Hello Amador Friends of Music!
It's hard to believe that Band Camp for the 2014 season is only a few short weeks away. The Executive Board and Leadership Team of AFM are already working hard to make sure this is one of the best years for our students!
This season we will have 330 students on the field! The growth of the program is amazing, and the quality of not only the marching program, but also the orchestra, vocal, jazz, and all other musical groups is truly world class.
We have exciting things coming and improvements on some favorites. Look for a brand new AFM website, increased social media presence, innovative teaching tools, top-notch instructors/staff and a welcome addition to Amador Valley High School Music Faculty--formal introduction soon!
As our program continues to grow, AFM will be adapting to support it. We have new expenses and demands that come with being a band of this caliber. It is important that everyone stays informed of these changes and our plans going forward. As questions arise, please don't hesitate to ask. Detailed financial information will be part of our next newsletter. We are striving hard to make sure every expense is clear and to give our families options to be able to meet the suggested donation amount.
Below are some important upcoming dates:
Band Walk Through Registration:
(detailed information and required forms in our next issue)
Monday August 18th: 9:30am-10:30am
5:30pm-6:30pm
Saturday August 23rd: 8:30am-9:30am
8:30pm-9:30pm
BAND CAMP:
August 13th - FRESHMEN/ NEW MEMBERS ONLY -10am-5pm
NEW MEMBER PARENT MEETING - 7pm-9pm
(Band room)
August 14th - Brass /Percussion ONLY -10am-5pm
August 15th - Woodwinds/ Color Guard ONLY - 10am-5pm
August 18th-23rd -FULL BAND AND COLOR GUARD
Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Thurs-Sat 9am-9pm
All dates for the season, practices, and competitions local and overnight are available on the CHARMS calendar.
Some background on me...I love the band! I myself am a major band geek and still play (flute) as part of a "family band" that my father has created. This year I will have a Freshman (trombone) and a Junior (BariSax). I want to take this already amazing group to its highest level to date. I want everyone's input--this is your program, too! If you have a question or concern or an idea please let me know. I am open to all types of ideas and conversations.
We will have 4 General Membership meetings this year. Please try to attend. By attending the meetings you get first hand information and can guide the direction of our program with your vote.
The objective of AFM is to "lend all possible support, both moral and financial to the Amador Valley High School music department; to cooperate and assist those in charge of the music department; and to promote the general activities of the music department in order to provide a positive experience for Amador Valley High School students." I am looking forward to doing so and working with all of you.
Welcome to the 2014 Season! Being a part of this program gives our students an unparalleled experience, both musically and personally-but also gives us, the parents a place to belong. I am looking forward to an amazing marching season, seeing you at practices, football games and competitions! And not just the marching season--I know we will be accomplishing many things for the program overall throughout the year! I am excited and honored to be President of this organization.
Get your purple ready! It's all about to start... information will be coming regularly now and throughout the year. Enjoy the rest of your summer and you'll be hearing from us soon!!
Sincerely,
Kristen Dean
Amador Friends of Music
President