Marching Griffins 2007-2008 Welcome Packet And Informational Handbook
WELCOME! The LINCOLN-WAY EAST HIGH SCHOOL Music Boosters organization is part of the Lincoln-Way District 210 program of extra-curricular activities. It is important to recognize that the Music Booster’s success is based on the generous support of the Lincoln-Way East Administration, District 210 Administration, Dr. Lawrence A. Wyllie, Superintendent, and the District 210 Board of Education working together for the benefit of our youth. The Lincoln-Way East Communities can be especially proud of the Marching Griffins as we enter our seventh year of existence. The Lincoln-Way tradition of excellence will continue as the Griffins continue to establish their unique style and new traditions and experiences. Your support and dedication will enhance everyone’s experience during this special year. “EXCELLENCE CONTINUES THROUGH NEW TRADITIONS”. Introduction The Lincoln-Way East Music Boosters would like to “WELCOME YOU TO OUR MUSIC FAMILY”! This handbook is made available to provide an insight to the music program with emphasis on the Marching Griffins. You and your child are joining an organization that is part of one of the premier high school music departments in the nation. The degree to which you participate is entirely up to you. Experience has shown that parental/guardian support and involvement enhance their student’s dedication and enjoyment throughout the year. The friendships that you will make will last a lifetime. This musical experience is truly a “Family Affair” as your entire family will be involved. Lincoln-Way East Music Boosters is a parent/community support group for the music department. It is through the efforts of the Boosters that various avenues for participation are made available to our students. To ensure that LWEHS programs excel, the Boosters provide moral, financial and physical support whenever it is required. The Marching Griffins schedule begins with marching rehearsals in May, which starts to prepare them for the July 4th parades. The high school provides transportation for the band. During this time, many parents choose to follow the Marching Griffins to their competitions and parades. This travel is one of the most enjoyable parts of the year. As a Booster, you will encounter tears of joy and sadness. It all begins when temperature reach the upper 90’s and comes to a close when the mercury falls into the 20’s and snow flurries begin. You will experience highs and lows, but every performance will bring out the best in our students Code of Conduct Meeting District 210 has a no drinking/no smoking/no drug policy for students that participate in sports and extracurricular activities. This meeting will take place prior to the July 4th parades. One parent/guardian and the student must attend the Code of Conduct, as signatures are required from both individuals. The meeting is also used to complete various paperwork and have a basic understanding of what it means to be a Marching Griffin. BOOSTER INFORMATION Meetings The Music Boosters generally meet on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss upcoming performances, fundraisers and events that effect our students. Dues There is an annual $25.00 per family fee to be recognized as a Lincoln-Way East Music Booster. The membership allows you to receive free admission when attending a Lincoln-Way East football or basketball game. Besides supporting music activities, these membership dues are used to support the Tyler J. Valkema Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was established in memory of our “Littlest Knight” but our biggest fan. Scholarship(s) will be awarded to a graduating senior(s) who is/are planning to attain a music degree in college. Website The boosters maintain a website in conjunction with District 210. (www.lwemusic.org). On this site you will be able to see the music functions come to life before your eyes. The web contains a wealth of information including monthly Music Booster meeting minutes, our bylaws, performance schedules and hundreds of pictures and captions from each event. Also on this site is a link to the LWE Music Department calendar. This calendar lists every event of the Music Department, from practices to concerts. It is important to check it regularly for any updates or additions. Financials The maintenance of excellence within the program equates to financial responsibilities that can be taxing at times. The district reviews our financial activities and only the treasurer can request checks against the accounts. The Music Boosters Executive Board and general membership will approve all expenses realized by the booster organization. ACTIVITIES – FUNDRAISING AND NON-FUNDRAISING Steering Committee Because of the high school split in the 2001-2002 school year a District 210 Music Boosters Steering Committee was formed to ensure both district schools work together and simultaneously on various fundraising. Another benefit of the committee is to allow for a communication link between the booster organizations. Both booster organizations will be represented equally on the Steering Committee. Fundraisers will be categorized in three ways: Independent, separate but simultaneous and district. The district fundraisers, which provide the largest portion of our budget, will be the main focus of the steering committee. Our goal is to keep the Lincoln-Way High Schools’ music booster groups together in spirit and in some of the fund raising efforts. Additional, our aim is to solicit total support without overburdening the community. This committee includes the following members:
