Parent Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me about the band classes at NCHS?
As things stand right now there is only one band class at NCHS, the concert band class. In the past there have been separate classes for freshman or other “new” band members, I prefer to have all band students at one time allowing everyone to rehearse as one ensemble and learn from each other. In the future there is the possibility of adding a percussion ensemble to the course offerings, in which ANY student could participate, not exclusively percussionists. A Jazz ensemble is another hopefully band class to be added in the future as well.
Can my child be in band and still get all the classes for graduation?
We have had many students who graduate with honors, with the college prep diploma and even a few with the Commonwealth diploma. Although it takes some planning on the part of the Guidance Counselor, it is very possible for a student to be in band all four years and graduate with more than the expected credits. Also, if a student is in band for 6 consecutive semesters they will be exempt from the arts and Humanities course.
How much time will my child invest in band?
Students involvement is strictly based on their willingness and desire. The least involved ensemble is the concert band class, outside of class time is very limited to performances and very few after school rehearsals. Other optional ensembles include Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard and Pit Orchestra, all of which are completely extra-curricular and rehearse outside of regular school hours.
How much time do parents invest in band?
Parental involvement also depends on the involvement of the student. Marching band students are obviously the most involved and have to participate in the most fundraisers. But many non-marching band parents are involved in volunteering to help out in any way they can. The band boosters also have a fair-share program in which students and parents can decide to pay a certain amount and not participate in any fundraisers, etc. or to pay a much lesser amount and participate in a set number of fundraisers, etc.
How do I help my child be successful in band?
Your child can be successful in band very easily, the main things you can do as a parent are encourage them to practice, support them in their performances and make sure they are at rehearsal.
What happens if my child misses a rehearsal?
Missing rehearsal is discouraged, but is understood. We encourage parents to schedule any doctor’s appointments, family activities, etc. on non-rehearsal days. We do however understand that emergencies do arise, we ask that students bring a signed excused note to the rehearsal prior to the rehearsal they anticipate missing.
What do you mean by "the show"?
“The Show” is usually a generic term to represent the music the marching band is currently performing. Historically this would be in reference to the halftime show, in today’s marching band world most bands try to have a “themed show” or at least a concept for their competitive marching band show.
How will being in band affect my child's grades?
Statistics show that students who are involved in musical ensembles actually raise their test scores and academic grades. Of course most of this lies on the student’s ability to maintain a good list of priorities and keep their own grades “in check”. The band does follow the school’s sports eligibility program in which the student must be passing all their classes in order to participate.
What do I need to know about marching contests?
Marching band competitions tend to be the favorite and most memorable performances of every high school band member’s career. Most are held within 100 miles of Bardstown at area high schools on Saturdays throughout the fall. If the band receives a distinguished rating at least once, they will qualify for the Regional Quarter Finals, if the ranks within the top 16 bands in their class then they will qualify for the State Semi-Finals and finally if they rank in the top 4 bands they will qualify for the State Finals, which is the top 16 bands in the entire state of Kentucky.
What is acceptable behavior at marching contests?
As is with every school sponsored group students must adhere to all school rules.
How often does the band perform?
The performance schedule varies for each ensemble but the main performances are:
Concert Band – Pops Concert, Veteran’s Day Concert, Holiday Concert, Children’s Concert, Spring Concert and Concert Band Festival
Marching Band – All home football games, local parades, regional competitions. Playoff football games, local festivals
Pep Band – All home basketball games, playoff games
Jazz Band – Various concerts, local events
Please explain the terms horn line, drum line, pit, and guard.
Horn Line – usually refers to any student who plays a wind instrument.
Drum Line – Also referred to as the battery percussion includes any marching percussionist.
Pit – Also referred to as the front ensemble, includes the mallet percussionists who do not march, but play on the front sideline.
Guard – Also known as the color guard, includes flags and rifles.
Please explain the band's rehearsal schedule.
Marching Band is the main after-school rehearsing ensemble. There are also summer rehearsals for the marching band usually starting three weeks before school starts with one week being a band camp usually at an area university campus. The regular after-school rehearsal schedule for the marching band usually depends on the availability of the activity bus, but normally include Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:20-5:20 PM.
How do I know when to pick my child up after an event?
You can take your child home with you after an event by simply finding a band director and letting them know your child is going home with you. Other circumstances usually require written permission.
How does the weather affect rehearsals and performances?
We usually do not cancel any rehearsals or performances due to weather.
What do I need to know about band trips?
The Marching Band is the main traveling ensemble, traveling to competitions all around the state as well as the football playoff games, the pep band also travels with the basketball team to playoff games. Depending on the year the concert band might travel out of the state to perform at the Dixie Classic Festival with possible destinations like
What happens after marching season ends?
Concert Band still performs throughout the year as well as pep band.
How much does it cost for my child to be in band?
The cost of band usually depends on the year and how much the band plans to travel, compete, etc. The budget is always determined by the band booster officers for that year and then divided by three to determine how much of that will come from band students through fundraisers, fees, etc.
Why does the band need so much money?
The band is not supported through the school system in enough monetary support to supply the band with the maintenance costs of running a successful band program. The band boosters raise almost 100% of all the bands costs. Some of the items the band has to spend money on are travel expenses, uniform cleaning, instruments, flags, music, drill and numerous other items.
What's in it for me?
Band has proven to be a great organization to meet new, loving, caring friends who can help your child transition into their high school years in a safe way. Your involvement as a family can be as much or as little as you like all the while they enjoy making music with new friends! You also get the opportunity to see your student serving their community through civic events and sometimes being a part of local history!
