Check your email for an important message from Mr. McEnry

An important email was sent out on July 28 to all new and returning band members. If you did not receive the email, Mr. McEnry does not have your email address on file. Please be sure to email him at [email protected] with your correct address so that you are kept in the loop about all that will be going on this year!

In case you accidentally deleted the email, here is what it said:

• Why is Band Camp so important?
  • Band Camp will be the only chance we have to work together as a full band to prepare for our five home football games this year.
    • Unlike previous years, we will NOT be having any after-school practices this year
  • Our first home football game is the third day of school!
• Charms
  • For those of you new to the band or who need a refresher, Charms is the name of the web-based music software program that we use regularly in and out of class.  All students have their own profile that is used for many functions from communication, to viewing inventory checked out to you, to recording playing tests.
  • In order to log into Charms:
    • go to www.charmsoffice.com and click on the “Enter” button in the top right corner of the page.
    • In the “Parents/Students/Members” area, enter “hockinsonband” in the school code box and click “Enter.”
    • Your “Student Area” password should be your last name and first initial, all one word (for example, Corey McEnry would be mcenryc).  If you have logged into Charms in the past, you may have changed your password.  Enter the new password you have chosen.  If you have forgotten your password or are having trouble, email Mr. McEnry and he will reset your account.
  • Once you are in the student area, be sure to change your password (blue button at the bottom of the page) and update your personal information.  This information is what Mr. McEnry or the Music Boosters will use to contact you, so be sure to check carefully for errors.
  • Feel free to browse Charms and get acquainted with its layout.  We are in the initial stages of using Charms, so many functions of the program are not yet utilized.  These will come online as the year goes on.
• Percussionists
  • Your extra day is to assign drumline parts and learn as much drumline-specific info as possible before the rest of the band shows up on Monday.  This includes warm-ups, technique exercises, cadences/grooves, maintenance/care, etc.).  This is a crucial day, so please plan on attending.
  • Also, please don’t forget about the University of Washington Day of Percussion Saturday, August 24 at Husky Stadium in Seattle.  We will discuss details for this event on August 10, but please make every effort to attend.  Last year’s attendees loved it!
• Uniforms
  • All students will be fitted for marching uniforms on the Monday of camp, as well as those in the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band who need to be fitted/re-fitted for tuxedos and dresses.  All uniform parts will be ordered on the last day of camp, and if you miss that deadline you may have to pay more later on to get your items shipped to you in time and not as part of the larger, discounted group order.  This is especially important this year with our first home football game so early in the year.  Watch your email for a message from our Hockinson Music Booster Uniform Coordinator, Linda Chan, with more information on uniforms for the year.  If you cannot attend camp, there will be some steps you will still have to take in order to get your uniform parts assembled and fitted by the first game.  Should you have further questions about uniforms, please email the boosters directly at [email protected].
• School Instruments
  • If you need to rent a school instrument, make sure you notify me well in advance of the first day of camp so that I can reserve one for you.  In some cases, we may not have enough instruments to go around for everyone.
  • Make sure your parent/guardian accompanies you to the first day of camp so they can sign the rental agreement and pay the rental fee ($100 for the year).
• Fall Sports
  • Fall sports begin the week after band camp, per WIAA regulations.  Anything planned by other sports teams at this point is purely optional.  I point this out because there may be some conflicts The only exception to this is football players, who start on Wednesday the 15th.  Football players should attend camp Monday and Tuesday, then go to football Wednesday-Friday.  I point this out because every year there are some conflicts with workouts or other unofficial athletic events.  I ask that you please make every effort to attend our band camp, as this will be our only chance to work as a full band.  I purposefully put band camp this early in August so that it will not affect sports tryouts or your number of required practices to play in your first game. I am more than happy to speak with coaches if you would like me to.
• Questions?
  • Please check the band website frequently (www.hockinsonmusic.com)
    • Dates for the year are listed on the letter sent home with students at the end of the year (see the link below).  Dates will be added to the Google calendar on the website just as soon as I firm up a few dates.
  • “Like” the Hockinson High School Band Facebook page as well
  • Do not hesitate to email me.  Please note that all Hockinson staff emails have changed.  My new email is [email protected].  Please update this in your contacts.