What is a
Subfreshman?
Subfreshmen are eighth graders who have been chosen to perform with
the high school marching band. They receive their subfreshmen invitation in the
spring of their seventh grade year because they have demonstrated superior
musical ability or an outstanding attitude toward group performance or
both.
We have found that our outstanding eighth graders benefit greatly from
performing challenging music with more advanced musicians. This “head start”
experience usually makes the following year’s transition to high school much
easier.
Subfreshmen participation with the High School Band includes five
evening rehearsals in September, five or six football game half-time shows,
Veteran’s Day ceremonies on the Common, the Woburn Halloween parade and the
Wilmington Memorial Day Parade.
In order to ensure a successful and enjoyable performance experience, we
require all Subfreshmen to attend our annual Band Camp in August. At
camp, subfreshmen are housed with other eighth graders and will be
supervised by adult chaperones at all times. Our older band members are
outstanding role models who take great pride in helping younger members to feel
confident musically and socially.
| | Subfreshman Selection Candidates
for 2020-2021 Subfreshmen will be selected at the end of March.
Potential
Subfreshmen are evaluated on the following criteria: 1. Maturity
Student is:
a. Able to work independently
b. Willing to take responsibility for his/her actions
c. Able to follow and remember instructions
d. Able to focus for extended periods of time-45
minutes or more.
2. Playing ability
Student is:
a. Able to play at grade level
b. Willing to put in the extra time necessary to
successfully perform more challenging music.
3. Responsibilty
Student:
a. Comes prepared to class
b. Attends lessons OR turns in practice journals
c. Meets deadlines-e.g. turning in ticket orders on
time
Students will not get an invitation unless we are convinced that they have all
the skills they need to be successful. We want Subfreshman participation to be
a positive educational experience. Not all students are chosen to be
Subfreshmen. This should not be viewed as a failure or personal insult to those
not selected. Each child grows and matures at a different rate. Some students
simply need a little more time before they are ready to perform at the high
school level.
Subfreshman Invitations will go home sometime before April vacation. If you
receive a Subfreshman invitation packet, please take the time to read
everything carefully. Subfreshman participation requires some effort on the
part of parents as well as students. You will need to determine whether or not
you can transport your child to rehearsals and performances and whether your
family schedule allows for this extra commitment.
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