Frequently Asked Questions about Marching Band
Auditions: Last week of March
Pre-Band Camp: July 25 - July 28, 2022
Band Camp: August 1 - August 6, 2022
Summer Rehearsals: See schedule
Who can join?
The Athens Marching band is open to all Athens students that play a marching band instrument, or those that would like to be in the color guard. All students that play a concert band instrument are required to be enrolled in a band class during the day. Students that attend the International Academy are also able to participate.
Is marching band required?
Marching band is not required, but we encourage you to reach out to members of our marching band to hear how positive their experience is. We recommend all incoming freshmen join marching band since it is the best way to transition to Athens, improve your performing skills exponentially, and gain many life skills that can only be learned through marching! When band students look back on their 4 years at Athens, they are extremely thankful they decided to join marching band and couldn't picture their high school experience without it.
Can I do marching band and participate in a fall sport?
You certainly can! There may be a few rehearsals/performances that you will need to arrive late to, but our schedule will accommodate involved students. Above all, communication and diligence to both calendars is required!
Do we practice a lot in the Summer?
Our Summer schedule is set up to give you plenty of time to vacation, play sports, and take time away from Athens. When you are in town, we hope to see you at rehearsal, as our season is very short. We ask you to make sure you can attend pre-camp and band camp, and participate in as much as possible during the month of August. Once the school year starts, we only get a few rehearsals hours per week to get our show looking great, therefore the month of August is an important one! New marchers should attend all new marcher clinics, and rookie academy which is 30 minutes before each practice.
Can I take summer school classes and do marching band?
Yes, however we recommend taking session 1 because session 2 interferes with the start of band camp.
How much does it cost?
The cost for marching band changes year-to-year depending on the performance opportunities throughout the season. The band boosters do their best to offset the cost per student tremendously by fundraising and hosting events throughout the year. Thanks to the boosters, we anticipate our 2022 season to cost $475, which includes a week away at band camp, a custom marching band show, a full-time marching band staff, uniform expenses, and all competition expenses. Our boosters rock!
Are there instruments that are not part of the marching band? Bassoon and oboe are not marching band instruments. Students who play these instruments must play an alternate instrument during the marching season. French horn players play mellophones when marching.
What is the difference between home camp and band camp? Home camp takes place at Athens, and band camp takes place at Echo Grove in Leonard, MI. Home camp allows students to be very successful at band camp, since members learn and refine basic skills while beginning to learn drill for our show. Marching Band students are required to attend band camp since it is a vital part of the season. Students are in a fun, distraction-free environment with their friends making music and learning drill with highly qualified staff members. As a result, students leave camp with a sense of unity, team spirit, and self-confidence. Please visit echogrove.org to see where we attend camp.
How often does the marching band rehearse? During marching season, the band has rehearsals on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30pm.
How often does the band perform? The band will perform at 5 home football games, 3 competitions, MSBOA Marching Band Festival, and 3 parades. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.
Can I earn a varsity letter? Yes you can! When you complete your second season with the marching band you earn a varsity letter.
Auditions: Last week of March
Pre-Band Camp: July 25 - July 28, 2022
Band Camp: August 1 - August 6, 2022
Summer Rehearsals: See schedule
Who can join?
The Athens Marching band is open to all Athens students that play a marching band instrument, or those that would like to be in the color guard. All students that play a concert band instrument are required to be enrolled in a band class during the day. Students that attend the International Academy are also able to participate.
Is marching band required?
Marching band is not required, but we encourage you to reach out to members of our marching band to hear how positive their experience is. We recommend all incoming freshmen join marching band since it is the best way to transition to Athens, improve your performing skills exponentially, and gain many life skills that can only be learned through marching! When band students look back on their 4 years at Athens, they are extremely thankful they decided to join marching band and couldn't picture their high school experience without it.
Can I do marching band and participate in a fall sport?
You certainly can! There may be a few rehearsals/performances that you will need to arrive late to, but our schedule will accommodate involved students. Above all, communication and diligence to both calendars is required!
Do we practice a lot in the Summer?
Our Summer schedule is set up to give you plenty of time to vacation, play sports, and take time away from Athens. When you are in town, we hope to see you at rehearsal, as our season is very short. We ask you to make sure you can attend pre-camp and band camp, and participate in as much as possible during the month of August. Once the school year starts, we only get a few rehearsals hours per week to get our show looking great, therefore the month of August is an important one! New marchers should attend all new marcher clinics, and rookie academy which is 30 minutes before each practice.
Can I take summer school classes and do marching band?
Yes, however we recommend taking session 1 because session 2 interferes with the start of band camp.
How much does it cost?
The cost for marching band changes year-to-year depending on the performance opportunities throughout the season. The band boosters do their best to offset the cost per student tremendously by fundraising and hosting events throughout the year. Thanks to the boosters, we anticipate our 2022 season to cost $475, which includes a week away at band camp, a custom marching band show, a full-time marching band staff, uniform expenses, and all competition expenses. Our boosters rock!
Are there instruments that are not part of the marching band? Bassoon and oboe are not marching band instruments. Students who play these instruments must play an alternate instrument during the marching season. French horn players play mellophones when marching.
What is the difference between home camp and band camp? Home camp takes place at Athens, and band camp takes place at Echo Grove in Leonard, MI. Home camp allows students to be very successful at band camp, since members learn and refine basic skills while beginning to learn drill for our show. Marching Band students are required to attend band camp since it is a vital part of the season. Students are in a fun, distraction-free environment with their friends making music and learning drill with highly qualified staff members. As a result, students leave camp with a sense of unity, team spirit, and self-confidence. Please visit echogrove.org to see where we attend camp.
How often does the marching band rehearse? During marching season, the band has rehearsals on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30pm.
How often does the band perform? The band will perform at 5 home football games, 3 competitions, MSBOA Marching Band Festival, and 3 parades. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.
Can I earn a varsity letter? Yes you can! When you complete your second season with the marching band you earn a varsity letter.