FAQ

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QUESTION:  How do I enroll in the Band and Guard programs? 

ANSWER:  All classes go through a registration process usually in February of each year. If students are interested in after school activities such as marching band, winter guard, indoor percussion, etc., there will be interesting meetings at the proper time to explain the schedule, fees, commitment level, and competition dates. 

QUESTION:  How many band classes does my child need to take? 

ANSWER:   All freshmen brass, woodwind, and percussion students take 2 semesters of the band as a prerequisite. Students are only required to take 1 semester during their Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year. Of course, we want students to take as many band levels as possible that will fit into their schedule. We understand it may not be possible to take 2 semesters each year during their entire high school career. All marching band members will be required to take the 2nd semester of the band the year they participate in the marching band. 

QUESTION:  How do I volunteer? 

ANSWER:   All volunteers must complete a comprehensive background screening by the Henry County Public School District. Click on the link to get more information and the online application. https://www.henry.k12.va.us/human-resources/volunteer

QUESTION:  What is the time commitment for the band? 

ANSWER:   Each group has different levels of time commitment. The concert bands usually only have 1-2 after school practices/concerts per semester. The marching band, winter guard, and indoor percussion groups typically rehearse 3 days a week with competitions on Saturdays from local to regional venues and national competitions from year to year. All groups will be presented with a season calendar before they start that particular group, so the students and parents are aware of the commitment levels with time and costs. 

QUESTION:  Do I have to buy a uniform? 

ANSWER:  Band of Distinction uniform will be provided to the marching band member except for marching shoes (Lippo’s will come to measure), socks, and gloves. 

QUESTION: Do I have to wash/dry clean the uniform?

ANSWER: The Band Boosters will take care of all cleaning of uniforms. 

QUESTION:  What if my child can’t make a rehearsal/practice or competition because of another commitment?

ANSWER:  Calendars are issued early enough in each season to hopefully keep from conflicts. If students have a conflict, they should contact the directors EARLY in the process with their conflict. Please do not wait until the day before the conflict if you know ahead of time. 

QUESTION:   How much do I as a parent have to contribute? 

ANSWER:   This is totally up to each parent. We HIGHLY encourage you to be active with your student and our organization. We really want EVERYONE to help along the way to make our organization great! 

QUESTION:    What form of payment does the band take? 

ANSWER:    The Band Boosters will take cash, check and credit card. 

QUESTION:   Can parents go to competitions? 

ANSWER:    Parents are welcomed at all competitions to show the band support.  For parents to ride the bus, they must make sure that the background check is complete.  

QUESTION:   What happens in the spring semester when there is no marching band? 

ANSWER:     Concert Band/Symphonic Band- mostly all work is done in the school day. There are a couple of small camps, concert assessment, and concerts throughout the semester. Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion- after school groups that focus solely on their needs. Groups practice 2-3 times a week with competitions on the weekend. 

QUESTION:  What kind of concert band attire do students need?  

ANSWER:    All students will wear black and white concert attire. All men should wear black pants, a white shirt with a black bow tie. Ladies will wear a combination of black and white. Pants are fine as well as skirts. Short skirts, however, should not be worn on stage. 

QUESTION:    How do we find out if we owe any money? 

ANSWER:      Parents can email Mr. Harris, Band Director, or by emailing our Band Booster Treasurer. trharris@henry.k12.va.us or treasurer@bassettband.org 

QUESTION:   How do I find out about the different events going on with the band?   

ANSWER:     Website: www.bassettband.org; Facebook: facebook.com/BassettBandBoosters/; Twitter: @bassetthsband

QUESTION:     Is my child eligible for All-District, All-State, or All-Area Band? 

ANSWER:    Members of the band program are eligible and are encouraged to audition for these ensembles. District Auditions are held in December. All-State auditions are held in late February. All Area chair placements are done by the All-District seating; therefore we highly encourage students to try out for All-District Band. 

ANSWER:      Parents can email Mr. Harris, Band Director, or by emailing our Band Booster Treasurer. trharris@henry.k12.va.us or treasurer@bassettband.org 

QUESTION:   Is Marching Band Camp required for my child? 

ANSWER:    Camp is required of all students in the band. Approximately four weeks of normal rehearsal time is condensed into each week, so attendance is required. Parent volunteers will be in attendance to help out with whatever needs may arise. One meal per day is provided by our state meal program for all students. Students are not allowed to leave the school for any reason during meal times. This is for the protection of all students.