Rustburg Marching Red Devil Band

Why be in marching band?

ü      It’s fun…make new friends…performance opportunities…travel - some years to Florida !

ü      The BEST musicians have always been a part of it.

ü      We have a long tradition of excellence…and…we are a WINNING organization.

ü      It's the largest organization at RHS and you get to know your way around RHS before school starts.

ü      Participation teaches teamwork, leadership skills, time management, and musicianship.

ü      Challenging both physically and musically while getting in shape get a nice tan…if you desire!

ü      Enjoy a sense of community in a group with the pride and confidence that comes from musical disciplines and accomplishments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.  I have summer plans—can I still be in marching band?

YES!  Most students in marching band are busy going to the beach, spending time with family, and going to camps.  We are flexible throughout the summer.  We do have a summer practice schedule in the summer before Band Camp begins, typically in the month of July.  While these practices are optional, they are highly recommended when your child is not on vacation.  These practices help students to get the music learned before Band Camp and not feel overwhelmed. 

Participation in marching band is an extra-curricular activity, which meets outside the school day.  It also is a great activity to add to college applications that are looking for well-rounded students.  Many parents report the 9^th grade year being a difficult transition year for their child.  Participation in marching band is one way to successfully bridge the transition from middle school to high school.  Eighth grade marching band members establish a good network of friends in the band and become familiar with the high school facilities prior to their freshman year.

3.  Why are performances mandatory…why can’t I miss one?

Performances are like a final “exam” that test of what the student has learned.  We use performances to evaluate how the student is learning what we are teaching, and make adjustments accordingly.  Music is a performance-based art form, and unlike any other class, sometimes how the entire band does at a competition or ballgame performance depends on just one person in the group.  Not having that person there affects everyone around them.  The band is a team like any sports team at school and all team members must be present at all rehearsals and performances.  In the band everyone is a "first string" player…no one is a bench warmer.  

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Yes and no.  All students that are seeking a leadership position must audition for those positions.  Members of the drumline audition for a particular instrument in the drum section.  Students seeking to make the colorguard squad must also audition to join the colorguard.  As a general rule, students playing a wind instrument do not have to audition to join the band.

5.  What is Band Camp?

The purpose of Band Camp is to teach marching skills to the students, and to learn and prepare the field show for the fall marching season.  It is also a time that band members get to know one another and become a "team" of musicians. 

6.  When is Band Camp?

Band Camp always begins three weeks before the first day of school.  Rehearsals are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Students should arrive early in order to be prepared to begin on time.  As with any sports camp having mandatory attendance for their participants, our Band Camp is also mandatory for students that wish to participate.  Band Camp is the most important time because that is the time we teach everything to the band members.  We must ask that vacations be planned around the two weeks of camp time.

7.  What should my child bring to Band Camp?

Instrument, Music, Pencil, Socks & Sneakers, Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Valve oil (for horns), Drumsticks (for drummers), Reeds (for woodwind instruments), Lunch!

8.  Where is Band Camp held?

Band Camp is held at Rustburg High School , in the band room, and on the band practice field.  

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9.  When are marching band practices?

After school begins we practice 4-5 times per week from 2:45-4:45 p.m.   In late October, as the show becomes more refined, we scale back on the number of rehearsals and finish practice times a little earlier.  A full calendar will be mailed home in early June and will be posted on the band website at: www.rustburgbands.org.  Updated calendars are distributed to students and are available on the band website.

10.  What is a Field Show?

Field Shows are musical performances that take place on a football field/stadium in which a marching band plays a variety of musical pieces while moving in a variety of formations, to creatively tell a story.  In addition to musicians, a Color Guard interprets the music through dance, colorful flag work and the tossing, catching and twirling of specialized ‘sabers’ and ‘rifles’ (and sometimes other pieces of equipment).

11.  What is a competition?

Bands host other bands at their home stadium/football fields to perform their musical programs.  They are judged for music, artistic ability, precision, and marching techniques, with each band receiving a score and various awards given at the end of the evening.  Competitions begin sometimes begin in the late morning or early afternoon and end by dinnertime.  Others begin in mid or late afternoon and end in the evening.  It is usually a major fundraiser for the host band and allows students to see and learn from one another.  Parents are encouraged to attend competitions – to support all the bands and cheer on their own children.

12.  When does my child have time for homework?

Believe it or not, most parents state that their children have their best grades during marching season!  They learn to work on a schedule and prioritize their needs and studies.  Mr. Straw will oversee how students are doing in their class work, reviewing each of their interim & report cards.  Many band students tutor each other if needed.  Many of the band members earn honor roll and receive honors & high honors and are part of the National Honor Society.  

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13.  What do I need to wear on the first marching band practice?

