do not practice.

Physicals – If you missed our day on the 20th, you can attend the athletics day on July 28th at 4:00pm in the MAC. The cost of the physicals on July 28th is $20. They ask that the parent portion of the form is filled out before arrival at Lamar. 

This is not the only option to get the physical. Students can get this done at their normal primary physicians office.

Medical and other Forms – ALL forms are due August 6th at band registration day. Only the medical form requires a notary’s stamp. The booster club will provide a notary on August 6th. The forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the band website.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/11/2022

Two Weeks – In exactly two weeks from today, we begin our most critical part of marching band season! During those three weeks of practice, we plan to learn the majority of our marching band competition show. The directors have set lofty goals and expectations. The student leadership is well trained and very excited to get started. I encourage students to stay in shape, get outside occasionally, and practice a little bit every day.

Physicals – On July 20th, the physicians from Adolescent Sports Metrics will be in the Lamar Band room from 6:00pm-8:00pm, offering physicals. The cost of the physicals on July 20th is $10. They ask that the parent portion of the form is filled out before arrival at Lamar.

This is not the only option to get the physical. Students can get this done at their normal primary physicians office. UIL requires all marching band students to have a Pre-Participation Physical on file for the school year. This is the same that athletics requires. In fact, we share the documentation with the school trainers for students in both band and athletics.

Medical and other Forms – The medical authorization form is due on July 21st for students going on the Denton DCI trip. All other students can turn it in on August 6th at band registration day. Only the medical form requires a notary’s stamp. The booster club will provide a notary on July 20th and August 6th. The forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the band website.

DCI Trip  – On July 21st, 48 Lamar Band students/parents/staff will travel to Denton for the Drum Corps International show. If you are going on this trip, you should have already received an invite to join the Band App page specifically for this trip. If not, use this link to join. The itinerary has been posted there. 

Camp Schedule – For the first two weeks of summer band camp, we will follow the same general schedule. Rehearsal begins at 6:30am. We will practice mostly outside during the 6:30-10:30 block. From 10:30-11:15 we will have time to cool off and work in small sections inside. 11:15-12:00 is our lunch break and students will eat in the cafeteria. Free lunch will be provided by the school. 12:00-4:00 is the afternoon block and will be inside. To begin promptly at 6:30am, students should arrive between 6:10-6:25. Some students have utilized VIA, on-demand ride service for $5 or less, when transportation is an issue. Please plan accordingly.

Attendance Policy – Rehearsals during our summer band camp are required. We will assign performance roles during the first days of camp. The following excerpt is from the Lamar Band Handbook.

All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

Marching Band

One unexcused absence from any rehearsal during the week will result in the student being banned from the next football game. Points will be deducted from the daily grade. Any additional unexcused absences in a week will result in being banned from future football games. Directors will decide whether or not the student will be allowed to retain their marching show performer assignment. Being tardy will be a deduction from the daily grade. 2 tardies will result in being banned from the next football game.

Non-Marching Band

The attendance policy applies in the same way for rehearsals in any other band sub-group. Instead of consequences of a football game, the group’s next performance or public event will be considered.

Examples of excused absences:

• Students who are home sick must have an email from a parent/guardian.
• Religious events are excused with an email from a parent/guardian.

Examples of unexcused absences:

• Missing rehearsal for work is an unexcused absence.
• Non-school sponsored activities, teams, organizations, or jobs must not conflict in any way with the practice/performance schedule of the band.
• Transportation issues of any kind are unexcused.
• Any absences due to medical issues must be accompanied with a doctor’s note.
• Birthday or birthday parties are unexcused.

Students in other school activities (athletics, fine arts, etc.) must plan ahead to avoid conflicts. However, other group organizations that may change schedules or make demands of students on short notice will not be allowed to interfere with long scheduled rehearsals or performances of the band. Students who find themselves involved in such activities may have to make a choice to drop one or the other if such conflicts arise.

Varsity marching band assignments are at the discretion of the directors. Excessive absences could result in the loss of a varsity marching position. It is highly encouraged that medical and dental appointments be scheduled on afternoons that we do not practice.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/24/2022

Marching Band Practice – Starting Monday, we have a full week of marching and music rehearsals! We start practice at 7:30am at Lamar. Arrive early so you are prepared to start on time. Students should dress for being outside and marching. You must wear athletic shoes (running is best). NO vans, converse, crocs, or sandals. Appropriate footwear is very important. Be sure to eat breakfast! Skipping breakfast often leads to students feeling “woozy” when we are marching. Drink water before practice to avoid dehydration. It will be warm, but the forecast looks MUCH better than this past week. Bring a water jug. Half gallon jugs are recommended. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also very important. Of course bring your instrument and all music. We will end practice at 10:30am so have a ride waiting for you.

Parade – All 10-12 grade band students are expected to perform. 9th grade students are welcome and encouraged to participate but it is not required. Participating students must fill out the attached waiver form. Students need to be working on the parade music; September, Grand Old Flag, and the Fight Song. Tempos range from 108-120. Specific parade day details will be sent out early next week. There is a parade meeting tomorrow that will give us our entry number and other final details.

Parent Volunteers – The application window for approved volunteer status has opened! To become a volunteer in the AISD, you must complete a volunteer application online. We would love to have your help throughout the marching season, but for the safety of everyone, you must be an approved volunteer. Please follow this link for instructions, approval usually comes within 12 to 24 hours. https://www.aisd.net/community/volunteer/

Forms – There are forms that must be completed for participation in high school band. Some are just easy forms with a signature. The Medical Authorization form must be notarized. The Pre-Participation Physical must be completed by a doctor. These can be completed and turned in at any time. They are due by August 6th at band registration day. The forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the band website.

Summer Uniform – During the summer heat, we have a “summer uniform” for performances. We supply the gray performance shirt. Students/parents must acquire khaki shorts. This link is an example and not the required brand. Students will wear these with white shoes/socks. The shoes just need to be athletic shoes (running is a good style) and generally white. Please fill out this shirt size form. We will use this for ordering other t-shirts throughout the year as well.

Band Room Project – A huge thanks to the band parents who spent time this past week cleaning out some closets, reorganizing, and making the band rooms a better and more efficient space. Thanks to a band alumni for donating a refrigerator for the band booster closet! We can now store food for marching contest days, concessions, and various other important uses.

Schedules – I have sent the band class assignments to the counselors. If you have questions or concerns, let a director know. ALL students must double block band. This is tricky for certain students due to CTC, CVPA, P-Tech, athletics, and other unusual courses. However, Mr. Lang and the counselors will work hard to make every schedule work with the band courses. We encourage 10-12 grade students to consider honors music for a GPA boost.
Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/13/2022

Mr. VanZandt – It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Chris VanZandt, long time Lamar Band Booster and Volunteer, has passed away. His daughter Ashleigh was a member of the colorguard. After Ashleigh graduated Chris and his wife Michelle continued to volunteer whenever needed. Mr. VanZandt has fixed, rebuilt, and fixed again much of the equipment we use for marching band. Anything with wheels…he worked on it at some point. He showed up early to football games to help move stuff to the stadium. He worked on the old band golf carts like they were his toy hotrods and did lots of work on the old 24th Lamar Band trailers.

Beyond the things he did selflessly around The Pride of Lamar all these years, he was one of the nicest guys you could meet. He was the epitome of service oriented leadership. He never wanted any recognition for his countless hours of volunteering.

The Lamar Band has lost a great supporter and for many of us that knew him well, a dear friend. The directors and booster club have always called that small corner closet, the VanZandt closet, as it had his tools, spare wheels, and whatever else he needed. The boosters will make a plaque to memorialize this great man.

Rehearsal – This Tuesday & Thursday 6/14 and 6/16, we will have a music rehearsal from 5:30-8:30 for all students. We will work on marching band music, including the fall show music!

Parade – All 10-12 grade band students are expected to perform. 9th grade students are welcome and encouraged to participate but it is not required. Participating students must fill out the attached waiver form. Students need to be working on the parade music; September, Grand Old Flag, and the Fight Song. Tempos range from 108-120. 

Forms – There are forms that must be completed for participation in high school band. Some are just easy forms with a signature. The Medical Authorization form must be notarized. The Pre-Participation Physical must be completed by a doctor. These can be completed and turned in at any time. They are due by August 6th at band registration day. 

Summer Uniform – During the summer heat, we have a “summer uniform” for performances. We supply the gray performance shirt. Students/parents must acquire khaki shorts. This link is an example and not the required brand. Students will wear these with white shoes/socks. The shoes just need to be athletic shoes (running is a good style) and generally white. Please fill out this shirt size form. We will use this for ordering other t-shirts throughout the year as well.

Band Room Project – The directors and booster club are working on plans to reorganize, clean, and generally make the band room and storage areas better than ever! If you would like to volunteer for next Monday-Wednesday 2:00pm-?, please email lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Schedules – I have sent the band class assignments to the counselors. If you have questions or concerns, let a director know. ALL students must double block band. This is tricky for certain students due to CTC, CVPA, P-Tech, athletics, and other unusual courses. However, Mr. Lang and the counselors will work hard to make every schedule work with the band courses. We encourage 10-12 grade students to consider honors music for a GPA boost.
Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/7/2022

Tuesday – The directors will be available in the band room on Tuesday’s this summer. The band room is open for practice from 10:00am-2:00pm. If you ask, a director will teach free private lessons. Mr. Lang will be in the office other days of the week, however, set up an appointment ahead of time. Next Tuesday, June 14th, we will have a music rehearsal from 5:30-8:30 for all students. We will work on marching band music, including the fall show music!

Parade – The parade is less than a month away. All 10-12 grade band students are expected to perform. 9th grade students are welcome and encouraged to participate but it is not required. Participating students must fill out the attached waiver form. Students need to be working on the parade music; September, Grand Old Flag, and the Fight Song. Tempos range from 108-120. 

Forms – There are forms that must be completed for participation in high school band. Some are just easy forms with a signature. The Medical Authorization form must be notarized. The Pre-Participation Physical must be completed by a doctor. These can be completed and turned in at any time. They are due by August 6th at band registration day. 

Summer Uniform – During the summer heat, we have a “summer uniform” for performances. We supply the gray performance shirt. Students/parents must acquire khaki shorts. This link is an example and not the required brand. Students will wear these with white shoes/socks. The shoes just need to be athletic shoes (running is a good style) and generally white. Please fill out this shirt size form. We will use this for ordering other t-shirts throughout the year as well.

Schedules – I have sent the band class assignments to the counselors. If you have questions or concerns, let a director know. ALL students must double block band. This is tricky for certain students due to CTC, CVPA, P-Tech, athletics, and other unusual courses. However, Mr. Lang and the counselors will work hard to make every schedule work with the band courses. We encourage 10-12 grade students to consider honors music for a GPA boost.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 5/22/2022

Finale – The end of the school year is here! It has been a wonderful ride this year. I am so very proud of The Pride of Lamar and the journey we took together in harmony!

