2024 East Lansing High School
Marching Band
Dear East Lansing Band Member,
Wow! It’s hard to believe that another school year is quickly coming to a close – and what a year it has been! The East Lansing High School (ELHS) bands have had an exceptional year with many highlights including an award-winning marching season, First Division ratings at Band and Orchestra Festival, and an upcoming performance trip to Cleveland. I invite you to continue this tradition of excellence in the ELHS Band Program next year and I look forward to our time together!
This is an introduction to the 2024-25 band season, including details about the ELHS Band Program, The
Trojan Marching Band, band registration, marching band camp information, and details necessary to begin a
memorable and successful band season. Please take the time to read this information together (guardians & students) and then complete the EL Band Registration Form at the bottom of the page.
In the ELHS Band Program you will:
-Grow as a musician and perform in an ability based ensemble that customizes instruction to your ability level.
-Make new friends, achieve goals together, and create lifelong memories and friendships
-Find a great social group at ELHS - band students stick together and support each other.
-Develop self discipline and perseverance
-Improve listening and social skills
-Have the option to perform in a curricular Jazz Band (students receive HS credit).
-Perform in a competitive Marching Band that encourages dedication and personal growth.
-Travel to Marching Band events and performance tours to places like New York City, Washington DC, and Orlando.
-Develop leadership skills that reflect well on job and college applications.
CONCERT ENSEMBLES:
Band is a full year class and all band students are enrolled into one of three concert ensembles at ELHS.
● Concert Band (2nd hour) – The ELHS Concert Band is for our younger band students and therefore its repertoire is aimed at a more developing musician. This ensemble rehearses daily with a focus on instrument fundamentals, ensemble skills, and basic musicianship.
● Symphonic Band (3rd hour) – The ELHS Symphonic Band is the Intermediate performing ensemble in the program. Any student that performs at a high level is considered for membership in the Symphonic Band. This ensemble rehearses daily with continued focus on fundamentals, musicianship, and intermediate to advanced repertoire.
● Wind Ensemble (4th hour) - The ELHS Wind Ensemble is the most advanced performing ensemble in the program. While this group is primarily made up of juniors and seniors, all students are considered for membership regardless of grade. This group rehearses daily with an emphasis on advanced literature for the contemporary wind ensemble.
THE EAST LANSING TROJAN MARCHING BAND (ELMB)
The 2024-25 ELHS Marching Band season begins with a marching band camp at ELHS to prepare for our upcoming
marching season. The 2024 MB Camp is from August 5th-9th (8:00 AM-9:00 PM) with Pre-Camp rehearsals
beginning on Wednesday, July 31st. Our typical day will include marching and playing rehearsals, sectionals, and
structured team-building activities. I will be assisted by a team of instructional coaches who are usually music majors from MSU or ELHS Band alumni. This team is responsible for coaching sectionals and helping with visual rehearsals.
Band Camp is VERY important - the week of band camp allows the students to concentrate on the marching band
show without interruptions. It ensures that students are at every rehearsal and have time to work with their section.
Our goals for the camp are as follows:
● To review and develop musical fundamentals
● To review and develop marching fundamentals
● To learn the 2024 halftime and pregame shows
● To build working relationships and friendships within the band
● To establish proper rehearsal etiquette and discipline
● To have FUN!
MARCHING BAND GENERAL INFORMATION
● The Fee for the Marching Band Season is $300. At the end of the Band Registration Form there is an
opportunity to pay the MB fee via PayPal. You may pay half ($150) to reserve your spot, or pay the full fee. All
fees must be paid by Opening Day Rehearsal. You may also mail a check(s) to: ELBOPA, P.O. Box 4042, East
Lansing, MI 48826. See below for more information about financial assistance.
● All members must purchase and wear the “official” BLACK marching band shoes for performances ($40 and
$50 for guard). Fitting will take place at MB camp. Please indicate and pay for shoes on the MB Registration
form.
● Conflicts between marching band activities and other events may occur. When they do, please let me know
ASAP. Accommodations can be made when conflicts occur, but it is very important to communicate. As a
member of this “team” please do your best to give balanced priority to marching band and other activities.
