If you have a Marching Jay Band question not answered here, please send it to jaybandinfo@gmail.com and we will answer the question, or direct it to someone who has the answer.
1. What fees are involved with joining the Marching Jay Band? There is a $20 maintenance fee for the marching uniform. Additionally, each student is responsible for buying their gloves and marching shoes, show t-shirt, Jay Band shorts and black socks will be purchased as the rest of the summer uniform. Prices for these items will be listed on the uniform page. Students receive this during June band practice.
2. What is band camp? Band camp takes place in July and/or August prior to the start of school. It runs for 5-11 days with a parent exhibition night on the last day. This is where the basics of marching band are learned. Drill and music for the show are learned and marching skills are worked on.
3. Is band camp the only time for summer practice? No, there are several required days in June as well as performing at the Ice Cream Social.
4. What is a student account and what is it used for? A student account is an account for each student to earn fundraising money. The money is used to help offset the costs of going on a trip with the band. Accounts will be started the year prior to the trip. There will be at least one opportunity during your student’s enrollment in band to go on on a trip.
5. How can I add money to my student’s account? Several fundraising events are held each year to give students the chance to help the band raise money. When student accounts are opened, each student will have money added to their account based on the amounts they raise.
6. I have a student in middle school band. Why should I support fund raisers to help the high school marching band? A strong booster program with successful fund raising helps all students in band. Whether it helps with the purchase of new instruments for student use at all grade levels or new uniforms your student will eventually wear when they enter high school, your help with fund raising efforts will benefit everyone and is greatly appreciated.
7. How can a parent help? Parents can help by joining the booster organization and helping when they can at competitions, fund raisers, concerts, etc. The band program depends on the help of parents and other volunteers to help with the marching season, fundraising and in many other ways. Please consider becoming a band booster.
Once School Starts
8. When are practices held? Practices are held each day during school and one evening a week. Guard and drumline will usually hold additional practice times outside of those required for the whole band. Sections of the band may also hold additional practices.
9. I have a freshman marcher. How do they get to the high school for morning practices and then to Simonsen? You will need to drop your student off at the high school in the morning each day. The freshmen will be bussed to Simonsen after marching band.
10. How are students graded? Grades are based on daily participation, playing exams and participation in performances.
11. Can a student letter in band or color guard? Yes, check the handbook for requirements. The only exception is a student in color guard, but not enrolled in band may not letter in band.
12. What is a marching competition? Marching competitions have bands, in all different sizes, competing against each other. There is typically a preliminary round where our band will compete against other bands of comparable size and ability. If selected to go to finals, our band competes against all of the remaing bands for awards. In addition to the placement award for the band, there may also be caption awards in other catagories including color guard performance, drumline, drum major, and solo.
13. How many competitions does the Marching Jay Band attend each year? Between 4 and 5, depending on the year.
14. How do the students get to the competitions? Students are bussed together. Each band member must go to and from the competition on the bus unless cleared with the band director.
15. Is there an entry fee for the competition? Yes, but the individual student does not directly pay. The fees are paid by the Jay Band Boosters through fundraisers. Parents attending competitions must pay their own entry fee.
16. Do I need to provide food or money for my child on competion days? Each student will recieve an itinerary for the competition, which will include information about meals. Sometimes the boosters will provide meals for the students at a nominal cost. At other times students will bring sack lunches. This will vary from competition to competition and how long the students will be gone from home on a particular day. Students may also bring money for snacks and souvenirs at the competitions.
17. What is expected of students on competition days? Students receive an itinerary the week of the competition. It lists what to bring, when to be at school and the location of the competition. Students should always bring their full marching uniform for competion. Itineraries can also be found on the Forms and Downloads page the week of the competion. An estimated time of arrival back from the competion will also be given so parents will know when students may be picked up.
18. I want to volunteer to help on competiton days, who do I contact? Come to any booster meeting or contact the volunteer coordinator or other board member to find out how you can help.
19. Does the band play at all the football games? The band will play at all home games. They do not play at away games. Students need to arrive at the high school one hour prior to game time.
After the Marching Season is Over
20. What activities are available to band students after the marching season is over? The concert and symphonic bands perform as pep bands for basketball games taking turns performing. There are also jazz bands and our Spaghetti and Jazz fundraiser, district competitions with solo and ensembles to perform. We also have our Band Spectacular in February, Lawn Concert in May and Percussion Concert.
21. Are there any holiday activities that the band participates in? Yes, the band marches in the Christmas Parade, which is the last performance together as the marching band. The symphonic band also plays at the Capitol Caroling event.
22. What is Capitol Caroling? Captiol Caroling is held in the Capitol rotunda and features Christmas music performed by the high school choirs, orchestra and symphonic band. It is a free concert and open to the public.
