9th Grade Band and Concert band is appropriate for students with prior experience in a middle school band or an equivalent level of musical instruction. These groups perform several concerts a year, participate in a state contest, and usually travel to one competition or festival in the Spring. Admission to the Symphonic Band requires an audition. Audition requirements are described in another section of this website. This group performs at concerts, community events, state contest, and one competition or festival in the Spring. 9th Grade Band, Concert band and symphonic band are offered as courses which earn elective credits. The Symphonic Band frequently holds additional rehearsals after school during preparation time for major performances. The Marching Band has practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:45pm to 6:15pm. The Marching Band is comprised of volunteer members who receive a 1/2 credit for marching band. Special practices after school may also be scheduled from time to time for the color guard, jazz band, drum line, and other special ensembles.

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Ninth Grade Band and Concert Band - approximately $50 to $100 per year for the expense of operating the program

Symphonic Band - approximately $300 to cover the cost of operating expense and a Spring Festival during second semester

In addition, students must pay the travel expense associated with out of town trips in the spring including transportation, lodging, festival fees, and meals. Participation in these trips is not mandatory but is expected. Cost of these trips will vary based upon destination and form of travel. Past trip expense has typically ranged between $200 and $350 per student.

Fundraising opportunities are managed by the Band Boosters. In addition, scholarship funds are available. Contact the band director if you are interested in requesting scholarship assistance.

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All money is spent on basic operating expenses for each band. The expenses include items such as: sheet music, transportation, instruments, competition fees, color guard uniforms and supplies, directors for color guard and percussion sections, and the expenses associated with concert performances, among others. The budget is presented to the Bands Booster at large at a fall meeting and a vote is taken to approve the budget at that time. Money collected for trip expenses is used to pay for each student's travel expenses and shared expenses such as the cost of transporting instruments to contests.

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Fair Share is the amount of money assessed to each band member to cover the expected operating expenses for each band. The Band Booster officers and the Band Director 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 for families having more than one student enrolled in the band program.

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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.

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The senior class examines all options for competitions together. The school calendar, sports events calendar, SAT dates, costs of competitions, times and transportation are all issues discussed prior to any decisions being made. Of course, all decisions must meet with the approval of the Band Director and the school administration.

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

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The uniform must be dry cleaned only. Please contact the uniform manager if you would like to take your uniform to the dry cleaners. The shoes are easily polished with black polish. All uniforms should be kept clean and returned cleaned to the uniform room as instructed by the equipment personnel.

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

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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 all bands perform in concerts occur during December, March, and May.

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If a uniform needs replacement, see the equipment personnel in charge of uniforms and make a request for a different one. Your child will then be able to try on uniforms for a fit. Those same equipment personnel will take shoe orders 2 times a year. Generally, shoes cost $25 for a pair and are paid before shoes are ordered.

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