The Patriots
Summer Marching Page...
When marching the WSHSB is known as "The Patriots"
The marching trimester is voluntary. It is open to current WSHSB members and non-members alike. We need both musicians and non-musicians. Experienced musicians, thinking about joining the band in the fall, may participate in the summer marching trimester, before they submit an audition video.
WSHSB Patriot Marching Band
For marching, the WSHSB is also known as "The Patriots." Patriots attend marching camp in June and average five parades in the summer.
WSHSB Winter Concert
With two concerts per year, our winter concert is usually held at the end of January. Concerts are FREE admission with open seating. Check our Music Resource page to listen to past concerts.
WSHSB Patriot Marching Band
Marching trimester is voluntary and open to current WSHSB members and NON-members. This includes experienced musicians who are welcome to join us for the summer marching trimester. For more details see our Summer Marching page.
WSHSB Spring Concert
Our second concert of the year is generally held mid to late May. Come hear our Junior, Senior, and Symphonic bands separately and combined.
West Suburban Home School Band
About WSHSB
The West Suburban Home School Band, or WSHSB in short, follows the model of a community band and includes all wind instruments, woodwinds and brass, as well as a full percussion section. There are no stringed instruments ...more
WSHSB Member's News
Member's News has the link to the weekly Rehearsal Notes PDF and for quick reference, Important Dates and Deadlines and the Sectional Chart are included. Download the weekly Rehearsal Notes for the week's practice assignments and more.
Join WSHSB
To join the WSHSB a student must be home schooled. Those interested in joining the WSHSB, at any level but Cadet, must submit an audition video. Recommended minimum age for any level is nine. There are four skill levels to consider...more
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SUMMER 2018 TOPICS BELOW INCLUDE - For those not currently WSHSB members Summer Marching Commitment Marching Camps Regarding Marching Camp Location if Marching Camp Always Bring Instruments to Camp Prompt Pick-up Please Camp Dates and Descriptions Forms, Fees and More Dress Code for ALL Marching Commands, Etc. What about bad weather? Parade Dates, Etc. Reminder for current WSHSB members FOR THOSE NOT CURRENTLY WSHSB MEMBERS Marching Trimester For marching, the WSHSB is also known as “The Patriots”. The marching trimester is voluntary and open to current WSHSB members and non-members alike. We need both musicians and non-musicians. Experienced musicians, whether or not they are thinking about joining the band in fall, may participate in the summer marching trimester. Thinking about Marching? As soon as you begin to consider joining, you should contact the director. She will call you at her earliest convenience. Include your name and phone with best time to call, student’s name, age and musical experience along with each instrument and number of years played. Requirements for musicians and non-musicians follow. Musicians Experienced, home-schooled musicians, elementary through high school age, are eligible to march with the WSHSB. All must have at least one school year of instruction on their instrument and be at a one-year proficiency level as judged by the director. Demonstration of proficiency may be required for those brand new to the band. Well-disciplined and similarly experienced, non-home-schooled students as well as adult musicians are also encouraged and welcome to join. All musicians, new to the WSHSB, will need to attend the preliminary marching practice on May 24, 2018. New member registration deadline is one day earlier on May 23.. Non-Musicians The Patriot Auxiliary is for non-musicians. All adults who march in the parade(s), Little Patriots and student guards, all wear the Dress Code black and white as well as the marching hat. The Patriot Auxiliary includes – 1. Adults willing to help with the marching band as needed. Jobs descriptions and the sign-up link can be found on our Booster web page. 2. Little Patriots – Younger siblings of marchers who march behind the band. Little Patriots is separate and NOT part of the Guard Unit. 3. Non-musician students interested in trying out for the very limited number of guard unit (GU) positions must notify the director in person or via email prior to the mandatory Pre-Camp date, June 4, 2018, preferably by indicating such on the registration form. Read more below under the June 4 Pre-Camp details for NEWCOMERS. SUMMER MARCHING COMMITMENT Contact the director if you have conflicts with any points below. She will handle case by case. • All participants must