Question 1

How do I as a parent join the Band Boosters?

Accepted Answer

If you have a child participating in the BHS Marching Band program, you are automatically a member of the BHS Band Boosters.  Participate in the monthly Band Boosters parent meetings, set up your BoosterHub access, and monitor your emails for more information about how to get involved.

Question 2

How much does it cost to participate in Marching Band (includes Color Guard)?

Accepted Answer

There are two components of the cost for Marching Band: the fee charged by Williamson County Schools, and the fee paid to the Band Boosters.  Both are described in separate questions below.

Question 3

What is the Williamson County Schools fee for participating in Marching Band & Color Guard?

Accepted Answer

There is a $300 Marching Band fee that is required by Williamson County in order to participate in the marching band program.  Certain kinds of expenses are eligible to be paid via this school account, and we take full advantage of this available funding to minimize the amount parents have to contribute to the Boosters.  This is paid like other classroom fees, via SchoolCashOnline.

Question 4

What is the Booster marching band fee and what does it cover (and...what is not covered)?"

Accepted Answer

The Boosters and the Band Director determine a yearly budget based on the number of students in the band and the expected expenses. Anticipated operating expenses include band camp food, uniforms, staff, office supplies, competition fees, instruments, show design and travel expenses. This total budget required to operate the band program at its current level of excellence, less the money we anticipate to spend from the school account, is then divided by the number of participating band students, to determine each band student’s Booster fee commitment.  Some expenses that are NOT covered by the fee are the cost of marching shoes and gloves. This portion of the band fee is submitted to the Brentwood High School Band Boosters, Inc. via BoosterHub, and/or via checks dropped off in the "blue box" at the BHS band room.

Question 5

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

We do not want financial problems to be an obstacle to students participating in the Marching Band. For students who truly need it, financial assistance is available. Students and families who are having difficulty meeting financial commitments should contact the Band Director who will present it to the Executive Committee.

Question 6

Will my child have time to study and get his/her homework done?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The students learn very quickly how to manage their time to make sure their homework gets done. Most students' grades are better during marching season because they have a schedule to follow and something to do. Each year the marching band is comprised of Honor students, National Merit Semi-Finalists & Finalists, and students in the top 20% of their class who go on to attend college at some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Question 7

Do I have to play an instrument or be enrolled in a class to be in Color Guard?

Accepted Answer

No! Anyone can try out for the color guard. Tryouts are more of a "try it to see if you like it" camp. Members of the Color Guard are part of the band and are expected to pay the band fee to participate.

Question 8

What is band camp?

Accepted Answer

Band camp provides the foundational bedrock for the marching band season. Brentwood Band's band camp is not an overnight camp. Rather, all members work at BHS for ~two weeks in mid-July from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided each day by the Boosters. No student will be permitted to leave campus during these mealtimes. The majority of the Fall Competition Show will be learned here, therefore it is imperative that all members attend.

Question 9

Will the students learn the entire show during band camp?

Accepted Answer

No, however these camp sessions are utilized to teach the show musically and visually. They will learn the proper way to march, basic marching rules & meet the entire band. At the first performance the band usually performs 2-3 minutes of what will ultimately be a show three times that long. The show evolves a great deal over the season.

Question 10

Is food provided during band camp?

Accepted Answer

During band camp, students will need to have had lunch prior to arriving to camp for the day.  Snacks and dinner will be provided each day. Meals always include a hot entree, side dish, fruits & vegetables, and dessert.  Students are welcome to bring their own food, but no re-heating facilities are available. Students are not permitted to leave the BHS campus during mealtimes. Gatorade and cold water are available in unlimited quantities. All families will receive a communication in July from the Food Coordinator asking for donations of Gatorade. We will work directly with families to handle special food issues such as gluten intolerance and food allergies.  Make sure any food restrictions and allergies are listed in your student's BoosterHub profile!

Question 11

Who writes the show and helps the students learn it?

Accepted Answer

The Band Director and Assistant Band Director, along with a specialized staff, write the show and teach it to the students. Many of these staff have worked with the Brentwood Band for years and have competed in marching band circuits such as DCI themselves.

Question 12

What is Winter Guard and do I have to be a band member to participate?

Accepted Answer

Winter Guard is like Color Guard without the band. They practice and compete from November through April. You do not have to be a band member to participate in Winter Guard, however, you do have to participate in the fall in Color Guard or in the Marching Band to be eligible to participate in Winter Guard. There will be a separate fee for Winter Guard to pay for uniforms, travel, and competition costs. Learn more about Winter Guard here.

Question 13

What is the Winter Drumline? Is this different from the Marching Band?

Accepted Answer

Drumline is a winter activity for percussion players. There will be a separate fee for Winter Percussion to pay for uniforms, travel, and competition costs. Learn more about Winter Percussion here.

Question 14

BOA, USB, DCI, WGI, SCGC...what are all these acronyms?"

Accepted Answer

Don't you hate it when people throw acronyms around in conversation and assume that everyone knows what they refer to? 
 
Our most commonly used acronyms refer to different competitive circuits:
BOA = Bands of America
USB = U.S. Bands
DCI = Drum Corps International
WGI = Winter Guard International
SCGC = Southeastern Color Guard Circuit

Question 15

Is there a place for me to help? How do I get involved?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It takes a village (or maybe an army) to run a marching band program! We have several areas where you can help.  Our committees include: Apparel, Chaperones, Color Guard, Communications, First Aid, Food Team, Fundraising, Flags, Hospitality, Off site meals, Pit Boss, Props, Uniforms, Winter Guard, & Winter Percussion.  Attend the monthly Band Booster parent meetings, or ask a Booster Board member about open positions that you can help with!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions