Racer Band Policies and additional Information
Band Camp Attendance:
Attendance is required of all members. Members that are unable to attend band camp will be alternates until a spot opens. We will learn all music and routines during camp. We will also learn the drill for 2001, Pregame, and our 1st show. Attendance is vital to achieve these goals! Missing any part of camp is a huge problem. Work is never an excuse! Racer Band members are encouraged to be part of other campus organizations. However, you must be in attendance during our scheduled times throughout camp and the season. There are many campus organizations that have pre-semester events. You will not be able to participate in all of these (Sorority Rush, RA Training, etc.) Your BARC will help guide you through what you will have time to participate in regarding the First-Year-Leader program and Great Beginnings. **Please email Dr. Johnson concerning other camp conflicts (testing / other MSU conflicts)** Visit the absences page for more detailed information.
What to Bring:
It’s up you, it would be wise to bring all your stuff for the semester. You will be moving in on the same day as many other regular students (WEDNESDAY) so it will be very busy! Remember, you do NOT need to schedule a time with housing, rather go through our reserved times as printed in the SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Dining Services:
The dining room will be available to all students with a University meal plan throughout the duration of camp. Leaders, Guard and percussion will be provided meal money during their pre-camp Saturday-Tuesday.
Housing:
The MSU Housing Office will notify all on-campus students of their permanent housing assignments on myGate during the third week of July.
**Special requests for early or late move-in are nearly impossible because of RA Training**
**NO REHEARSAL TIME WILL BE MISSED TO MOVE IN/OUT**
Membership Policies:
Instrumentation: To make the strongest Racer Band possible, all members should perform where they are most proficient (what you did in high school marching band). Racer Band is not the place to try something new! Instrument transfers will be handled on an as-needed basis (email for more information). If we have already talked, plan on what we discussed. QUESTIONS? – email Dr. Johnson.
Music Majors – you must perform on your major instrument. Exceptions require a request to Dr. Johnson and approval by Dr. Unrau (Department Chair), Dr. Blanco (Director of Bands), Dr. Swisher (Unit Chair), and your private teacher. Email Dr. Johnson if you would like to be considered to perform in another area/instrument.
Member Criteria: 98% of all successful high school band members will be able to meet the following Racer Band membership criteria:
Fees:
There are no fees! Woo! You will have to purchase WHITE MARCHING SHOES during your camp registration time.
Handbook:
Please read the 2022 Racer Band Handbook on Racerband.com prior to coming to campus (this is basically a syllabus.). You will agree to our policies . The contract basically says you have read and agree with the policies inside. The Handbook will be available at camp if you have computer problems.
Instrumentation:
Percussion Part Assignments: Please go to RacerBand.com for information regarding the video audition required for all new members prior to attending camp(and vets wanting to switch instruments). If you haven’t already, please submit your videos as soon as possible. You will receive an email by letting you know what instrument(s) you might play in the 2022 Racer Band. At camp, we will continue to evaluate all percussion members. We will continue switching people around over the first weekend until we feel like we have the line set. Bring sticks/mallets for your instrument (we will provide bass drum mallets & keyboard mallets). Our goal is to find a spot for everyone, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. Email questions to:
Benjamin Stone bstone@murraystate.edu,
Aaron Moody amoody1@murraystate.edu,
Shane Melvin - shanemelvin1@hotmail.com
Color Guard: Thank you for your interest in joining Racer Band Color Guard. In the past few years, we have held video auditions due in the summer before camp. This year, we would like to do things a little differently. We will be holding auditions at Racer Band camp, similar to how the drum line and pit audition. We would like to be able to not only watch you spin, but also watch you learn and communicate with your leaders and staff members. This is one of the most important parts of Racer Band. For our guard, there is a lot of work learned in a short amount of time. It’s vital that you are willing to spend extra time outside of camp to remember and go over work. As we do not have anything specific for you to prepare, we do have a list of skills that we use commonly. Please keep in mind, if you are unable to perform the entire list of skills, try out anyway. This list is a starting point. We are here to teach you things that you may not have been taught before. ALL GUARDS ARE TAUGHT DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES. We understand and love the fact that Racer Band brings together so many different skill levels of performers. We do not require that you have been in a guard before, but do require that you have performing/ marching experience. You need to be physically fit enough to be able to perform jazz run/walks (across the floor exercises), Drop spins (left and right), Double time (left and right), Tosses (single, halves, 45s, etc.). During the first few days of pre-camp (guard and percussion camp), we will be teaching technique and learning some of the pre-game tunes performed at football games. We will have a short audition process even though we will be watching everyone work throughout the first few days. If we feel you are not ready to join the guard, we will let you know and try to find a different place for you in Racer Band.
