Frequently Asked Questions

Marching band is a group of instrumental musicians and color guard performers that coordinate movements with a musical performance, for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, and competition. The typical instrumentation includes, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. 

2. Who can be in the marching band?

Any Eastern York School District student in grades 9 - 12 (no audition required). Interested and dedicated 8th grade (and on some occasions 7th grade) students are permitted to audition with a band staff member to be permitted to join. Acceptance of 7th and 8th grade students also varies depending on instrumentation.

3. Why should I join?

There are several major reasons listed on the band’s website in the join the band section. But here are just a few, you make friends with everyone involved, it’s great exercise, you improve your musical ability and technique, you develop leadership skills, and a strong work ethic, you learn time management and how to problem solve, and you get to attend competitions specifically for marching bands! If these reasons don’t appeal to you, don’t forget that marching band is FUN!

4. How and when do I join / register?

Sign up using the registration page on the band website, or talk to a current marching band member, your music teacher, a band staff member, or a band booster parent. Any of these people can get you information and the link to sign-up (or they know someone that can).

Please try to attend the marching band interest / season meeting WITH A PARENT (check the band calendar for the date, usually at the end of May or beginning of June). We will review details, answer questions, and hand out forms for the coming season.

5. Will I have enough time to participate?

Students in the marching band generally do very well academically and have very few problems adapting to the busy schedule. The schedule can busy at times, but these are great learning experiences for the stresses of high school and adult life. With hard work and good time management skills (which you will certainly develop through participation in band) you will excel! The marching band staff and older members are always available to assist you! We are a team, everyone is important, and we all support each other.

6. I am interested in taking part in other co-curricular activities where there may be conflicts with band; can I still be in band?

Of course! We have had band students who are part of all kinds of student organizations and play sports such as soccer, cross country, and football. We encourage all students to take part in all activities that they are interested in (as long as they don't spread themselves too thin). It's all about the student's. Mr. Gromis works closely with advisors and coaches to create a schedule that works for all involved and won't hurt the student's standing in either organization. 

7. Is it expensive to join?

Money should never be a reason not to join the band. If you are unable to meet the monetary needs of the group, please feel free to talk to a band booster officer or staff member and we can certainly help. There is a fee of around $80.00 to join the band, this is made payable to the boosters, and is used to cover the cost of competition meals, an EYMK T-Shirt, drill, music, binders, other general office supplies, and other large purchases for the band such as instruments, uniforms, meals, etc. Members will also have to purchase black gloves and marching shoes through Mr. G

8. What if I don’t play a traditional marching band instrument?

Marching instruments include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, & Bari), Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Euphonium (Baritone), Trombone, Tuba, Battery Percussion (Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums), and Pit Percussion (Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, Piano (Synthesizer), Auxiliary Percussion). If you do not play one of these instruments, YOU CAN STILL JOIN. If you play a different instrument we may be able to find you a similar instrument to learn. If you have a basic musical background we will find something for you!  

9. I feel like I can barely play my instrument while sitting down. Now you want me to move and play at the same time?

This is one of the most common questions. We encourage all students to give it a try! At first it may seem hard, but once you get used to marching it is as easy as walking. We have a fantastic staff at Eastern York who are willing to do everything they can to help you learn how to march.

10. How long is the marching band season?

The Eastern York Marching Band participates in the Memorial Day Parade at the end of May. Throughout the summer there are several "summer band" rehearsals, which are evening practices intended to gradually improve music and marching skills in order to prepare for band camp. Color Guard and Drumline will often also have sectionals throughout the summer. At the end of summer we hold band camp. We then perform at all football games and competitions throughout the fall. The season ends with the final competition of the year. There are other events such as a special parades, and the band banquet. In the case of a marching band trip there will also be rehearsals held in advance to prepare.

11. What are practice start and end times?

The marching uniforms are very expensive and must last for many years. Every time a student puts on their uniform or hangs their uniform up to put it away, they must remember that they are handling several hundred dollars worth of material. The school supplies, a hat, hat box, jacket, pants, uniform bag, rain jacket, and gauntlet to each student. Students must provide LONG BLACK socks, BLACK gloves (available for purchase), BLACK marching shoes (available for purchase). Color guard members are supplied with a separate uniform. 

