Marching Band Letters and Forms

Zeeland High School Marching Band 2021-22


Parents and Guardians,


These pages contain almost everything you ever wanted to know about the Zeeland Marching Band, but (1) were afraid to ask, (2) didn’t know to ask, or (3) assumed that your kid would tell you - and didn’t. The information below is based on the assumption that we will be able to continue as normal as previous years while following new safety protocols during the time of COVID. Some information may change depending on where things are in the world and in our community!


General Questions


What is Marching Band?

Students will learn marching basics and music, but also will learn about time management, discipline, respect, working in teams/large groups, social dynamics, trust, and many lifelong relationships! We perform for the MSBOA Marching Festival, which we host, and halftime performances at football games. We will also have the opportunity to march in parades including Pumpkinfest, Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade, Tulip Time, and Memorial Day.


Who is in Marching Band?

Zeeland Band students grades 9-12 who elect to participate. Only those who sign up for band can be in marching band. Sign up information will be provided to all families after Spring break.


When is Marching Band? (A calendar will be at the bottom of this information sheet)

Marching Band occupies three seasons from the end of July to October in the fall, and then again in the spring

for the parade schedule. Students receive music in the late spring to study and memorize over the summer months. At the end of July and beginning of August, attendance at a two-week Marching Band Camp is required of every marching band student. Everyone is expected to be at practices both weeks of band camp. After Band camp, our rehearsals will be on Monday nights from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Check the schedule on the band website for all rehearsals and performances. https://sites.google.com/zps.org/zhsbands/calendar


Fees and Costs


Are there any fees for Marching Band?

Yes, all students will be assessed a marching band/colorguard uniform fee. The uniforms are loaned to the student at no charge, except for the following items that must be purchased: white/black marching shoes (new students & replacements), gloves (not percussion section) and dry cleaning costs. This year we will also be purchasing band T-shirts for those warmer performances so that we can look uniform and be comfortable during those warmer parades.

Freshmen/New Student Fee: Total is $59

  • White/black marching shoes $35

  • Dry Cleaning costs $11

  • Gloves (not percussion section) $2

  • Zeeland Band T-shirt $11


Returning Student Fee: $33 (unless new shoes and gloves are needed)

  • Dry Cleaning fee $20

  • Zeeland Band T-shirt $11

  • New gloves if needed $2


Uniform fees are due by the last day of band camp. Let us know if you need any assistance with these fees! Forms will be passed out during pre camp and band camp and will be collected at the end of the camp week.



Are there other costs that a Marching Band student must consider?

Along with the T-shirts above, we will make more apparel available for the students and families to purchase (similar to the sale we had at the end of Fall this year). Students will need a music lyre and folio book for marching. They hold the music up on each instrument and can be purchased at Meyer Music.


Marching Band Camp


What is Marching Band Camp?

Our camp is held at ZHS and is an essential part of the Marching Band’s progress. Many hours of marching, drilling, and performance of music take place during pre camp and band camp. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a student who marches to miss camp and still be able to learn the show by the time needed in the fall. A lunch is scheduled each day.


What does a student have to bring to Marching Band Camp?

First, a great attitude! It’s wise to bring a jug of water for those hot summer days. Sunglasses, hats, and suntan lotion are essential on sunny days. Remember music, instruments, valve oil, reeds, music lyre, etc!


What does a student have to wear to Marching Band Camp?

Here is the dress code:

  • Comfortable shoes/socks (no sandals/flip-flops)

  • T-shirt type top (long enough to tuck in) with sleeves, no low cut necklines

  • Shorts or pants (appropriate length)

  • Hats are good to keep the sun off your head and face

  • NO halter tops, bathing suit tops, tank tops, etc. are allowed. Students will be sent home to change if they do not comply.



Other Questions


What is the attire for Marching Band at games/parades?

The marching uniform consists of jacket, pants, hat, gloves, and shoes. The color guard consists of black tunic and black pants. Students will be instructed on what can be worn under the uniforms. Marching band students: white socks MUST be worn at ALL marching performances. The socks must be white and above the ankle. Colorguard students: black socks must be worn at all performances.


Students are responsible for caring for their assigned uniform parts throughout the season and will be required to pay for damaged or missing goods. Uniforms will remain in the band room during the school year.


How can parents help out?

Volunteer activities will be sent through the year as needed. During the Marching Band Season, volunteers are needed to care for uniforms, sewing, equipment transport, food donation, food service, and more.


During the season we will need parents to help out at football games with donating water, moving drum major podiums, pit crew members, uniform helpers, and more. We will provide more info for volunteering closer to the season through the emails we have on Infinite Campus.


Communication:


Infinite Campus

Please make sure that your contact information is correct in Infinite Campus. If it is not you need to adjust that on your by logging into the parent portal. The band directors cannot change that information for you. Parent Portal: https://ottawami.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/zeeland.jsp


TEXT ALERTS

Texting has been invaluable to sending immediate information needs (i.e. severe weather, changed return times from competitions, schedule updates, etc.) We use Remind to send these messages. Sign up info is below for parents:


PARENTS -

Incoming 9th Grade Parents: Text @zhsband9p to 81010

Incoming 10th Grade Parents: Text @zhsband10p to 81010

Incoming 11th Grade Parents: Text @zhsband11p to 81010

Incoming 12th Grade Parents: Text @zhsband12p to 81010


Director Emails

Feel free to email us at any time with any questions you might have!


Pujan Bhattarai: pbhattar@zps.org

Lucas Keur: lkeur@zps.org