Welcome to the Marching Rams! You are starting a journey with an organization that will become your home on campus and where you will meet many of your future best friends.

Is there information for new students?
Yes, click here.

How will I know what to do?

Simple – we will teach you. Step by step, in a safe learning environment. During summer rehearsals, you will begin to learn the music/dance moves/spins. The faculty and student leadership will guide you through the early stages. Before full band camp, there are four Rookie Days especially for first-year marchers. You will learn the fundamentals of marching and get settled in with the band leadership before the big week of Band Camp.

Is there an audition for Marching Band?
Everyone is “in.” There are auditions for placement in the various concert bands.

How will I know what is going on?
We know that there is a lot going on in band, so we have several ways to keep you informed:

• This website is one of the best resources – check the Updates page and Calendar page often.
• Sign up for the band mailing list to receive periodic updates about fundraisers and announcements
• We publish a newsletter several times a year to keep you informed
• There are band Facebook pages

As a parent, how can I help?
So glad you asked! Our Band Boosters is one of the friendliest and busiest organizations on campus. We support the band program throughout the year, and we welcome any time and assistance you have to offer. The registration packet has a list of committees, there are ample chaperoning opportunities. Please speak to any Booster Board member!

What is the time commitment to be a Marching Ram?
In addition to your daily class period, there are two weekly after-school rehearsals during Marching Season (July through mid-November). Tuesday 6- 8:30 pm, Thurs 3 – 5:30 pm. Drumline has an additional day of rehearsal Mondays 3-5 pm. On Fridays, you will be here from approximately 4 pm – 11 pm. There will be a handful of mandatory Saturday requirements such as the County Marching Festival, and the FBA Marching Assessment.

After marching season, it is competition season for the Marionettes and Winter Guard for the Colorguard. Both involve regular after-school rehearsals and weekends. Instrumentalists will have several after-school rehearsals for music performance assessment concerts, and school concerts.

What if I want to participate in additional extra-curricular activities?
We respect that you have varied interests and talents. Many of our students are active in sports, clubs, drama and chorus. You are responsible for speaking to all the faculty/coaches involved to work out a time-share agreement.

What about AP and advanced classes?
The Marching Rams are very well represented in national honor societies, and many of our students take several advanced classes every semester. It requires discipline and hard work — something all band kids learn very quickly!

How much money does this cost?
Being in Band, Marionettes and Colorguard is an optional activity. It takes approximately $65,000 to run the band program, additional money for the auxiliary. You are expected to contribute your “Fair Share” to the program in the form of band dues. Band dues are $210 for instrumentalists, $195 for auxiliary, but much of that can be earned through fundraising. Payments are typically $50-$55 for the first few months of school. The auxiliary have additional dues and payment schedules.

What is the procedure for Friday games?
You will go home after school on Friday. Eat something, get hydrated. The next time you will be able to eat will be around 8:30 pm, during the band’s break in the 3rd quarter.

You will return to school for a “call-time,” typically between 4-5 pm. Instrumentalists, wear a (clean) show shirt, shorts, calf-high black socks and band shoes (bandos) when you report for call time. Sign out your uniform and put it on over your shirt and shorts. No makeup, no jewelry. All hair (male and female) must be hidden under your band hat.

Every instrumentalist will line up for inspection to make sure you are presentable for the game. You will be checked by your section leader. If you have special medical needs for frequent/special food, the band boosters will transport your supplies. During the 3rd quarter of the football game, you will be released to buy food from the concession stands at the game, so bring cash for concession.

Auxiliary will meet in their rooms, put on their makeup, jewelry and uniforms and meet the instrumentalists for inspection. We will all line up and march to the stadium/board the buses. Students are assigned to a particular bus, that will remain their bus for the year.

What if I play a double-reed instrument?
Since you cannot march with a double-reed, for marching season you will select another instrument. Please speak to the band director for suggestions. We play concert music all year long, so your double-reed will not collect too much dust!

Are private lessons required?
They are highly recommended as they are invaluable in building your overall skills and preparing you to perform in District solo and ensemble groups. All of our students who are selected for All-County Band take private lessons. Please contact the band director for a list of recommended private teachers.

Where can I get more answers?
Please look through this website, your question might be answered on another page. You are always welcome to call the band director, the section leader or a band booster. We are all available to answer your questions.