Long Branch High School

The award-winning Spirit of The Green Wave from Long Branch High School has a long history of excellence.  The group represents LBHS at USBands sanctioned competitions, NJSIAA football games, at the All Shore Marching Band Festival and various parades and community events.

This ensemble is committed to building better students, citizens, and artists by nurturing applied discipline, aesthetic appreciation, time management, abstract thinking, and community mindedness.  Students will gain a sense of community, teamwork, corporate responsibility, and personal accomplishment.  Opportunities to build a college resume and to participate in various leadership training activities abound.  The activity combines art and athleticism in a very unique way.

Students enrolled in the band class may select to participate in the competitive marching band or in our various athletic programs.  Those who participate in the field show will be assessed on that activity.  Those in athletics will receive alternate assessments.  (In other words, athletes may participate in band!)  Students may participate in one of 4 sections:  Winds, Battery, Color Guard, or Pit.  

Our schedule runs from Mid-August through the fall season.  We perform at large venues (Met Life Stadium,NJ State Championships (South Brunswick), J. Birney Crum Stadium) and  at various high schools.  Past feature performances include  Yankee Stadium, NYC Ticker Tape Parades, The Breeder’s Cup, The Hambletonian, and various deployment ceremonies for our troops.  We have represented LBHS in Toronto, Cleveland, Central Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and throughout the greater NJ/NY area.

This year we will be competing with a show called AZTEC FIRE that features original music from noted composer Jay Boccok    The music is posted in the Google classroom and all students have been given support in learning the material. I will also be posting a video of the field show that includes recordings of the music and copies of the student's coordinate charts and pictures of each form.  We are well on our way to yet another successful year!

The following was written to answer frequently asked questions and to outline general information.  It is my hope that this information will enable students to get the most enjoyment and educational benefit from the school year.

EQUIPMENT

A musical instrument represents a substantial investment.  In order to provide the proper maintenance the following equipment is essential:

¬ Flutes – pad guard, cleaning rag, tuning rod:

¬ Clarinets & Saxophones – 4 good reeds at all times (rotated daily this will prolong life and save $), a metal or plastic reed clip that holds 4 reeds, cleaning swap (used after every use), mouthpiece cover, cork grease, undamaged ligature, and a padded neck strap (saxophones only).

¬ Brass – Bach mouthpiece preferred, valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning snake, soft cleaning rag.

¬ Percussion – marching percussion students must have one pair of “Vic Firth” brand “Tom Hannum” model drum sticks.  Students must also have at least 2 additional pairs of sticks appropriate for their marching instrument (i.e., Xylophone mallets, bass drum sticks, quad mallets, extra drum sticks).  

¬ Color Guard – practice flags and performance flags on separate poles, guard gloves and an equipment bag.

All students must have a working lyre for their instrument.  To guarantee success students must also have a music stand and a quiet place at home to practice.  Propping music on a case or a chair or sitting on a bed with the music lying down promotes poor posture and will impede progress.  A small mirror will allow the student to check the embouchure and hand position.  Optional equipment includes a metronome and a digital tuner.  These items can be purchased for less than $20 each in a music store and there are also FREE apps for smartphones on the web.  Metronomes and tuners will greatly assist the progress of the student.  All instrument cases must be clearly marked on the OUTSIDE and INSIDE with the students name, telephone number, and school.  Students will fill out a form during band camp so the school has a record of the brand name and serial number of the instrument.  You should keep a copy of the same information at home.  Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers loss or damage away from home.  You may want to check with your agent to be sure.  Home practice is essential for musicians and color guard members.  Parents can assist by asking students to perform routines or music at home, from memory.  

PURCHASES

Before purchasing an instrument consult with the Mr. Clark.  Mr. Clark will assist you in your choice and, through varied connections, he may save you money!  Your car rides better when all the tires are the same brand. Likewise, a band sounds better when all instruments match and are of good quality.  For your benefit and the benefit of the band, give purchases careful consideration

INSTRUMENTS/UNIFORMS

Students must register their instrument with Mr. Clark.  Any student borrowing a school instrument must fill out a permission slip and assume financial responsibility for proper maintenance of the instrument.  Instruments may be stored in individual lockers that are provided for every student.  I strongly recommend that students bring a combination lock to secure their locker.  The combination must be registered with Mr. Clark.  Color Guard equipment will be numbered and registered. Students should have their uniforms registered through the Google Classroom by Friday, September 29.

Parents and home practice are an integral part of success.  Music education is a three way partnership composed of teacher, student, and parents.  Each member of the partnership has responsibilities.

Parents may become active members of this relationship by providing the following:

Favorable practice conditions are also important:

Schedule a regular practice time. (mine was 7:00 a.m. and I am a drummer, my parents were saints)

A quiet room away from noise and distractions.

Keep instrument in top condition with all necessary equipment.

Praise work well done.

Never use practice or participation as a punishment.

Parental supervision

Remind the student to practice slowly and carefully

Practice in short sessions (30-40 minutes)

Musicians should stand or sit on a solid chair with good posture.

Color Guard should practice dance and flag routines at home, small group meetings are encouraged.

Set goals and know what your student is practicing.