PARENT TIP: If possible buy extra pairs of gloves just in case one pair gets damaged or become too dirty to wear at a game.

STUDENT TIP: Mark the inside of your shoes so they are easily recognized. 

13. What do I wear under/over my uniform?

What students wear under their uniform may not affect their exterior appearance in any way. Bright colors that can be seen through the uniform or around the collar or sleeves are not permitted. Students are required to wear an Eastern York band t-shirt under their uniform. Student may not wear jewelry or excessive make up (excluding guard) at games or competitions. All students who wear the traditional hat must put their hair up so it is completely covered by the hat. In the case of extremely cold weather students may wear/bring other BLUE or YELLOW  jackets/blankets into the stands if they are approved by the staff. YOU MUST DO THIS IN ADVANCE.

14. What should I bring to band camp?

Here are a few suggestions: A healthy, high energy snack, plenty of water in easy to transport containers, sunscreen, a hat, appropriate clothes (I have experienced band camps in the 100s and band camps in the 50s, both were not pleasant), a pencil, drill dots, music, flip folders, and drill binder. Take a look at the band camp checklist HERE

15. Do I need money at games and competitions? When do we eat? (the two most important teenage questions)

Yes, at home and away games you will have the opportunity to eat during the third quarter. At competitions the band boosters will provide a lunch before we leave. At competitions depending upon what time we perform we may visit the concession stand before we perform or you will have time after we perform and re-enter the stadium to watch the other bands.

16. When do I get picked up after we get back from games and competitions?

Students are asked to contact their ride to let them know what approximate time they will be arriving. After the buses have pulled up to the high school all members must help unload and organize equipment before they can leave. Be respectful and help the group so there isn't just one small group left while everyone else is back home. 

STUDENT TIP: Bring an extra throw blanket in case the bus is cold. Remember to keep the bus clean so it is easier to leave when you get back to the school.

17. What are the Band Boosters and what do they do?

The Eastern York Band Booster's mission is to promote and encourage support for the Eastern York Band Program. They do this by working with the band staff, working with band students, and working with school staff to make the band experience the BEST FOR THE KIDS. Anyone can be a band booster. The meetings are the third Monday each month at 7PM in the band room! 

   - Provide meals and drink for summer band camp and lunch on competition days.

   - Assist with the organization of fundraisers.

   - Assist with uniform fitting and cleaning.

   - Encourage and assist the kids at band competitions.

We have a great group of parents already involved in the Band Booster Organization, but there is always room for more. We have a fun time and lots of laughs in everything we do. We try to make the band experience fun for the kids.

Mr. G NOTE: All strong band programs have a strong parent organization that is there to support students in everything they do. It means a lot for students to see parent involvement and parents/guardians taking an interest in what they do. In the end... IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS, they deserve it!

18. My Parents/Guardians are interested in volunteering, what should they do?

It takes a lot of hard work from volunteers to make the season successful. The easiest way to get involved is to attend band booster meetings. Some of the major opportunities for volunteering throughout the year include:

   - PIT MOMS AND PIT DADS - Arrive before competitions and games to help load large instruments and then help students load the equipment truck. They then help transport items to and from events as well as move them around at events.

   - CHAPERONES - For every 10-12 students we need an adult to help supervise. Chaperones travel with the group and stay close by in case of issues. They also help to move things in the stands, such as plumes and bleacher seat covers. All chaperones must obtain clearances and be approved by the Eastern York School District.

   - GOLDEN KNIGHT CLASSIC MARCHING BAND SHOWCASE - Our booster organization, along with the staff, puts on an annual band competition. This requires several different committees that organize parking, food, ticket sales, programs, candy grams, greeting band, etc. This is one of the largest events that the band puts on.

   - FUNDRAISING - The band generally has one fundraiser a month. Students are not required to fundraise, but it is strongly suggested. 

19. I have a question, but it’s not on this list?