Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule of Events throughout the school year
Sample Band Camp Schedule
Link to Marching Band Forms Page

  1. What is band camp and how much do we rehearse?   Band Camp is one week during the summer where the group learns the drill to the Fall Show.  It is always 2 weeks before school starts.  See the form below for an example of the band camp schedule.  This year it is August 11th - 15th.

  2. What are summer sectionals?   Sectionals during the summer are held by the section leaders and held at various students houses.  They are designed to help the players get ready for band camp and get a head start on the music.  They are not mandatory if students have plans for summer vacations.

  3. Is it possible to participate in band and sports?  The schedule for band is intense for the months of September and October.  We are always willing to work through the schedule for anyone who wishes to participate in other activities.  After the first week of November the band does not have many after school commitments unless the student wishes to join a Winter Activity.

  4. Why does the band rehearse so much after school?   The Marching Band has always been known for its high quality of performance and is consistently rated high in state competitions.  It is important that in the short time we have in the fall that the group performs to best of its ability.

  5. Do I have to be in band during the day to be in Marching band   Yes

  6. Do I have to be in Marching Band if I join Band?   Yes

  7. Do I have to be a great player to join band?   NO!! – many of the members that are in band now had never played an instrument before joining band at the high school.  We have summer sectionals and band camp to help students get better at their instruments.

  8. What will we need to purchase while in band?  
    1. Marching Shoes - $35.00
    2. Dry Cleaning - $30.00 Winds and Percussion Only
    3. Black gloves - $10.00  Winds  Only
    4. Drumsticks or mallets Percussion Only
    5. Unitard ($30) Warm up outfit ($40) Gloves ($12) Color Guard Only

Please be aware that no student is excluded from participating in band because of an inability to pay.  Please see me if you have any concerns.

  1. Do we practice before football games?   We practice from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, then eat dinner and go to the game for 7:00 pm.

  2. What are the shows we travel to like?   A typical show day will include a short practice in the afternoon, loading the truck, than traveling to the show.

Example:  Rehearse 12:00pm – 2:30pm

Travel  3:30 – 4:30 pm

Perform  6:00 pm

When we arrive at the show we have a chance to warm up before we perform.  After the performance students get to watch other schools perform.

  1. How do we check for updates in the schedule?   You can find monthly schedules, show schedules, pictures, and other information on the on the schedules page of this website.  www.shepherdhillband.com

  2. How often do we rehearse and how long is the fall season?   See the attached schedule for September through the first week of November.  After Marching Band season is over November 11, the band has very few after school commitments.

  3. What should I bring to band camp?
    1. Sun block
    2. Hats are required
    3. No Sandals – sneakers are required
    4. Bring a lot of water – no soda
    5. Bring lunch everyday and dinner for Tuesday and Thursday
    6. All music in a 3 ring binder and a pencil

  1. Does the band take a trip this year?   The band is hoping to travel to Analopolis, MD to participate in the USSBA Nationals November 7th - 9th.