march a minimum of 2 parades. See the VERY IMPORTANT message after these points. • All marching musicians and guard unit candidates are expected to participate in the preliminary marching practice on May 24. • It is mandatory that all student marchers attend the entire week of Marching Camp (June 18 to 22, M-F 9am to 12pm) to learn/review their own skills, and assist with new member training and development for the season. If you can't make camp you don't march. • It is mandatory for first-time marchers to attend Pre-Camp on June 4 AND the entire week of Marching Camp (June 18 to 22, M-F 9am to 12pm). • Those new (non-musician) students trying-out for the very limited number of guard unit positions MUST attend Pre-Camp from 1 to 4 pm June 4 and the entire week of Marching Camp (June 18 to 22, M-F 9am to 12pm). • Percussionists and rank leaders candidates MUST attend their Pre-Camp from 9am to 12pm on June 4 as well as the entire Marching Camp (June 18 to 22, M-F 9am to 12pm). On June 4 the director hopes you will stay (if possible) for the afternoon to help with Newcomers. • Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend Marching Camp if their schedule allows for it. VERY IMPORTANT - If you are unsure or anticipate the possibility that you may need to cancel on a parade date or dates, it is better not to sign-up for any questionable dates. Rather, if you find you become available for a parade call Mrs. Borow the week before the parade and she will let you know if she can fit you in the block. Fitting someone in is far more preferable than dealing with a cancellation and having a hole in the block. MARCHING CAMPS Regarding Marching Camp: Be sure to eat, especially some protein, before coming to camp Location of Marching Camp For all camp days we will be meeting at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton (east of County Farm Road and north of Manchester Road) near the Home Ec. building. Enter via gate S7, the east-most gate/entrance. The director will be at the fairgrounds by around 8:30am every day, rain or shine. Always Bring Instruments to Camp Always bring instruments to Pre-Camp and Full Camp unless instructed otherwise. It will depend on overall time as to whether we'll play or not. But, yes, please bring them. Prompt Pick-up Please Please be on time to pick-up your students at noon. Be considerate of the director's time, as she must wait until all students are picked-up. Camp Dates and Descriptions NOTICE: You must attend each FULL camp day/session, whether from 9 to 12pm or 1 to 4pm, which you are required to attend. No one may leave ANY camp day/session early without the prior knowledge and permission of the director. MANDATORY Pre-Camp - For 2018 only, Marching Pre-Camp will only be one day instead of the usual three days. JUNE 4, Monday, 9am to 12pm and 1 to 4pm - Mandatory Pre-camp – i.e. special camp session at DuPage County Fair Grounds. The director hopes Percussion and Rank Leaders candidates will hopefully stay (if possible) for the afternoon from 1 to 4 to help with Newcomers. This Pre-Camp day is for the following people: RANK LEADER CANDIDATES – 9am to 12 pm - NEW SPECIFICATIONS FOR 2018 - If you are currently in Senior or Symphonic band and are interested in being a rank leader for camp and/or parades, you must attend this Pre-Camp day. Attendance on this day will not guarantee your role as a rank leader in Marching Camp or at parades. You will review and drill basic marching skills, stationary and marching commands and special skills necessary for rank leaders. The director will decide and assign rank leaders based on multiple criteria including: actual marching ability, leadership skills, Marching Camp attendance as well as prior AND current parade commitments. PERCUSSION – 9am to 12pm- All current and new marching percussionists This special Pre-Camp morning from 9 to 12 is mandatory for all percussionists who wish to be part of the WSHSB drum-line this summer. Due to the additional responsibilities percussionists have in carrying equipment and continuously playing a cadence during parades, marching style and technique can slip. This Pre-Camp day will be dedicated to the review, drill and improvement of basic marching skills for percussionists. The objective will be to improve the overall marching style of the drum line. Individual and rank form will be targeted, reviewed and improved. Neither cadences nor equipment, other than drum sticks, will be used on this Pre-Camp day. Cadences and marching with equipment will be practiced during the regular week of FULL Marching Camp, June 18-22, as the drum line continues to improve their performance as well as support the band. NEWCOMERS – 1 to 4pm- Any student/adult totally new to