|
Join
|
|
Interested in joining our ranks but still not sure? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you decide.
· Do I need to know how to play an instrument? No. Our instructors work with you from week to week to teach you all you need to know in terms of music theory and practice.
· What instruments are available? We teach members to play the fife, the snare drum, or the bass drum. If none of these are appealing, you can sign on as a Permanent Color Guard as well. Permanent Color Guards may take up an instrument at any time.
· Are practices mandatory? Practices are not mandatory, but are encouraged. Since our performance schedule changes, we ask our members to attend as many practices as possible. This way our members are better prepared for the performances ahead.
· I am involved in another activity. Will this be a problem? We do ask for dedicated members but we are willing to work around most seasonal activities. Since most of our performances are held in the summer, we ask that members be available during the summer months. However, we do maintain that school is first and foremost.
· What is the performance schedule like? Click here to see a copy of this year’s schedule to get a better feel for the number of performances and how far we travel.
· How much is membership? Dues are currently $40.00 per year for a single member. And $50.00 for two or more in same family.
· What does my membership include? Your dues will get you the following: o Practice fife or practice drum pad and sticks o Uniform (vest, pants, shirt, 1 pair of socks, hat, and shoe buckles) o Uniform Bag (depending on availability) o Instrument (upon learning the 10 required tunes)
· Do I need to buy anything? The only item members need to purchase upon joining our ranks is a pair of comfortable men’s black dress shoes with black laces. Please no sneakers. Down the road you may need to replace your uniform socks. However, they are only $3.00 a pair. Everything else is included in your dues.
· Do I need any marching or music experience? No. Whether you prefer to learn fife, snare drum, bass drum, or simply march in our Color Guard, we will provide you with all the instruction you need. Absolutely no experience is needed.
· How much parent involvement is expected? We do ask our parents to volunteer to drive members to performances. We also ask for extra parent support around September to ensure success at our muster, which takes places on the beautiful shores of Lake Terramuggus.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. If you are even slightly interested, we urge you to find us. We are always looking for new members! Email us at: mjafdc@aol.com. Be sure to enter “new member” or “recruit” in the subject line. In the body of the email, tell us who you are. Also, include the best way to contact you (email, phone, or snail mail). OR Come to a practice session: We meet 6:30 – 8:30 every Wednesday Night at The Amercian Legion Hall located on East Hampton Road in Marlborough, CT. Click here for directions. OR Talk directly with any of our members, directors, or instructors. You might see us at local parades and events. Feel free to say Hello!
|