Throughout the years, exciting audience-friendly orchestra showpieces have been called “Musical Candy for the Ears.” We play with this idea by presenting four beloved classical showpieces, and pairing this visually with gorgeous images of well-known types of candy. All throughout the show we will also play hints of famous popular songs associated with popular types of candy.

The guard will be dressed in sleek silver, white and black uniforms in four different designs inspired by drawings by Elise Archie. This will allow them to be sophisticated and yet have the ability to match the great variety of colors in the show.

An opening impact of the classic pop song “I Want Candy” immediately moves into a contemporary arrangement of “Sabre Dance” by Khachaturian. This selection contains wild fresh melodies and an abundance of energy and excitement. A hint of “Pure Imagination” from Willie Wonka makes a brief appearance as a piccolo solo. We pair this all visually with the fresh energy of peppermint and spearmint. Gorgeous candy props in red and white stripes represent peppermint, with a similar design on the flags. As the music shifts to a more sultry tone, we present the greens and whites of spearmint. The cool and fresh musical and visual tones all build to an exciting conclusion, with half the guard in reds and the other half in greens for an exciting pairs moment.

Part two is all about Sours, with visuals of yellows for lemon and oranges for orange. Flags with lemon slice candies are paired with giant oversized candy sticks in yellow, orange and lime green. Musically we present the sassy sounds of the Dvorak “Slavonic Dances”. Similar in tone to last year’s yellow feather dusters, this section is about being sweet and sour. We include a bit of “The Candy Man” from Willie Wonka in the midst of the Dances and sour candies.

The ballad is pure dark Chocolate. We often say that dark rich band sounds should be rich like chocolate, so our musical selection is the dark and dramatic “Essay for Orchestra” by Samuel Barber. After a quick transition of the “Kit Kat” theme, the low brass and horns will carry us into the rich sounds of Barber’s music. Visually, a large candy bar is presented from which the guard begins to pull yards and yards of dark brown fabric. An elaborate modern dance illustrates the richness and drama of the music, building to a climax with the rest of the guard on large brown swing flags with gold lame’ trim, mimicking the wrapping of a chocolate bar.

The closer presents the energy and fun of Rimky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” Visually we present the bright silver foil of a Hershey’s Kiss, with large candy props used by dancers while the guard performs with silver lame’ flags to match the visual theme. The instrumentalists will shine during virtuoso drill and movement sequences, and the delicious excitement of the gorgeous musical themes builds to a full guard flag feature moment, our “Kiss Goodbye” as the band plays its final impact of “Pure Imagination” paired with “Scheherazade.” One last candy prop will bring a surprise ending.

We hope that the combination of familiar candy visuals, colors, props, and flag designs will compliment the classical showpieces to create a sensation where the audience can almost “taste” the flavors as they watch the show. The inclusion of the popular candy themes should add a sense of humor and familiarity to bring the audience into the design with a wink. We will strive for a perfect mixture of the delicious, fun, and intense flavors of music and visuals to create our production of “Musical Candy!”
 

NOTE: The 2013-2014 Fee Schedule/Amount will be changing due to
Rock Hill School District required changes.  As more is learned, we will
post information to help you understand how it effects you.

Band Camp fee: $75 - Due Friday, May 24th, 2013 along with Intent Form
(check made payable to Northwestern High School).

Marching Season fees: (Coming Soon)

For families with more than one student, the total fee for the second child is $250
and the total fee for the third child is $125.

There is an additional cost for the purchase of shoes, gloves, and hemming. BCP’s cannot be used for these items as they are paid directly to a vendor.

As you are aware, we no longer receive District financial assistance for families on
free/reduced lunch. By taking part in our fund-raising projects, and by working any
of the many events we offer to earn Band Credit Points (BCPs), no family should
have to pay for band fees 'Out of Pocket'.  For those families needing to request
financial aid, click Here to download the Financial Aid Form.

If you have any questions on the fees or if you need alternative arrangements to be
made to satisfy them, please contact Mr. Yost directly. To view the 
'Letter to Parents' concerning Band fees, click Here.

To view a list of fundraising (BCP) opportunities, click Here to be taken to the
Booster Fundraising section of this website.

To view your current Fee Payments/BCP balances via the CHARMS
application, click Here.