Odem July Summer Band Camps Information

I hope this message finds you enjoying your summers and all is well! We have a busy next few months with our upcoming preparations for our 2017 Marching Show and moving into the New HS as well. I will discuss each of the events below, but would like to begin with our 2017 Odem HS March-A-Thon information.

You can find the packet for the event here. In order for us to be able to fully fund all of the expenses that we have for this fall we really need every High School Band student to aim for at least $30 in donations for the event. As in past years for a donation of $50 we will stop at a house along the route and play a song. Donations can be given in pledges or flat out donations. Once again corporate donations of $250+ will be recognized with banners placed on our Cook St. Concession Stand, announced at games, and recognized in our concert programs. Please help us to make this fundraiser a successful start to the season! The event will take place on Friday, July 28th at 6:00pm.

Tomorrow morning at 4am Drum Majors should be at the Band Hall by 4am. We will return Sunday around 8pm. Students should bring money for their book if they don’t have one and the supplies listed at this site.

We will have our annual Leadership training day next Tuesday, July 11th from 9am-2pm at the Odem Band Hall. This is mandatory for Drum Majors, Section Leaders, Lieutenants, and Colorguard Captains. Students should wear comfortable/appropriate clothing and tennis shoes. We have ordered shirts for our leadership team this year to wear to band camp. Students must pay $10 for them – money orders/checks should be made payable to OEISD.

Colorguard Camp will take place next Week July 12th-14th at the Odem Band Hall. We still have a couple ladies who have not paid that fee in full. That must be done prior to beginning practice at the camp! Funds must be paid by Money Order no later than the time of practice beginning. Also this medical release form must be filled out prior to that morning as well.

The schedule for the camp will be as follows:

Wednesday: 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm

Thursday: 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm

Friday: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4:00pm, we will then have a Performance for Parents at 4:30pm.

Ladies should please bring the following each day:

• Comfortable and appropriate attire (including appropriate shoes!)
• Water Jug/Bottle
• Notebook/Pens to make notes

Drumline Camp will take place next Wednesday, July 12th-Friday, July 14th. The schedule will run 9am-12pm, and 1pm-3pm each of the days. It is mandatory that both Drumline and Front Ensemble Members attend the camp so we can be well prepared for the coming season. Mr. Valperts from Calallen will be again working with our students on the Drumline in particular. We will also have our new drumline tech helping out. Odem alumnus Mr. Aaron Villarreal joining us for helping with both the front ensemble and the line throughout the season – we look forward to having him back! Students should bring tennis shoes if they’re on the drumline and all students should bring water bottles please.

We unfortunately are not able to make it work for a school sponsored trip this year, but I would like to encourage you to consider going to San Antonio on July 22nd of the DCI Southwestern Championship. DCI is considered to be like the ‘major league of marching band’ and the members practice all summer long to perfect their amazing performances. The San Antonio show is considered to be one of the last major shows leading up to their International Finals in Indianapolis in August. Tickets are available through DCI.org and TicketMaster.com. It’s well worth a trip to hear the amazing groups for anyone!

For everyone in The Spirit of OHS Summer Band Begins on July 24th. You may find a copy of the Summer Band Schedule here at this link. Summer Band is mandatory for all members of The Spirit of OHS, and especially imperative to us this year on an advancing year. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of your summers as we have a very exciting fall coming up, not least of which will be moving into the New Odem High School! Happy Fourth of July!

Mr. Steven Rash

Director of Bands

Odem High School

www.odembands.org