Is Band Camp Mandatory? 

Yes, because this is the foundation for all of our marching and playing technique for the season. Also, students wishing to earn the PE Credit option are required to participate in Band Camp as part of the deal.

 

Does it cost a lot of money*?

No, especially not when compared to comparable programs in our area. Also, we have several fundraising opportunities early in the season, like our "One Day Fundraiser", so little (if any) money has to be "out of pocket". To pay your Marching Band & Color Guard Pledge, you may use PayPal. Please be sure to add your student's name to the section 'What is this payment for', click 'Continue', and change 'For goods and services' to 'For friends and family'.

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* Final fees will be determined once the season begins and are based on the final number of participating students. Families wishing to learn more about fees and/or to request financial assistance, may contact the Performing Arts Parent Association, using the form at: www.delmarhspa.org/contact.

 

What is Feste Del Mar?

Feste Del Mar is our home band review.  We host bands who compete in parade, field show, concert and jazz events.  This is also a huge fundraising opportunity for our band.

 

Do parents need to volunteer?

YES!  We need a lot of parent help with all our events.  We understand that many folks are working and enduring challenging situations that make volunteering difficult.  We have many ways to volunteer and participate throughout the season.  Remember, "Many hands make lite work".

 

What is a "Band Review" and what would I need to do?

Glad you asked!  The short answer is a band review is a series of competitions in which our students participate including parade, field show, and concert events.  For a much more detailed explanation, and to see some ways you can participate, go to the page Band Review Details on this website.

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Which band reviews does the Marching Band and Color Guard typically compete at?

We're happily compete at the following reviews (subject to change): Feste Del Mar; Cupertino Tournament of Bands; Foothill Band Review; Lodi Grape Bowl Classic; Central California Band Review in Merced; Lincoln Tournament of Champions.

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What is a typical* Band Camp and rehearsal schedule?

 

Here is a sample schedule that begins in the last week of July and ends in late November or early December. (*Please the 2024 schedule below is included for reference purposes as it is subject to change annually.)

 

Band Camp - July/August
Friday July 26: Leadership Workshop - DMHS Band Room - 9:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday July 27: Uniform Fittings & Band Camp Check in - DMHS Band Room - 9:00am to 12:00pm

Monday July 29 - Friday August 2: Band Camp - DMHS Campus - 9:00am to 9:00pm
Friday August 2: Family Preview Night - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Saturday Aug 3 to Sunday Aug 4: Overnight Band Family Campout - Mt. Madonna - 12:00pm to 12:00pm

 

Regular Evening Rehearsals - August to November
Tuesday and Thursday evenings - 6:00pm to 9:00pm

 

Super Saturdays - August to November

Weekly from 9:00am to 5:00pm (when not attending a band review competition)

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Celebration / Band Banquet - end of November

Held at the end of the season in the DMHS Cafeteria - Sunday after final competition, just before Thanksgiving break from 3:00pm to 5:00pm

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Are you interested in participating or would like more information?

That's great! Mr. Burkhead (our Band Director) is always available to answer questions about the marching band program and can be contacted at: wburkhead@cuhsd.org.