Marching Band
Gold Brigade Marching Band Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is marching band?
Marching band is a group of instrumental musicians and color guard performers that coordinate movements with a musical performance, for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, and competition. The typical instrumentation includes, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. See our videos above for some great examples.
2. Why should I join?
There are several major reasons listed on the band’s website in the join the band section. But here are just a few, you make friends with everyone involved, it’s great exercise, you improve your musical ability and technique, you develop leadership skills, and a strong work ethic, you learn time management and how to problem solve, and you get to attend competitions specifically for marching bands! If these reasons don’t appeal to you, don’t forget that marching band is FUN!
3. Will I have enough time to participate?
Students in the marching band generally do very well academically and have very few problems adapting to the busy schedule. Yes, the schedule can be slightly overwhelming every once and awhile, but these are great learning experiences for the stresses of high school and adult life. With hard work and good time management skills (which you will certainly develop through participation in band) you will excel! The marching band staff and older members are always available to assist you! We are a team, everyone is important, and we all support each other.
4. I am interested in taking part in other co-curricular activities where there may be conflicts with band; can I still be in band?
Of course! We have had band students who are part of all kinds of student organizations and play sports such as soccer, cross country, and football. In an effort to give students the opportunity to enrich their education through multiple experiences, we encourage all students to take part in all activities that they are interested in (as long as they don't spread themselves too thin). It's all about the students. The band wants every student to have as many opportunities, experiences, and educational moments as possible! Mr. Meckes works closely with advisors and coaches to create a schedule that works for all involved and won't hurt the student's standing in either organization. Students must also help in the scheduling process and not just expect band staff to do it all for them.
5. Is it expensive to join?
First off, money should never be a reason not to join the band. If you are unable to meet the monetary needs of the group, please feel free to talk to a band staff member and we can certainly help. There is a fee to join the band, this is made payable to the Warren Performing Arts Association, and is used to cover the cost of competitions, amarching band T-Shirt, drill, music, uniforms, other performance supplies, and other large purchases for the band such as instruments, equipment, meals, etc. Members will also have to purchase black marching shoes through Mr. Meckes. There are also opportunities to buy Warren Central Fan Gear. All costs and order forms are available on the website and will be handed out / mailed at the Season Kick-Off & Show Reveal Meeting.
6. What if I don’t play a traditional marching band instrument?
Marching instruments include: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, & Bari), Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Euphonium (Baritone), Trombone, Tuba, Battery Percussion (Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums), and Front Ensemble Percussion (Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, Piano (Synthesizer), Auxiliary Percussion). If you do not play one of these instruments, YOU CAN STILL JOIN. If you play a different instrument we will find you a similar instrument to learn. If you have a basic musical background (piano, choir, elementary level instrument, strings, etc.) you will be able to learn a marching percussion or pit instrument easily. If you are interested in learning some dance moves, we could also give you a flag and teach you color guard, most members have no background when they start color guard so it may be more comfortable for members that are starting with no musical background.
7. I feel like I can barely play my instrument while sitting down. Now you want me to move and play at the same time?
This is one of the most common questions. We encourage all students to give it a try! At first it may seem hard, but once you get used to marching it is as easy as walking. We have a fantastic staff at Warren Central who are willing to do everything they can to help you learn how to march. If you believe in yourself you can achieve anything! For those that have a musical background and would prefer not to march, you may be interested in playing in the front percussion ensemble.
8. How long is the marching band season?
Throughout the summer there are several "summer band" rehearsals, which are evening practices intended to gradually improve music and marching skills in order to prepare for band camp. Color Guard and Drumline will often also have sectionals throughout the summer. Finally, at the end of summer we hold band camp. We then perform at all football games and competitions throughout the fall. The season ends with the final competition of the year (in late October). There are other events after the seasons that may occur such as a special parades, and the band banquet. In the case of a marching band trip there will also be rehearsals held in advance to prepare.
9. What are practice start and end times?
START - The old phrase "To be early is to be on time and to be on time is to be late" is used frequently. The staff will start rehearsal at the designated time. Don't show up right at the start time, that is not fair to everyone else who showed up early. If you are running late for some reason it is expected that you will run and move quickly in order to show everyone else that you are putting in effort to be apart of the group. You are expected to be on the field or in your seat ready to perform at the designated start time.
PARENT TIP: Mr. Meckes is very good about dismissing the group on time, but on occasion rehearsal will run over by a few minutes. It is always a good idea to let Mr. Meckes know if your child needs to leave right away, just in case something happens and the group needs to stay a few minutes late.