marching or others as listed below. This Pre-Camp afternoon from 1 to 4 will provide the following groups with a very basic introduction to WSHSB marching and will prepare them for the full Marching Camp, June 18 to 22, M-F 9am to 12pm. • Current Cadets, Junior, Senior and Symphonic members (wind or percussion) completing their first year with the WSHSB and wishing to join us for marching this summer. • Other students who've completed at least one (1) year of prior wind or percussion instruction elsewhere, but want to join WSHSB marching band this summer. • Non-musician students wishing to try out for the very limited number of guard unit (GU) positions. Those interested in auditioning must attend this Pre-Camp day and have notified the director prior to 6/4. Students will be led through a basic drill sequence and will be selected based on their ability to carry out WSHSB marching commands correctly, their overall marching accuracy and formality of their style. Final GU choices will be announced for each parade. If there are more GU candidates than open spots, they will march behind the last rank of musician marchers. (Decisions about which non-musician students will have the privilege of marching in front of the band will not be made until after full Marching Camp.) • Students who want to review their basic marching skills. • Adult helpers who would like a basic primer on WSHSB marching style. Full Marching Camp June 18 – 22, Monday through Friday - 9am to 12pm each day at DuPage County Fair Grounds Forms, Fees and More Every marcher, student and adult, wears a hat supplied by the band. There is a $20 fine for non-returned hats. Laundered hats must be returned, or the $20 fine paid, at the September Overview and Orientation meeting. Non-WSHSB members may simply return their unwashed hat at their last parade. Those renting instruments from the band must also complete a WSHSB Instrument Rental Agreement, and pay a $40 rental fee for the summer trimester along with your registration. Links to the 2018 Summer Marching Registration Form and WSHSB Instrument Rental Agreement are on Forms/Documents. Student and adult musicians, as well as color guards, need to print and complete a 2018 Summer Marching Registration Form. NON MARCHERS - We'd appreciate non-marchers returning page 3, initialing in the space provided to indicate no family members marching. Current members must mail their registration with sufficient time to arrive, or deliver in person, by April 19, 2018. Important for those new to WSHSB - registration deadline is May 23, 2018. New people need to contact the director, as soon as possible, and mail their form to the address stated on the form. If there is not sufficient time for mailing, as long as you have already contacted the director and she knows to expect you, you may bring your form to the preliminary marching practice on May 24, 2018. Any instrument rental requires a separate form and payment, due along with the registration. BOOSTERS - Due to the size and demands of our band program we have a required volunteer system. For the marching trimester, one parent from every family is required to 1. Sign-up for at least 2 Booster positions/slots for the marching trimester in which their student(s) is/are participating AND 2. Indicate that information on the registration form. For volunteer job descriptions and the link to the WSHSB job sign-up site, see our Booster webpage. WSHSB 2018 Summer Marching Booster Jobs to be released on April 9 at 7pm. Online sign-up is mandatory. Simply filling in a job on the form does not fulfill the ONLINE sign-up requirement. Jobs are first come first served. Jobs remain open until online sign-up is completed. You must do BOTH point A and B A. Enter your name on the WSHSB Online Sign-up Schedule for the job(s)you are committing to do. B. In the Booster section of the Registration form you will need to initial that online sign-up has been completed and state the date/s and positions for which you volunteered. Returned forms are what we use to distribute music. If you expect to get music you must submit a completed registration form. Supplies All musicians will need their instrument, a lyre and flip-folder and all distributed music, reduced as necessary. Bring a water bottle, a hat for sun protection and a poncho in case of rain. We will still march outside in a light drizzle. Optional: bring balls, gloves, Frisbees, etc. for break-time at camp. Returning Band Property Cummerbunds are distributed prior to and returned after every parade. Percussion equipment, marching music and laundered hats are to be returned at the Overview and Orientation meeting in mid-September. Other arrangements will be made for those not returning to band in the