Concert and Banquet – I personally had a great time at the band concert Friday and banquet on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who assisted in making these memorable events. Special thanks to Karla Flores for taking photos at both events. She will have the pics available to share very soon. If you have any pics you would like to share, we will create a space for that soon as well.

Inventory – On Monday and Tuesday we will check in all instruments. They must be cleaned before returning them. Any damage must be repaired as well. If you are not sure if some is normal wear and tear or damage you must repair yourself, just ask a director. Once we have done our inventory, we will check out instruments for the summer.

Schedules – We are preparing our list of band class assignments for the counselors. If you have questions or concerns, let a director know. ALL students must double block band. This is tricky for certain students due to CTC, CVPA, P-Tech, athletics, and other unusual courses. However, Mr. Lang and the counselors will work hard to make every schedule work with the band courses. We encourage 10-12 grade students to consider honors music. Info attached.

Seniors – Soon I will be “rolling over” my Charms database and you will no longer be getting emails. If you would like to continue to get emails, I can add you to my alumni email list. Also, there is a band app page for alumni that I will add you to soon.

Leadership Students – We will have a meeting on Tuesday at 3:00pm to further discuss summer plans, most importantly, the summer leadership camps. It will not take long but we should meet as a group to discuss. Please make sure you completed this form. Leadership Camp Registration.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 5/16/2022

Forms Due – I’m sure we are ALL tired of QR codes and google forms! However, it does make our lives quicker and more efficient in so many different ways. The Band Silly Awards are due by Wednesday at 3:00pm. The band letterman award forms are due Thursday at 3:00pm. Leadership camp forms due Friday at 3:00pm. Get them done and over with now!

Band Silly Awards

Letterman Awards

Leadership Camp Registration

This Week

Monday – Audition and Final Performance Exam 3:00pm-6:00pm

Monday – Nichols JH Band Concert 7:00pm (Nichols)

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds 3:15pm-5:00pm

Tuesday – Symphony Orchestra 3:15pm-5:00pm

Wednesday – Wind Symphony 3:15pm-5:00pm

Thursday – Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert 7:00pm at CVPA

Friday – Band Spring Concert 6:15pm-8:30pm at CVPA (call time 5:15pm)

Saturday – Band & Orchestra Banquet at AISD PDC 6:00pm

Spring Concert – Student call time is 5:15pm. Show up fully dressed with instrument and music to the PDC and head to the warm up rooms (same as UIL). The full band will start rehearsing Kyiv on stage at 5:15. The public performances start at 6:15pm with special performances in the lobby. The main band concert starts at 7:00pm. The evening should conclude by 8:15pm.

Band Banquet – On Saturday May 21st, we will host our annual awards banquet. Tickets on sale from Mr. Lang for $20. Band fees must be paid before purchasing a banquet ticket. For more info and online ordering, visit the Lamar Orchestra website.

Eat at Dickey’s BBQ – This Wednesday, the Dickey’s BBQ on Ballpark will be giving back to the band! Just give them your receipt to make sure we get credit!

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 5/9/2022

Marching Band Kickoff – On Wednesday and Thursday, we will have kick off practices with our incoming freshmen. Be ready to dust off our marching shoes! There is a parent meeting at 7:15pm  on Thursday May 12th.

Events This Week

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds 3:15pm-5:00pm

Tuesday – Symphony Orchestra 3:15pm-5:00pm

Wednesday – Wind Symphony 3:15pm-4:30pm

Wednesday – Marching Band 5:00pm-7:00pm (MAC)

Thursday – Marching Band 5:00pm-7:00pm (Gym B)

Thursday – Parent Meeting 7:15pm-8:00pm (Band Room)

Friday – Shackelford JH Band Concert 6:00pm (LHS Auditorium)

Next Week

Monday – Audition and Finale Performance Exam 3:00pm-6:00pm

Monday – Nichols JH Band Concert 7:00pm (Nichols)

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds 3:15pm-5:00pm

Tuesday – Symphony Orchestra 3:15pm-5:00pm

Wednesday – Wind Symphony 3:15pm-4:30pm

Thursday – Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert 7:00pm at CVPA

Friday – Band Spring Concert 6:15pm-8:30pm at CVPA

Spring Concert – Mark your calendar for our band spring concert on Friday May 20th at the CVPA. The music starts at 6:15pm with special performances in the lobby. The main bands concert starts at 7:00pm.

Band Banquet – On Saturday May 21st, we will host our annual awards banquet. Tickets on sale from Mr. Lang for $20. Band fees must be paid before purchasing a banquet ticket. For more info and online ordering, visit the Lamar Orchestra website.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 5/1/2022

Incredibly Busy Time of Year – The last month of the school year is always very busy. This year seems more jam packed than ever before. With testing and this school year having one less week before finals, everything is back to back. We can do this! VFND! Use the LAMAR BAND GOOGLE CALENDAR to keep yourself up to date.

Events This Week

Thursday – Jazz Concert 7:00pm

Friday – Viking Thunder Concert 7:00pm

Saturday – Solo Festival at LHS (morning)

Saturday – Color guard performance with LHS dance at CVPA 2:00pm

Practices This Week

Monday – Jazz Bands 3:15pm-4:30pm

Monday – Drumline Clinic 5:00pm-7:00pm

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds 3:15pm-5:00pm

Tuesday – Full Orchestra 3:15pm-5:00pm

Tuesday – Color Guard CVPA group 6:00pm-8:00pm

Wednesday – Wind Symphony 3:15pm-5:00pm

Thursday – Color Guard CVPA group 6:00pm-8:00pm

Scholarships – APPLICATIONS MUST BE TURNED IN ON MONDAY! Apply here. All scholarship applications should be placed in a large envelope, addressed to the LBBC scholarship committee, with the name of the scholarship included and turned in to Mr. Lang by MONDAY MAY 2ND!

Jazz Band – The Lamar Jazz Ensemble performed at the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Jazz Festival this past Saturday. Come to LHS on Thursday at 7:00pm for the spring jazz concert!

Viking Thunder – This Friday, the Lamar, Shack, and Nichols percussion students will perform the spring percussion concert at LHS.

Color Guard – The captain for the 2022-2023 school year will be Katie J. The assistant captain will be Hannah B. Congratulations!

Drumline – The percussion students 8-11 are starting auditions Monday 5:00pm-7:00pm. Meet in the band room and Mr. Kelly will explain the process.

Marching Band Kickoff – Next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, we will have kick off practices with our incoming freshmen. Be ready to dust off our marching shoes! There is a parent meeting at 7:15pm  on Thursday May 12th.

Spring Concert – Mark your calendar for our band spring concert on Friday May 20th at the CVPA. The music starts at 6:15pm with special performances in the lobby. The main bands concert starts at 7:00pm.

Band Banquet – On Saturday May 21st, we will host our annual awards banquet. More info coming very soon.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 4/24/2022

Club Corps Classic PGA Fundraiser – A huge thank you to all the volunteers this weekend! Running the concession stand is a long day on your feet. We will find out soon what we will make from this effort.

UIL – THIS IS THE BIG WEEK! The Lamar Bands have worked very hard all semester to perfect their UIL concert music. We now have the opportunity to have a great performance. The itineraries for Symphonic Winds and Wind Symphony are attached. It is important for students to be well rested and to eat breakfast the day of their event. Tuxes and dresses should be clean and pressed. PARENTS, we would love to see a big crowd supporting our student musicians. Parents are encouraged to be in the concert hall for the stage performance and then the black box theater for the sight reading performance. See the itinerary for the performance times.

Scholarships – Seniors! It is time to complete the Lamar Band Booster Club scholarship forms. There is money available for a few wonderful band seniors. Apply here. All scholarship applications should be placed in a large envelope, addressed to the LBBC scholarship committee, with the name of the scholarship included and turned in to Mr. Lang by May 1, 2022

Color Guard Recruiting – This is Experience Camp week! ALL band students should get the word out and invite non-instrumental students to try out the guard. We are striving for 40+ members in the guard! Use our images / QR codes to share on social media. Students who play an instrument in the Lamar Band are not eligible to audition. The Experience Camp dates are April 26,28,29 6:00pm-8:00pm. Speak to Mr. Lang or Ms. Attaalla for questions.

Drumline – The percussion students 8-11 are starting auditions Monday 5:00pm-7:00pm. Meet in the band room and Mr. Kelly will explain the process.

Jazz Band – The Lamar Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Jazz Festival this Saturday. See Mr. Riley for more details.

Summer Band – The summer band schedule is on the google calendar and here. Please make plans around the rehearsals the best you can. The late July and August band camp dates are mandatory.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 4/18/2022

Club Corps Classic PGA Fundraiser – A fantastic fundraiser opportunity has become available for the Band Boosters. April 22-24, we will run a concession stand at the Club Corps Classic PGA Golf Tournament. Thank you to all the parents who signed up to volunteer! Hopefully this is the first of more fundraisers like this.

Scholarships – Seniors! It is time to complete the Lamar Band Booster Club scholarship forms. There is money available for a few wonderful band seniors. Apply here. All scholarship applications should be placed in a large envelope, addressed to the LBBC scholarship committee, with the name of the scholarship included and turned in to Mr. Lang by May 1, 2022

UIL – We are a week away from our UIL Evaluation Concerts! Every minute of rehearsal is critical. The itineraries for Symphonic Winds and Wind Symphony are attached. It is important for students to be well rested and to eat breakfast the day of their event. Tuxes and dresses should be clean and pressed.

Color Guard Recruiting – We are in the middle of recruiting for the Fall 2022 Pride of Lamar Color Guard! We are striving for 40 members in the guard! We need help spreading the word. Use our images / QR codes to share on social media. Students who play an instrument in the Lamar Band are not eligible to audition. The Experience Camp dates are April 26,28,29 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Summer Band – The summer band schedule is attached. Please make plans around the rehearsals the best you can. The late July and August band camp dates are mandatory.

Car Wash Postponed – Because we have the concession stand for the golf tournament, we have postponed the car wash. I felt it was best to focus volunteers on the concession stand as it should make at least triple what a car wash would make. A future date to wash cars is being considered.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 4/10/2022

TCU Percussion Festival – Saturday morning, the Lamar Percussion Ensemble performed at the TCU percussion festival. They performed fantastic. We were surprised to find out that we were the first percussion ensemble to ever perform in their new concert hall!

Concert Band Clinics – Last Thursday was our pre UIL concert. Judges helped us with comments and suggestions to help us continue to prepare for our UIL evaluation performances on April 27th and 28th. Mr. Dolkos will be out on Tuesday morning for WS and then in the afternoon for Symphonic Winds. This will be very helpful as we continue to prepare and refine our music. 100% attendance is critical for these clinics.

Winterguard Special Performance – On Wednesday this week, during 8th and 9th periods, the LHS Winterguards and ViQueens will give final performances of their spring competition shows. This is for any family member and for many of the students at LHS. Specific performance times during those class periods will be 10:30am and 11:30am.

Panda Express Fundraiser – This Wednesday, we will have a Panda Express spirit night. You must place the order online. This is available at ANY Panda Express in the US! Must use our code 907954

Tell everyone you know!  It’s super easy and 28% of the sales through the link will go to LBBC!

