Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFO
What are the Green Hope High School Band Programs?
The GHHS Band Programs comprise various groups, including Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Indoor Percussion, Color Guard, and Winter Guard. These groups perform and compete at local and state levels. Beyond the classroom environment, the GHHS Band Program offers a comprehensive and diverse educational experience through music, performance, and life.
What is www.greenhopeband.org?
This is our official Green Hope Band website where you can find everything you will need to know about the various Band Programs at Green Hope High School. This site contains important contact information for the Band Director, Band Boosters, online registration for the Band, and information regarding Band Camp, practices, competitions, concerts, football performances, etc. It is continually being updated so please check it often for valuable information.
CURRICULAR PROGRAMS
What are the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Bands?
These are the year-long academic classes. Students sign up for a band class in the spring along with their other courses. Students are placed in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic or Concert based upon their auditions and/or talent. These bands perform at concerts and participate in select community events. It is expected that all students in band classes will help raise funds through the few fundraisers the Band Boosters provide to help cover costs of the music program. Students are not required to participate in marching band to enroll in these classes, although all students are welcome and encouraged to join the Marching Band.
What is "concert attire"?
Band students have several choices for concert attire.
- Tuxedo Jacket, white tuxedo shirt, black cummerbund and bow tie. Black socks and black dress shoes are required.
- Dress - Sweetheart Short Sleeve Swing dress.
- Black Blouse/Black Pants - any combination of Sweetheart Neck Blouse or High Neck Blouse with Palazzo Pants or Straight Leg Pants.
Where can I buy/rent approved concert attire?
The concert attire is available for rent or purchase online on the GH Website at the start of each semester. The concert dress package of a tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, and bow tie is available to purchase from the school new. In addition students can rent a tuxedo jacket for the school year. Uniform parents will be at the school to assist students with sizing prior to the first concert of the season.
Do I need to buy an instrument?
Students may purchase an instrument or rent one from a local music store. Additionally, Green Hope High School owns several instruments that may be rented for the academic year.
FINANCIAL
What are Capital Fundraisers?
Capital Fundraisers are designed to obtain funds to support the Green Hope High School Band Programs. These funds are used for general operations of the GHHS band program. Wake County Public Schools appropriates very little towards the band programs, therefore funds must be raised to provide the most complete program possible for our students.
What are capital funds used for?
Capital funds are used to pay for items such as:
- Purchase of instruments
- Repair & maintenance of GHHS-owned instruments
- Classroom sheet music
- Classroom supplies and equipment
- Consulting fees for non-staff classroom instructors
- Practice field upkeep & maintenance
Do I have to participate in fundraisers?
It is strongly encouraged that all band students participate in all fundraisers. In addition to raising funds to support one of the finest band programs in the state, students generally enjoy the camaraderie at these events.
What is Fair Share?
Each student in the Marching Band is required to pay his/her Fair Share to participate in Marching Band. Fair Share is determined by dividing evenly the total cost for the upcoming marching season amongst the number of students that are approximated to be in the Marching Band the upcoming year.
What are Fair Share funds used for?
The Fair Share fee covers costs such as:
- Staff Instruction: The individuals are not employees of WCPSS or GHHS. They provide insight and assistance with the Marching Band, including music, drill, design, guard, and drumline. This is a necessary major cost.
- Band Camp: This extensive two-week time frame in which students learn the music and the show. It is during this time, students are forming everlasting relationships and traditions.
- Show Design, including music and drill: Our marching band shows are designed by outside sources who write the drill and arrange music for our specific needs. Music copyright fees for our show music are also a large expense.
- Color Guard: Show costumes and flags created specifically to fit the show theme.
- Props: designed and constructed for the show.
- Marching Band Uniforms: including cleaning and storage.
- Competition Entrance Fees
- Transportation: Charter bus rental for local, regional, and national competitions and truck rental to transport our instruments and equipment
- First Aid: supplies and equipment
How do I pay my Fair Share?
Families may pay out-of-pocket in full at the beginning of the season or may opt to utilize the payment plan. Additionally, the family may participate in Student Account fundraisers designed to Reduce Fair Share. When you participate in a Student Account fundraiser, 90% of the profit goes toward your student’s account.
Is there a way to make an additional financial contribution?
Yes! Additional contributions are tax-deductible and are accepted at any point during the year. All additional contributions are added to the Capital expenditures account. For more information on contributing and to make a donation, visit the Contribute page on this website.
MARCHING BAND
What is Marching Band?
Marching Band is an extra-curricular activity. The Marching Band performs their show during half-time at all home football games. Additionally, they perform at numerous local, regional, and national band competitions, local parades, and select community events.
To become a member of the Green Hope Falcon Regiment, students must register and audition. The marching season starts with band camp in July and ends in early November. This group practices after school approximately three days per week. For more information, visit the Marching Band page on this website.
