What is Marching Band?
Marching Band occupies a portion of the first semester accredited YEARLONG band course at NHS. Meaning this IS Concert band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. Students will learn and gain not only increased music and marching skills, but also time management, discipline, respect, working in teams/large groups, social dynamics, trust, and many lifelong relationships!
When is Marching Band?
Marching Band occupies three seasons. Students receive music in the late spring to study and memorize over the summer months. Sectionals (group practice for one particular instrument) happen throughout the summer. In August, attendance at a two-week Marching Band Camp is required of every marching band student (see “What is Marching Band Camp?” for details). Everyone is expected to be at practices for both weeks of band camp. After school starts, practices are held during every band period, every Monday night, and as scheduled by the director. The Marching Band plays at every home football game. Competitions (see “What is a Competition?”) and practices are held Saturday from mid-September through the first week of November. After that time, your child “returns” to Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble for the remainder of first semester.
Do I have to be in the Marching Band?
Of course, you’ll want to join your friends in marching band!! If you’re hesitant, talk to a former or current band member. You can play an instrument or try out to be in color guard (you’ve seen them do their routine with flags in marching band shows). Students in band are expected to march unless they have a physical disability, are a varsity football player, or play an instrument not used in Marching Band.
How much does a Marching Band uniform cost?
Students do not have to buy a uniform. We only ask that they pay $20.00 at the beginning of the season to have it cleaned at the end of the season plus all replacement buttons, straps, plumes, etc that need replacing. Of course, students are responsible for caring for their assigned uniform parts throughout the season and will be required to pay for damaged or missing goods. Uniforms are to be hung at home between competitions. Each costs $380+. Please take care of them, or you will be asked to replace them. Raincoats are also $80. IF these are used, they MUST be hung open to fully dry.
Students will need to purchase a garment bag to keep their uniform looking good. The Band Boosters sell them for approximately $8 at the beginning of the season. Marchers MUST wear BLACK shoes and BLACK socks for EVERY performance. Students must provide their own shoes and socks. If the student wants to purchase black marching band shoes (designed to promote good marching technique), they are available through the Band Boosters for approximately $50 at the beginning of the season. There is a bin of used marching shows that students may have! -First come, first served. The Band Boosters purchase a new pair of gloves which students store in their hat boxes. If they lose, destroy, etc. the first pair, they will be charged $5.
Students will need to purchase a garment bag to keep their uniform looking good. The Band Boosters sell them for approximately $8 at the beginning of the season. Marchers MUST wear BLACK shoes and BLACK socks for EVERY performance. Students must provide their own shoes and socks. If the student wants to purchase black marching band shoes (designed to promote good marching technique), they are available through the Band Boosters for approximately $50 at the beginning of the season. There is a bin of used marching shows that students may have! -First come, first served. The Band Boosters purchase a new pair of gloves which students store in their hat boxes. If they lose, destroy, etc. the first pair, they will be charged $5.
Are there other costs that a Marching Band student must consider?
Other OPTIONAL costs include marching band photos taken during the first week of marching band camp. T-shirts and sweatshirts that highlight the Marching Band show are OPTIONAL and are sold by Band Boosters parents. We often help feed students for a couple competition days (i.e. State finals, Homecoming). State final food is outrageously expensive in Ford Field! So we ask families to pay a few $ to help us to provide a cheap alternative for families!
Can a student participate in Marching Band and a Fall Sport?
YES!!! A student can be in the Marching Band and a Fall Sport. Be sure to consider the personal commitment that this double commitment requires of your student and your family. Make sure you discuss this matter with the coach and band director in advance so an agreeable schedule can be worked out.
What are “competitions”?