When

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Place your order for pickup or delivery on Wednesday, April 13

Where

Available at Panda Express locations nationwide

Find a restaurant

How

Online orders only

Apply code 907954 in the Fundraiser Code box during online checkout at order.pandaexpress.com or via App

Club Corps Classic PGA Fundraiser – A fantastic fundraiser opportunity has become available for the Band Boosters. April 22-24, we will run a concession stand at the Club Corps Classic PGA Golf Tournament. We need mostly adult volunteers as the concession stand does sell alcohol as well as food. Please sign up for a shift here. This could be a major source of funds for the band program.

Car Wash Postponed – Because we have the concession stand for the golf tournament, we have postponed the car wash. I felt it was best to focus volunteers on the concession stand as it should make at least triple what a car wash would make. A future date to wash cars is being considered.

Future Leaders – This Thursday, students will complete the leadership audition process. There are many excellent students striving for positions to lead The Pride of Lamar next fall. The directors are excited that there are so many dedicated students wanting to be of service to Lamar Band. The auditions will begin immediately after school on Thursday.

Scholarships – Seniors! It is time to complete the Lamar Band Booster Club scholarship forms. There is money available for a few wonderful band seniors. Apply here.

UTA WS Concert change – The originally scheduled concert (April 29th) with the UTA and Lamar Wind Symphonies has unfortunately been canceled.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 4/3/2022

Pre-UIL Concert – Our concert bands will be performing this Thursday, April 7th, in the LHS auditorium. We will have guest judges there to give us feedback as we prepare for UIL. We would like to see parents in the audience to enjoy the performance that we have been working on since February. ALL LAMAR BAND STUDENTS WILL PERFORM. This is a mandatory performance and a major test grade for the 5th six weeks. Students must be dressed in their formal concert uniforms. Here is the performance schedule. Students will be expected to arrive 45 mins early for the warm-up.

5:00 LHS Symphonic Winds on stage

5:30 Shack Band on stage

6:00 LHS Wind Symphony on stage

6:30 Nichols Band on stage

Future Leaders – All students interested in leadership roles next school year will meet this Friday for our last training day before the auditions/interviews/election.

TCU Percussion Festival – This Saturday April 9th at 8:00AM the LHS percussion ensemble will perform the percussion ensemble, “Pyroclastic Steam”, at the TCU Percussion Festival. It is an early morning but we hope many Lamar Band students and families can attend the performance.These musicians have worked very hard on this challenging piece of music.

Scholarships – Seniors! It is time to complete the Lamar Band Booster Club scholarship forms. There is money available for a few wonderful band seniors. Apply here.

Car Wash – The spring car wash will be on Saturday April 23rd. The locations are Sonic (Green Oaks), Braums, and Dickey’s (Ballpark). All students must participate in one shift. The two shifts are 10:00am-12:15pm and 11:45am-2:00pm. Parent chaperones will be necessary. Students wash cars and parents will manage the students and keep everyone safe.

Viking Thunder change – The Viking Thunder percussion concert has moved from April 5th to May 6th. Please adjust your calendars.

UTA WS Concert change – The originally scheduled concert (April 29th) with the UTA and Lamar Wind Symphonies has unfortunately been canceled.

Private Lessons – Lessons are off and running for a few instruments now. It is always a good time to start lessons. Spring and summer are great times to start lessons and get ahead for the upcoming fall semester.

Activity Fees – The LHS main office has requested our fines and fees lists for this school year. Any unpaid balances need to be taken care of asap. To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 3/28/2022

The Wiz – The LHS musical, The Wiz, will be running this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. We encourage all students and parents to attend. There are band, orchestra, choir, theater, and dance students all involved. Tickets can be purchased here 

Winterguard – The LHS Winterguard will be performing at the NTCA Championship this Sunday morning at 9:00am at Coppell HS. We would love to have a big cheering section to support our awesome color guard.

Pre-UIL Concert – Our concert bands will be performing next Thursday, April 7th, in the LHS auditorium. We will have guest judges there to give us feedback as we prepare for UIL. We would like to see parents in the audience to enjoy the performance that we have been working on since February. ALL LAMAR BAND STUDENTS WILL PERFORM. This is a mandatory performance and a major test grade for the 5th six weeks. Students must be dressed in their formal concert uniforms. Here is the performance schedule. Students will be expected to arrive 45 mins early for the warm-up.

5:00 LHS Symphonic Winds on stage

5:30 Shack Band on stage

6:00 Nichols Band on stage

6:30 LHS Wind Symphony on stage

Car Wash – The spring car wash will be on Saturday April 23rd. All students must participate. Parent chaperones will be necessary. Students wash cars but parents will manage the students and keep everyone safe. More details coming soon.

Private Lessons – Lessons are off and running for a few instruments now. It is always a good time to start lessons. Spring and summer are great times to start lessons and get ahead for the upcoming fall semester.

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 3/19/2022

Winterguard – As I write this newsletter, the Lamar Winterguard is on the way to Coppell HS for the WGI Dallas Regional Championship. They will perform at 11:50am this morning. The performance is streaming live on FloMarching.com

Jazz Concert – This Tuesday, the Lamar Jazz Band will perform at 7:30pm at the CVPA Black Box Theater! We hope all Lamar band students and parents can come out and enjoy a fun evening of jazz.

Spring Trip – Thursday we take off for our trip to Houston/Galveston! Handbook and itinerary posted in the band app page for the trip.

Private Lessons – Lessons are off and running for a few instruments now. It is always a good time to start lessons. Spring and summer are great times to start lessons and get ahead for the upcoming fall semester.

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 3/6/2022

Full Orchestra UIL – The Lamar Symphony Orchestra performed at the CVPA as the Varsity Full Orchestra. The concert was fantastic and easily earned straight division 1 ratings! Sight reading was particularly difficult this year. The students did a good job receiving 1,2,2 ratings.

Leadership Training – Last Friday the future leadership candidates had a great meeting and started training for the audition process. This Friday will be drum major only training.

Winterguard – The Lamar Winterguard competed this past Saturday at Juan Seguin HS. They had yet another splendid performance. The next contest is March 19th and 20th at Coppell HS for the WGI Dallas Regional Championship.

Open House and Trip Meeting – On Monday March 7th, Lamar will host the spring open house event. LHS Open House starts at 6:00 in the auditorium and will run in a come and go format until 7:30pm. The band and orchestra trip meeting will be in the band room at 7:45pm. All students attending the Galveston/Houston trip must bring a parent/guardian.

Spring Break – It is hard to believe that spring break is already upon us. We hope everyone gets some rest and relaxation. However, we need students to practice a little every day as possible. We have a very busy end of March. The Tuesday we return, the Jazz Band has a concert at the CVPA at 7pm. The spring trip is Thursday – Sunday of the same week. The following weeks include the LHS musical, Viking Thunder (spring percussion concert), Pre-UIL for the concert bands, percussion festival at TCU, and much more! If anyone ever asks what the band does after marching season, tell them everything! The latest version of the Spring Events Calendar is attached.

Private Lessons – We are trying to finalize our list of students taking private lessons. The directors would like all students/parents to fill out this form so that we know who is signed up for lessons. Whether or not you fill out an AMEP form, we still would like this google form to be completed asap. It will help us put together a schedule of times for teachers to come to Lamar during the school day.

Spring Trip – The final payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due. Please join this band app page 

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 2/27/2022

Winterguard – The Lamar Winterguard competed this past Saturday in Longview, TX. They increased their season high score by 8 points and placed 3rd! Thank you to the parents who chaperoned the trip!

Full Orchestra UIL – This week, the Lamar Symphony Orchestra will perform at the CVPA as the Varsity Full Orchestra. The UIL evaluation will take place Thursday at 2:20pm. All are invited to attend the concert. The 20 band students performing already have their itinerary.

Leadership Training – All students interested in a leadership position next fall will have a training session this Friday 3:15pm-4:30pm. The directors will go over the requirements to be considered for positions. 

Free Concert – I would like all students to attend this concert. Honors music students must attend to write a critique.

Any interested guests must reserve their FREE tickets through our venue’s website while they are still available.

Please join us at the Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts for a special FREE concert featuring the internationally acclaimed United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus from Washington, DC., the “musical ambassadors of the Army.”

Their performance, titled “America the Beautiful”, will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 7pm. This will be a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country. We honor the veterans of every generation who answered the call to defend this great land, and recognize the Soldiers standing guard today in more than 140 countries around the world who are proud to call America “home.”

NTCA at Juan Sequin HS – This Saturday, the Lamar Winterguard will compete at the NTCA contest at Juan Sequin HS. We would love for a large group of Lamar band students to be cheering in the audience. Performance time is 9:48pm. Be there early so you don’t miss it!

Open House and Trip Meeting – On March 7th, Lamar will host the spring open house event. LHS Open House starts at 6:00 in the auditorium. The band and orchestra trip meeting will be in the band room as soon as open house is over. All students attending the Galveston/Houston trip must bring a parent/guardian.

Private Lessons – We are trying to finalize our list of students taking private lessons. The directors would like all students/parents to fill out this form so that we know who is signed up for lessons. Whether or not you fill out an AMEP form, we still would like this google form to be completed asap. It will help us put together a schedule of times for teachers to come to Lamar during the school day.

Spring Trip – The 4th payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due on Feb 1. Please join this band app page 

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 2/21/2022

NTCA Winterguard Contest – What a day! Thank you to all the parents, students, and alumni that volunteered this past Saturday! For those that worked all 16.5 hours, I hope you are rested. The contest went smoothly and we have received many compliments. Our teams placed 3rd and 1st in their classifications! A huge thanks to Teresa Jorgensen for organizing this event!

After School Practices – This week is much slower than last in regards to events in the evenings. However, we do still have our after school practices. This week we have Symphonic Winds and Full Orchestra on Tuesday, Wind Symphony on Wednesday, and percussion and winterguard practices throughout the week. These are extensions of our classroom rehearsals. Therefore, they are grades in the gradebook. The directors are putting in the zeros for absences as soon as we can so that students know what their grades will be for the six weeks. Remember, parents must contact directors to request an excused absence.

Open House and Trip Meeting – On March 7th, Lamar will host the spring open house event. LHS Open House starts at 6:00 in the auditorium. The band and orchestra trip meeting will be in the band room as soon as open house is over. All students attending the Galveston/Houston trip must bring a parent/guardian.

Private Lessons – We are trying to finalize our list of students taking private lessons. The directors would like all students/parents to fill out this form so that we know who is signed up for lessons. Whether or not you fill out an AMEP form, we still would like this google form to be completed asap. It will help us put together a schedule of times for teachers to come to Lamar during the school day.

Free Concert – I would like all students to attend this concert. Honors music students must attend to write a critique.

Please join us at the Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts for a special FREE concert featuring the internationally acclaimed United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus from Washington, DC., the “musical ambassadors of the Army.”

Their performance, titled “America the Beautiful”, will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 7pm. This will be a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country. We honor the veterans of every generation who answered the call to defend this great land, and recognize the Soldiers standing guard today in more than 140 countries around the world who are proud to call America “home.” 

