Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to take band class to be in band?
Yes, all instrumentalists are required to be in band class. All percussionists should sign up for the percussion class, and woodwinds & brass should sign up for the winds class, which will meet during different periods. AMMS marching students must also be enrolled in band class at AMMS.
Do I have to be in marching band to be in band?
No, I always have a small number of students that don’t march for different reasons. During football season, those students are still in band and rehearse the music in class, but aren’t required to attend marching band rehearsals, but also don’t travel to the games or get to perform with us. Those few students do fully participate in all the other concerts the symphonic band does. BUT, I do highly recommend you consider marching. It really is a lot of fun!
How much time does marching band take?
We rehearse music every day in class, and add the marching drill after school on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00-6:30. Each section will also have at least two sectional rehearsals a month… then of course Friday night games, and usually two or three Saturday competitions in late September/October. In the spring, we only have three after school section rehearsals, which I schedule around sporting events and other conflicts.
How much money does it cost?
It varies depending on what instrument you play and if it’s your first year, but each student roughly pays $140. There is a $60 band fee, $50 uniform fees ($25 rental & $25 dry-cleaning), $25 dry-fit shirt/shorts (we use the same ones every year, so this is only a 1 time purchase unless you need new ones), and a $10 halftime t-shirt. Rookies also have to purchase newblack marching shoes for $30 & a $25 dry-fit shirt/shorts. Other fees include flip folders, gloves, etc. This isn’t all due at one time though. I spread it out to make it easier, and we also have fund raisers.
Colorguard, majorette, & drum major fees are more expensive because they have to purchase their uniforms, extra camps, wind suits, poms, and other misc. items.
What/when is rookie band camp?
Rookie Band Camp is when we teach all new marching members how to march. That takes place in the morning for three days before full band camp. Only students that have never marched before (and their section leaders) attend rookie camp. During full band camp everyone learns the halftime show. It’s usually the last two weeks before school starts. A detailed schedule can be found on the "Band Camp" tab above.
What if I play sports or are involved in other activites?
Every year I have students that play sports. There is no reason any sport or other activity should keep you from participating in band. There may be conflicts, but I work with the coaches/sponsors to be sure everyone is able to participate on both parts. I’ve had students in football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, track, DECA, FFA… just about anything can be worked out.
What kind of trips do we take?
Marching band students travel to all football games, playoff games, parades, competitions,
and other appropriate events… usually free of charge. The Symphonic Band travels to MPA, and an annual spring trip. Spring Performance trips have included performances in Orlando, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, New York City, & San Antonio.
What about the uniforms?
The marching band got new uniforms in 2012 and they look great! We wear formal black tuxedos and dresses for all symphonic band performances. Colorguard, majorette, and drum major uniforms vary from year to year, and are purchased by those students in the spring/summer.
If you have any other questions, please contact Mr. Washburn and be sure to check out our facebook page.
Mr. Cliff Washburn
334-687-1110 ext. 123
[email protected]
facebook.com/eufaulaband
Yes, all instrumentalists are required to be in band class. All percussionists should sign up for the percussion class, and woodwinds & brass should sign up for the winds class, which will meet during different periods. AMMS marching students must also be enrolled in band class at AMMS.
Do I have to be in marching band to be in band?
No, I always have a small number of students that don’t march for different reasons. During football season, those students are still in band and rehearse the music in class, but aren’t required to attend marching band rehearsals, but also don’t travel to the games or get to perform with us. Those few students do fully participate in all the other concerts the symphonic band does. BUT, I do highly recommend you consider marching. It really is a lot of fun!
How much time does marching band take?
We rehearse music every day in class, and add the marching drill after school on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00-6:30. Each section will also have at least two sectional rehearsals a month… then of course Friday night games, and usually two or three Saturday competitions in late September/October. In the spring, we only have three after school section rehearsals, which I schedule around sporting events and other conflicts.
How much money does it cost?
It varies depending on what instrument you play and if it’s your first year, but each student roughly pays $140. There is a $60 band fee, $50 uniform fees ($25 rental & $25 dry-cleaning), $25 dry-fit shirt/shorts (we use the same ones every year, so this is only a 1 time purchase unless you need new ones), and a $10 halftime t-shirt. Rookies also have to purchase newblack marching shoes for $30 & a $25 dry-fit shirt/shorts. Other fees include flip folders, gloves, etc. This isn’t all due at one time though. I spread it out to make it easier, and we also have fund raisers.
Colorguard, majorette, & drum major fees are more expensive because they have to purchase their uniforms, extra camps, wind suits, poms, and other misc. items.
What/when is rookie band camp?
Rookie Band Camp is when we teach all new marching members how to march. That takes place in the morning for three days before full band camp. Only students that have never marched before (and their section leaders) attend rookie camp. During full band camp everyone learns the halftime show. It’s usually the last two weeks before school starts. A detailed schedule can be found on the "Band Camp" tab above.
What if I play sports or are involved in other activites?
Every year I have students that play sports. There is no reason any sport or other activity should keep you from participating in band. There may be conflicts, but I work with the coaches/sponsors to be sure everyone is able to participate on both parts. I’ve had students in football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, track, DECA, FFA… just about anything can be worked out.
What kind of trips do we take?
Marching band students travel to all football games, playoff games, parades, competitions,
and other appropriate events… usually free of charge. The Symphonic Band travels to MPA, and an annual spring trip. Spring Performance trips have included performances in Orlando, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, New York City, & San Antonio.
What about the uniforms?
The marching band got new uniforms in 2012 and they look great! We wear formal black tuxedos and dresses for all symphonic band performances. Colorguard, majorette, and drum major uniforms vary from year to year, and are purchased by those students in the spring/summer.
If you have any other questions, please contact Mr. Washburn and be sure to check out our facebook page.
Mr. Cliff Washburn
334-687-1110 ext. 123
[email protected]
facebook.com/eufaulaband