Highlands Regiment History The Highlands Regiment Marching Band is a competitive marching unit that has historical significance to Northern Highlands Regional High School. During he 1970’s and early 1980’s the Highlands Regiment enjoyed some of it’s most prosperous years. Winning many awards and becoming very well known around the state of New Jersey.

Next year, 2014, marks the 19th year for the Highlands Regiment under the direction of Miss Theodora Sotiropoulos. Since its re-birth the band has quickly moved up the ranks of the USSBA/USBA Marching Band Circuit. The High-lands Regiment Marching Band has won numerous competitions over the past 5 years including the USSBA Group 4A NJ State Championship in 2004 and 2010, USBA Group 3A Yamaha Cup, NJ State Championships and Nation-al Championships in 2012 and the USBA Group 4A Yamaha Cup and National Championships.

The experience that marching members receive from the Highlands Regiment is second to none. Through the continuation of music education, performing arts, and competition, the marching band creates an atmosphere that moti-vates and rewards achievement through discipline and positive reinforcement. Some of the words you might hear on a daily basis include dedication, persistence, quality, attitude, teamwork, innovation, leadership, perseverance, courage, and excellence.

Philosophy/Expectations As a member of the Highlands Regiment, there are many traditions and values that must be upheld. Below is a list of expectations and goals for the 2014/2015 Highlands Regiment:

The band will function as a competitive performing ensemble. The band will function as a spirit building group at the varsity football games The band will represent Northern Highlands Regional High School as well as the music program at all

times. The primary goal of the band is to be the best band it can be. In order to succeed, everyone who joins must dedicate themselves to making this the best Highlands Regi-

ment ever. You must be prepared to perform. It is up to the discretion of the director to deem whether you are

ready to perform or not. If not, please know you will not perform. You are expected to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parades on Monday, May

25, 2015. VARSITY LETTERS WILL BE GIVEN on MEMORIAL DAY.  

United States Band Association The US Band Association (USSBA) was formed in the Fall of 1988 to provide high school band programs with a com-petitive circuit featuring the best adjudicators from across the continent and a world class venue for the US Scholastic Band Championship. Today, US BANDS boasts membership of over 700 participating high school marching bands. Each year, bands are offered 150 festival opportunities as well as invitations to compete at major Regional Championships and the US Scho-lastic Band Championship. Bands in the USBA compete in eighteen different classes from Class I A to Class VI Open, performing and competing with other bands of like size and talent. In the recent past, USBA has begun to support high school concert music programs as well.

Philosophy At US Bands our focus is on education, not just booking and running shows. We support both competitive and non-competitive philosophies in performance. This allows the band director to choose which method best meets the educa-tional needs of his program. The competitive classes are broken down by total number of performing members in the ensemble. The classes are further divided into two tiers based on level of achievement. We believe this structure estab-lishes goals that are within reach, which helps to better motivate the students and allows the band to improve more quickly. Contact US Bands at www.yea.org for schedules and scores.

REHEARSALS WE START EARLY!!!!

MARCHING BAND REHEARSALS (for next year)  Tuesday, June 3 6-8:30PM Thursday, June 5 6-8:30PM Percussion and Guard Tuesday, June 10 6-8:30PM Please bring instruments Wear sneakers We will begin teaching marching fundamentals and music. :)

  COLOR GUARD Clinic/Auditions - 6:00PM to 8:30PM

Tuesday, June 3 Clinic/Rehearsal Thursday, June 5 Clinic/Rehearsal Tuesday, June 10 Auditions Thursday, June 12 - Captain Try Outs Students do not need past experience with flags, rifles to audition for the color guard. There will be guard clinics prior to the audition for all those interested in refreshing their skills or learning the

basic skills. During the audition, simple fundamentals will be reviewed and students will be asked to execute them. The guard auditions will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 from 6:00-8:30PM.  