Is there a fee to participate in Marching Band?
As with any extra-curricular program, there is a cost associated with participating in this activity. These costs can be defrayed in a variety of ways, detailed on the Reduce Fair Share page on this website.
What are the different sections that comprise the Marching Band?
The Marching Band is comprised of many sections, each grouped by instrument types. Detailed information of these sections can be found on the Marching Band page of this website.
What is a Dot Book?
A Dot Book is a 3″ x 5″ wire bound notebook that is tied around your neck or waist with cording to use during Band Camp, practices, and rehearsals to record/keep coordinates and note changes. This makes for easy access while learning the drill.
When does marching band practice?
Marching band holds weekly practices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Green Hope High School. Practice is usually held directly after school, ending at 6:00 pm.
There are also various Sectional Practices held throughout the season. These practices will be announced by the Section Leader. Additional marching clinics or rehearsals may be needed and will be called at the Band Director or Section Leaders discretion.
Do I have to attend all marching band practices?
Yes, attendance at practices is mandatory. Occasional exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Band Director.
What do I wear to practice?
Students should come to practice properly dressed for the weather. Athletic attire and athletic closed-toed shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and hats are also recommended. Students must adhere to school dress code at all times.
Do you have any tips for band parents?
Yes! Parents of band members are encouraged to be active in the organization. This website contains a wealth of information on how to remain engaged in your child’s activity in the marching band. Tips on supporting your band student can be found on our Parents page.
BAND CAMP
What is band camp?
Band Camp lasts approximately two weeks and is held over the summer break. Students work very hard learning music and drills. It is also the opportunity to bond as a team.
During these 12-hour days, new students learn the fundamentals of marching and begin playing the music in groups by instrument. Returning students use this time as a refresher and as a time to meet new students.
During the morning, students work on marching skills. After lunch, they meet inside in small groups, called “sectionals”, according to their instrument. After dinner, students typically return outdoors for further marching.
Chaperones are available at all times during practices and are assigned eight students to be responsible for during down times.
Band Camp ends with the distribution of the show shirts and an “Informance” where family and friends are invited to come and see the progress that has been made on the show.
Do I have to attend band camp?
Yes. It is absolutely essential that all marching band students attend the full sessions of band camp to learn the music, choreography, and team building. If, for any reason, for any length of time a student needs to be excused from any portion of band camp, he/she must first get permission from Mr. Flowers, Band Director.
What should I bring to band camp?
- Medications required/recommend by your Physician, such as Inhaler, anaphylactic meds, migraine meds, allergy meds, etc.
- Hat
- Light-colored, athletic clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen…applied before you start to burn!
- 32-ounce insulted water jug with a strap for carrying. This will stay with you on the field while you practice
- Athletic shoes and a few pairs of socks. NO sandals, flip-flops, or backless shoes. It’s extremely important to have proper footwear and socks for comfort, protection, and the prevention of blisters. EXTRA SOCKS WILL BE YOUR FRIEND AT CAMP.
- Bring lunch each and every day in a personal cooler or insulated lunch bag. Refrigeration is not provided.
- Instrument and instrument supplies
- Three-ring binder, pen, pencil, paper, music
- Dot Book
What about health and safety?
A first aid bag is available at all rehearsals, camps, competitions, etc. Parents, usually those who have a medical background, volunteer to assist with basic first aid, should the need arise. If more extensive issues arise, medics will be called and parents will be notified.
During the registration process, Medical Forms must be completed. Volunteers and school staff are not permitted to administer any type of basic first aid or medications without the parent/guardian permission.
Students must bring all required/recommended medications to all events.
Is there a fee to attend band camp?
Band Camp cost is covered through your Fair Share payments.
BAND UNIFORMS
What is included in the Marching Band uniform?
The GHHS Marching Band Uniform consists of a coat over black bib overall pants, a pair of gauntlets, a black hat w/feathered plume, black Dinkles marching shoes, and black gloves. Underneath, the band member wears their “Show” shirt with fitted black athletic shorts and mid-calf solid black socks.
How do I get my band uniform?
All members of the Falcon Regiment will meet with the Uniform Committee to get measured for uniforms during Home Band Camp. Each student will be issued a uniform that is worn for football games, competitions, and local community events. It is up to the student to purchase the socks, shoes, gloves, and duffle bags. The shoes, gloves, and duffle bags are specific to the uniform and must be purchased through the band.
Are the uniforms bought for each student?
The uniforms are the property of the Green Hope Marching Band and are “loaned” to individual students for the season.
Is there an additional cost for the uniform?
Uniform costs are included in a student’s Fair Share. Gloves, shoes, and duffle bags are required but are purchased separately during the registration process.
How do I clean my uniform?
