The following questions have been compiled to help answer some of the most common questions about the high school band program.

·        How can I keep informed of current band events?

*The internet home of the Brunswick High School bands is updated every Sunday, or more frequently as necessary.  The site includes all schedules, forms, weekly activities, rehearsal schedules and class handouts.  The address of the site is: www.bcsoh.org/band

*Students will receive weekly “Directors Notes” throughout the fall season, and handouts with detailed information prior to each performance event.  These fliers are to be taken home, but additional copies can be accessed through the band web site.

*Current events and calendars are also posted with report and return times on the message board and the bulletin boards located in the high school band room.

• Does a student have to be in marching band?

All students who are not members of a fall sport are required through the curriculum to be members of the high school marching band.  Students who are in fall sports cannot participate in marching band due to the fact that practices occur at the same time. 

·        What happens if a student is cut from an athletic team?

When a student is cut from an athletic team they will work with the band director to assume an appropriate role with the marching band.  In most cases this role will include a full performance role in football game shows and pregame shows and a supporting role in the competition show.

·        If a student is in marching band does he/she have to attend band camp?

Band Camp is mandatory—as are all summer rehearsals.  Band Camp is the time when the majority of the new competition show will be learned.  We do understand that as a new member of the organization who is unfamiliar with our schedule, conflicts will occur.  Please contact Mr. Wardeska by email or phone to discuss such conflicts.

• Why is attendance so important in band?

Band is a cumulative and interactive discipline.  The skills and techniques from one day are built upon for the next.  When a student misses a rehearsal, they will miss a key concept in what will follow.  Excessive absences will result in necessary remediation.  More importantly, in marching band, the students rely on each other in terms of field location, drill moves and spacing.  When one student is absent they affect a minimum of three other people visually, and their entire section in terms of musical performance. The number one significant reason that good attendance is important is to preserve the success of the remaining members of the band.

·        Should appointments be made during band camp and rehearsals?

An absence is an absence and there is no way to truly make up the loss of a student in a rehearsal.  We certainly understand that there are unavoidable circumstances, however, we ask that every effort be made to avoid scheduling appointments during rehearsal time. 

• If a student is NOT in marching band, what will they do in the fall?

All band members begin participation in the concert program immediately on the first day of school.  The marching portion of our program occurs only outside of the school day.  All members begin their active participation in the concert band as soon as school begins.

·        What is the difference between the marching band and the color guard?

The color guard IS a part of the band.  The color guard is a musical section of the band just like the trumpet section or the percussion section.  These members simply use a visual way to represent the music instead of sound.  We do not refer to the color guard as a separate organization from the band.

• What should a student do between Summer School and the start of Marching Band?

The band room is open at 11 AM daily during summer school for students.  Students are welcome to bring a lunch and “hangout” with their band friends until it is time for practice to start.  The room is also available in the morning before summer school begins for students who need to store their instruments.

• Does a student need to purchase specific types of clothing accessories to be in band?

The concert band wears formal concert attire.  All men purchase a tuxedo shirt through the band boosters.  Tuxedos are provided for the men and formal gowns for the women.  Members of the marching band are required to wear regulation shoes, member shirts and gloves that are also purchased through the band boosters.  This information will be sent to you with an order form by the band boosters.  All orders and payments are to be deposited in the deposit box located next to Mr. Wardeska’s office in the band room.  A veteran member can point you to its location.

• How are students transported to the performances?

All students are required by school district and band policy to travel to each performance on a school bus.  Students may be transported home from a performance with their legal parent or guardian only.  Trips of a longer duration such as to the National Championships or the Citrus Bowl parade will be made via charter bus.

·        How can a parent volunteer to help?

The best way to help is to get in touch with one of the Band Boosters or one of the staff members.  It is common for people to feel like they do not want to belong to another organization, but by having a child in the band, all parents are boosters of a type.  We need your help.  If you have a special skill or talent, or you just want to lend a hand, please let us know.  WE NEED YOU!