Frequently Asked Questions

Marching Band

What do students need for marching band?

Besides their instruments, students are expected to purchase and bring their own lyres for their music. These are available at all local music stores. Drumline members do not need to purchase lyres. Comfortable shoes are also recommended (NO FLIP-FLOPS!) Due to wet grass, etc, we recommend a pair of "grubby" shoes to rehearse in. For performances, all students must have black shoes and black socks. (The shoes must be ALL black- stripes or swooshes of a different color are unacceptable.)

When does the marching band perform?

At all home varsity football games and the homecoming parade. The band marches pre-game and the half-time performance.

Are they responsible for keeping their uniforms at home during the school year?

Yes. They will keep their band jacket, band t-shirt, and ball cap with them and will be responsible for the care of each. If students would like to wear/keep their uniform jacket, they have an option to purchase it for $75. Those who do not purchase will be expected to return their jacket in good condition. The band shirt and ball cap are theirs to keep (they were covered in the fees paid at the beginning of the year).

Where do I purchase music lyres, and are their certain kinds that are better than others?

West Music (corner of Kimberly and Brady). For Trumpets and Trombones, we recommend the lyres that clamp onto the bell. If you are worried about scratching or denting the instrument, a cloth may be placed between the bell and the lyre.

Who is required to march in the Homecoming Parade?

Everyone is required to march in the parade except VARSITY Football players and VARSITY Cheerleaders.

Lessons / Grading

Does my child need to purchase a method book for lessons?

No. We will provide the method books. If it gets lost, it is the student's responsibility to replace it.

What is expected of the students in lessons?

The students are expected to prepare assigned materials in the method books. FRESHMEN should bring the lesson book they used in 8th grade to their first HS lesson. ***This should not be the book they used in band, but only for lessons.

Are lessons graded? How?

Yes, each lesson is graded based on preparation and progress. We are moving to a standards-based grading system this year, so things will look a little different, but that is essentially what we grade.

How does the lesson schedule work?

Students sign up on their own one week ahead of time. They are asked to sign up for a time when they feel they would miss the least in a particular class. They are also instructed not to come out of the same class more than twice per quarter. The links to sign up are in Canvas.

Do students receive credit for taking private lessons outside of school?

As long as it is on their PRIMARY concert instrument and happen on a regular, weekly basis. Students who study with a private instructor will need to attend 1 in-school lesson and turn in a Lesson Voucher for the remaining 3. The private instructor is to fill each out and assign a grade. The student will then turn it in to Mr. Collins or Mr. McMann by the end of the quarter.

Do summer lessons count towards the band grade?

If they complete TWO summer lessons (one each of the two available weeks), they will get credit for ONE first quarter lesson.

Concert / Symphonic Band

How / when are the students auditioned for concert / symphonic band?

Auditions for chair placement will be held during the last half of marching band season. Audition material will be given out in lessons. Audition material will consist of the following:

1) Watkins-Farnum Standardized Music Test (Sight-reading)

2) ALL major scales - C,F,Bb,Eb,Ab,Db, Gb(F#), B,E,A,D,G, and chromatic over full range. They will get 5 minutes to play as many scales as they can. They do not need to be memorized, but will get extra points for each scale that is.

3) Prepared piece(s) selected by directors.

Once they are placed, is that set for the whole year, or can they challenge?

CHALLENGES may be made with the person in the chair immediately above. The challenge is made first by informing the person to challenged, then by informing one of the directors. The challenger is to select a piece of music from his folder, the person challenged is to select a piece from his folder, and each is to give a copy of their piece to the other THE NEXT DAY after the challenge is made. Each student will then have three school days (after exchange of music) to prepare BOTH pieces of music. On the fourth school day after music is exchanged, both players must play for the directors. All challenges will include scales. Any student refusing to accept a challenge or not abiding by the challenge rules will automatically forfeit their chair position. The only exception is if a student is ill on the day of the challenge. A challenger losing a challenge may re-challenge, but must wait at least one week. Challenges may also occur between Concert and Symphonic Bands and Jazz I and Jazz II. The directors have the option of selecting another piece of music, if they so desire. While a challenge may occur during the time immediately prior to a performance, a change of seating will not occur within two weeks before a performance.

Do they have uniforms?

Concert attire consists of black dress pants, a long-sleeved button-down shirt or blouse, and black dress shoes.

Jazz Bands

How / when are the students auditioned for jazz band?

For those wanting to audition for Jazz 1, they will receive materials on the first day of rehearsal, and be auditioned approximately 1-2 weeks later. Auditions will be based on playing a prepared piece and optional improvisation.

How do students get into Night School?

Simliar to Jazz 1, there will be a piece of music they will work up.

CHALLENGES in jazz band use the same rules as for Symphonic / Concert Band. Each will pick a piece of music, prepare both, and perform the same scales used in the auditions.

How many jazz groups are there?

3, including Night School. Lancer Big Band (all students), Jazz 1 (by audition), and Night School (by audition)

What instruments are eligible for jazz band?

Standard instrumentation includes Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, Piano, Bass, Drum Set, and Guitar. Clarinet, Flute, and Double Reed Players are encouraged to try out on sax if interested. We have many Flute and Clarinet players currently performing in our jazz bands. Euphonium players are also encouraged, as the school owns a couple of valve trombones that translate nicely into a jazz band setting.

Can students who have never been in jazz band audition?

Absolutely. We have had many students who have never been in jazz band before step in and do a great job.

Since we register before auditions, what should we do? We won't know if we have made it yet!

We will have a place for everyone who enrolls! Once you are in, you'll have the option of auditioning for Jazz 1 or Night School.

Can you participate in jazz band without being enrolled in band?

Only for those playing non-traditional band instruments, including the following: Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drum Set.

Do they have uniforms?

No, but they are asked to dress up for performances. (Guys, shirt and tie, etc.)

What if my child plays a different instrument in jazz band?

Check with the directors for specific info. We have a couple of saxes, valve trombones, guitars, bass, etc. that your child may be able to use.

If they study privately on their jazz instrument (if different than concert instrument), can that count for their band lesson grade?

Since Jazz Band is a separate class, lessons on their jazz instrument can not count towards their band lesson grade. If a drummer studies privately and they work on classical percussion AND jazz drumset, that would be okay.

What are grades based on?

1) Participation- This grade is determined by attendance, preparation, and attitude / behavior in rehearsals and performances.

2) Performance attendance and level

Pep Band

Is Pep Band required?

All students are required to attend half of the pep band performances each season (usually 2-3)

Does it affect their band grade?

If they attend less than four, it will affect their third quarter grade.

How is the pep band schedule determined?

Pep band dates are chosen on the basis of conflicting activities. So that students have a chance to attend, we choose dates with the least number of potential conflicts. (Musical, etc.)

Instrument Rentals

What instruments does the school rent to students?

Students are allowed (for a minimal fee) to use our percussion equipment, Tubas, Bass Clarinets, Bassoons, French Horns, Euphoniums, Oboes, and Baritone Saxophones.

How much are rental fees for said instruments?

Students pay $50 per year.

What happens if my son/daughter plays a different instrument in jazz band?

It varies by situation. Please contact one of the directors.

Band Trip to Florida

Are students required to go on the trip?

No, but highly encouraged. Some of the greatest memories of their high school experience are created on this trip!

How many fundraisers are done leading up to the trip?

Music Boosters Pizza Sales, Quad Cities Coupon Books, and Mattress Sale Fundraiser every year.

How do I get on the chaperone list?

Contact Mr. McMann!