1 District 210 Representative 2 Department Chairs 2 Music Booster Presidents 2 Music Booster President Elects 2 Music Booster Treasurers Plus ad hoc members as needed Here is a short recap of the major activities that are scheduled for the 2007-08 school year: Car WashThe car wash is the first function of the new marching season. The music students and boosters, at various locations within the district, wash cars. The students are asked to solicit pledges or donations for this event. All monies will be placed in the student Individual Band Account (IBA). Frankfort Fall Festival (District) During the Labor Day Weekend the Music Booster Organization mans the Brat Stand which includes cooking and selling products to the fair goers. All income is place in the general booster fund. Estimated income $5,000. SIAM Card (District) This is our biggest fundraiser. On two Sunday afternoons in the fall, boosters drive the students to the neighborhoods within the district. The students go door-to-door selling the SIAM discount card. Before hand is the coordination of the boosters to solicit the businesses to subscribe to the card and on planning the driver coverage. With the conclusion of the second Sunday sales venture, a party is held to celebrate everyone’s effort. All funds are placed in the general booster fund. Estimated share of income for Lincoln Way East: $50,000. Market Days Monthly we have a Market Day Sale at LWE. Many hands are needed to unload the product, set up and help the customers as they pick up their orders. Profits are placed in the general fund. Estimated income: $4,000. Car Raffle Tickets will be sold from August until October. The drawing for a new car will occur at half time of the Homecoming Football Game as well as a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place prizes. Estimated income: $8,000. Field Show (District) In the fall, Lincoln-Way District will host a field show competition. It takes many hours to coordinate the parking, cooking and preparing the food, controlling the crowds and guiding the bands. All monies raised are placed into the general fund. Estimated income: $15,000. Tailgate At the Illinois State University field show competition there are preliminaries and finals. The time between the two performances is used to “tailgate”. All members of the band, parents, siblings, relatives and friends as well as band alumni are given the opportunity to share in the day’s performances, prepare for the finals and most importantly, satisfy that hungry feeling. The boosters prepare their famous chili, cook hotdogs and set up the eating area. A minimal fee per person is required for the dinner. There is never a charge for the marching band students and band alumni. Wreath Sale (IBA) Wreaths are sold in the late fall and available for pick up the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. This sale is a popular fundraiser as a full semi-trailer of the product is delivered for the boosters to unload and prepare for the pick up. This fundraiser is for the benefit of the students IBA. Cash from Cupid During the month of January raffle/lottery tickets are sold with cash prize winners to be drawn daily during the month of February. Winners receive prizes in the following increments: $100 daily and $200 on Valentines Day February 14th. Estimated income for the general fund is $10,000. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Food, fun, games, and the Easter Bunny are the highlights of this fundraiser. The boosters cook and serve the breakfast, a DJ plays songs and leads the group with games, Easter baskets are raffled off and your picture can be taken with the Easter Bunny. Estimated income $5,000 Flower Sale Held in the spring, the flower sale delivers the products just in time for Mother’s Day. It is an easy way to purchase your flowers that will brighten up your yard during the summer. The profits a student realizes will be placed into their IBA account. Spaghetti Dinner This new activity will be in conjunction with a band/choral concert during the school year. Boosters will serve a spaghetti dinner to family and friends who are entertained by our musicians. We hope to raise $10,000 with this event. Music Banquet At the end of the school year, the music students and their parents come together to celebrate the year. Awards and senior recognitions are shared and the year in review video is shown for the first time. Mentor Program Often times, new parents have questions, feel overwhelmed and need some guidance. A mentor program has been established to help you through the learning process. The mentors are parents/guardians that have experienced what you will be going through. They have volunteered to answer your questions and provide counsel when needed. Chaperones Chaperones are an integral part of the Music Boosters. Chaperones are needed to accompany the students on buses as they travel to and from a performance. The one-day trips are a great way to get to know the students first hand. Parent chaperones are also needed for band camp, overnight trips and major travel. There will be a cost associated with these trips, but the rewards are plentiful. Band camp chaperones are required for the complete week. Overnight trips are for events like BOA or winter guard or winter drum line. Major travel could be for five or six nights away from home. Pit Crew Every MG field show requires the movement of the pit instruments from the truck to the field and back. Although the students have the knowledge of where all of the instruments are place, they don’t have enough