Bloomsburg Area High School

Marching Band

WHAT TO BRING TO REHEARSALS:

• All equipment: instruments/sticks/reeds/music/folios/lyres/drill/dot book/flags/poles/rifles/etc.

• Drill/Dot book and music - always. Yes, this is listed twice.

• Pencils/highlighters for your drill coordinates

• Water bottle/canteen for on-field practices

• Eat breakfast before morning rehearsals!

• Comfortable 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, 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 not allowed on the field at any time.

Away Performances

Common Questions:

• When is Band Camp?

  • Band Camp is typically the first two weeks of August starting on that Monday. This year it is Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 14th (Monday through Friday).

• 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!