All students involved in the BHS instrumental program are expected to be members of the Marching Orioles. The Marching Orioles have a tradition of size, musical excellence, and professionalism. The Marching Orioles were showcased on television as the feature band last year at the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and have continued to win the Best Band title for the last three years. In 2014, the Best High School Drum Major category was awarded to our drum majors. In April 2012, the Marching Orioles were invited to perform in the Electric Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
2015-2016 MARCHING ORIOLES STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Senior Drum Major: Haley Leland
Junior Drum Major: Daniel Meneke
Section Leaders:
Flute: Erin Finn, Jordan Gamache
Clarinet: Megan Lalumiere, Nicholas Brooks
Alto Saxophone: Katie Fitzpatrick
Tenor Saxophone: Max Ablicki
Trumpet: Nathan Rothwell, Tim Zych
Mellophone: Ethan Lafleur
Low Brass: Kyle Lindholm, Jillian Gummeson
Percussion: Matt Davidsohn, Michael Reidy (snare), Kyle Riley (bass), Alanah Carattini (cymbals)
Marching Technicians:
Flute: Margaret Patel, Haili Giglietti, Gillian Follett
Clarinet: Justin Vitale, Judy Schmidt
Alto Saxophone: Casey Waskiewicz
Tenor Saxophone: Zachary Bonetti
Trumpet: Franziska Bright, Cheyenne Rose
Low Brass: Ben Stone
MARCHING ORIOLES BAND CAMP 2015!
Uniform Fittings: 8/25, 8 am – 3 pm; 8/27, 9 am – 1 pm & 4 pm – 7 pm. Please be prepared and patient when attending uniform fittings. We fit each student individually to ensure that each musician looks professional. Uniform fittings are first come first serve and usually run anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes. You may attend either Uniform Fitting day at any point during the open hours. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. At Uniform Fittings, please be prepared to pay for your accessories as needed with a check made out to the Belchertown Band Boosters: Socks, $3; Gloves, $3; T-shirt, $10; Shoes, $35 (used, $12 as available). In addition, personalized BHS Band jackets will be available to order at Uniform Fittings for $40 (optional). There will be samples to try on for size.
Instrument Rental Policy: The Belchertown School District has implemented a new instrument rental policy. If you use a school-owned instrument, you will need to complete a contract, and pay a $40 rental fee to help offset the cost of instrument maintenance, repair, and replacement. Contracts will be distributed at Uniform Fittings, and must be returned at Band Camp along with a check made payable to the Town of Belchertown. You will be re-issued an instrument in good working condition during lunch at Band Camp. This fee may be waived due to financial need or at the discretion of Dr. Messier or Mrs. Vigneux.
Leadership Camp: 8/26, 9 am – 3pm. Leadership Camp takes place in the Chorus Room, and is a requirement for Drum Majors, Section Leaders, and Marching Techs.
Drumline Camp: All student percussionists participate in Drumline Camp on 8/28 from 9 am to 3 pm. Please arrive to camp with a pencil, a black 3-ring binder with plastic inserts, and a bagged lunch. You will be issued equipment and sticks.
Band Camp: 8/29, 9 am – 5 pm or 11:30 am – 5 pm, see below.
At Band Camp, upperclassmen need to be in the auditorium seats by 11:30 am, which is earlier than in the past. The Belchertown Band Boosters will be providing lunch for all members. Freshmen, Leadership, New Members, Drumline, Colorguard, and Twirlers need to be in the High School Auditorium by 9 am. Students using school instruments will be issued an instrument during lunch. Lyres and flip-books will also be issued at camp. Band Camp will end at 5 pm, which is later than in the past. These changes are due to the Belchertown Fair being scheduled a week earlier than usual. Band Camp is mandatory for all students, however, we are working out a time-share solution for students with athletic practice on that day.
All students must bring their instruments to Band Camp, as we will be rehearsing with instruments in the afternoon. At lunch, students will receive a school-issued flip-book, lyre, and instrument (if applicable).
All students are reminded to wear athletic sneakers, eat a good breakfast, wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be open minded. Students are also encouraged to bring a bottle of water and a snack to Band Camp.
