After School Begins

After school practices typically run about 2 - 3 hours after school on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. (and briefly on Friday before the football game). Some practices start right after school and others start an hour or so after school ends.  Some students use this time to eat a snack or meal, form study groups in the band hall, find a quiet corner to work on homework, or just enjoy hanging out with friends.

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The band generally practices for one hour after school on football game days.

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On days with practice after school, in addition to their school backpack, your student will need to take everything they need with them in the morning. The duffle bag you purchased can be used to carry band equipment.

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• Instrument

• All music and fanny pack

• Practice clothes

• Athletic shoes/socks

• Water jug (tip: if you fill it about 3/4 full of ice and then add water, they will still have cold water and some ice after school)

• Whatever else they have been using at practice (chalk, valve oil, sticks, etc...)

• Hat and Sunglasses

• Small snack

• Sunscreen

• Deodorant

Traditionally, the Monday after school practice is from 6pm to 8pm. Students do go home and come back, do homework, etc. Students must eat dinner before returning to the school for practice.

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​Flip Folders and Lyres - Information about what flip folders and lyres are needed will come from the band leadership and the directors. These will be needed for pep band in the stands for both football and indoor sports. 

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Band Life

• Participating in band has it's perks. Your student will have a built in group of friends outside their friend group in the building. Many times, the band kids share a table at lunch, look out for each other in the hallways and can be excellent study buddies. If your students have questions, encourage them to talk to their section leaders or upperclassmen. They are willing to help freshmen through this first year whether it be about band or school. A lot of kids have older band friends that helped with homework and gave advice on navigating their way through high school. It also helps to talk to someone who may have had a particular teacher.

• The students can store their band items in their school lockers. There is a small designated space to drop off their items in the grab their instrument, change clothes (optional) and begin warm ups. 

• The Band and Choir room are open over lunch for students to hang out with their friends. Room rules apply, including not touching instruments and cleaning up after themselves. 

Credits

Our School District grants ¼ of a PE credit for participation in Marching Band (so 2 years of Marching Band = one semester of a PE credit). By default, all students will receive this PE credit instead of an arts credit unless otherwise requested by the student or their counselor.

Marching Band students MUST also be in the Concert Band class that meets during the school day.

Students are eligible to letter in Music if they meet the qualifications set by the Instrument and Choral Directors at BHS. We have many students qualify each year, and these letters and bars are accessories that you can place on a letter jacket of your choice.