Joining the band at BCHS is simple!  

Parents, this is for you, too!

PREFACE: 

Marching Band is a requirement for anyone taking band classes UNLESS you play a fall sport that interferes with Marching Band or have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from being able to participate.  If you play a fall sport and you also want to be in Marching Band, that can almost always be worked out (we have a starting varsity football player who also marches with us).  If you can't be in marching band for one of the aforementioned reasons, a PARENT should contact Mr. Barnhill ASAP to inform him.

FYI: YOU HAVE TIME FOR BAND IN YOUR SCHEDULE!

Band does not have to be as time-consuming as you may have heard. Here are some facts:

1. Students in band have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, which requires an exceptional amount of rigorous classes.

2. Students in band regularly take dual-enrollment (college) classes, AP (advance placement) classes, internships, and other challenging courses.

3. Students in band sometimes take both band classes their senior or junior year because they love it so much and they have the time in their schedule!

4. Students in band have made their schedule work so that they graduate with an associates degree AND they were in band all four years of high school.

5. Students in band have received TOP scholarship offers from major universities for academics AND they were in band all four years of high school!

6. Mr. Barnhill and the counselors at BCHS pride themselves on making schedules work for students.

7. Marching band only rehearses ONE NIGHT EACH WEEK and performs at home football games from the end of July through mid-late October.  

8. Many of our older students work part-time jobs AND play in the marching band!  Employers LOVE band students because they learn about hard-work, commitment, dedication, and loyalty.  They want to keep band students on their staff, so they're willing to work with the band schedule!

9. We have had several starting varsity athletes march with the marching band (see the picture above).  They don't have to do that because of our exemption policy.  They choose to do that because they love sports and they love band, so they're willing to put in the work for both!  

Don't let anyone tell you that band is "too time-consuming."

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO JOIN THE BAND AT BCHS!

STEP 1: INFORM!

STUDENTS:

The first step in joining our band is letting people know that you want to be a part of our band program.

1. Email Mr. Barnhill to let him know!  Daniel.Barnhill@boone.kyschools.us

2. Tell your counselor that you want band on your schedule!

3. Tell your middle school Band Director so they can celebrate with you!

PARENTS:

We have a very active and involved Band Booster parent organization!  If you want to make sure your child is having the best band experience possible, become an active parent in the Band Boosters!  We have numerous volunteer opportunities that will put you in direct contact with other band parents.  Many of our band parents have become lifelong friends because of their involvement in these volunteer events!

Here are your first steps!

1. Email Mr. Barnhill to introduce yourself!  Daniel.Barnhill@boone.kyschools.us

2. Email our Band Booster President, Matthew Webster, and introduce yourself to him!  mwebster@boonecountyky.org 

STEP 2: MAKE A DECISION

At BCHS, we have two band classes: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble...

Symphonic Band is the natural "next step" from 8th grade band.  Students simply sign up for this class on their schedule!

OR

Wind Ensemble is the advanced ensemble at BCHS.  Students must audition to be considered for this band class.  The audition music and information can be found here.  Students should consider auditioning for the Wind Ensemble if they are:

Taking private lessons in middle school or if they find the music they are playing in 8th grade to be "too easy."  

Results will be shared with the middle school directors and on the BAND app (see below).  If a student is accepted into the Wind Ensemble, Mr. Barnhill will communicate with the counselors to adjust their schedule.

STEP 3: Get informed!

Both students and parents need to read through the handbook for all of the additional information you need (fees, dates, etc.)

ALSO, we communicate via the BAND app!  Download the app for your phone or desktop, then click here to get started!  This is the best way to get in touch with Mr. Barnhill with your questions!