fall. DRESS CODE FOR ALL Dressing for Marching Camp There are to be no short-shorts or tank tops, and no low-cut, skimpy or tight-fitting tops worn to camp. There should be no bare midriffs or shoulders. Everyone must wear good shoes that cover and support your feet, no sandals or flip-flops. Marching Dress Code for Parades/Events This dress codes applies to ALL who march with the WSHSB, students and adults; band members, Patriot Auxiliary, Little Patriots, Guard Unit, etc. (WSHSB has pants available for lending, if needed. Please contact director.) TOPS White, woven, short-sleeved, button-down dress shirt with pointed collar. No rolled-up long sleeves or sleeveless shirts. Shirt must be long enough to be tucked-in. No exposed midriff. Only the collar/top button may be undone. No knits, pullovers, t-shirts, turtlenecks, mocks, blouses with ruffles or puffed sleeves, nor tight-fitting shirts will be allowed. No satiny, shiny or sheer material. Only solid white or flesh-tone undergarments to be worn under dress shirts. BOTTOMS ATTENTION: Due to the changing fads in women's pants towards revealing, form-fitting leggings, the marching dress code is being changed to be more specific: Both men and women are now officially required to wear “trouser-style” dress pants. Parents, please help us maintain a military, uniform look to our band by providing the proper style pants for your children. Also remember that the band has black pants you can borrow. Black conservative “trouser-style” dress pants. No tight-fitting, denim/jeans, low-rise, or Capri-style pants. Girls have the option of wearing a conservative, modest, below the knee or longer skirt, with only small slits if necessary. No denim or leather. See more information regarding skirts at the end of this list. SHOES and SOCKS Solid black dress socks. (Girls wearing skirts for marching must wear black nylons, not flesh-tone.) Black leather shoes of a conservative style with a low heel and sole. Shoes must be solid black with no other colors and must cover the front, sides and heel of the foot. If shoes are laced, laces must be black. No open toes, sandals, boots, flip-flops or clogs/mules. CUMMERBUNDS and HATS Red cummerbunds are provided by the band at every parade and are to be returned immediately after the parade. Marching hats are provided by the band for the trimester and are to be returned at the fall Orientation and Overview meeting. Other arrangements will be made for hats from those not returning to band in the fall. AWARDS and JEWELERY Award medals must be pinned on the red award ribbon, which is worn on the left side of the shirt. Jewelry should be limited to a wristwatch, small rings (so they cannot be seen by the crowd), and small earrings (less than one-half inch in diameter). Boys are not allowed to wear earrings. HAIR AND MAKEUP Any hair accessories such as barrettes or headbands may be solid red or white, or must match the student's hair color. Please, no outstanding makeup, nail colors, hairstyles, or trendy fashions that attract attention to a student’s appearance over that of the band as a whole. No unnatural shade of hair color. REMAIN IN PARADE DRESS Remain in parade dress after the parade. That means shirts are to stay on, buttoned-up and tucked-in until you leave the event. Regarding Skirts Some have expressed difficulty in finding longer length skirts for girls to wear at concerts and parades. Here are three links to websites that carry concert dress items. Please use your own judgment as to which site to use or do a search for other concert dress sites. Formal Fashions Inc. This site has become a favorite for the director. They offer modest fashions good for anytime, reasonable prices, good fit and excellent customer service. E C Benson Concert Wear/Equipment ConcertDress.com - Welcome Band Mart Accessories Regarding Shoes Some have asked about where to obtain comfortable, leather shoes for marching. Simply entering "marching shoes" in a search engine will give many resources. One style used by the director and her family, and which seem to last forever is the Speedster/Drillmasters style. They cost around twenty dollars a pair and are available on many websites. Here is one example Speedsters Marching Band Shoes. The band director reserves the right to deny students participation in a performance due to inappropriate dress. MARCHING COMMANDS, ETC. Click here for the Marching Commands - Detailed Chart. The Detailed Chart spells out all the Stationary and Moving Commands for marching including details on what and how to move. Click here for the Marching Commands - Summary. The Summary is a condensed version of the chart above with only the commands, whistles and verbal responses. Click here for A Guide