What is the Marching Band?
The Marching Band is an award winning musical ensemble consisting of students from grades nine through twelve (with special invitations given to selected eighth grade band members from our feeder schools). The Marching Band performs frequently in the community, at football games, and at various band competitions. All band members are members of the Marching Band. Marching Band is designed for students interested in playing band instruments or in flags and dancing. Students will develop instrumental/movement skills as well as precision teamwork, body carriage, musicianship, and showmanship. Attendance at summer, after school, and Saturday rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
What does being in Marching Band and Color Guard mean to the students?
For many, band becomes a second family, where there is a support system in place to help students deal with the stresses of high school life. Younger students receive help and wisdom from older members. Older members receive the opportunity to mentor younger students, offering guidance and support.
What is Color Guard?
The Color Guard are an important part of the Marching Band. They provide “color” to the overall effect of the show by closely choreographed interpretative dance routines that match the drill design. The Color Guard utilizes flags, saber, rifles, and other props to enhance the overall show and make it visually appealing.
Why should I join Color Guard?
Like any other worthwhile activity, performing with the Color Guard requires time, hard work, and dedication. Practicing and performing with the guard teaches members valuable life skills such as team work, discipline, and leadership. Most of all…IT’S FUN ! ! !
Do I need to have any dance or color guard experience to join?
No. Many of the current members had no prior experience.
What is the Battery/Drum Line?
The Drum Line or Battery consists of marching members of the percussion section and includes drums and base drums.
What is the Pit?
The Pit consists of the percussion section. Timpani, xylophones, electronic instruments, gongs, and other noise makers. It is located at the front of the field. The members of the pit do not march.
What is a section?
A “section” is a component of the Concert or Marching Band and consists of a group of like instruments.
What is the band fee used for?
The band fee is used to help purchase music, drill, outside instructors, and other expenses.
What happens after marching season ends?
You will re-audition, and then be placed into one of our three concert bands. Each of these three groups goes to festival and contests in the spring!
Do I have to take PE if I am in Marching Band?
No. Marching Band is a PE credit.
Do you have to know how to march to be in the band?
NO ! Marching experience is not required of anyone interested in becoming a member of the band. We understand that there is no marching in junior high school. We train you on marching technique at band camp.
Is it possible to participate in more than one music program at a time?
Yes. Your student can easily arrange his or her schedule to accommodate more than one music program.
What is the Symphonic Band?
The Symphonic Band is a prestigious musical ensemble consisting of students from grades nine through twelve. Membership in Symphonic Band is by audition. The focus is on continued technical development band the performance of classic band literature and ensemble repertoire.
What is Band Camp?
Band Camp is the time when members, old and new, of the band and color guard get together to learn how to march, play, and perform the music for the upcoming marching band season.
Do I have to attend Band Camp?
Yes, it is absolutely essential you attend the full sessions of Band Camp to learn the music, choreography, and team building. If, for any reason, for any length of time you wish to be excused from any portion of band camp, you must first get permission from the director. There are extremely few exceptions for missing band camp. All Marching Band members are required to attend.
How long is the marching season?
The marching season starts with band camp in August and typically lasts until November. Our last field show competition typically occurs mid-November.
How do band members wear their hair?
Hair needs to be UNDER your shako (hat). Use ponytail holders and bobby pins to get your hair up and out of the way.
Will I be able to march and play at the same time?
Sure you will ! That’s why we have Band Camp ! You may not believe it now, but any veteran band member can tell you that you will be marching like a pro by the end of the week. Band Camp is usually the first week of August. New students even get a few extra days beforehand to learn how to march. We publicize this date months in advance, so families can plan vacations and other activities. It’s very important for all students to attend this important week of rehearsal.