What is marching band?

Marching band is a musical ensemble that portrays its musical selections through the use of motion and visual concepts like drill and colorguard.  It combines music, athleticism, and choreography to generate entertainment.

How does marching band compete?

East Pennsboro competes in the Tournament of Bands circuit, which has membership in across the eastern seaboard including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.  Bands are evaluated by panels of judges on music (60%) and visual (40%), seeking the perfect score of 100. See www.tob.org for more information.

Who can join Marching Band?

Marching band is open to all interested participants.  Many musicians find that marching band helps further develop their training, and the rewards of hard work pay off far after the competitive season is over.  Musicians are not the only part of the marching band - Colorguard is an integral part of the visual side of marching band.  Many colorguard members are also musicians who would rather dance or spin and toss equipment. 

How much time does marching band involve?

It is a common misconception that our marching band rehearses everyday.  This is false.  The band begins rehearsals once a week over the summer.  Students are allowed to miss rehearsals for vacation.  The first two weeks of August are devoted to band camp.  Once school starts, we will rehearse twice per week for 3 hours (usually 6-9 PM). On Saturdays, when we have competitions, rehearsals can be longer.   Marching Band will push your body and mind physically and musically, but you will be a better musician and person after you have finished the season. Marching band teaches organization, team work, time management, and discipline.

How much money will this cost?

Costs to marching band members are usually kept to minimum necessities.  These costs typically include: uniform cleaning, band t-shirt, shoes, and gloves.  Please note--if these costs are in any way a financial hardship, or would tip the scales toward non-participation, please contact Mr. Williams.

What sort of involvement is expected of the parents when a student joins the marching band?

Parents are strongly encouraged to help support in any way they are available. Parents lend a hand by chaperoning, helping with the pit, props, sewing flags and colorguard uniforms, building equipment, participating in booster meetings, chairing committees, fundraising, helping out at the concession stand during home marching band competitions, providing meals on long rehearsal days, etc. The list goes on and on. Any parents interested in assisting the marching band or the colorguard program should contact Mr. Williams, or any of the Band Booster officers listed on the Boosters Page.

When can we start?

Members can sign up for marching band in the spring.  Marching band usually begins towards the end of the school year, when drum major tryouts are held and the music and concept for the field show are announced.  Rehearsals typically begin in mid-May while school is still in session.  Summer rehearsals usually begin around the end of June and usually start off with a mini-camp (several evening rehearsals in a row during one week) followed by rehearsals once a week until Band Camp begins at the beginning of August.

The colorguard and percussion sections typically have slightly different rehearsal schedules for June and July.  Stay tuned for those to be announced.