Band Banquet
Awards night at the end of the year to honor students for accomplishments during marching band season.
Two weeks (generally end of August) during which time Band members attend morning and afternoon practices to learn correct marching techniques, memorize the drill and music, while setting it all in motion. This camp provides the foundation for the work that continues with after school, evening and Saturday rehearsals.
Contest where many high school bands compete against bands of similar size. They perform precision marching show and are critiqued by a panel of judges. Judges provide audiotapes with constructive commentary to each Band Director. The bands are judged on their musicianship and marching skill, as well as the general effect created by the shows design and performance. The number of playing members of the Band determines class size.
Band Letter
A varsity letter that signifies dedication to and longevity with the band. To obtain a varsity letter, students must have two years of band membership, and meet other criteria set by Band Director
Weekend competitions start in September and last through November. Practices and shows culminate in a championship competition, usually in late October/early November. In addition to competitions and rehearsals, the Band performs at home football games on select Friday nights and at the home Thanksgiving game (every other year). Students are occasionally asked to perform at other times, including annually at the Memorial Day parade. The season ends at a picnic for band families in Henry Park after the Memorial Day Parade.
Call time
The time that band members should be at the band room for performances, etc. "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is unacceptable!" Students should be dressed, in place and ready to play at call time. If call time is at 9:00, be there by 8:45. Always allow extra time, there are no excuses.
Dot Book
2 x 4 inch spiral note pad used to record sets for marching which is usually hung by a lanyard, shoelace or yarn. The book helps each band member learn their portion of the marching drill. Each dot is a position on the _field where the band member needs to be at a certain time. Festival of Bands or New England States Championships- Rockville High School hosts a band competition.
50/50 Drawing
Tickets are sold in the stands and at a table ($1 per ticket $5 for 7 tickets and $10 for 15 tickets) at all football games and our festival of bands. Once the winning ticket is drawn the monies collected are split in half between the ticket holder and the Band.
Several opportunities throughout the season for the Booster Club to raise money to support the program. Traditional fundraisers include coffee break, can & bottle drives & program ad sales for festival.
A critical component of the performance, pit is a group of percussion instruments that are stationary during competitions. The instruments must travel to each competition by truck. Parents in the "Pit Crew" work quickly-to set up and take down the pit in record time, before and after a performance.