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frequently asked questions

Who is the CHS Marching Band?

The CHS Marching Band and Color Guard program is recognized as one of the leading competitive marching programs in the northwest and across the USA. It offers a wonderful opportunity for the students who choose to participate.Students learn dedication and discipline, teamwork and skills they will remember for a lifetime. In the fall, they compete in several competitions with other area High School Bands. At other times of the year they may participate in parades including the Rose Festival Parade in Portland, OR.

What is band camp?

This is a very concentrated 2 weeks of rehearsal where students learn the music, choreography, and drill formations for the fall marching band show. The two weeks allows for more rehearsal time than we have during the rest of the fall season. At the end of band camp we perform for the parents at our annual Band BBQ.

Are band rehearsals required?  Yes!

If l can’t make band camp can I still participate?

Yes. Like many sports, we carry several "second string performers" called alternates. Although these students do not have a "starting spot," they still get to rehearse and travel with the band.  If a "starter" gets hurt, or is otherwise unable to perform, these alternates are used to fill in for the missing member.

Can I do sports, or other activities, and band at the same time?

Yes.  There are many students that are also involved in other areas.  Conflicts with band practices and performances must be okayed by the band director.

Does the band travel?

Some competitions or other events may require overnight travel. Students are required to travel with the group on the school buses. Chaparones travel with the kids and are present at all times. Parents wishing to chaparone should contact the head of the chaparone committee. All chaparones are required to complete a background check at their expense.

Are there fees involved with band?

Yes. We have our "fair share" fee which helps to defer the cost of our program. We offer fundraisers to families so that part, or all, of the band fees could be raised outside of family income (with the exception of the uniform fee which must be paid directly to CHS). This year’s fee is $200.00 for band fees, and $67.00 for the band uniform usage offset fee (marching uniform only). The band fee goes to pay for music and arrangements, choreography, drill, food on trips, school instrument purchase, and many other things.

Do l have to pay for my uniform?

Yes, and no. Our uniforms are "rented" to the student from the district for each school year.  This money goes directly to CHS at the time of registration.  In addition to this, the student will need to purchase band shoes ($32.00), and gloves (wind instruments only), which are 2 pair for $5.00.  We do have a limited amount of "loaner" shoes which students can use free of charge for the season.  Colorguard fees typically include: shoes for $45 and unitard for $35.

What is a band account and what is it used for?

The band account is a student account that is held by the school and used for any band related expenses.  Members may choose to take out the cost of fees, shoes, t-shirts, trips or any other band related expense.  Many students fund raise extra money above band fees so that they always have money available for their needs.  Seniors and non-returning students may use their remaining account for music related items.  If the funds are not used, they will be deposited into the general band account upon graduation, or quitting the program.  The account can be held and trasferred to an upcoming sibling, this needs to be requested in writing.

What type of fund raising is available?

New types of fundraisers are being created all the time. For starters, there will be a car wash on the Saturday following the first week of bandcamp. Students will learn about additional fundraisers throughout the year.

Can I letter in band or color guard?

A student can earn a band or color guard letter after 2 years of participation in the program. The letter itself is exactly the same as the letter received by athletes. There are also other awards and citations that students can earn based upon their participation in our other performance ensembles.

How am I graded?

Wind Symphony and Percussion Ensemble are the two performing groups that perform together as a Marching and Concert Band. The student's grade is based upon participation of performance and attendance at rehearsals.

What opportunities does the program offer for performance?

• Wind Symphony: Starts when marching season ends.  This program has really developed over the past year to be very competitive.  This band competes with other High Schools around the Northwest.

• Jazz Band: Enrollment in this class is by permission of the instructor.  The Jazz Band has played at several area events and is highly regarded.

• Winter Percussion/Winter Guard: These programs begin after the fall marching band season has ended.  These are two separate performing groups, (or can be combined to form one group) made up of either color guard, or percussion instruments that compete against other High Schools.  They have their own shows, costumes, etc. and are completely separate from the fall season show.

• Pep Band: These students play for the varsity basketball games.

How can parents be involved?

The Centennial Band Parent Association is an active part of the program the entire year. This is a great opportunity to be involved with the kids, staff and other parents at competitions, chaperoning, with fundraisers, sewing, coffee cart, and many other ways helping to make a successfull marching season. The CHSMB parent association welcomes all who want to come and participate.

Dont be shy! Band Parent meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm in the band room. Being there is one way you will get learn how to stay involved.

How can I find out more information?

Well, since your here your already at one of the best places to learn about the program. Check back frequently as this site is being updated all the time.

copyright 2007, centennial band parents association