Any interested guests must reserve their FREE tickets through our venue’s website while they are still available.

Spring Trip – The 4th payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due on Feb 1. Please join this band app page 

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 2/13/2022

TMEA – The directors enjoyed our time at the TMEA convention this past week. We were inspired and learned so much. We had an in person design meeting with our show design team from Houston and South Carolina. We spoke with the BOA and USBands people and we are excited about the shows they are lining up for marching season. We had a good meeting with a prop company and were hoping to have the coolest and biggest show props ever!

Leadership – All current AND future leadership students must sign up to work the winterguard contest at Lamar this Saturday. Use the link below to sign up. Make sure to select a shift for students, not the “adult only”. We need your parents for that!

Our Biggest Fundraiser – On Feb. 19th, we will need all students and parents to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. The NTCA WinterGuard Contest at Lamar HS brings in the bulk of our funds for the booster club. We need ALL students and parents to sign up for a shift. Please read this sign up genius carefully and sign up asap.

Full Orchestra Pre-UIL – This Thursday at LHS, we will host our orchestra pre-UIL concert. Wind and percussion students already have their itinerary.

Free Concert – I would like all students to attend this concert. Honors music students must attend to write a critique.

Please join us at the Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts for a special FREE concert featuring the internationally acclaimed United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus from Washington, DC., the “musical ambassadors of the Army.”

Their performance, titled “America the Beautiful”, will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 7pm. This will be a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country. We honor the veterans of every generation who answered the call to defend this great land, and recognize the Soldiers standing guard today in more than 140 countries around the world who are proud to call America “home.” 

Any interested guests must reserve their FREE tickets through our venue’s website while they are still available.

Spring Trip – The 4th payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due on Feb 1. Please join this band app page 

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 2/6/2022

Cold as Ice – Yes, we had our winter storm of the year. I hope you stayed warm and safe. It’s hard to do much other than lay around under a blanket and watch TV / play video games. Hopefully you practiced your instrument a little, we wouldn’t  want it being cold as ice!

Leadership – Any student interested in leadership for next school year, meet in the band room 3:15-3:45 Monday. We will go over the process for student leadership.

Game Night – Our annual game night is Monday 5:00pm-7:30pm in the band hall. The 8th graders from Shackelford and Nichols are invited to have fun playing video games, board games, and giant twister. There will be some snacks and drinks.

End of the Week – This Thursday and Friday, the directors will be in San Antonio for the Texas Music Educators Association Convention. Students will be in the big band room for class along with orchestra students. We are combining all the classes so that we have at least one substitute. Students must bring homework for study hall. It is unlikely that there will be an opportunity for practicing instruments. Friday is the end of the six weeks and after missing a couple days last week, I’m sure all students have plenty to do to finish the six weeks strong. For all band assignments, they must be done in person Monday-Wednesday, or recorded and sent to a director. You can send video files through email, band app, or charms. The objective sheets are in the band app.

Our Biggest Fundraiser – On Feb. 19th, we will need all students and parents to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. The NTCA WinterGuard Contest at Lamar HS brings in the bulk of our funds for the booster club. We need ALL students and parents to sign up for a shift. Please read this sign up genius carefully and sign up asap.

Sectionals – After school practice continues this week. Attendance is taken and it is put in as a classwork grade. Absences must be communicated by a parent before the sectional using this form. If it is an unexpected emergency, please just let the directors know asap.

Monday – Jazz 3:15-4:30

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds and Full Orchestra 3:15-5:00

Wednesday – Canceled this week

Thursday – Canceled this week

Spring Trip – The 4th payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due on Feb 1. Please join this band app page 

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 1/30/2022

Student Leadership – On Wednesday this week, all students are invited to a meeting 3:14pm-3:30pm in the band room. The directors will explain the process to earn a leadership position for next school year. We are looking for the next band president, drum majors, section leaders, captains, and team captains. We hope to see many 9-11 grade students!

Sectionals – After school practice continues this week. Attendance is taken and it is put in as a classwork grade. Absences must be communicated by a parent before the sectional using this form. If it is an unexpected emergency, please just let the directors know asap.

Monday – Jazz 3:15-4:30

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds and Full Orchestra 3:15-5:00

Wednesday – Wind Symphony 3:15-5:00

Percussion, see Mr. Kelly’s schedule for all the different ensembles. Guard, see the calendar Midori sent out

Private Lessons – Private lesson forms, AMEP Enrollment, are du. It is important we get this in by Tuesday so we can schedule the teachers/students. All students should consider signing up to take a 30 minute private lesson, once per week. For more information, see the attachment “Benefits_of_Private_Lessons.pdf” To sign up for lessons, students and parents must fill out the enrollment form in the file attached called “AMEP enrollment packet”

Our Biggest Fundraiser – On Feb. 19th, we will need all students and parents to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. The NTCA WinterGuard Contest at Lamar HS brings in the bulk of our funds for the booster club. We need ALL students and parents to sign up for a shift. Please read this sign up genius carefully and sign up asap.

Pre Enrollment – It is already time for the high school students to pre select their courses for next fall. Picking the “right” classes can be daunting. It is hard to look at a list of titles of classes and know what that course is really going to be like. Some classes sound fun, until you realize how hard the work really is. I want every student to be in band because music is the best elective there is! Of course I would say that, I’m the band director! But I believe it wholeheartedly. The directors are making every effort to retain all current band students in the Lamar Band. In order to help the counseling staff out, I am compiling a list of students and their enrollment status. Students, please complete this form so that we can plan for the 2022-2023 Lamar Band. Parents, please respond to this email with questions.

Spring Trip – The 4th payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due on Feb 1. Please join this band app page 

Activity Fees – To pay your band activity fees, you can use this link to pay online. 

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 1/22/2022

Spring Events – The attached events calendar has all of the performances, competitions, and other major events for the Lamar Band program this spring. Please print and put it on the fridge!

Sectionals – This week we will start our after school practice schedule. Attendance is taken and it is put in as a classwork grade. Absences must be communicated by a parent before the sectional. If it is an unexpected emergency, please just let the directors know asap.

Monday – Jazz 3:15-4:30

Tuesday – Symphonic Winds and Full Orchestra 3:15-5:00

Wednesday – Wind Symphony 3:15-5:00

Thursday – Jazz 3:15-4:30

Percussion, see Mr. Kelly’s schedule for all the different ensembles. Guard, see the calendar Midori sent out

Musical Change – Due to many of the cast and staff being out with Covid, the musical, “The Wiz”, has been postponed to the beginning of April.

Private Lessons – The directors have started to hire private lessons teachers to come to Lamar to teach our students during class. All students should consider signing up to take a 30 minute private lesson, once per week. For more information, see the attachment “Benefits_of_Private_Lessons.pdf” To sign up for lessons, students and parents must fill out the enrollment form in the file attached called “AMEP enrollment packet”

Our Biggest Fundraiser – On Feb. 19th, we will need all students and parents to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. The NTCA WinterGuard Contest at Lamar HS brings in the bulk of our funds for the booster club. There will be many different ways to assist in the running of this contest. There will be approx. 1000 spectators in attendance!

Pre Enrollment – It is already time for the high school students to pre select their courses for next fall. Picking the “right” classes can be daunting. It is hard to look at a list of titles of classes and know what that course is really going to be like. Some classes sound fun, until you realize how hard the work really is. I want every student to be in band because music is the best elective there is! Of course I would say that, I’m the band director! But I believe it wholeheartedly. The directors are making every effort to retain all current band students in the Lamar Band. In order to help the counseling staff out, I am compiling a list of students and their enrollment status. Students, please complete this form so that we can plan for the 2022-2023 Lamar Band. Parents, please respond to this email with questions.

All-City – Students who earned a position in the AISD All-City Honor Band will be performing at the CVPA on Jan 29th. The clinic starts on Friday evening and goes through Saturday morning into the afternoon when the concerts will be held for the public. We hope everyone can come support the 14 Lamar band students who will be performing.

Schedules – With so many activities and so many different practice schedules, we will be using separate band app pages to help keep things from being confusing. This band app link includes all the different pages for the Lamar Band. Major events / performances, and rehearsals that apply to a large group of students will be on the google calendar. If you are ever confused, please just email a director. 

Spring Trip – The 3rd payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due. Please join this band app page 

Winterguard – See the Guard Band App page for more details.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 1/15/2022

MLK Day Weekend – As we enjoy this frigid three day weekend, I want students to reflect on the quote that Mr. Hagman has been repeating over the announcements from last week. “The time is always ripe to do right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

I think it is good to start a new semester with an open mindset. Each semester is a new opportunity to reset goals as an individual. I would like my students to set personal goals. Something that can be achieved in the next few months. Go for it! Never be so afraid to fail that you don’t even try.

Pre Enrollment – It is already time for the high school students to pre select their courses for next fall. Picking the “right” classes can be daunting. It is hard to look at a list of titles of classes and know what that course is really going to be like. Some classes sound fun, until you realize how hard the work really is. I want every student to be in band because music is the best elective there is! Of course I would say that, I’m the band director! But I believe it wholeheartedly. The directors are making every effort to retain all current band students in the Lamar Band. In order to help the counseling staff out, I am compiling a list of students and their enrollment status. Students, please complete this form so that we can plan for the 2022-2023 Lamar Band. Parents, please respond to this email with questions. Page 6 of the attachment shows graduation plans for any endorsement.

Our Biggest Fundraiser – On Feb. 19th, we will need all students and parents to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. The NTCA WinterGuard Contest at Lamar HS brings in the bulk of our funds for the booster club. There will be many different ways to assist in the running of this contest. There will be approx. 1000 spectators in attendance! To learn more about this event, we have a meeting on Jan. 20th at 7pm in the band room.

All-City – Students who earned a position in the AISD All-City Honor Band will be performing at the CVPA on Jan 29th. The clinic starts on Friday evening and goes through Saturday morning into the afternoon when the concerts will be held for the public. We hope everyone can come support the 14 Lamar band students who will be performing.

Schedules – With so many activities and so many different practice schedules, we will be using separate band app pages to help keep things from being confusing. This band app link includes all the different pages for the Lamar Band. Major events / performances, and rehearsals that apply to a large group of students will be on the google calendar. If you are ever confused, please just email a director. 

Spring Trip – The 3rd payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due. Please join this band app page 

Winterguard – See the Guard Band App page for more details.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 1/9/2022

First Week Back – The first 3 days were productive and fun. It is good to see everyone back from the break, refreshed, excited, and ready to tackle our coming adventures. We have been reviewing some of our procedures, policies, and expectations. The directors want to reinforce the standard of excellence that is expected as a member of the Lamar Band.

The Wiz – The pit orchestra for the musical is working hard. We encourage all students/parents to attend the performances Feb 3-5.

Our Biggest Fundraiser – On Feb. 19th, we will need all students and parents to help out with our biggest fundraiser of the year. The NTCA Winter Guard Contest at Lamar HS brings in the bulk of our funds for the booster club. There will be many different ways to assist in the running of this contest. There will be approx. 1000 spectators in attendance! To learn more about this event, we have a meeting on Jan. 20th at 7pm in the band room.

