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Marching Band & Color Guard
Marching Band & Color Guard
As a member of the marching band you will learn the fundamentals of marching and playing a musical instrument. Each performer will learn various styles of music as well as a routine that will be performed at competitions and football games. Through marching band, members gain an understanding of teamwork, discipline, respect, and commitment.
As a member of the color guard you will learn the fundamentals of dance and flag spinning. These skills will be used to bring the fall show music to life visually.
Members of the marching band and color guard learn the role and importance of music in our communities through performances in the New York Pulaski Day Parade, Garfield Pulaski Day Parade, Garfield City Tree Lighting and many other events throughout the year.
**Band Camp starts the FIRST TWO FULL WEEKS IN AUGUST! 8:00AM-5:00PM
**Rehearses after school on Thursdays from 6:00PM - 8:00PM for the first marking period.
As a member of the color guard you will learn the fundamentals of dance and flag spinning. These skills will be used to bring the fall show music to life visually.
Members of the marching band and color guard learn the role and importance of music in our communities through performances in the New York Pulaski Day Parade, Garfield Pulaski Day Parade, Garfield City Tree Lighting and many other events throughout the year.
**Band Camp starts the FIRST TWO FULL WEEKS IN AUGUST! 8:00AM-5:00PM
**Rehearses after school on Thursdays from 6:00PM - 8:00PM for the first marking period.
Concert Band
Concert band is the heart of the GHS Band Program and begins at the conclusion of marching band in November. Members of this ensemble will learn multiple musical selections that will be performed at concerts in December and May. The ensemble learns the role and importance of music in our community through performances in The Garfield Library Tree Lighting, Bergen County Teen Arts Festival, GHS Graduation Ceremony, and other various festivals throughout the year.
**Rehearses during and after school on Thursdays from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.
**Scored a rating of SUPERIOR at festival 3 times in the past 3 years.
This course is designed to serve all levels of musical ability. Fundamentals of playing to advanced playing techniques and preparing students for college are all addressed depending on a student's experience level. Participation in the GHS Music Program fosters qualities that prepare a student to become a 21st century citizen and creates a lifetime of musical skills, memories, and friendships.
“The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of the nation, is close to the center of a nation's purpose - and is a test to the quality of a nation's civilization.”
– President John F. Kennedy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I am not sure if I want to do band?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Band is the same way. You should sign up for band even if you are unsure. If at some point you decide that band is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when you decide you miss it.
How is band different in high school?
While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net that high school band provides is very different from junior high. From day one, your child will be musically and personally mentored by successful upperclassmen who have a vested interest in their success. They will have dozens of new and like-minded friends before school even begins and have experiences (Friday night football games and trips) that are unlike anything they have experienced in junior high.
Do I have to join Marching Band?
NO. We would rather see you participate in just the Concert Band if that is all that you want to do. However, we advocate that students try Marching Band before making this decision. Most of the time, students are just reluctant to try something "new" because it seems scary and, after trying it, find that they liked it anyway. During Marching Band, students form very close bonds that will last throughout their entire high school career, this is where our "Band Family" starts every year. Students not participating in the Marching Band Program are not getting the "total" band experience.
Can I do band and sports?
YES. There might be occasional conflicts, but know that our faculty works hard to resolve as many conflicts as possible before they occur and to work collaboratively to solve them when they arise.
How much out of school time is required?
The many ensembles have different requirements for participation. Some ensembles require very little (less than standard homework) while other ensembles require more substantial commitment. Generally, the greater the level of commitment, the greater the reward and memories. Regardless of the ensemble, a year-long calendar will be provided well in advance to help you plan for these events.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with band depend on which ensembles your child participates in and what events they participate in. The band boosters and staff work together to provide fundraising opportunities for each and every child and ensure that no one is excluded due to financial issues.
What band should I register for?
All incoming students should register for Concert Band (Instrumental Music). We will come down to the school to hear your child play. If a schedule change is required based on their musical skill sets, we will make the change for you.
How do I procure an instrument?
We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either rent or purchase their own instrument. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating. More information regarding instrument availability will be mailed as the new school year approaches.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program, it is difficult to contact us by phone. The best way for you to reach us is electronically at [email protected] . This will allow us to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not.
Concert band is the heart of the GHS Band Program and begins at the conclusion of marching band in November. Members of this ensemble will learn multiple musical selections that will be performed at concerts in December and May. The ensemble learns the role and importance of music in our community through performances in The Garfield Library Tree Lighting, Bergen County Teen Arts Festival, GHS Graduation Ceremony, and other various festivals throughout the year.
**Rehearses during and after school on Thursdays from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.
**Scored a rating of SUPERIOR at festival 3 times in the past 3 years.
This course is designed to serve all levels of musical ability. Fundamentals of playing to advanced playing techniques and preparing students for college are all addressed depending on a student's experience level. Participation in the GHS Music Program fosters qualities that prepare a student to become a 21st century citizen and creates a lifetime of musical skills, memories, and friendships.
