Spring Training

Congratulations!

You have taken the biggest step towards an incredible experience as a member of the GBHS Marching Band! Membership in the GBHS Marching Band is an amazing experience for you and your entire family, and it takes tremendous dedication, hard work, and responsibility. You will learn here that to truly be successful, you must first meet your own standards. We are successful when we have given you an environment in which it is safe to take risks and try new things. Spring training is designed for all students (8th-11th grade) that are interested in joining in the 2024 Marching Band. If you are planning on being a member, you must attend! Spring training rehearsals are from 6pm - 9pm in the HS Band Room.

Spring Training Dates:

Leadership Training Dates:

Why should you join marching band? 


Agenda

6:00pm - Group Welcome and Meeting

6:15pm - Break off into sectional groups

9:00pm - End Time


After our opening meeting, we will break off into three areas. Winds, percussion, and color guard. We will stay in these areas for the rest of the night.

What is the GBHS Marching Band?

The GBHS Marching Band is a competitive music ensemble designed for students who want to be a part of something truly special. We meet for summer rehearsals as well as prearranged evening practices and Saturday rehearsals in the fall. The marching band season is filled with numerous performance opportunities and competitions. The band has performances at all home varsity football games, the homecoming parade, and sometimes fall pep rallies. Furthermore, the marching band is a proud member of the Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA) and will travel to participate in multiple competitions on Saturdays throughout the season.

Requirements

To participate in the Marching Band, all freshman students must be enrolled in the Concert Band. Additionally, all members must attend the June camp, pre-band camp, and band camp before the start of the school year. It's important to note that while Color Guard members are not required to sign up for Concert Band, they are still expected to attend these rehearsals.

What to expect at Spring Training

The instructional team will break everything down as far as we possibly can in order for you to feel comfortable and confident with our technique and with your performances. We are going to go slowly but surely, and teach you how to perform. As a staff, we look forward to working with you in creating a look and sound that is distinctively the Grand Blanc High School Marching Band.

What do I need to bring?

All students will need their instrument, chromebook, a pencil, comfortable athletic clothes that would be good for running, a water bottle, and a small bag to carry around everything from place to place. Something like a drawstring bag might work for this.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

Each performer is responsible for his/her own equipment. Wind and brass players are expected to have their instruments in good working condition at every rehearsal. If your instrument is still locked at the school, please plan on attending w/o your instrument. Percussionists are required to have their own sticks. Color guard will be assigned equipment at a later date. 

What should I wear?

Proper clothing is a must. Sneakers (no high-tops, please) must be worn at all times. Loose-fitting clothing is required for marching and movement.

I am not 100% sure if I want to be in marching band. What should I do?

If you are not sure if you want to be in marching band, you should come and check it out! The first four rehearsals are for you to "try it out". You will not get a true understanding of what marching band is unless you try it!

What if I did not sign-up for Marching Band yet?

If you're still unsure about joining the band, don't worry! We understand that it can be a big decision, and we want to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. When you come to our rehearsals and decide that you want to be a part of our musical family, we will work with your counselor to add the class to your schedule for you. You don't have to worry about filling out any extra paperwork or going through a complicated enrollment process. We'll take care of everything so that you can focus on what's important - making music and having fun! Our dedicated team of teachers and staff will be there to support you every step of the way, and we're confident that you'll find a home in our band program.

Can I invite a friend?

Please do! You will feel much more comfortable going through this process with someone you know, and we are always looking for new members! The percussion section and the color guard are even accepting students who are not currently in band. This is a great opportunity to pull your other friends into the group with you!

What if My parents are not sure about marching band?

We will be having a parent meeting during one of the Spring training dates for your parents. We will discuss Marching Band and answer any questions that they may have at this time. More information will follow.

What should I do to get ready for this rehearsal?

About the Grand Blanc HS Band Program

The GBHS Band Program has a long-standing tradition of excellence. Our students develop a tremendous work ethic to carry on that tradition with each new band year. The GBHS Band Program continues to move in new directions in music making. We look back on the past with pride and respect, and we reach for the future with new goals and determination.


It is the mission of the Grand Blanc Community Schools and the Grand Blanc Music Department, as an innovative leader in providing quality and equitable education, to develop all individuals to their highest potential for living in an ever changing world. All students involved in our program will be pushed and stretched to reach and obtain their goals.