BAND CAMP SET FOR
​JULY 26-August 6, 2021

Hello!  We hope that this information finds everyone healthy and eager to start up with our upcoming marching band season.  There is a great deal of anticipation for the return of our competitive marching band season, and we are planning for an exciting, fun-filled year.  We have a full slate of events planned including football games, shows, competitions and our return to the the Louisiana Showcase of Marching Band State Championships and a performance trip to Orlando, Florida.  You will find several sections in this newsletter that will help you to plan for this summer, get back in shape, and hopefully answer any questions you might have.  Be sure to check back here often, as we will update as we move closer to camp.

In our last competitive marching season of 2019, the St. Amant Band was was well on its way to one of the best years in the program's history. The marching band finished their season in 3rd place at the Louisiana State Marching Band Championships just after performing for halftime at a New Orleans Saints football game. Most recently, all three of our concert bands earned straight superior ratings at the LMEA District Assessment - the only program in Louisiana to earn that distinction. We are looking forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in 2021-2022.
With such a large pool of returning and new talent, we hope to once again field two separate marching bands: The Spirit Band and The Competition Band. Our Spirit Band will be comprised of every band and color guard student in our program, and will perform during halftime at home football games.  The spirit band will perform a variety of crowd pleasing songs and dance team numbers.  And since all students will take part, no one will be left out of any performance.

Our competition band will be selected from the best players and marchers in the program and will compete at local, state, and regional marching band festivals and competitions.  Selections for this group will take place during band camp.  Every student in the program (from freshmen to seniors) will have the opportunity to audition for this premiere ensemble.

This year's competition show is entitled “Reflections,” and features the following musical selections:
  • Mirror (from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) by Ellie Goulding & Mathieu Jomphe
  • Medea’s Dance of Vengeance by Samuel Barber
  • October by Eric Whitacre
  • Reflection (from Mulan) by Matthew Wilder & David Zippel 
  • Reflections of Earth (from Disney’s Illuminations) by Gavin Greenaway
  • Original Material by Carol Britten Chambers

View our trailer here:
We have also put together a team of outstanding professionals to assemble our custom marching show, including all original drill,  staging, and color guard design.  Everyone on the team has extensive experience with all levels of marching band competition, and all have worked with many Grand National Finalists. Additionally, we have hired a great summer staff to assist us with band camp and an outstanding weekday staff to work with the bands after school.  All of our staff have marched with top university bands and DCI World Class Drum Corps.

We are looking forward to what promises to be one of the best years ever for the St. Amant Bands. ​​​

Get Connected

T​here are several ways to stay up to date on everything happening in and around the St. Amant High Band and Colorguard. 
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All students and parents, including incoming freshmen, should sign up for remind right away. We will begin sending out reminders throughout the summer and regularly during the school year.
The band booster club also maintains a Facebook page that is loaded with information for parents and students alike.  You can like our page at www.facebook.com/stabandnews

DURING BAND CAMP, DRESS FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY

Most of the marching practices will be held outside on the band practice field. And though we try to schedule these rehearsals at times when it will be the coolest, there are unavoidably times when the heat becomes severe. In order to best survive the heat, the following guidelines have been devised:
​
​Tennis shoes and socks should be worn at all marching rehearsals.
Because these practices involve intricate marching maneuvers, no sandals, flip-flops, etc. will be allowed. Likewise, no one will be allowed to march barefoot.
Wear comfortable shorts and light-colored t-shirts.
Lighter colors reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cooler. Lightweight Nike or moisture-wicking athletic shorts help keep you dry and cool. Jeans and pants are a big “no-no.”
Hats, sunglasses, & sunscreen are recommended for all rehearsals.
Practices seem cooler and much faster when you are shielded from the sun.  You will see everything from ball caps to sombreros.  Also, sunscreen is a must.  You will get a tan no matter your SPF.  Don’t come to rehearsal without it.
Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch.
Always consume a well-balanced meal consisting of carbs, protein, and enough calories to get you though the morning before coming to rehearsal. Bring a healthy snack and a good lunch to refuel after working. This is not the time to begin a diet. You will get in shape before you know it.
​​Stay hydrated.
It is a good idea to begin each day well-hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids the day before and within the hour before, during and after rehearsals. You should take in lots of fluids at EVERY break whether you feel thirsty or not. While we will provide water and cups, students are encouraged to bring enough water for the entire time they are there. We suggest the Coleman or Igloo 1/2 or 1 gallon water jug. Students will be able to refill water jugs at certain times and places during the day.
​​Remember, your safety is our main concern. No student will be forced to remain in the sun if they become weak, or experience signs of heat exhaustion.
 
