FAQs about the band program....
Each year students and parents have questions about our program and all that it entails. Here are some of the more common inquiries that have come our way.
Parents and/or students should still feel free to contact the band department with any concerns.
(Q) Are students required to take part in the marching band activity if they are signed up for band class at WVHS?
(A) No, all ensembles in our program are voluntary. Symphonic Band is the only ensemble that is curricular, all the other groups are extra-curricular.
(Q) Are students who want to be involved in the marching band required to be signed up for band class at WVHS?
(A) No, students can be a part of any ensemble individually.
(Q) How does Color Guard work?
(A) The guard is essentially open to anyone. Some students are band members during the rest of the school year but choose to be in guard during the winter. Other students are not involved in the band class but choose to participate in guard.
(Q) Can a marching band member successfully participate in a fall sport as well?
(A) Yes. Students in our program have also been able to participate in other extra-curricular activities during marching season. Obviously these students are rather busy members of our school community and should consider this prior to making such a commitment.
(Q) Is band camp mandatory for all marching band members?
(A) Yes, this is when the majority of the show is learned and completed. Inability to attend Band Camp will affect a student's participation with the Marching Band. Any parents/students with question or concerns are urged to contact Mr. Batiz immediately! Band Camp will always be the third week of August.
(Q) Are there opportunities over the summer for incoming students to brush up their skills prior to high school?
(A) Yes! One option is the Mt. Tabor Summer Band program, a summer session where students improve their musicianship and technical ability. Some students have even used this program to pick up a new instrument prior to the fall. Another option is the list of private lesson teachers that can be obtained by contacting the band directors.
(Q) Are any instruments provided by the music department?
(A) Yes. Many instruments, particularly marching instruments, can be obtained via the band office. Smaller, or more common instruments, such as flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, and trombones are generally not provided by the school though there are some which have been made available in certain cases. Marching percussion, baritones, mellophones, large saxophones, and contras are provided by the band department. These instruments are usually obtained in July for student use over the summer.
(Q) Does WVHS have a jazz program?
(A) Yes. After the marching season comes to a close, auditions are held for Wayne Valley's Jazz I and II. Look for information in late November.
(Q) Who is eligible for a WVHS Music Boosters Scholarship and what is the criteria?
(A) Each year the Wayne Valley Band Boosters award a scholarship to select college-bound seniors who have contributed time and talent to the instrumental music program at Wayne Valley. Scholarships are awarded based on a application process. The scholarship application is available in the Spring and can be obtained Mr. Batiz or the acting Booster Presidents.
Parents and/or students should still feel free to contact the band department with any concerns.
(Q) Are students required to take part in the marching band activity if they are signed up for band class at WVHS?
(A) No, all ensembles in our program are voluntary. Symphonic Band is the only ensemble that is curricular, all the other groups are extra-curricular.
(Q) Are students who want to be involved in the marching band required to be signed up for band class at WVHS?
(A) No, students can be a part of any ensemble individually.
(Q) How does Color Guard work?
(A) The guard is essentially open to anyone. Some students are band members during the rest of the school year but choose to be in guard during the winter. Other students are not involved in the band class but choose to participate in guard.
(Q) Can a marching band member successfully participate in a fall sport as well?
(A) Yes. Students in our program have also been able to participate in other extra-curricular activities during marching season. Obviously these students are rather busy members of our school community and should consider this prior to making such a commitment.
(Q) Is band camp mandatory for all marching band members?
(A) Yes, this is when the majority of the show is learned and completed. Inability to attend Band Camp will affect a student's participation with the Marching Band. Any parents/students with question or concerns are urged to contact Mr. Batiz immediately! Band Camp will always be the third week of August.
(Q) Are there opportunities over the summer for incoming students to brush up their skills prior to high school?
(A) Yes! One option is the Mt. Tabor Summer Band program, a summer session where students improve their musicianship and technical ability. Some students have even used this program to pick up a new instrument prior to the fall. Another option is the list of private lesson teachers that can be obtained by contacting the band directors.
(Q) Are any instruments provided by the music department?
(A) Yes. Many instruments, particularly marching instruments, can be obtained via the band office. Smaller, or more common instruments, such as flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, and trombones are generally not provided by the school though there are some which have been made available in certain cases. Marching percussion, baritones, mellophones, large saxophones, and contras are provided by the band department. These instruments are usually obtained in July for student use over the summer.
(Q) Does WVHS have a jazz program?
(A) Yes. After the marching season comes to a close, auditions are held for Wayne Valley's Jazz I and II. Look for information in late November.
(Q) Who is eligible for a WVHS Music Boosters Scholarship and what is the criteria?
(A) Each year the Wayne Valley Band Boosters award a scholarship to select college-bound seniors who have contributed time and talent to the instrumental music program at Wayne Valley. Scholarships are awarded based on a application process. The scholarship application is available in the Spring and can be obtained Mr. Batiz or the acting Booster Presidents.
