Band Frequently Asked Questions


Communication
1. How do I contact Mr. Fore?
a) E-mail: Grayson.Fore@fcps.edu (**Best way to communicate with Mr. Fore)
b) Classroom Phone Number: (703)715-4590 (Leave a message)
c) Schedule a conference
2. How do I contact other band parents?
Each band student receives a band directory; the directory is printed as soon as all family information is confirmed. Please remember the directory is for band purposes only.
3. What is Band Boosters? How do I get information about Band Boosters?
 Band Boosters is a parent-run organization designed to support the SLHS bands. Information and updates are sent by e-mail, so make sure your e-mail is recorded in their records. Each month, Band Boosters meets to share information, calendars, plan events, etc. Visit southlakesband.org for the most up-to-date information.

Parent Involvement
1. Am I expected to volunteer?
Yes.
2. How do I find out about volunteer opportunities?
 a) Go to Band Boosters meetings to sign up for events (especially Back to Band Night)
b) Reply to Band Booster e-mails
c) Contact Band Booster members
d) Consult southlakesband.org for events
3. Why do I need to record my volunteer hours?
The Band Boosters submit their information to SLHS’s Principal, Bruce Butler. He requests yearly updates of parent involvement. Submit your hours and event to Marguerite Keady at mwkeady@yahoo.com.
Fees
1. What is the uniform rental fee (Marching Band)?
This fee covers replacement, rental, repair, and cleaning of all uniforms.
2. What is the food fee (Marching Band)?
Band Boosters provides snacks and meals for band students. This fee covers about 10-14 snacks and 5 meals. Your child needs to share special dietary information with Mr. Fore. Vegetarians need to contact Barbara Graham at (703)476-7194. Food is provided at these times:
a) Wednesday afternoon practices
b) Band trips
c) Tailgate dinners (Home football games)
3. What are the activity fees?
 Activity fees cover items such as equipment truck rental, design of marching show, fees for competitions, payment for sectional instructors, and miscellaneous items for the bands. Fairfax County Public Schools does not pay for many of our expenses, so fees and fundraising covers our operating costs.
4. How do I pay for all of these fees?
The Seakhawk Band believes no student should be denied participation due to financial concerns. Any student requiring aid should contact the Band Booster President, the Band Booster President, or Mr. Fore, Director of Bands. All matters of this nature are considered confidential and will be handled discreetly.
Your family can arrange a payment plan with the Band Boosters; the total payment can be disbursed over several months. Fundraising events will be provided throughout the year for students to raise some funds to pay for uniform and travel expenses.

Uniforms
1. What does an incoming freshman need to purchase?
A) Marching Band
1. Uniform rental fee (for all students)
2. Food fee (for all students)
3. Activity fees (for all students)
4. Marching shoes: Fitting is August 20th at 10:30am
5. Gloves (You might want 2 pairs – not necessary for percussion students)
6. Band polo shirt
7. Guard: Guard gloves and guard boots
8. Percussion: Ear protection
B) Concert Bands (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and/or Jazz Ensemble)
Ladies – Concert dress (fitting with Mrs. Beach is necessary)
Band, closed-toe shoes
Gentleman – Bowtie
Tuxedo shirt (You can use your LHMS shirt if it still fits.)
Black shoes
Tuxedo**
**Get tuxedo measurements taken at a local formal wear shop and submit to Mrs. Beach by October 1st!!! Late measurements mean a late order fee, and families are required to pay this additional fee.
2. Do parents have to buy a polo shirt?
 Parents can buy a Band Booster polo shirt to show their support. This is an optional purchase. Most parents wear polo shirts to football games, competitions, parades, etc.

Musical Letter
 SLHS Students have opportunities to earn varsity letters. Students need to accumulate points for a variety of music-related activities. Students need to get the form from Mr. Fore or download it from southlakesband.org. Mr. Fore will announce the deadline for this form. Letters, stars, and/or bars are awarded at the End-of-the-Year Banquet.

Sports and Band
Can my child remain in band and continue to play sports?
 Many students participate in both band and VHSL sports at SLHS. Any student who plays a sport will need to balance their time and check their schedule to make sure there aren’t any conflicts. A practice or a game is not an acceptable reason for missing a concert. Students and coaches need to make sure that schedules do not conflict; if there is a problem, they need to contact Mr. Fore. The usual compromise is to have students split the overlapping time. In the end, we must remember that band is an academic subject and sports are extra-curricular activities. While it is important for our students to have diverse experiences and enjoy a variety of activities, it is also important that the musical education and performance level of our students not be compromised.

Summer Rehearsal
1. What does my child wear?
Everyone should wear light-colored clothing. Avoid long pants, long sleeves, and dark-colored clothing. Everyone should wear socks and tennis shoes.
2. What does my child bring?
Students should bring instruments and drill books each day. Each day, students should bring water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat or sunglasses. Frozen water bottles or small coolers are recommended.
3. What do they do during summer rehearsal?
 Band camp consists of marching fundamentals, sectional rehearsals, and drills. All outdoor rehearsals are carefully monitored to ensure student safety; no student will be subjected to extreme temperatures or weather. During Marching Band, students will participate in physical activities (push ups, light running, stretching, and all forms of marching). This is an athletic activity, and students do need to be in shape for marching band. Students are expected to attend and be on time for every practice.

