Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are for the Fall Band and Guard. For questions regarding Winter Guard or Percussion, please contact the board.
Is there an orientation meeting?
Yes! If you are interested in NHS Band and Marching Guard for the 2016 season, plan on attending our Orientation on June 10 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Newtown High School. Both students and parents should plan on attending.
When are the Band and Guard Parent Meetings?
The Band and Guard Parent Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month, year round (except for July) from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The August meeting will take place the Monday evening of the second week of band camp in the cafeteria. Any changes to the dates/times/locations of these meetings will be announced through email.
How can I join?
Just fill out a membership form and enclose a check for $5 per parent/guardian made out to NHSBPC. Forms can be found on our Handbook and Band Credit page.
How much is the participation fee?
The Band and Guard participation fee is $550 (down from $575 last year!). There are fundraising opportunities (program ads, Scrip) available. This fee does not include shoes, instruments (band) and uniform, rifle, or sabre (guard).
How long is Fall Band and Guard season?
The actual season is from September to mid-November. The kids do practice over the summer. More information can be found on our schedule page.
When do they practice in the summer?
If you are not on vacation, your child should attend practice. Please visit our schedule page.
When is Band Camp?
For the 2016 Fall Band and Guard season:
August 15-19 and August 22-26
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 5 - 9 p.m.
Attendance at Band Camp is an absolute requirement for NHS Band and Guard membership. New members who were not aware of band camp dates and have a commitment during this time should speak to Mr. Eckhardt. The attendance policy goes into effect August 15. Please visit our schedule page.or more information,
How often do the kids practice?
Please visit our Schedule page for the most up-to-date info.
What can we expect on competition days?
Most competitions are in the evening. The kids always practice during the day of Saturday competition, for about 3 to 4 hours. Practice begins anywhere from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The times will be sent to you via email that week and will also be listed on our calendar. They break for dinner about an hour before they are scheduled to depart; the parents either send food with the kids or drop it off at the break. They change into their uniforms and have uniform check immediately before departure. Most competitions begin at around 6 p.m. and our departure from NHS depends upon how far the venue is and when we are scheduled to compete. Plan to have your child keep the entire day and evening of competitions free. An email will be sent out usually Monday or Tuesday with the schedule for the Saturday practice and competition. The full show schedule is posted each week on the MAC website at: www.musicalartsconference.com or the USBands website at: http://www.yea.org, depending on where we are competing. See the schedule page for a listing of competitions.
What happens at home football games?
For Friday night football games, the kids usually have to be at the school at 5:00 pm in full uniform. They play in the stands for the first half and then do their show at halftime. During the third period, they are free to get something to eat, but must be back in the stands by the beginning of the fourth period. More specifics will be sent in an email prior to the first football game.
What is the best way to keep up with the latest schedule?
Check out the Calendar. It is updated regularly as changes are made and competition times are released. You can add it to your calendar easily by following the directions below the calendar.
Where can I find a copy of the handbook or forms?
Here!
Still have questions?
Students should always ask their section leaders any questions they have first. Parents, please contact us!
Is there an orientation meeting?
Yes! If you are interested in NHS Band and Marching Guard for the 2016 season, plan on attending our Orientation on June 10 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Newtown High School. Both students and parents should plan on attending.
When are the Band and Guard Parent Meetings?
The Band and Guard Parent Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month, year round (except for July) from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The August meeting will take place the Monday evening of the second week of band camp in the cafeteria. Any changes to the dates/times/locations of these meetings will be announced through email.
How can I join?
Just fill out a membership form and enclose a check for $5 per parent/guardian made out to NHSBPC. Forms can be found on our Handbook and Band Credit page.
How much is the participation fee?
The Band and Guard participation fee is $550 (down from $575 last year!). There are fundraising opportunities (program ads, Scrip) available. This fee does not include shoes, instruments (band) and uniform, rifle, or sabre (guard).
How long is Fall Band and Guard season?
The actual season is from September to mid-November. The kids do practice over the summer. More information can be found on our schedule page.
When do they practice in the summer?
If you are not on vacation, your child should attend practice. Please visit our schedule page.
When is Band Camp?
For the 2016 Fall Band and Guard season:
August 15-19 and August 22-26
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 5 - 9 p.m.
Attendance at Band Camp is an absolute requirement for NHS Band and Guard membership. New members who were not aware of band camp dates and have a commitment during this time should speak to Mr. Eckhardt. The attendance policy goes into effect August 15. Please visit our schedule page.or more information,
How often do the kids practice?
Please visit our Schedule page for the most up-to-date info.
What can we expect on competition days?
Most competitions are in the evening. The kids always practice during the day of Saturday competition, for about 3 to 4 hours. Practice begins anywhere from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The times will be sent to you via email that week and will also be listed on our calendar. They break for dinner about an hour before they are scheduled to depart; the parents either send food with the kids or drop it off at the break. They change into their uniforms and have uniform check immediately before departure. Most competitions begin at around 6 p.m. and our departure from NHS depends upon how far the venue is and when we are scheduled to compete. Plan to have your child keep the entire day and evening of competitions free. An email will be sent out usually Monday or Tuesday with the schedule for the Saturday practice and competition. The full show schedule is posted each week on the MAC website at: www.musicalartsconference.com or the USBands website at: http://www.yea.org, depending on where we are competing. See the schedule page for a listing of competitions.
What happens at home football games?
For Friday night football games, the kids usually have to be at the school at 5:00 pm in full uniform. They play in the stands for the first half and then do their show at halftime. During the third period, they are free to get something to eat, but must be back in the stands by the beginning of the fourth period. More specifics will be sent in an email prior to the first football game.
What is the best way to keep up with the latest schedule?
Check out the Calendar. It is updated regularly as changes are made and competition times are released. You can add it to your calendar easily by following the directions below the calendar.
Where can I find a copy of the handbook or forms?
Here!
Still have questions?
Students should always ask their section leaders any questions they have first. Parents, please contact us!