Mellophones/Baritone/Sousaphones: We will provide as many baritones, mellophones, and sousaphones as we can. Our goal is to find a spot for everyone on his or her instrument of choice, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. If we run short on instruments you may be asked to play something else. We have 27 mellophones, 19 baritones, and 20 sousaphones. **Bring your own mouth- piece**
Trombone Players: MSU does not furnish trombones. You must provide your own instrument. If you have a nice instrument that you don’t want to march with; you might try a pawn shop to get an older trombone to march with. We want all trombone players to play trombone-It’s louder :)
Wind Part Assignments: Trumpet, trombone, mellophone, and clarinet players will be assigned parts. This will be very informal! Don't stress! The music for the auditions will be decided on by the section leaders at a time TBA (you will be contacted and informed) Please try to memorize as much music as possible prior to camp! MP3’s and PDF’s of most music will be on Racerband.com shortly. Download the music and play along! Contact your section leaders to ask what part. (As a general rule, pick a lower part.)
Uniforms and Equipment:
Equipment Check-out: Each Racer Band member is responsible for his/her own shoes, reeds, valve oil,
mouthpieces, sticks, etc. Trumpets, saxophones, flutes, clarinets, and trombones need to bring their own instru- ments unless prior arrangements have been made with Mr. Johnson. We are blessed to have percussion, sousa- phones, baritones, mellophones, color guard equipment, AV equipment, and uniforms furnished by MSU. Bring your own mouthpieces!
**Students are responsible for damage and loss of this MSU equipment**
Marching Shoes: All members must have BLACK (New for 2022) band shoes, not nursing shoes or any other substitute. If you already have black band shoes, you are all set – no need to get new ones. If you need shoes, you will need to purchase a pair at check-in. The cost will be around $34 – check BandApp posts from Uniform Officers. Color Guard will have a separate shoe – this is handled at camp (approx. $30) Shoes will be fitted and paid for at check-in. If you need new shoes, bring cash or checks to check-in made out to Robert Kapp and Associates. All shoes will be shipped directly to Murray State and passed out at a rehearsal. All shoes must be fitted and paid for by Aug 14th. After that date, contact a Uniform Officer so we can place your own private order. (You will pay more, because of shipping/etc.) There is a huge penalty for not having the correct footwear.
Band T-shirts: Our 2022 Racer Band t-shirt this year will be blue tie-dye. The 2022 t-shirt is part of the MSU Racer Band Uniform and is to be worn when instructed. We will sometimes wear our Band T-Shirts with jeans or shorts instead of marching in full uniform. Your first shirt is free and will be passed out at check-in. Please make sure you complete the final review in the SUMMER NEWSLETTER to get your shirt in the correct size.
**We often have shirts for parents to purchase during Family Weekend and Festival of Champions– stay tuned**
Section T-shirts: Section shirts will be designed by your section leaders. Your section will likely discuss this topic during sectionals at camp. This is not required, but a lot of sections make section shirts. Money should be collected during camp or soon after. No one is required to purchase section shirts, but it’s always fun!
Gloves: Brass and Woodwinds wear white gloves. Your 1st pair is free. If you lose them, we have additional gloves for sale before each game for $5.
Family Racer Band Camp Concert:
The concert is Sunday, Aug. 14th at 7pm on the Quad. This will be free and open to the public.
Parent’s Weekend:
Please stay tuned to MURRAY STATE FAMILY WEEKEND WEBSITE and RacerBand.com for updates about events for family weekend. With Lovett Auditorium closed for renovations, things will be slightly different this year.
