FAQ

What is the Greece Marching Band?

The Greece Marching Band Blue Knights are a competitive field band ensemble made up of students in grades 6-12 in the Greece Central School District.

The members represent all six of the middle and high schools in Greece.

A field band performs a choreographed routine combining musicianship and athleticism. Shows last about 8 minutes and are performed on the football field. There are usually 3-4 movements of music that tell a story or are centered on a theme.

The band is comprised of a front-end ensemble, including instruments like marimbas and large drums; the brass, such as trumpets and trombones; the woodwinds, including saxophones and flutes, and last but not least the drumline with marching snare, bass and tenor drums.

A color guard brings it together by adding visual effects, dance, flag work, and rifle tosses. Students in drama, dance, gymnastics, band, orchestra or chorus typically join the “Guard”.

Who is eligible?

All Greece Central School District music students in grades 6-12 (grade they will be in as of the fall) can participate in the band. To play a musical instrument in this group, the student must be currently taking a curricular program course at school (Chorus/Band/Orchestra/Theory). We encourage chorus and orchestra students to learn a percussion instrument or join the colorguard when a part of this group. If any student who is enrolled in these courses receives private lessons on another instrument, we will allow them to play that instrument in the group.

Since there is no colorguard class at school, this section is open to any student who wishes to participate.

My child doesn't play an "marching band instrument" can they still participate in GMB?

There are many opportunities in marching band. For those who play an instrument, it is a great opportunity to expand their musical repertoire. For those who do not play a band instrument, they can participate in color guard (students interested in dance and flags). Another opportunity is in "The Pit" (stationary percussion section) which requires students to be able to read music, but they can typically learn their instrument during the season.

What is the basic rehearsal and performance schedule?

Rehearsals are usually on Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. During our fall competition season, we will rehearse on Saturday morning in preparation for our competitions. The band's year is divided into three parts:

April to June - Spring Training & Parade Season

This is the time of year when we work on our extensive training program and parade routines. We will perform at the Greece Memorial Day Parade and take part in the Lilac Parade and some other small performances.

July to August - Summer Season

This time of year we build our competitive program. Usually starting after July 4th and running through the last week of August, with a week in August dedicated to band camp. No weekend commitments during the summer season.

September to October - Fall Competition Season

During this time of year we travel over Western and Central New York competing against other groups. Competitions are on Saturdays and the commitment is for the full day. Our season ends at the end of October with our final performance at the NYS Field Band Competition at the Dome in Syracuse.

When do we perform?

During the Spring/Summer we march in the Greece Memorial Day Parade. More parades may be added as the Spring approaches. During our fall competitive season, we perform on Saturdays at the following competitions: East Irondequoit, Hilton, Baldwinsville, Webster. Victor, HOME in Greece and Syracuse Carrier Dome.

How much does it cost for my child to belong to the band?

There is no cost to participate in the Greece Marching Band. We do however have yearly trips we go on that is not covered by the band. Payment can either be paid out of pocket or by fundraising, but there are numerous fundraising opportunities to help defray the cost. Many families have fundraiser their entire trip cost. The marching band provides many opportunities for fundraisers throughout the year.

Who provides the equipment/uniforms?

The following instruments are provided by the marching band:

• all percussion instruments - drums, xylophones, etc.
• mellophones - similar to a French Horm
• baritones - we teach trombone players how to play this instrument
• tuba

All other instruments are provided by the student.

The marching band supplies the uniforms, colorguard equipment, and miscellaneous props and items needed for each program. Members are required to purchase some items such as shoes (about $35) and parade shirt (about $20).

Being involved in marching band sounds like a HUGE commitment; is it manageable?

YES, it is manageable. You're right, the marching band is a commitment, but it is comparable to many of the sports programs. In marching band, it is the one "team" where no one sits on the bench - whether an incoming 6th grader or outgoing 12th grader, the band is strong because of all participants.