Frequently Asked Questions
The following are real questions from people just like you!
CAN YOU BE IN SPORTS AND BAND?
Yes! Each school year over half of students in band are also involved in high school athletics. The schedules work together very well. We have a great relationship with all of our coaches - many coaches were in band themselves, or had children in band. Everyone works together to make sure you can be involved in as much as possible.
Does marching band take up the entire summer?
Nope. We offer fun and engaging (and optional) rehearsals on Wednesdays throughout the summer. These are opportunities for students in grades 9-12 to get together, see old friends, meet the people in their section, and work on the show music. At the end of these short rehearsals we do something fun - in the past we have had water balloon fights, rented out the movie theater, played kickball or baseball, or set up an inflatable obstacle course.
Do i need to attend both weeks of camp in august?
Students in grade 9 are welcome, invited, and highly encouraged (but not required) to attend the summer band camps. We rehearse for two weeks right before school starts. The first full week of August and the third week of August. This gives us a chance to meet everyone, get back into a routine, and start learning music and drill. High school students consider this to be one of the best parts of the year, and alumni refer to it as one of the special highlights of their time in high school. The entire marching unit is only about 8 weeks long.
It is our expectation that students who registered for marching band in grades 10, 11,and 12 attend all days of camp. These two weeks are crucially important as they are our first (and, practically speaking, last) opportunity to learn the music and drill all together in a focused and concerted fashion. Plus, it is an incredible opportunity to meet new students and develop the strong bond between students before the stress of the school year begins.
It is our expectation that students who registered for marching band in grades 10, 11,and 12 attend all days of camp. These two weeks are crucially important as they are our first (and, practically speaking, last) opportunity to learn the music and drill all together in a focused and concerted fashion. Plus, it is an incredible opportunity to meet new students and develop the strong bond between students before the stress of the school year begins.
can i be in jazz band?
You bet! There are three jazz bands at CFHS. Placement in both Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 is by audition to help maintain big band instrumentation. Both Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 play a variety of styles including swing, latin, funk, ballads, and contemporary jazz.
Jazz 3 meets during Prime Time and is not a class that students register for. It is open to anyone on any instrument - we've had violins, cellos, and even a tin whistle. The group meets approximately once a week in the fall and spring, but varies depending on the calendar.
Jazz 3 meets during Prime Time and is not a class that students register for. It is open to anyone on any instrument - we've had violins, cellos, and even a tin whistle. The group meets approximately once a week in the fall and spring, but varies depending on the calendar.
Do winter/spring sports conflict with band?
There are essentially zero conflicts between being in band (as a curricular class) and athletics in high school.
There are a few rare circumstances:
Other than balancing your time between school and home, work and academics, etc. there really is no excuse to say that you'll "be too busy". Thousands of students have done it before you, and thousands will do it after you.
There are a few rare circumstances:
- Marching Band for 8 weeks in the fall (like we've mentioned elsewhere). This doesn't conflict with football, tennis, or cross country, but it does overlap a bit and require some time management.
- If you are on the VARSITY basketball team, you wouldn't be able to play in pep band - because you'll be playing basketball - and that is a-okay.
- SOMETIMES, every few years, the spring band concert overlaps with a baseball game.
Other than balancing your time between school and home, work and academics, etc. there really is no excuse to say that you'll "be too busy". Thousands of students have done it before you, and thousands will do it after you.
Students talk about high school, band, and how to make it all work. |
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Mr. Renneke (attempts) answering questions live on Facebook. |
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The answer to the age old question is YES. |
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