- Why is there a cost to high school band? We never had to pay assessments in middle school or when I was in high school band.
- The assessments that the ERHS band imposes are supplemental assessments that cover of the costs which are not provided through OCPS.
To maintain a high profile and active program (like all bands in East Orange County and OCPS) we need to come up with the funds necessary
to (but not limited to): maintain and dry clean uniforms, hire and maintain instructors and teachers to help our students, maintain and
repair instruments, purchase auxiliary equipment and instruments (sticks, mallets, drum heads, poles, silks, etc), pay for assessments to
all marching band and concert band events, purchase music/scores, selected transportation for some trips, etc.
- What are the costs for 2010-2011?
- $50 for summer band, $300 for the fall, $50 for the spring. There are also other expenses such as band shoes, practice shirts, shorts,
flip folder/lyres, etc. While these are required items, students do not have to purchase the item if they already have a practice shirt,
flip folder, band shoes, etc. Refer to the Assessment Breakdown
for specifics.
- This is a lot of money, I don't know if my son/daughter should do band.
- Finances should NEVER prohibit a student from participating in the band program. If a student wants to do band, they should follow through.
We have a comprehensive fundraising program where every penny earned goes into a student ledger to pay for band assessments. We have many
students each year that don’t pay a dime out of pocket. If there are any issues with abiding with any financial due date, PLEASE contact
Mr. Sall. He always works with every individual situation. As long as there is communication, we can work out flexible payment plans, extended
due dates, etc. We also look for sponsors in the community to help offset costs for any particular students in need.
- How do these student ledgers work? If I have a question, who do I contact?
- All money turned in will be recorded in a ledger, much like a checkbook account. All profits earned from a fundraiser will be recorded in each individual student ledger as well. This will be handled through a web based program called Charms. Each student will be issued a user ID and password and will be able to access their personal band account through the Charms website.
- What is the rehearsal schedule?
- During the marching season, the full band will rehearse on Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm-8pm. Woodwinds and Brass will rotate marching
sectionals on Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm. Percussion will have sectionals every Wednesday from 5pm-8pm.
- What is the normal procedure for football games?
- Report Time: Mr. Sall will set a call time for all students to report – everybody should eat dinner before the announced call time.
Friday Rehearsal: There may or not be a short rehearsal prior to the game.
Dress and Equipment: Students will dress for each football game (home and away) in the band room/dressing rooms and will wear their band shirt and silver shorts underneath their band uniform with their white band shoes. Students will be responsible for bringing their stand tunes, flip folder/lyre, hat box, and instrument to the field. For away games, students will be responsible for loading their instrument/equipment on the equipment truck prior to boarding the bus.
Travel: We will travel via school bus to all away games.
Football Game: We will go right to the stands for every game and play during the 1st and 2nd quarters. About 1/3 the way through the 2nd quarter the band will warm-up for our halftime performance. After halftime, the students will have the 3rd quarter off, but must remain in their uniforms. Because of their white uniforms, they will be unable to eat most concessions offered. We will have healthy snacks and crackers available to students if they need. The band will play in the stands during the fourth quarter. Water will always be available at all times.
Away Travel: The front ensemble will load equipment during the 3rd quarter and will have part of the 4th quarter off. At the conclusion of the game all students will load equipment and head to the bus to go home. Students should call home when we are close to ERHS.
Post Performance Debrief: All students will meet in the band room after every home game for announcements before they are dismissed to go home. When students are dismissed, they must put equipment and uniform away before leaving. At away games, announcements will be at the end of the football game in the stands before equipment is loaded. When the band arrives home, the students must all help unload equipment and turn in their uniform before they can go home.
- What if I miss a rehearsal or performance?
- All students are required to be at all scheduled rehearsals and performances. The calendar is created in April-May of the previous school year.
Please make every effort to work appointments and vacations around this schedule as absences affect everybody. If a student is sick or if an absence
cannot be avoided, please bring a note or leave a message on the band voicemail AND e-mail Mr. Sall. Performances are the reason we exist. Do not
plan on missing any performances – there are many consequences to missing performances. If there are family obligations that are known well in advance,
please e-mail Mr. Sall. COMMUNICATE!
- My son/daughter is taking a challenging academic schedule, should they do band?
- ABSOLUTLEY! Around 60%-70% of the band is taking at least one AP class. Some of the brightest students at ERHS are in the band program. The key to success academically is time management. Ironically, students do better academically during the busy marching season than the concert
season. Students tend to do better at school when they manage their time because they have more on their plate!
- What happens after the "marching season"?
- After marching season, the band enters the "concert season". During this season students are encouraged to participate in Solo and Ensemble.
The only after school rehearsals are for percussion ensembles on an as needed basis and the Symphonic Band on Wednesdays (2:15pm-4:15pm).
- Where do I get Falcon Vanguard apparel?
- Parents, students, and fans can order apparel through our band web store.
- How can I help out?
- We constantly look for parents, neighbors, family, and friends to help us! We need help with concessions, fundraising, sewing, chaperoning, etc.
We need help ALL YEAR – not just during the marching season. A description of our volunteer needs can be found here. If you would like to help, please e-mail Dawn Williams at cornerstonepc@bellsouth.net.
