July 7, 2009

Dear RiverHawk Band Members,

I hope this letter finds you enjoying your summer and recharging for the upcoming school year. Plans for next year’s band are underway and I wanted to get you the information you will need for the preschool band camp. Please consider these dates and times final unless you hear otherwise from me. Dates and times for preseason are:

• Mon., August 3 Leadership meeting (all section leaders, drum majors, and band captain) 5:00 Band Room
• Friday, August 7 Drumline move-in 9 am-12 pm Band Room
• Friday, August 7 Drumline rehearsals begin 1:00 Band Room
• Sunday, August 9 KKPsi Work day 1:00 Band Room
• Sunday, August 9 Leadership meeting 5:00 Band Room
• Sunday, August 9—Band move-in 1-5 pm Band Room
• Monday, August 10-Friday, August 14 Band Camp—all band members

Included in this packet is an order form for shoes and gloves. Please return this form, with payment, no later than August 1. This will allow the order to be received in time for the first game. Black shoes and gloves from previous years are acceptable if they are in good condition. The RiverHawk Band uses black Drill Master shoes. For incoming band members, shoes from high school are acceptable as long as they are in good condition.

This year we will be adding a second show to our schedule. The first show is based on the music from the musical Wicked. If you have not seen it, it is playing in Tulsa at the PAC. The PAC website will have show times and ticket information. It is a great show. The second show is based on the music of Led Zeppelin. We will learn the music for both shows during band camp. With the early arrival of the first football game and the addition of the second show, it is important that we get more drill learned during band camp than we have the last couple of years. Be prepared to spend a little more time outdoors. We all know what it is like in Oklahoma during August, so be prepared.

I’ve enclosed another copy of the preliminary performance schedule with this letter. It is fairly accurate, but there will be some changes and additions. I will distribute a finalized schedule on the first day of band camp with the new band handbook.

Have an enjoyable rest of the summer, and I look forward to seeing you in the fall. I will be in and out of the office for the rest of the summer, but I will be periodically checking my voicemail, and you can always reach me by email.

Sincerely,

Norman A. Wika, DMA
Director of Bands
Northeastern State University
wika@nsuok.edu