FAQs
How does my child sign up for high school band?
Eighth graders should register for band classes at spring registration in February. Brass and woodwind players should register for Marching Band for the fall and/or Spring Band for spring. Percussionists should register for Drumline for fall and/or Percussion Ensemble for spring.
Will my child be able to participate in other activities at school?
YES! Students in the band also belong to French Club, German Club, Latin Club, Science Club, Math Team, Quiz Bowl, Mock Trial, Key Club, Thespian Society, Ampersand, Yearbook Staff, Chorus, Show Choir, Robotics Club, and many other clubs at the school. Band students are represented on the basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and tennis teams, as well as cross-country, track, and wrestling. Many band students are leaders of these clubs.
Will my child be able to keep up with homework and academic requirements?
ABSOLUTELY! There is a wealth of research documenting the correlation between participation in school music programs- particularly instrumental music- and higher test scores and academic achievement. Many band students are on the honor roll, members of Beta Club and the National Honor Society and receive academic awards throughout the year. The extra-curricular requirements are minimal for band students, allowing more time for home-work, tutoring and studies. Marching band students find that they are learning to manage their time more effectively and waste less time watching TV or playing video games.
Will my child be able to earn the required credits for graduation?
Yes! With careful planning a student’s schedule can be arranged to allow band to be taken every year and still meet all graduation requirements. A sample course schedule is provided on another page.
Will my child benefit from the band program?
OF COURSE! No other activity in the school offers the combination of intellectual challenge, artistic expression and development, leadership, teamwork, school spirit, community service and socialization of the band program. The award-winning OCHS band program is one of the greatest activities your child could choose to be involved in.
What about marching band?
Marching band is an extra-curricular activity of the band program. Students are not required to march – BUT – participation is strongly encouraged. The band experience is not complete without the marching element. The best recommendation is for students to at least try marching band in the 9th grade.
Marching band practice: Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:30pm in August through October. Starting in November, we drop to one practice per week on Thursday at 4:00pm – 5:00pm.
As an extracurricular activity, the majority of the budget for the marching band must be provided by the band itself. Each student will be assessed a marching band fee. This fee helps to cover the cost of: band T-shirt, uniform maintenance/repairs/replacement, garment bag, gloves, rain ponchos, maintenance of school instruments, new instrument and equipment purchases, auxiliary equipment and props, music, instructors, band camp supplies, awards banquet, senior night and 8th grade night receptions, clinic/festival/competition fees, and various other expenses related to the marching band.
2026 Marching Band Fee: $375 for returning members, $375 for new members
New wind and percussion members also owe a fee of $110 which covers the cost of bibbers ($65) and a pair of marching shoes ($45). Other financial responsibilities may include uniform costs (shoes and pants) and clinic fees and costs (honor bands, clinics, etc.), and the annual band trip (trip is optional but highly encouraged).
It is the goal of the OCHS band program to never exclude a student for financial reasons. Please contact the director with any questions or concerns about the marching band costs. Please don’t miss this opportunity solely because it seems too expensive.
There is no fee for taking a band class. Fees are for marching band students only.
More questions? Contact Mr. Aultman at jaultman@oconeeschools.org