muscle to accomplish this feat. The pit crew gets a special view of the field show as they are at field level during the entire show. INDIVIDUAL BANK ACCOUNT (IBA) When a student earns money through a fundraising activity the funds are placed into the student’s IBA. This is a non-interest bearing account that will be active while the student is attending Lincoln-Way East. The money in the account can be used to pay for any expense associated with the music department that is realized only by the student. Expenses can be band camp, shoes, gloves, instrument rental, overnight trips, travel. If there are funds remaining in the student’s IBA when they graduate, the money can be willed to a sibling, relative or fellow student that is in or entering the musical organization. If it is not willed, the money will be removed and placed in the booster general fund. It should be noted that cash is never exchanged or paid out of the IBA To use the money to pay for an expense, a parent/guardian must complete a form, which includes a signature, requesting that IBA funds be used to pay for the said expense. The completed form is then given to the Treasurer-Elect who will adjust the account. This information will then be passed on to the Treasurer for the purpose of transferring the funds. This is an easy way to help defray the costs that will be realized during your student’s career in the music organization. MAJOR BAND TRAVEL The marching band frequently receives invitations to perform at major events. In past years Lincoln-Way Marching Griffins have appeared in the Holiday Bowl Parade in San Diego, CA (2006), The Fiesta Bowl Parade and Field Show Competition in Phoenix AZ (2004).They along with the jazz band and the choir performed at Disney World (2002-2003). When there is major travel, band members and families are held responsible for funding the trip. There have been many families in the past who have “paid” for their student’s entire trip through IBA fundraisers. BAND CAMP Your students will attend band camp for one week. Their time at Camp Williamson in Carlinville, Illinois, about 30 miles south of Springfield, will be one they will remember for a lifetime. The week will consist of hard work and fun, but most of all they will learn about teamwork, support and what it is to be a Marching Griffin. They will be pushed to their limits, but in the end, they become one unit that will make us all proud and a true “Marching Griffin”. The change you will see in your student and the group will be amazing. PRACTICES The practice schedule is listed on the Music Department calendar web site (www.my.calendars.net/lwe_music). The students will be pushed to excel and understand the importance of doing their best for the entire group. During long practice days ensure that your child will have enough water to drink and brings a good lunch. They are not allowed off of campus even during the lunch break. You are always welcome to visit the practice sessions as the support given to the students is appreciated. Be reminded that practice ending time is the end of instruction. Griffins will then need to regroup and return instruments and equipment back to the music rooms. This will add time to their final dismissal. UNIFORMS There are two basic uniforms for the Marching Griffins, summer and full dress (wools). The summer uniform consists of black dress pants, black socks, black marching shoes (specially designed for marching) and a polo shirt identified by the staff. It is your responsibility to purchase the entire summer uniform. The full dress uniform consists of a hat, bibs (slacks), jacket, raincoat, hatbox, travel bag, and garment bag, all of which is provided by the district. You will be responsible for purchasing shoes (same shoes as the summer uniform), gloves, black socks, section shirt and a beret if the section requires it. The full dress uniform will be sized to your student. Your student will keep this uniform for the entire marching season. Please ensure that several steps are taken to prolong the quality and life of the uniform. Have the uniform dry cleaned several times during the year, especially prior to a big performance. If the wools are worn during the summer during extremely hot or strenuous events, or during a rain or snowstorm, do not keep the uniform in the garment bat, as the moisture will cause mold and mildew to form. Hang the uniform in an area where it can be aired out to dry. Once dried, have it dry cleaned. Also, if needed, adjust the length of the pant legs to ensure that the slacks do not dray on the ground. This will wear out the bottom of each leg and ruin the ferment. It is estimated that the replacement cost is over $600 and increasing every year. The color guard uniform that is worn for the field show performances are specially designed to coincide with the show’s theme PROJECTED CLOTHING COST Being a Marching Griffin also brings some financial responsibility to the student and family. Listed below are some of the costs you can expect to see during the coming year. Please note the costs listed are estimates and may be different during the year. They are for planning purposes only: Uniform fee $25.00 - $30.00 One pair of marching shoes * $25.00 One pair of black gloves * $3.00 Several pair of black socks $15.00 Summer Band Shirt * $25.00 Black dress slacks $25.00 - $30.00 Section shirt * $10.00 - $20.00 Several uniform cleanings during the year $40.00 * These items are purchased through the Lincoln-Way East Music Department. The section shirt is worn under the full dress uniform and will be approved by the Music Staff.
