What parents of ”rookie” students want to know about high school band

but have no idea who to ask?!?

Go to www.wandobands.org to receive the most current information!

Ask the directors for a copy of the 2008-2009 Band Letter of Intent

Question

Answer

What kind of commitment is my student making for marching band?

In order to march in the fall show (“show” is the term the band uses for the performance at half-time on Friday night), a student must participate in the following:

1. Pre-band camp (for rookie band students, this camp takes place about 3 weeks before school– veterans have a different schedule),
2. Band camp (a few weeks before the start of school) is required of all band students.
3. Marching band practice (after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays) during marching season, plus other practices or sectionals – particularly for percussion and color guard.

4. Students are encouraged to stay after school on rehearsal days to do homework and get a snack before rehearsal begins. An After School Intent Form must be submitted.
5. Students must also be enrolled in band class during school.

In addition to performing half-time at the Wando Football games, marching band members participate in several competitions during the fall. These may include overnight trips.

Report times for band events vary and will be announced to the students as the season continues. Watch www.wandobands.org for more information on times and dates as the season progresses!

What kind of commitment am I making as a parent?

Band is unlike most student organizations in high school. Band involves every family. When your so or daughter join the band, so do their parents. Every parent is automatically a Wando Band Booster.  The Wando Band Boosters are ALWAYS in need of parent volunteers! If you have not signed up yet, send an e-mail to a band booster officer or band director.

What about fees?

You can also see the Fair Share at the Fair Share link at www.wandobands.org for an idea of band fees (you must be registered to view these pages). Right now, the information reflects 2007-2008 fees. 2007-2008 deposits are due.  See Letter of Intent attached on the main page of www.wandobands.org for amounts and details.

Can we raise money for fees?

You can see fundraising opportunities at www.wandobands.org.

Does my student need to audition to be in band?

All students will audition to be in the Wando band. Students will be placed in classes based on ability– students are ‘projected’ by the Director’s and the Spring audition finalizes placement for the fall. There are multiple opportunities to move within sections during the course of the year (usually by way of auditions).

What about color guard and percussion?

Other special groups that auditions are used to determine placement – percussion & color guard. During the spring will be audition week for color guard & percussion. Stay tuned in middle school band class and www.wandobands.org for details.

Please be aware that Color Guard and percussion have additional rehearsal commitments both in the summer and during school. If your student is involved in those sections, more information will be provided to you.

Does my student have to play an instrument to be in Color Guard?

While many members of the Color Guard are band students also, it is not a requirement. Any student can audition for Color Guard and those students are not required to take band classes. There are additional rehearsal commitments and fees for Color Guard members. This information will be communicated during auditions.

When will my student get a chance to participate?

Pay attention during band class for important dates in the spring including auditions and meetings for our Future Members!

What are these funny terms the band keeps using?!?

Letter of Intent (LOI) – A letter of intent lets the band directors know that your student will be participating in the band and what instrument they will be playing (usually filled out during school).

Show – The marching band show is a combination of the music that is played at halftime/competitions and the drill (spots/positions) that the band marches. This show is written especially for our band each year and has specific places for each individual student. If a student does not turn in an LOI, there is not a place for them in the show. Likewise, if a student turns in the LOI and does not come to band camp, that student will be replaced by another student with better commitment.

Band Booster Meeting – All band parents are automatically members of Band Boosters. The Executive Board of the Wando Band Boosters meet monthly, generally on the first Monday of the month at 6 PM. Check the Calendar at www.wandobands.org for exact dates, times and locations. All parents are invited to attend to observe (but not vote). Full Booster meetings are held at least three times during the academic year.

Rookie – Any new band member, regardless of year in school. Most rookies are incoming freshman. This term is also applied to parents of incoming band members, for example, “Rookie Parent.” The Wando Band welcomes all rookies!

So what do we do now?

1. Have your student sign up for band class on his or her 9th grade class request form. Students will be placed in classes based on their spring audition for Wando.

2. Turn in a Letter of Intent (LOI). Final payment amounts and payment schedule will be posted right after the budget is approved in the June Band Booster Meeting

3. Participate in Wando band fundraisers.

4. Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Wando Band parent!