FAQs

What is Band Camp? 

We have 2 band camps a season.  We do not actually  go to a camp!   In late June we have 3 all day practices we call Spring Basics.  We learn how to march together, or music for parades and teamwork! 

Our second band camp is in August.  This is a VERY important week for us, and it is highly important you attend.  It is where we learn our show for the fall, and our fall music. We emphasize that we need you to attend this whole week, in a single day you will miss major points of learning for the remainder of the season. 

What is a drum major? 

A drum major is a student who leads our band! The drum major not only conducts the band but is a lead in practices, performances and parades. There are tryouts for Drum Major prior to each season. 

Do Students need to be in class to be in Marching Band? 

They do! Marching Band is a Fall class for CRHS.  They spend 5th hour every day in the fall working on their music and the movements for the show.  If you did not register for Marching Band as a class in Jaunary, it's not too late! Mr. Palmer and the CRHS councilors are able to work together to fit it into your schedule. 

What is Colorguard and what does a routine look like? 

Colorguard are an important member of the Marching Band.  They also practice all spring, summer and fall as an integral part of the Parades and Show.  They are the students who you see using Flags, Rifles, and Sabres in making part of the Art of the Marching Band show. Here is a link to a video of a colorguard show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRzRKO-PLaE

What if I don't know how to March? 

That's ok! We will teach you.  We have practices starting after Memorial day, to the July 4th parade to learn Marching technique for parades.  We then spend from Late July to October learning to march in a show. 

Do you need Dance Experience to be in Colorguard? 

No! It is helpful to have a dance background to be in colorguard, but we will teach you the skills you need to know.  We practice from May to October learning skills and the formations to perform in both Parades and Shows.

What if I joined the Marching Band but don't know anyone? 

That's ok! We are a team! You will make friends in the band, and become close to some of the members you work with all spring, summer and fall.  In particular this is a great way for incoming Freshman to make friends prior to the first day of school!

What if you have to miss a rehersal and performance? 

Talk with the staff! We do understand that life happens. We want you to go to those doctor appointments, family vacations and other obligations.  We do prioritize our band camps in June and August as very important, and ask you do your best not to miss those.  And, as much as we hope it doesn't happen, people do get sick!

Can I play another instrument in Marching Band than I do in other bands? Can I be in Colorguard if I play an instrument in Band?

Absolutely! Talk with Mr. Palmer about what would be a good fit for marching band season.  Students often play different instruments while marching. Some instruments do not work well with marching, and another may be similar and lend to our season better (ie: french horn's are a sitting instrument, but mellophone is a marching instrument).  You may also play an instrument the rest of the year, but be in the Colorguard for Marching Season. 

What is a dot? 

A dot is your position on the field during a Marching Band Show.  You will recieve a "dot book" and you will learn how to put your position on the field during different measures of music into  your dot book. This is a tool we use to help you to learn the show.

Do we only march in parades? What is a field show? 

Coon Rapids Marching Band is a parade band, and a field show band.  This means you will learn to not only marching in parades, but also in shows.  A field show is the whole band and colorguard learning to make formations while playing music. There will be a theme to each field show, and our props, music and formations are built around that theme.  Each year we are generally in 4 parades, several football games and 5 Marching band field show competitions. 

What is a show shirt? What is a parade uniform? Do I have to wear a Uniform? 

We have 2 separate uniforms that we use during our marching season.  For parades, you will wear a Red CRMB tshirt, with flat front Bermuda shorts, crew length black socks and marching shoes, except the Halloween parade where we will dress in costume. 

For shows we wear a black t shirt and black shorts under our Marching Band uniforms (except Colorguard, who wear a special themed costume every year). 

All students will receive a red show shirt per year, as well as a show shirt as part of their registration.  You will be responsible for purchasing the shorts, and the socks. The shoes, colorguard uniform and band uniform will be provided to you. 

Can students letter in Marching Band? 

Absolutely!  Lettering for band is based on a system of points.  Marching Band will earn half of the points you will need to letter in band.  Some of the other band activities that help you earn points toward lettering are Jazz band, Pep Band and Fuller Orchestra.  

What is a U-Night? 

A U-night is a very important part of our season. Our students go out into the community to ask for donation to our Marching Band Program.  To keep our registration fees low, we rely on these funds to pay for props, supplies and entry fees for our season. 

Why fund raise if we have a registration fee? 

Marching Band is expensive.  We spend thousands of dollars each year on entering competitions alone.  We also pay for addition things like flags, props, and rights to the music for our shows.  We want to keep our registration fees low, which pay for your parade and show shirts, and your marching band shoes. 

What should I do if I can't afford the registration fee or to buy the required shorts/socks? 

We do offer scholorships at registration time for students who cannot afford the registration fee.  Those scholarships provide the registration at half of the cost.  We are also able to work with any student who has challenges with clothing, we do not want anyone to miss out on Marching Band because of uniform needs. Talk to a board member, or Mr. Palmer and we will work with you on options. 

Does Marching Band do Pep Fests? 

Yes! During the fall, the Marching Band will play for pep fests during the school day, and will perform at the halftime show for several home football games. 

What's my FAVORITE thing about Marching Band? 

There are so many that our students say at the end of season! Some love the friendships they build. Others love the music and the challenge of the shows. Some love the costumes at the Halloween Parade! Some love the fireworks, the hotdog eating competitions and the bundt cakes after competitons while we enjoy the shows of other schools.  Come join our Marching Band and find out what your favorite will be!