“The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of the nation, is close to the center of a nation's purpose - and is a test to the quality of a nation's civilization.”
– President John F. Kennedy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I am not sure if I want to do band?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Band is the same way. You should sign up for band even if you are unsure. If at some point you decide that band is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when you decide you miss it.
How is band different in high school?
While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net that high school band provides is very different from junior high. From day one, your child will be musically and personally mentored by successful upperclassmen who have a vested interest in their success. They will have dozens of new and like-minded friends before school even begins and have experiences (Friday night football games and trips) that are unlike anything they have experienced in junior high.
Do I have to join Marching Band?
NO. We would rather see you participate in just the Concert Band if that is all that you want to do. However, we advocate that students try Marching Band before making this decision. Most of the time, students are just reluctant to try something "new" because it seems scary and, after trying it, find that they liked it anyway. During Marching Band, students form very close bonds that will last throughout their entire high school career, this is where our "Band Family" starts every year. Students not participating in the Marching Band Program are not getting the "total" band experience.
Can I do band and sports?
YES. There might be occasional conflicts, but know that our faculty works hard to resolve as many conflicts as possible before they occur and to work collaboratively to solve them when they arise.
How much out of school time is required?
The many ensembles have different requirements for participation. Some ensembles require very little (less than standard homework) while other ensembles require more substantial commitment. Generally, the greater the level of commitment, the greater the reward and memories. Regardless of the ensemble, a year-long calendar will be provided well in advance to help you plan for these events.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with band depend on which ensembles your child participates in and what events they participate in. The band boosters and staff work together to provide fundraising opportunities for each and every child and ensure that no one is excluded due to financial issues.
What band should I register for?
All incoming students should register for Concert Band (Instrumental Music). We will come down to the school to hear your child play. If a schedule change is required based on their musical skill sets, we will make the change for you.
How do I procure an instrument?
We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either rent or purchase their own instrument. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating. More information regarding instrument availability will be mailed as the new school year approaches.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program, it is difficult to contact us by phone. The best way for you to reach us is electronically at [email protected] . This will allow us to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILD JOIN THE GHS BAND?
As your child prepares for the exciting transition from middle school to high school, I wanted to reach out to you and share a few thoughts about our program and its benefits for your son or daughter.
With this new chapter comes new opportunities and some difficult decisions. You want your child to be engaged, challenged, and prepared for high school and beyond. Just as important, you want to know that your child is in a supportive and safe atmosphere that will allow them to not only survive but to thrive. I know that in the Garfield High School band program, we can provide all of that and more!
Music is more than an artistic endeavor. It is a science, a foreign language, and a sport all rolled into one. Being a part of the band program means your child has a home base at school for the next four years. A place where they will be engaged at the highest levels and surrounded by the best students; a place where they will be supported and challenged physically, mentally, and musically; a place that teaches character, commitment, and cooperation; a place that will allow them to grow and blossom as a student, a musician, and a leader.
Setting aside all of the academic and brain-based research, band also immerses your child into a culture of high achieving students who are committed to high standards of behavior and character development. On an almost daily basis we talk about teamwork, commitment, dedication, and issues related to personal development and character education. These are the values and skills that will help your child to be successful in everything they do.
THINGS TO READ FOR PARENTS:
WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILD JOIN THE GHS BAND?
As your child prepares for the exciting transition from middle school to high school, I wanted to reach out to you and share a few thoughts about our program and its benefits for your son or daughter.
With this new chapter comes new opportunities and some difficult decisions. You want your child to be engaged, challenged, and prepared for high school and beyond. Just as important, you want to know that your child is in a supportive and safe atmosphere that will allow them to not only survive but to thrive. I know that in the Garfield High School band program, we can provide all of that and more!
Music is more than an artistic endeavor. It is a science, a foreign language, and a sport all rolled into one. Being a part of the band program means your child has a home base at school for the next four years. A place where they will be engaged at the highest levels and surrounded by the best students; a place where they will be supported and challenged physically, mentally, and musically; a place that teaches character, commitment, and cooperation; a place that will allow them to grow and blossom as a student, a musician, and a leader.
Setting aside all of the academic and brain-based research, band also immerses your child into a culture of high achieving students who are committed to high standards of behavior and character development. On an almost daily basis we talk about teamwork, commitment, dedication, and issues related to personal development and character education. These are the values and skills that will help your child to be successful in everything they do.
THINGS TO READ FOR PARENTS:
- Statistics
- Great article from ALPHA MOM Blog
- Quotes about music
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
Think Band is for GEEKS? CLICK HERE to see a short list of famous people that were members of their school's Band Program!
Click HERE to sign up TODAY!
Think Band is for GEEKS? CLICK HERE to see a short list of famous people that were members of their school's Band Program!
Click HERE to sign up TODAY!