If you’re early, you’re on time, If you’re on time, you’re late…

As a new band student (and band parent), you’ll be immersed in the camaraderie and the hard work that goes along with the program. If you ask a band kid to describe the SCHS program, you’re likely to hear “we’re a family.” For freshmen coming in, it’s instant acceptance into a group at high school. It’s mentoring by upperclassmen (and yes, a bit of teasing as they good naturedly call freshmen “gunkies”) and a relationship with others that will last a lifetime.

As a parent, you should know what’s coming. First, for marching band, there’s a week of marching, playing, and getting comfortable at the high school before the first class. Your child will be exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

For first semester, there are several MUST events that marching band students will attend. Football games, at least one major competition (FBA), and the first two weekends in December are reserved for luminary sales. Please make sure you mark your home calendars with these very important dates.

You should also know your students are in good hands. Every spring, just before the end of the school, the band directors conduct “Officer Training School.” Any student who wants to take a lead role the following the school year must attend. One line from the Officer Training Manual says it best: Becoming The Leader Others Want To Follow. And that’s what students learn. How to lead, how NOT to lead, team approaches and techniques, appearance standards, and how to act. That’s just one example of the tradition of excellence and dignity of the SCHS band.

If you have additional questions, please let us know by contacting any member of the board.