Spartan Band Questions

The Band program has a Student & School Activities (SSA) account through Doherty High School. This is an account where funds can be deposited or withdrawn for purchases. Within this account, funds are allocated for student use. When money is fundraised and placed in the student account, those funds are available for students to use for band related fees. For instance, if Jon has $50 in his student account, he can have those funds used for his band fee. Another example is if Jon has $50 in his account, he can use those funds to purchase music or drill he has lost. When students fundraise, a certain percentage goes to their account, while a small percentage goes to the general fund to cover expenses for the program. Whenever a student sells and item, 90% goes into their account and 10% goes to the program. Whenever a student receives a donation, 100% goes into their student account. If you would like more information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Williams

2. What does the band fee cover?

The Band fee helps offset the cost of transportation, entry fees, field markers, drill bags, marching show music, marching band drill, one uniform cleaning, band t-shirt, and other expenses that arise throughout the school year. The band fee is $150 for the year.

3. Do we rent uniforms or buy them?

Uniforms are not rented or bought. Students are issued a clean band uniform at the beginning of each school year, which are then returned at the end of each school year and cleaned by the program during the summer. Uniforms are the students’ responsibility throughout the year and should be kept clean. If a uniform is visibly soiled, the student will not be allowed to participate in the event.

4. Do we travel out of state?

Every 4 years the band takes a trip out of state. Occasionally, there are performance opportunities that could take the band out of state, but those are rare. Most of our performances are within Colorado.

5. What shoes do we wear?

The shoes we wear for marching band are the Plus One marching shoe. An order will be placed towards the beginning of the school year for any new students and veterans who need a new pair. Shoes must be purchased through the band office.

6. Do we practice on holidays?

Rarely will we practice on holidays, and then only for special circumstances. RMPA will practice during some smaller holidays since that is the only time we can get the gym for longer rehearsals. Students will know far in advance of the rehearsal schedule.

7. When are physicals due?

Physicals are due before the student can march drill. I would recommend getting the physical during the summer so the student does not miss out on any part of Band Camp.

8. Do we have Saturday practices and Thursday nights for the whole school year?

No, Thursday and Saturday rehearsals are scheduled during the marching season only, which ends towards the end of October.

9. How are the students graded in band?

Students are graded more on participation at performances than they are on ability. If a student is not participating in all required events, the grade will reflect that. Points are earned by showing up and performing, not just showing up.

10. How do you letter in band?

Points are earned towards a letter by participating in more than just the required activities. Please see the point requirements in the band handbook for more information.

11. When and how do you want registration materials?

Registration for marching band is something new, and deadlines are being reviewed to make the process easier for everyone involved. All registration materials should be turned in to the band office, and should be stapled together or folded in an envelope.

12. When is the registration fee due?

The registration fee is due before the first day of band camp. Certain exceptions can be made on a one-on-one basis, and only with director approval.

13. Can you accept any other physical forms – for example – from Scouting?

The physical form used is a Colorado High School Activities Association form that is kept on record at the school. For a copy of this form, please visit the band website.

14. Is it required to be in marching band?

All students will participate in marching band in one form or another. Students who are registered for band first semester will be in the competitive marching band. Students who choose to wait and join band during second semester will participate in the Apple Blossom Parade in May.

15. Do you hold regular parent meetings?

Parent meetings are scheduled for the first Thursday of each month, and are held in the Band room. Meetings start at 7:00pm. We are always looking for more ways for parents to get involved in their students’ education, so be sure to stop by and see how you can participate.

16. Do we march in cold winter months?

The competitive band season ends in October, however it can get a little cold before that. We also march in the Veteran’s Day parade in November and the Festival of Lights parade in December. It has been known to be cold for these parades in the past. Unless the weather is deemed unsafe by administration, weather is not a factor in our marching schedule.

17. When is band camp?

Band Camp is the 2 full weeks before school gets started each year.

18. What sports does the band perform?

The band performs at all home football games, and most home basketball games.

19. What are the ways for a parent to get involved?

There are many ways for parents to get involved. Whether its being a chaperone on the bus, donating food and water items for the trips, volunteering to help set up and run our Craft Fair, or just showing up to performances, the parents are an integral part of this band program. We could not do it without you.

20. What is a competition?

A marching band competition is an event where the band performs the field show for a panel of judges. Each performance is supposed to get better than the previous ones, culminating with the State Competition in October.

21. How is the competition scored?

There are 7 judges at each competition. Each judge is watching or listening to one particular portion of the show. The 7 different areas are:

Visual Individual – how individuals are marching

Visual Ensemble – how the section or whole band is marching

Music Individual – how individuals are playing

Music Ensemble – how the section or whole band is playing

Visual General Effect – visually how effective is the show

Music General Effect (x2)– musically how effective is the show (there are 2 judges for this caption)

22. What should my student be working on at home?

Students should be practicing their music at how regularly. The only way to improve is to put the time in. Marching band music needs to be memorized. During concert band, students should be working out rhythm and note problems before coming to rehearsal.

23. What fundraising opportunities do we participate?

There are many fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and different types of opportunities from selling items to getting donations to working concession stands. We sell Entertainment books, host a March-A-Thon, sell pizzas or cookies, host a Craft Fait (big one), host a concession stand at the Sky Sox stadium, and various other fundraisers.

24. Is my student required to work the craft fair?

Students in the band program are required to help with the Craft Fair during set up and tear down. Certain exceptions may apply, but will be dealt with on a one-on-one basis by director approval.

25. Is band camp and other practices mandatory?

Each of the practices and rehearsals are important to the success of the program. By missing a rehearsal, the student not only misses the important information from that rehearsal but they also make it very difficult for the other students to succeed. Each member is important.

26. Do you need chaperones?

Chaperones are always needed for trips. Our program takes 4 buses to every marching competition. Chaperones help take care of the students while on trips by checking their uniforms, minor first aid (scratches, bruises), and cheering for the students during the competitions.

27. Are we responsible for getting our student to the competition? Football games? Parades?

Transportation is provided for all students to all band events except home football games. Doherty football games are played at Garry Barry stadium, and students are to be dropped off and picked up there. Students will be required to ride the bus to and from all performances. Exceptions are few, and must be cleared with the band director BEFORE the day of the competition.

28. What is a call time?

Call time is the time when students are supposed to be ready to go for a competition. Usually call time is 30 minutes before the buses are scheduled to leave. This gives us time to take attendance and get students loaded on the buses. Buses leave precisely at the designated time, and the band will not wait for any students. Any students who are not ready by that time will not be allowed to participate in that event.

29. Is my student fed during competitions or do we bring a sack lunch?

Sometimes the students need to bring a lunch with them, and sometimes the parents organize a meal. The students will be told before whether they need to bring money and/or food with them on trips.

30. How do I receive important information?

Information is sent out to an email list, as well as put on our band website. Please be sure to check out the band website at www.prideofdoherty.com. If you are not on the email list, please contact Mr. Williams.