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Questions about Marching Band

Can my child still participate in cross country, swimming, debate, etc. AND band?

Absolutely! We have many students who participate in other activities along with band. The only season that overlaps is the fall, and even then most coaches are aware of conflicts and they can be worked out. We do everything in our power to schedule around typical conflicts to make it as doable as is possible!

When are Marching Band Rehearsals?

Students rehearse their marching music and drill during their regular band class time, at after-school rehearsals, and in the morning on competition Saturdays.

What happens if my child has to miss a competition/football game?

Communication is everything! We understand that there are situations that require students to miss. We publish a complete schedule in spring of the school year prior in order to avoid as many conflicts as possible. If a conflict cannot be avoided, communicating with Mr. Bartz well ahead of time is the best way to find a solution.

Can my child miss part/all of Marching Band camp and still do band?

This is a case-by-case situation, but the short answer is yes – we will work with any and all issues that we can. The key is communicating with Mr. Bartz BEFORE the end of the school year prior.

What if my child plays a non-marching instrument?

Every student can march! Students who play “non-marching” instruments, such as oboe and bassoon, typically participate by learning a secondary instrument (like flute, tenor sax, etc.), being part of the Color Guard, or participating in the Front Ensemble (also known as the Pit).

What is Front Ensemble (Pit)?

Front Ensemble is a collection of percussion equipment set up on one side of the marching field. The front ensemble typically includes keyboard percussion, concert toms, bass drums, shakers, and other auxiliary percussion instruments. While the Pit students do not actually “march,” (do not move in formation during the performance), they are a HUGE and important part of the overall production. Often times the Pit is one of the things that make a good band sound GREAT!

Can my child miss part/all of MB camp and still go to Cedar Point?

No. The Cedar Point trip is designed to be an annual “let loose” celebration after the week of hard work. This is a GREAT way for students to continue to develop the friendships formed during camp.

Are Marching Band Rookie Days only for freshmen? Can my older student attend? Does guard attend?

Rookie days are exactly what they sound like – for rookies! Anyone who has not participated in Portage Northern’s Marching Band (PNMB) should attend. Second-year marchers who want a refresher are also welcome. The entire Color Guard rehearses on these days, and our team of student section leaders is also involved. Rookie Days are a great way to get “in the know” before Camp starts!

What is the process for getting PE credit for Marching Band?

Students earn .5 credits toward their 1.5-credit PE requirement each marching season. The PE waiver is very simple. At the end of each marching season, students can speak with their school counselor and ask for a waiver form. Students then have Mr. Bartz sign the form and return it to their counselor.

Will students get their marching band music ahead of time so they can practice before camp? How/when can they get that music?

Yes! The more the students do over the summer to prepare for camp, the more likely we are to be successful during the season! Music is available via the “Charms” website beginning June 1st. You will receive more information at the Marching Band Orientation meeting in April.

Questions about Band Fees

How much is the Band Participation Fee? When is it due? Can we raise money toward it?

There is a participation fee, which is being reviewed at this time. The fee covers all activities for the entire year, and is necessary to cover expenses outside the school budget, such as sheet music, instrument and uniform repairs, festival and competition fees, transportation and a multitude of other costs. We keep the fee as low as possible and supplement our budget with fund-raisers to break even.

Our fee is similar, and in many cases, lower, than those collected by other high school band programs in our area. To make the fee more manageable for families, we break it into two payments—one due at the April marching band kick-off meeting, and one due at Band Camp in August. If there is financial hardship, please contact Mr. Bartz. We endeavor to have EVERY student participate no matter their circumstances.

Many families choose to fundraise the entire fee amount, usually through our Band Scrip program and at the PN Band Garage Sale held each April. Incoming freshmen families are welcome to participate! For more information about scrip or the garage sale, please contact info@pnbands.org.

Is the Band Participation Fee the same as the Portage Public Schools “pay-to-participate” fee? Why not?

No. Band is a curricular activity (meaning that we are a class with after-school elements). Therefore we do not fall under the PPS pay-to-participate structure. This arrangement is common in districts in our region and across the country. Portage Public Schools does a great job of supporting the arts, but band programs are very expensive and must be supplemented with other revenue. Our Band Booster organization runs many fundraisers to help fill the gap.