All-City – Students who earned a position in the AISD All-City Honor Band will be performing at the CVPA on Jan 29th. The clinic starts on Friday evening and goes through Saturday morning into the afternoon when the concerts will be held for the public. We hope everyone can come support the 14 Lamar band students who will be performing.

Schedules – With so many activities and so many different practice schedules, we will be using separate band app pages to help keep things from being confusing. This band app link includes all the different pages for the Lamar Band. Major events / performances, and rehearsals that apply to a large group of students will be on the google calendar. If you are ever confused, please just email a director. 

Spring Trip – The 3rd payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due. Please join this band app page 
Winterguard – See the Guard Band App page for more details.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 1/3/2022

Happy New Year! – I sincerely hope that all Lamar Band families are rested, safe, and healthy as we start 2022. I find January to be an exciting and optimistic time every school year. We have much to prepare for and look forward to. The first big performances being the All-Region and All-City concerts, Winterguard contests, and the LHS Musical, The Wiz! This weekend, Brennan Stein will attend All-Area auditions with a chance to make the All-State Band. Wish him luck.

Wednesday – The first day of the semester will be an A day. We WILL be playing our instruments as soon as the tardy bell rings. If you have schedule questions, please let us know immediately. Please check your student self serve for any schedule changes due to band class adjustments.

Chair Test Jan 7th – All students will play a chair test assignment as a performance grade on January 7th, 2022 during A day band classes.

The Freshman Band will play their solo, “Dance Slovaks”

The Symphonic Band will play their solo, “Andromeda Serenade”

The Wind Symphony will play a selection from, “Choreography”

The day of the audition, the directors will likely make a cut of the chair test music so that students do not have to play the entire piece of music. Therefore, students should learn the entire thing so that they are prepared for anything.

Schedules – With so many activities and so many different practice schedules, we will be using separate band app pages to help keep things from being confusing. Major events / performances, and rehearsals that apply to a large group of students will be on the google calendar. If you are ever confused, please just email a director. 

Spring Trip – The 3rd payment for the trip to Galveston / Houston is due on Jan. 7th. We will be starting a band app page for the trip so we can communicate information to that audience more directly.

Winterguard – The 2022 Lamar Winterguards are in all day choreography camp today and tomorrow. See the Guard Band App page for more details.

Communication

Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 12/6/2021

All-Region – Tuesday is Brass and Percussion Phase 1 at Mansfield HS. You must provide your own transportation to and from the event. See the attached file for directions to the school. You must check in with the room monitor at 6:00pm. The audition begins at 6:30pm. The results will only be posted electronically, so you can go home when your room is finished. This is the result form. https://www.tmea.org/auditions/contest/audition-results/?Contest_ID=3718

Thursday is Woodwind Phase 1 at Lake Ridge HS (tenor and bari sax is phase 2 only on Saturday). I will send the room assignments when I get them.

Phase 2 is Saturday morning at Martin HS.

Full Orchestra Concert – The Symphony Orchestra (including Wind Symphony) will perform their winter concert on Wednesday at 7:00pm in the LHS auditorium.

Jazz Tour – The jazz ensemble will go on tour to the elementary schools on Dec. 9-10. See the Jazz Band App page for more details.

Monday Concert – Next Monday is the winter choir concert. This is a unique event held at Lamar Baptist Church. The full orchestra will perform with the choirs. I strongly encourage all students and band families to enjoy this incredible Lamar HS tradition.

Winterguard – The 2021-2022 Lamar Winterguards will have practice Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. See the Guard Band App page for more details.

Honors Music – All coursework 

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/27/2021

14 Busy Days – The next couple of weeks will be busy with concerts, auditions, and tour performances. Students must be responsible and ready for their performance obligations. ALL students will perform in the fall semester concert this Wednesday (information below). Some students will go on tour to the JH’s and elementary schools. The Symphonic band will have auditions. Wind Symphony and Freshman Band will have end of semester playing tests. Check Band App often for updates and reminders.

Fall Semester Concert – The fall band concert will be in the Lamar auditorium on  Wednesday Dec. 1st at 7:00pm. This concert is free and ALL band students will perform. Come enjoy an evening of festive music and a reception after the concert.

Call time for all student performers is 6:00pm.

Cases, jackets, etc. will go in the band ensemble room. Wind Symphony will warm up in the orchestra room, symphonic band will warm up in the band room, Freshman band will warm up on stage. We will be in our formal tuxes and dresses. We do not provide the white dress shirt for the tuxedos. Dresses must be hemmed and can be done by professionals. We often use “Roses Alterations” on Fielder for band uniform adjustments. All students will wear black shoes. If necessary, students can wear black vipers. Socks must also be black. This is a formal concert so we want to look professional! Also, punch and cookies after the concert!

JH Concerts – Come out to the Lamar auditorium Tuesday evening and support the Shack and Nichols bands in their winter concert. 

Winterguard – The 2021-2022 Lamar Winterguards will have practice Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. See the Guard Band App page for more details.

Jazz Band Tour – The jazz ensemble will go on tour to the elementary schools on Dec. 9-10. See the Jazz Band App page for more details.

Honors Music – Those students in honors band must complete their advanced coursework by Dec. 6th. Please see Lang for guidance.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/19/2021

Happy Thanksgiving – I am thankful that I have the honor of teaching the students of the Lamar Band. Seeing each student grow as a musician and a young adult is priceless. I am so proud of all of my incredible students. I also would like to thank all of the parents. You are truly the glue of all that we do. Please enjoy some time off.

Practice – During the break, all students must take home their instruments. Our concert is only 3 days after we get back. To ensure a good performance, each student needs to play through their music as often as possible during the week off.

All-City – Congratulations to the Lamar Band students who earned a position in the All-City Honor Band! See the attached list.

Trip Contracts and Deposits – The trip to Galveston/Houston is a go! More details will be shared directly to those going on the trip.

Letter Jacket – The “letter jacket guy” was at Lamar Wednesday and took a bunch of orders. You can still order. You can call or email him to place an order. I have some order forms in my office. He will also be at LHS for choir in the near future and you can go try on a jacket at that time. Another way is to try on a jacket from another band student. Here is his website.

Fall Semester Concert – The fall band concert will be in the Lamar auditorium on  Wednesday Dec. 1st at 7:00pm. This concert is free and ALL band students will perform. Come enjoy an evening of festive music and a reception after the concert.

Call time for all student performers is 6:00pm.

Cases, jackets, etc. will go in the band ensemble room. Wind Symphony will warm up in the orchestra room, symphonic band will warm up in the band room, Freshman band will warm up on stage. We will be in our formal tuxes and dresses. We do not provide the white dress shirt for the tuxedos. Dresses must be hemmed and can be done by professionals. We often use “Roses Alterations” on Fielder for band uniform adjustments. All students will wear black shoes. If necessary, students can wear black vipers. Socks must also be black. This is a formal concert so we want to look professional! Also, punch and cookies after the concert!

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/15/2021

All-City – The high school All-City Honor Band auditions are today, Monday Nov. 15th at Martin HS. Students should arrive between 5:00-5:30. The auditions take place 6:00-9:00. Many students will be done much earlier. Good luck Lamar Band!

Trip Contracts and Deposits – The Lamar Band and Orchestra Trip this year will be to Galvaston / Houston. We have a great variety of fun and music focused events lined up. See the trip contract for details. The trip is optional but encouraged. The trip deposit and contract forms are due TODAY, Monday Nov. 15th!

Letter Jacket – The “letter jacket guy” will be here November 17th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm to size students for letter jackets and take orders. Here is his website. You can come with your order form filled out and bring payment if you are ready to do so. 

Fall Semester Concert – The fall band concert will be in the Lamar auditorium on  Wednesday Dec. 1st at 7:00pm. This concert is free and ALL band students will perform. Come enjoy an evening of festive music and a reception after the concert.

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/5/2021

Hot Chocolate Social – Due to weather, we were forced to cancel our performance and hot chocolate social. We are rescheduling this performance to Monday at 6:00pm. Students will need to arrive by 4:45 to get into uniform and take out the equipment for a warm up. The weather forecast looks good so bring the family out for a great way to end the marching band season.

Lewisville Drumline Contest – This Saturday, the drumline will be traveling to Lewisville for the annual LHS Drumline Competition. Go cheer them on at 3:30pm. 

MS All-Region at Lamar – On Saturday Nov. 13th, we are hosting the Middle School All-Region Phase 2 audition here at Lamar. We will need some volunteers to help us run the contest. We will send out a sign up in the near future. Students, we need a bunch of you to help, not just parents this time. We will have a sign up next week. Mark your calendars. The event will be in the morning and very early afternoon. Exact times will be posted next week.

All-City – The high school All-City Honor Band auditions are on Nov. 15th at Martin HS. We encourage all students to participate by signing up with this form. Students will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the audition as the directors will be judging. The time frame is roughly 4:30pm to 7:00pm.

Trip Contracts and Deposits – The Lamar Band and Orchestra Trip this year will be to Galvaston / Houston. We have a great variety of fun and music focused events lined up. See the trip contract for details. The trip is optional but encouraged. We are having a parent meeting on Thursday Nov. 11th at 7:30pm at LHS. Parents should attend with their child to learn more about our spring trip. We will be able to collect the trip payment deposit at that time.

Letter Jacket – The “letter jacket guy” will be here November 17th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm to size students for letter jackets and take orders. Here is his website.

Wednesday Nov 10 – Band hall transformation day! From 3:00pm-5:00pm, we will be storing the marching band equipment and cleaning up the band room. We would appreciate as much help as possible. Parents are welcome to help lend a hand.

Quote of the Week – “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/1/2021

The Epic Weekend – Four public performances in 48 hours, 2 major contests in 1 day, football at Choctaw stadium, a picnic in the park, and a beautiful evening of watching amazing marching bands. Then a bus issue. We got home much later than we had planned. In fact, we were scheduled to be back around midnight, an hour earlier than planned. I appreciate the students’ patience and understanding while we dealt with the broken issue with the bus. The way these young adults carried themselves all weekend was exemplary and I am so proud to be their director. 

The competitions we attended included many state champion and national finalist bands. The very best of the best marching bands in the country. We didn’t make finals, but The Pride of Lamar represented LHS with superior pose and confidence. The good sportsmanship was seen all day as the Lamar Band cheered on other schools.

A big thanks to our amazing parents that helped all day! There were more parents than I could count helping in so many different ways. I truly believe we have the best booster club around!

Hot Chocolate Social – On November 2nd, we will host our Hot Chocolate Social. The marching band will perform the competition show, “Together in Harmony”, one last time. This is the perfect opportunity for parents to get pictures and videos. We will follow up with hot chocolate and socializing. The “letter jacket guy” will be here to size students for letter jackets and take orders. Here is his website. Order forms will be sent out soon.

THURSDAY Football Game – We will have our last regular season football game this Thursday. This is a home game and our senior night celebration. Call time will be 4:30pm.