  Drumline and Pit Percussion Clinic/Auditions - 6:00PM to 8:30PM

Tuesday, June 3 Clinic/Rehearsal Thursday, June 5 Clinic/Rehearsal Tuesday, June 10 Clinic/Rehearsals Thursday, June 12-Drum Line Auditions Drumline clinics will be held at Northern Highlands. See the schedule above for dates and times. The clinics are available to all high school students and incoming 8th Graders who are interested in participating in any of the drumline sections. These clinics are used to introduce the percussion technique program. All students interested in joining the drumline must audition for part assignments. Students may audition on snare drum, tenor drums (multi-toms), and bass drums, as well as Keyboards

(Xylophone, Marimba, Bells, Vibes, Timpani and stationary concert percussion). Drumline auditions will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 6:30-8:30PM.

Drum Major and Color Guard Captain Tryouts Thursday, JUNE 12 - 6:00pm

SUMMER REHEARSALS (PRIOR TO THE SCHOOL YEAR) In an effort to get a good head start before band camp, we will be running rehearsals during the summer. These dates and times are TBA. They will be finalized prior to the end of this school year.

  

  AUGUST Band Camp—REQUIRED Band Camp is the most important week of any marching band schedule. Band camp can determine the overall success of the band. This year’s band camp will be held the week of August 18—22 and is REQUIRED for everyone. Will learn all music/guard work and visual design. Any medical appointments, vacations, and/or work conflicts should be rescheduled now. There is a $55 food fee for band camp. This fee will cover all of your dinner’s for the week. Students should bring a bag lunch with them each day. Members will not be allowed to leave school at any time during the day. Students should bring sunscreen, a water jug, and a hand towel with them to band camp. Small coolers

with gatorade, water and/or fruit are optional but recommended. Members will be asked to wear white t-shirts, with dark shorts during band camp. We will be provide one plain white t-shirt per member.

Band Camp Schedule - Aug. 18 - 22, 2014 Monday, August 18 - Thursday, August 21 9AM - 12PM Marching/Drill Rehearsal 12PM - 12:45PM Lunch. Bring your lunch. Members will NOT be allowed to leave school at any time. 1PM - 4:30PM Marching and Music Rehearsal 4:30PM - 5:30PM Dinner, which will be provided for you, members are NOT allowed to go home during this break. 5:30PM - 7:30PM Marching and Music Rehearsal 7:30PM - 9PM Evening Fun Activity (THURSDAY - OPTIONAL)

Friday, August 22 9AM - 12PM Marching and Music Rehearsal 12PM - 12:45PM Lunch. Bring your lunch. Members will NOT be allowed to leave school at any time. 1PM - 4:30PM Marching and Music Rehearsal 4:30PM Performance for parents and friends — Parent/Student 5PM Picnic   

Tuesday - Aug, 19 BAND PARENT INFORMATION MEETING 7:30PM

  

Physicals Physicals Physicals Physicals REQUIRED for Marching Band PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 

In order to increase the safety and well-being of our marching band participants,

the NH Board of Education is requiring that all Marching Band members must have an annual physical. Each Marching Band student must have the X and Y forms completed before they participate in summer

band camp. No exceptions, identical procedures as our athletic teams. These forms are also available in the main office and should be handed in to the Athletic Secretary, by

AUGUST 1st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you DO NOT hand in your physical form before BAND CAMP you WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE until you hand it in!!!!!!

GET YOUR PHYSICALS NOW!!!!!!

I have included all forms needed.

You can also find them on the NH website.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

We will be exercising and running in marching band. Please get yourselves in shape!!:)

Helpful ways to get in shape!!!

Walk or run at least 3 times a week during the cooler times of the day. Stretch Plank Hydrate - lots of water or Gatorade everyday. Stay away from lots of caffeine and sugary drinks !!!!!!!!!

   

School Year Rehearsals September, October and November

All rehearsals are VERY important and required. The band & color guard will rehearse on all Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9PM

unless otherwise stated on the full rehearsal schedule on the previous page. Tuesday and Thursday evening rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, September 2. Saturday rehearsals will during the school year will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except on

game days. On game days the schedule will be altered accordingly. Please take note of the football schedule and watch for future announcements regarding rehearsals on these days.

Our first Saturday practice will be held on September 6, 2014. Please avoid tutoring, lessons, doctors appointments, etc on rehearsal evenings.

