What is the time commitment?
It's like joining a fall sport.
August camp is mandatory (go to the "Events" tab for the full schedule)
All members are expected to attend September/October events: practices, football games, and competitions (go to the "Events" tab for the full schedule)
November is a light month (few to no practices, playoff games only)
We do not have band fees!
Students are expected to purchase casual band apparel: t-shirt ($17), shorts ($24), and hat ($15); these items are worn at camp, under uniforms, at parades, and anytime we need a casual "uniform"
Students are expected to purchase band or color guard uniform shoes (approx. $35)
Students are expected to purchase a marching band app ($20) which we use to learn the drill
Students are expected to rent and maintain their own instruments, with the exception of large instruments that are provided by the school (e.g., percussion, low brass and woodwinds)
The school provides band uniforms and color guard costumes, including uniform rain gear for all members
The school provides color guard equipment (flags, rifles, sabres)
What kind of experience does a new member need?
Musicians should already have experience playing a band instrument. As you can imagine, learning how to march and play at the same time is only possible if you already have experience playing while seated!
Color guard members do not need experience; we will teach you how to spin a flag. A dance background is helpful but not necessary.
We teach everyone how to march and move around the field.
If you play a wind instrument that is not typically used on the field, please let us know, and we will work with you to make a transition. For example, many oboists play xylophone on the front sideline or learn saxophone (it's a wind instrument like oboe, and the fingerings are very similar to oboe). French horn and baritone players do not have to learn new instruments, but we do issue you a bell-front, marching version of your instrument.
Percussionists have options to play on the front sideline or to march while wearing a drum. We try to match everyone with something that meets both their interests and their strengths.
How are parents involved?
Besides the obvious commitment of getting students to practices, parents can be involved as much or as little as they like, in whatever ways fit their interests, abilities, and schedules.
Families take turns donating food for Friday night football game dinners (one of our senior parents coordinates it through SignUpGenius). Some parents volunteer to help with set up and clean up, too.
Some families volunteer for our "Pit and Prop Crew" (another SignUpGenius). At any given performance, we need help rolling equipment on and off the field. Come once, or come every time — we appreciate the help!
We always appreciate fans in the stands! Come sit with other parents at a football game or a competition. There's a band parent Facebook page to help put faces with names, and arrange to meet up.
What is the difference between playing in the stands and on the field?
We play pep tunes (mostly pop and rock music) and drum beats in the stands at football games.
We perform a themed field show on the field at football games and at competitions. Every year the field show tells a story, through music, movement, and theatrical elements.