Football Games:
Because of the limited space inside our section of Stewart Stadium, friends and family are not allowed in the Racer Band section. However we would love for parents, family, and friends to attend our performances! The official football schedule is posted at www.goracers.com. Purchase tickets at the gate OR at goracers.com. Racer band students are expected to remain with the band throughout the entirety of the performance.
Thanksgiving Break:
There is always a slight possibility that we will host a home playoff game Thanksgiving weekend. If it looks like this will be the case, we’ll take care of it later in the season. No need to worry about this now.
Absences:
Rehearsals – Go to Racerband.com and fill out an online absence request form 2 weeks in advance (unless sick or death in family). It must be approved by Dr. Johnson to be excused. Please don’t wait until the last minute! Work is never an excuse, only MSU conflicts (class lecture, trip, etc.)
Performances: Unexcused performance absences can result in MAJOR meal money and grade reductions. Go to RacerBand.com and fill out an online absence request form in advance (unless sick or death in family). These must be filled out at least 1 month beforehand Check the Handbook for more details – let us know NOW if you have performance conflicts. WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ANY PERFORMANCE ABSENCE PRIOR TO CAMP. Contact Dr. Johnson today!
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule (beginning 8/16)
Brass/Woodwind/Guard Monday – 4:45-5:45
Tuesday – 6:15-8:15 Thursday – 6:15-8:15 Friday – 5:15-7:15
____________
Percussion ______ No Monday Rehearsal
Tuesday – 6:15-9 Thursday – 6:15-9 Friday – 5:15-7:15
**Several days will be taken off depending on weather, show learning etc. – check Facebook & web**
Festival of Champions:
FOC is all-day Saturday, October 1st at Stewart Stadium with special appearances by the Racer Band! Every member also works at FOC – do not plan anything on this day. This Festival is almost entirely student operated. More info will be available as we get closer. Festival of Champions has been telecast on PBS in the past – we will see if they do it again!
Questions?:
As a general rule of thumb, always follow the chain of command when asking questions.
1. BAND App & Facebook (was the question already answered?) 2. Section Leader/BARC 3. Officers/Drum Majors 4. Dr. Johnson
Attendance is required of all members. Members that are unable to attend band camp will be alternates until a spot opens. We will learn all music and routines during camp. We will also learn the drill for 2001, Pregame, and our 1st show. Attendance is vital to achieve these goals! Missing any part of camp is a huge problem. Work is never an excuse! Racer Band members are encouraged to be part of other campus organizations. However, you must be in attendance during our scheduled times throughout camp and the season. There are many campus organizations that have pre-semester events. You will not be able to participate in all of these (Sorority Rush, RA Training, etc.) Your BARC will help guide you through what you will have time to participate in regarding the First-Year-Leader program and Great Beginnings. **Please email Dr. Johnson concerning other camp conflicts (testing / other MSU conflicts)** Visit the absences page for more detailed information.
What to Bring:
It’s up you, it would be wise to bring all your stuff for the semester. You will be moving in on the same day as many other regular students (WEDNESDAY) so it will be very busy! Remember, you do NOT need to schedule a time with housing, rather go through our reserved times as printed in the SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Dining Services:
The dining room will be available to all students with a University meal plan throughout the duration of camp. Leaders, Guard and percussion will be provided meal money during their pre-camp Saturday-Tuesday.
Housing:
The MSU Housing Office will notify all on-campus students of their permanent housing assignments on myGate during the third week of July.
**Special requests for early or late move-in are nearly impossible because of RA Training**
**NO REHEARSAL TIME WILL BE MISSED TO MOVE IN/OUT**
Membership Policies:
Instrumentation: To make the strongest Racer Band possible, all members should perform where they are most proficient (what you did in high school marching band). Racer Band is not the place to try something new! Instrument transfers will be handled on an as-needed basis (email for more information). If we have already talked, plan on what we discussed. QUESTIONS? – email Dr. Johnson.
Music Majors – you must perform on your major instrument. Exceptions require a request to Dr. Johnson and approval by Dr. Unrau (Department Chair), Dr. Blanco (Director of Bands), Dr. Swisher (Unit Chair), and your private teacher. Email Dr. Johnson if you would like to be considered to perform in another area/instrument.