● Marching Band Camp is required for participation in the 2024 East Lansing Marching Band. If your student
has a conflict with camp, please contact Mr. Larzelere ASAP!
● All MB communication comes from EMAIL and/or the BAND app (apple and android) After registration is
complete, you will receive an invitation to join the “East Lansing Bands” from the BAND app. This is a great
app, please use it!
MARCHING BAND DATES:
Thursday, April 11th 7:00 PM: Parent/Student ELMB Information Night (ELHS Auditorium)
Monday, April 8th 6:30-8:00 PM Percussion and Guard Audition Prep Sessions @ HS Band Room
Monday, April 15th Band Registration Form/MB deposit due EL Band Registration Form
Monday, April 15th 6:30-8:00 PM Percussion and Guard Audition Prep Sessions @ HS Band Room
Monday, April 15th Deadline to apply for financial assistance ELMB Scholarship form.
Monday, April 22nd 6:30-8:00 PM Percussion and Guard Audition Prep Sessions
Monday, April 29th 6:30-8:00 PM Color Guard placement audition @ ELHS Band Room
Monday, May 6th 6:30-8:00 PM Percussion placement auditions @ ELHS Band Room
Wednesday, May 22nd 4-6:00 PM Opening Day Rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room and MB balance due
- 3:00-4:00 PM - Band room open for instrument check-out (percussion, mellophone, sousaphone, baritone, tenor sax)
- 4:00-4:30 PM - Introduction of students, staff, and instructors AND Music Distribution
- 4:30-5:15 PM - Music Rehearsal (winds/percussion/guard)
- 5:15-5:45 PM - Sectionals
- 5:15-5:45 PM - Parent information meeting. This meeting is optional but highly encouraged, especially for NEW parents! It is also an opportunity to sign-up for volunteering opportunities, pay fees, and meet other MB parents!
- 5:45-6:00 PM - Closing meeting
SUMMER SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 4th 9:00-11:00 AM Optional conditioning and music rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
Thursday, June 6th 9:00-11:00 AM Optional conditioning and music rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
Wednesday, July 17th 9:00-11:00 AM Optional conditioning and music rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
PRE-CAMP
Wednesday, July 31st 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Pre-Camp music rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
Thursday, August 1st 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Pre-Camp music/visual rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
Friday, August 2nd 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pre-Camp music/visual rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
MARCHING BAND CAMP
August 5th-9th 8:00 AM-9:00 PM MB Camp @ ELHS
SUMMER REHEARSALS- after camp
Wednesday, August 14th 6:00-9:00 PM MB Rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
Monday, August 19th 6:00-9:00 PM Percussion and Guard ONLY rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
Wednesday, August 21st 6:00-9:00 PM MB Rehearsal @ ELHS Band Room
FALL 2024 REHEARSAL, PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE
-Wednesdays in August, September, October 6:00-9:00 PM
- MB Rehearsals @ practice and/or actual football fields.
- Home Fb game vs. Portage Central (4:30 call time)
- Home Fb game vs. Grand Ledge (Homecoming) (4:00 PM call time)
- Home Fb game vs DeWitt (4:30 PM call time)
- Grand Ledge Exhibition Time is TBA
- Competition (Time and Location is TBA)
- MSU Homecoming Parade and Home Fb vs Waverly (4:00 PM call time)
- Competition (Time and Location is TBA)
- Competition (Time and Location is TBA)
- Possible Playoff games
Reminder
Please complete the EL Band Registration Form - $150 deposit due by April 15th. All additional fees due by May
22nd.
Families can either use PayPal or write a check payable to ELBOPA and mailed to:
ELBOPA,
P.O. Box 4042,
East Lansing, MI 48826.
Marching Band Fees:
$300 1st family member
$200 2nd family member
$100 3rd family member
Additional Costs:
$40 MB shoes
$50 Color guard shoes
I’m really looking forward to another exciting and fun marching band season! Please do your part to make this
experience memorable and enjoyable for everyone. I hope to see you on Thursday, April 11th!
Thanks!
David Larzelere
Director of Bands
East Lansing High School
[email protected]
ELBOPA
East Lansing Bands
2024_el_band_and_mb_mailing.docx.pdf |