FAQs

• Social – the band program makes up almost 15% of the school population. Students will get to know peers in all grade levels and have a wonderful support system instantly when they enter high school

• Neurological – continuing to learn how to play an instrument and read music has been proven to have a positive impact on the processing and development of young adults. This also allows their brain to think in a different way to offset their other courses and make them a more versatile learner. 

• Kinesthetic – the process of playing an instrument and connecting the physical aspects of it to the mental aspects is very helpful in developing coordination skills. This becomes even more pronounced for those in marching band. 

• Academic – colleges love to see continued participation in music courses. This lets them know the student has learned how to work as a part of a group and their brain has developed to learn in diverse ways. It helps students stand out in their application more than a few extra AP classes, and it often gives them experiences to talk about in their college essays and interviews.

Absolutely! We have dozens of students who attend these LCPS programs and who are still in band. The best thing to do would be to talk to the directors and they can get you in touch with students who are in your situation to help you navigate. It might require a few online courses, but it’s completely doable and we have many students stay in band all 4 years while spending every other day away from Dominion. Students also arrive back to Dominion before the day ends so there is no impact on marching band participation or any other after school activity for Academies students. 

Email, SportsYou, and Remind are the ways we communicate. Please check your email regularly for larger items, and SportsYou and Remind are used for smaller updates and reminders. 

Email is the best way to communicate. Mr. English checks his email daily and will get back as soon as possible. If it’s a booster matter please email the appropriate booster position for your question – or if you aren’t sure simply email our booster president (dhsbops@dominionhigh.com) and they will direct you to the appropriate person. 

Students should practice their instrument for at least 15-20 minutes EVERY DAY. We prefer 30 minutes, however just the act of having the instrument in your hands and building those muscles and muscle memory every day is vital to their success. How many days a student plays their instrument is more important than how long they play that day. For example 15 minutes a day is much more valuable than practicing 60 minutes twice a week (even though the total minutes are higher). 

The largest single contributor to a students individual success at the high school level would be private lessons. Students study on their own with someone who is a professional on their instrument once a week. These one on one sessions are hugely beneficial and almost all of the top players in any area are those who study privately. If you need help finding a private teacher please reach out to the band director 

Aside from private lessons, which will have the student working on their own solo literature, there are some local youth groups that students can be a part of. 

• Virginia Winds Academy – Auditioned Ensemble – https://www.virginiawindsacademy.band/ 

• Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra – Auditioned Full Orchestra (has Strings as well). https://www.loudounsymphony.org/lsyo

Throughout the year there are MANY volunteer opportunities. Please pay attention to emails and we have signup geniuses sent out periodically. The largest volunteer opportunities exist for the Marching Titans and the Winter Colorguard, however if your student is not participating in those groups we still have plenty of needs for our curricular bands. 

It is not uncommon for a high school student to deter their parent from volunteering for a variety of reasons. Please do not listen to your student – we need your help – and they will survive having their parents around at a school event 🙂

We have many behind the scenes positions that can assist with things from their own home. Please just reach out to our BOPS president and let them know you are interested in helping and we will point you in the right direction. 

• Yes – if you have a reimbursement please send it to the Booster Treasurer:

• Please note reimbursements should be approved ahead of time.