Tuesday, July 7, 2015

All Freshman Band Students . . . Please read below!

Dear Rising CATA Freshman,

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Central Academy of the Technology and Arts.  My name is Mr. Retzlaff, and I am the new band director at CATA.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with you in the band program.  The transition from middle school to high school can sometimes be intimidating and daunting for some students, and I want to make this transition as smooth as possible. The CATA Band Program has established a strong tradition of success, and success starts with great students.  I wanted to reach out to all rising freshman to discuss some exciting opportunities all CATA Band students can experience.  

The Band of Blue, the school’s marching band, is an integral part of the band program at CATA.  Although not required to be enrolled in a band class, participation in the Band of Blue is strongly encouraged to all incoming freshman. The marching "Band of Blue" performs during the fall semester at pep rallies, home football games, and in local holiday parades.  ANY STUDENT who completed a full year of concert band in 8th grade is eligible to participate in marching band, even if they are not scheduled for Symphonic Band in the fall or spring semesters.  

The marching band season kicks off every year with a summer band camp on the CATA campus.  Summer marching camp is an essential first step towards a successful marching season.  During camp, students learn marching fundamentals, pep band music and begin learning set design and music for a halftime show.  Read the Band of Blue Camp Survival Guide to be prepared for a fun and safe camp season!

Once the school year begins, marching band rehearses after school hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 PM.

If interested in participating in marching band, please click on the “Marching Band Registration Link” and complete all information by midnight Thursday, July 16th.  Any registrations submitted after this date may not guarantee a spot in the ensemble.  


Below are more important links to find out further information on how to become a member of the Band of Blue and important dates to put in the calendar.
In addition, the CATA Band Program will be hosting an informal Band Director “Meet and Greet” on Monday, July 20th in the CATA Band Room from 4:00-4:45 PM for all band students.  Freshmen interested in marching band are encouraged to stay at 4:45 PM for the CATA Band of Blue “Marching Reveal” where the theme for the marching show will be revealed as well as the freshman band student/parent meeting from 5:00-5:30 PM.  Important information for marching band will be presented during this meeting so please plan on attending.  
Again I look forward to working with and meeting this year’s group of freshman!  This will be my first year at CATA as well so we will go through this year together for the first time!
Respectfully,