10. Uniforms, How do they work?
The marching uniforms are very expensive and must last for many years. When the uniform is issued for the season (usually during August) each student will receive a responsibility form that outlines care and costs for the uniform. This form must be signed and returned to the band director before the uniform can be worn. Every time a student puts on their uniform or hangs their uniform up to put it away, they must remember that they are handling several hundred dollars worth of material. The school supplies, a hat, hat box, jacket, pants, uniform bag, rain jacket, and gauntlet to each student. Students must provide LONG BLACK socks, BLACK compression shirt (available for purchase), BLACK marching shoes (available for purchase). Color guard members are supplied with a separate uniform top and bottoms. Students cannot perform without a complete uniform. Uniforms must ALWAYS BE HUNG UP PROPERLY, after an event students often want to get home quickly and poorly hang their uniforms in the uniform closets. This destroys creases, hems, creates wrinkles, and generally decreases the life of the expensive uniform.
PARENT TIP: If possible buy extra pairs of socks and extra compression shirts just in case something gets damaged or become too dirty to wear at a game and are needed the next day for a competition.
STUDENT TIP: Mark the inside of your shoes so they are easily recognized. Also take time hanging up your uniform because time taken to retrieve missing parts in the band room or on a dark band bus is NOT FUN!
11. My Parents/Guardians are interested in volunteering, what should they do?
It takes a lot of hard work from volunteers to make the season successful. The easiest way to get involved is to attend our parent meetings. In the late summer/early fall the directors will post an online sign-up for volunteers. Some of the major opportunities for volunteering throughout the year include:
12. I have a question, but it’s not on this list?
Feel free to contact Mr. Meckes at any time to ask any question. Parents can kind additional answers on the Gold Brigade Parent Website HERE.
Marching band is a group of instrumental musicians and color guard performers that coordinate movements with a musical performance, for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, and competition. The typical instrumentation includes, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. See our videos above for some great examples.
2. Why should I join?
There are several major reasons listed on the band’s website in the join the band section. But here are just a few, you make friends with everyone involved, it’s great exercise, you improve your musical ability and technique, you develop leadership skills, and a strong work ethic, you learn time management and how to problem solve, and you get to attend competitions specifically for marching bands! If these reasons don’t appeal to you, don’t forget that marching band is FUN!
3. Will I have enough time to participate?
Students in the marching band generally do very well academically and have very few problems adapting to the busy schedule. Yes, the schedule can be slightly overwhelming every once and awhile, but these are great learning experiences for the stresses of high school and adult life. With hard work and good time management skills (which you will certainly develop through participation in band) you will excel! The marching band staff and older members are always available to assist you! We are a team, everyone is important, and we all support each other.
4. I am interested in taking part in other co-curricular activities where there may be conflicts with band; can I still be in band?
Of course! We have had band students who are part of all kinds of student organizations and play sports such as soccer, cross country, and football. In an effort to give students the opportunity to enrich their education through multiple experiences, we encourage all students to take part in all activities that they are interested in (as long as they don't spread themselves too thin). It's all about the students. The band wants every student to have as many opportunities, experiences, and educational moments as possible! Mr. Meckes works closely with advisors and coaches to create a schedule that works for all involved and won't hurt the student's standing in either organization. Students must also help in the scheduling process and not just expect band staff to do it all for them.
5. Is it expensive to join?
First off, money should never be a reason not to join the band. If you are unable to meet the monetary needs of the group, please feel free to talk to a band staff member and we can certainly help. There is a fee to join the band, this is made payable to the Warren Performing Arts Association, and is used to cover the cost of competitions, amarching band T-Shirt, drill, music, uniforms, other performance supplies, and other large purchases for the band such as instruments, equipment, meals, etc. Members will also have to purchase black marching shoes through Mr. Meckes. There are also opportunities to buy Warren Central Fan Gear. All costs and order forms are available on the website and will be handed out / mailed at the Season Kick-Off & Show Reveal Meeting.
6. What if I don’t play a traditional marching band instrument?
Marching instruments include: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, & Bari), Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Euphonium (Baritone), Trombone, Tuba, Battery Percussion (Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums), and Front Ensemble Percussion (Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, Piano (Synthesizer), Auxiliary Percussion). If you do not play one of these instruments, YOU CAN STILL JOIN. If you play a different instrument we will find you a similar instrument to learn. If you have a basic musical background (piano, choir, elementary level instrument, strings, etc.) you will be able to learn a marching percussion or pit instrument easily. If you are interested in learning some dance moves, we could also give you a flag and teach you color guard, most members have no background when they start color guard so it may be more comfortable for members that are starting with no musical background.
