Time Commitment:  Being in the marching band requires a time commitment comparable to extra-curricular athletics. All students are expected to attend band camp during the summer.  It is held at the high school.  The dates for 2008-2009  camp are:
 

Monday, July 28 4pm-8pm Mini Camp (new marchers, officers, section leaders) Tuesday, July 29 4pm-8pm Mini Camp (new marchers, officers, section leaders) Wednesday, July 30 9am-1pm Full Band continued 4pm-8pm Mini Camp (new marchers, officers, section leaders) Thursday, July 31 9am-4pm Full Band (Bring a lunch) Friday, August 1 9am-4pm Full Band (Bring a lunch) Sunday, August 3 4pm-5:45pm Rehearsal--Full Band continued 6pm-8pm Picnic Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7   Full Band continued 7am-11am Rehearsal continued 11am-12:30pm Lunch on campus (Bring a lunch) continued 12:30pm-4pm Rehearsal continued 4pm-6pm Dinner on your own (students must leave campus) continued 6pm-9pm Rehearsal Friday, August 8 7am-11am Rehearsal continued 11am-12:30pm Lunch on campus (Bring a lunch) continued 12:30pm-4pm Rehearsal continued 4pm-6pm Dinner on campus (boosters will provide dinner) continued 6pm-7pm Rehearsal continued 7pm Parent Performance August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21  6pm-10pm Full Band Rehearsal August 22 First Home Football Game--

All students must stay on campus for the lunch break (you should bring your own lunch) and must leave campus for the 2-hour dinner break.  There will also be rehearsals in the evenings. Once school has started, the marching band rehearses every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school from 2:45-5:30pm. This continues through the Christmas parade season. There are also rehearsals scheduled, as needed, on Friday afternoons during competition season.  Other section rehearsals are scheduled as needed.  The band plays at all home football games.  Competitions are held on Saturdays, usually starting the last week-end in September and finishing the first week-end in November.  There are usually 3-4 parades during the holiday season.

Fees:  These fees are necessary to cover expenses incurred by the booster organization and help purchase such things as new instruments, uniforms, guard equipment, field props, and to pay for competition fees and travel expenses and other day-to day operational expenses. 2008-9 fees will be $475.00, with a $25.00 discount if fees are paid on time.  They are spread out over 3 months, with the final payment being due in August.  If for some reason you cannot meet the fee schedule, please contact Paul Rowe.

Uniforms:  Uniforms are issued to every student and are provided without charge.   They are stored in the band room and are not usually taken home.  Alterations are the responsibility of the student’s family.  Other necessary parts of the uniform include black socks and Dinkles (shoes).  (Dinkles are ordered by the band, but must be paid for by the student. The cost is around $25.00.)

Percussion:  As a section, the drumline has a huge responsibility—they are the main source of tempo for the entire band.  Membership in the drumline is by audition only (however, if you don’t make the drumline, there is still a spot in the band for you).  The drumline also has additional rehearsals.  Auditions are held in the spring each year.  The Front Ensemble/Pit (sideline percussion) is a crucial part of a great marching band.  Examples of instruments played by the Front Ensemble/Pit are: xylophone, bells, timpani, auxiliary percussion, snare, bass drum, crash/suspended cymbals and chimes.

Colorguard:  Colorguard is a group of students who provides the visual element to each season’s show.  Flag routines are specifically choreographed to each season’s show music.  Flags, rifles, sabers, etc. are used to enhance the visual presentation.  No experience is necessary.  The colorguard rehearsal schedule may vary from the Band practice schedule to include summer rehearsals up until band camp starts.  Tryouts generally take place mid to late April or May prior to the season start in late July.

Fundraising:  Ample opportunities for fundraising are available, however all fundraising is optional.  Money earned from some fundraising goes into an account for each student.  This money can only be used to pay any band-related expenses (band fees, trip fees, Dinkles,etc.).  Other fundraising may be done to raise money for specific things (instruments, props, etc.).  See the band website for more information on fundraising.

Parent Involvement:  It is imperative that parents maintain an active role in the band organization.  There are plenty of opportunities through membership in the booster organization, chaperoning, loading and unloading equipment, sewing, helping with fundraising, etc.  Our organization cannot survive without the help of parents.