F.A.Q.
Do I have to be in Concert Band to do Marching Band?Musicians who participate in Marching Band should also enroll in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, or Choir.
How do I sign-up for Marching Band?
Marching Band registration will begin during the Spring Semester and is online through the music website.
How many hours a week will I have to spend at Marching Band rehearsal?
What days and times does the Marching Band rehearse?
For the 2023 season, Winds and Percussion rehearse Tuesdays 2:30pm - 5:00pm, Dance Line rehearses Mondays and Tuesdays 2:30pm - 3:30pm, and everyone rehearses Wednesdays 2:30pm - 5:00pm, as well as on Fridays after school if there is a football game or competition that weekend. So, approximately 9 hours of rehearsal a week plus football games and Saturday Competitions. On football game days, students stay after school until the game is over around 9:30 - 10:00pm. For Saturday competitions, the hours vary greatly so plan on all competitions taking all day, from early in the morning to late at night.
Band camp for 2024 is tentatively set for August 4 - 9, 7:30am - 5:00pm everyday, and August 12 and 13, 7:30am - 12:00pm.
Does the Marching Band go to away games?
No. EXCEPT for a possible playoff game or state championship.
How many competitions will the Marching Band go to?
It varies every year. Usually, we go to about 5 to 7 depending on what competitions are available.
Where are competitions held?
Most competitions are in Maryland, with one being at JMU in Harrisonburg, VA.
Can I play a Fall sport and do Marching Band?
I am willing to try to work out schedules with fall sports coaches. However, I do wish that you make a commitment to Marching Band by July and I have no control over what the sports coaches decide. It is extremely rare for a student to participate in both a Fall sport and Marching Band. Some students have been able to work out schedules with local club sports (non-FCPS).
When will the Marching Band go on an overnight trip?
There are no trips currentluy planned. Our previous trips include Disney World 2014, 2016, 2018, San Diego 2007, and Jacksonville FL 2005.
How much does Marching Band cost?
What does the Marching Band fee cover?
The fee is usually around $450 - $550. This fee covers a show themed t-shirt, band jacket, school buses to competitions, uniform cleanings, band camp dinners, band staff, music, drill (the movement we do on the field), instruments, repairs, etc... The Marching Band could not operate without this required fee. Discounts apply for having multiple children in the band.
This fee does not cover: black marching shoes; dance line shoes, charter buses, and gloves. More specific information will be provided by the MHS Music Boosters.
Do I have to buy or rent a uniform?
No. There is a fee for Marching Band that covers uniform cleanings as well as many other things. See
"What does the Marching Band fee cover?"Do I have to do fundraising?
Only if you want the band the be the most awesome it possibly can be and if you would like to see the participation fee go down in the future. Information regarding this will come from the MHS Music Boosters Inc. Our budget is nearly $50,000 and participation fees only cover about half of that! The remainder must be made up by fundraising.
Are travel expenses separate?
There will be separate fees for when we travel to competitions by charter bus. Overnight trips are also extra expenses.
Does the school provide any of the Marching Band instruments?
The school will provide the following instruments: All Percussion, Mellophone (for horn players), Marching Baritone, Tuba, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax, Tenor Sax, and Piccolo. All other instruments, and their necessary accessories, should be provided by the student.
Why does the course catalog say that the fall semester of Band focuses on Marching Band?
This is because at most other high schools in Frederick County, their fall band class is their Marching Band. We are the one of the only schools in which Marching Band is entirely extracurricular. See "When are each of the ensembles offered?" below.
When are each of the ensembles offered?
Concert Band, String Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will all be held during the Spring semester.
Choir will meet in the Fall semester.
Are there auditions for any of the ensembles?
When are auditions held and what is required for the audition?
Auditions are required for Jazz Band and are ongoing. It is recommended to audition sooner than later as spots are limited and can fill up quickly. Contact Mr. Shearer ASAP if interested in auditioning.
How hard is the music in Concert Band? Wind Ensemble? Jazz Band?
Concert Band plays grade 3 music on average. (Most band music is graded 1 - 6). This music is just a little harder than music played in middle school. It will be challenging but we will make sure you can get through it.
Jazz Band plays all levels of music from easy to advanced.
Are there fees for any of the ensembles?
Possibly, Information regarding this will come from the MHS Music Boosters Inc. Fees are usually for the uniform(s) used for each ensemble.
Who are Music Boosters and what do they do?
The Music Boosters are parents of students who are in any MHS music ensemble (Marching Band, Concert Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band) as well as any member of the community who is interested in supporting the band program at MHS. To be a voting member of the boosters you must have a child in the program. There are no dues to be a part of the Music Boosters. The boosters exist to support the entire band program financially through organizing fundraisers and soliciting donations and to help with any tasks in which the band staff cannot or should not handle on their own (such as repairing and modifying equipment, driving trucks, pulling trailers, building props, chaperoning students, providing food and drinks, administering first aid, stuffing envelopes, publicity, taking pictures, etc...)
When and where are Music Booster meetings held?
Music Booster meetings are held virtually on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00pm. All parents and students are encouraged to attend.
Can students attend Music Booster meetings?
Yes, students can attend booster meetings and are encouraged to attend to provide the student view of the program.
Where does money from fundraising go and what is it used for?
Money from fundraisers go toward the booster's general fund or and/or toward individual trip accounts. The amount that goes toward the general fund and trip accounts vary from fundraiser to fundraiser. The amount is determined on a case by case basis by the Executive committee and Ways and Means committee. They consider the status of the accounts and what is allowed by the IRS for not-for-profit organizations. Money that is put into student accounts can be used only towards the cost of items required to participate.