NAHS Marching Knights
| The NAHS Marching Knights are steadily establishing themselves as a dedicated disciplined marching band. They perform at all home football games, march in all North Andover town parades and participate in renowned marching competetions. The expanding parade repetoire of the knights included the National Memorial Day parade in Washington DC in 2007.
Information covered on this page can also be found in the Band Handbook. download it |
Purpose
The purpose of the North Andover High School Scarlet Knight Marching Band is:
- To develop musicianship in all students
- To develop character, leadership, and individual responsibility while maintaining high
- moral standards
- To provide entertainment and promote school spirit in cooperation with the school and civic activities
- To compete both locally and at the state level.
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Members
All students of North Andover High School who are taking a band class are members of the NAHS Marching Knights and required to participate. Membership is a responsibility: the Marching Knights represent the high school, friends and supporters wherever they go and this image should not be taken lightly.
Although participation is required, it may vary depending on instrument, other activities committed to, and your own interests. Percussionists may play in either the pit or the battery depending on skill. Wind players may be alternates for the field show if they cannot attend band camp or other rehearsals. Being a member of the colorguard may be an acceptable alternative to either. For other exceptions, (medical, scheduling issues, personal interests) please consult the director.
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Leaders
The NAHS Marching Knights relies heavily on student leadership to remain discipline and high-quality performance.
Drum Majors
The three drum majors lead the marching band both on and off the field. They conduct and marshall the forms during practices and performances.
Senior (Head) Drum Major: Andrew Myers
Drum Major: Neil Patnaude
Drum Major: Patrick Davidson
Section Leaders
Section Leaders are in charge of music and discipline within the individual sections. They may split off to work with the players of their section on things specific to their instrument and hold additional sectional rehearsals.
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Expectations
There are many expectations for members of the Marching Knights...will be updated soon.
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Practices
Practices are in the fall twice a week for several hours.
Thursday - 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
All practices are held at the high school field unless otherwise stated. Come prepared with drill/drill coordinates, instrument, appropriate clothing (may be quite cold in November and warm in September), water. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.
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Marching Band Camp
Marching band camp is a week (Mon-Fri) in August where the members of the coming year meet to begin the season. This the for first time members to learn marching essentials as well as establishing the way that the Marching Knights work.
Attendence is mandatory.
While absences can be excused, they are highly discouraged and result in being an alternate for the drill during the marching season. It is very important to attend band camp to learn/re-learn marching for the season as well as meet the new members of the band.
Be prepared.
It's August - dress appropriate for the weather. At least half of the six hour day is spent outside on the field marching, so bring necessary items. (Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water). Marching requires well-fitting, close toe-d shoes. Do not wear sandals or shoes with heels.
The schedule for camp is slightly different each year, but it runs from 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Try to be present for all of it, (allow vacation planners to know that this week is not a good week to leave town).
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Music
This year's show is an original composition called The Duke, written by Lance Piantiaginni. If you need a copy of your part (or drill) for any of the songs, they can be obtained at http://www.lpvisual.com.
It is expected that members have all their music memorized.
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Uniforms
The Scarlet Knights have a very nice set of uniforms. Not only are they over $600 each, but they represent the school, the band, and the town meaning that they are not to be mistreated.
Members of the band are responsible for the proper care of the uniform that they borrow for the year. If the uniform needs cleaning, it should be sent to Kim's Cleaners. Students should do their best to prevent getting their uniforms dirty and making sure that pants are not too long and fraying. Wearing hats, gloves, black socks and Dinkles is part of the uniform and necessary for all uniformed occasions. Students are also responsible for the uniform bags.
Never put a wet uniform in the bag or a wet hat in its box.
The resulting mold from this may destroy these expensive garmets.
Parts of uniform left in the band/chorus room after performances will be confiscated by the director until a $5 are paid to retrieve them. Each new pair of gloves costs $6. The director has the right to request dry cleaning of a uniform at the student's expense.
Uniform Use Policy
All members of the NAHS band will be issued a marching band uniform. This includes a jacket, bib pants, cape, hat, neck liner, hanger, and garment bag. Uniform care and maintenance are the responsibilities of the student for the entire year. The uniforms are particularly expensive and should be treated with extreme care.
Pant Length
The hem of the pant in the back should reach the ankle. There should be one bend in the crease of the pant leg and it should hit the top of the shoe in the front. If you cant fix the length by adjusting the shoulder straps, take the pants to Kims dry-cleaners to have them fixed. Please do not staple the hem because staples tend to fall out. Do not use Stitch Witchery or any tape because they cant be removed easily. Pants that are too long and do not get hemmed will end up with holes by the end of the season and you will be responsible for paying to have them fixed.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WASH THE UNIFORM YOURSELF
Part Replacement
Should you lose or damage part of your uniform, you are responsible for paying for the replacement of that item. Replacement costs are listed below (and subject to change)
Coat
....$367
Bib pants
$168
Cape
...$46
Hat
..$70
Plume
.$18
Garment bag
.
$13
Repairs (rips, tears).
$50
Dry cleaning
.
.
$15
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Colorguard