Lewisville Drumline Contest – This Saturday, the drumline will be traveling to Lewisville for the annual LHS Drumline Competition. Go cheer them on at 3:30pm. 

Monday Nov 8th – Band hall transformation day! From 3:00pm-5:00pm, we will be storing the marching band equipment and cleaning up the band room. We would appreciate as much help as possible. Parents are welcome to help lend a hand.

Quote of the Week – “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/24/2021

Friday Football – Friday October 29th, we will attend the first half of the football game vs. Arlington HS. The game is at Choctaw Stadium, tickets available online here. After we perform at halftime, we will load the trailer and buses to depart for LHS. Students should be picked up immediately and get to sleep as soon as possible. We will need plenty of rest before the long day on Saturday.

BOA and AREA –  On October 30th, we will complete our competitive season with performances at UIL Area and Bands of America in Waco. The itinerary is attached. The amazing band booster club will be providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are encouraging students to bring some money as they will have many great souvenirs at BOA. We will allow students to go to the concession stand during finals in Waco. We have limited room on the buses for chaperones. If you would like to volunteer to help with equipment, food, etc., you can still do so even if you do not ride the bus. This will be a special day for a special season. We hope to see all parents and families at our final contests.

Area Tickets – AREA B 6A Contest (Pennington Field) is Children under 11 free, 11-64 is $5.00 and 65 and above are free. ADMISSION IS CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS.

BOA Tickets – Waco ISD Stadium, spectator parking is $5, Tickets should be purchased online here  Streaming online here, must pay for subscription to Box5 TV $15 for prelims.

Hot Chocolate Social – On November 2nd, we will host our Hot Chocolate Social. The marching band will perform the competition show, “Together in Harmony”, one last time. This is the perfect opportunity for parents to get pictures and videos. We will follow up with hot chocolate and socializing. The “letter jacket guy” will be here to size students for letter jackets and take orders. Here is his website. Order forms will be sent out soon.

Quote of the Week – “While we might feel small, separate, and all alone, our people have never been more tightly tethered. The question’s not if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather the unknown together.” – The Miracle of Morning by Amanda Gorman

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/18/2021

Tuesday UIL Contest – The Pride of Lamar earned straight 1’s in Region 5 UIL Marching Contest. This is 5 years in a row that the Lamar Band has earned a division 1 rating at UIL Region Marching Contest. This is the 3rd time LHS has advanced to Area contest. The directors are very proud of this accomplishment. This is a very special Lamar Band. We can’t wait to see what else they can do!

Rehearsals – On Tuesday this week and next, afternoon practice will be 4:00pm-7:00pm. This is due to the sun setting earlier. Please arrange transportation accordingly.

Friday Football – This Friday we will play Sam Houston HS at Cravens. The itinerary is attached. We hope to see a lot of parents at the game. 

BOA and AREA –  On October 30th, we will complete our competitive season with performances at UIL Area and Bands of America in Waco. This will be a very long and exciting day. The itinerary is almost complete. We are awaiting the final UIL schedule to be posted.

Hot Chocolate Social – On November 2nd, we will host our Hot Chocolate Social. The marching band will perform the competition show, “Together in Harmony”, one last time. This is the perfect opportunity for parents to get pictures and videos. We will follow up with hot chocolate and socializing. The “letter jacket guy” will be here to size students for letter jackets and take orders. Here is his website. Order forms will be sent out soon.

Private Lessons – We have a form available to sign up for private lessons. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of private lessons from our highly qualified instructors. The lessons are 30 mins long and cost $18. This is a great opportunity provided by AMEP (Arlington Music Enrichment Program). Turn in the form to be signed up for lessons.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Quote of the Week – “Hard work spotlights the character of people. Some turn up their sleeves. Some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.” – Sam Ewing

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/11/2021

Contest PR – On Saturday, The Pride of Lamar placed 1st in class and won best music, best visual, and best percussion in the U.S. Bands Burleson Showcase Marching Contest! In the Finals competition, Lamar ranked 4th overall in a contest with 18 bands! Please congratulate all band members on a fantastic achievement! The band performs at 7:45pm Tuesday at the UIL Region 5 contest at Vernon Newsom stadium.

Saturday – Wow. I could write a novel on our experience this past Saturday. In short, the Lamar Band was a class act from beginning to end. The achievement on the field is only matched by the behavior, sportsmanship, discipline and general attitude of the band members all day long. I cannot remember a contest where we were ahead of schedule most of the day. An unbelievable thanks to the many parents who helped feed students, move equipment, and help out in so many different ways. This is truly a special group of students. In so many ways, I am more proud of this year’s Pride of Lamar than any in my 15 years. The resilience coming out of a remote year, odds against them, you name it, our students overcome and excel. From a success standpoint, this is the best score and ranking in at least 5 years.

Tuesday UIL Contest – Region UIL Evaluation is the event that decides if we advance to UIL Area. We must receive a division 1 rating. This event is at Mansfield’s Vernon Newsom Stadium. We perform at 7:45pm.

Wednesday PSAT – This Wednesday, LHS is administering the PSAT. There will NOT be marching band in the morning. Students must show up at 7:30am and go to their assigned classrooms. 

Friday – We will practice at 6:30am. There is a football game in Grand Prairie. See itinerary.

Weekend – This weekend we don’t have a contest but there is a great fundraiser for the band. Support us at Kendra Scott. 

Private Lessons – We have a form available to sign up for private lessons. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of private lessons from our highly qualified instructors. The lessons are 30 mins long and cost $18. This is a great opportunity provided by AMEP (Arlington Music Enrichment Program). Turn in the form to be signed up for lessons.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here
Quote of the Week – “From white socks, to 4th place!” – Alton

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/4/2021

JH Night – Friday’s football game was a double win. The football team beat Bowie and the JH band students performed with the HS band students at halftime and in the stands. It was a great time and the students were all friendly and fun.

Midlothian Contest – What a great day! So many positives and so many to thank. The students performed great in prelims and even better in finals! However, as a director, the character, behavior, sportsmanship, and discipline are the biggest wins of the day. It means so much to be able to trust my students to do the correct thing even when I’m not looking. I can’t thank the many parents who helped Saturday enough! The students are still talking about the sandwich line dinner. I can’t wait to do this all again on Saturday.

This Week’s Practices – We have practice Tuesday and Thursday both at 6:30am and 4:30pm-7:30pm. Thursday is a special practice as we have Dave Carbone flying in from S.C. to work with us. He is our show designer and a great resource for us as we move into the final stretch of the season. These practices are critical as we prepare for USBands and UIL.

Friday Football Game – This week we will play Martin at Cravens field. Students will have the day off from school but call time will be similar to a normal Friday evening. See attached itinerary.

Saturday USBands Contest – We will be competing in the USBands Contest in Burleson, TX this Saturday. The itinerary is attached. Our prelims time is earlier than last week. This contest will be another long day with even more bands in competition. We hope to have a huge Lamar parent crowd again. If not, this competition will be streaming live on FloMarching.com 

Monday Practice – While we don’t have classes on Monday, we do need to do a brief practice to make sure we are ready for UIL on Tuesday afternoon. We will go from 4:30-6:30.

Tuesday UIL Contest – Region UIL Evaluation is the event that decides if we advance to UIL Area. We must receive a division 1 rating. This event is at Mansfield’s Vernon Newsom Stadium. We perform at 7:45pm.

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help! We have some important things coming up. We need parents to help wash the marching uniforms, help at marching contests, and at football games. Please sign up here

Uniforms – Students need to have long black socks to wear with their uniform. The show shirt or grey performance shirt will be worn under the uniform along with athletic shorts. The uniform is somewhat form fitting so no large or bulky shorts should be worn. Leggings/tights are acceptable. While in uniform, students will not wear jewelry or makeup. We work hard to be as uniform as possible. Long hair should be up and neat all day so it fits in the shako (band uniform hat). This is a good tutorial on how to fix your hair.

Private Lessons – We have a form available to sign up for private lessons. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of private lessons from our highly qualified instructors. The lessons are 30 mins long and cost $18. This is a great opportunity provided by AMEP (Arlington Music Enrichment Program). Turn in the form to be signed up for lessons.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Quote of the Week – “It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” – John Wooden

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/26/2021

Busy Week – This is one of our busiest weeks of the fall semester. It is critical that students and parents plan ahead for the week. The band app will have a lot of information being communicated this week. If you do not yet have an account, please get one here.

Dean Corey Monday – Itinerary attached. Students, bring $2 for pizza dinner. We will be having a pizza party with the students from Shack and Nichols. They will be with us throughout the evening of Dean Corey. This year, the annual Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza will be held here at Cravens field. All AISD marching bands will be performing. All AISD JH bands will be in the audience or following their HS band around through warmup. Lamar performs at 7:45pm on Monday September 27th.

Football Friday – Itinerary attached. On Friday, we will be traveling to Wilemon field to participate in the Lamar v Bowie football game. Students will eat their Jason’s Deli box dinner or bring something. Do not have meals delivered. This is our JH band night so our friends from Shack and Nichols will once again be with us to enjoy the evening. They will also be performing “Feel It Still” at halftime with us. There will NOT be CiCi’s after the game as we have an early call time Saturday for contest.

Contest Saturday – Itinerary attached. We are competing in our first marching contest of the year on Saturday in Midlothian. The LBBC will be providing lunch and dinner for the students. We will need a lot of parent volunteers to assist us at contest.  

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help. There are many different opportunities to help our students. It takes a large number of helpers for marching season events. Chaperoning and helping with equipment are fairly simple and fun ways to be a part of The Pride of Lamar! Sign up here

Uniforms – Students need to have long black socks to wear with their uniform. The marching shoes are finally in and will be checked out Monday morning. The “show shirt” is being checked out and will be worn under the uniform along with athletic shorts. The uniform is somewhat form fitting so no large or bulky shorts should be worn. Leggings/tights are acceptable. While in uniform, students will not wear jewelry or makeup. We work hard to be as uniform as possible. Long hair should be up and neat all day so it fits in the shako (band uniform hat). This is a good tutorial on how to fix your hair.

Private Lessons – We have a form available to sign up for private lessons. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of private lessons from our highly qualified instructors. The lessons are 30 mins long and cost $18. This is a great opportunity provided by AMEP (Arlington Music Enrichment Program). Turn in the form to be signed up for lessons.

Dinner Before Games – There is a short amount of time between the end of school and football games. Students have a quick rehearsal, dinner, load equipment, get into uniform and load buses. Our booster club has set up a deal with Jason’s Deli. Parents/students must place the order by Thursday.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Quote of the Week – “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/20/2021

Grades and Eligibility – The end of the six weeks is Friday! There are many opportunities to get help with your difficult classes. Tutoring link. Any student with a failing grade MUST get tutoring from either a teacher or a peer tutor.

Per UIL policy, any student with a failing grade in any class will not be eligible to perform. This includes football games, pep rallies, and marching contests. Now is the time to get tutoring and any other extra help to pass classes. Students and parents should check the self-serve system daily and contact teachers immediately if you have questions or concerns. The date the eligibility goes into effect is October 1st.

