Marching Band

A performance ensemble with an innovative approach to entertainment and an emphasis on musicality, the marching band performs custom arrangements and is taught in collaboration with professional staff. This ensemble performs at football games and competes with other schools in the Mid-Atlantic region from August through early November.

Current students should join the Remind group. This will allow staff to quickly communicate last minute changes due to weather and other important updates.

Resources

YMB Student Resources Folder

Rehearsal Start/End Times

  • The published times on the calendar for rehearsal are when rehearsals begin in the specified location.
  • Students should report to YHS 15 minutes earlier than the start time in order to gather necessary materials and be at the rehearsal location ready to begin on time.
  • Likewise, the end time is when we will finish rehearsing on the field. Students will not be ready to be picked up right then. How long it takes to pack up and be ready to go can vary by student, instrument, and responsibilities.

Field 2 Shoes

It is strongly recommend to dedicate a pair of older shoes as your “Field 2 Shoes.” Field 2 often is a little wet/muddy and can often lead to your shoes being caked with grass clippings.

Rehearsal Absences

  • The student or parent must complete the YMB Excused Absence Request. If you will be out for a range of dates, you must submit a form for every date you will miss.
  • A PARENT/Caregiver must send an e-mail to Mr. Witkowski at joseph.witkowski@apsva.us stating the date of absence, duration of absence, and the reason for the absence. Attach a doctor’s note if necessary.
  • The STUDENT must communicate with their section leader to let them know they will be absent for a particular rehearsal. The section leader does not need to be told the reason for the absence.
  • The request should be made as early as possible. If you know you need to miss a rehearsal later in the season, fill out the form now. Requests should never be made “same day” except in the case of personal illness.

Required Rehearsal Materials

  • WHITE SHIRT, Instrument/equipment, UDB App or dot sheet, pencil
  • Binder with show music to be worn on your person (cords available)
  • Flip Folder with school songs and stands music

Events

Football Games

  • 8/25 7pm Home
  • 8/31 7pm Home
  • 9/8 7pm Away
  • 9/15 7pm Home
  • 9/22 7pm Home (Rising Patriot Night)
  • 10/13 7pm Home (Homecoming)
  • 11/3 Home vs Herndon (Senior Night)

Competitions

Competitions generally take up many hours with a rehearsal in the morning and then competition in the afternoon/evening. Please block out these days entirely. Schedules are usually available two weeks in advance.

Dates: 9/23, 10/7, 10/21

10/28: VBODA Assessment (TBA)

Other Events

  • 9/9 – All Day – 9/11 Memorial 5k & Mini Camp – Lunch and dinner provided, transportation to and from 5k provided
  • 9/30 – Band Day – Fundraising day (Morning to early afternoon)

*Exact times of evening rehearsals are subject to change based on field availability.