PARENTS!!!! We will do our best to end rehearsal on time. Please pick up your children in a timely manner. There have been many instances where staff members have waited over an hour for kids to be picked up.

Members missing a rehearsal just prior to a performance might not be allowed to perform. All marching members must be prepared to perform. It is up to the discretion of the director to deem whether they are ready to perform or not. If not, please know you will not perform.

   

          Additional Summer Rehearsals After Band Camp and Before school starts…:)   We do not want to forget everything we learned before the school year begins so…..please note there will be REHEARSALS at NHRHS after Band Camp and just prior to the beginning of the school year.

Tuesday, August 26, 6-9PM Thursday, August 28, 6-9PM  

Marching Band Uniforms:

All students are EXPECTED to be responsible for all parts of the uniform while it is in their possession. Uniforms MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. You are responsible for all parts of your uniform. If you lose any part, you pay ie: Pants $60 Jacket $125, Gauntlet $25 Shako $40 Please note that the uniforms are machine washable, BUT ARE NOT TO BE PUT IN A DRYER! They

may be drip-dried only! Uniforms will be collected AFTER THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADES.  

Color Guard Uniforms:

All new Color Guard members will be fitted for a uniform at one of our June rehearsals Guard uniforms may change from year to year, in accordance with the style of the show we perform. This

year the color guard members will be wearing a baseball uniform. We will be designing it.

Financial Information Fees These are due prior to Band Camp    

Ac vity Fee: ‐ $75  All marching members will be charged an ac vi es fee.   The fee will be used for incidental expenses such as:  

meals prior to evening performances   uniform accessories (ie: gloves, garment bags).  Uniform maintenance.  Contest Fees 

 

Band Camp Food Fee:  $55  A food fee of $55 is required by all marching members to cover the cost of        dinners during band camp rehearsals.   Since students are not allowed to go home during band camp, dinner will be  provided to 

the students through this fee.   

  Transporta on Fee:  $75  Each year we rent cruiser buses to travel to our furthest compe ons.  

 

  SHOES  Marching Band‐ $30 Color Guard ‐ $35  Shoes must be purchased for by all new members; they are high‐quality and made   spe‐

cifically for this ac vity.   ALL Band members needing shoes must fill out the appropriate sec on of the       com‐

mitment form and enclose the correct amount this year.   Band shoes are $30 and Color Guard shoes are $35.   The shoes will be available in early September.    It is mandatory for you to wear the specified shoes. Dress shoes and/or black sneakers 

are NOT acceptable!  Uniformity is important in this ac vity.  

  T‐Shirt:  $10  All members of the marching band are required to purchase a band t‐shirt as part of their 

uniform.   The cost if the shirt will be $10. Please use the appropriate sec on of the commitment 

form to order your t‐shirt.  

      

  Participation in Fall Sports & Marching Band  

The Highlands Regiment is generally supportive of our members who wish to participate in multiple school activities such as sports. There are exceptions however, which are important to note as follows:

Drumline Students who wish to participate in the Battery Section of the Drumline (the section that marches with

drums on the field), will not be able to participate in fall sports and Marching Band. The nature of the battery section is that all members are highly dependent upon one another for both music

and drill, therefore battery members must commit to marching band only, including all rehearsals. If you wish to try out for the drumline, but also want to participate in a fall sport, you will only be able to

try out for the Pit Section of the Drumline. The Pit is another very important element of the drumline, but is typically located on the sideline, playing

stationary percussion instruments. Since the Pit does not need to learn marching and maneuvering, we are often more lenient for Pit members

to participate in fall sports. Be certain to bring your potential sports conflict to the attention of the Drumline staff and Band Director

for discussion prior to trying out for any drumline section.

Color Guard Students who wish to participate in Color Guard, will likewise not be able to participate in fall sports

and marching band. The Color Guard, like the Percussion Section, is highly dependent upon the presence of its members at all

rehearsals and performances, therefore dedication to only the Color Guard activity during the fall season is required.

