Dover High School Music Department

25 Alumni Drive    Dover NH 03820

[email protected]

Dear incoming band students and parents:

Welcome to the four most exciting years of your life!  I am so pleased that you have chosen to be a part of one of the best band programs in New England, the DHS Green Wave band.  We offer many new opportunities for you to perform and improve your musicianship in the coming years, including participation in state festivals, small ensembles, jazz band, percussion ensemble, color guard and winter guard, choral groups, the school musical and the Variety Show. 

 High school band will be different from any earlier band experience because it is a class that meets every other day for 90 minutes.  This concentrated time allows students to work as a large group but also in smaller ensembles to improve musicianship and music reading skills. 

The fall marching season does require some out-of-school rehearsal time, but is well worth the effort, as the ten gold medals won by the Green Wave Marching Band over the past 10 years has proven.  Fall sports are completely compatible with the marching rehearsal schedule, as we work with all the coaches to share the students who want to make that commitment.  You will also have time for after-school clubs and, of course, to keep your grades up. 

 The marching season is short and runs from August through the end of October.  Band students get many opportunities to perform and travel to fun events such as the Salem NH band show, competitions in Maine, local parades, the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield MA, as well as hosting our own Dover Band Show. 

 Enclosed is important information about upcoming rehearsals and band camp.  Band camp is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences you will have in the music program.  This is where we learn all the music and drill to be performed during our half-time show.  Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have a conflict with something.  I want to help you have the best band experience of your life here at DHS. 

Sincerely,

Jim Butka,
​Band Director