Are you a parent/guardian of a band student?  Not quite sure what to expect?  Let’s cover some of the basics.

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Marching Band Activity

Marching band provides a rewarding experience for both the parents and students.  There is lots of activity!  Student participation in the marching band counts as physical education credit.  Students attend class during the first hour of the day, but their commitment extends far beyond that including:

• Week long Summer Band Camp before school begins

• Additional sectional classes after school

• Tuesday and Thursday evening practices

• Performing at home and away football games most Fridays

• Competitions on many Saturdays

• Additional performances for community/other events

Be sure to check out the calendar for specific details.

The EFHS staff provides the formal instruction.  There are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved.  EFHS Band Boosters is our parent group.  They meet monthly in the band room.  Plan to join us and get involved.  For every band event we need parents to help.  Check out the Band Roadies below for more information.

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Uniform Accessories

The Marching Band Uniform is provided to all students with musical instruments.  It is the same each year.  Color Guard students have a different uniform each year that must be purchased.  There are several additional items that are needed.

Show Shirts (Everyone)

As part of the uniform, every student in band wears a purple shirt. These are worn on Friday’s, and as part of the uniform at games and competitions. We recommend buying 2. If you have shirts from last year and they still fit, you don’t need to buy new ones.  They are $15 each

Shoes (Everyone)

As part of the uniform, each band member wears Marching Shoes or Guard Shoes (down a size from street shoes). They are $30

• Men’s sizes: 2 ½ – 14 (full and half sizes)

• Men’s wide: 6 ½ – 14 (full and half sizes)

• Women’s sizes: 4 ½ – 15 (full and half sizes)

• Women’s wide: 8 ½ – 15 (full and half sizes)

Gloves (Winds Only)

As part of the uniform, students wear black gloves. The gloves are long wristed and sure grip. Several pair are recommended. Gloves are $3.50

Additional Items Needed (purchased elsewhere)

• Black wrist/sweatbands

• Black socks (to be worn with uniform)

• Shorts/exercise pants that will be worn under uniform

• Gallon or Half-Gallon Water Jug (not bottle)

• Dot Book: Spiral-Bound Index Cards that are used to hold our drill (shapes)

Budget

If you haven’t been involved in marching band before you may not be familiar with the costs involved.  Prepare your family budget to include the following expenses for marching band students:

• Band Participation Fee $250 or $300 for Guard – usually paid to the EFHS Music Club

• Course Fee $20- Paid during registration (covers any equipment used/uniform)

• BUHSD Activity Fee $50- Dependent on Lunch Status, paid at registration.

• Required clothing

• Student Forever Shirt – $15/each (two recommended)

• Shoes $30

• Gloves $3.50 (several pair recommended)

• Dot Book $5