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FAQ’s, Misconceptions, and Other Stuff I won’t be able to play a sport and be in band. Response: We have on average 50% of our band participate in some type of sport. We have students who have played in every sport Tunkhannock Area offers. We also have an athletic sharing policy that helps us deal with any conflicts that may arise. After school practices only occur once a week until the end of October. They do not go all year round. Response: Marching in parades is nothing like doing a field show. Many students come back and say that marching band is their favorite time of the year. People love to see excellent marching bands. It always adds so much to any performance. Imagine a parade without music. It is just not the same. I can’t walk around with my friends at the football games. Response: The band receives third quarter as a break and you can interact with your friends then. Through my experience, I have noticed that, believe it or not, walking around with your friends is mostly a middle school past time with a few high school exceptions. Response: Uniforms are a strong tradition of every band program. We never hand out uniforms before band camp. They are earned. Uniforms are used to make us visually look the same and it adds a crucial element to our show. Imagine what a band would look like without uniforms. If I join band, I can’t take a computer course… Response: In your freshman year, you have three electives available. Take sequential classes first like Spanish I, Band, etc… and then fill the rest with singletons (classes that only have one section like Music Theory). Plan for all four years at Tunkhannock, you gain more space in your schedule each year. Use this to your advantage and take the singletons your junior and senior years. Can I get these experiences any where else? Response: Nope. Music is about opportunity. Through music, I have met two governors, three former presidents, local representatives and traveled around the country. I say this not to brag, but to let you know that the same opportunity exists for you. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like or what I would have done without music. The middle school music program is just the first step. High school, College, and University music programs have a lot to offer. What I can I do beyond high school with music? Response: Music stays with you a lifetime. Many students I have had either gained admission to a college or university or scholarship money based on their participation in a high school music program. Scholarships are given to those students who are not music majors as well. I wish I could count the number of times people have come up to me and said that they wished they still played. Response: Band camp is for one full week with other practices scheduled, usually the two weeks before school starts from 9-3 p.m. The worst part about band camp is the heat. It is also a time when you collectively get to know each other. Imagine starting the school year with a hundred new friends. It makes the transition to high school much easier. Plus we have BBQ's, cool off time (popsicles, ice cream, etc...), and many other events. Can I be in jazz band without being in marching band? Response: Nope. The marching band is the core unit and most visual part of our program. Everyone who is a member of the jazz and concert bands as well as percussion ensemble participates in the marching band. Students from the marching band are selected to also participate in the jazz band. The jazz band is considered to be an honor to be in and a very limited number of spots are available. Response: You must select an ensemble to participate in. It is not automatically placed on your schedule.
How do I get a NCAA Championship Basketball Ring? Response: Play in the band! When UCONN won the basketball championship in 1999, members of the pep band received championship rings. Can I work and still be in the band? Response: Absolutely. Just make your employer aware of your schedule ahead of time. I always have the band schedules out very far in advance and they will mostly stay the same from year to year.
Response: Nope. Band is a nominal cost. Please see what you will need page. The trips are the biggest cost, however they are not mandatory and we have fundraisers to assist with the cost. What famous basketball player was the drum major of his high school band? Response: Vince Carter of the Toronto Raptors. He played saxophone and baritone horn as well. He was such a good player he was offered a music scholar ship to Bethune-Cookman College. http://www.finals.com/features/readingmonth01_carterbook.html
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Please report any problems, comments or suggestions to: ryan.zellner@tasd.net
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