Marching Band Frequently Asked Questions
So what exactly IS Marching Band and Colorguard?
Marching Band is an extracurricular activity that combines the musical aspects of concert band with choreography and movement in addition to flags, twirling, and dance. The whole thing comes together in an artistic "show" that usually features a number of different songs and a theme that ties everything together. Below are a couple examples, click the title to check out the show on YouTube.
The whole band consists of usually between 80 - 100 woodwind, brass, percussion, and colorguard members in grades 8 - 12.
2022 "Any Way the Wind Blows"
Bohemian Rhapsody, Paint It Black, Creep, Crazy Train, Trooper, Freebird
2021 "The Greatest of These Is Love"
Music of The Beatles
When and where does the marching band perform?
Marching Band is a competitive activity, meaning the ensemble prepares and refines their field show to participate in various local, state, and national level competitions. Usually the band performs between 5 and 7 shows during the fall, typically taking place on Saturday afternoons or evenings. The band also performs the field show at home football games, in addition to being the soundtrack in the stands during the game itself.
In addition, the ensembles participates in local parades, events, and ceremonies in the Mullica Hill, Mantua, and Harrison Township communities. These have included Patriot Day Ceremonies at Chestnut Branch Park and in Harrison Township, Memorial Day Parades in Wenonah and Manuta, Lights on Main Street in Mullica Hill, and at the annual Craft Fair at the Middle School, sponsored by the Marching Band.
Do I need prior experience in band or colorguard?
Students participating on a wind or percussion instrument need to have some prior musical experience before joining the marching band (see below for more information). Colorguard students do not need any prior experience in any area in particular, although it is helpful to have dance experience.
Do I have to be in band class in order to be in marching band? Also, can I be in just band class and not marching band?
In order to participate in marching band on a wind or percussion instrument, students must be enrolled in a middle school or high school band class. If there is a scheduling issue that is unavoidable, please contact on of the teachers.
Colorguard students and select front ensemble students (guitar, bass, piano) do not need to be enrolled in any band or music class in order to participate, although they are highly encouraged to get involved in the music department in some capacity.
What instruments and equipment are involved in marching band and colorguard?
The marching band uses the following band wind instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Horn (aka Mellophone), Trombone, Baritone, Tuba (aka Sousaphone).
In addition, percussionists can participate in either the battery percussion (snare, tenor, bass) or front ensemble (marimba, vibes, timpani, auxiliary percussion). We also usually have piano, guitar, and bass, in addition to occasionally a drum set as part of the front ensemble.
Students who do not play one of the instruments listed above can still participate in the marching band, either by participating in colorguard or by learning a secondary instrument to play in the marching. If you are a student that falls into this category, please contact Mr. Wiernusz, Mr. DeLoach, or Mr. Maioriello.
Is there a full schedule for next year?
A full (tentative) calendar is available online at viewband.org/calendar. School year rehearsals will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-5:15pm, with performances taking place at home football games and select Saturday Marching Band Competitions. The marching band season ends with the New Jersey State Marching Band Championships at The College of New Jersey on October 29th.
What travel is involved with Marching Band?
The marching band participates in select events throughout the fall that require travel on a bus. The ensemble performs at various high school marching band competitions on Saturdays, in addition to performing at local community events, ceremonies, and parades.
In all cases, transportation is provided to and from all locations, and is required for all students.
Can I participate in Sports / Clubs and still do marching band?
For high school or middle school sponsored sports usually the answer is no, unfortunately. Because of practice and game schedule for the fall sports usually students need to choose. However, we always try to make it work, as long as the student is willing to keep track of their schedule.
Clubs are a different story. We work with the club advisors to make sure that students have the opportunity to attend a portion of after school club meetings before attending rehearsal. The exact policy is dependent on the year and the club, but does allow for students to participate in both clubs and marching band throughout the fall.
What if I am taking a vacation during the summer?
While summer rehearsals are highly encouraged for all students that are in town, they are not mandatory before Band Camp in mid-August. Students taking a vacation during the summer months are just asked to make sure to communicate any absences ahead of the scheduled time.
Any other scheduling conflicts should be communicated as soon as possible with Mr. Wiernusz, especially if they pertain to events and rehearsals that take place during the school year.
What do I need to do in order to join the Marching Band?
We will have a few after-school meetings and get togethers for students interested in marching band and colorguard throughout the spring. The first meeting is Wednesday March 29th starting at 2:45pm at the high school. Middle School students will meet in the Middle School Band Room and will be walked over by one of the teachers.
In the meantime, students that have not participated before but are interested in joining should fill out the following form: Marching Band Interest Form to receive more information.
What do I do if I have more questions about the Marching Band Program?
We understand that there are typically lots of questions that surround marching band and colorguard. Feel free to contact any one of the Band Directors at the Middle School or High School with questions about the program. You can find our contact information at the following link. Students can also feel free to stop down to either the Middle School Band Room (Room 310) or the High School Band Rooms (Room 701 & 803) to ask questions in person.