Does being in band hurt grades?

No!  If anything, studies have shown band might help - find out why by clicking here.

I've heard Band takes a lot of time, is that true?

Not Really.  You get out of school at 2:30pm.  So think of it this way...students with a bed time of 10 o'clock have about 35 hours of free time each school week, and that DOESN'T count weekends!  Marching Band only takes 10 of those hours.  During Concert Season, you only spend about 2.5 hours after school.  Many band kids participate in sports, ROTC, and clubs, and a good number of them have part time jobs.

When are band practices?

We have two practices a week.  You'll be receiving handouts of our complete schedule before you join band so you can plan.  Also, you may check this years Calendar for an idea of what to expect.

Do I need a new instrument?

Student model instruments are designed for younger players and will afford a beginning music student an excellent tool to start their music journey. A typical student model instrument will take a student through years of classroom instruction and band or orchestra participation.

However, as a student progresses and develops his/her breathing and performance techniques, a beginner instrument may limit the student's music development. For this reason it is often advisable to upgrade to an intermediate or advanced model. These models include additional keys, valves or other add-on features that permit easier and more "in tune" performance as well as a better quality and better sounding instrument.

Upgrading your  instrument is not required, but if you do, it will keep pace with your progress, renew your excitement about playing an instrument, and help you achieve the ultimate experience on your musical voyage.

What about Concert Season?

Concert Band practices depend on which band you are in.  The maximum rehearsal time spent each week in after school activities is 3 hours.  Please see the information page for Concert Ensembles.

Is Band All Work and no Fun?

Marching Band is a competitive sport.  Anyone who has been a part of a competitive sport tells you that the effort make success worth every minute.  Football Games are fun, but band is so much more.  The best part of band is the competitions.  Next year the band is going to two competitions and we host the FBA district marching festival.  In addition, the band has other activities that have nothing to do with music.  We participate in an all night Bowl-a-Thon, as well as a STING trip, usually to a theme park.  Two years ago, over the Christmas Break, about 40 band students got together and went to watch the Tangerine Bowl - FOR FREE!  Every year the band has a formal dance, known as Band Ball, and every other year we try to take an overnight trip.  Past trips include cruises, trips to bowl games, and overnight "Survivor Camps" at Busch Gardens.

I'm not sure about all those older kids, will they be mean to me?

No WAY!  When you step into a high school band its like you suddenly have 130 new friends.  Band is the largest group at Leesburg High School.  As you walk through the halls you'll see lots of people you recognize from Band and the officers will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and make sure you know what's going on!  PLUS, you'll get a chance during Band Camp to learn where things are in the school before every other ninth grader, so on DAY 1, you'll be the expert!

I don't think I play well enough to be in band...

I guarantee you do!  Believe it or not, there were people in the Marching Band this past year that were BRAND NEW on their instruments and had NEVER marched before.  You'll learn so much your first couple months in band that you'll be an old pro by the time November rolls around.  Besides, there are many dedicated officers, staff members and teachers there to help you right along.

I've heard Band costs a lot of money.  I don't have a lot of money and I'm worried that I won't be allowed to play.

Band actually costs you very little.  Only items that you will keep have to be paid for out of pocket, like reeds, mouthpieces, bowties, and other items.  Most of the cost of band can and should be fundraised.  Let us tell you how to pay for band, don't worry about that yet.  I guarantee, with a little bit of effort, you'll have no problem with money.

I have heard that kids get "initiated" by other band members.  What is initiation and should I be scared?

There no initiations.  INITIATION, also known as HAZING, is illegal by Florida State Law.  You will never be asked by another student or officer to do anything that is illegal, unsafe, or embarrassing. 

What about Color Guard?

Color Guard members play instruments during the day in band classes and during Marching Band they spin all kinds of equipment.  Please check the Color Guard website.

Okay, I still have more questions...

Please feel free to email me at fielderg@lake.k12.fl.us and I'll reply as soon as I can!