Dean Corey – This year, the annual Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza will be held here at Cravens field. All AISD marching band will be performing. All AISD JH bands will be in the audience or following their HS band around through warmup. This is a big event for Arlington and we are excited that it will be here. Lamar performs at 7:45pm on Monday September 27th. The students will report earlier. See the attached itinerary.

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help. There are many different opportunities to help our students. It takes a large number of helpers for marching season events. Chaperoning and helping with equipment are fairly simple and fun ways to be a part of The Pride of Lamar! Sign up here

Vertical Raise – We still have a long way to go. Parents, if you haven’t, make sure we have 20 good emails added to the student accounts. It is not too late to add even more. I was able to cut and paste 50 emails at a time. You should also send texts and social media posts often. There is still time to hit our goal of $500 per student. Keep track of our band goal progress here.

Dinner Before Games – There is a short amount of time between the end of school and football games. Students have a quick rehearsal, dinner, load equipment, get into uniform and load buses. Our booster club has set up a deal with Jason’s Deli. Parents/students must place the order by Thursday.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Quote of the Week – “You get what you give.” – Jennifer Lopez

Communication

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net

Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/12/2021

Homecoming Week – This week has a little extra excitement as it will be our homecoming game. The only real change to a normal football game is that we will perform pre-game instead of halftime. We would like to have a big audience. Let your friends and family know that we perform at 6:30pm this week. This is our first performance in the formal marching band uniform! Students, make sure you have long black socks. 

Eligibility – The end of the 1st six weeks of school is quickly approaching. Per UIL policy, any student with a failing grade in any class will not be eligible to perform. This includes football games, pep rallies, and marching contests. Now is the time to get tutoring and any other extra help to pass classes. Students and parents should check the self-serve system daily and contact teachers immediately if you have questions or concerns.

Vertical Raise – We still have a long way to go. Parents, if you haven’t, make sure we have 20 good emails added to the student accounts. It is not too late to add even more. I was able to cut and paste 50 emails at a time. You should also send texts and social media posts often. There is still time to hit our goal of $500 per student. Keep track of our band goal progress here.

Dinner Before Games – There is a short amount of time between the end of school and football games. Students have a quick rehearsal, dinner, load equipment, get into uniform and load buses. Our booster club has set up a deal with Jason’s Deli. Parents/students must place the order by Thursday.

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help. There are many different opportunities to help our students. It takes a large number of helpers for marching season events. Chaperoning and helping with equipment are fairly simple and fun ways to be a part of The Pride of Lamar! Sign up here

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band google calendar has all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar. The band app events calendar is synced with google.
Quote of the Week – “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/7/2021

Vertical Raise – We kicked it off today! Within a few hours, at the time I write this, we are over $1300! The biggest key to success are the 20 emails. Get those uploaded into the student profiles. After that, share the student profile link via text and social media! Encourage people to reshare and resend.

Parent Meeting – This Thursday at 7:30pm, join us in the band room for an important parent meeting. We will discuss the approaching marching contest season. We will go over the many different things happening in the Lamar Band and what we plan for the rest of the school year. Instead of joining us at open house, join us Thursday evening. Students will get a free 100 in the grade book for parent attendance.

Dinner Before Games – There is a short amount of time between the end of school and football games. Students have a quick rehearsal, dinner, load equipment, get into uniform and load buses. Our booster club has set up a deal with Jason’s Deli. Parents/students must place the order by Thursday. Make sure you pick Lamar Band!

Big thanks to Lamar Baptist Church for donating the dinner last week!

Football Games – Last week went smooth for a first home football game. The students performed well and represented LHS very well. This week we head north to Lewisville. Itinerary attached. Students must have all forms completed before they can participate. These include the Physical, Medical Release, Permission to Travel, UIL, Publicity, and the band handbook form. We will communicate what forms are missing over the next week. Forms can be found here.

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help. There are many different opportunities to help our students. It takes a large number of helpers for marching season events. Chaperoning and helping with equipment are fairly simple and fun ways to be a part of The Pride of Lamar! Sign up here https://lamarmusic.org/volunteers/

Band Handbook – The Lamar Band Handbook is attached to this email. Students and Parents must read this and sign the agreement form.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar. The band app events calendar is synced with google. See the attached handy pdfs to print and put on the fridge.Quote of the Week – “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.” – Brian Tracy

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/30/2021

Vertical Raise – All students must have 20 emails by Friday. The attached document will help explain why. This is a very important fundraiser for the Lamar Band. Parents, we need 20 good emails of friends, family members, work associates, church members, and any other person you think might want to make a contribution to the Pride of Lamar!

Dinner Before Games – There is a short amount of time between the end of school and football games. Students have a quick rehearsal, dinner, load equipment, get into uniform and load buses. Our booster club has set up a deal with Jason’s Deli. Parents/students must place the order by Thursday. Make sure you pick Lamar Band!

Big thanks to Lamar Baptist Church for donating the dinner last week! 

Football Games – Last week was possibly the craziest football game I can remember. The new trailer was late and then it broke. The school district is very upset that this happened. They are taking many steps this week to prevent this from happening again. The students made me very proud with their patience and understanding of the situation. They played great once at the game and we got back to school to a fixed trailer and unloaded the equipment.

This week is our first home game. The itinerary is attached. We look forward to performing our halftime show for the first time here on Cravens! Students must have all forms completed before they can participate. These include the Physical, Medical Release, Permission to Travel, UIL, Publicity, and the band handbook form. We will communicate what forms are missing over the next week. Forms can be found here.

Torchy’s Night – Monday, September 6th, 5:00pm-8:00pm, is Spirit Night at Torchy’s Tacos for the Lamar Band! 15% of all sales will go to the band program. Just tell them you are there to support the Lamar High School Band.

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help. There are many different opportunities to help our students. It takes a large number of helpers for marching season events. Chaperoning and helping with equipment are fairly simple and fun ways to be a part of The Pride of Lamar! Sign up here https://lamarmusic.org/volunteers/

VikingFest – This Wednesday evening, come support the Lamar Band Booster Club! We will be selling our new spirit wear! 

Band Handbook – The Lamar Band Handbook is attached to this email. Students and Parents must read this and sign the agreement form.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar. The band app events calendar is synced with google. See the attached handy pdfs to print and put on the fridge.
Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/22/2021

Football Games – Download and print the attached itinerary for next Thursday August 26th. We will go to Pennington Field in HEB ISD to play Trinity HS. All students will perform at the game. Those who participated in Summer Band practices will perform at halftime. All others will perform in the stands. We will wear summer uniforms unless otherwise communicated from the band directors. Students must have all forms completed before they can participate. These include the Physical, Medical Release, Permission to Travel, UIL, Publicity, and the band handbook form. We will communicate what forms are missing over the next week. Forms can be found here.

Summer Uniform – For the first few games, we will wear our “summer uniform”. This is the same as the July 4th parade. We have a new shipment of the shirts in the band room. Students must purchase khaki shorts on their own. An example link is provided below. Athletic shoes need to be white or at least mostly white.

https://www.target.com/p/french-toast-young-womans-uniform-chino-shorts-khaki/-/A-79762626

Important Clinic Saturday August 28th – We have a special guest consultant that will be helping us with our marching band competitive show on Saturday August 28th. This will be a critical rehearsal as we add important choreography and drill to our show. Attendance will be taken and credit given in the gradebook.

Volunteers – Parents, we need your help. There are many different opportunities to help our students. It takes a large number of helpers for marching season events. Chaperoning and helping with equipment are fairly simple and fun ways to be a part of The Pride of Lamar! Sign up here https://lamarmusic.org/volunteers/

Dinner Before Games – There is a short amount of time between the end of school and football games. Students have a quick rehearsal, dinner, load equipment, get into uniform and load buses. Our booster club has set up a deal with Jason’s Deli. More info here. This Thursday is a free dinner provided by Lamar Baptist Church. 

Marching Band Class – All Lamar Band students will be in 7th period marching band class this fall. Class starts at 6:30am and we will practice outside until about 8:50am. That gives students 20 mins at the end of class to go to the locker rooms and take a shower or at least change clothes before 8th period classes. It is imperative that we start practice promptly at 6:30am. The band room will be open to get equipment and accomplish team jobs starting by 6:00am. Transportation must be arranged as attendance is taken at 6:31am.

Band Handbook – The Lamar Band Handbook is attached to this email. Students and Parents must read this and sign the agreement form.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar. The band app events calendar is synced with google. See the attached handy pdfs to print and put on the fridge.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.
Quote of the Week – “Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.” – Ann Landers

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/15/2021

BAND CAMP – The hardest three weeks of practice are in the books! The next challenge is practicing with a sense of urgency to finish the show and prepare for all of the performances. The first football game is next Thursday! The staff is extremely proud of the members of The Pride of Lamar. After a year of remote learning, it is so refreshing to see all of these students working together and building friendships.

First Day of School – We have been practicing hard for 3+ weeks, however, the first day of school is always different. In band, we will just continue where we left off last week. We WILL play our instruments first thing in class all week including Monday (except 1st period, you have a special project).

Marching Band Class – All Lamar Band students will be in 7th period marching band class this fall. Class starts at 6:30am and we will practice outside until about 8:50am. That gives students 20 mins at the end of class to go to the locker rooms and take a shower or at least change clothes before 8th period classes. It is imperative that we start practice promptly at 6:30am. The band room will be open to get equipment and accomplish team jobs starting by 6:00am. Transportation must be arranged as attendance is taken at 6:31am.

Schedules – We are aware of students with incorrect band classes. The counselors miss some of our class assignments and we communicate the corrections as quickly as we can. The counselors are very busy this time of year, so be patient with them as they work through the long to do lists. The school policy is to go to whatever class is on your current schedule. You could be counted absent if you do not go to what is currently on your schedule. I believe you can look online at the student self serve website to see the latest changes. If not, we can print schedules for you. Please fill out this form ASAP if you need us to help you with a schedule change.

Important Clinic Saturday August 28th – We have a special guest consultant that will be helping us with our marching band competitive show on Saturday August 28th. This will be a critical rehearsal as we add important choreography and drill to our show. Attendance will be taken and credit given in the gradebook.

Football Games – Thursday August 26th will be our first football game. We will go to Pennington Field in HEB ISD to play Trinity HS. All students will perform at the game. Those who participated in Summer Band practices will perform at halftime. All others will perform in the stands. We will wear summer uniforms unless otherwise communicated from the band directors. Students must have all forms completed before they can participate. These include the Physical, Medical Release, Permission to Travel, UIL, Publicity, and the band handbook form. We will communicate what forms are missing over the next week. Forms can be found here.