Following these guidelines will help you to have a more enjoyable summer band experience.

Instruments & Supplies

Since we are in the beginning of summer, it is a good idea to start preparing for band camp by gathering all of your supplies now. Most items can be purchased locally at Music & Arts, or can be ordered online. Here is a list of some of the things you will need for band camp and for the entire marching season:
  • Marching Band Instrument. You will need your instrument and accessories such as reeds, stick, mallets, valve oil, etc., every day of camp. Please be sure to label your case with your first and last name.  If you play a school-owned instrument, there will be several days before band camp when you can come and get one.  You will also be able to get it on the first day of camp.
  • Flip Folder and Lyre. Every student needs a flip folder with at least 20 pages.  Most instruments also require a lyre. If you are unsure whether you need a lyre, check with your section leader.
  • Band Polo Shirt.  All new members are required to purchase the black band polo shirt during band camp. This shirt is used for our exhibition performance, and for all games and performances when the weather is warm. Shirts will also be available for upperclassmen who need a new one. The cost of this shirt is $25. We will take orders the first day of camp, and money will be due when the shirts arrive.
  • Drill Master Shoes. We use a special marching band shoe when wearing our full uniform called Drill Masters. While these shoes are not needed for camp, we will have representatives from Music & Arts at camp to fit students and take orders.  The shoes are $40 including tax.  More details will be available during camp.

Friday Night Football Games at “The Pit”

A typical home Friday night football game can be a confusing and frustrating scenario for any new band student or parent.  The following outline details some of the things you can expect, and will allow you to plan for these days well in advance.
Typical Home Game Schedule
​5:30 PM - Students Arrive at “The Pit”
5:45 PM - Inspection In Middle School Gym
6:20 PM - March into Stadium
6:30 PM - Warm-up and Tuning
6:45 PM - Star Spangled Banner
7:00 PM - Game Begins
9:15 PM - Game Ends
9:30 PM - Students Dismissed
*Game end and dismissal times may vary.  All times subject to changes or additions.

​For even more information, see our Guide for New Band Parents.

Some Frequently asked questions about Being In band

If I am in band, can I also play sports?
YES! The band directors and coaches work together to allow students to participate in both activities. You do not have to choose one or the other! As a matter of fact, we have had many former St. Amant High School Band members go on to successful college careers in sports all across the state.

If I am in band, can I also belong to other student clubs?
YES! In fact, most of the St. Amant Band students belong to a second, and sometimes third student club! We encourage involvement! If you can think of a club, organization, sports team, or extra-curricular activity on our campus, you will find a St. Amant High Band member participating. We have Gatorettes, cheerleaders, color guard members, ROTC cadets, athletes, and FFA members as members of our band. Band is class just like any other at St. Amant High.

Is learning to march as hard as it looks?
All freshman and new members will begin in the Spirit Band. This band is designed to give new marchers a one-year transition period into the competition marching band. Students who only participate in the spirit band have limited after school rehearsals (usually only five or six times a year) and work on easier music for these performances. In the spirit band, you will join our more advanced marchers and musicians which will give you great experience and guidance. All returning members and select new members will participate in both the competition band and spirit band.

Do I have to audition for the St. Amant Marching Band?
NO. Everyone is welcomed to participate in the marching band REGARDLESS OF YOUR PLAYING ABILITY. You will be placed in the band class for your ability level/instrument. Part assignments (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) will be determined during summer band practice.

I’m not sure whether I will like band or not. What should I do?
All students are encouraged to - at the very least – try band for the summer band practices. If you feel that you don’t like it, there is no obligation to stay in.

After marching season, what happens?
You will re-audition for the one of the band directors, and then be placed into one of our three concert bands. Each of these three groups goes to festival and contests in the spring!

Can I be in band all four years?
Yes! You only need 24 credits to graduate, and band does count as a fine arts, P.E. , and elective credits, all of which you need for graduation and TOPS. And since we are on a 4x4 block, you will get to take band all year while fulfilling requirements in other areas, allowing you to maximize your elective choices.

Will being in band have a NEGATIVE effect on my grades?
NO! As a matter of fact, most of the students in band are in the top of their classes, and almost every student makes an "A" in band class. Research has shown that the extra time you spend in band not only helps you build your musical skills, but also makes you smarter in math, science, and English!

Does the St. Amant Band take a trip in the spring?
Yes! Every year all of the bands at St. Amant take trips to District and State Festival! Many years, we also take large, out-of-state trips. In the past we have traveled to and performed in Italy, Scotland, Ireland, New York, Washington DC, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. We encourage everyone to go on the band trips, and we do fundraisers to help offset the costs.
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How can I get my other questions answered?
If you still have questions or concerns, please contact one of the band directors listed in the contact section, and they will be happy to find all of the answers you need.