7. I feel like I can barely play my instrument while sitting down. Now you want me to move and play at the same time?
This is one of the most common questions. We encourage all students to give it a try! At first it may seem hard, but once you get used to marching it is as easy as walking. We have a fantastic staff at Warren Central who are willing to do everything they can to help you learn how to march. If you believe in yourself you can achieve anything! For those that have a musical background and would prefer not to march, you may be interested in playing in the front percussion ensemble.
8. How long is the marching band season?
Throughout the summer there are several "summer band" rehearsals, which are evening practices intended to gradually improve music and marching skills in order to prepare for band camp. Color Guard and Drumline will often also have sectionals throughout the summer. Finally, at the end of summer we hold band camp. We then perform at all football games and competitions throughout the fall. The season ends with the final competition of the year (in late October). There are other events after the seasons that may occur such as a special parades, and the band banquet. In the case of a marching band trip there will also be rehearsals held in advance to prepare.
9. What are practice start and end times?
START - The old phrase "To be early is to be on time and to be on time is to be late" is used frequently. The staff will start rehearsal at the designated time. Don't show up right at the start time, that is not fair to everyone else who showed up early. If you are running late for some reason it is expected that you will run and move quickly in order to show everyone else that you are putting in effort to be apart of the group. You are expected to be on the field or in your seat ready to perform at the designated start time.
PARENT TIP: Mr. Meckes is very good about dismissing the group on time, but on occasion rehearsal will run over by a few minutes. It is always a good idea to let Mr. Meckes know if your child needs to leave right away, just in case something happens and the group needs to stay a few minutes late.
10. Uniforms, How do they work?
The marching uniforms are very expensive and must last for many years. When the uniform is issued for the season (usually during August) each student will receive a responsibility form that outlines care and costs for the uniform. This form must be signed and returned to the band director before the uniform can be worn. Every time a student puts on their uniform or hangs their uniform up to put it away, they must remember that they are handling several hundred dollars worth of material. The school supplies, a hat, hat box, jacket, pants, uniform bag, rain jacket, and gauntlet to each student. Students must provide LONG BLACK socks, BLACK compression shirt (available for purchase), BLACK marching shoes (available for purchase). Color guard members are supplied with a separate uniform top and bottoms. Students cannot perform without a complete uniform. Uniforms must ALWAYS BE HUNG UP PROPERLY, after an event students often want to get home quickly and poorly hang their uniforms in the uniform closets. This destroys creases, hems, creates wrinkles, and generally decreases the life of the expensive uniform.
PARENT TIP: If possible buy extra pairs of socks and extra compression shirts just in case something gets damaged or become too dirty to wear at a game and are needed the next day for a competition.
STUDENT TIP: Mark the inside of your shoes so they are easily recognized. Also take time hanging up your uniform because time taken to retrieve missing parts in the band room or on a dark band bus is NOT FUN!
11. My Parents/Guardians are interested in volunteering, what should they do?
It takes a lot of hard work from volunteers to make the season successful. The easiest way to get involved is to attend our parent meetings. In the late summer/early fall the directors will post an online sign-up for volunteers. Some of the major opportunities for volunteering throughout the year include:
- PIT CREW MOMS AND PIT CREW DADS - These hard-working parents do much more than just ride around on a four-wheeler during half time. Many show up hours before competitions and games to help load large instruments and then help students load the equipment truck. They then help transport items to and from events as well as move them around at events.
- CHAPERONES - For every 10-12 students we need an adult to help supervise. Chaperones travel with the group and stay close by in case of issues. They also help to move things in the stands, such as plumes and water. All chaperones must obtain clearances and be approved by the MSD of Warren Township, there is more information on the Gold Brigade Parent Website.
- FUNDRAISING - The band generally has one fundraiser a month. Students are not required to fundraise, but it is strongly suggested. The band has many expenses that need to be covered, especially as we begin to see the program grow.
12. I have a question, but it’s not on this list?
Feel free to contact Mr. Meckes at any time to ask any question. Parents can kind additional answers on the Gold Brigade Parent Website HERE.
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Stay connected with the WC Bands
Facebook: WC Gold Brigade Marching Band | Warren Central Honors Band | Warren Central Jazz Ensemble
Twitter: @WarrenBands | @wcjazzensemble
Facebook: WC Gold Brigade Marching Band | Warren Central Honors Band | Warren Central Jazz Ensemble
Twitter: @WarrenBands | @wcjazzensemble