Marching Band
IMG_5715.MOVIMG_5717.MOVIMG_5722.MOVIMG_5719.MOVIMG_5716.MOVBefore we get started, let's address some "myths and legends" about the program...
The EHS Band Practices too much and I don't have enough time...
The EHS Band follows the same standards and guidelines as all activities on campus, including all sports, fine arts organizations, and clubs. Marching band is all after school, and you'll never be asked to rehearse before school with our organization during the fall.
I'm in AP classes and it's not going to give me enough time...
The EHS Band makes up an enormous percentage of AP students. The organization provides regular time and attention for students to maintain great academic standing, and the advantage of being in this program is that you have students that have experience in all parts of the academic portions of our school. Our passing rate during marching season (busiest time of year) is 96%. We have student to student tutorials, pride time, and band study days.
Marching band is WAY too hard, there's no way I can do it...
WRONG! Just like anything, marching band will be new, but we go VERY slow in the beginning to make sure all freshmen/new members are on the same page as the other students. It's a long process, but the staff and student leaders are excellent teachers. We vary the experience to the students' ability level. You'll be great!
Marching band takes up every weekend in the fall...
WRONG! We do 5 to 6 competitions on Saturday's in September and October. All students are required to attend Friday night football games during the fall, but other than those responsibilities, that is it!
I want to join other clubs/organizations/athletics so I can't do band...
WRONG! Band works with every single activity on campus. Contact Mr. Kinmon and your counselor so we can work with your schedule and get you into the classes you want! Everything is possible!
NOW, LET'S LEARN WHAT THIS ORGANIZATION IS REALLY ALL ABOUT.
BENEFITS OF BEING IN MARCHING BAND
Physical Health - The marching band is a physical activity that allows every student to express themselves and get physically fit. It's done in an appropriate way for all shapes, ability levels, and sizes. We also have a med-team at every single rehearsal and performance to protect the students.
Mental Health - Marching band is a positive, and uplifting challenging activity. It allows students to feel part of something bigger than themselves and contribute to a team. It brings friends, relationships with teachers, and motivation to work hard!
Academic Success - The EHS Band Directors have high expectations for academic success for our students and we allow all of our students to have regular opportunities to go to tutoring, and work on school work during class times as well. All students must be eligible to participate and we regularly get to 96% passing or above.
Social Health - Students develop relationships, meet other students they can recognize in their core classes, and are regularly put in positions where they have to communicate and advocate for themselves. These skills are a focus of our organization and necessary for students at this age.
The Eastern High School Marching Band is one of the largest and most active spirit and competition groups of Eastern High School. Students work from July through October on their fall show, where they compete throughout Kentucky. The Marching Band also attends football games and pep rallies to boost school culture. The EHS Marching Band was a featured participant of the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City!
MARCHING BAND INFORMATION - FAQ'S
I am a double reed player (bassoon and oboe), what instrument do I play?
All double reed students get to pick what instrument they want to play during marching season. We ask that you reach out to us for advice, and talk to your teachers for their opinion. We tend to encourage those students to play saxophone, baritone, tuba or color guard, as those instruments are the easiest transfer for those students and where most of our double reed students participate.
Band dues are too expensive, we can't afford it...
There are costs associated to band, which covers the cost of travel, food for all events, extra staff members and clinicians, as well as your uniform parts and enhancements. However, the band has payment plans and scholarships we can offer you. No child should choose to not be a part of this because of finances, we ALWAYS find a way to help families and make it work! We have also DRAMATICALLY lowered our band costs to help families out.
I play mellophone, tuba, bass clarinet, and euphonium and don't own a marching instrument...
Don't worry! We rent all those instruments to you at the start of the summer so you can begin practicing on those new instruments. If anyone needs to rent any instrument, we have plenty available! Contact Mr. Kinmon for details... conner.kinmon@jefferson.kyschools.us
I didn't get the information and wasn't at band camp...
It's okay! We want everyone who wants to be a part of our organization to be a part of our organization. Communicate with Mr. Kinmon, all students are welcome regardless of experience or musical background!