Marching Band FAQs
As an incoming Freshman, how do I sign up for Marching Band?
Students enroll in BHHS classes in the early Spring of 8th grade. Those students interested in MB should choose “Campus Band” for 1st and 2nd semester. Also in early Spring, information about registering for Band Camp and auditioning for Drumline and Color Guard is emailed to all current 8th grade band students.
Can someone sign up for Concert Band WITHOUT being in Marching Band?
Yes, there is an option called “Black Hawk Band” for students who wish to ONLY participate in a concert band program. These students do not attend Pre-Camp, Band Camp or Wednesday night rehearsals.
Can I do Concert Band AND Marching Band?
Yes. It can be confusing, but at BHHS, the Marching Band is created by combining 3 different band classes: “Campus Band” (mostly 9th grade students), “Concert Band” (10–12th grade students), and “Symphony Band” (9–12th grade students who audition). During the school day in the Fall semester, these groups split their time between working on the MB show (outside) and their concert performance pieces (inside).
After MB season is over, things settle down a great deal. They have a Collage Concert in Dec, participate in MSBOA Festival in March, and put on a Spring Concert at the end of the school year.
Do I have to be really good?
The short answer is, “No.” There’s room for everyone, at all skill levels. There ARE students in the band program who perform in ensembles outside of BHHS, audition for college music programs, and are amongst the finest players in our state. But there are also some who are not yet very proficient, with a range of players who fit somewhere in between. There is a place for everyone in BHHS band!
How many songs do we learn each year?
The MB learns one marching show for the entire season which consists of 4–5 pieces of music. They also perform a Pre-game show, for which students learn 3 school standards — the BHHS Fight Song, You Can Call Me Al and the school's Alma Mater. Students will memorize all the Pre-game and Halftime music. Additionally, there are "Stands Tunes" that the band performs between plays during the football games (however those do not have to be memorized).
How do I join the Drumline?
Drumline auditions are held in the Spring. All interested students are invited to attend audition camps where they are taught basics and how to play the audition music. Students who wish to improve their percussion skills and increase their chances of making the Drumline should consider private lessons focused on snare drum technique.
How do I join the Color Guard?
Color Guard auditions are held in the Spring. All interested students are invited to attend audition clinics where they are taught basics. No prior Color Guard experience is necessary.
Can I do other sports AND Marching Band?
Absolutely! The MB is full of student athletes from all sports as well as many . other clubs and activities. Many of our students are also involved in student leadership, robotics, drama, choir, and the list goes on. The key to making it all happen is communication! When students are on top of their personal schedules and proactively communicate with the Band Director about conflicts with rehearsals, practices, games, or performances, there is a lot of flexibility.
If I play a non-marching instrument (oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, etc.), will MB get in the way of practicing my main instrument?
It’s probably fair to say that students may spend a little less time practicing their non-marching band instrument during MB season. However, the skills students learn by participating in MB do transfer. Concepts such as rhythm, note reading, and teamwork are valuable for any instrument.
Is there Band at the International Academy (IA)?
Yes and No. The IA has a Concert Band of its own. It does NOT have a marching band. But, students from the IA who reside in the Bloomfield Hills School District are able to participate in the BHHS Marching Band. Students who wish to participate must attend 100% of the performances and rehearsals that happen outside of the normal school day (with the exception of personal illness and/or family emergencies). Small exceptions to this rule might be granted but must be approved by the Band Director before signing up.
With so many students in MB, will I still get individualized help?
Yes! One of the great things about MB is the connections that are made between students from all grades. Even if you can’t get help directly from the Band Director, there are multiple leaders in each section who can help. Also, during Band Camp, BBOB (the Band and Orchestra Boosters) hire collegiate and professional musicians to come work with the students in sectionals and on the field. It’s an amazing learning experience!
What is Pre-Camp and is it important?
Pre-Camp is held at BHHS the week before Band Camp (Tues–Fri, about 4 hours each day). The 1st day (Tues) is for Leadership only, the 2nd day (Weds) is for Leadership + New Marchers, and the last two days (Thurs, Fri) are for everyone.
This time is used to learn/refresh marching fundamentals, which allows the marchers to start learning the show on Day 1 of Band Camp.
While students have missed these rehearsals in the past due to unavoidable conflicts, it is HIGHLY recommended that all students be in attendance, ESPECIALLY FRESHMEN. Freshmen can easily become lost or discouraged if they miss this time and have to learn everything at Band Camp.
What is Band Camp?
In the late summer (July/August), the MB spends a week away from home at Band Camp. This week is used to learn marching fundamentals, rehearse, learn the music and field drill for the upcoming season’s show and pre-game show. It also instills in every BHHS MB member the discipline, pride and camaraderie that are necessary for the band to function at its best.
When is Band Camp?
The exact dates of Band Camp vary from year to year, but it is usually the last week of July/first week of August. On the last day of Band Camp, the students return to BHHS around 11:00 am and put on a special "Families-Only" performance to showcase what they learned at camp.
Who goes to Band Camp?
Everyone! The show is written for the specific number of people in each section. Because of that, students not at camp cannot be included in the drill. (Band Camp is not required for students opting for Black Hawk Band.)
What do we DO at Band Camp?
A typical day looks like this:
• Breakfast
• Morning Rehearsal
• Lunch
• Rest period
• Afternoon Rehearsal
• Dinner
• Evening Rehearsal
• Evening Activity (movie night, karaoke, etc.)
• One afternoon off to go swimming or other recreational activities
• The last evening is Awards Night
• The last morning consists of breakfast, final pack up, check out and heading home to perform back at BHHS
What if I can’t go to Band Camp?
Each year, there are a few students who cannot attend camp. Unfortunately, they cannot be included in the field movements because they will have missed about 75 hours—or the equivalent of 10 weeks of rehearsal! Most band students arrange their calendars well in advance so they don’t miss this week.
What if I don’t want to go to Band Camp?
There are a always a few new members who express some anxiety or worry before going to Band Camp—sometimes this is caused by a fear of the unknown or a lack of confidence in their own abilities (“Everyone else is so good and I can’t do this!”). But, these feelings invariably vanish in the first few hours or so at camp. There is a wonderful group of student leaders who make everyone feel comfortable and accepted.
AFTER Band Camp, what is the schedule?
After returning home, weekly Wednesday night rehearsals begin which run from 6:30–9:00 pm, ending in early-Oct.
In Sept, when school starts, rehearsals are also added DURING the school day. For example, if you’ve signed up for Campus Band, during that period, some days you will be outside working on the MB show and other days you’ll be inside working on concert pieces.
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Sept through mid-Oct, there are MB activities or performances on the weekends, sometimes back-to-back. There might be a Home Varsity football game Friday night and a performance on Saturday; it is a very busy time of year where a lot happens very fast, and then it’s over!
The schedule is always posted ahead of time so you can plan.
Does the marching band perform at EVERY football game?
The MB performs at every HOME Varsity football game, but not at Away games. Usually, there are 4–5 Home games each season, which runs until mid-late October.
How do I stay current with the MB calendar?
Please check the Calendar page on this site, as it is updated regularly. In addition, the Band Director will often send out messages via email and the Remind app.