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For Band Parents:
By the time your student reaches Naperville Central as a freshman, he or she probably has been
playing an instrument part-time for about five years. Now that they have learned the basics, it's
time to accelerate the process and have some fun at the same time!
Naperville Central's Band Program has several curricular and extra-curricular ensembles that allow
students to showcase their talent, dedication and hard work. There are four curricular bands at
Naperville Central: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. In addition,
there are also several quintets and chamber ensembles. The extra-curricular bands include marching
band, three jazz bands, several jazz combos, and pep band. There is truly something for everyone.
The band students at Naperville Central are some of the most talented, intelligent, polite, funny
and amazing young adults you will ever come to know. They represent their school and our community
with pride and dignity. Nearly 10 percent of the total NCHS student population is involved in one or
more bands at NCHS!
Directors D.J. Alstadt and Scott Silder have a vision of the NCHS Band Program becoming one of the
premiere high school music programs in the State of Illinois.
NCHS has long enjoyed a successful and
established jazz program, recognized as being one of the finest in the region. Jazz students
participate in several festivals, competitions and public performances at local venues, culminating
with the very popular "Jazz Cafe" in the spring of each year.
The Marching Redhawks began
competitive marching in 2000, and have already garnered a number of first-place finishes. The band
has been showcased at Walt Disney World and has received the coveted "Santa Band" slot in
the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade. They placed in the top third their first trip to the
Illinois State Championship in 2003, and went to the finals in 2004 and 2007. The Marching Redhawks were also
chosen to participate in the Nicolas Cage movie, "The Weatherman," and you can hear them
playing our school song at the end of the movie.
Our top percussionists showcase their amazing
talents at the annual "Drumshow" each spring, and our new Steel Pan Ensemble is proving to be an exciting and amazing group.
Nationally renowned musicians have worked
with all the bands at NCHS, giving each student a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To what extent and in what way can parents support the program, and in turn help support their band
student? First of all, parents should read the NCHS
Band Handbook and be aware of the philosophy, purpose and expectations of the programs. Second,
and most importantly, is a willingness on the part of each parent to put forth time and effort in
helping your individual student (and the overall program) excel and achieve. In exchange for the
many hours of time spent learning, practicing and perfecting their instrument, each student wants
and needs someone to take an active interest. Parents are encouraged to attend each performance and
band activity, as well as to volunteer for band fundraising events. Some parents find it easy to
justify nonparticipation; however, teenagers value greatly any support their parents give them, even
though they may not always say so. Leadership by example has been proven time and again to be the
most effective teaching method and speaks volumes to our band students.
The Naperville Central Band Booster Association (BBA), a not-for-profit association recognized under
Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, was organized to assist in raising funds and to
support the NCHS Band Program. The BBA is comprised of parents who support the bands at NCHS through
financial contributions and volunteerism. The BBA's Board of Directors work closely with the Band
Directors to ensure all needs of the Band Programs are met. Parents do not have to be BBA members in
order to volunteer; however, for most parents, participation in the BBA is a fulfilling experience.
The rewards are great in the friendships made with other band families and the impression your
unselfish participation makes on today's young adults.
Realizing that communication is tantamount to success, the BBA, in cooperation with the NCHS Band
Department, operates the website at www.nchsbands.info. This is the primary source
of information and news for the Band Program and the BBA. The site is maintained and updated by
parent volunteers who work closely with the Band Directors to ensure information is updated in a
timely and accurate manner. The BBA also sends out quarterly newsletters to ensure no band family is
left out.
Please feel free to contact the Band Directors or any member of the Band Booster Association Board
of Directors if you have any questions or concerns.
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