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Frequently Asked Questions

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​1. What is marching band?
Marching band is a group of instrumental musicians and color guard performers that coordinate movements with a musical performance, for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, and competition. The typical instrumentation includes, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. See our videos above for some great examples. 

2. Why should I join?
There are several major reasons listed on the band’s website in the join the band section. But here are just a few, you make friends with everyone involved, it’s great exercise, you improve your musical ability and technique, you develop leadership skills, and a strong work ethic, you learn time management and how to problem solve, and you get to attend competitions specifically for marching bands! If these reasons don’t appeal to you, don’t forget that marching band is FUN!

3. Will I have enough time to participate?
Students in the marching band generally do very well academically and have very few problems adapting to the busy schedule. Yes, the schedule can be slightly overwhelming every once and awhile, but these are great learning experiences for the stresses of high school and adult life. With hard work and good time management skills (which you will certainly develop through participation in band) you will excel! The marching band staff and older members are always available to assist you! We are a team, everyone is important, and we all support each other.

4. I am interested in taking part in other co-curricular activities where there may be conflicts with band; can I still be in band?
Of course! We have had band students who are part of all kinds of student organizations and play sports such as soccer, cross country, and football. In an effort to give students the opportunity to enrich their education through multiple experiences, we encourage all students to take part in all activities that they are interested in (as long as they don't spread themselves too thin). It's all about the students. The band wants every student to have as many opportunities, experiences, and educational moments as possible! The directors work closely with advisors and coaches to create a schedule that works for all involved and won't hurt the student's standing in either organization. Students must also help in the scheduling process and not just expect band staff to do it all for them.

5. Is it expensive to join?
First off, money should never be a reason not to join the band. If you are unable to meet the monetary needs of the group, please feel free to talk to a band staff member and we can certainly help. There is a fee to join the band, this is made payable to the Dulaney Marching Band Boosters (or DMBB), and is used to cover the cost of competitions, a marching band T-Shirt, drill, music, uniforms, other performance supplies, and other large purchases for the band such as instruments, equipment, meals, etc. Members will also have to purchase black marching or guard shoes through the boosters. There are also opportunities to buy Dulaney Marching Band Gear. All costs and order forms are available on the website and will be handed out during the Boosters Meeting in May.

6. What if I don’t play a traditional marching band instrument?
YOU CAN STILL JOIN! You may join the Colorguard or learn a marching instrument. Marching instruments include: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, & Bari), Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Euphonium (Baritone), Trombone, Tuba, Battery Percussion (Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums), and Front Ensemble Percussion (Keyboard Percussion, Piano (Synthesizer), Bass Guitar, Guitar, Auxiliary Percussion). If you do not play one of these instruments, YOU CAN STILL JOIN. Most members have no background when they start color guard  (flags/dance) so there are always new members on the field and a spot for you to join us wherever you see fit!

7. I feel like I can barely play my instrument while sitting down. Now you want me to move and play at the same time?
This is one of the most common questions. We encourage all students to give it a try! At first it may seem hard, but once you get used to marching it is as easy as walking. We have a fantastic staff at Dulaney who are willing to do everything they can to help you learn how to march. If you believe in yourself you can achieve anything! 

8. How long is the marching band season?
We start the new season in the previous spring at our "Open House" Rehearsals. These serve as opportunities for new memebrs to try us out before committing to band camp. Band camp is mandatory and is usually the first 2 full weeks in August Monday thru Friday from 8-5pm.  Once school starts, we have 2 weekly rehearsals and we then perform at all football games, parades, and competitions throughout the fall. Our final competition of the year is MMBA States at Towson University at the start of November. We compete in parades as well such as the Mummers Parade in Hagerstown and Christmas Mayors Parade in Baltimore City. After the Christmas parade, we prepare to recruit at our local schools and perform for our Spring trip. We celebrate our season in the Spring.

9. What are practice start and end times?
START - The old phrase "To be early is to be on time and to be on time is to be late" is used frequently. The staff will start rehearsal at the designated time. Don't show up right at the start time, that is not fair to everyone else who showed up early. If you are running late for some reason it is expected that you will run and move quickly in order to show everyone else that you are putting in effort to be apart of the group. You are expected to be on the field or in your seat ready to perform at the designated start time.
PARENT TIP: The directors are very good about dismissing the group on time, but on occasion rehearsal will run over by a few minutes. It is always a good idea to let the directors know if your child needs to leave right away, just in case something happens and the group needs to stay a few minutes late.

Our usual school rehearsal schedule is Monday nights from 5 - 8 pm and Wednesdays from 3 - 5 pm. 

10. Uniforms, How do they work?

We have 2 uniforms we wear throughout the season. The traditional cotton uniform kept at Dulaney and the "its too hot to wear cotton" uniform that students are required to purchase on their own.  

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The tradition cotton marching uniforms are very expensive and must last for many years. Every time a student puts on their uniform or hangs their uniform up to put it away, they must remember that they are handling several hundred dollars worth of material. The school supplies a hat, hat box, jacket, pants, and uniform bag to each student. Color guard has a uniform bag, tunic and show shoes to each student.

 

Students must provide LONG BLACK socks, KHAKI SHORTS (for our non traditional uniform outfit), RED SHIRT (for band camp), SHOW SHIRT (provided by the boosters), BLACK marching shoes (available for purchase). Color guard members must also provide BLACK leggings (no logo, no holes, no pockets), BLACK tang top (for under tunic), BLACK LONG SLEEVE COLD GEAR (for under their tunic when it gets cold), and ALL BLACK sneakers (for parades) . Students cannot perform without a complete uniform. 
 
11. My Parents/Guardians are interested in volunteering, what should they do?
It takes a lot of hard work from volunteers to make the season successful. The easiest way to get involved is to attend our parent meetings. Check out the boosters page for all of the potential opportunities to help out.


12. I have a question, but it’s not on this list?
Feel free to contact the directors or boosters at any time to ask any question. Emails are at the bottom of the page.

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