FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- Is Marching Band required for me to be in band?
- No, we do not require members to join marching band. However, most band students participate in marching band. It is a lot of fun and over 99% of our students who try marching band stay in the activity for the remainder of their high school career.
- What is the practice schedule like for band class and marching band?
- For band class (Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band) we have very few after school rehearsals. When we do rehearse it is to prepare for our concerts. Marching Band practices in the Fall (August-October) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.
- Are there costs associated with marching band?
- Yes, but we do a great job with offering fundraisers to help offset the cost. We also provide payment plans to help our families. More information will be provided in April about the associated cost with marching band. But regardless of the financial situation, no student will be turned away from participating in marching band for a financial reason.
- Will I have time for homework and marching band?
- Yes! One of the many lessons students in high school band (especially marching band) learn is time management. We do have students attend tutoring sessions before school and after school (on non-practice days) and often get help from other students.
- Can I do sports, JROTC, and other activities and still participate in band?
- YES!!! Many of our students are involved in other activities as well as band. We have students who are on athletic teams, in JROTC, and are in the school musicals. The only conflict that is hard to resolve is if a student wants to participate in marching band and a Fall sport. But we do have several students who play Fall sports and are in band class. Many marching band members also participate in Winter and Spring sports.
- Do I have band every day in high school?
- Yes, we are on a block schedule which means that you have four classes to attend every day and band would be one of those four.
- Is band a semester long or year long class?
- Band is a year long commitment. Once you sign up it is for the full school year.
- Can I take Honors and AP classes and still have band on my schedule?
- Yes! We might have to get creative with scheduling classes at certain times, but it is workable.
- Is it possible to have band for 4 years on block schedule?
- Yes! Our counselors at Hiram are amazing at working with us and making sure band students are in the classes they need. There are sometimes we must be creative but the majority of the time we find a solution that works for everyone.
- Besides marching band and band class, what other musical opportunities are offered?
- In addition to the already mentioned groups, we offer a Jazz Band, various chamber ensembles and in most years have instrumentalists who play in the "Pit Orchestra" for the school musicals. There are many opportunities for our students to study a variety of musical experiences.
