Greetings from the SUMB! Though we are in the off-season--that hallowed time when the dinkles lay dormant, snow is on the ground, there’s “will they get in/won’t they get in” talk of NCAA tournament selection (they probably will, we hope)--it is already time to begin thinking about the 2009 season of the Pride of the Orange!
This newsletter email contains important information that you will need if:
- You are returning to the SUMB next year
- You are not returning to the SUMB next year (shame on you!)
- You are applying for a leadership position
- You are auditioning for Drum Major
Be SURE to read all of the information contained herein; many things need to happen within a certain timeframe for the band to continue to operate smoothly. The newsletter is in this email in plain-text and attached as a pdf.
This newsletter is broken into the following parts:
I. Returning Vet Forms
II. Confirmation Forms
III. 2009 Spring Football Scrimmage
IV. Leadership Selection Process – Application and Interview
V. Drum Major Auditions – Application, Conducting, Teaching,
Interview
VI. Pizza Party
VII. Miscellaneous
I. RETURNING VET FORMS
Returning Vet Forms are due by Friday, April 3. It is extremely important that every member of the band fill out one of these forms, even if you do not intend to return next fall (shame on you!). Filling out a form ensures that you will be issued the same uniform and instrument if you wish; if you are not returning (shame on you!), your notification allows us to release your uniform back into the general pool. Additionally, this information allows us to make accurate budget forecasts and requests. Moral of the story? Fill out a Returning Vet Form! Do it now. Forms are available on www.subands.com or in the band office in 402 Crouse College. There is a cute little table set up outside the band office for your convenience witharather nice Ralph Lauren tablecloth on it (Fran claims it was on sale, but I don’t know…).
II. CONFIRMATION FORMS
Once you have filled out a Returning Vet Form indicating your intention to return, you will be placed on our list for the summer Orange Peel newsletter. In this package, you will find a confirmation form. This is the final step to cementing your return to the band for next season. In short: Returning Vet Form + Confirmation Form = you being a member of the band in 2009. BOTH forms are essential, and while they ask for some of the same information, they do tell us all of the things we need to know.
III. 2009 SPRING FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE
This year’s scrimmage will be on Saturday, April 18 at 1:00 pm. The SUMB performs at the spring football scrimmage every year. It’s a way to get us back into the swing of things before summer and serves as a proving ground for potential Drum Majors. Everyone is welcome to attend the scrimmage, but all leadership and Drum Major candidates must attend; it is required for you. Members of the drumline who wish to change instrument assignments for the coming season are strongly encouraged to attend and take the potential new instrument for a spin.
IV. LEADERSHIP SELECTION PROCESS
Everyone who is interested should try out for leadership. It’s a great way for you to make an even larger impact on the workings of the SUMB. The leaders play a vital role in new member education and the day-to-day operations of the band. Simply put, the SUMB could not survive without strong leaders! This is a great resume builder for you as well. The leadership selection process has three parts:
- Written application and essay
- Interview
- Attendance at the spring football scrimmage
The written application is attached to this email. Follow the instructions on the form. The written materials are due in paper form or via email (tojjmertz@syr.edu) by no later than Friday, April 3. NO late applications will be accepted for any reason. None!
After you submit the written application, you need to come to 402 Crouse College and sign up for an interview. The interview time slot is 15 minutes and you can choose a slot from the following blocks of time:
Tuesday, April 7th
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 9th
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday, April 10th
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuesday, April 14th
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 16th
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday, April 17th
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
If you are currently studying abroad or are not on campus this semester and are interested in leadership, submit your application by the deadline electronically and we will interview you either via email or via Skype.
All interviews will take place in 402 Crouse College.
NOTE: if you were a member of the leadership in 2008 and wish to be again, you MUST reapply. No exceptions.
Leadership will be announced on Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 pm during a pizza party outside of Crouse College.
V. DRUM MAJOR AUDITIONS
As with leadership, everyone interested in trying out for Drum Major should give it a try. The Drum Major is the most visible member of the band and plays many roles in the operation of the SUMB. The process is rigorous and competitive, broken into the following parts:
- Written application and essay
- Teaching audition
- Conducting audition 1
- Conducting audition 2
- Interview
The written application is attached to this email. Follow the instructions on the form. The written materials are due in paper form or via email (to jjmertz@syr.edu) by no later than Friday, April 3. NO late applications will be accepted for any reason. None!
The teaching audition will take place in the morning on Saturday, April 18. Each candidate will teach a marching fundamental.
The first conducting audition will take place at the spring football scrimmage using an abridged version of the stands book from 2008. This is to see how you function in what is as close to a football game environment as we can get. You will receive scores to prepare during the first week of April.
The second conducting audition takes place in the morning on Sunday, April 19. This will be to a recording. You will receive the score and recording during the first week of April.
The interview takes place immediately after the second conducting round. It will last 30 minutes. You can sign up for a block of time in 402 Crouse College anytime after you submit your written application.
If you are currently studying abroad or are not on campus this semester and are interested in auditioning for Drum Major, please contact me at jjmertz@syr.edu.
NOTE: Any Drum Major from 2008 wishing to reprise the role must reapply.
NOTE II: Trying out for Drum Major automatically puts you in the running for leadership in your home section. Only the Drum Major application is necessary, there is no need to fill out a leadership application as well.
Drum Majors will be announced along with the rest of the leadership on Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 pm during a pizza party outside of Crouse College.
VI. PIZZA PARTY
On Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 pm, there will be a pizza party outside of Crouse College. Every single member of the 2008 SUMB is welcome and encouraged to attend, whether or not you are trying out for leadership and whether you are returning to the band next year or not (shame on you!). Results from the leadership selection process and Drum Major auditions will be announced.
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
- The 2009 football schedule is available at www.suathletics.com.
- Leadership Camp will start Friday, August 21.
- Returning Vets will report to Band Camp on Monday, August 24.
- The NYSFBC exhibition will be on Sunday, October 25.
- Our performance/camp schedule is subject to change/addition/correction until May 1; the above is provided for planning purposes only.
- If you will not be at your campus or home address during the summer, you MUST notify us so we can send your summer mailings to the correct address.
If you have any questions at all about anything mentioned in this newsletter or anything else relating to the SUMB, please feel free to contact myself (jjmertz@syr.edu) or Fran (fmmoore@syr.edu).
Congratulations to our graduating seniors! We will truly miss you and we wish you all nothing but success.
Have a safe and enjoyable spring break and we will see you soon!
Mr. Mertz
Alumni