Football Games
1. What does the band do during a Home football game?
 Report time for home football games is 4pm. This allows the students time to review the show and pregame routine. After rehearsal, the students are provided a tailgate dinner by the Band Boosters. The students clean up and dress in their uniforms. The SLHS Seahawks Marching Band marches on the field to perform the National Anthem. During the first half, students sit in the grandstand and play spirit songs to support the football team. The SLHS Seahawks Marching Band performs during half-time. During the second half, students sit with the band and play spirit songs to support the football team. After the game, students return their uniforms to the band storage.

2. What does the band do for Away football games?
 We are not scheduled to perform at all away football games; consult the band calendar for scheduled events. Students return to school at the scheduled time to gather supplies and board the school bus. The SLHS Seahawks Marching Band sits in the grandstand and plays spirited songs throughout the game. They do not perform during half-time. Students are required to return to SLHS on the school bus.
3. Can I go to the football games?
 Absolutely!!! South Lakes Seahawks Football team and Marching Band would LOVE your spirit and support! You are required to pay entrance fees for football games. If you have signed up to volunteer, arrive early, get a chaperone badge (you do not pay entrance fees), and help make the night successful!!!

Band Competitions
1. Why do Marching Band competitions take all day?
Mr. Fore schedules a rehearsal prior to departure for the competition. The bus and equipment truck needs to be packed after the rehearsal. Some competitions are more than one hour away from our school. Once the competition is over, we then travel back to school.
2. Can I chaperone band competitions?
The band always needs chaperones for trips. Space is limited on the buses, so sign up early to be a chaperone for these events.
3. Can I attend the band competition? Are there entrance fees?
The SLHS Seahawks Marching Band always benefits from your spirit and support! Many competitions charge entrance fees. Mr. Fore or Band Boosters representatives will share this information.
4. Should my child bring food or money?
Students can eat food at school or on the bus. You cannot bring food into band competitions, so students need to purchase food at the concession stands.
5.Can I pick up my child from the band competition?
Students are required to stay for the entire competition and return with the band. Contact Mr. Fore if you have a problem.

Rehearsals
1. How does my child find out about rehearsals?
 a) Band calendars
b) Reminders in class
c) Consult southlakesband.org
2. Are there regularly scheduled practices?


September and October
November – June
Tuesday
Marching band: 5:30-8:30pm
Jazz Ensemble: 2:30-4:30pm
Wednesday
Marching band: 2:30-5:00pm
Symphonic Band: 2:30-3:30pm
Wind Ensemble: 6:00-8:30pm


3. Do practice schedules change?
Occasionally, we need to adjust the rehearsal calendar to accommodate school activities.
4. If my child stays after school, how does he/she get home?
Band, like all varsity sports, meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so parents will need to arrange for transportation. Band rehearsals are scheduled to allow students to attend academic classes held after school on Mondays and Thursdays; late buses are available on Mondays and Thursdays for those classes. Many families carpool, so consult the directory for people in your area.
5. What does my child do if he/she needs to miss practice?
It is extremely difficult to coordinate the activities of 100 students. It is very important that everyone follow the rehearsal and performance schedule. Every student has an impact on the performance because this is a collective learning experience. When someone is unable to participate, everyone is deprived of the optimal learning environment. Please try to schedule all appointments during non-rehearsal hours. Work is not an excusable reason for missing a rehearsal or performance. Students will receive a grade for every rehearsal or performance. Any student who misses a performance or rehearsal may be granted an excused absence by Mr. Fore depending on the circumstances. To receive an excused absence, students must receive approval from Mr. Fore prior to the absence by completing the Performing Arts Absence Form. If a student is absent due to illness, the student should e-mail Mr. Fore and call their section leader.

Spring Trip
1. Is my child required to go on the spring trip?
This is an optional activity, but all of the students make a contribution to the band’s overall performance. Ideally, Mr. Fore would like all students to participate.
2. Do all the bands go on the spring trip?
Generally, all bands participate in the spring trip. Occasionally, spring trips are special invitations trips for only one band.
3. How do I get information about the trip?
a) packets are given to the students
b) updated information is provided on southlakesband.org
c) information is shared at Band Boosters meetings
4. Do fees get changed for the trip?
Itemized fees for the trip may change due to last-minute changes, gas prices, etc. These changes are shared as soon as possible with families.
5. Can my child earn money for the trip?
 Each band student has a money account. Fundraising events may earn money for your child’s account. The money in the account can be used to pay for fees or trips.
6. Do the fees cover everything for the trip?
 Usually there are certain meals that are not included in the trip fees. Students also bring spending money for souvenirs, snacks, etc.


Updated 8/13/08