INFORMATION TIPS PROVIDED BY BOOSTER PARENTS Buy black pants early in the season for the summer uniform. On competition days ensure that your Marching Griffin eats nutritious meals, especially breakfast. Push fluids like water or Gatorade. Avoid milk and soda. On long practice days, have your student use a small cooler to keep their lunch and snacks fresh. There may be times the section leader will call for an extra practice or “sectional”. Sectionals often take place prior to scheduled practices. The staff will provide schedules and driving directions for each event. Every effort is made to get them out as soon as possible, unfortunately, some performance times are not received until a day or two prior to the event. During some field show competitions the students may be required to bring a lunch, buy a lunch or it may be provided. The staff will keep the students and you informed. Booster meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of every month except for the month of July. That is our month to catch our breath for the fall season. It is mandatory for the student and one parent to attend the Code of Conduct meeting held prior to the start of the season. There is a booster “phone tree” in place that is used to inform parents/guardians of upcoming meetings, and special announcements. Some competitions, Lake Park and ISU for sure, have preliminary and final competitions. Be sure to plan for an entire day and evening away from home. Be prepared for any type of weather. It may be sunny and warm in the day but by night you have below freezing temperatures and rain turning into snow. Jackets and blankets will go a long way in keeping you comfortable. Our school colors are cobalt blue and black. It is important we wear a lot of blue during the field shows so the students will be able to observe a “sea of blue” in the stands. If you are concerned about an event or do not understand how it works, please ask. Please contact a mentor, another booster member, or someone on the executive board. Remember, not too long ago, we were new to this organization, just like you ! Volunteer, get involved and make life long friendships. Help is always needed and there is always support from other boosters. Good luck…get involved…ask questions…. Go Marching Griffins ! Go Blue ! For more information check out the LWE Music Booster Website at: www.lwemusic.org
Lincoln-Way East Music Boosters 2007-2008 Executive Board and Key Contacts Name Phone E-Mail Cindy Heath 815/469-3879 ccheath54@aol.comP President Jean Stanker 815/469-1569 jmstanker@comcast.net President-Elect East Sue Ann Del Vicario 815/469-6185 samd1989@sbcglobal.netP President-Elect North
Bill Geary 708/479-7586 wgeary0685@aol.com Treasurer Dean Schuldt 815/342- 7391deanschuldt@sbcglobal.net Treasurer-Elect East Tom McKay 815/464-5759 tmmckay@comcast.net Ways and Means Gary Watland 815/469-2484 gwatland@aol.com Ways and Means –Elect East Terri Schuh 815/469-7588 Communications teri.schuh@advocatehealth.com
Dan Jiracek 708/478-8556 djiracek@comcast.net Communications-Elect North Mary Ellyn Fiocca 815/464-8620 mefiocca@comcast.net Secretary
Key Contacts Barb Albert 708/479-5405 barbalbert@comcast.net Ann Lindley 708/479-5695 MG Uniforms Tom & Debbie Blakely 815/469-0355 teblakely@yahoo.com Chaperones Mike & Barb Albert 708/479-5405 barbalbert@comcast.net Band Camp Music Department
Rob Calhoon rcalhoon@lw210.org Music Department Chair Bert Johnson Marching Griffins Director bjohnson@lw210.org Lincoln-Way East Music Boosters 2007-2008 General Meeting Dates
June 14, 2007 7:00 July 25, 2007 7:00 pm Mandatory Band Camp Meeting August 8, 2007 7:00 September 11, 2007 7:00 October 9, 2007 7:00 November 13, 2007 7:00 December 11, 2007 7:00 January 15, 2008 7:00 February 12, 2008 7:00 March 11, 2008 7:00 April 8, 2008 7:00 May 14, 2008 7:00
For updated information on booster meetings,booster minutes, events and fun happenings visit the web site at:
www.lwemusic.org
INDIVIDUAL BAND ACCOUNT (IBA) TRANSFER FORM I___________________________________wish to transfer $________________from my IBA account in order to pay for _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Date:_________________ ______________________________________________ Student Signature ______________________________________________ Parent or Guardian Signature
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