I played an instrument in Middle School...what do I do now?

When choosing your courses at the end of 8th grade you should have selected band as an elective at WBHS.  (If not, see your counselor.)  If you have not been contacted by the VANGUARD by late spring, call the high school Band Director to receive information and a schedule for Band Camp.  Marching season starts in May with Ice Breakers before school even lets out!


What are Ice Breakers?

Ice Breakers are times for the new band students (incoming freshman and transfer students) to meet the returning band members and to get prepared for Band Camp.  They are typically scheduled once a week for 3 or 4 weeks each May.  (Check this website or with the Band Office for schedule information.)  Students should dress in shorts (no denim, please), t-shirts, and tennis shoes w/socks and bring their instrument if they have one.  Activities will likely include stretching exercises, learning basic marching techniques, and playing with the fulll band.


What is Band Camp?

Band camp begins the summer preceding your freshman year (June, July, and August) when the entire band and guard learn music, drills and practice for upcoming competitions and football performances. Some weeks of camp will meet as few as several hours or as much as several days a week throughout the summer. A typical day of band camp consists of the entire band practicing together, sectional sessions where each section (brass, woodwind & percussion) practices independently, lunch and dinner breaks and a lot of painstaking fun. In addition to the students working very hard, we always have dedicated parent volunteers to help keep all our activities organized and worry free.


I hear that marching band is hard. How will I ever be able to memorize the music, march around the field, and do all of this at the same time?

Don't worry. We know that freshman have not had any  previous experience. Learning something takes time and is a gradual process. We spend a lot of time learning to play and march separately. You can focus on the marching part, then focus on the playing part. Once you feel comfortable with the two, we slowly start to put them together. This process takes place during band camp. It takes a lot of practice and patience. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all have the same goal.


If band takes up so much time how will I get all my school work done?

During marching season, band is a huge commitment. However, keep in mind that school is the reason we are all here. Band has a very set schedule. Practices are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons and all football games and competitions are mandatory. Organization and time management are the key to be successful at both. Talk to the other members and ask what works best for them.


Why are there band fees, how much are they, and what do they cover?

The WBHS band program is a fee-based program.  As almost everything that the band does is not paid for by the school, fees are collected to cover the cost of running the band program.  The fees are broken down into two seasons -- marching fees and concert fees -- to coincide with the band calendar seasons.  Prior to each season, a proposed budget is presented to the Band Boosters.  The budget -- which includes everything needed to run the program, such as buses/transportation, equipment, instrument repair, uniform cleaning, staffing, music, show charts, truck rental, supplies, etc. -- is voted upon by the Boosters.  When a final budget is approved, a fee payment schedule for the season is distributed to all band members, dividing the cost of the season by the number of band members.  Each band member is responsible for his/her portion of the costs to operate the band program.  Fees for each season are usually broken down into several smaller payments over the length of the season.  (For example, marching season fees could be broken down into four payments due in June, July, August, and September.)

Band fees vary from year to year depending on the schedule of events in which the band participates.  Past yearly fees have ranged from $1,200 to $2,100 per student.  The more competitive the band is and the more traveling it does, the higher the fees.  By becoming involved as a Band Booster and coming to Booster meetings, you can participate in the process that determines the fee schedule for a given year.


What if I can't afford the band fees for my child?

The VANGUARD does not want any child turned away from the program because they can't afford the fees.  There are fund-raising opportunities presented throughout each year that can help lower the cost of fees in two ways:

General Fundraisers -- are designed to assist the program with general band expenses.  This type of fundraising also benefits your students directly by giving us the funds to repair/replace equipment as needed, as well as other general band expenses, and ultimately allows us to manage the escalation of fees for upcoming seasons.

Fair Share Fundraisers -- are designed to assist band families with the annual fees.  These fundraisers result in 80% of the net profit going directly into your personal band account as a credit against fees and the remaining 20% going into a General Band Account to be used at the discretion of the Band Director for the program.  Fair Share Credits are determined and posted to your account upon the closeout of the fundraiser.  It is possible to pay an entire year's fees by actively participating in Fair Share Fundraisers.

If you still find it difficult to cover the cost of the fees, you are encouraged to set up a time to meet with the Director to confidentially explain your situation and work out a plan that best suits your needs while allowing your child to participate in the program.


What is a Band Booster?

Band Boosters are all of the parents of band and guard students. The VANGUARD Boosters also consists of local business sponsors. Anyone who supports the band is a Booster.


What if I have more questions?

If you have a question relating to the WBHS Band you can either ask another band parent or a band member or forward your question to the WBHS Band at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .