WELCOME to one of the most exciting experiences in which you can be a part – THE BAND! Now, more than ever, we have information to justify why we do this demanding yet rewarding activity. We have included the latest advocacy information in the new edition of the Band Handbook. Arts students continue to score significantly higher than their counterparts on everything from SAT scores to spatial reasoning skills. Read “Why Music” for a synopsis of our philosophy about the band program at Wando. The ultimate goal is a lifelong understanding and appreciation for quality music and music making. For new folks, the handbook is the “band bible” that keeps us running smoothly and efficiently. Most questions can be answered by consulting THE BAND HANDBOOK. Please read every word of The Handbook so that you are well informed. It is our hope that the information contained in the handbook will be both INFORMATIONAL and INSPIRATIONAL. The advocacy articles, “How Parents Can Help,” and “Parents’ Responsibility to the Band,” are both designed to give guidance to parents. You will quickly find out that band is truly a FAMILY.
 The 2009-2010 school year was full of successes by our students as outlined in the list below:

• More students selected for the All-State Band than any other school in South Carolina for the past nine years (48 students in 2010)
• More students for the All-State Jazz Band than any other school in South Carolina
• 92 Region Band members in 2010
• Grand Nationals Finalist in 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana
• 2005 – 2009 5A SC State Marching Band Champions
• Straight Superior ratings at Concert and Jazz Festival events
• Performed at the 2007 Midwest International Band Clinic
• Won the Sudler Flag of Honor for the 2007-8 school year, the highest award presented to a high school concert band
• 2005 National Grand Champions at the Grand NAI, Chattanooga, Tennessee
• 1998, 2002 invited to participate in the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival
• 2004 Percussive Arts Society featured performing group
• Scott Rush has authored two nationally recognized textbooks for band directors and college instrumental methods classes.

We would like to thank the entire Wando Band Staff for their tireless commitment toward excellence. We would also like to welcome three newcomers to the East Cooper Band family as part of our marching band staff. For your reference we have included a list of private instructors in the new edition of the BAND HANDBOOK. There is no better way for your child to improve his or her musical experience than to be involved in private lessons. We are very fortunate to have such fine symphony and professional players in the area. As one parent told me: “In this band program, you are doing your child a disservice by not providing private lessons…they will either quit or be uninvolved.” Those are powerful words, but in some ways, they are very true. As the band program grows, the most committed students (those who practice) will have the most positive experience. In addition to making private instruction and chamber music a priority, we have renewed our commitment to instill positive leadership qualities in all of our students. These are the “teachable moments” that develop important life skills for all students. The Band Handbook is designed to answer any questions you might have concerning the program. Please read all of the information and sign the perforated form (Letter of Mutual Consent) in the back of the handbook and return it to the band office. We are honored to be your band directors and are looking forward to a great year! Musically Yours,
Scott Rush, Director of Bands
Sean McGrew, Associate Director of Bands
Lanie Radecke, Associate Director of Bands