L.H.S. Band FAQ's

How do I keep up with the Band to know what is happening?
The #1 source for band information is our website: www.grangerband.org. We also maintain a group page on Facebook where updates are regularly posted.

Can just anyone be in the band?
Yes and No. L.H.S. offers band classes for every level from basic beginner to advanced.  All students enrolled in band must play an approved instrument.  A student interested in playing in marching band will need previous experience like middle school band or strong private musical background in order to perform with that group.

Do students have to try out for band?
We do not audition for Band Membership, but we do audition for chair placement.  An audition is a great way to evaluate a student’s ability level.  During concert band, if there are multiple ensembles, students may be selected by audition.

Can a student be in band if they are not in a band class?
No. Students must be in a band class which covers the state mandated Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music.  Further, all of the concepts introduced and taught during the regularly scheduled band class are prerequisites for the performance level necessary for a high quality marching band.  Rare exceptions are made, but only in the case of students with an irresolvable course conflict.

Do I have to be in Marching Band, or can I just do Symphonic or Concert Band?
The LaGrange High School Band has a comprehensive band program and yes, everyone in the band program participates in marching band unless an extraordinary circumstance prevents you from doing so.

Marching band is a lot of fun.  It is where you meet everyone and make a lot of new friends.  It's a great way to make the transition to high school.  While all your non-band friends are scared on the first day of school, you will have already made close to 100 new friends you met at band camp.  It's also where everyone gets a feel for how the band runs, and learns all the little things that transfer to symphonic and concert band, making everyone a better musician.

Do I have to go to Band Camp?

Yes, why would you want to miss it?  Band camp is the only chance we get all of this accomplished:

• We get to know each other and become a "family" of friends working together to make an exciting musical and visual show.
• We make new friends and get used to the school
• We learn the marching portion of the show, and combine it with the music that we learned over the summer.
• We learn basic concepts of good marching techniques, and apply it to the show.
• We learn basic concepts of good playing techniques, and how to play and march at the same time.

If you miss it, it will be IMPOSSIBLE for you to catch up.  Please contact Mr. Farrell if you foresee and issue!  Band camp is the two to three weeks before school starts.  Please schedule your vacation time around it.

What about Tuesday Rehearsals in the summer, don’t we get any time off?
Yes we have time off!  The once per week rehearsals in the summer are held only on Tuesday, as this was found to have the fewest conflicts with Summer Vacations and events.  However, many students have a lot of summer activities (jobs, church, camps, etc.) and we understand this and work with students who can’t make them all.  But these Tuesdays are a great way to cover basic marching AND to make sure people don’t “forget” to keep their embouchures in shape through regular practice!

What is Measuring Day?
On the final Saturday of June we measure students for Marching Shoes, Practice Uniforms, and Wind Suits.  Parents must be present to sign the health permission form for travel and to pay for items.

What expenses can a marching band student expect?
Band membership does require certain expenses for each student.  There is a general band fee paid by all students to cover expenses and insurance.  New members must also purchase wind suit, practice clothes, shoes, and a backpack.

Can I use a Debit or Credit Card to pay expenses?
Yes!  We have a payment page set up on our website.  At measuring day a computer will be set up for parents to pay expenses.

What is the insurance and do I have to buy it?
All students who participate in Athletics or Band at LHS must purchase secondary insurance through the school.  This is the policy of Troup County Schools and it is mandatory.  More details will be passed out at sizing day.

Do band students do a lot of “fund raising” during the school year?
We attempt to keep projects to a minimum, but want to provide students a chance to raise funds for their items and some for the band program.  Before we have measuring day we will have a Rock A Thon to help kids raise funds!  The band receives no budget from Troup County Schools and must raise funds to cover all expenses.

There are two fundraisers that everyone is required to participate in, is manning the Football and Basketball Concession for at least one game.  The band makes 1/3 of its annual budget from concessions.

What kind of credit does a student receive for Band?
A student receives one full credit for each band class.  For Freshmen entering in 2011 band classes do count fully for Honor Points and Magna Cum Laude.

How much outside of school rehearsal time is expected of a band student?
The L.H.S. band strives to get more done in less time than anyone else! Outside school commitments are minimal compared to most programs in the region.  We practice before school from 7:00 am - 8:00am  Tuesday-Thursday during the marching season with two Saturday rehearsals from 8:00 a.m. to Noon (Followed by a cookout!)

Why Mornings?
Three reasons.  First is the weather, it is much cooler in the morning.  Second is because band students are involved students!  Our students in the LHS Band are involved in sports, academic clubs, and other interests.  Morning Band frees the afternoon for our students!  Third, there are fewer conflicts with doctor’s appointments and other commitments in the morning.  One student missing from a band rehearsal can affect students around them.

Can a student participate in athletics and band?
Yes. The Band and Athletic departments work closely together to arrange practice time and rehearsal schedules to accommodate students participating in both activities. It is not always easy, and does require some advanced planning, but most conflicts are worked out with good communication between students, parent, coach, and band director.  The student must take initial responsibility for working out conflicts by communicating with the coaches and band staff.  The Director of Bands reserves the right to dismiss any student who cannot demonstrate a personal commitment and effort to the marching band.

How often does the band perform and what types of performances does the band do?
The Band performs anywhere a crowd gathers!  We perform at all football games, marching competitions, Parades, Pep Rallies, and Concerts, as well as being called on for community events.  In 2009-2010 the band has performed at 23 public performances so far!

In what kind of contest/competitions does the Band participate?
In the fall we compete in two or three marching events.  In the spring we perform at Large Group Performance Evaluation.  Additional events may be added.

What types of individual competitions are available for Band students?
Individual competitions available to students are: All-District and All-Sate Band, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and others events sponsored by GMEA and various area colleges.

Who provides the Band uniforms?
The L.H.S. Band Boosters, with community support, purchased our current uniforms.  Part of student fees covers cleaning and care of uniforms.

Concert Attire (Tuxedoes for Boys and Dresses for Girls) are purchased by students during the fall.

Can a student rent an instrument from the school?
A certain number of instruments are owned by the Band Program for student use, these consist primarily of large instruments; Tuba, Bass Clarinets, F Horn, Baritone, mellophones, percussion, etc.

Is there an Auxiliary program?
Yes. We have a Colorguard, Majorette line, and a Competition Dance Line.  Colorguad and Majorettes are part of the Marching Band, while the competition dance line does not march.  Colorguard and Majorette Auditions are held in the spring.  Competition Dance is held in the late spring or early fall.

Is there a Jazz Ensemble at LHS?
Yes. The Granger Blues Jazz Band is a new part of the band program that performs traditional Big Band Jazz.  This group meets after school.

Is there a Band Booster organization?
Yes. The LaGrange Band Boosters will become a very active part of our band program. They are a very active group of volunteers that are vital to the success of the LaGrange Band program.

Does Band involve students to the exclusion of other school activities?
No. We have students that are involved in all aspects of student organizations, clubs, and sports. Students will have to learn to manage their time wisely to be involved in several school activities, but it can be done and has been done successfully for many years throughout Arlington.

What if I need to know more?
Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call the LHS Band Room at 706-883-1597.