Member Criteria: 98% of all successful high school band members will be able to meet the following Racer Band membership criteria:
- Be an average high school band performer, able to keep up with musical reqs. of our shows
- Be able to stay in-step & keep up with visual requirements of our shows
- Work effectively within a large organization
- Be on time and organized
Fees:
There are no fees! Woo! You will have to purchase WHITE MARCHING SHOES during your camp registration time.
Handbook:
Please read the 2022 Racer Band Handbook on Racerband.com prior to coming to campus (this is basically a syllabus.). You will agree to our policies . The contract basically says you have read and agree with the policies inside. The Handbook will be available at camp if you have computer problems.
Instrumentation:
Percussion Part Assignments: Please go to RacerBand.com for information regarding the video audition required for all new members prior to attending camp(and vets wanting to switch instruments). If you haven’t already, please submit your videos as soon as possible. You will receive an email by letting you know what instrument(s) you might play in the 2022 Racer Band. At camp, we will continue to evaluate all percussion members. We will continue switching people around over the first weekend until we feel like we have the line set. Bring sticks/mallets for your instrument (we will provide bass drum mallets & keyboard mallets). Our goal is to find a spot for everyone, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. Email questions to:
Benjamin Stone bstone@murraystate.edu,
Aaron Moody amoody1@murraystate.edu,
Shane Melvin - shanemelvin1@hotmail.com
Color Guard: Thank you for your interest in joining Racer Band Color Guard. In the past few years, we have held video auditions due in the summer before camp. This year, we would like to do things a little differently. We will be holding auditions at Racer Band camp, similar to how the drum line and pit audition. We would like to be able to not only watch you spin, but also watch you learn and communicate with your leaders and staff members. This is one of the most important parts of Racer Band. For our guard, there is a lot of work learned in a short amount of time. It’s vital that you are willing to spend extra time outside of camp to remember and go over work. As we do not have anything specific for you to prepare, we do have a list of skills that we use commonly. Please keep in mind, if you are unable to perform the entire list of skills, try out anyway. This list is a starting point. We are here to teach you things that you may not have been taught before. ALL GUARDS ARE TAUGHT DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES. We understand and love the fact that Racer Band brings together so many different skill levels of performers. We do not require that you have been in a guard before, but do require that you have performing/ marching experience. You need to be physically fit enough to be able to perform jazz run/walks (across the floor exercises), Drop spins (left and right), Double time (left and right), Tosses (single, halves, 45s, etc.). During the first few days of pre-camp (guard and percussion camp), we will be teaching technique and learning some of the pre-game tunes performed at football games. We will have a short audition process even though we will be watching everyone work throughout the first few days. If we feel you are not ready to join the guard, we will let you know and try to find a different place for you in Racer Band.
Mellophones/Baritone/Sousaphones: We will provide as many baritones, mellophones, and sousaphones as we can. Our goal is to find a spot for everyone on his or her instrument of choice, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. If we run short on instruments you may be asked to play something else. We have 27 mellophones, 19 baritones, and 20 sousaphones. **Bring your own mouth- piece**
Trombone Players: MSU does not furnish trombones. You must provide your own instrument. If you have a nice instrument that you don’t want to march with; you might try a pawn shop to get an older trombone to march with. We want all trombone players to play trombone-It’s louder :)
Wind Part Assignments: Trumpet, trombone, mellophone, and clarinet players will be assigned parts. This will be very informal! Don't stress! The music for the auditions will be decided on by the section leaders at a time TBA (you will be contacted and informed) Please try to memorize as much music as possible prior to camp! MP3’s and PDF’s of most music will be on Racerband.com shortly. Download the music and play along! Contact your section leaders to ask what part. (As a general rule, pick a lower part.)
Uniforms and Equipment:
Equipment Check-out: Each Racer Band member is responsible for his/her own shoes, reeds, valve oil,
mouthpieces, sticks, etc. Trumpets, saxophones, flutes, clarinets, and trombones need to bring their own instru- ments unless prior arrangements have been made with Mr. Johnson. We are blessed to have percussion, sousa- phones, baritones, mellophones, color guard equipment, AV equipment, and uniforms furnished by MSU. Bring your own mouthpieces!
