ROCKVALE BAND
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Our Band Contribution is normally $400 each year, spread out over three payments in the summer and fall. We ask an additional $50 for those using school instruments (including percussionists) to offset the cost of maintenance and replacement.
We offer a "sibling discount" of $50/student for any family with two or more students in the band.
This money is all put toward the normal costs of running the band program that are not covered by the school system. Those costs include bus transportation (football games, Concert Performance Assessment, etc), marching band show design (music, drill, etc), guest clinicians and band camp staff, band uniform purchase, music (pep band, concert, jazz, percussion ensemble, small ensemble, etc), and new equipment purchase.
With this contribution, we are able to provide the students of the Rockvale Band with the best possible band experience while ensuring that future band members are also afforded the opportunity at a quality music education through the acquisition of quality musical literature and equipment for performances.
Checks can be made out to "Rockvale Band."
HOW MUCH DO YOU REHEARSE?
Percussion camp is two days long in at the end of July, and Full Band Camp lasts for five days after that. Once school begins, we will rehearse after school one to two days a week, 3:45-6:00pm, until the first football game, and then only one day a week until November. We perform at each football game, home and away.
During and after marching band season we also rehearse concert band music during the school day in the students' regular band and percussion classes.
WHAT HAPPENS AT BAND CAMP?
Percussionist begin two days early working on fundamentals and show music with some of our additional staff members.
When the full band meets, we spend some time getting to know each other before diving in to rehearsal blocks of marching and playing fundamentals. We will also work on the music and learn the drill for our half-time performance. We are assisted at camp by professional musicians that work with each section of the band.
Camp will run 8am-5pm. Students will need to bring their own lunch each day. More exact details for camp will be discussed further at parent meetings.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Download and fill out the Medical Form on the "Forms" page, and fill out the Google Registration Form.
WHAT IF I'VE NEVER PLAYED AN INSTRUMENT BEFORE?
We will have a "Beginning Band" class for any that have little to no experience playing an instrument. After taking this class, you will be able to transition into one of our other band classes.
Please contact us via out contact page if you would like to be a part of this unique class.
DO YOU OFFER LESSONS?
We have lesson teachers for each instrument teaching during class time and after school, and several others that we can recommend for lessons outside of the school day. See the "Lessons" page for bios and to enroll.
HOW DO I GET A BETTER INSTRUMENT?
We work with a company to provide a "step-up" day at least once a year to allow students to try out intermediate to professional level instruments. Information will be sent out regarding this event. Please consult one of the directors before purchasing any instrument yourself.