NHS Band & Guard
BAND CAMP: August 2021
Band Camp is almost here! Please read this document very carefully to find all of the information you will need. Thank you!
A Note from Mr. Ovsiew...
Hello Band and Guard Members and Parents!
It has been a fantastic summer getting to know many of you during our Monday and Wednesday rehearsals, but I am so excited to be writing to you about the official start to the marching season, band camp, which begins this Monday, August 16th! Besides being a time when students learn marching and playing techniques that will serve them for the marching season, band camp is when most of marching show is put on field. This is why BAND CAMP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL MEMBERS. Any absences should be avoided, and both Mr. Ovsiew and Mr. Carley should be notified IMMEDIATELY VIA EMAIL at ovsiewa@newtown.k12.ct.us and carleyc@netown.k12.ct.us.
As you read in the message I sent a few weeks ago, our plan for band camp, and the season, is to essentially run as normal – Band is Back. Our amazing band staff knows how important marching band is and what it means to our students, school, and community; they are ready to get started and expect the same from our members as we return to normal.
Marching band teaches many skills beyond music, specifically how to set high expectations and how individuals can contribute positively to something larger than themselves. Plus, it is a social activity! Freshmen will know students from every grade when they walk in on their first day of school!
Let’s have a great season! See you soon!
Aaron Ovsiew
Director of Bands
Newtown High School
Band Camp Dates
- August 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
- August 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
- Monday through Friday
- 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (see details below)
*Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early to all meetings or rehearsals – 8:00 am start = 7:45 am arrival*
Required Materials for Band Camp
✅ Instrument/Flag and all necessary accessories
- Valve oil, reeds, sticks, mallets, gloves, earplugs, etc.
- Bell cover for Woodwinds and Brass, except flutes/piccolo
✅Music
- Warmups
- Show music
✅Water
- Gallon jug recommended
- A normal 16 oz disposable water bottle will NOT be enough
✅Drill
- Provided by the NHS
✅Athletic Shoes, Socks, and Clothing
- “Cross Trainers” are ideal
- Shoes MUST have arch support
✅Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and bug spray
✅Pencils
✅Mask for indoors
Daily Schedule
*Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early to all meetings or rehearsals – 8:00 am start = 7:45 am arrival*
*Percussion (both drumline and pit) will be scheduling additional rehearsals during the afternoon break. You will receive additional information from your section leaders and instructors about these rehearsals.*
Monday 8/16
8:00 am – 10:00 am:
- Colorguard rehearsal only (other students do not need to arrive until 9:45 am)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Morning Block
- Woodwinds, Brass, Battery, and Colorguard meet at back field
- Pit meet in the Band Room
4:00 pm – 8: 00 pm: Music Rehearsal
- Woodwinds and Brass
- Battery
- Pit
- Colorguard
(7:00 pm: Band Parent meeting)
Tuesday 8/17 - Thursday 8/19; Monday 8/23 - Thursday 8/26
8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Basics Block/Drill on back field
- Woodwinds and Brass, Battery, and Colorguard meet at back field
- Pit meet in the Band Room
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Music Rehearsal
- Woodwinds and Brass
- Battery
- Pit
- Colorguard
Friday 8/20 ONLY
8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Basics Block/Drill on back field
- Woodwinds and Brass, Battery, and Colorguard meet at back field
- Pit meet in the Band Room
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Cosmic Bowling in Support the Greg Chion Scholarship
Strikers of Brookfield
840 Federal Rd.
Brookfield, CT 06804
Friday 8/27 ONLY
8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Basics Block/Drill on back field
- Woodwinds and Brass, Battery, and Colorguard meet at back field
- Pit meet in the Band Room
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Music Rehearsal
- Woodwinds and Brass
- Battery
- Pit
- Colorguard
7:30 pm: Friday Night Under the Lights Performance
- Performance will be on the back field.
- Bring lawn chairs.
Inclement Weather Plans
8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Basics Block Inside
- Location TBD
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Music Rehearsal
- Woodwinds and Brass
- Battery
- Pit
- Colorguard
Forms Due During Band Camp
STUDENTS: If you are interested in designing the show logo, which goes on the back of our show shirts, please complete this form. There is also a QR code in the band room. Forms must be submitted by Thursday, August 19th at 11:59PM.
PARENTS: Permission slips for this season’s away competitions will be completed on Google Forms. Like band camp, competitions are required for all members. The band performs best when everyone is present. Absences should be avoided and must be cleared with the band director.
Click here to access the online permission slip/health forms. Please submit these by Friday, August 27th at 11:59pm.
*Please note, if your student will need to take any medication during a school event, competition, or field trip, you must have your child's physician complete the "Authorization for the Administration of Medication by School, Child Care, and Youth Camp Personnel". This applies to prescription medication, in addition to over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol. This form is separate from the permission slip link above. It is attached to the bottom of this newsletter, and can also be found on the school health office website. Please submit this form directly to the school health office.
Safety Precautions
We will still be following guidelines as set forth by the Connecticut State Departments of Education and Public Health, however they will be much less restrictive than last year. When indoors, all students, staff, and parent volunteers must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth. Students that play wind instruments should maintain 6-foot spacing and use bell covers, which will be provided. Additionally, masks may only be pulled down or taken off when a student is actively playing.
A 3-foot spacing is adequate for all others. There are currently no restrictions outdoors, either for masks or spacing. Students do not need to sanitize school equipment, such as chairs and stands.
This year, being within three feet for more than 15 minutes of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 is deemed a close contact. Any unvaccinated person considered a close contact will have to quarantine for seven 7 days. Quarantine is not required for those who have been fully vaccinated.
Hand sanitizer is available for students to use and there are a few disposable masks that should only be used if absolutely necessary.
Band Camp Parent Volunteers
Band Camp Ride Share
Looking for some help with arranging Band Camp carpools? Can you help to give a ride to another band member?
If you need a ride, can give a ride or just want to share the driving duties for Band Camp with another family, please visit the Band Camp Ride Share Google Sheet. Enter your info, then look for other members you can help or who can help you.
Parents and students are responsible for connecting with each other (we are not matching you up). We cannot guarantee you will find a ride, but the Band & Guard parents are happy to provide this opportunity to connect and help each other out.
Have a Question?
There's always an answer... And, feel free to contact staff, your parent buddy, or any NHSBPC board member below:
- President: Dianna Pategas - 203-820-0407
- Vice President: Susan White - 203-470-7940
- Treasurer: Melissa Christenson - 303-304-0697
- Recording Secretary: Alenda Calderbank - 203-788-5444
- Corresponding Secretary: Bonnie Voegeli - 203-470-2321
Email: info@nhsbandguard.com
Website: http://newtownbandandguard.weebly.com/
Phone: