Marching band is a group of instrumental musicians and color guard performers that coordinate movements with a musical performance, for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, and competition. The typical instrumentation includes: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. Marching Band is also a unique community for both students and parents, where life-long friends are made, and everyone is welcomed as family! 

Any GMHS student in grades 9 - 12, no audition required. Interested and dedicated 8th grade students are also welcome to join. Contact with Mr. Wellman, Director of Bands, to learn more!

Marching instruments include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, & Bari), Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Euphonium (Baritone), Trombone, Tuba, Battery Percussion (Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums), and Pit Percussion (Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, Piano (Synthesizer), Auxiliary Percussion). If you do not play one of these instruments, YOU CAN STILL JOIN. 

If you play a different instrument, we may be able to find a similar marching instrument to learn. 

If you have a basic musical background (piano, choir, elementary level instrument, strings, etc.) you will probably be able to learn a marching percussion or pit instrument easily. 

If you are interested in learning some dance moves, we could also give you a flag and teach you color guard. Most members have no background when they start color guard so don't worry about it! 

The GMHS Marching Band practices begin in early June with a mini-camp to allow students to try their hand at marching band and to meet new friends. Throughout the summer, there are several mini camp rehearsals: all or half-day practices designed to gradually improve music and marching skills in order to prepare for the full band camp, which takes place at the end of July.

Color Guard and Drumline will also have sectionals throughout the summer. Once school begins, practices are on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm and alternate Saturdays, 9 am - 12:30 pm. View current calendar. 

We then perform at several football games and competitions throughout the fall. The season ends with the State marching competition, usually held at the end of October or the beginning of November. 

Once school begins, practices are on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm and alternate Saturdays, 9 am - 12:30 pm. View current calendar. 

A healthy, high energy snack, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, lunch or money for lunch, music, instrument, and any necessary equipment. Mobile and other electronic devices must be on silent and left on the sideline and only accessed during breaks.

The school supplies: a hat, hat box, jacket, pants, and a uniform bag. Students must provide LONG BLACK socks,  gloves (available for purchase), BLACK marching shoes (also available for purchase). Color guard members are supplied with a separate uniform top and bottoms. Students cannot perform without a complete uniform. 

The marching uniforms are very expensive and must last for many years. Every time a student puts on their uniform or hangs up their uniform they must remember that they are handling several hundred dollars worth of material. 

We love to feed our Marching Rams!  Meals and snacks are provided for students at all competitions.  Depending on the time of the competition, this might be only dinner or lunch and dinner and will be communicated to families beforehand.  

Generally, food is not provided at football games.  Students can buy concessions or bring snacks from home if they need to eat there. 

Traditionally, the band will play pep music and march during halftime during a few home games during the fall season.  These games take place at various times.  The band generally arrives at the school 45 minutes before the game, and travels to the stadium on the bus if possible.  If buses are not available, students will travel via parent carpool.

Return times will be communicated close to the dates of the games. After the buses have pulled up to the high school, all members must help unload and organize equipment before they can leave. 

Feel free to contact Mr. Wellman, Director of Bands, at edward.wellman@jeffcoschools.us or Sarah DeAngelo, Band Boosters President, at gmhsbandboosterspresident@gmail.com.