Incoming Freshmen

Beginning high school can be intimidating but I encourage all incoming freshmen who have been in band to continue with it here at North. We pride ourselves on a band family atmosphere and can't wait to have you become part of that family! Below we have some tips so you know more what to expect about starting band in high school

What you need for marching band:

• • • Athletic shoes for practices (no sandals or heels allowed). I also recommend that these shoes be old. Our field can get quite muddy after it rains and you don't want to ruin your brand new shoes!

    • A flip folder and a lyre for your instrument (not percussion). Woodwinds and brass, flip folders and lyres hold your music and attach it to your instrument so that you can have your music on the field. These are instrument specific so if you go to West Music be sure to tell them what instrument you play when you ask for a flip folder and a lyre. If you are unable to get one we usually have extras that you can use.

    • Long black socks for performances. We take care of ordering your performance marching shoes for you but you must get long black socks that cover your ankles.

    • Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle. Practices can get hot. Take care of yourself!

What is band camp?

• • • Band camp is one week towards the end of summer break where we teach you how to march and start learning pregame for the first football game. It is very important that you make it to band camp. It is hard to get caught up as a freshman if you miss camp.

    • The 2025 band camp dates are August 4-8. We rehearse from 8 am to noon each day at North High School.

    • If you haven't been to the NHS band room yet, you can enter directly into it from the outside entrance labeled 8E. 

Does band rehearse outside of the school day?

• No! Other than the one week of band camp in the summer, all of our rehearsing is done during class time. There are outside of school commitments for concerts/performances/etc., but not for any rehearsals.

Can I participate in dual enrollment and/or sports and still be in band?

• • • Yes, a large percentage of the students who are in band are also involved in dual enrollment and sports. 

    • It is recommended if you are in dual enrollment that you take your PE classes early bird or late bird when you can. This will help keep time in your schedule for electives.

    • We currently have students in the band who participate in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, bowling, track, cross country, dance, cheerleading, and probably more I'm forgetting. We are generally able to work out any conflicts as long as we know about them ahead of time. Communication is key!

Is there a fee to participate in band?

• • • No! The only fee we ever charge is if you rent a school instrument. The district charges $40 to your school account if you use a school owned instrument. This covers your instrument rental for the entire year. If you own your own instrument, no fees!