Marching Band Survival Guide
BAND LEADERSHIP | SCHEDULE | BAND CAMP | MARCHING SEASON
Band Leadership
Marching Band is a multi-talented ensemble of performers including Woodwinds, Brass, Battery (on-field Percussion), Front Ensemble (Pit), and Color Guard. Russel Shedd is the Music Director and he works with a talented team of coaches, including Cameron Brown (MMS Music Director).
The Drum Major(s) and Assistant Drum Major(s) lead the band with each section having a student leader/captain who guides and ensures the quality of their section’s performance. Students usually go to their Section Leader with questions. There is a remarkable level of self-governance and student leadership, as upperclassmen support the rookies. Discipline is key. Students are expected to respect their leaders.
Communication is key from Mr Shedd, Coaches, Section Leaders, as well as from students and their parents. If an issue arises, a student should go to their Section Leader first, followed by their Section Coach, then if needed Mr. Shedd. Parents should follow a similar escalation path (Section Coach first, then Mr. Shedd). This will ensure that the issue can be addressed by the people who can do something about it quickly and effectively for everyone involved.
Schedule
The marching season is August through November. Practices are Tuesdays – Thursdays with additional practices scheduled as needed. Students perform during home Varsity football games on Fridays and Tournaments on Saturdays.
Full up-to-date schedule can be found on the Events Calendar.
Rehearsals are mandatory, and promptness is expected. All students are needed to learn the music and the drill on the field. When one person is missing, it slows everyone down. If your child must be absent, make sure they notify their section leader and drum majors ASAP.
More information is available below.
Band Camp
This is the kick off to Marching Band Season where the entire Marching Band (Woodwinds, Brass, on-field Percussion, Pit, and Color Guard) start to learn the show, including memorizing the music as well as their positions and movements on the field. They also get into the necessary physical conditioning they need to do the same 15-minute show throughout the season.
Marching Season
The Marching Band participates in competitions and tournaments during first semester with the goal of accruing enough points to compete in the California State Band Championships (CSBC) semi-finals and division finals. Starting with Band Camp and throughout the season the entire Marching Band ensemble learn and perfect the show, including memorizing the music as well as their positions and movements on the field; performing the same 15-minute show throughout the season, often adding segments and complexity as the season goes on.
Uniforms
The majority of the uniform pieces are provided. During Band Camp, parent volunteers assist with uniform fitting or measurements (Color Guard). Students will wear the same uniform all season during performances. Musicians’ uniforms are stored at school in the uniform racks. At the end of marching season, they are dry-cleaned and stored for the next year. Color Guard uniforms are turned in to the Music Director for resale to support the Music Program.
Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Pit Uniform:
Provided pieces: 1) Overall-like pants 2) Jacket, 3) Shoes (students may buy their own).
Some seasons a show-specific shirt and/or Shako (hat with a plume; stored in box) is used.
Hair: Tied back in a low pony-tail (slicked back – no dangling strands). Long hair is worn up under the shako (if used).
Students Purchase: 1) Black shorts (Compression shorts are suggested), 2) Black “Class B” T-shirts, 3) Black socks (More than one pair recommended), 4) Show-specific makeup (as needed). Black marching gloves are optional and available for purchase.
Color Guard Uniform:
Provided pieces: 1) Show-specific costume, 2) Shoes (students may buy their own), and 3) Show-specific makeup
Hair: Tied back in a low pony-tail (slicked back – no dangling strands).
Students Purchase: 1) Black shorts/leggings, 2) Black “Class B” T-shirts, 3) Skin-tone gloves, 4) Basic Makeup (list provided at band camp)
Tournaments
The Marching Band participates in competitions and tournaments during with the goal of accruing enough points to compete in the California State Band Championships (CSBC) semi-finals and division finals. Tournaments are typically on Saturdays. For information on all the CSBC tournaments and scoring, visit their website. Schedules for each event are provided by CSBC 2 weeks in advance and can be found on their Events page.
Based on our performance time from CSBC for a tournament, the students have a “call time” of when to arrive at school.
At call time: Students load their instruments, uniforms, and other items onto the truck, and travel by school bus to the tournament location.
Upon arrival: Students unload the truck, eat, change into uniforms and perform.
After the performance: Students change, load the truck, watch other schools perform, attend the awards ceremony, and then return to school by bus.
It’s a long day. Parent volunteers are needed and encouraged, although it’s mainly supervision, as all the kids have responsibilities.
Parents and families are encouraged to carpool to tournaments. You will enjoy the performances and learn how scoring works. Each year, we host the Falcon Invitational at Scripps Ranch High School. It is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and parent volunteers will be needed to coordinate this huge event!
Football Games
We perform at home football games. The band plays pep tunes during the game and performs their show during halftime. The kids love having their own cheering section, so come and support them! Tickets can be bought at the door or your child can buy them for you at the Finance Office during school. Volunteers can attend the game for free!