Competitions are scheduled weekend events that are held throughout West Michigan. Past competition locations include Grandville, Portage, Jenison, and Rockford. State Final Prelims is often held near Lansing area. State Finals is at Detroit Ford Field. At a competition, the NHS Marching Band will be one of several bands that perform and are then awarded points and ranked. Our band performs with other bands in our “flight” (group of schools based on school size). Attendance is required at all competitions. It requires almost the entire day and evening as practices are scheduled prior to departure for the competition. Bus transportation is provided for all Marching Band students. Every student MUST have a signed permission slip on file to ride on the bus with the marching band (this is part of the online health form!). A note to the director is required if a student is planning to return to Northview with a parent and not ride the bus.
Family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend competitions. You will find out at the spring meeting which competitions are on what dates. The week before the competition you will find out your student’s schedule for that day and the specific time NHS will play. This information is also provided via the booster website along with travel directions for family and friends. Admission is charged for adults and non-marching students at all competitions. Refreshments are routinely available at the school’s concession stand.
Family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend competitions. You will find out at the spring meeting which competitions are on what dates. The week before the competition you will find out your student’s schedule for that day and the specific time NHS will play. This information is also provided via the booster website along with travel directions for family and friends. Admission is charged for adults and non-marching students at all competitions. Refreshments are routinely available at the school’s concession stand.
What is Marching Band Camp?
This two-week camp is held at NHS and is an essential part of the Marching Band’s progress. Many hours of marching, drilling, and performance of music take place during the two weeks. It would be extremely difficult if not impossible for a student who marches to miss camp and still be able to learn the show by the time needed in the fall. A one-hour lunch is scheduled each day. Students may bring a lunch or go out with friends. A Band Camp schedule is included in your packet of information.
What does a student have to bring to Marching Band Camp?
First, a great attitude! It is wise to bring a jug of water for those hot summer days. Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are essential. Don’t forget music, instrument, valve oil, reeds, music lyre, etc!
What does a student have to wear to Marching Band Camp?
Here is the dress code:
-comfortable shoes/socks (NO sandals)
-T-shirt type top (long enough to tuck in) WITH sleeves, NO low cut necklines, sides cutout, etc.
-shorts or pants
-hats are good to keep the sun off your head and face
-NO halter-tops, bathing suit tops, tank tops, etc. are allowed. Students will be sent home to change if they do not comply.
-comfortable shoes/socks (NO sandals)
-T-shirt type top (long enough to tuck in) WITH sleeves, NO low cut necklines, sides cutout, etc.
-shorts or pants
-hats are good to keep the sun off your head and face
-NO halter-tops, bathing suit tops, tank tops, etc. are allowed. Students will be sent home to change if they do not comply.
What are State Finals?
The top bands in each flight are invited to compete in the State Finals. Two of your scores from MCBA (Michigan Competing Band Association) competition are averaged and that score must be in the allotted number qualifying for Finals.
Who pays for the expenses incurred during the Marching Band Season?
The expenses for the season are shared between Northview Public Schools and the Northview Band Boosters. The Band Boosters pay for the show design, drill design, music, wind/drum/guard/marching instruction, some refreshments, copyright fees, competition fees, awards, scholarships, clinicians, guest artists, and equipment. Northview Public Schools pay for the bussing, most instrument repairs and replacements, and directors.
Who are the Band Boosters?
The Northview Band Boosters are a non-profit group with the following objectives:
- To encourage and assist students to develop their knowledge and increase their competence in the instrumental music field.
- To cooperate with the school administration and school board in matters pertaining to the advancement of instrumental music.
- To bring about closer cooperation among parents to promote interest in instrumental music and to provide a medium for the interchange of ideas and for the distribution of materials relative to the Northview Public School bands.
- To enlist community support for the Northview Public School bands.
- In spending the funds raised by members and students of Northview Public Schools, the policy is to ensure that these funds are used to enhance the students’ instrumental music educational experiences.
How can parents help?
Volunteer activities are coordinated through the Band Booster organization. Contact one of the officers or fill out the form link below. During the Season, volunteers are needed to care for uniforms, flag making crew, transport equipment, build props, and needed to assist with and participate in a variety of fund-raising events scheduled throughout the year.