Is there an extra fee for Marching Band camp?

No. Your “Band Participation Fee” covers all band activities all year long.

When will we get the Marching Band schedule, including band camp dates?

We work very hard to set the calendar as early as possible. The tentative calendar will be communicated via email and U.S. mail in early February with the final version being printed and sent in May.

When/how do students get their marching uniforms? Are they supplied by the school? Is there an additional cost? What about the concert uniform?

Marching and concert uniforms are owned by the school and provided to students. There is no additional cost for students except that they must provide their own shoes. For marching season the students are required to wear “marching shoes.” They are $35 and can be ordered at the Marching Band Orientation meeting in April. These shoes do not change from year to year, so many students use one pair of marching shoes for their entire band career. For concert band, students are simply required to provide their own black dress shoe that looks appropriate with the uniforms (long dresses for girls, black tuxes for boys).

General Questions

Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble…What should you know?

We ask all eighth graders to sign up for Symphonic Band when they complete their class schedules for freshman year. Students who are interested in being considered for Wind Ensemble—our higher level band—may then complete an audition in late February or early March. If they are selected for Wind Ensemble, Mr. Bartz will communicate with their high school counselors to adjust their schedules. To prepare for the Wind Ensemble audition, students receive a short excerpt and 2-3 scales from their middle school band director. They have 2 weeks to prepare and then submit a recording of themselves playing (or request a live audition with Mr. Bartz). Placements have very little to do with age, and FAR more to do with what is appropriate for students’ current developmental level. So remember…
• If you plan to be a part of the band program at PNHS—and that includes Color Guard—chose ‘Symphonic Band’ on your class schedule for next year. This is a full-year elective for musicians and a half-year elective (fall semester) for color guard.
• If you do not wish to be considered for Wind Ensemble (our higher level band) no audition is necessary!

After MB season, what does high school band “do?”

Marching season is only the beginning! Students have opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities throughout the year, including Band-O-Rama, Pep Band at hockey and basketball games, Portage Northern Musical productions, the Holiday Collage Concert performances, Solo and Ensemble Festivals (both district and state level), Michigan Wind and Percussion Festival, Michigan School Band and Orchestra (MSBOA) Festival, Western Michigan University Spring Conference for Wind and Percussion Music, All-State bands, Michigan Youth Arts Festival, our Spring Concert, Graduation Ceremonies, Portage Memorial Day Parade, and many fundraising and social activities as well!

Can my child be in band and also enroll in the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center (KAMSC)? What about the International Baccalaureate (IB) program?

Many students are able to participate in band while pursuing a rigorous academic career. In fact, band students have some of the highest grade point averages around! Once again, communication is everything! It’s best to contact Mr. Bartz to talk about your child’s situation.

Will there be a big trip, like Disney, each year?

No. The “big trip” requires a great deal of planning and family fundraising. Our goal is to plan a “big trip” once every four years so that every student can go once during high school. In between, we give students the opportunity to perform in other venues and work with various judges and clinicians. We are working on a plan to offer a “small” trip during the 2nd year between the big trips. More to come on that!

Can my child earn a Varsity Letter for band?

Yes! Band students work very hard both in and out of class and can earn an PNHS official Varsity letter for participating above and beyond the typical classroom experience.

How can I get involved with my child’s band experience? Are there a lot of fundraisers? What is the expectation for family involvement?

The Portage Northern Band Boosters is a fantastic organization that coordinates all of our volunteer activity! Our goal is to have you volunteer in a way that fits your schedule and utilizes your talents and interests! We have countless opportunities during every part of the year for you to help in the various aspects of our program.

The Band Boosters try to limit the number of fundraisers by planning unique and creative activities. We have a few that are required for all families (our two pop can drives and the PN Band Garage Sale). The expectation is that every family participates in band as much as they can. We will not pressure anyone into helping, but it does take a great deal of time, energy and effort to do the amazing things that we do for your student!