Band Students & Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the 2023 Spearfish Spartans Marching Band! My name is Ms. Appl, and I am heading into
my sixth year as the band director at Spearfish High School. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work
with the music students and continue the tradition of excellence in our band program!

Our 2023 marching band show is entitled ‘Reaching New Heights’ and features the popular hits “Hey
Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic at the Disco, “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons, and “Drag Me Down”
by One Direction and ends with the Spearfish School Song. This high-energy show will require every student
to contribute his or her time and talents to the marching band. This marching season is the start of a new era
because it will be the debut of our new marching band uniforms!

Every student enrolled in a high school band class is a member of the Spearfish Spartans Marching
Band. Marching band is an excellent way for students from grades 9-12 to encourage one another and work
together to become better musicians and better teammates. We will work with other school activity schedules
such as volleyball, tennis, golf, soccer, football, cross country, etc. Please communicate any activities your
student is involved in, so we can coordinate our practice schedules with other coaches.

In order for the marching band to reach its full potential, please read and review the following
information regarding the practice schedules, basic information, and performance schedules. A medical release
form and transportation release form will be included in summer communication and additionally handed out on
the first day of practice. Forms must be turned in to Ms. Appl by the scheduled practice on Friday, August 25.

To receive updates and notifications about band activities, please join the REMIND group. Simply text
@shsmarch24 to 81010 to join the SHS Band 23-24 REMIND group. The REMIND group is for students and
parents/guardians. Please check your school email on a weekly basis throughout the summer.

Thank you for your continued participation in and dedication to the Spearfish Spartans Marching Band.
Let’s make this a great season!

Ms. Katie Appl, Spearfish HS Band Director

Email: kappl@spearfish.k12.sd.us
School Phone: 717-1212
Band Website: https://spearfishband.weebly.com/
What to Bring
Instrument CLOSE-TOED SHOES Flip folder
Water Bottle Lyre Sunglasses/hat/sunscreen
Music Pencil
Important Information
 All of the listed rehearsals are mandatory. Please communicate in advance with Ms. Appl regarding any
planned absences. Ms. Appl will work with other coaches to make a cooperative schedule in the event of
overlapped practices (volleyball, golf, XC, etc.)
 Summer Practices: Students may enter through the high school’s back door near the band room or through
the main doors from the student parking lot.
o Work: Students are expected to give the practice and performance schedule to their employer and
request the practice and performance times off work. Work is not a valid reason for missing
practices or performances.
 7:20 AM Practices: Students will receive 2 points for each rehearsal by arriving on time, being prepared,
and following instructions. Points may be deducted for tardiness, lack of preparation, inappropriate
behavior, and/or absences. In addition, students will earn lettering points based on their overall marching
band attendance.
 Memorization: The students will memorize the 3 show songs along with the SHS school song. Students are
expected to practice the show music before the start of the marching band season in order to help the
memorization process.
 Instrument Rental: If you need to use a school instrument, please contact Ms. Appl via email or REMIND.
Rental fee for the year is $30.
 Lyres & Flip Folders: Lyres are needed for every instrument except flute. Lyres can be purchased at the
Music Room, Haggerty’s, or online. Students are responsible for their own lyres and flip folders.
o Recommendations can be found on the Marching Band page of Ms. Appl’s SHS Band website.

Marching Band Uniforms

 The marching band uniforms are school property. Students are expected to treat their uniforms with
extreme care. Students may be charged for any excessive damage to their uniforms. Students will be fitted
for uniforms at selected times in class.
 With the new marching uniforms, there will be a new uniform check out process that will be explained in
fuller detail during the season.
 LONG BLACK SOCKS will be worn for every performance.
 Dinkle’s Marching Shoes: All students are required to wear Dinkle’s marching shoes for every marching
performance. An order will be placed during the second week of marching band for any student in need of a
new pair of marching shoes. The cost for a pair of Dinkle’s marching shoes is $30.
o The school has a limited supply of used Dinkle’s marching shoes that were donated by past band
students. Students may check out a pair of the school shoes for free. They must be returned at the
end of the marching season.
 SHS Marching Band 2023 - Summer Practice Schedule
Week 1: Monday, August 14 - Friday, August 18
Monday, August 14 Large Group Sectionals Assigned Times
Sectionals – You only need to attend the rehearsal for the section you belong in. All rehearsals will be held in
the band room. Color guard will meet in the band room and practice in the gym or outside.
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Woodwinds
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM Brass
1:15 PM – 3:15 PM Drumline & Color Guard

Tuesday, August 15 Practice Plan Location

8:00 AM-8:45 AM Drumline/Brass Rehearsals Stage/Band Room
9:00 AM-11:00 AM FULL BAND Rehearsal Band Room/Field
11:15 AM-12:00 PM Guard/Woodwind Rehearsals Stage/Band Room

Wednesday, August 16 Practice Plan Location

8:00 AM-8:45 AM Guard/Woodwind Rehearsals Stage/Band Room
9:00 AM-11:00 AM FULL BAND Rehearsal Band Room/Field
11:15 AM-12:00 PM Drumline/Brass Rehearsals Stage/Band Room

Thursday, August 17 Practice Plan Location

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM FULL BAND Rehearsal Band Room/Field

Friday, August 18 Practice Plan Location

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM FULL BAND Rehearsal Band Room/Field

(Week 2 Schedule on other side of page)

Week 2: Monday, August 21 – Friday, August 25
Monday, August 21 3:30 PM-6:00 PM Full Band/Color Guard
Tuesday, August 22 3:30 PM-6:00 PM Full Band/Color Guard
Wednesday, August 23 3:30 PM-6:00 PM Full Band/Color Guard
Thursday, August 24 7:20 AM-8:00 AM Before School Rehearsal
Friday, August 25 7:20 AM-8:00 AM Before School Rehearsal

Starting on the first day of school (Thursday, August 24), the marching band will rehearse
from 7:20 AM to 8:00 AM. Attendance will be tracked on a daily basis, and students will
receive 2 points for attending and being on time for each rehearsal. Points may be deducted for
tardiness and/or unexcused absences.

*Any changes to the summer practice schedule will be communicated via email, Remind, and/or
School Reach. Please check your school email at least once a week for any potential updates.*