Marching Band FAQ
When does Marching Band take place during the school year?
Once the school year begins students will arrive at school early for marching band practice and continue practicing through first hour. Specific times will be made clear by the directors.
What clothing items will my marcher need?
During summer practices your band member will need to wear white t-shirts each day, as well as comfortable shoes, and a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.
They should also carry a large water bottle (1 gallon is common)
During the school season performances the school will provide most of the marching uniform. Students however will need to supply the following:
sleeveless t-shirt to wear under the uniform. Many students buy two of these t-shirts so there is a back up on travel days to change into if needed after the performance.
long black socks (crew length or longer with no colored heels)
black leggings or black athletic shorts
When does Marching Band take place during the summer?
Historic timing for the Marching Band summer schedule
May and first week of June – Percussion, color guard, new marchers & leadership team meetings and rehearsals.
June – Full band spring rehearsals, scheduled by section.
First week of August, evenings - Season KickOff/Full Band Pre-Camp Rehearsals
Second week of August, day & evening - Full Band Band Camp
Mid August evenings - Full Band Post-Camp Rehearsals
Parent Preview - Scheduled shortly after post-camp rehearsals
In addition to the above there may be gatherings for each band section led by the student section leaders. They will communicate these meetings directly with the marchers in their group.
What should marchers know to be prepared for summer marching band rehearsals?
Attendance is very important. Every student in the band is a critical component and every student must contribute equally for success of the program. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the listed rehearsal time so that you are on the field and ready when rehearsal begins.
Your student will need the following things:
Athletic shoes
White t-shirts
Sun screen
Large water jug (1 gallon size recommended) labeled with your name
Hat
3 Ring Binder
10-12 plastic page covers within the binder
Pencil case and pencils
Phone with UDB app (Ultimate Drill Book— the ultimate tool for marching bands)
Clean facemask
Hand sanitizer
Where/When will my marcher perform?
The band historically performs for parents on Friday evening prior to the first day of school which is the last day of Mini Camp. This “parent preview” usually takes place at 8:o0pm at Northwest Stadium. .
The band also performs at every home football game in the fall during half-time.
The band performs at competitions throughout the year, some of which involve travel. Details for travel performances will be announced by the directors.
What will marchers need for home football game performances?
A bag to store personal belongings in the band room
Wear long black socks, no short socks
An extra pair of long black socks stored in your bag
Tight fitting sleeveless shirt, preferably black
Wear athletic shorts or leggings, non bulky an slick is key
No nail polish
Any piercings must be removed. If removal is not possible, they should be fully covered.
Hair must be up and off the collar for both girls and boys (bobby pins and hair spray help)
Deodorant
What will marchers need for travel events?
Extra black socks (at least crew length without any colored heels)
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Change of clothes/street clothes (preferable school/logo)
Extra layers (mid-west weather appropriate)
Comfy slip-on shoes
Chargers/cords for phones
Headphones/earbuds
Money - some concession stands may only accept cash. Sometimes there are competition t-shirts available.
Snacks
Small games for downtime
OTC medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) for just in case
Blankets or pillows for longer bus rides
For those with long hair: extra hair ties, bobby pins, strong hair spray, brush and combs
Females- extra “time of the month” items- someone will need them, you might need them, always have them with you
WHAT NOT TO BRING: anything you are super attached to. People have lost precious items in the past and it is heartbreaking.
What should parent/guardians be aware of when traveling to competitions?
Parking: Some of the competitions will be incredibly big, which means parking lots can’t accommodate all the need. Be prepared to park in a satellite lot, street parking, or a nearby “pay” lot at a business or church if needed. Plan extra time for walking back to the competition site.
Admissions: Give yourself time to wait in the ticket line and admissions line. Gate fees are often CASH ONLY and range in price from $10-15 per adult, while students/children are usually a bit less.
Seating: There will be people with signs or ropes barring entrance to the stands while bands are performing. You will be allowed to find a seat between bands only so please allow extra time for this. You’ll be sitting on stadium bleachers. Many people bring a “stadium seat” for comfort.
Support: While “silent” signs may go up at the beginning of a performance while the band is being introduced, marching band is not like theater. Cheering, clapping, and showing appreciation of the performance during the show is allowed and encouraged!
How can parents/guardians get involved with marching band?
Uniform helpers: There are many parts and pieces to the band uniform. Parents are needed for both home football games and for travel to competitions. You can volunteer to help once or throughout the season.
Uniform volunteers for football games help students get into their uniforms and assist them with troubleshooting. Throughout the evening the uniform team provides water, supplies, support to all band members. Following half time show volunteers return to the school with the students to assist them with hanging up their uniform. Volunteer shifts during football are usually a five-hour commitment, and we remain with the students throughout the evening. No experience needed, just a love for our band!
Uniform volunteers travel with the band on the buses to help with uniforms as well as to act as chaperones. Volunteers assist students with getting ready for competitions, trouble shooting, and serving water and snacks. Volunteers are with the band during the competitions and often help with props. We are the parents away from home and the extra set of hands. No experience needed, just a love for our band!
Roadies: Parents who volunteer to help students, directors, and other parents before, during, and after performance are known as “Roadies”. They may travel with the band on the busses to competitions or possibly drive the equipment/prop truck. Roadies often gain free entrance to the competition and are able to watch the performance from the field. Some of the many tasks Roadies take care of include:
Bringing equipment from the band room over to the stadium
Load trucks to take to contests
Help get the show on and off the field
Behind the scenes support for the directors to make sure they have what they need to move the band efficiently
Design and build props
Maintain the equipment we currently use
Design and build new equipment as needed
Wolfpack Wearhouse: During home football games there will be a store/stand selling school logo gear and clothing. Take a turn setting up the stand, selling merchandise, and restocking items.
Concessions: There is always a need for volunteers to work the concession stands at the events we host.
Marching Band Terms
Show: The complete halftime/contest performance. Multiple pieces based on a specific theme
Opener: First tune in the show
Ballad: Slow piece often in the middle of the show
Closer: Last piece in the show
Drill – The physical movement/marching formations on the field
Drill Chart – paper with coordinates written for each individual - A “map” showing where everyone in the band is placed
Coordinate: Your personal “dot” detailing your assigned place on the field
Coordinate Sheet: Your personal coordinates for the whole show
Band Binder: A three-ring notebook where you will keep your coordinate sheet and all music
Drumline: All percussion instruments on the field and in the frontline
Frontline/pit : Mallets, Timpani, bass, aux. percussion (non moving)
Battery: Drummers that are on the field marching
Color guard: The “non music” part of the band. The color guard provides emotional impact using flags, rifles, dance etc.
Judges: Only in competition. Usually 2 on the field and 2 in the pressbox
Hash Marks/Sideline/Yardlines etc.: Marks on the football field
Plumes/Shakos/Sash/Bibs: Parts of the band uniform
Drum Major(s): Student Directors/Leaders
Section Leader: Student leader of your section (alto saxes, baritones etc.)
G.E./General Effect: How the whole band sounds/looks to the audience
Execution: How well you individually march or play
