Marching Band
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I wear?
Q. What should I bring?
Q. Is rehearsal attendance mandatory?
Q. I have a summer job – what about work conflicts?
Q. So what is required to earn a marching spot?
Q. Do I have to attend the social activities?
Q. I have more questions you haven't answered!
I hope you have had a fantastic summer - I can’t wait to get started with the 2018 Pampa High School Band!
Mr. Benton
Q. What should I wear?
- Comfortable school appropriate clothing
- Tennis Shoes or Similar! – This is very important! When we march, we work on what we call the roll-step as our fundamental marching step. You cannot correctly roll-step in inappropriate or inflexible footwear that does not conform to the foot.
- Please do NOT come to summer band in: Flip flops, sandals, boots, wedges, heels, slip ons, etc.
- Please DO come to summer band in: Tennis shoes (or other athletic shoe), boat shoes, converse, or other closed-toe soft-sole shoe.
- A hat to shield your face
- Sunglasses if you like
- SUNSCREEN!
Q. What should I bring?
- Water! – Please(!) bring a water jug labelled with your name on it. Thankfully, most of the time the panhandle weather is kind to us and it isn’t too terribly hot. However, even on a mild day you need to make sure you’re staying hydrated.
- Your instrument & music
- SUNSCREEN!
Q. Is rehearsal attendance mandatory?
- Yes! When we are assigning marching spots we strongly take into consideration attendance – in fact, consistent attendance is probably the most important factor we consider when assigning marching spots.
Q. I have a summer job – what about work conflicts?
- While we understand the desire and often times the necessity of a summer job, students are still expected to adjust their work schedule AROUND summer band. Missing rehearsals for work are not an excused absence and could result in the loss of a marching spot.
Q. So what is required to earn a marching spot?
- To earn a marching spots, students must complete the following during the first week of summer band:
- Attend ALL rehearsals. There are very few circumstances that will be excused. Attendance is the single most important part of marching band.
- Complete your Music Pass Off - This will be based on our marching warm up material, which is very similar to the band warm ups going back to beginning band - Remingtons, lip slurs, articulation exercises, etc. This is to prove a basic proficiency on your instrument and a willingness to complete pass offs.
- Complete your Visual Pass Off - The pass off material will be taught in rehearsals. Students must demonstrate marching fundamentals and the ability to stay in step with a metronome with basic playing.
- Attend ALL rehearsals. There are very few circumstances that will be excused. Attendance is the single most important part of marching band.
Q. Do I have to attend the social activities?
- No – however, we strongly encourage it! We want you to get to know your fellow band members in other sections and grade levels. Show up – you’ll have fun!
Q. I have more questions you haven't answered!
- Ask! My email address is john.benton@pampaisd.net and my office phone is 806.669.4800. I’d love to be able to clarify any questions or concerns you may have.
I hope you have had a fantastic summer - I can’t wait to get started with the 2018 Pampa High School Band!
Mr. Benton