Marching Cadet Sign Up
If you are interested in being a Marching Cadet for the 2011-2012 season, please
email the following information to webmaster@fortfryeband.org.

Mr. Ullman or any members of the Band Boosters will be glad to help answer any
questions and/or concerns you and your parents may have.

FAQs

Marching band is an exciting opportunity to make new friends, travel to interesting
places, and challenge yourself – and most importantly, it’s fun!   

Will I be able to borrow an instrument?  

Some band students own their own instruments; some use a loaner borrowed from a friend
or relative and others play school-owned instruments.  The school has instruments that are
available for you to use depending on what you are interested in.  When you sign up, please
indicate what instrument(s) you would be interested in playing and whether you would like to use
a school instrument.  The director will make the best match possible for you and every effort will
be made to help you receive the instrument of your choice.


I haven't played an instrument since grade school,  or I haven't played an instrument at all.
Could I join?

The old saying goes - "Where there's a will, there's a way!"  If you've played an instrument at some point,
you'll be amazed how quickly things come back when you begin playing again.  Maybe you started in band
in grade school but decided to quit at that time.  You can always start where you left off.

If you've never played an instrument, there's no reason you can't learn to play one.  To be honest, it will take
practice and may require extra effort, but if you have a genuine interest in learning, you'll quickly catch on.
If you would have any interest in learning an instrument, please let Mr. Ullman or Mr. Stillings know. 
They can get you started! 

  
I'm interested in being a Marching Cadet, but I play a guitar and/or keyboard.   Would I be able
to play those?

Many marching bands incorporate guitars and keyboards into their shows.  If you play any instrument
and have an interest in joining the Marching Cadets, please plan to attend the planning meeting.  At that
time you can talk to Mr. Ullman about your skills.  With his creativity, it is very likely your talents will be
a welcome addition to the group.

 
Are there auditions for Color Guard?

There are no formal auditions for the Color Guard.  Any experience in dance is helpful, but not necessary.
You’ll learn everything you need to know here!
 

When is the marching band season?

The “official” start of the season is band camp, which is typically mid- to late July.  The season runs through
October*.  Performances include band competitions, football games, school activities, such as pep rallies
and bonfires and local area parades. The community parades that fall outside the July-October schedule are:
the Christmas parade (November), the Springfest Parade (May) and the Memorial Day parade (May).

 *The season may be extended slightly to prepare for finals when the band qualifies for State Finals (OMEA)
or the ACC Championship (TOB) during the competition season.

 
How much does it cost to be in marching band?
 
As with any other sport or activity, there is some cost involved.  Each year a fee to cover costs is
determined for each student which includes the following:
            - Band Camp Fees
            - Pay-To-Participate Fee (required by the school)
            - Uniform Cleaning Costs
            - Show T-Shirts (to be worn under uniform)
These fees vary from year to year.   In recent years, the Band Boosters have been able  to help students
with a large portion of these fees, and local grants have assisted students to cover these costs,
in some cases - completely.  The band has fundraisers throughout the year at which time students
have the ability to earn credit toward their band fee.  Students can pay off a great deal of these
fees just by working at the fundraisers.  Any fees that have to be paid can be made in installments.
Our system is flexible and arrangements can be made that will work for your family.
 
It is our goal to have as many students as possible have the opportunity to participate in band,
so no student will be turned away due to financial reasons.  
 

When does the band rehearse?

Once school begins, the band rehearses from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. after school.   During the summer,
rehearsals are typically from 5 - 7 p.m. to help fit the schedules of parents, and also to beat the heat.
The rehearsal schedule is at the discretion of the director and is subject to change.
 

How do I sign up or get more information?

To sign up, please email the above information needed.  You may also get this information to
Mr. Stillings or any band student.    Even if you are undecided at this time, please fill out
a sign up form.  In the spring we will let you know when the band will be meeting to plan for the new
season.   At that time you can come to the meeting to get more information to help you make your
decision.  
 
 
Could I play an instrument with the band in the stands at football games if I decide
not to join the marching band?
 
Our band director is willing to give any student an opportunity to participate in the band at whatever
level they choose.  If you have an interest in playing with the band in the stands, please let Mr. Ullman
know, or get an email to him at webmaster@fortfryeband.org.  
 
The band has great individuals working to make it a success, from our director, to the
students marching, to the parents behind the scenes.  We invite you to see for yourself.
 
If there are any issues about transportation, instruments, schedules, or any other concerns
you may have, please talk to us.  We're here to help in any way possible.

Additional questions or concerns?  Please email them to webmaster@fortfryeband.org.

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