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Welcome to the Sussex-Hamilton High School Charger Band! Whether you are a student, parent, or someone just checking out our program, we hope you find everything you need.
If you have any questions about our band program, click here to contact Mr. Waite, Band Director. If you have any questions about the Hamilton School District Band Boosters, click here. Band Parents additional info click here
If you have any questions about our band program, click here to contact Mr. Waite, Band Director. If you have any questions about the Hamilton School District Band Boosters, click here. Band Parents additional info click here
What does a typical year in band look like?
The band year starts with the marching band season, which breaks down to:
- May: Memorial Day Parade (Menomonee Falls & Sussex parades same day)
- June: Sectionals - Varying times and dates as determined by individual section leaders (optional)
- July: Marching Basics, Tuesday Nights
- August: Two-week band camp (see CHARMS calendar for dates)
- Beginning of school to mid-October: Marching band season includes daily practices , Wednesday evening rehearsals, performances at all Friday night home football games, and 5 marching band competitions that occur on Saturdays and/or Sundays
- Marching Band ends with the WSMA State Marching Band competition
- Mid-October: Auditions for band placement
- December: Winter Concert
- February: Mid-season Concert
- March and April: WSMA Solo & Ensemble
- May: Spring Concert
- June: Symphonic Band preforms at graduation
Do I have to participate in concert band and marching band?
Yes. The Charger Band Program is a full-year, comprehensive band program. While we recognize that marching band is a new and sometimes intimidating experience for incoming freshmen, the directors and student leaders take steps to ease the transition through various activities throughout the 8th grade year, summer, and into the 9th grade year.
Similarly, concert band is the core of our band program, and the foundation upon which all other band activities are built. Therefore, both the marching band and concert band experiences work together to create a high quality music education.
Are summer band activities and rehearsals required?
The Charger band proudly performs in the Menomonee Falls & Sussex Memorial Day Parades and the Sussex Fourth of July Parade.
Band camp begins two or three weeks before the beginning of school each year and is in place to prepare for the fall marching band season.
Please check the CHARMS Charger Band calendar and plan in advance so that students are in attendance at all of these rehearsals.
What performance groups are available in the band program?
- Symphonic Band (First concert band ensemble available to grades 9-12 by audition)
- Concert Band (Second concert band ensemble available to grades 9-12 by audition)
- Marching Band (All grades combined)
- Color Guard (Available to ANY Hamilton student enrolled in band during the fall semester)
- Jazz Band (Available to all band students)
- Percussion Ensemble (Available to all percussion students)
What is CHARMS?
CHARMS is on online band program management service that we use at Hamilton. Each student has an account for the family. In families with more than one high school student, each student has his/her own account. All band communication is sent through CHARMS, so please make sure that it is always current. Students will set up their CHARMS account during registration kick-off in April. Each family needs to add ALL email addresses and phones that they would like communication to be sent. Learn More
How and when do I check out a school-owned instrument?
Students who play a secondary concert or marching instrument (i.e. oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, etc.) can check out an instrument from Mr. Waite.
What are the costs involved with the band program?
We want to ensure that every student has the best band experience possible. Our boosters work hard to find a variety of opportunities to set each student up for success. In order to accomplish these goals, Sussex-Hamilton Band assesses Registration - Fair Share program to every student in the band program.
Pay HSD Boosters for Marching Pacs online Via CHARMS. All band and Marching students will pay 2021-22 Registration Fees through Infinite Campus.
Is financial aid available?
The HSD Band Boosters have set up a fund to assist students who want to participate in Band or Color Guard, but may not be able to pay the Fees. Contact the HSD Booster President for more information.
Are there fundraising opportunities?
Yes! There are multiple opportunities throughout the year to fundraise for individual student accounts that can help offset the cost of the Registration - Fair Share fees and band trips.
Are fundraisers required for all students?
No, but they are necessary to meet the remainder of the band costs that are not covered by the Registration - Fair Share .
What does it mean to "letter" in band?
Lettering in band is a distinction given to band students that go above and beyond the normal expectations of a band student. There is a formal process to evaluate the student. The process rewards students for performing, auditioning, and serving the band at the highest level. Please consult Mr. Waite to find out more information about this honor.
What is the relationship between the Charger Band and Hamilton Band Boosters?
The Hamilton School District Band Booster Association is a 503(c) (b) tax-exempt charitable corporation whose purpose is to support the Charger Band and Guard programs. The band and the boosters are separate entities which are bridged via the Band Director who runs the Charger Band Program. The HSD Band Boosters support the band program by fund raising to cover band expenses, communicating band activities, and serving as a vehicle for parent participation.
How can parents participate in the band program?
The Charger Band is a large production and parent involvement is needed to make the season successful. Parents can actively participate by:
- Providing constant encouragement and support for your child and their growth as a musician
- Participating in the Crescendo Appeal, and the Jazz Cafe as well as other fund raising activities
- Serving meals during Band Camp and marching contests
- Chaperone at football games and serve as a bus chaperone at contests
- Helping to move marching band equipment during football games and contest performances
- Constructing various props for the marching band program, as necessary
How can I receive information throughout the year?
The Sussex Hamilton Charger Band Program values the importance of consistent and effective communication. Throughout the year, you can and will receive information via the following platforms:
REMIND texting Application
- HSD Boosters weekly E-mail newsletter
- Official HSD Boosters social media account (Facebook )
- Sussex-Hamilton Charger Band Website
- Monthly HSD Band Booster Meetings
If your student is in the band you are a band boosters?
The Band Booster organization is a vital component of the Hamilton Band Program and the band could not succeed without them. From assisting on trips, to taking care of uniforms, to a hundred different other ways, the parents of Hamilton ensure the success of our students. For more information about the HSD Band Boosters, click here to e-mail your request, or plan to come to the next meeting. We want and need each and every family to be a member of our Band Family.