Introduction

This section addresses various topics related to Concert Band and the concert season.

Schedules

Students are given a practice and performance schedule at the beginning of each month, containing a great deal of information of interest to parents as well as students. Unlike Marching Band, Concert Band consists of three performing bands (Concert II, Concert I, and Symphonic), that have different schedules. Students tend to "forget" to share this important item with parents. If your band student has not volunteered to show you the band practice schedule by the third or fourth day of the month, ask to see it.

Practice Times

All band practice sessions are listed in the schedule distributed each month.

Symphonic Band and Concert I Band have after-school practices, both as sections and as a complete band. Concert II has sectionals after-school during the second semester. Extra full-band rehearsals for all bands occur as contests approach.

Please be aware that -- as the season progresses – there may be changes to the published schedule. These result from a host of sources outside of the control of the Band Directors. Schedule changes will be communicated to all band students as soon as they are known. Thanks in advance for your understanding in dealing with last-minutes changes.

Uniforms

Concert "tuxes" and dresses are the uniforms for Concert season. The school owns band uniforms, which are stored at the school. Band students are responsible for the uniform and any loss or damage is the responsibility of the student. Except for special circumstances, uniforms are distributed to each student immediately prior to an event and collected immediately after the event. Students are sized for uniforms early in the year. In some instances, minor alterations to the uniform are required; you may be asked to assist in making the temporary alterations. If you make alterations, do not cut the material. Pant length is moved up one year and down the next as kids grow and personnel change. Please keep in mind that uniform sizes – particularly pant length – are designed to present the correct visual effect when viewed from the stands.

Pass-Offs

All band students have a "pass-off" assignment on a weekly basis. (See Schedule.) Students have opportunities in class and after school during the week to "pass-off" the assignment. Friday (and Saturday) pass-off appointments are available for those students who are not able to "pass-off" their music during the week. If you find that your band student is "always" attending the Saturday pass-off session, you may want to investigate your student’s practice habits during the week.

Concerts

Each of the performing bands participate in the following concerts:

In addition, the Symphonic Band plays at several other events. These events may involve out of town travel.

Parents and fans are encouraged to attend all concerts and to show their support for the band.

Recording Sessions

• Every band concert is also a recording session. The band is recorded so that the directors and students can:

As a member of the audience at a concert, please keep in mind that the session is being recorded. Your and your children’s silence at these times is requested.

Spring Trip

Each spring, the performing bands have an overnight trip. The trip incorporates a contest plus appropriate cultural and entertainment activities. On alternate years, the Symphonic band plans an out of state trip.

The Band Directors view the Spring Trip as an integral component of the Band program, and not an optional event. All performing band students who are academically eligible are included in the trip. If you are aware of a special circumstance that would prevent your student from participating in the Band Trip, please communicate directly with a Band Director.

Planning for the Spring Trip begins almost a year in advance. We work with promoters and travel planners to provide a memorable experience at a value that all can afford. Reservations must be made well in advance of the trip and partial payments are made to the promoters and travel planners throughout the year. As a consequence, if a student is precluded from participating in the trip and the planning is complete, it may not be possible to refund trip fees.

Marching Band

Winter Guard