What is Marching Season?

As a freshman parent I didn't understand what they meant by "Marching Season". Now I know, as you and your parents will, that the time period starting at the beginning of summer to the end of November is our band's "Marching Season". During the summer months, the band will start learning its music and basic marching concepts at Tuesday/Thursday evening practices, and the color guard will train its new members in the basics of flag spinning, and then on to rifle and sabre spinning. By the time band camp arrives in August, our "show design" will be completed and the band and guard will begin their week of intensive practices to learn the marching drill. We usually perform four (4) songs and each year's show has a different theme.

What is Band Camp?

This is one week of intensive training to learn the show's marching drill. You will have practiced your music enough during the summer evening practices, that you will have the music memorized. You will have already learned some of the basic marching concepts. At band camp you will put it all together . . . march and play music at the same time! Each student will have a place in the drill and will have to memorize their movements throughout each of the four drills.

It is very important that everyone be present EVERY DAY at band camp. Everyone has an important part to play, and when students are missing it makes it difficult to perform the drills properly. Your spot will appear as "a hole" in the performance.

How do you become a student officer?

Demonstrate good leadership skills throughout the year. Around April, officer training sessions are offered and the dates will be posted on board in the band room. Let the band director know if you're interested in becoming an officer. There are usually three sessions given by Jeff Bridges including a few assignments and group activities. At the end of the training you will be asked which positions you are trying out for, and a few weeks later the positions will be announced.

How do you learn to be a drum major?

The current drum major gives training sessions for everyone interested in the position. Training sessions are usually held in April and May. Dates will be posted on the chalkboard in the band room.

What's the hardest part about being a drum major?

"That's a hard question, it's a great job but a lot of pressure. You always want to do the best for the band but you often end up looking like the bad guy. Most people don't realize how hard it is and that you're just doing it for the band, you're not trying to be mean. Also, you are given a lot of responsibility and you have to be prepared for anything. You never know what's going to happen, sometimes you might be afraid and not know what to do on the spot but you can't let that show, you always have to be confident and prepared for anything."

-- Katie Schmidbauer, drum major 2004-2005