Student Leaders

Our student leaders are the heart and soul of the band program. Everything that goes on behind the scenes to make our band run is done by our drum majors, section leaders, and captains. We had many deserving candidates apply for positions this year, and we are proud to announce the following:
2021-2022 Student Leaders
​Drum Majors
Kaylee Gomez
Jennifer Sandoval
Alexis Shamburger
​
Flutes
Allison Frye
Josephine Houpy
Trinity Oncale

Clarinets
Rebecca Hardee
Kaitlyn Harris
Shaylen Pfister

Saxophones
Jacob Bickham
Aiden Kirk

Trumpets
Gage Mayers
​Lily Townsend
​Horns
Jordan Nassar
Mason Rome

Trombones
Jacob Rispone
Owen Wells

Baritones
Joey Zeringue

Tubas
Riley Youngblood

Drumline
Kira Jeanmarie
Sean Keith

​Front Ensemble
Vincent LaValle
​Zeke Thibodeaux 
​

ANNUAL SUMMER MARCHING EXHIBITION

​We will host our annual marching exhibition on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 6:30 PM at St. Amant High. 

At this time we will perform selections from our school songs, stands tunes, and we will also premiere our 2021 marching band Spirit and Competition Shows for our parents and supporters.

Everyone is invited to attend this yearly event that has grown into a truly special time to highlight the hard work of our students during band camp week.

Band Camp Schedule

It is important to make note of  the band camp schedule and plan accordingly. The schedule for summer rehearsals has been set this year in hopes of having a large portion of the show learned before school starts.  It is very important that everyone attends all scheduled practices during the summer.  

Because of the amount of work involved and the expense of hiring a full staff for the summer, students who do not attend will be assigned the position of alternate for the competition show.

If for some reason a student cannot attend any summer rehearsals, the band department must be notified in advance so that arrangements can be made.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERION OF THE BAND CAMP SCHEDULE

​WEEK 1
​
MONDAY, JULY 26
​
All Freshmen and New Band & Guard Members
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 - 11:30 AM Indoor Marching Rehearsal
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

All New and Returning Band & Guard Members
1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal
TUESDAY, JULY 27
​
All Freshmen and New Band & Guard Members
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 - 11:30 AM Indoor Marching Rehearsal
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

All New and Returning Band & Guard Members
1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

​All Band & Guard
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 - 11:30 AM Marching Rehearsal
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

All New and Returning Band & Guard Members
1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal
THURSDAY, JULY 29

​All Band & Guard
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 - 11:30 AM Marching Rehearsal
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

All New and Returning Band & Guard Members
1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal
FRIDAY, JULY 30

​​All Band & Guard
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 - 11:30 AM Marching Rehearsal
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

All New and Returning Band & Guard Members
1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal


WEEK 2
​
MONDAY, AUGUST 2

​All Band & Guard Members
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal

4:00 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break
Meal Provided By Band Booster Club
Students will not leave for dinner break.  All students are required to attend dinner at school.

5:45  - 8:00 PM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

​All Band & Guard Members
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal

4:00 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break
Meal Provided By Band Booster Club
Students will not leave for dinner break.  All students are required to attend dinner at school.

5:45  - 8:00 PM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4

​All Band & Guard Members
8:00 AM Meeting in Band Room
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM Lunch Break
During lunch breaks, all students are expected to bring their lunch and stay in the area of the band rooms unless they are a car rider.  No student should leave campus on foot.​

1:00 - 4:00 Indoor Music Rehearsal
1:00 - 3:00 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 4:00 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal

4:00 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break
Meal Provided By Band Booster Club
Students will not leave for dinner break.  All students are required to attend dinner at school.

5:45  - 8:00 PM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field
​THURSDAY, AUGUST 5

​All Band & Guard Members

3:00 - 4:30 PM Indoor Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 3:45 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:45 - 4:30 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal

4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break
Meal Provided By Band Booster Club
Students will not leave for dinner break.  All students are required to attend dinner at school.

5:45  - 8:00 PM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field
​FRIDAY, AUGUST 6

​All Band & Guard Members

3:00 - 4:30 PM Indoor Music Rehearsal
3:00 - 3:45 PM Indoor Sectional (Small Group) Music Rehearsal
3:45 - 4:30 PM Indoor Large Ensemble Rehearsal

4:30  - 6:00 PM Outdoor Marching Rehearsal on Band Field

6:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner Break/Change into Uniform
Meal Provided By Band Booster Club
Students will not leave for dinner break.  All students are required to attend dinner at school.

​7:00 PM Exhibition Performance (Location TBA)