• 4:00 - Arrive at North Springs
• 5:00 - Depart
• 7:00 - Exhibition begins
• ~7:20 - North Springs performs
• ~9:00 - Award ceremony
• ~10:00 - Arrive at North Springs

I'll be taking food orders next week for students that want to eat after our performance.  The cost will be anywhere from $5-$8.

This event is open to the public and it's free, so I hope to see lots of parents there.

• 4:00 - Uniform pick up in the band room
• 4:20 - Dressed in half uniform and seated in the band room for announcements
• 4:40 - Inspection and load the buses
• 5:00 - Depart North Springs
• 7:30 - Kickoff
• ~10:00 - Depart Stockbridge
• ~10:45 - Arrive at North Springs.  Uniform check in and clean up
• ~11:00 - Dismissal

The students will not have time to go get food before the 4:00 report time.  They should either bring something to school to eat when we arrive at Stockbridge, or wait to go to the concession stand during third quarter.

Parents, if you plan to pick your child up from the game, please write a quick note for my records, and plan on walking over to the band or the band buses before you depart.    I will not release a student until I see a parent.  I cannot let a student walk somewhere to meet their ride - too much can happen. Also, per Fulton County policy, I cannot release a student to go home with someone other than a parent or legal guardian.

See everyone on Friday night!

• 5:00 - report to the back practice field for a practice run of the show.
• 5:45 - pick up uniforms in the band room
• 6:15 - dressed in half uniform and seated in the band room for announcements.
• 6:30 - inspection and move to the tennis courts for line up.  For inspection, students will need to have on the full uniform.  We will not have gloves for the first game.  Black or navy blue socks are to be worn by every member except color guard.
• 6:50 - march into the stadium single-file under a drum cadence.
• 7:00 - warm-up in the stands
• 7:20 - Band performance of the National Anthem.
• 7:30 - kickoff
• ~8:30 - halftime performance.  Decatur will march first followed by North Springs.
• ~8:50 - band has third quarter off.  Go to the concession stands to eat.  Bring money! 
• ~10:30 - game concludes, band released to the band room for uniform check in and clean up.

Game nights are always hectic.  Students, if you have questions please see your section leader or another officer.  Parents, please address your questions to parent volunteers first - I'm usually running in 10 different directions, and I don't want anyone to feel that they don't have my full attention.  I'll address any questions that can't be handled by officers or chaperones.  Thanks!

The band will be set up in the following configuration on the upper left side (when looking from the field) of the home stands:

I'd like for everyone to purchase flip folders and lyres this year.  These can be purchased at local music stores or online.  There are specific types of lyres for each instrument; for example, saxophone lyres won't work for trumpet.  Get these ASAP please.

These flip folders hold the smaller sized music that we use for marching band.  This will help in outdoor marching rehersals when we need to look at parts.  Also, we will be able to play a wider variety of music in the stands without having to rely on memorizing several tunes.

Lastly, these folders usually come with 5-10 "windows" (the sleeves that hold the music).  You'll need more than that, so buy a pack or two of extra windows.

It's almost that time of the year again - band camp!  I know, I know, you can't wait to march around in one-hundred degree weather with humidty thick enough to inhibit the flight of small birds while Trevor and I yell commands at you like we were drilling a third-world army under our dictatorial control.  Look at the bright side - at least you'll get to connect with nature.

As you may know, North Springs is undergoing some major HVAC (air-conditioning) work, so we won't have access to the building until after August 6th (if the work is finished on schedule).  We'll be holding camp at Ridgeview MS.  I've made some changes to the schedule as follows:

• July 28, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Leadership only, Ridgeview

• July 29-30, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM: Rookies (first-year marchers), leadership, percussion and color guard, Ridgeview

• August 2-6, 8:30-4:00: Full band, Ridgeview
• August 10,12,17, and 19, 5:00 to 7:00 PM: Evening rehearsals at North Springs
• August 16, 5:00 to 8:00 PM: Uniform fittings at North Springs - We will be fitting marching uniforms with shoes, tuxes, and dresses.

As you can see, there are no rehearsals July 21-23 or July 26-28.

Lunch will be provided for the week of full camp, August 2 - 6.  Students will need to bring their own lunch for the two pre-camp days, July 29 and 30.  Water will be provided, and students may bring their own drinks, coolers, snacks, or whatever.  Wear sunscreen and a hat, athletic shoes and white athletic socks, eat a good breakfast, and drink plenty of fluids.  Also shorts and a t-shirt are a good idea - we always have one or two students sweating it out in jeans or long-sleeve shirts.  Do yourself a favor and dress as comfortably as possible.

Email me if you have any questions.

I want to take a moment to thank you for the last year and more specifically the last few weeks.  The events regarding the budget cuts have been very difficult for Mr. Brown and me. My intention at the band banquet was to prepare you for the scenarios that might play out. 

 I want to re-assure everyone that Dr. Stueve and the North Springs faculty and administration have been very supportive to us. They have communicated with both of us throughout the process. They have tried to help us to hope for the best and to prepare for the worst. The situation we are experiencing has absolutely nothing to do with decisions that are made at the local school level. That being said, as of May 21, neither Mr. Brown nor I had contracts in hand. Both of us have been extremely nervous about the prospects for the future. As I stated at the band banquet, I had no choice but to explore possibilities for my own financial security.

 On Friday May 21, 2010 I was offered the position of band director at Flowery Branch High School in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Given the present circumstances at North Springs I felt that I had no choice but to accept this position. It is a longer commute for me but it is a guarantee of a full time contract.  Once my paperwork is completed in Hall County, I will be resigning as the band director of the North Springs Charter High School Band Program.

 I am sorry that it has come to this. The North Springs Band will continue to thrive and enjoy a great tradition of excellence. We have had some great memories together that no one can take away. I am grateful for the students and parents of the North Springs band that have made me feel so welcome. If you are interested, I would love to bake one last cake for you and maybe meet somewhere for a cake and ice cream social. We can’t meet at school (due to the renovations), but maybe we could find a local park or something. I will be out of town from June 1 to June 5 and then June 8 – 10. If you are interested, please let me know. Most of you have my cell phone number.

 Thank you for being wonderful students. Thanks for some great music!!!! I will always cherish the recordings that you have made. Continue to be your best. I hope we can see each other one more time.  This letter has also or will be sent via e-mail along with a special note to you. Please look for the e-mail. Thank you for everything!!

Sincerely,

Dennis L. Naughton

Sincerely,

Mr. Naughton