Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment in the band program?
Concert Band is nearly entirely experienced during the school day. There are usually 4 concerts a year (in the evening) and 2 or 3 dress rehearsals after school or in the evening. Wind Ensemble/Marching has 5 concerts and 5 dress rehearsals through the school year (all in the evening). Marching Band has 4 or 5 football game performances, 4 or 5 evening rehearsals and one performance at the Howard County Marching Band Showcase. Additionally, Marching Band has Band Camp in August (7 days of rehearsal before school starts.)
Can I participate in band and a club/sport/other activity?
YES! There are really no sports, clubs, or activities that would prevent you from participating in the band program (Concert Band and Wind Ensemble/Marching Band). We have had Marching Band members in every varsity sport (including Football and Cheerleading). We will make anything work!
How many people are in the band?
This year is a strange year, so I will give you last year's numbers. Concert Band had 73 students. Wind Ensemble had 80. Marching Band had 110 (this includes students that are not registered in Wind Ensemble).
Do I have to do Marching Band if I am in Wind Ensemble?
Yes. There have been isolated and special circumstances over the years where students in Wind Ensemble didn't do marching band. This is very rare. Plan on being in Marching Band if you want to do Wind Ensemble.
I am worried that I will be terrible at Marching Band, and it will be too hard.
Admittedly, this isn't a question, but a concern that is frequently raised. Marching Band isn't easy, but it is far from the most difficult thing you will do. I have taught thousands of students in marching bands over the years. All of them were able to do it. You can too!
What kind of music we play?
One of my goals is to play all kinds of music. You will play "serious" band music, music from movies, old music, new music, music from different cultures, and popular music. We play it all!
How much will I need to practice?
That depends, though I expect that all students are putting some practice time in at home. 2-3 hours a week is a good start.
When do we go to Disney World?
Each spring, the music department goes on a Spring Trip. Obviously the pandemic of Covid-19 has put all that on hold. Typically we go to Disney World every other year. In the "non-Disney" years, we go to other exciting places like Myrtle Beach, Boston, Chicago and more. I am not sure if we will have a trip next year, but I am very hopeful!
How do I join Jazz Band?
Jazz Band starts in September. If we need to do auditions they will be held in the middle of September. Jazz Band rehearses once a week in the evenings (so long as the pandemic is over).
Concert Band is nearly entirely experienced during the school day. There are usually 4 concerts a year (in the evening) and 2 or 3 dress rehearsals after school or in the evening. Wind Ensemble/Marching has 5 concerts and 5 dress rehearsals through the school year (all in the evening). Marching Band has 4 or 5 football game performances, 4 or 5 evening rehearsals and one performance at the Howard County Marching Band Showcase. Additionally, Marching Band has Band Camp in August (7 days of rehearsal before school starts.)
Can I participate in band and a club/sport/other activity?
YES! There are really no sports, clubs, or activities that would prevent you from participating in the band program (Concert Band and Wind Ensemble/Marching Band). We have had Marching Band members in every varsity sport (including Football and Cheerleading). We will make anything work!
How many people are in the band?
This year is a strange year, so I will give you last year's numbers. Concert Band had 73 students. Wind Ensemble had 80. Marching Band had 110 (this includes students that are not registered in Wind Ensemble).
Do I have to do Marching Band if I am in Wind Ensemble?
Yes. There have been isolated and special circumstances over the years where students in Wind Ensemble didn't do marching band. This is very rare. Plan on being in Marching Band if you want to do Wind Ensemble.
I am worried that I will be terrible at Marching Band, and it will be too hard.
Admittedly, this isn't a question, but a concern that is frequently raised. Marching Band isn't easy, but it is far from the most difficult thing you will do. I have taught thousands of students in marching bands over the years. All of them were able to do it. You can too!
What kind of music we play?
One of my goals is to play all kinds of music. You will play "serious" band music, music from movies, old music, new music, music from different cultures, and popular music. We play it all!
How much will I need to practice?
That depends, though I expect that all students are putting some practice time in at home. 2-3 hours a week is a good start.
When do we go to Disney World?
Each spring, the music department goes on a Spring Trip. Obviously the pandemic of Covid-19 has put all that on hold. Typically we go to Disney World every other year. In the "non-Disney" years, we go to other exciting places like Myrtle Beach, Boston, Chicago and more. I am not sure if we will have a trip next year, but I am very hopeful!
How do I join Jazz Band?
Jazz Band starts in September. If we need to do auditions they will be held in the middle of September. Jazz Band rehearses once a week in the evenings (so long as the pandemic is over).
