Strongsville High School Marching Band Information & Frequently Asked Questions
Strongsville High School has a fabulous music program that depends not only on the talents of our students but also on the support from the parents. Below are some tips to help parents understand the operations of our Musical Mustangs!
STEP #1…Get Reminders: All parents and students should sign up for the Director’s Band Messages REMIND 101.
- To receive messages via text, text: @strongsv to (567)202-0846 (standard text messaging rates apply)
- To receive messages via email, send an email to
(All personal information remains completely confidential…teachers don’t see your # and you don’t see theirs.)
Frequently check the school’s music department calendar for any changes to previous schedules.
STEP #2…Be sharp…Become a member of the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB) each year to help support the music programs throughout our schools…you’ll be sure to receive the SIMB newsletter with invaluable information…with you, we’re just plain flat…
STEP #3…Sign up… Volunteer for at least 2 activities like concessions (Freshman, JV, and Varsity Football and basketball games), chaperones, uniforms, or other “as needed” opportunities. We have over 350 families in our high school music programs and expect each family to help out just 2 times each year.
Did you know….we need at least 30 people for Uniform Distribution Days, 20 Chaperones for Away games and 12 for home games, and OVER 40 Volunteers to run our weekly concessions stands on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays? WE NEED YOU as much as YOU NEED US! AND you’ll have a great time getting to know other parents and have fun working together.
How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities?
Log onto SignupGenius.com and type in or . EMAIL:
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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Marching Band Season
(see these answers and more in the band handbook)
Each year all band students receive a new Band T-shirt – this shirt may not be altered in any way
Summer Uniform = Band T-Shirt, Beige Shorts, White Socks, and White Tennis Shoes.
Tryouts and Auditions
Q: When are tryouts for Drum Majors, Color Guard/Flags, and Percussion?
A: Usually in May and June prior to next school year. Auditions for various band groups are in April for the next school year. Contact Directors for more information.
Who Plays for the Strongsville Memorial Day Parade? Are incoming 9th Graders included?
Currently 8th Graders are NOT expected to play for the Memorial Day Parade. Check with Directors if your child would like to play.
Summer Rehearsal for July Homecoming Parade. Are incoming 9th Graders included?
Q: What is this and does my child need to participate?
A: The annual Strongsville Homecoming Parade kicks off the summer festival/carnival on The Commons in mid July. YES, all incoming freshman in band are expected to march in the parade. This is an exciting time for them to begin their high school band memories. Rehearsals for all marching band students/color guard (including upcoming Freshman) occur on Monday and Tuesday evenings 7-9pm prior to the Wednesday evening parade which begins at Progress Dr. and travels south on Pearl Rd. to the Commons/Clocktower. Students receive their white Band T-shirt at rehearsal and wear this with beige shorts and white tennis shoes as they march down Pearl Rd. SHS band usually meets on Progress Dr. just off Pearl Rd. for parade formation. DUE TO NORMALLY VERY WARM CONDITIONS, BE SURE YOUR STUDENT IS WELL-HYDRATED FOR THIS EVENT. All students are expected to participate or speak with Director personally.
Marching Band Camp
Q: When and how long is Marching Band Camp?
A: Band Camp is Monday through Friday for 2 weeks shortly before school begins. Generally, 8am – 3pm with 1 hr. lunch. Check the calendar under the music dept. tab on the high school website at for specific dates and times.
Q: Is band camp required?
A: YES. Band camp is required of all band students (marching instrumentalists and color guard). It is imperative that all marching students attend to learn the ½ time show, formations, and music to be played. All band students make up the marching band. Also, uniforms are distributed and individual and Large Band photos are taken during band camp. Don’t miss out!
Q: My student wants to be in band, but doesn’t want to march….can they skip marching band?
A: NO. Marching band is required of all band students and constitutes their first quarter grade. Speak with the director for any special circumstances.
Q: What happens if we’re out of town while band camp is going on?
A: Band camp is usually two or three weeks before school starts. Please refrain from planning vacations, etc. in August. The band camp schedule is posted online usually 5 months prior to summer break. Vacations and other obligations should be scheduled before band camp weeks. Please speak with the director regarding special circumstances.
Q: Is there a fee for my student to be in the marching band?
A: Yes, there is a uniform maintenance fee and marching shoes required of all students. Refer to the band handbook and Maintenance Agreement sheet for details. Some assistance (for marching shoes) may be available. Please contact the Uniform Chairperson at . Returning students with funds available in their Music Accounts may request (in writing) these funds to be applied to their marching band maintenance fees (see additional info. below under Music Accounts). SIGNED CONTRACTS AND PAYMENTS FOR UNIFORMS AND SHOE ORDERS ARE TO BE RECEIVED BY THE UNIFORM COMMITTEE PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION.
Q: When will my child receive his/her uniform?
