Who are the Directors?
Jill Shea and Jason Shea
How can I stay informed?
Group emails are sent out using google groups regarding performance times and general information. Send an email to [email protected] if you are not receiving these emails.
What is the difference between Varsity Band and Cadet Band?
The Varsity Band is a competitive marching and concert band for sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Cadet Band is for students who are new to DHS desiring an opportunity for marching band instruction (this includes Freshmen). The Varsity Band is required to attend the preseason requirement weeks in late July/early August to learn the new fall field show. Varsity Band also holds evening practices beginning in the summer and continuing until the final field competition in the fall. The Cadet Band schedule is less full than the Varsity Band Schedule and will be posted on the website upon its availability.
What must my student bring to field shows and parades?
Instrument, long black gloves, black socks, black MTX marching shoes, a white T-shirt for parades and a black T-shirt for competition to wear under their uniform, shorts to wear under the uniform, and money for lunches or dinner.
When and where are the contests? Do I need to take my child? Do I need to attend?
The schedule is available on the web at www.eaglemusic.net. The calendar items usually include the name and city of the contest. Google Maps or other navigation site will find directions to locations. Students are bused to events. Frequently, the details regarding performance times are not available until the week of the event. Band parents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the google group so competition information can be forwarded directly, as soon as it is available. Parental attendance at each event is strongly encouraged. Most band events are competitive and trophies are awarded for the drum majors, drum line, field show, auxiliary (guard), and overall field, so an enthusiastic crowd can really impact the performance outcome.
Why should I attend more than 1 event since the show is the same one all season long?
The improvement in the show is dramatic from the first performance at the conclusion of band camp to the final performance of the season. The marching and the quality of the music not only improve, but new steps and refinements are added each week.
Can my student ride home with me or a friend after the competition, instead of on the bus?
School policy requires students to ride the bus to an event. If a student is riding home from an event with a parent, the parent must sign the student out at the conclusion of the event. The bus chaperone will have the sign out sheet. For students traveling home with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, a written note signed by the parent or legal guardian must be provided to a band director the day before the event. Phone calls are not accepted. This written note must identify the person to whom the student is to be released.
My child has a sports competition the same day as a field show or parade. Which event should he/she attend?
Mrs. Shea, Mr. Shea, the coaches, and DHS administrators work together to decide in which event the student will participate. If it is possible, the student may participate in both events. However, it will be the parent’s responsibility to transport the student to the second event.
Pep Band
The band is divided into two pep bands. The pep band plays at various basketball games, both girls and boys. The schedule of games is available on eaglemusic.net. Admission to games is free for the student performing with the pep band. Students unable to perform at a required event must find a replacement and notify the directors.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band participates in several jazz festivals throughout the year. Performance attire generally includes an embroidered golf shirt, khaki pants, and dress shoes.
Trips
The band takes a major trip once every four years.
Band Concert Information
How are band concerts organized?
Band students audition at the end of marching season for assignment to a concert band. There are three concert bands: Cadet Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band.
What is concert band attire?
Students are required to wear a black blouse or dress shirt, black trousers or skirt, ties (for men), and dress shoes. Skirt length must be at or below the knee.
Other Performances
What is “Art In the Park”?
Band, Chorus, and Art classes participate in this May performance during an outdoor lunch hour downtown at the Peoria County Courthouse. Students with an unexcused absence from any concert or performance are not eligible to participate in Art In the Park.
What is “Contest”?
The band participates in IHSA contest or competition where area bands are independently judged on performance. Attendance at these events is mandatory.
“Solo and Ensemble” competition participation may be required by the directors. This judged event is an opportunity to perform individually or in small groups.
What is IMEA?
The Illinois Music Education Association holds auditions for an area-wide concert. The directors will recommend a few students to audition for this event.
Jill Shea and Jason Shea
How can I stay informed?
Group emails are sent out using google groups regarding performance times and general information. Send an email to [email protected] if you are not receiving these emails.
What is the difference between Varsity Band and Cadet Band?
The Varsity Band is a competitive marching and concert band for sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Cadet Band is for students who are new to DHS desiring an opportunity for marching band instruction (this includes Freshmen). The Varsity Band is required to attend the preseason requirement weeks in late July/early August to learn the new fall field show. Varsity Band also holds evening practices beginning in the summer and continuing until the final field competition in the fall. The Cadet Band schedule is less full than the Varsity Band Schedule and will be posted on the website upon its availability.
What must my student bring to field shows and parades?
Instrument, long black gloves, black socks, black MTX marching shoes, a white T-shirt for parades and a black T-shirt for competition to wear under their uniform, shorts to wear under the uniform, and money for lunches or dinner.
When and where are the contests? Do I need to take my child? Do I need to attend?
The schedule is available on the web at www.eaglemusic.net. The calendar items usually include the name and city of the contest. Google Maps or other navigation site will find directions to locations. Students are bused to events. Frequently, the details regarding performance times are not available until the week of the event. Band parents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the google group so competition information can be forwarded directly, as soon as it is available. Parental attendance at each event is strongly encouraged. Most band events are competitive and trophies are awarded for the drum majors, drum line, field show, auxiliary (guard), and overall field, so an enthusiastic crowd can really impact the performance outcome.
Why should I attend more than 1 event since the show is the same one all season long?
The improvement in the show is dramatic from the first performance at the conclusion of band camp to the final performance of the season. The marching and the quality of the music not only improve, but new steps and refinements are added each week.
Can my student ride home with me or a friend after the competition, instead of on the bus?
School policy requires students to ride the bus to an event. If a student is riding home from an event with a parent, the parent must sign the student out at the conclusion of the event. The bus chaperone will have the sign out sheet. For students traveling home with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, a written note signed by the parent or legal guardian must be provided to a band director the day before the event. Phone calls are not accepted. This written note must identify the person to whom the student is to be released.
My child has a sports competition the same day as a field show or parade. Which event should he/she attend?
Mrs. Shea, Mr. Shea, the coaches, and DHS administrators work together to decide in which event the student will participate. If it is possible, the student may participate in both events. However, it will be the parent’s responsibility to transport the student to the second event.
Pep Band
The band is divided into two pep bands. The pep band plays at various basketball games, both girls and boys. The schedule of games is available on eaglemusic.net. Admission to games is free for the student performing with the pep band. Students unable to perform at a required event must find a replacement and notify the directors.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band participates in several jazz festivals throughout the year. Performance attire generally includes an embroidered golf shirt, khaki pants, and dress shoes.
Trips
The band takes a major trip once every four years.
Band Concert Information
How are band concerts organized?
Band students audition at the end of marching season for assignment to a concert band. There are three concert bands: Cadet Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band.
What is concert band attire?
Students are required to wear a black blouse or dress shirt, black trousers or skirt, ties (for men), and dress shoes. Skirt length must be at or below the knee.
Other Performances
What is “Art In the Park”?
Band, Chorus, and Art classes participate in this May performance during an outdoor lunch hour downtown at the Peoria County Courthouse. Students with an unexcused absence from any concert or performance are not eligible to participate in Art In the Park.
What is “Contest”?
The band participates in IHSA contest or competition where area bands are independently judged on performance. Attendance at these events is mandatory.
“Solo and Ensemble” competition participation may be required by the directors. This judged event is an opportunity to perform individually or in small groups.
What is IMEA?
The Illinois Music Education Association holds auditions for an area-wide concert. The directors will recommend a few students to audition for this event.
