Band Classes

• Percussion Ensemble – all freshmen percussion placed here automatically; about half the class is upperclassmen
• Symphonic Band – all freshmen winds placed here automatically; about half the class is upperclassmen
• Symphonic Winds – by audition only in the spring; mostly sophomores and juniors
• Wind Ensemble – by audition only in the spring; nearly all juniors and seniors
• Jazz – half credit class that meets after school for an hour on Mondays after marching season has finished (all students required to be in Symphonic, Perc or Wind as well)

Marching Band

• Marching band is an optional activity for any student enrolled in a band classto be a part of.
• Marching Band is considered a Fall, varsity sport since it meets only after school during the Fall months. Students also receive a Varsity letter after the second year of participation and Varsity bars the other three years.
• All students who participate in Marching Band are listed on their course transcript as being in Advanced Band regardless of their band placement (Symphonic, Wind, Percussion, etc).
• Wind Ensemble (top band) members are required to be in Marching Band, which is a component of the Advanced Band course.

August Band Camp Mandatory Dates (M-F) (Dates contingent on 2023-24 FCPS Calendar)

• Four weeks before school - percussion and guard week, new marchers on Wed/Thur •
• Three weeks before school - full band camp week (8am-5pm) – Friday release at noon
• Two weeks before school - full band camp week (8am-5pm) – Pool Party Friday night
• Week before school - full band camp (5pm-9pm) – Parent Show Thursday
• Absences must be approved ahead of time and will result in an alternate spot

Marching Band Time Commitments (only apply through the end of Football season - usually first week of November)

• Tuesday rehearsals from 3:15-5:15pm
• Wednesday rehearsals from 6-9pm
• Thursday rehearsals from 3:45-5:45pm (so students can go to clubs before practice)
• 4 Friday night home football games
• 5 Saturday games/competitions in Sept and Oct
• Tag Day (one Saturday)

Fundraising and Expenses

• FCPS covers free/reduced lunch students; need based scholarships available for others
• All band students participate in Tag Day and the Showcase Competition to offset concert attire and sectional coach expenses.
• Optional marching band spring trip is offset through Citrus, Holiday Greens, and restaurant Spirit Nights
• 2019 – 2020 expenses: Concert dues - $22, Marching dues (marchers only) - $350, optional spring trip (i.e. Disney or Universal Studios) $600. All payments are spread throughout the year and payment plans are offered in addition to the discounts you receive from fundraising

All Information/calendar can be found at HerndonBand.org

Please email Ms. Jacoby for questions.