July 1st, 2005

Dear new PAHS Band Students and Parents:

Hi! My name is Douglas Gailey. I am the Director of Bands at Port Angeles High School, and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Port Angeles High School Band Family! You are about to become part of an ever growing tradition of pride, excellence and success. Prepare yourself for a great year full of challenges and experiences that will help to build your character as well as your musicianship. And aside from all of that, you are going to have a GREAT time!

Our well rounded band program at Port Angeles High School has something to offer for everyone. We are very proud of the fact that students in our band program have the opportunity to further their musical and technical abilities on their instruments while playing some of the finest musical literature available. Here is a description of the bands that are offered at PAHS:

• The Concert Band is the band that nearly all 9th grade brass and woodwind players, and some percussionists will enter. This band performs in a festival and several concerts throughout the year. This past year our Concert Band of 50 members was very successful. They had a great year, received an Excellent Rating at contest, and experienced many terrific performances!
• The Symphonic Band is mostly comprised of sophomores through seniors. This fine organization performs difficult literature at concerts and festivals throughout the year. Emphasis is on furthering technical skill and musicianship through the study of etudes and literature. This year the Symphonic Band received a Superior Rating at our contest and performed many fine programs.
• The Wind Ensemble is a select ensemble, made up of dedicated musicians who were selected for membership by audition. They will work on the most difficult of band literature in preparation for concerts and festivals. They have consistently received Superior Ratings here and when we travel, and have been at the top of the North Olympic Region each year.
• The Percussion Ensemble is the group that percussionists should sign up for. This ensemble is known throughout the state for their fine performances of sophisticated repertoire. (We placed 1st at the State Ensemble Contest last year!) In addition to performing their own varied literature, students have the opportunity to play with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, Concert, and Marching Bands, while improving their technique on a wide range of percussion instruments. Membership in the Marching Band is a requirement. Students not wishing to march may sign up for the Concert Band with Mr. Gailey's permission.
• The Jazz Band is a select ensemble which specializes in contemporary and traditional jazz music. They play at concerts and festivals throughout the school year, including their annual trip to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho. Membership in this ensemble is by audition only, at the end of each school year.
• The Marching Band enables students to combine their musical abilities with the excitement and challenge of marching on the field. They perform for 4-5 football games in the Fall, and two parades in the Spring. This year on April 8th, we hope to be marching in the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D. C.!!! This is an excellent organization for new members because of the positive associations and mentor relationships which develop with the older band students! We are very proud of our marching band and the success which they have achieved.
• The Pep Band offers the opportunity to experience the esprit de corps of a quality group while supporting our fine basketball teams at home and state games. It is a lot of fun too!

So what do YOU need to do to be a part of this quality and excitement?!

Just Sign Up!

Freshmen Brass and Woodwind players should sign up for Concert Band.
Freshmen Percussionists should sign up for Percussion Ensemble.

Important: If you are in need of a school instrument for Band Camp or the coming school year, please leave a message for me at 452-7602!

Do you want to know more about the

MARCHING BAND?

Many entering freshman are curious and often apprehensive about Marching Band, so here are some thoughts and information that may help you to make your decision to join us:


I strongly encourage students registered for band to participate in the Marching Band! I am very committed to the benefits and enjoyment that Marching Band offers to students. Entering high school can be a bit scary, but before school even begins you will have 60 instant friends. From that point to the end of October you will see, hear, and feel in ways that are not possible outside of Marching Band!

Practices: During the fall, the Marching Band will practice on Monday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 PM. Oh and by the way, Practice times do not conflict with school athletic activities. Each year we have many excellent athletes in the Marching Band!

Performances: The Marching Band will be performing at the home football games, and another University of Washington Husky Football game for Husky Band Day.

Grades: By joining the Marching Band, you will be surrounding yourself with many of the top students in the school! They are motivated to strive for excellence and to get the most out of their high school experience. There is no question about the fact that the crowd that you "hang around with" directly affects your academic success. Most students in the Marching Band have excellent grades. Why? Because most members are top notch students, and many of the "life skills" that you will learn in the band, such as budgeting your time, working hard, and doing your best will carry over to your school work.


So, the moral of the story is:
Marching Band...........

Just do it!

If you have any other questions regarding our fantastic band program at Port Angeles High School, scheduling your classes, fitting band into your schedule, etc., please leave a message for Mr. Gailey at the high school (452-7602).


Once again, welcome aboard! I am looking forward to getting to know you and working with you in our band next year! I look forward to meeting you soon!

Musically yours,

Douglas Gailey, Director
Port Angeles Bands
Phone: 452-7602

Band Web Page: http://www.olypen.com/pahsbandboosters/