What exactly is marching band?

• The marching band is made up of wind instrumentalists, percussion instrumentalists, and color guard members. As a performer, you will learn how to march and play/spin to create a field show to be performed at Friday night football games and Saturday band competitions. The band also provides entertainment at parades, pep rallies, and other community events. The West Shore Marching Band provides a unique opportunity for students from both Cedar Cliff and Red Land to come together. There is a tradition of excellence in the band and as a member, you’ll notice elements of this tradition have a profound impact on your life as a whole.

 
How much time does this take?

• During the summer season, there are several "try-out" nights along with some mandatory camps. Then the first “Mini Band camp” is held in June (6-9 pm). Mandatory Band camp (usually a week plus a few days of another week from 9am-9pm) is in August. ColorGuard will hold Guard camps over the summer and they will also participate in the Mandatory Band Camp in August (9-9pm). Please see the calendar page for dates, times and locations. 
• Weekly summer rehearsals will be held on Monday nights for the instrumentalists from 6-9 pm at Red Land starting in June, and Thursdays for the guard starting in June. Once school begins, rehearsals for the instrumentalists will be Monday (RL) and Thursday (CC) evenings from 6-9 pm (all percussion rehearsals are at CC because of equipment needs). The guard will continue meeting on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Friday nights will be spent supporting the football teams at home games at West Shore Stadium (located at CC). On Saturdays, we will have a rehearsal during the day (at CC), which will sometimes be followed by a competition at night. The season culminates at the USBands National Championship competition in early November at Met Life Stadium (Home of the NY Giants and NY Jets!).

 
That’s a lot of time. Why does it take that much time?

• There is a lot that goes into one show! First of all, we need time to develop our sound on our instruments. Then, we have to learn an entire field show, complete with drill moves. Then, once the show is learned, we must practice it many, many times in order to perform it at the highest level.

 
That all sounds good, but is there any fun involved?

• Yes! All of the time we spend together is fun! Band camp is full of fun activities. The staff strives to make all rehearsals fun in some way. Plus, hanging out with friends who have the same interests as you is always fun!

 
How do I know if I’m good enough for this?

• We accept members of all ability levels. All the music we perform is custom designed for YOU! You will be challenged, but you will have no problem by the time the season is over performing at your highest level. You will be amazed how much you grow! This goes for memorization of music and drill as well. You will do it so many times, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep, no problem.

 
I am going in to 8th grade. Can I participate?

• Eighth graders are permitted to join marching band on a case by case basis. You will need approval from your middle school band director as well as from Mr. Starrett, or Mr. Clements. Some eighth graders are ready to perform at the high school level. Others need an additional year to get ready.

 
Do I have to attend everything?

• The commitment you make to the West Shore Marching Band will be a full one. You will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Vacations during the summer are expected and excused. However, please try to avoid going away during the month of August. You will be a part of a team that needs every single member present at all times. There is no bench! If a situation arises where you will be late to rehearsal, or cannot attend at all, please inform your section leader.

 
What does it cost?

• Marching band is an extra-curricular activity in the West Shore School District. Therefore, participants must pay the school district Pay to Play fee of $100. There is also a registration fee for marching band to assist the Music Boosters in funding the program. This fee includes the cost of band camp. Required shoe/clothing purchases (shirt to wear under your uniform) will be in addition to this registration fee. Please do not allow the cost of marching band to keep you from participating. Arrangements may be made regarding payment. Each musician is given a Student Credit Account. Through fundraising, students will earn credits that can be used to offset these costs. If students put forth an effort to participate in all fundraising activities, reimbursement for all of these costs is possible.

 
Fundraising

• Each member of the marching band will be required to participate in fundraising activities.

 
What do I need to get started?

• 3-ring binder with protective plastic sheets
• long shoelace or strap for the binder
• a pencil
• sneakers
• water