Frequently Asked Questions

Marching Band

1. When is band camp? It usually begins the second week of August and runs between 2 and 3 weeks before school begins. (See calendar for times.)

2. How do you find out what time your child needs to be at school for a football game? It is posted on the homepage and calendar page of the Band website.

3. What are band parties? Band parties are a chance for the marching band kids to socialize and "decompress" after a long day in a fun and supervised environment. They begin directly after the football game (there is not a party after most away games) and end by midnight. Band parties are hosted by parents. Typically two or more families work together to host a party and to chaperone the event. Even if you don’t host a band party at your home, you can volunteer to help another family with theirs.

4. What if we have a conflict for a football game or a band festival? Just like any other performance, we need to know in writing (from a parent) as soon as possible (at least 30 days before the event). All performances are a required part of the class, but we understand that major life events happen, and of course illness/emergencies are a part of life. When a student isn't there, it affects the performance of the group, but more importantly, it negatively impacts the other individuals in the squad or section. The two big takeaways are: WE NEED YOU & PLAN/COMMUNICATE.

5. What types of snacks are best for football 3rd quarter hospitality? See here.

6. What if my child grows out of their uniform or shoes during the school year? The uniform crew makes adjustments to the uniforms throughout the year- please let us know if there is a specific issue. If a student outgrows their shoes, we have some extra used pairs that can be used in a pinch. This is usually not an issue during the fall, but sometimes for Memorial Day at the end of the year.

Extracurricular Requirements

1. If I'm in Band, do I have to do anything outside of the school day? Yes, as a performing ensemble class, you will have to perform from time to time and as these performances would be less "special" during the school day, each band has a few performances in the evening during the school year.
2. Can I do sports and Band? Yes- we work really hard to make our schedule work for students involved in multiple activities. Our days and times for band camp in August are built around the practice schedules of athletic teams. During the 1st quarter of the year, we rehearse every Tuesday night, and of course perform at every varsity Football game. After that, the ONLY required after school activities are a handful of performances. There are opportunities for additional performances (Pep Band, pit orchestra, jazz bands, solo & ensemble), but students can participate in those as they are interested and able.
3. Can I miss a performance? We need every student at our performances because in band nobody "sits on the bench," every student is important, and most of all, the performances should be the most fun and rewarding thing we do throughout the year. We understand that emergencies happen and that MAJOR life events are occasionally unavoidable and if something comes up, let us know immediately (refer to our Attendance Policy in the Handbook), and know that you must make up the performance with Mr. Komperda by scheduling a time to perform some of the music one-on-one to affirm your mastery of the material.

Taking Instruments Home

1. Do I have to take my instrument home every day? No, but it should be going home AT LEAST over the weekend. If you leave it at school, you can't practice at home, thus you can't improve as much as you should. How often you take it home is up to you.
2. I'm a percussionist- do I have to take my whole percussion kit to school? No, you can keep your kit (bells and snare drum) at home to practice, and use our school percussion equipment when you are in class. You may have to transport your sticks/stick bag, book, binder, etc.