Future Members

 Why should I be in high school band?

The Crystal Lake South Band is a "family" that supports the continued musical and personal growth for ALL of our members, no matter their ability level. Band is a group activity where no one sits on the sideline; everyone participates! Students are actively engaged every day in an activity that stimulates creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, self-discipline and motivation. Other benefits of music education include aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, social harmony, improved emotional expression, and appreciation of diversity. Plus, making music is FUN! 

How does being in band help on my college applications?

Colleges LOVE to see band on a student's transcript.  In this world of Advanced Placement, Honors, etc. students that also have band experience really stand out from the crowd.  In band, we also focus on the literacy, analytical, and critical thinking skills necessary to be successful in college and beyond!

What should I write on my School Registration to make sure I’m in band?

Just check the box that says BAND on your class request form.  That's it!  We'll take it from there.

When does Band currently meet at school?

Concert Bands in the high school meet during the school day, usually during the lunch hours. 

Unless students are taking an overload of classes, EVERY STUDENT WILL HAVE A LUNCH HOUR EVERY DAY! 

Does Percussion meet separate from the band?

Yes, we focus specifically on percussion techniques and work on ensembles in addition to the band music. Before concerts we bring the percussionists in with the wind players to rehearse the concert music. As a percussionist at CLS, you will learn to be an all-around musician focusing on snare, mallets, timpani, drumset, and auxiliary instruments. The result is more playing opportunities for you and no more sitting around for 15 minutes to play just two notes! 

Is there an audition for band?

Not to get in, all students with prior experience are welcome. Students without experience need to connect with Mr. Foster before joining.  In the fall, all students in the program will complete an audition for chair placement and as part of their grade. In the Spring there is a second audition for both chair and band placements. Acceptance into Wind Ensemble is the only ensemble that requires an audition.

I’m in Honors/AP/Dual Credit classes, is band going to be too much?

No. Many of our students are enrolled in Honors, AP, and Dual Credit classes. These students quickly learn the skills of time management to balance the workload with their activities.  Plus, the band students provide a great support network within their classes and also between grade levels.

Do Band grades count in the GPA?

Yes! Band counts in your GPA as a ¼ credit class. Band also fulfills the Fine Arts graduation requirement. Depending on your academic status, you may wish to take band as a pass/fail class, however now that District 155 no longer has class rank very few students take this option. More information will be provided to the students in the fall so they can make an informed decision.

Do I need a new instrument for high school?

Yes and No. While your instrument may be in fine working order, it may be time for a “step-up,” or advanced model. Higher-level instruments will provide you with a better tone quality, intonation, and mechanical response. They are meant for older students whereas entry-level instruments are meant for beginners. When you do make the decision to purchase a higher quality instrument, make sure you talk to area band directors, private teachers, and other music professionals to help you decide on a brand and retailer. Always make sure you test several instruments of the same model to make sure you pick the one that’s the best fit for you! All instruments, even by the same manufacturer, are not alike! Many students will use their new instrument for concert band while keeping their older one for marching band.

Do I have to be in Marching Band/Pep Band?

Yes! Everyone in the band program participates in the Marching Band and Pep Band. Don’t let that dissuade you from being in band! Most students find out that marching/pep band is a lot of fun and not what they expected. There are a few students that will have a modified level of involvement due to restrictions or conflicts, but the majority of students should plan to be involved. Have questions about your unique situation? Please ask!!

I have too many classes, can I take band only one semester?

Yes and no. This should not be considered for young and developing musicians, but there will be the occasion that a student has a course conflict that can't be worked out and has to drop for a single semester for their junior or senior year. This is very rare as our student services team does a great job at flexing schedules or finding ways to work classes in schedules in future years. If this does become necessary, the student and parents will be asked to meet with the band director first and the student will only be allowed to take first semester band. 

Can I do a sport and be in Band?

Absolutely! During all athletic seasons we work out compromises between band and athletics. This is especially important for fall activities. In high school we want to give you the flexibility of trying different activities. The coaches and I will make it work for you. We have had successful student athletes in every sport AND BAND at south and are proud to keep that going. They help make our band unique!  If you would like to talk to current band members who also participate in athletics I would be happy to coordinate that conversation, just contact me (dfoster@d155.org).

How do I balance an activity or sport and being in band?

This is a question most students will ask at some point. The first step is communication! Talk with your director and advisor/coach early on and do not wait. Mr. Foster is willing to help make it work for all parties, however it is important to remember that you have an obligation to both activities in some form and it will likely mean some form of compromise of time. The policy of the band department is to ask for a split of time when reasonable while placing priority on performances and events. Each scenario is different so it is important to connect so we can find what the balance is. However, here are some examples that have happened in the past.

Evening Practice & Rehearsal conflict - If your practice runs into our rehearsal for marching band, we would expect that you equally split time. Leave your practice early and show up to band late. In years past we worked it out with multiple coaches that their students would arrive a half hour or an hour late (depending on how much conflicts) and set that schedule for the season.

