Band 

Q: What kind of bands are offered at Sunnyslope? 

A: We have a comprehensive band program at Sunnyslope and offer numerous ensemble opportunities including, Advanced Band, Beginning Band, Percussion Class and multiple levels of Jazz Ensemble. 

Q: Do I have to have my own instrument?

A: Yes and no. We have some school instruments available, but not enough for everyone. If you are able to rent an instrument it is best. But if that is not a possibility, Mr. Alguire can work with you to try to find a school instrument. Large instruments like Tuba and Percussion are provided. 

Q: Do I have to be in marching band?

A: You GET to be in marching band! Advanced Band and Intermediate Band (Perc. Class) are both required to be in marching band. This means they will also be enrolled in zero hour first semester. Marching Band is awesome; you will make so many memories and have a close group of friends before school even starts!

Q: Do I come to band camp?

A: Yes. If you are in advanced band or intermediate band (percussion class) you are part of the marching band and need to come to band camp. Beginning band and orchestra students do not come to camp. Our first performance is usually 3 or 4 weeks into school and this is not enough time to prepare. Band camp provides us to opportunity to get a jump start on the season before school starts. There is no cost for the camp and it is held right here at Sunnyslope. This year camp is July 14-25. 

Q: I need to take a lot of AP classes, I'm not sure I will have time for band. 

A: Many band students take AP classes. Colleges pay attention to your involvement in extracurricular activities. But what counts most to colleges is how long and how deeply you have been committed to one or two of those interests. This could be sports, clubs, music groups, or various other activities. They take into account the leadership roles you have held, what you accomplished, and how much time you committed to the activity. Many students have achieved a balance. Check out our successful alumni. Multiple band members have been national merit finalists! 

Q: What if I am in football or cheer?

A: You can do both! We have had football players and cheerleaders in band before and we are good about working out practice schedules to allow students to participate in both activities. During games football players will play football and then can just march the show in their football uniform during halftime. You will be busy and will have to manage your time well, but it can be done. 

Q:  If I am an incoming freshman, should I be in Beginning Band?

A:  If you have played in middle school, you should be in Advanced Band or Percussion Class. Beginning Band is intended for true beginners who have never played an instrument.  

Q: Does band cost anything?

A: There is no participation fee. However, band member will be required to purchase a band shirt and band shoes as part of their uniform. There is no fee for band camp.

Q:  How can I find out more about the band programs?

A:  There is a mandatory Band Parent informational meeting scheduled a few weeks after school begins, and the information you get from this meeting as a parent is vital. The time we have during open house is not enough to cover all we do.  More information will be sent home with your student after school begins.  You can also contact the Band Director prior to school starting using the Contact Me link on the main page.

Q: What is zero hour and what time does it start? 

A: Zero hour is a required class for all marching band students through 1st Semester and begins at 7:00am each day… on late start Wednesdays, there is no Zero Hour, class begins at 9:00am. If your student is NOT in their spot at 7:01am, they will be marked absent and recorded at the school attendance office as unexcused. Recommendation is to arrive 15 minutes early! 

Q: What if my student is late or can’t attend zero hour class? 

A:  This is a required district class so your student will be marked absent and on their school record.  You will need to contact the Attendance office to report/excuse the absence.

Q: When does my student stop attending zero hour? 

A: 2nd semester your student will be automatically dis-enrolled for zero hour class unless they sign up and audition for Jazz Band in 2nd semester. 

Q: What if I don't know anybody, will I fit in?

A: You will meet so many people that are just like you. Take a chance that first day and I promise you will be fine. Band kids can almost always be found in the band room after school. This is not required; it just happens. They make friends and it becomes a second home. 

Q: What if I am not good enough? What skill level do I have to be?

A: If you have played in middle school at all, we can work with you no matter what skill level you have. If you are a true beginner who wants to learn, we have a beginning band class that can fast track you with all the skills you need to continue on in advanced band. 

Q: Is there guitar class at Sunnyslope?

A: nope

Q: Can I play guitar in band?

A: Not really. There are no guitar parts in concert band. There is one guitar player in jazz band. But you must audition and usually those students are already in advanced band and play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument as their primary.

orchestra

Q: What kind of orchestras are offered at Sunnyslope? 

A: We have two levels of orchestra at Sunnyslope, advanced orchestra and intermediate orchestra. This allows students to get more personalized instruction due to smaller class sizes. Both groups have significantly improved since we split.   

Q: How do I get into advanced orchestra?

A: Students are arbitrarily placed into either 4th or 7th hour. Then the first week of school we have an audition and students are placed into advanced or intermediate based on ability level and instrumentation needs. 

Q: What is on the audition?

A: Mr. Alguire will pass audition sheets out the first week of school so everyone has an equal amount of time to prepare. There will be something technical, something lyrical and sight reading. It is very short because we have to get through everyone in the first week. 

Q: Do I have to audition?

A: No . . . .but, this is not recommended. We have a very wide range of ability levels and so even if you think you will not do well on the audition you never know how everyone else is going to sound. If you can get through the audition sheet, it is best to just do the audition and see how it goes. We will make it as painless as possible. :) If you cannot make it through the audition sheet simply let Mr. Alguire know and you will be able to opt out of the audition and go directly to intermediate orchestra. Everyone must audition to get into advanced orchestra.

Q: What if I have never played before, can I still be in orchestra?

A: Yes, kind of. The vast majority of students have played before in middle school. There is no beginning orchestra class. However, we have had motivated students with no experience come into intermediate orchestra and they catch up. 

Q: Do I have to have my own instrument?

A: Yes and no. We have some school instruments available, but not enough for everyone. If you are able to rent an instrument it is best. But if that is not a possibility, Mr. Alguire can work with you to try to find a school instrument. Large instruments like bass are provided. 

Q: Does orchestra have commitments outside the regular school day?

A: Not many. There are around 4 or 5 concerts throughout the year. Concerts start at 7pm and are usually done by 8:30. These are required and are for a grade, just like any performing arts class. There is no zero hour for orchestra.