So you want to join the marching band? Here’s some info for ya so you know what it’s all about!
1) What is it: There are three seasons, Spring Parade Band, Fall Field Band, and Winter Drumline!
2) Who is eligible:
• Spring Parade Band is open to any student who plays an instrument in grades 6-12. In addition, colorguard is open to students in grades 6-12 who do not participate in the band program. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO START WITH THIS GROUP IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE MARCHING BAND BEFORE!
• Fall Field Band is open to student instrumentalists in grades 6-12. For the first year of field band, 6th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the “pit”. The “pit” is the section of the band that plays mallet and other percussion instruments! If you don’t play an instrument and would like to be a part of the colorguard, this is open to anyone in grades 7-12. IT IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED THAT YOU PARTICIPATE IN SPRING PARADE SEASON BEFORE JOINING FIELD BAND. ANY STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN SPRING PARADE BAND BEFORE FALL FIELD BAND WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR (the only exception being 6th graders who wish to join the pit in the fall of their 6th grade year)!
• Winter Drumline is a newly established group made up of marching band members. This group is open to anyone in grades 6-12; however, because the size of the group is limited, you must audition. You do not have to be a percussionist to join the winter drumline. This group contains standard marching percussion instruments, mallet percussion, keyboard, drum set, auxiliary percussion, bass guitar, and colorguard.
3) I’m worried I won’t have enough time to do marching band and that I can’t play sports at the same time. I also here it’s very demanding! What do I do?
It’s very common for marching band members to be involved in more than just the marching band. The director and staff of the marching band are very flexible and they actually encourage that you do participate in other activities you are interested in! The marching band is made up of athletes from just about every sport offered in East Irondequoit! We also have students who do a number of activities outside of East Irondequoit! When conflicts arise, you simply let the director know and do your best to make it to rehearsal when you are done with your other commitments. We rehearse in the evenings so that you have as little conflict as possible!
Is marching band demanding? Yes and no, we provide a flexible schedule and create a very positive atmosphere so you won’t even know how hard you’re working! Marching Band is just like any sport you play, it requires hard work and dedication, but it’s definitely a very rewarding experience!
4) What kinds of things does the marching band do?
Spring Parade Band: Irondequoit Memorial Day Parade, Pittsford Memorial Day Parade, Nazareth Teen Book Festival Parade, and the Irondequoit 4th of July Parade. THIS GROUP RECENTLY TRAVELED TO WASHINGTON D.C. AND MARCHED IN THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AS THE NEW YORK STATE REPRESENTIVE! WE HAVE PERFORMED SHOWS SUCH AS WILLY WONKA, BACK TO THE FUTURE AND SUPERMAN!
Fall Field Band: We participate in the New York State Field Band Conference and have won 6 State Championships! Each weekend beginning in September we travel to and compete in shows across the state and also host a show of our own at Eastridge! The season culminates with a championship performance at the Syracuse Carrier Dome in late October! In addition, the marching band performs at halftime for the Eastridge Lancer Varsity Football team. WE HAVE PERFORMED SHOWS SUCH AS SLEEPY HOLLOW, DON QUIXOTE, PABLO PICASSO, VESUVIUS, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MISS SAIGON AND JEKYLL & HYDE!
5) Where has the marching band traveled?
How cool is it to not only be a part of the marching band, but also be able to travel places you have never been before? The marching band has traveled many places including Ireland, the Caribbean, Florida, Washington D.C., New York City, Hershey Park, Baltimore, and we have even performed in Giants Stadium! We plan to travel with the Fall Field Band in the 2012 season!
6) What does the marching band schedule look like?
Spring Band: Spring band rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the High School from April until June.
Field Band: The field band season begins in mid-July with rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the high school. These summer rehearsals are where the students will begin to learn the fall show. During the first full week in August, Band Camp will be held at Eastridge. This camp is where the band will refine their music and learn the drill for the upcoming show. Band camp is a 5-day camp and is an official welcome to the band family with spirit contests, family nights and other student/family-centered activities.
During the months of September through October, the band will rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings followed by a Saturday morning practice prior to that evenings competition.
7) I’m interested, what do I now?
Spring band rehearsals will start Monday, April 2nd. I encourage any student who is interested in marching band to attend our first practice. At this rehearsal we will welcome new members, have an introductory parents meeting and officially start the 2012 Marching Band Season!
Lastly, I have been involved in this activity for over 15 years as a member and finally a director, I am confident that participating in this activity will be rewarding, challenging and will provide your child an opportunity to be a part of one of the most unique groups East Irondequoit has to offer.
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE DON’T HESISTATE TO CONTACT THE DIRECTOR, MR. JEFF HOFFMAN:
339-1450 x2415
ALSO CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE ON THE EI DISTRICT PAGE, THIS CONTAINS IMPORTANT FORMS, CALENDARS, AND THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:
http://www.eastiron.org/staff/marchingband/home.htm