FAQ

How does my child get into the LRHS Instrumental Music Program?

Intermediate Band is appropriate for students with prior experience in a middle school band or an equivalent level of musical instruction. Admission to the Concert Band or Symphonic Band requires an audition. Prior string instrument experience is preferable for Orchestra, but students interested in learning are encouraged to reach out to Mr. C.

What are the requirements of the Symphonic Band?

The Symphonic Band marches at all home football games, competes at four marching events and performs in parades, concerts, community events, state contests, and a national competition in the spring. There are frequent additional rehearsals before school during marching season and just before major performances. Required sectional rehearsals are scheduled throughout the school year for Symphonic Band students. Special practices after school may also be scheduled from time to time for the color guard, jazz band, pep band, and other special ensembles.

What are the requirements of Orchestra and the Concert and Intermediate Bands?

All of our ensembles perform at concerts, state contests, and additional events throughout the year.

Will my student get credit for being in one of the ensembles?

Yes, all ensembles count as one credit per semester. Symphonic Band counts as Honors Credit, and students in Orchestra and Concert Band can choose to complete an Honors Project to receive Honors Credit.

Do the Ensembles go on a Spring Trip? 

All four ensembles go on a Spring Trip every year. The Symphonic Band and Concert Band trips are typically longer and more extensive, while the Intermediate Band will typically remain in-state and take a day trip. The Orchestra will alternate, traveling with the Intermediate Band on even years and the Concert and Symphonic Bands during odd. Spring Trips are an additional cost that varies from year to year. Most students fundraise the majority of all these costs and pay very little, if anything, out of pocket. The Bands Club also offers scholarships to those needing financial support.

How much money does band/orchestra cost my family?

We have what we call a Fair Share payment for each band member. These funds pay for instruments, new music, repair, transportation, clinicians, festivals, competitions, equipment, and the daily cost of running a successful band program. There are also uniform costs, spring trip costs, and other travel expenses. Fundraising opportunities are managed by the Bands Club. In addition, scholarship funds are available. Contact the band director if you are interested in requesting scholarship assistance.

How is the Fair Share payment calculated?

Fair Share is the amount of money assessed to each band member to cover the expected operating expenses for each band. These expenses include items such as sheet music; transportation; instruments; competition fees; color guard uniforms and supplies; director fees for color guard and percussion sections; concert performance expenses; and other incidental expenses. The Bands Club officers and the Band Directors determine the annual budget for each band. The cost of the budget is then divided by the number of students in each band to calculate the “fair share” for each student. A discount on fair share is given to families having more than one student enrolled in the band program.

Why do seniors help so much?

Each senior has a position of leadership in the band. This system provides students with opportunities to learn how to make good choices and decisions, how to discuss things among many people in order to come to a consensus and how to develop skills necessary for working with others in a career.

Who decides the trips in the Spring?

Senior class band members, along with the Band Director and the Band’s Club VP for each band, explore all options for Spring trips. Some of the issues taken into consideration are dates, times, costs, distance, type of festival or competition, transportation requirements, etc. As major points are discussed, the senior class informs the entire band, receives feedback and returns to the discussion table to agree upon a destination.

How should the Symphonic Band uniform be laundered?

The uniform coat must be dry-cleaned. All belts, ropes, and medals must be removed first. The hat is not dry-cleaned. Many hats have been successfully cleaned with Woolite and a small brush. The pants must be washed in cold water. Special spot removers such as “Shout” or a similar product can be helpful to remove mud splatters on pants. Soaking the pants in Oxy Wash also works great. DO NOT USE BLEACH! Avoid dry cleaning the pants as this may cause the white material to yellow. Do not put the pants in the dryer but allow them to air dry. The shoes are easily polished with white shoe polish. All uniforms should be kept clean and returned clean to the uniform room as instructed by the Uniform Managers. 

Cleaning the Symphonic Uniform
LRHS Symphonic Uniform Guide

How can my child replace their Symphonic uniform or shoes?

If a uniform needs replacement, see one of the Uniform Managers to make a request for a different item. Your student will then be able to try on uniforms for a fit. The Uniform Managers also take shoe orders 2 times a year. Shoes cannot be paid for through the band account.

Should I insure my child’s instrument?

It is always recommended to insure your child’s instrument privately. It is also recommended to keep a record of the instrument’s serial number.

Can families attend marching competitions and other performances?

Absolutely!!! Please feel free to bring everyone in the family. All enjoy watching the numerous marching bands, the food and the teens! Opportunities to hear both bands perform in concerts occur during December, March and May.