Students sign up for Marching Band in the spring when they sign up for other classes they’ll take in the fall.

Marching Band is an extracurricular activity, but students receive half a credit for participating. A newsletter will be mailed to every band student including general information, details about the upcoming season and information about how to sign up.

Marching Band uniforms are provided; fittings occur at the beginning of the season. Each student buys their own shoes and gloves. These are ordered during the uniform fitting procedure. Except for the shoes, everything is kept in the band truck trailer. Students wear shorts and a T-shirt under the uniforms, so changing is not an issue Students also receive a free “show shirt” each year.

Contests are on Saturdays from September -November. We participate in ISSMA Open (as opposed to Scholastic or Festival) Class B.

Family and friends should come to as many Marching Band contests as they can. Look for the (traditionally very loud) North cheering section in the stands near the center of the field at the left 40 yard line.

Family members do have to drive themselves and pay admission to attend competitions. Detailed itineraries for each competition are sent via Parent Square the week of.

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Registration is $300 for the first student in a family, and $275 for each additional student. A deposit of $100 per student is due in the spring before classes end, with the balance due by June 1st. Students also buy their own shoes and gloves. If cost is an issue, please talk to a director,  scholarships may be available.

Parent volunteers plan, prepare, and serve snacks and meals to band members, staff, and volunteers at competitions. A menu is sent out at the beginning of the week and donations such as snacks, water, and desserts are requested. Any leftover snack or drink items will be saved (if possible). There will always be an alternative available if a student has dietary concerns. Make sure your student communicates with the Chow Wagon Chair with concerns.

It takes family involvement to make the Cougar Band season run smoothly.

Parents coordinate, contribute to, and help serve meals during band camp and on competition days.

The Pit Crew includes many parents who help get the stationary instruments, props, and equipment onto the field at competitions.

Chaperones are needed to ride the bus to competitions and check to be sure everyone is aboard before leaving.

Parents are urgently needed in many other capacities as well. See the Boosters-Volunteering page for more information, and check parent square for volunteer requests from the chair people.

Approximately $50,000 is needed to run the marching band program for a year. Costs include the show design, contest fees, guard uniforms and equipment, props, electronics, food and transportation. About half of this is paid by membership fees, the remainder of the marching band’s budget is raised by the Band Boosters. Stipends paid to the band directors come from the school. Everything else must come from fees and fundraisers.

Practices begin in July. Band Camp consists of 5 consecutive days during which the year’s program is learned. Band Camp must not be missed. Regular season rehearsals once school is in session are Tuesday and Thursday form 6-9pm. There will be some Friday night home football games. Saturdays will be booked for rehearsals or competition days from August - November.

On home game days, the students are required to play in the stands as well as, perform the half-time show.

 Band parents traditionally sit together, wear maroon shirts, and cheer and clap and make lots of noise when the students come on and off the field and at certain points during the show.