for Marching - The Subtleties of Being in a WSHSB Rank WHAT ABOUT BAD WEATHER? Weather is beyond the control of the director. If you are uncomfortable with the arrangements described below it would be better if you kept your child home that day or picked them up early from the fairgrounds (in the case of marching camp). At marching camp we are very limited beyond anything but basic shelter from rain. In that sheltered space there is ample room to continue with that day's work which can still be productive. For parades, the director will always be present at each parade for those who decide to attend. If rain is predicted, those marching should bring a clear poncho. Inexpensive ones can be purchased at places like Target or Wal-Mart. Ultimately, you the parent are responsible and must decide whether or not your child attends marching camp that day or participates in a parade if weather is threatening or predicted as such. PARADE DATES, ETC. The following dates are for the WSHSB Patriots' 2018 Summer Marching trimester. May 24 - Return of Concert band music and equipment, Marching Music and Hat Distribution, Preliminary Marching Practice Location - Cornelius Hall at Resurrection Parish, Wayne, IL (NW corner of Rt. 59 & Army Trail Rd) Time - 6pm for current members, 7:15pm for new members Bring instrument, lyre and flip-folder. Note to new people - You may not just "show-up" to practice on May 24. We need to be prepared with your music and hat. You must have contacted the director prior to that day. A registration form should have been mailed earlier or may be brought that night. MANDATORY Pre-Camps, i.e. Special Camps, June 4, 9am to 12 pm and/or 1pm to 4pm (See complete details under Camp Dates above) Location - DuPage County Fairgrounds (just east of County Farm Rd. and Manchester Rd.) Full Marching Camp, June 18-22, Monday through Friday - 9am to 12pm each day Location – DuPage County Fairgrounds (just east of County Farm Rd. and Manchester Rd.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ****The following parade dates are anticipated but not yet confirmed.**** Links to parade instructions, routes, etc. will be activated closer to parade. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Geneva Swedish Days, June 24, Sunday afternoon parade in Geneva Check-in 12:00 noon - 2018 Swedish Days Parade Instructions 2018 Swedish Days Parade Map with Drop-Off Areas 2018 Swedish Days Parade Map with Restrooms Warrenville Independence Eve Parade, July 3, Tuesday evening in Warrenville Check-in 5pm - 2018 Warrenville Parade Instructions - coming in week before parade 2018 Warrenville Staging - coming in week before parade 2018 Warrenville Parade Route West Chicago Railroad Days, July 15, Sunday afternoon parade in West Chicago Check-in 12:00 noon - 2018 West Chicago Parade Instructions - coming in week before parade 2018 West Chicago Staging/Line-up and Parade Route - - coming in week before parade DuPage County Fair, Grand Opening, July 25, Wednesday parade at Fair Grounds Check-in TBA - 2018 DuPage County Fair Parade Instructions - coming in week before parade DuPage County Fairgrounds Map Streamwood Summer Celebration, July 28, Saturday morning parade in Streamwood Check-in 9:30am - 2018 Streamwood Parade Instructions - coming in week before parade 2018 Streamwood Parade Map REMINDER FOR CURRENT WSHSB MEMBERS ONLY IMPORTANT Current band members who play wind instruments, with the exception of double reeds, are expected to play their wind instrument for marching. This applies even to newly graduated Cadets regardless of age or ability. You may not opt for the guard unit. Double reed players planning on marching need to discuss possible options with director. The director will make all decisions regarding instrument and section needs in the marching band. Summer Marching Registration form is found on our Forms/Documents webpage. Non-marchers, simply initial and date page 3 where indicated and return. All marching WSHSB members, must complete a Summer Marching Registration form which includes parent Booster hours. (Marching trimester Booster volunteer jobs will be released 4/9 at 7pm.) Registrations are due on 4/19. Return the form with any applicable summer rental forms and fees. Returned forms are what we use to distribute music. If you expect to get music you must submit the appropriate form(s) and fees. The link to the WSHSB Instrument Rental Agreement is also on Forms/Documents. Those renting instruments from the band must complete a rental agreement and pay the rental fee for the summer trimester along with your registration. Make any rental check payable to “West Suburban Home School Band” No rental check(s) will be accepted without the completed form and vice-versa. |
