Park Crossing Bands FAQ
Do I have to be in Marching Band to do Concert Band and vice versa?
Yes and No. All students are STRONGLY encouraged to participate in both ensembles. In order to participate in marching band you must enroll in concert band. However, you do not have to participate in marching band in order to participate in concert band. Incoming freshman must do both marching and concert band their first year. After the first year they can choose.
How much time will I spend at band rehearsal each week? What times do the bands rehearse?
Marching Band will meet after-school only this year. We will have band camp the last two full weeks before school (plan for that to go all day, Monday- Friday) and once school starts we will practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-5:00 PM and will have most games on Thursdays or Fridays (We do have one scheduled Saturday game). Also plan on some Saturday competitions/parades. Concert Bands will rehearse during the school day during football season. At the conclusion of the marching/football season, concert bands will rehearse during those same times. We will not always use every rehearsal time, but that will be decided closer to the end of football season.
When is band camp?
Band Camp for the 2016 season is July 25-August 5. The first week is for percussion and auxiliaries only. The last two weeks will be full band all day. Be prepared for long but very worthwhile days!
Does the marching band go to away games?
As of right now, the answer is YES! Be prepared for some late nights when we play teams that are farther away.
Can I play a fall sport and do marching Band?
Doing a sport along with marching band in the fall is not easy but it can be done. I am willing to work with coaches to come up with a schedule but it is the student’s responsibility to make both coaches and directors aware of the situation and propose a solution well ahead of time. Keep in mind that your band contract states you are committing to the band and making it the priority.
How much does Band cost? What does the fee cover?
Please see the sheet labeled “PCHS Band Fees Breakdown.” It shows the total cost of the band fee and the approximate breakdown as to how we came up with the number. It should be noted that the band fee does not cover the items found in the Charms online store.
Do I have to buy or rent a uniform?
You will pay a small uniform rental fee in order to use the school band uniform. This fee covers the cost of dry cleaning the uniform. Any damage to the uniform will be paid for separately by that student. (See Band Constitution)
Are fundraising opportunities required?
YES! The majority of the money the band uses to operate is collected through fundraising and band fees. This means EVERYONE must participate in order for the fundraisers to be successful. We have fundraisers throughout the year.
Does the school provide instruments?
Park Crossing provides a limited number of certain instruments. The instruments we provide currently are:
All Percussion (does not include sticks/mallets), Mellophone, French Horn, Marching Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba, Sousaphone, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax, Tenor Sax, and Piccolo. All other instruments should be procured by the student and their parents/guardians.
What happens if I miss a rehearsal or performance?
Please see the Band Constitution for our policy on attendance. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Details are provided in our band constitution.
Who are Band Boosters and what do they do?
The band boosters are parents of students who are in the PCHS instrumental ensembles as well as any member of the community who is interested in supporting the band program at PCHS. To be a voting member of the boosters you must have a child in the program and have paid your dues (not included in band fee). 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, puling trailers, building props, chaperoning students, providing food and drinks, administering first aid, stuffing envelopes, publicity, taking pictures and much more!).
When and Where are Band Booster Meetings held?
Band Booster meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM in the Park Crossing Band Room.