·         First of all, come PREPARED to be marching outside on the parking lot surface or football field!  With this in mind, you will definitely need a good pair of socks and good tennis shoes (often those advertised as walking shoes or jogging shoes are the best) that have been worn before.  You do NOT want to start marching with a new pair of shoes and have to deal with tired feet from marching and blisters from new shoes!  Also, you do NOT want a worn-out pair of shoes, as they will not provide enough support.

·         Your clothing needs are dependent on the weather.  You will always want to wear comfortable clothing, most wear a T-shirt and shorts during the summer.  A hat is required for outdoor rehearsal times.  And DO NOT forget sunscreen!

14.  What else should I bring to the first marching band practice?

·         Your instrument!  This would include your musical instrument, your flag(s), drumsticks, mallets, etc.  In other words, whatever you will be using on the marching field as part of the Marching Band needs to come to each practice, beginning with the first practice.

·         Water---Water---Water---Staying hydrated during practices is important.  RHS Bands will supply water, but many students choose to bring large water containers, camel humps, etc., to have quicker access to large quantities of water.

·         A pencil to use for writing notes.

·         YOUR POSITIVE, HARD WORKING ENERGY!  A positive spirit is needed by all members of the marching band.  Please come prepared to work, have fun, and be proud of your efforts.

15.  Will I be expected to know the music by memory and when?

Indeed, you will need to be able to play and memorize the music performed by the band.  Learning the music by memory is a lot easier than most students realize.  This will generally take care of itself based on how we rehearse in the summer and during band camp.  

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16.  Will I have to march and play the music at the same time?

Simply put, YES!  That is what it’s all about.  It's also one of the easiest things to learn when taught properly.  Trust us on this and do not sweat a minute on marching and playing at the same time.

17.  Who is a ROOKIE?

Anyone performing with the marching band for his or her first season is a ROOKIE!  Many times rookies are typically incoming eighth graders or freshmen, but not always.  There are upperclassmen that march for the first time, and they are rookies too.

18.  Who is a VETERAN?

Why, anyone who has completed one season of performing with the Marching Band.

19.  How will I learn to march or play or spin a flag/saber/rifle?

The marching band staff, under the leadership of Director Michael Straw, will teach you as well as the veteran student members.  The large group will spend a lot of time in smaller groups learning the drill, music, etc.  Slowly, you will gain skill and be checked off when you can demonstrate your expertise.

20. With the many days of band practice, will I need to practice at home too?

YES!  The old words of “practice makes permanent” are indeed true.  You will need (and will be expected to) practice on your own to learn the music and other skills.  

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21.  Do I have to attend every practice?

Yes…because band is essentially a team sport…a musical team!  For additional details on this question, please refer directly to the Band Handbook Attendance Policy.  Bottom Line: ANY excuse must be approved by the Marching Band Director prior to an absence.

22.  When does the band perform?

Home Games, approximately five Competitions on Saturdays beginning the third Saturday in September  through the end of October, and the Brookneal Christmas Parade, usually the first Thursday in December.  There will be at least one to two weekends during that time that will be completely free of performances.

23.  I’m concerned about allowing my child to travel so much as an 8th grader.  What procedures and policies are in place to ensure safety and supervision?

In addition to Campbell County School policies and rules, we have a fairly detailed band handbook available online at www.rustburgbands.org.  This details nearly every band procedure and expectation.  Band members are expected to be of the highest moral character and are held accountable by staff, chaperones, and administration.

 All trips are planned well in advance by Mr. Straw with help from the band boosters.  We provide water before and after every performance.  The host schools for contests typically have a rescue squad on the grounds in case of emergency.  The boosters and chaperones operate like a well-oiled machine and do an excellent job caring for your child!  

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We operate the marching band almost entirely through fundraising.  Our marching band budget is sometimes as high as $30,000.  In order to meet that need, we charge a Band Fee for all marching band students, in addition to fundraisers.  Last year’s fee included T-shirt, pizza and drinks at home game halftime breaks, drinks at band contests.  The 2010 Band Fee will be $100.00.  This fee can be paid in four installments with dates to be announced.  Band fees in this area range from our low of $100.00 to as high as $425.00.  We are pleased to have one of the lowest band fees in the area.

Additional costs may include marching shoes and gloves for musicians and percussion.  Additional Colorguard costs may include uniform cost – approximately $125.00, band shoe cost – $25.00  to $30.00, and glove costs $8.00-$15.00.  In select cases the band boosters have scholarships available.  See Mr. Straw if you would like more information pertaining to scholarships. 

No student has ever been turned away due to financial hardship!

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April 2007    

Band Camp 2010 dates are:
August 2-6 & 9-11, 2010