Marching Band FAQ
This page is not designed to replace the handbook.
The handbook
should be read by every new member and parent and reviewed on a yearly
basis. This is just the place to find answers to the most common
questions.
1) What is the time commitment for
Marching Band? Marching Band is a fall activity that takes place
completely outside of the school day. The major time commitment
begins around August 13 and continues until the end of October.
We have a few spring preseason rehearsals to just introduce the
new students to the group. We rehearse for one full week in
August (usually the second full week) and then we rehearse every
Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 through October. Weekend schedules
are dependent on our competition and performance schedule. In
general we have a few Friday night football games, we are off on
Saturday Morning, and Sunday's are only if we have a competition.
2) Do I need to be in Concert Band
Class to be part of the Marching Band? NO....They are
completely different groups. While it will help with your level
of musicianship, it is not mandatory. Concert Band do not need to
march either...That ended over 20 years ago.
3) Can I do fall sports and Marching
Band? YES...All school sports work with exception of
Football and Cheerleading, most rec sports work, and some club teams
work. You should check with Mr. Marks about your individual
schedule if you have a concern.
4) Can I do sports and activities the
rest of the year? YES YES YES....No conflict.
Marching Band ends at the end of October!
5) My family is having a financial
issue, can I still do Marching Band? Of course....Just
talk to Mr. Marks about other arrangements.
6) Why 100% attendance so important
to the Marching Band? The Marching Band activity is
unique. Specific music, drill, and color guard work is designed
for each member of the group. Each member is dependent on the
other members to be successful. Marching Band is the ultimate in
TEAM sports. There are no reserves and no subs. Everyone is
on all the time. The success of the band is directly related to
every member being at every practice and every performance.
7) How are competitions judged?
While each competition is different based on the sponsoring
group, the general answer is the following: A set of rubrics that
examine Music and Visual are used to arrive at a score. The Band
Director's are given the rubrics in advance.
8) What are groups? In
the competitive setting the bands are divided into groups that complete
against each other. These groupings are different based on where
the competition is. For most of our shows, which are held by
NYSFBC, the schools are divided in
2 size classifications. The
size classifications are above or below 4000 students in the district.
Then each size classification is divided into 3 groups based on a
series of criteria including; age of students, experience of students,
past band accomplishments, size and experience of staff, rehearsal
time, budget, and outside support. Currently we are in Small School 3.
9) Where can I find the most current
calender information? Subscribe to the link
on the
Marching Band page which contains a calender file. If you have an
iDevice it will update automatically as things are changed. You
should also refer to "This Week in Marching Band" on a weekly basis
during the marching band season.
10) Why are parents and student kept
apart prior to all performances? It is very important to
keep the band focused. The tasks of marching, playing, and
expressing the show are very complex and require the students to have
as little distraction as possible. You are welcome to come
congratulate your child at the trailer after they have been dismissed
from the post performance meeting.
11) Why is the trailer's name Horace?
Up until October 2008 the band used a rented box truck every
weekend. One Saturday night during early October the band was
return to Midland Park following a competition and the box truck lost
brakes. No one was hurt and the truck was safely stopped.
The truck came to rest on the Horace Harding Expressway.
The trailer was purchased a few days later by the Performing Arts
Parents. The name Horace was given to the trailer upon its'
arrival.
12) Ways to contact Mr. Marks?
Phone 201-444-7400 ext. 225, email banddirector@mphsarts.org
or dmarks@midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us.
Parent FAQ's (From the Hand Book)
1. How much does Marching Band Cost?
Students are only responsible for the cost of the Syracuse Trip, Camp
fee, Dry Cleaning and Guard Outfit pieces. This is not all due at once.
It is paid in different installments and all can be fundraised (see
fundraising page)
Total Cost for 2013: $325.00
2. Where are uniforms kept?
All uniforms are kept in the band room at all times. Uniforms are sent
out to the cleaners as a group when necessary (approx. every 3 weeks)
3. Are there any parent positions
within the band program? The Midland Park Performing Arts
Parents have many positions that exist to help the marching band. These
include : Competition Chair, Competition Assistant, Sponsorship,
Spirit, Equipment, and others. If you are interested contact Mr. Marks
for more information.
4. Can students eat while with the
band? Students are only able to eat in uniform when the entire
band is given permission. Before changing into uniform students may eat
in the band room. At no point can students eat in the stands during any
performance. Food may not be brought back to the band room after games.
The students are encouraged to stay away from any food item that can
stain. Many camp/rehearsal meal times are not planned until an hour
beforehand. Please send your child to camp/rehearsals with food. It is
difficult to coordinate dropping off food, as meal times are generally
only 20-30 minutes.
5. Do practices always end on time?
The practice schedule is designed to follow a 2 hour time slot (in most
cases). If one student is late, the entire group may be held to make up
this time. Be aware that the students are normally asked to be there
between 15 to 30 minutes before the practice begins. This allows for
the field to be set up for the start of practice. No students are
allowed to leave until the entire group is dismissed by the Staff or
Drum Major.