Band Handbook – The Lamar Band Handbook is attached to this email. Students and Parents must read this and sign the agreement form.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar. The band app events calendar is synced with google. See the attached handy pdfs to print and put on the fridge.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.
Quote of the Week – “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/7/2021

BAND CAMP – We are now 2 weeks into the 2021 season! Our first football game is only 3 weeks away! The staff is extremely proud of the members of The Pride of Lamar. They have learned 28 pages of drill and choreography, all of the show music, 7 stand tunes, and how to play duck, duck, goose in the band room! After a year of remote learning, it is so refreshing to see all of these students working together and building friendships. If you missed the last two weeks, we will catch you up. ALL summer band practices are mandatory. Any absence must be requested using this form. 

Week 3 Schedule – There are very important things happening every day this week.

Monday

Practice 4:30-7:30

Tuesday

Practice 6:30AM-9:00AM

Wednesday

Practice 6:30AM-9:00AM

Thursday

Practice 6:30AM-10:30AM

Call Time 6:30PM-8:45PM

Performance 8:00pm

Friday

No Practice

School Registration – School Registration There is a makeup day on August 12th. More details on the LHS website. Band students should NOT MISS PRACTICE to do registration. Parents can register without students.

Band Handbook – The Lamar Band Handbook is attached to this email. Students and Parents must read this and sign the agreement form.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band staff has worked hard on our schedules for the fall. We like to have everything set in stone by April, however, things beyond our control come up and we must make revisions. We have our new weekly practice schedule during the first two six weeks of the fall semester. Finally, I have the performance calendar for the marching band season. Typically, marching band is the 1st and 2nd six weeks of the school year. The football playoffs will go into the 3rd six weeks and we will adjust those practices and events as soon as we have been given information. The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar. The band app events calendar is synced with google.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.
Quote of the Week – “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/1/2021

BAND CAMP – Week 1 is in the books! The Pride of Lamar made great progress in our first week of summer band camp. August is here and we are starting to learn the show drill Monday. We will learn a large part of our show over the next two weeks. If you missed last week, we will catch you up. ALL summer band practices are mandatory. Any absence must be requested using this form. 

Week 2 Schedule – There are very important things happening every day this week. Thursday is now a half day due to teaching meetings. School lunches are only Mon-Wed due to the cafeteria staff having to get ready for school.

Monday

Practice 7:30-5:00

Sophomores get marching uniforms fit 11:30-1:00

Jr/Sr school registration 11:30-1:00

Tuesday

Practice 7:30-5:00

Section photo day – all students wear summer uniform shirt (grey performance shirt)

Seniors get marching uniforms fit 11:30-1:00

Sophomore school registration 11:30-1:00

Wednesday

Practice 7:30-5:00

Juniors get uniforms fit 11:30-1:00

Freshman registration 5:00pm-7:00pm

Thursday

Practice 7:30-11:30

Friday

Practice 7:30-5:00

Saturday

8:00am-11:00am Freshman Marching Uniform Fitting

School Registration – School Registration is happening this week in Gym A (east side entrance). Juniors and Seniors are on Monday. Sophomores on Tuesday, and Freshmen on Wednesday. There is a makeup day on August 12th. More details on the LHS website. Band students should NOT MISS PRACTICE to do registration. Parents can register without students. If needed, students can register during our break 11:30am-1:00pm, or after practice.

Forms and Fees – Saturday was our band registration day. If you missed it, don’t worry, you can still get everything in on time. It must all be done by the first week of school. The medical form MUST be signed in front of a notary. The pre-participation physical must be done with a doctor. The fees can be paid in person or online.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band staff has worked hard on our schedules for the fall. We like to have everything set in stone by April, however, things beyond our control come up and we must make revisions. I am sharing the summer band schedule with some adjustments Aug 9-13. We also have our new weekly practice schedule during the first two six weeks. Finally, I have the performance calendar for the marching band season. Typically, marching band is the 1st and 2nd six weeks of the school year. The football playoffs will go into the 3rd six weeks and we will adjust those practices and events as soon as we have been given information. The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.

Summer Band Camp

Who – Every band student is expected at camp. This does include the incoming 9th graders. In the band world, when summer starts, students move up a grade immediately. That means all of last year’s 8th graders immediately became Lamar HS 9th graders this past June! Color guard will have an alternate practice schedule for much of camp but all of those students are expected at every practice as well.

When – Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm, free breakfast 7:00am-7:15am, free lunch 11:30-12:30. The third week has a more complicated schedule that will be on the attached form.

Where – We will typically meet in the band room to start the day. Otherwise, we will be on the parking lot grid, stadium, or the MAC. We will be inside during the hottest parts of the day.

What – We are marching, dancing, spinning, drumming, and learning all of our brass and woodwind music. Wear athletic clothing, running shoes are recommended, NO slides, sandals, crocs, etc. You must have a large water jug. We will be ordering new coleman jugs this week for all members. 32oz-½ gallon are acceptable sizes. Sunscreen is mandatory. Music should be in a 3-ring binder in sheet protectors. We have some extra binders and sheet protectors if you do not have time to go to office max. Mechanical pencils are required. We do not have pencil sharpeners on the practice field. Hats and sunglasses are strongly encouraged.

Why – Starting marching band 3 weeks before school starts is the standard for bands in Texas and around the country. It takes many hours to prepare these complex and exciting shows. Students will progress very rapidly. Bonds and friendships will develop. By the first day of school, band students are the most prepared, focused, and disciplined at LHS.
Quote of the Week – “Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony” – Thomas Merton

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/24/2021

BAND CAMP – I am so excited! We kick off band camp Monday! We have a great marching band show to learn, stand tunes to work on, and fun games to get to know each other again. ALL summer band practices are mandatory. Any absence must be requested using this form. 

Who – Every band student is expected at camp. This does include the incoming 9th graders. In the band world, when summer starts, students move up a grade immediately. That means all of last year’s 8th graders immediately became Lamar HS 9th graders this past June! Color guard will have an alternate practice schedule for much of camp but all of those students are expected at every practice as well.

When – Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm, free breakfast 7:00am-7:15am, free lunch 11:30-12:30. The third week has a more complicated schedule that will be on the attached form.

Where – We will typically meet in the band room to start the day. Otherwise, we will be on the parking lot grid, stadium, or the MAC. We will be inside during the hottest parts of the day.

What – We are marching, dancing, spinning, drumming, and learning all of our brass and woodwind music. Wear athletic clothing, running shoes are recommended, NO slides, sandals, crocs, etc. You must have a large water jug. We will be ordering new coleman jugs this week for all members. 32oz-½ gallon are acceptable sizes. Sunscreen is mandatory. Music should be in a 3-ring binder in sheet protectors. We have some extra binders and sheet protectors if you do not have time to go to office max. Mechanical pencils are required. We do not have pencil sharpeners on the practice field. Hats and sunglasses are strongly encouraged.

Why – Starting marching band 3 weeks before school starts is the standard for bands in Texas and around the country. It takes many hours to prepare these complex and exciting shows. Students will progress very rapidly. Bonds and friendships will develop. By the first day of school, band students are the most prepared, focused, and disciplined at LHS.

Scott Lang and Student Leadership – We had a tremendous past week. Starting it off with an inspirational afternoon with Scott Lang. The leadership team went through 21 hours of training over three days. These students worked very hard and are poised to do great things this year.

Forms and Fees – Every new school year there are plenty of forms to fill out and fees to pay. We try to make it easy and get it done early. I have attached all the forms needed. Most can be filled out and digitally signed if you desire. The medical form MUST be signed in front of a notary. The pre-participation physical must be done with a doctor. The fees can be paid early online or in person at our band registration day July 31.

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band staff has worked hard on our schedules for the fall. We like to have everything set in stone by April, however, things beyond our control come up and we must make revisions. I am sharing the summer band schedule with some adjustments Aug 9-13. We also have our new weekly practice schedule during the first two six weeks. Finally, I have the performance calendar for the marching band season. Typically, marching band is the 1st and 2nd six weeks of the school year. The football playoffs will go into the 3rd six weeks and we will adjust those practices and events as soon as we have been given information. The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.

Forms and Fees – The band fees and forms are attached.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony” – Thomas Merton

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/12/2021

Tuesday – Tomorrow is our music rehearsal in the band room from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Bring your music binder and all your marching band music & warm ups. We will dig into our show music! Band room doors will open at 5:00pm.

Monday July 19 – Our big marching season kickoff event is just one week away! We are flying in Scott Lang (Leadership University and international speaker) for a workshop from 1:30pm-4:30pm. ALL band members are expected to attend. The booster club will provide pizza for lunch starting at 12:30. Students must bring a pen/pencil and paper.

Mr. Lang, the guest, encouraged me to invite those adults that would like to be a part of the experience. All parents are cordially invited to join us in the band room at 1:15pm. Just let me know if you are going to be joining us.

Student Leadership – We will have our student leadership training camp Monday-Wednesday next week. All leaders will need to be at school 8:00am-4:00pm. We will take an hour lunch break every day.

Forms and Fees – Every new school year there are plenty of forms to fill out and fees to pay. We try to make it easy and get it done early. I have attached all the forms needed. Most can be filled out and digitally signed if you desire. The medical form MUST be signed in front of a notary. The pre-participation physical must be done with a doctor. The fees can be paid early online or in person at our band registration day July 31.

Summer Band Calendar – I have attached the final summer band practice schedule. All band events are listed on the band website. In fact, most of the events for the entire school year are on the band google calendar. In the near future, I will have the performance calendar for the fall. The weekly practice schedule will be separate. Hopefully this makes it easier to read. New members, don’t worry, everything slows down in November!

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use.

Use this link to get signed up.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden

Lamar Band Update

PARADE DAY INFO – On Monday July 5th, the Lamar Band will meet in the UTA parking lot at 7:45am. Students can be dropped off on Doug Russell Rd. You can park in the parking lot just south of Doug Russell. See map attached. We will be in the northwest corner of the large parking lot. For families that would like to watch the parade, there is a map of the parade route attached. We should be done sometime around 11:00-11:30. Rides must be on time to pick up students. The pick up zone is the same as the drop off zone. There will be very heavy traffic for drop off. Some roads will be closed for the parade. Arlington PD will be helping direct traffic.

Equipment – Students are responsible for bringing their instruments to the parade. It would be easiest if you could leave cases in your cars. We will provide water, however, it is critical that you eat breakfast and drink water before you arrive at the parade.

Uniform – We wear our summer uniform to perform in the summer heat. We will make sure all the students have the grey performance shirt. Students must provide the khaki shorts and shoes. The following links are just examples of the kinds of shorts that we would like students to wear. The shoes should be mostly white and athletic. We do not want one student sticking out with bright colorful shoes. If you have questions, let us know. Even though incoming freshmen are not required to perform in the parade, we will use those uniforms for the first few performances this fall.

Men’s Shorts https://tinyurl.com/97xjf29k

Women’s Shorts https://tinyurl.com/mub79aee

Communication – Over the summer, it is critical that we can communicate with the students and parents. Please make sure you have the Band App. Here are all communication sources.

Band App: Lamar Band https://band.us/@lamarband

www.lamarmusic.org

Band Hall Phone Line (682) 867-7006

Facebook: Lamar Viking Band

Instagram: @Lamarband

Twitter: @VikingBand (general band)

Blog: lamarbandnews.wordpress.com