2023 Marching Season
2023 Summer Rehearsals and Band Camp Dates
Summer Rehearsals
Instrumentalists
(Winds Brass, Percussion)
Mondays through Thursdays, July 10th - July 27th, 2023. 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. All rehearsals will take place on the field or in the band room. Students are required to attend 3 of the 6 days. It is preferred that they attend the days for their instrument family. They are welcome to attend as many days as they’d like.
Woodwinds
Monday, July 10
Thursday, July 13
Monday, July 17
Thursday, July 20
Monday, July 24
Thursday, July 27
Brass
Tuesday, July 11
Thursday, July 13
Monday, July 17
Thursday, July 20
Tuesday, July 25
Thursday, July 27
Percussion
Wednesday, July 12
Thursday, July 13
Monday, July 17
Thursday, July 20
Wednesday, July 26
Thursday, July 27
Color Guard
Thursday, June 15th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 22nd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tuesdays, July 11th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 15th (9 AM to 12 PM)
Tuesday, July 18th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 22nd (9 AM to 12 PM)
Tuesday, July 25th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Band Camp
(Instrumentalists and Color Guard)
Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. *Fridays are half days from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
All rehearsals will take place on the field or in the band room.
Week 1
Monday, July 31
Tuesday, August 1
Wednesday, August 2
Thursday, August 3
Friday, August 4 (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
Week 2
Monday, August 7
Tuesday, August 8
Wednesday, August 9
Thursday, August 10
Friday, August 11 (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
** It is expected that students will be in attendance for all of the above rehearsals as well as scheduled performances during the school year. Please clear any absence with the director well in advance of the scheduled rehearsal/performance. Students involved in sports will work out a schedule with Mr. Marmo and their coach ahead of the conflict. Always plan ahead and keep both parties in the know well in advance.
What to Bring for Band Camp
All equipment (where applicable): instruments/sticks/reeds/music/flags/poles/rifles/etc.
Music - always. Yes, this is listed twice. Always have your music and drill on you at all times even, if you have it memorized.
Pencils/highlighters for marking music
Water bottle/canteen for on-field practices
Bring a packed lunch
Eat breakfast before morning rehearsals
Comfortable and weather appropriate clothes. See school guidelines on dress code, check the weather, and plan accordingly.
Appropriate footwear: athletic socks and gym shoes - no flip flops, sandals, crocks, or dress shoes!
Hat(s) to block sun exposure (wind players especially should wear one to avoid sunburned lips which will affect your playing)
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Snacks - Any food items should be sent in re-sealable plastic containers or Ziploc bags. Food, other than water, is prohibited on the field.
After-School Night Rehearsals
Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM until the competitive season is over at the end of October.
Full Band reports on the following dates:
Wednesday, August 16
Wednesday, August 23
Wednesday, August 30
Wednesday, September 6
Wednesday, September 13
Wednesday, September 20
Wednesday, September 27
Wednesday, October 4
Wednesday, October 11
Wednesday, October 18
Wednesday, October 25
Wednesday, November 1
2023 Show theme
Welcome returning and new students to another year of Band! I am excited for next year’s show, “Wanted”. This show features custom music written and arranged by Justin Halat. It is a Western-themed musical adventure through Frontier America.
Color Guard Tryouts
Guard Tryouts/Clinics
Thursday, April 6th
Thursday, April 20th
Monday, May 15th
Monday, May 22nd
These clinics are held in the High School Gym, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the HS Gym. Come to any or all and see if it is for you!
The Marching Band’s Color Guard instructor, Ms. Finnegan is holding 4 optional clinic dates for those that are interested. They are Thursday, April 6th, Thursday, April 20th, Monday, May 15th, & Monday, May 22nd from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the HS Gym.
All who are interested are welcome to attend any or all of those days! If you like moving to music, you will do very well. Those who have experience in dance, gymnastics, or music tend to accel, but no previous experience is required.
Anyone interested should contact Mr. Marmo (dmarmo@bloomsd.org). Those enrolled in the color guard receive a ¼ of an expressive art credit for their participation.
Common Questions:
When is Band Camp?
Band Camp is typically the first two weeks of August starting on that Monday. This year that Monday is July 31 and ends on August 11.
What if I need a ride to rehearsal?
There are many students and parents who are willing to carpool.
Will I need a ride to performances?
You will only need a ride to and from the HS for games and competitions. The district provides buses for the band to and from competitions and away football games.
Can I be in only Marching Band or High School Concert Band?
No, they are one in the same. Marching Band is the first quarter curriculum of the HS Band Class; It is a year-long course.
What is the summer rehearsal schedule?
Please see the overview or syllabus or our website for specific dates. Band Camp is mandatory and graded. It is when we will learn a majority of our show and attendance is imperative to our success and mandatory if you wish to have a spot in our “drill”.
What is “Drill”?
Drill is the coordinates that create our design. Each student who is marching will receive their own sheet.
We teach you how to read and interpret this information.
What is the Cavalcade of Bands Competitions?
Cavalcade of Bands is a competitive band circuit that we belong to. It is a fabulous opportunity to receive feedback from experts, see and hear bands from other communities, and perform for large crowds that love the marching arts. We travel to 4 or 5 different schools between September and October to compete. We also host our own in September.
Do I receive a grade and credit for HS Band?
Yes, you will receive 1 credit and a grade for our class.
Band Trip?
Every year we take an educational and fun trip to another state. Every 4 years we travel to Disney World or Universal Studios in Florida. We usually perform during each trip.
Students have several opportunities to fundraise throughout the year. Many students earn a large portion of the cost of the trip and some even raise enough to go for free.
Do I get into the football games for free?
Yes, during the football season, we attend all games and perform our field show either during pre-game or during halftime. We also perform in the stands throughout the games.
When will band meet?
Band class meets during homeroom and period 1 every day. If you are also in Chorus, you are shared between the two classes.
Aside from the few summer rehearsals, we have Wednesday night rehearsals during the marching season.
Can I participate in a sport or another activity?
Yes! The coaches and the band staff work very well together and have for decades. We want all our students to succeed and manage their time wisely. It is up to the student to communicate and work out a schedule with the coaches.
Most of our band students are highly active and motivated. They participate in a wide range of activities both in and outside of school. By the time they graduate, they usually have exceptional time management skills and have built a competitive college application.
When will I get my music for the marching band?
Before the last day of school so you can practice it over the summer and are ready for summer rehearsals!
2023 Band Handbook/Syllabus
2023 BHS Marching Band Syllabus.docx2023 Fall Away Events
2023 Fall Marching Band Away Events.docx