Brass and Woodwind Players Brass and Woodwind Players who plan to participate in a fall sport should note that attendance at March-

ing Band performances (football games and competitions), should be accommodated at all times. Students involved in Field Hockey and Football will NOT be able to participate in marching band. There

are too many direct conflicts. We can work with you and your coach when a band rehearsal may be affected, but band performances are

essential for your participation. Involvement with a sports team outside Northern Highlands (such as a town or club team) will not be

considered an acceptable sports conflict.

HIGHLANDS CEILIDH (CAYLEE) Marching Band Competition at NHRHS

Sunday, November 2, 2014 Noon - 5PM

We need help!!!!!!!

We cannot do this with out YOUR HELP!!! Its Fun!!!!

 

Music and Performing Arts Association Parents! The Music and Performing Arts Association supports many performing activities ay NH, includ-ing the Highlands Regiment. We need you to join this worthwhile organization, and we need your help dur-ing the marching band season. Please check at least one of the following to help: ________ Uniform Distribution ________ Uniform Check In on game days and competition days ________ Assistance with Band Camp ________ Assistance with meals prior to evening games and competitions. ________ Assistance with End of the Year Marching Band Dinner ________ Pit Crew - Which includes moving equipment on and off the field ________ Truck Driver— The band transports all their equipment in a 24’ box truck ________ Chaperoning parades, games and competitions. ________ Assistance with the Highlands Ceilidh (Marching Band Competition) Parents Name ____________________________________________________________ Childs Name _____________________________________________________________ Parent E-Mail Address _____________________________________________ Phone # _______________________________________

     PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE ALL PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED!!!! US BANDS Competition Schedule REQUIRED Sat, Sept. 27, 2014 TBA Pequannock HS Sat, Oct. 11, 2014 TBA Morris Knolls Sat, Oct. 18, 2014 TBA NJ State Championships - Rutgers Sat, Nov 1, 2014 TBA Yamaha Cup - Met Life Stadium Sun, Nov 2, 2014 All Day NHRHS Competition Sun, Nov 9 All Day Class A National Championships Allentown, PA

Northern Highlands Varsity Football REQUIRED Saturday 9/13 Teaneck Away 6:00PM Saturday 9/20 Bergenfield Home 2:30PM Friday 9/26 Wayne Hills Away 6:00PM Thursday 10/2 DePaul Catholic Away 7:00PM Friday 10/10 Tenafly Home 6:00PM Friday 10/17 Wayne Valley Away Away 7:00PM Saturday 10/25 Old Tappan Home 2:30PM Friday 10/31 Paramus Home 6:00PM Friday 11/7 Pascack Valley Away 6:00PM Saturday 11/15 Playoffs (possible) TBA TBA Saturday 11/22 Playoffs (possible) TBA TBA

Memorial Day Parades REQUIRED!!!!!!!!!! Varsity letters will be handed out this day

Monday, May 25, 2015 Memorial Day Parades in Allendale, HHK, USR Call Time - 8AM to 1PM

Highlands Regiment - Registration Form Please return to Miss Sotiropoulos by Friday, June 13, 2014

(Please know that if we do not receive your registration form by June 13, we cannot guarantee you a position on the field in the marching band.)

You can either bring this form and payment to NHRHS or mail it to:

T. Sotiropoulos

Northern Highlands Regional High School - Highlands Regiment 298 Hillside Ave., Allendale, NJ 07401

Any questions? E-mail me at sotiropout@northernhighlands.org

Student Name: _________________Grade (next year) ____________ Parents Name ___________________________________________ Address: ______ Town: _______ Zip: ______ Phone: Student E-mail: ______________________ (please print clearly) Parent E-Mail _________________________________________________________(please print clearly) Instrument (s) Color Guard: (Please check here if you will be auditioning) *We have read completely the Student/Parent Handbook and understand all responsibilities and requirements of the Highlands Regiment. Student Signature: ___________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________ Parents! We need your help during the season. Please read the Music Parents Info page.

You must submit 1 check with this form. Checks should be made payable to Northern Highlands.

T-Shirt size _____ Quantity _____ x $10 = _______ Total

Shoe size _______ (Band $30, Guard $35) = _______ Total

Activities Fee $75

Food Fee $55

Transportation fee $75

total check enclosed $______________________