FAQ
What are the Boosters?
Boosters plan, organize, raise money, and generally look after your students when you aren’t there. All parents need to try to help out with something.
How can I get involved?
Participate in something! There are many opportunities to volunteer and the boosters can almost always use help with something.
Introduce yourself to other parents. We don’t always recognize each other, especially in a crowd. Even if you’re shy, try to meet some other people.
Learn the names of students in your student’s section, especially the name of section leader(s).
Come 10-15 minutes before the end of full band practices (especially during band camp) to listen for information and see how the show is progressing. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
When are the meetings?
Boosters meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the band room. Try to attend if you can. The minutes of the meeting appear in the next month’s newsletter.
How can I keep up with information?
Thorough maps, weekly schedules, and calendars, as well as the list of expenses and their due dates are available. They can be found on the table outside the band office. The payment drop box can be found on the wall outside the band office.
Occasionally, dates and times will change. The changes will be announced at practices and in band class and are often emailed as well.
Newsletters are mailed home each month with information from the boosters and band directors.
Be sure to ask your student for new information regularly, and check this website.
What is competitive marching band?
Marching band has evolved into a very serious sport and art form. It makes use of musicians and dancers, where the final product is a combination of music, athletics and choreography in a competitive arena.
Who can join Marching Band?
Anyone who has a desire to excel and improve can be in the band. Students who participate in marching band tend to develop better musicianship skills, hand-eye coordination, and not to mention get a great workout every day. Keep in mind that marching band is NOT just musicians. We have a Colorguard made up of BOTH instrumentalists and non-instrumentalists who would rather dance, spin, and toss flags, rifles, sabers, etc. Many students have backgrounds in dance, ballet, and jazz. Marching is always more fun with friends, so feel free to bring as many along as possible.
What is the time commitment for marching band?
Many people think the marching band practices 5 days a week for many hours a day. This is not true! The band rehearses one night a week during the summer months from 6-9pm. Students are allowed to miss rehearsals for vacation. There is a mini band camp at the end of July and a 2 week band camp in August prior to school. During the season/school year, we will rehearse on Thursday nights for 3 hours. Each section of the marching band (Colorguard, Winds & Percussion) will have a sectional day during the week where they will rehearse for 3 hours. The most fun will be on Saturdays when the band rehearses prior to the “Big Show” (Competition) that night. The main thing to remember is that Marching Band will try you physically and musically, but you will be a better musician and person after you have finished the season. Marching band teaches organization, team work, time management, and discipline.
How much money will this cost?
There are many expenses associated with making a marching band function. There are instructor fees, arranging fees, uniform care, marching shoes, specialized equipment for Colorguard and percussion, and many other necessary expenses. Therefore, we have a student fee that will help the boosters offset some of these costs. A detailed lists of expenses will be distributed at the Rookie Marching Band Night in May. Please note–if these costs are in any way a financial hardship, or would tip the scales toward non-participation, please contact Mr. Lortz or Mr. Drake.
What if my child has to miss practice?
If your student will be absent, be sure he or she has notified Mr. Lortz or Mr. Drake and his or her section leader.
What is “Kill Drill”?
“Kill Drill” is the last Thursday of band camp. It’s a good chance to see the show, but lasts until the directors are satisfied (no later than 11:00 PM).
How do I buy tickets to an away competition?
Before an away competition, tickets are available at practices. If you buy tickets from a booster, the money benefits the WHS band. If you buy tickets at the competition, they cost more and benefit the host band.
At home football games, parents sit near the band by the press box. At away competitons, parents try to sit together near the 50-yard line. Look for familiar faces, spirit shirts, and buttons.
Chaperones usually travel with the band and remain with the band. Other parents travel separately.
After competitions, parents usually line up at the door of WHS to welcome the band home.
What sort of involvement is expected of the parents when a student joins the marching band?
Parents are encouraged to help support in any way they are available. Parents can lend a hand in many ways by chaperoning, helping with the pit, sewing flags and colorguard uniforms, building equipment, participating in booster meetings, chairing committees, fundraising, helping out at the concession stand during home marching band competitions, coordinating different committees, etc. The list is endless. Any parents interested in assisting the marching band or the Instrumental Music program should call Mr. Lortz or Mr. Drake at 410-751-3630 ext. 262
When can we start?
The first night for all new marching band members is traditionally the 3rd Wednesday night in May, which is the Rookie Marching Band Night. This is a mandatory meeting for all new students and parents where there will be a brief multi-media presentation and question and answer section. The students will begin rehearsing and the parents, staff and directors will have a “get to know each other session” where questions can be asked. There will be light refreshments provided and an opportunity to sign up to help with the band.
Any other advice?
Bottled water and sunscreen are essentials that your student needs to take to practice.
If your student plays a brass instrument, consider a plastic mouthpiece when it gets cold.
Some away competitions are cold, and some are downright freezing. They are all outside. Foot warmers and hand warmers (the small chemical packs), seat cushions, and blankets are all good. Be sure to dress warmly!
If you have any questions, call the designated parent for your student’s section.
Just when it seems like you’ll never have a free weekend again, remember the season ends in mid-November!