A: ALL STUDENTS are required to appear on their respective UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION DAY during band camp. Students will receive information regarding fitting days early in the first week.
Q: Can I be with my child on uniform distribution day?
A: No. Due to the number of students fitted each day, we do not allow parents to attend with their child. However, if you would like to help distribute uniforms with the Uniform Committee, you may see your child as they pass through your station. Children of Uniform Distribution helpers are usually fitted first on their respective days. See below for more uniform Q & A’s.
Q: When is the band picture day?
A: Each child will be individually photographed on uniform distribution day (these are for the band buttons which can be purchased early in the marching season). The ALL BAND photo is usually taken on the last day of band camp. Therefore, ALL STUDENTS should be properly fitted on their assigned fitting day. After the ALL BAND photo, they may take their uniforms home for adjustments, family pictures, etc.
Q: What is “Meet the Marching Mustangs”?
A: Usually Thursday (6pm @ Catan Stadium) of the 2nd week of band camp. This evening event allows you to see what our fantastic Marching Mustangs have learned in their two weeks of camp. Students wear their band T-Shirt, beige shorts and white tennis shoes; they DO NOT wear their marching uniforms. Parents can also order individual Photo Buttons & Lawn Signs, sign up for various committees, and purchase marching band apparel.
Q: What is a “sectional”?
A: This is the group of students in the same instrument group. All Trumpet players are one sectional, all flute players are another, etc.
Q: What is a squad leader?
A: They are upper classmen in charge of a small number of players in their sectional…for example there may be 5 trumpet squad leaders with each leader in charge of 5 other trumpet players or “squadlings.” These leaders help refine their group’s marching techniques and formations; “squadlings” can get extra help or specific answers from their squad leader.
During the Marching Season…
Q: What is “Call Time”?
A: The time all students should be at the school to prepare for the upcoming event. The time posted in the M.B. Handbook is the Call Time.
Q: Can I visit my child at the marching band stands during the game?
A: No. Only those adults who have signed up as a chaperone or uniform committee helper may be with the marching band. All students are able to visit with family and friends during the third quarter.
Q: I see requests for band help. Am I expected to do something for the band and SIMB?
A: ABSOLUTELY…we depend on parent volunteers to help with uniforms, chaperoning events, and especially staffing the concession stands for football and basketball games (including freshman and JV football games on Thursdays and Saturdays). We need 40 concession stand volunteers for each varsity home game. Sign-up Genius is used regularly for concession and chaperone volunteer sign ups. Check your emails regularly for information on how to sign up. WE REQUEST THAT ORCHESTRA PARENTS HELP ON FRIDAY NIGHTS SO BAND PARENTS CAN SEE THEIR STUDENTS PERFORM; BAND PARENTS ARE THEN REQUESTED TO HELP ON THURSDAY, SATURDAYS, AND AT ORCHESTRA EVENTS.
Meals Before Call Time
Q: Does my child have to eat before Call Time?
A: YES! Be sure your child has a good meal and is well hydrated prior to Friday night Call Times, as they will not be able to eat prior to the 3rd quarter (approx. 8pm). Most sectional groups organize home meals or meet at local restaurants prior to call time. It is critical that students are well hydrated (i.e. drink fluids) prior to Call Time in the warm fall season as dehydration and nausea can easily occur to those overheating. No Food or drinks are allowed on buses. SIMB provides all students 1 bottle of water early in the game.
Q: Can they buy something from the concession stand before or early during the game?
A: No. Students may not go to the concession stand prior to the 3rd quarter of the game…this is usually around 8pm.
Q: Am I expected to host a sectional dinner at my home?
A: Although most dinners are hosted by Junior and Senior students’ families, anyone may host a sectional dinner. When hosting, please verify student call time and be sure to allow enough time for students to arrive and eat in a relaxed setting (usually 1 ½ - 2 hours before call time).
Q: If my child’s sectional is meeting at a home or restaurant, how will they get to the high school?
A: Students who drive to a home or restaurant, offer rides to non-driving students when space allows. Arrangements should be made prior to meeting at the restaurant. Most drivers believe in “No Section-mate left behind.”
Q: My child is new to band and doesn’t really know his sectional-mates. Should I encourage him to go to one of these dinners?
A: Absolutely! Upperclassmen expect new members to join them at the “dinner table.” It’s a great way for them to get to know each other and to have fun together. We highly encourage all members of the sectional to attend the dinner. Transportation is usually not an issue.
Uniform/Shoe Information and Maintenance
***EACH STUDENT HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY HANG THEIR UNIFORM. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PROPERLY HANG UNIFORMS OR RETURN THEM BY DESIGNATED DEADLINES WILL LOSE POINTS ON THEIR FIRST QUARTER GRADE***
Pants are hung on creases with white ribbon facing outward; cape is folded lengthwise and hung over pants; jacket must be buttoned at top
Q: Do students wear their marching uniform for the July Homecoming Parade?
