Do students have to try out for band?
Students are placed by ability and experience.  An audition is a great way to evaluate a student’s ability level.  Auditions can also be used for chair placement in various bands.  While an audition is not required to be in beginning or Concert bands, students must audition for placement in Symphonic & Marching band.

Can a student be in marching band if they are not in a band class?
No. Students must be in a band class which covers the state mandated SOL for Instrumental Music.  Further, all of the concepts introduced and taught during the regularly scheduled band class are prerequisites for the performance level necessary for a high quality marching band.

Do all band students participate in marching band?
No.  Students may elect to enroll in Concert band and not participate in marching band. Symphonic band students are also in marching band during the fall season, which means that the musical concepts necessary for performance in marching band are taught and reinforced in band class.

Are the August “Band Camp” rehearsals required for membership in the marching band?
Yes.  Students electing to become a part of the Yorktown Marching Band must attend the week-long band camp in mid-August of each year.  There are also pre- and post- camp rehearsals which are important for the success of the group. Much of the material that will be learned and performed through the fall marching season is introduced during this time to allow the students enough time to master the skills necessary to perform effectively throughout the marching season.

What expenses can a marching band student expect?
Marching Band membership does require certain expenses for each student.  These expenses include marching shoes, gloves, an “official” band t-shirt, a music flip-folder, and a lyre, during the fall marching season.  In addition, the band will use charter buses for some competitions, so there are travel expenses.  Each student is also required to pay maintenance and cleaning fee for the band uniform.  Students using school-owned instruments pay a rental fee.  Fundraising opportunities are provided to offset these costs.  Click Here for more information on the marching band fee.

What kind of credit does a student receive for Band?
A student receives one full fine arts credit for each band class.  One fine arts credit is required for graduation.  Additional credits are applied as elective credits.  Students in marching band receive a half-credit. 

How much after school rehearsal time is expected of a band student?
Because marching band meets as a class period (Symphonic Band), after school commitments are minimal compared to most programs in the region.  Students can expect to rehearse for approximately 2 ½ hours one evening a week (traditionally on Wednesdays) during football season.  Occasionally, an extra rehearsal (usually Mondays) may be called to prepare for competitions, parades, etc.  All students enrolled in a band class can expect only one or two after-school rehearsals prior to concerts.  For rehearsal schedules, please refer to the on-line Band Calendar.

Can a student participate in athletics and band?
Yes. Athletes are eligible to be apart of marching band pending they meet minimum participation requirements.   The Band and Athletic departments work closely together to arrange practice time and rehearsal schedules to accommodate students participating in both activities. It is not always easy, and does require some advanced planning, but most conflicts are worked out with good communication between students, parent, coach, and band director.  The student must take initial responsibility for working out conflicts by communicating with the coaches and band staff.  The Director of Bands reserves the right to dismiss any student who cannot demonstrate a personal commitment and effort to the marching band.  Non marching band members can participate in athletics year round.

In what kind of contest/competitions does the Band participate?
The Marching Band usually attends between three and five Saturday competitions prior to the VBODA State Marching Festival, which is held in late October.  The Concert Bands will participate in the VBODA District Concert Festival in March.  Band members may optionally participate in our annual spring trip which usually involves a competitive or exhibition event.

What types of individual competitions are available for Band students?
Individual competitions available to students are: All-District Band auditions, Regional Orchestra auditions, *All-Virginia Band auditions, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and others events sponsored by VMEA and various area colleges. *(Specific qualifications are required to allow a student to progress to the next highest level of competition.)

Who provides the Band uniforms?
Arlington Public Schools and supplements from the band boosters provide uniforms for the Marching Band, excluding color guard.   Concert attire is also provided, however students will be required to purchase their own “accessories,” including a white shirt and bow-tie.

In what extra music experiences can a band student participate?
Band students can participate in auditions for All-Regional Orchestra, All-District Band, *All-Virginia Band auditions, Arlington Youth Symphony and Solo and Ensemble Festival.  Students may also participate in local youth orchestras or bands. The theatre department produces a musical every other year and band students will have the opportunity to audition for the “pit” orchestra.  Band students will also have the opportunity to advance their performance skills through a sequential individualized music awards program and participate in the Tri-M Honors Society*. *specific requirements necessary

Do band students do a lot of “fund raising” during the school year?
Fund raising projects are always optional for students enrolled in a band class.  We would like to encourage all students and parents to participate in whatever way they can to help our band program.  An individual student account is set up for each student in the band program by the band boosters.  Students earn money in these accounts by participating in fund raising projects.  The accounts may be used to pay band expenses as outlined in the Band Student Handbook.

Can a student rent an instrument from the school?
A certain number of instruments are owned by the Arlington Public Schools for student use.  The annual rental fee is determined by the school board each year, but availability is limited.  Marching Band students who use a separate school instrument for marching and a school-owned concert instrument only pay a single rental fee.  All Percussion (Concert, Marching and Jazz) & Color Guard students are required to pay the rental fee for use of all school-owned equipment during the year.

Is there a Color Guard program?
Yes. A color guard program is offered during the fall marching season. Color Guard members are required to attend summer camp at their own expense.  Color Guard members are the only marching band students who are not required to be enrolled in a band class.  They also receive the half-academic credit for participation.

Is there a Jazz Ensemble at YHS?
Yes. A jazz ensemble is offered to interested students by audition. Jazz Ensemble is an advanced instrumental music elective and meets Mondays after school beginning in late October.

Is there a Band Booster organization?
Yes. The Yorktown Band Boosters will become a very active part of our band program. They are a very active group of volunteers that are vital to the success of the Yorktown Band program.

Does Band involve students to the exclusion of other school activities?
No. We have students that are involved in all aspects of student organizations, clubs, and sports. Students will have to learn to manage their time wisely to be involved in several school activities, but it can be done and has been done successfully for many years throughout Arlington.