Soph/Varsity Football conflict - We LOVE having these students still engaged. Sophomore football players will join the band after their football game. Often they pick up their instruments and join us for pregame while still wearing their football uniform, then change during first quarter. However, they can be excused from Pregame if needed. Varsity players forgo playing with the band during Pre-game and are given the option to join us for halftime if they want. This will keep them involved in the activity and give them a position in our show for other festivals and events. (please note that freshman does not conflict)

Dance/Cheer conflict - Cheer and Dance students make some of the best band students and marchers. For Friday nights, our policy is that anytime the band is in motion on the field (pregame and halftime) these students join us, but in their dance or cheer uniform instead. However, during the track show or stands they are welcome to being with their respective groups. Dance students will also perform their dance routine before picking up their instrument and joining the band on field for the halftime show.

Basketball & Pep band conflict - Once the pep band schedule is released, these students are asked to connect with the director to determine how what the actual conflicts are and when they could attend. Often we will create a modified or reduced schedule for that student as they might not be able to make all the games needed. As long as they are making the attempt to be present, they will be ok.

Musical & Pep Band conflict - Since the annual musical opens at the end of pep band season, it can be very hard for our stage members to make their last few scheduled games. However, flexibility is built into the pep band schedule intentionally for this. Students interested in the musical should plan to trade games with other students early on in the season, going to extra games in December or January so that they can miss some games (with a sub) in February.

Event Conflicts -  If an athletic event (game, match or competition) or club event (conference, competition, etc.) conflicts with a band rehearsal, the event should take precedence.  However, band performances will ALWAYS take precedence over sports practices and club meetings.  When band performances and athletic or club events conflict, communication between you, me and your coach or club sponsor is essential to work out a compromise. Typically for our Main concerts it will always go to the band, but for activities I will be flexible (as long as students aren't always shirking their band responsibilities for sports, clubs and other interests) when communication is done regularly, appropriately, and in advance - not right before the event and certainly not afterwards! The one exception being a once in a lifetime opportunity, which with communication we can come to a compromise. 

Is there a summer band camp?

Yes! This is a fun time for our band. Besides working on music and marching skills we plan lots of games and activities to welcome you to our program. Because of band camp, our freshmen start high school with the confidence of already knowing the building and many students. We usually run two weeks of camp. One focused on music and fundamentals and a second "main" band camp scheduled during the IHSA no contact week. More information can be found in both emails and in the marching schedule section of this website. And YES, we coordinate with the CLS athletic camps too!

Does Marching Band meet outside of the school day?

Yes, once school begins the marching band rehearses one or two days a week after school from 6-8:45pm. This time slot allows our athletes to be at practice after their athletic commitment is complete. We use this rehearsal time to polish our halftime show for the football games. The rehearsals conclude in mid-October as the football season finishes.

How many concerts does the band put on each year?

Typically the band performs a December Holiday concert, a Feb/Mar concert with LMS, and a Final Spring Concert in May. We may also attend area festivals or contests and Small Ensemble events.

Is there a Jazz Band?

Yes! We will be running two levels of Jazz at CLS and will rehearse weekly before and after school from mid September to May. All wind and percussion players must be members of the regular band program to participate.

Jazz Ensemble is open by audition only and is a traditional "Big Band" made up of saxes, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, and drums).  This group performs at festivals, outreach events, and is the premier ensemble.

What other musical opportunities are there in the Gator Band?

We have Madrigal Musicians, a brass quintet and potentially a woodwind quintet. These groups perform at our annual Madrigal Dinner in Nov/Dec. We also have a Pit Orchestra that performs for the Spring Musical in February. In addition, we have chamber ensembles and solo opportunities for Solo and Ensemble Contest. Every year we also participate the McHenry County Honors Band and ILMEA district and All-State festivals.

What leadership opportunities are there in the band?

There are MANY ways students can serve as a leader within the CLS Band Department. We have a “Band Council” that organizes many of the functional and social aspects of band, a marching band leadership team consisting of drum majors and section leader, and first chair positions in the concert ensemble. This affords a variety of ways for students to engage in building their leadership skills while also helping to strengthen the bonds of our band family. We are also in the process of setting up a district wide Tri-M Music Honors society for students who want to continue to use their musical talents to give back to the community. 

Does the band travel?

Yes! Every other year the band goes on a music tour with the purpose of musical growth, community bonding, and outreach. This year the band is set up to travel to Disney World during Spring break. We will also have opportunities to travel to local universities to participate in Band Days and clinics on their campuses, see Broadway shows, and performed at other schools. Our trips are a balance of music performance, education, sightseeing, and of course, having FUN!

How can parents be involved in the CLS Band Program?

We are always looking for parent volunteers to help out. In the Marching Gators tab you will find a link to the Parent Volunteer page with plenty of information to find out how you can best help our band family!

How do parents stay informed about the band?

We use a lot of e-mail for communication. It’s the easiest way to give a lot of people information at once. In addition we provide basic information on this website and we have a Remind list that you can join by texting the code @CLS155band to 81010.

If I have more specific questions about my child who should I contact?

Please feel free to contact Dan Foster, Director of Bands, at dfoster@d155.org or (815) 455-3860 ex 3236.