The Band Boosters’ Uniform Committee handles the cleaning of all uniforms during and/or post Marching Band season.
MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES
What are Football Fridays?
GHHS holds varsity football games on Friday nights. The Marching Band performs at all home games in pre-game and halftime activities. The students are expected to remain with the band at all times unless using the rest room. A one-hour rehearsal begins at 4:00pm then the students break for dinner, provided at the school. Students then get dressed, rehearse, and participate in pre-game activities. All students are expected to perform. Any exceptions must be approved by the director prior to the game.
What do I wear to school the day of/before a competition or performance?
On Fridays before competitions, it is tradition that Marching Band members dress up. Boys wear either a shirt and tie or their dark green Green Hope polo shirt with dress pants/khakis. Some boys wear suits. Girls wear dresses, or a blouse with dress pants or a skirt.
What is a Marching Band competition?
Many high schools have competitive marching bands and take their shows to competitions. Marching Competitions are most commonly hosted by high schools, the Bands of America Association, and the United States Scholastic Band Association where the bands are classed by size of band or size of school.
Each Spring, the band director selects a “show” that will compliment and challenge the band students. This show is learned throughout the summer and into the beginning of the school year. The Marching Band performs this “Show” at competitions where we are judged on a number of skills. Many bands come together to display their talent, dedication to a team, and pride in oneself. Each band earns points for the different skills required of a marching band., with the highest scoring bands receiving awards.
It is hoped that the students do not compete against others, but strive to better themselves with each performance. Of course it is the promise of a grand championship award that helps bring out the best effort, but it is most important to know you did your very best and always give it 100%.
Is it required that I attend all competitions?
Yes. If you choose to participate in the Marching Band, you must do so with the intent to participate in ALL competitions. Of course, there are urgent things that come up, and any absence must be approved prior to band camp or as early as possible by the director.
Is there an additional fee to attend competitions?
The student’s fee to attend a competition is covered by his/her Fair Share. For regional/national competitions, it is encouraged, but not required, that students bring spending money for souvenirs or t-shirts. Parents/visitors who wish to attend competitions are charged a fee at the door. This fee is paid to the organizer of the event. Concessions are usually available and are an additional fee. Occasionally, parents/visitors must pay to park at these events.
What are my responsibilities as a student during competitions?
You are a representative of the Green Hope Falcon Regiment. You must always be aware of the schedule or itinerary set for the day and comply, have the necessary supplies, respect the staff and chaperones, and be on your best behavior. When in uniform you will be sharp and attentive to your surroundings, showing pride to be part of this fine group. Most important of all, you will give 100% because you are a member of a team who is counting on you to strive to do your very best.
ENSEMBLES
What is Winter Guard?
Winter Guard is an extra-curricular activity that also competes. It is organized similarly to that of Color Guard, but the members perform indoors to recorded music selected specifically for guard competition. There is an audition process for the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. The guard instructor selects a show depending on the talents and number of members in the group(s). For more information on this program, visit the Winter Guard page on this website.
What is the Jazz Band?
The Jazz Band is an extra-curricular group(s) of select brass, woodwind, and percussive musicians. This band practices once or twice weekly, before or after school depending on the availability of the instructor/conductor. This band assembles after the marching season ends. There is a fee associated with this activity to cover the costs of the instructor and sheet music. Information is distributed in late October or early November. This band performs at school concerts with the Symphonic, Concert, and Percussion Ensemble bands. View more information on this program at the Jazz Band page on this website.
What is Indoor Percussion?
The Indoor Percussion Ensemble is an extension of the percussion section in the marching band. Membership is open to any band student. Instruments in the Front Ensemble include Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Glock, Synthesizer, and Rack. The Drum Line consists of the Snare Line, Bass Line, Cymbal Line, and the Quad Line. Auditions are in November and the season runs from November through April. You can learn more about this ensemble by visiting the Indoor Percussion page on this website.
BAND BOOSTERS
What is the Band Boosters orginization?
This parent-run organization is committed to creating an environment in which our students can achieve greatness in their academic endeavors through a highly disciplined music based curriculum. Given the minimal financial support that the GHHS Band Programs receive from the Wake County Public School System to the arts, the Band Boosters assists, sponsors, and supports – financially and otherwise – the overall Band Program.
How can I help the Band Boosters?
GHHS has a sizable band program and needs parents like you to share your time, skills and talent with an amazing group of young people and parents who freely give and support the Band Program. The band boosters offers many opportunities to help out. If you have talent(s) for something and want to volunteer, please reach out to the appropriate Chair contact listed on the Volunteer Opportunities page.
What does a Band Booster parent wear?
We encourage all band parents, and especially chaperones, to wear GHHS Band SpiritWear to all Band events. To purchase your SpiritWear, visit the SpiritWear page on this website.
