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Can just anyone be in the band?
Yes and No. A student interested in playing a musical instrument in marching band will need previous experience like middle school band or strong private musical background in order to perform with that group. Mountain View High School will offer band classes for every level of player from basic beginner to advanced. All students enrolled in Band must play an approved instrument.
Do students have to try out for band?
Students are placed in one of several performing bands by ability and experience. An audition is a great way to evaluate a student’s ability level. Auditions can also be used for chair placement in various bands. While an audition is not required to be in the band program, students must audition for placement in any intermediate or advanced band class.
Can a student be in marching band if they are not in a band class?
No. Students must sign up for a band class which covers the state mandated Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music. Further, all of the concepts introduced and taught during the regularly scheduled band class are prerequisites for the performance level necessary for a high quality marching band.
Do all band students participate in marching band?
No. Students may elect to enroll in a band class but not participate in marching band. Marching band is a co-curricular activity, which means that the musical concepts necessary for performance in marching band are taught and reinforced in band class.
Are the August “Band Camp” rehearsals required for membership in the marching band?
Yes. Students electing to become a part of the Mountain View Marching Band must attend all rehearsals beginning in mid-August of each year. Much of the material that will be learned and performed through the fall marching season is introduced during this time to allow the students enough time to master the skills necessary to perform effectively throughout the marching season.
What expenses can a marching band student expect?
Marching Band membership does require certain expenses for each student. These expenses include uniform rental, marching shoes, gloves, an “official” Mountain View High School Band polo-shirt and a pair of “approved khaki slacks” for the “informal uniform”; a music flip-folder, and a lyre, during the fall marching season. In addition, the band will use charter buses for some competitions, so there are travel expenses. Students using school-owned instruments must pay a $50.00 yearly rental fee. For your convenience, many of these items are included in one "marching band fee". Click Here for more information on marching band fees.
What kind of credit does a student receive for Band?
A student receives one full fine arts credit for each band class. One fine arts credit is required for graduation. Additional credits are applied as elective credits. Students do not receive academic credit for marching band.
How much after school rehearsal time is expected of a band student?
Marching band students can expect to rehearse for approximately 2 ½ hours a day for three days a week during football season. A few additional rehearsals are called for parade preparation in early December. Marching band students participating in the annual spring trip can expect to rehearse 2 days a week for the two weeks prior to the trip. All students enrolled in a band class can expect only one or two extra rehearsals prior to the District Concert Festival. Wind Ensemble will rehearse once a week for two hours in the evening starting in early February through the middle of March. For rehearsal schedules, please refer to the on-line Band Calendar.
Can a student participate in athletics and band?
Yes. If a student is a member of the marching band, that becomes their “fall activity” and they would not be able to participate in a fall sport. They will, however, be able to participate during any other season. Non marching band members can participate in athletics year round. The Band and Athletic departments work closely together to arrange practice time and rehearsal schedules to accommodate students participating in both activities. It is not always easy, and does require some advanced planning, but most conflicts are worked out with good communication between students, parent, coach, and band director. The student must take initial responsibility for working out conflicts by communicating with the coaches and band staff.
In what kind of contest/competitions does the Band participate?
The Marching Band usually attends at least three competitions prior to the VBODA State Marching Festival, which is held in late October. The Concert Bands will participate in the VBODA District Concert Festival in March. Marching Band members may optionally participate in our annual spring trip, which usually involves a parade exhibition performance.
What types of individual competitions are available for Band students?
Individual competitions available to students are: All-County Band auditions, Regional Orchestra auditions, All-District Band auditions, *All-Virginia Band auditions and Solo and Ensemble Festival. *(Specific qualifications are required to allow a student to progress to the next highest level of competition.)
Who provides the Band uniforms?
The Stafford County Public Schools provide uniforms for the Marching Band, including the Color Guard. Some concert attire may be provided for students by the school and/or booster club.
How much does the Band travel during the school year?
The Marching Band attends all Varsity Football games that are in-county as well as a few select out of county games. The group will also perform in three competitions in late September and October, the VBODA State Marching Festival in late October and a parade in early December. The Concert Bands only travel to a local school for the District Concert Festival The Marching Band will have the opportunity to travel on a Spring Band trip (in usually out of state) provided necessary funds are available through fund raising, Band Booster contributions, and student/parent monetary contributions.
Are private lessons required for band students?
Private lessons are not required of any student. However, in the extremely competitive areas of honor band auditions in Virginia, private lessons will be a definite advantage to any student. We will do all that we can to provide good quality private instructors who are specialists on their chosen instrument to teach private lessons to MVHS band students.
In what extra music experiences can a band student participate?
Band students can participate in auditions for All-County Band, All-Regional Orchestra, All-District Band, *All-Virginia Band auditions and Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students may also participate in local youth orchestras or church bands. Mountain View band students will also have the opportunity to advance their performance skills through a sequential individualized music awards program. More information on this program, which is exclusive to the Mountain View Bands, will be available soon. *(Specific qualifications are required to allow a student to progress to the next highest level of competition.)
Do band students do a lot of “fund raising” during the school year?
Fund raising projects are always optional for students enrolled in a band class. We would like to encourage all students and parents to participate in whatever way they can to help our band program. Marching Band students are required to participate in fund raising and will be expected to earn their “fair share” for the band. An individual student account is set up for each student in the band program by the band boosters. Students earn money in these accounts by participating in fund raising projects. The accounts may be used to pay band expenses as outlined in the Band Student Handbook.
Can a student rent an instrument from the school?
A certain number of instruments are owned by the Stafford County Public Schools for student use. The annual rental fee is $50.00, but availability is limited. Marching Band students who use a separate school instrument for marching and a school-owned concert instrument only pay a single $40.00 rental fee. All Percussion (Concert, Marching and Jazz) & Color Guard students are required to pay the rental fee for use of all school-owned equipment during the year.
Is there a Color Guard program?
Yes. A color guard program is offered during the fall marching season. Color Guard members are required to attend summer camp at their own expense. Color Guard members are the only marching band students who are not required to be enrolled in a band class.
Is there a Jazz Band program at MVHS?
Yes. A jazz program is offered to interested students in grades 10 - 12. Jazz Ensemble is an advanced instrumental music course and will meet as a regularly scheduled band class.
Is there a Band Booster organization?
Yes. The Mountain View Band Parent Association is an important part of our band program. This group has become a very active group of volunteers that are vital to the success of the Mountain View Bands. The parents involved with the MVBPA volunteer over 6,000 hours of service to the bands at Mountain View High School each year.
Does Band involve students to the exclusion of other school activities?
No. We have students that are involved in all aspects of student organizations, clubs, and sports. Students will have to learn to manage their time wisely to be involved in several school activities, but it can be done and has been done successfully for many years throughout Stafford County.
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