**Students are responsible for damage and loss of this MSU equipment**
Marching Shoes: All members must have BLACK (New for 2022) band shoes, not nursing shoes or any other substitute. If you already have black band shoes, you are all set – no need to get new ones. If you need shoes, you will need to purchase a pair at check-in. The cost will be around $34 – check BandApp posts from Uniform Officers. Color Guard will have a separate shoe – this is handled at camp (approx. $30) Shoes will be fitted and paid for at check-in. If you need new shoes, bring cash or checks to check-in made out to Robert Kapp and Associates. All shoes will be shipped directly to Murray State and passed out at a rehearsal. All shoes must be fitted and paid for by Aug 14th. After that date, contact a Uniform Officer so we can place your own private order. (You will pay more, because of shipping/etc.) There is a huge penalty for not having the correct footwear.
Band T-shirts: Our 2022 Racer Band t-shirt this year will be blue tie-dye. The 2022 t-shirt is part of the MSU Racer Band Uniform and is to be worn when instructed. We will sometimes wear our Band T-Shirts with jeans or shorts instead of marching in full uniform. Your first shirt is free and will be passed out at check-in. Please make sure you complete the final review in the SUMMER NEWSLETTER to get your shirt in the correct size.
**We often have shirts for parents to purchase during Family Weekend and Festival of Champions– stay tuned**
Section T-shirts: Section shirts will be designed by your section leaders. Your section will likely discuss this topic during sectionals at camp. This is not required, but a lot of sections make section shirts. Money should be collected during camp or soon after. No one is required to purchase section shirts, but it’s always fun!
Gloves: Brass and Woodwinds wear white gloves. Your 1st pair is free. If you lose them, we have additional gloves for sale before each game for $5.
Family Racer Band Camp Concert:
The concert is Sunday, Aug. 14th at 7pm on the Quad. This will be free and open to the public.
Parent’s Weekend:
Please stay tuned to MURRAY STATE FAMILY WEEKEND WEBSITE and RacerBand.com for updates about events for family weekend. With Lovett Auditorium closed for renovations, things will be slightly different this year.
Football Games:
Because of the limited space inside our section of Stewart Stadium, friends and family are not allowed in the Racer Band section. However we would love for parents, family, and friends to attend our performances! The official football schedule is posted at www.goracers.com. Purchase tickets at the gate OR at goracers.com. Racer band students are expected to remain with the band throughout the entirety of the performance.
Thanksgiving Break:
There is always a slight possibility that we will host a home playoff game Thanksgiving weekend. If it looks like this will be the case, we’ll take care of it later in the season. No need to worry about this now.
Absences:
Rehearsals – Go to Racerband.com and fill out an online absence request form 2 weeks in advance (unless sick or death in family). It must be approved by Dr. Johnson to be excused. Please don’t wait until the last minute! Work is never an excuse, only MSU conflicts (class lecture, trip, etc.)
Performances: Unexcused performance absences can result in MAJOR meal money and grade reductions. Go to RacerBand.com and fill out an online absence request form in advance (unless sick or death in family). These must be filled out at least 1 month beforehand Check the Handbook for more details – let us know NOW if you have performance conflicts. WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ANY PERFORMANCE ABSENCE PRIOR TO CAMP. Contact Dr. Johnson today!
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule (beginning 8/16)
Brass/Woodwind/Guard Monday – 4:45-5:45
Tuesday – 6:15-8:15 Thursday – 6:15-8:15 Friday – 5:15-7:15
____________
Percussion ______ No Monday Rehearsal
Tuesday – 6:15-9 Thursday – 6:15-9 Friday – 5:15-7:15
**Several days will be taken off depending on weather, show learning etc. – check Facebook & web**
Festival of Champions:
FOC is all-day Saturday, October 1st at Stewart Stadium with special appearances by the Racer Band! Every member also works at FOC – do not plan anything on this day. This Festival is almost entirely student operated. More info will be available as we get closer. Festival of Champions has been telecast on PBS in the past – we will see if they do it again!
Questions?:
As a general rule of thumb, always follow the chain of command when asking questions.
1. BAND App & Facebook (was the question already answered?) 2. Section Leader/BARC 3. Officers/Drum Majors 4. Dr. Johnson