VOLUNTEERING
What is expected of the parents?
It is strongly encouraged of each parent to donate some time serving on a committee or make donations to the program.
What if I don't have time to volunteer?
We have a very large organization and often need assistance other than time. Often the Hospitality Committee will solicit donations of snacks or drinks for events and competitions. Your donation of these items helps defray the cost of the Fair Share fees.
What is the role of a Chaperone?
This fabulous group of Band Boosters is a vital part of the band organization. Essentially, the chaperones ensure the safety of students at all times. They escort students to the restroom, ride buses with them, and when the students participate in an overnight event, the Chaperones are keep a watchful eye at all times, including taking turns into the late evenings to ensure students remain in their hotel rooms.
This responsibility comes a most rewarding experience: chaperones get to know the students, their parents, the staff, and gain an appreciation of the importance of the GHHS Marching Band in the hearts and minds of our students.
We generally require at least ten chaperones for each event. Optimally, every parent would chaperone at least one event at some point during their child’s band experience. For more information, please contact the GHHS Band Chaperone Chair at chaperones@greenhopeband.org.
Who are the Roadies?
The “Roadies” are a group of dedicated Band Boosters who work very hard in the background. At off-campus festivals, events, and competitions, the Roadies load the equipment trailer and haul props, gear, equipment, and food. Prior to and following events, the Roadies handle logistics such as renting equipment vehicles, transporting props to/from events, shopping for supplies, building props, designing the sound system, etc.
They must be available to the band before, during, and after all event festivities take place. If you are interested in joining this hard-working, fun-loving group, contact the GHHS Band Props Chair at props@greenhopeband.org.
How does the Hospitality Committee serve the band?
The Hospitality Committee coordinates the collection and distribution of food for students, staff, and chaperones at most of our events.
Committee members arrange for food/beverage donations, set-up and clean up for Football Friday game dinners, and plan and decorate for on-campus events such as concerts and banquets.
If you are interested in serving with the Hospitality committee, contact GHHS Band Hospitality Chair at hospitality@greenhopeband.org.
NEW MEMBERS
Can a student take four years of band and still take a rigorous course load?
Yes! Students have many opportunities available to them, even if they enroll in band for all four years (eight semesters) of their high school career.
“College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness.”
– Carl Hartman, Arts May Improve Students’ Grades, The Associated Press, October 1999
Can a student be in band and participate in sports?
Concert Band and Symphonic Band meet during the school day and do not conflict with any sports event, aside from the four annual concert nights and an occasional after-school rehearsal. Students receive these dates at the beginning of the year, giving them ample time to plan. Fall sports such as football, soccer, and women’s tennis conflict with marching band, but a student can still participate in one of the curricular band programs.
Do all band students have to participate in marching band?
All students are encouraged, but not required, to join the marching band. The marching band is a vital part of the high school band program. It is the most visible component of the band, both at the community level and across the state. Students get the opportunity to travel while representing their school and community in competitions. In addition, participation in the marching band enhances musical growth and success in concert band.
What is the difference between Concert and Symphonic Band?
Most upcoming freshmen will be in Concert Band. The two bands meet during different periods and play different music. The only difference in the two ensembles will be difficulty in the music. Symphonic Band is comprised of select band members (mostly upperclassmen) who have demonstrated advanced abilities and interests in band and are ready to perform more difficult musical literature. Instrumentation is also a factor in determining the placement of students in the two ensembles. Most students will be selected for the Symphonic Band at some point in their high school career. This information is explained in detail on the Symphonic & Concert Band page of this site.
What if I can't memorize music? Should I not join marching band?
ALL students have this fear. You will find that after playing the music enough, memorization comes naturally. How many times do you hear a song on the radio before you can sing it almost word-for-word from memory?
If a student participates in marching band, wil he/she still have enough time to complete schoolwork?
Studies have shown that a marching band student’s grades are actually higher on average during the marching band season. Students learn to manage their time between rehearsals and schoolwork. Students will have plenty of time, even on rehearsal days, to go home and complete homework adequately.
What if I am not able to march and play at the same time?
Before the full band comes together in July, there are rehearsals for first-year members to teach the basics of marching. This way, students will have a head start when everyone gets together for full band rehearsal. You may even be able to teach the upperclassmen a thing or two!
What if I do not want to continue participating in band in high school?
Before you consider quitting the band, please let us know! We have already started planning for the bands next year, and we need to be aware of any change in membership. All of you have worked so hard and grown so much since your 6th grade year that it would be a shame not to see such great talent grow into full fruition.
Who can I contact for more information as I (or my child) transition to high school band?
We have a parent volunteer who serves in the capacity of New Member Liaison. For band classes or school-related concerns, contact Mr. Creighton Flowers, Band Director
