FAQs

Is Marching Band fun? Or just a lot of work?

Marching band is so much fun that most students think of it as the highlight of the year! Each section has their own secret traditions and activities, and being able to hang out with the rest of the band and make new friends is a really awesome experience. You get to learn a field show, make tons of new friends, play and hang out at football games, go to competitions all over Southern California, and a whole lot more! Be a part of marching band! It's the best part of high school band! Yes, marching band is a lot of work, but everyone agrees at the end that it was well worth the effort.

Band requires a considerable time commitment; however, band is also a very rewarding experience. The time spent at rehearsals and competitions with your fellow band members soon becomes time spent surrounded by your closest friends. Believe it or not, the marching season flies by for most students, and they can’t wait for next year to start!

Do I have to be a great player to join?

As long as you have a good attitude, we can teach you a new instrument! In most cases, we can even supply you with a school instrument or equipment to borrow if you do not have your own. It is not uncommon for beginning players to make Wind Ensemble and Honor Band by their junior and senior years.

What if I am not sure if I want to do music in high school?

Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Music is the same way. You should sign up for music even if you are unsure. If at some point you decide that music is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when you decide you miss it.

How is music different in high school?

While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net that high school music provides is very different from junior high. From day one, your child will be musically and personally mentored by successful upperclassmen who have a vested interest in their success. They will have dozens of new and like-minded friends before school even begins and have experiences (Friday night football games and trips) that are unlike anything they have experienced in junior high.

What if I can't memorize music?

Think through the Bb concert scale. Do you have that memorized? How did you do that? Exactly, through repetition. You will have more than enough time in concert band and marching band to memorize the music.

Do I have to take PE?

No. Marching Band counts for PE credit.

Can I participate in band for only half of the school year?

No. We require all band, percussion, and color guard students to participate fully in the music program for the entire year unless extenuating circumstances arise. The training that begins first semesters carries over into the second part of the year. Please speak with a Mr. Loney for more information.

What if I do not own my own instrument?

Students may check out a school instrument from Mr. Loney once they have made the $150 Band Camp donation. Instruments are given to students in good, working condition. There is a $35 Instrument/Equipment Donation for students using a school instrument or percussion equipment. Students are financially responsible for any repairs, maintenance, or damages made to school instruments.

Is band expensive?

To help cover our annual operating budget, each student is asked to contribute a fair-share donation of $575 for the marching band. This pays for major items such as transportation, instructional staff, equipment and instruments, uniforms, and production costs. Specialized instruction inspires students to keep at it, a skill they can apply to their other classes. Students have optional fundraisers and sponsorship letters to help offset the cost. The donation can be paid all at once, or broken down in the following way:

How do parents get involved?

The best way to find out what we need help with is to show up to a Booster Meeting. Meetings typically the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Gahr High School Band Room. The Gahr Band Boosters are open any parent with a child in our program. It is expected that freshmen parents come to these meetings to know what happens behind the scenes with their student’s music program. We encourage families to volunteer for at least four events (football games, competitions, etc.). There is never any pressure - it’s just a lot of fun and a great feeling to work with the students! We need as much help as possible, extending to every part of the program.

What about conflicts with SATs or testing?

We are supportive of college testing, and many of the test dates can be found directly on the calendar. Usually testing is on a Saturday morning and field tournaments do not begin until later in the afternoon. Students are able to come directly from testing to the rehearsal or field show site. Let Mr. Loney know as soon as you spot the conflict and we can work it out.

More questions?

Please feel free to email Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us.