FAQ

My student has never marched before! How will he/she handle band camp?
On the Saturday before band camp, all first-time marchers, affectionately called Gunkies, wi‖ learn the fundamentals of marching. They will be instructed by band leadership: Drum majors, the Band Captain, the Woodwind and Brass Captains, section leaders, line leaders. This half-day will get them ready for the first full day of band camp.

What is a typical day of band camp?
In the morning, students will work on marching fundamentals. As it warms up, they will head indoors and learn the music. They will be divided by instruments (saxophone section together, flute section together etc). They will then rehearse as a full band. After dinner, when it is cooler, the students will go to the field and learn the marching routines.

What about food during band camp?
Students can bring a boxed dinner from home. More typically, they can purchase a dinner brought in by the Band Parents at cost. This is typically a rotation of Chick fil-A, hamburgers, pizza and subs. Students must sign up and pay for these meals ahead of time, which include a cold drink, chips and dessert.

I hear it is hot in Florida in the summer. What about hydration?
Yes, it has been rumored to get a little warm. It is essential that students drink plenty of fluids at home, and bring lots of water during band camp and rehearsals. When practicing outside, students are given ample water breaks. You have already seen the separate article about the importance of wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen and T-shirts that cover the shoulders.

Students have found that filling a hydration pack (Camel pack) with only ice cubes in the morning results in water that is still cool for after-school rehearsals during the school year. However, any insulated water container will work well!

What is included in my band dues?
For a first-time marcher, band dues include: a continuity shirt (a T-shirt featuring this year's half-time show,) black mesh shorts, black uniform shoes (Dinkles), a black band polo shirt, gloves and a flip folder. Students have the option of buying additional clothing. Band dues also cover the marching hat, dry-cleaning the marching and concert uniforms several times a year, the cost of music, entry fees to festivals etc.

What happens on Fridays when there is a football game?
When school is dismissed at 2:10, students are free. They should eat lunch before they have to report for Continuity, usually at 4:45 pm. They must be wearing their continuity T-shirt, shorts and Dinkles (black uniform shoes), and will practice their half-time show on the field.

After practice, students line up to pick up their assigned band uniforms, and put it on over their continuity T-shirt and shorts. Since students typically dress in the band room, the continuity wear provides modesty. Students then line up by section and present themselves for a thorough inspection, to make sure that they have full uniform and gloves, no jewelry of any kind, long black socks and Dinkles. Students then either march into the home stadium or board buses for away games. They do not take any backpacks with them, only their instruments and some spending money for the break during the 3rd quarter. Students can take off their jackets in the buses. While chaperones are present and watchful, the entire band is under the leadership of Band Council.

How will I know what is going on with the band program?
We have developed many effective ways to keep students and parents informed every step of the way. The band website is updated frequently and is key in keeping you current. It is also a great source for photos of your student in action.

In addition to the flyers that are sent home with students, the Band Parent Association emails announcements as needed.

You are also welcome to attend the Board meetings that are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. The Noles News, SHS's newsletter, is mailed home every 9 weeks

As a parent, how can I help?
Cool Band Parents are the backbone of the band, and there are many ways that you can get involved. The first way is to join the Band Parent Assn. Your dues help the band's budget, and you get a free booster T-shirt to wear to football games!

How much you get involved depends your time and energy. You can chaperone the band during football games, help in the concession stands when needed, serve as a committee member or chair, help with fundraising, help in the band office. A complete list of all volunteer opportunities is listed with the BPA Membership form, and is also posted at the website under BPA.

As a chaperone, you must sign up as a Dividend at SCPS's website. Please do this in July. You have to register annually.

We encourage new band parents to volunteer during band camp. This is a great time to meet other parents, learn about the program and be present during your student's first days in high school.

How do I sign up to chaperone a game on football Friday?
First of all, please sign up for the band's email email list. The Coordinator of Volunteers regularly sends out requests for chaperones, selected on a first-replied-first-selected basis. You will be notified if you are selected. On the day of the game, come to the band corridor at the designated report time and pick up your chaperone tag. You will be instructed about your assignment for that day.

The good news is that Band Leadership is in charge of managing student behavior. We have other specific support roles such as transporting the coolers of iced drinks, passing them out to the students when the students reach the stands, passing out the plumes for their hats before the half-time show, and making sure the stands are clean as the students leave the stadium.

Do you really like new band families as much as you say you do?
Absolutely! We are so glad that you are going to be a Seminole!!