F.A.Q - Frequently Asked Questions

• WILL BAND TAKE UP ALL OF MY TIME?  NO!  Band is a commitment, but it does not prevent you from having a life.

• IS HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIFFICULT?  It will be a challenge, but it is one you can handle.  Many students have passed through the band program successfully.  The entire program is designed to foster and encourage musical and personal maturity.

• CAN I PLAY SPORTS AND BE SUCCESSFUL IN BAND?  Spring sports usually have few, if any, conflicts with band.  Students who wish to participate in fall sports such as football, volleyball, cross country, girls tennis or water polo usually sign up for concert band second semester.  Currently, we have students participating in many winter and spring sports.  No matter what activities you choose to pursue at Ramona High School, you must keep an accurate schedule and iron out any conflicts that may occur just as soon as you are aware of them.  With a little communication and flexibility, most things can be worked out.

• WHAT ABOUT OTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?  We believe strongly in the well-rounded student.  Band students are some of the most involved and sought-after students on campus.  We have students that are involved in a wide variety of activities.  Again, you must keep an accurate schedule and iron out any conflicts that may occur as soon as you are aware of them.

• WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY?

First, there is Band Camp.  Band camp is held on the Ramona Campus from 7:30AM to 3:30PM Monday thru Friday for a week and a half.  Once school begins, rehearsals last until 5:30PM on Mondays and Thursdays.  On Tuesdays we have an evening rehearsal from 6:00PM to 9:00PM.  Friday is a two hour rehearsal (3-5PM).  This schedule will last until the second or third weekend in November.  After that, we will have an occasional rehearsal after school to prepare for the Holiday concert.

• IS IT HARD TO GET AN “A” IN BAND?  90% of our students receive an “A” or “B” on their semester report cards.  We ask that you earn your grade in band.  Just like any other class, you will be required to do some work outside of the class.  Students do not receive an “A” for showing up for class.  They must complete assignments, pass off music, and attend all performances.  You will receive a Band Handbook that will include a detailed grading policy.

• WHAT CLASSES DO I HAVE TO TAKE?  9^th graders must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble and Marching Band/PE for 1^st semester.  There is no marching band/P.E. second semester.

• DO I HAVE TO ATTEND ALL PERFORMANCES?   YES!  Band is a group performance class.  Performance situations can not be re-created around an individual student.  These growth experiences occur infrequently and are very important to the development of the musician and the person.  Since we depend on each other so much, it is a great loss when anyone is missing.  Each student’s contribution to the group is unique, critical, and irreplaceable.  Each student will receive a performance schedule well in advance of each school year.

• ARE THERE PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS?   Yes!  Marching band is part of the total musical experience here at Ramona.  It is a tool that we use to stress the fundamentals of musical skill, as well as discipline.  It also teaches teamwork, pride, short-and long-term goal setting, personal management skills, self-confidence, leadership and many other life skills in such demand by employers in today’s workplace.

• DOES THE SCHOOL PROVIDE THE MARCHING BAND UNIFORM?  Yes!  You must provide the shoes, socks, and under garments.

• HOW MANY SATURDAY EVENTS DOES THE MARCHING BAND PARTICIPATE IN?  We usually participate in 6 or 7 Saturday events.  Students will receive a complete schedule in May for the Fall 2007 season.

• WHAT ABOUT FOOTBALL GAMES?  The band will typically perform at about 5  home football games which are played at Ramona.  Most games are on Fridays, but some may be on Thursday or Saturday.  Our homecoming game is usually on a Saturday.  Again, Students will receive a full schedule at band camp.