A: No. Students are to wear their white marching band T-shirt, Beige shorts, white shoes, and white socks. T-shirts MAY NOT be altered.
Q: My child’s marching uniform needs to be altered…does the uniform committee do the alterations?
A: No. Students may bring their uniform home for alterations after the ALL BAND PHOTO on Friday morning after band camp. Only thread, needle and a basic stitch may be used to alter the hems and cuffs of uniforms…no permanent tape or glue or machine stitching. All pant hems should be approx. 1” off the ground. Students whose pant cuffs are too long and produce holes will be charged damage fees.
Q: Can we keep the uniform at home?
A: No. All uniforms must be properly hung and returned to the uniform room after each game or by Wednesday evening prior to the Friday game if they are taken home.
Q: Can my child wear any kind of white shoe when marching?
A: No. All students must have the required white marching shoe (“Dinkles”) or color guard shoe as indicated on the contract. Shoe Payment must be submitted on Uniform Distribution Day so shoes can be ordered and arrive before the first football game. Shoes will NOT be ordered without payment. Shoes ordered after Distribution Day incur a $15 additional Shipping and Handling fee. If your child out-grows their size, they may be able to exchange them for a larger size if available (see uniform chairperson), but this must be done prior to uniform fitting days in case new shoes need to be ordered. The shoe representative brings shoe sample sizes only on Freshman Uniform Distribution day. Upperclassmen needing shoes must bring payment and place orders on this date only. Dinkles are available in wide widths and up to size 16.
Q: How can my child identify his shoes from all the others?
A: Students should mark their names with “sharpie” marker on the inside tongue portion of the shoe.
Q: What do the students wear under their marching uniform?
A: All marching students MUST wear their white marching band t-shirt, white calf length socks (socks must cover the ankles), and shorts or running/yoga style/sweat pants (NO JEANS) under their uniform. Underarmour-style shirts/pants may be worn under the uniform in colder weather along with the white band shirt. “Dinkles” are worn or brought to school and taken home after each game. They are not stored at school or in uniform garment bags.
Q: What happens if my child forgets part of his uniform before a game or an event?
A: Students are responsible for having their entire uniform ensemble for every event. Some items can be “borrowed” from the uniform room (shoes, gloves, cords, hat/beret), but understand that points may be deducted from their 1st quarter grade.
Q: What happens if my child has lost an item from their uniform?
A: Most uniform items have inventory item numbers corresponding to the student to whom it was loaned. Usually items are found and returned to the uniform committee helpers. Your child should check with them ASAP when something is missing. Gloves are the most popular lost item; in this case, students may repurchase a new set for $3/3.50 cash, or borrow clean, used gloves from the uniform room. Lost or broken hangers cost $3/each.
Q: My child’s uniform is too small. Can he get a new one?
A: All returning band students are required to try on their current uniform during Uniform Distribution Days during band camp and exchange parts as needed at that time. If a uniform item (jacket or pants) needs to be exchanged, it must first be dry cleaned. The student shall then be refitted with help from Uniform Committee volunteers. Parents are not needed at refitting times. Please allow your child to take responsibility for his uniform.
Uniform Cleaning
Please note: the Uniform Committee volunteers routinely check uniforms for proper hanging, cleanliness, and damage. As noted in the handbook and on the maintenance contract, students/families are responsible for additional cleanings or repair when needed. Students are reminded to take special care when transporting uniforms and when interacting with other non-band students at football games who may have body paints/glitter, etc. worn as “spirit wear.”
Q: When and Where are the uniforms cleaned?
A: Uniforms are cleaned mid-season and at the end of the season, at a minimum. The director will inform students when to take their entire uniform home for cleaning. The marching uniform jacket, cape, and pants are DRY CLEAN ONLY; Raincoats and Color Guard uniforms may be washed at home (directions on SIMB website). A special discount for dry cleaning uniforms is offered at Super Cleaners on Pearl Rd. at the end of Lunn Rd. (SIMB may also send out reminder notices via email to parent addresses…be sure you provide a current, well-monitored email address).
Q: Do I have to drop off/pick up and pay for the Dry Cleaning service?
A: Yes. Each student/family is responsible for dropping off, picking up, and paying for their own uniform cleaning. The final, end of the season dry cleaning service is usually paid for via the uniform maintenance fee if dropped off by the designated deadline to Super Cleaners only. Dry cleaning services at any other cleaner shall be your responsibility.
BE SURE TO WRITE STUDENT'S LAST NAME ON DRY CLEANING RECEIPT AND PLACE IN BOTTOM OF GARMENT BAG. REMOVE PLASTIC AND HANG PANTS/CAPE/JACKET PROPERLY ON BEIGE NAME-LABELED HANGER AND RETURN IN GARMENT BAG TO UNIFORM ROOM.