FAQ About Band

Can I do sports AND band?

YES! And we will work with you to make sure that you achieve a good work/life balance!

Why would I join marching band?

In addition to hanging with your friends and the social aspects of band, you also get to perform

for live audiences at Football games and compete against other bands! Camp Hill is a reigning champion for the Cavalcade of Bands circuit. We also host several fun events throughout the year, so it is a great social and musical experience!

What if I’m really busy? Will my courses suffer? Will I have time for homework?

You have more time than you think and you will learn how to manage it during the season. Many band members also hold jobs, take a full course load including APs, and participate in other sports and activities while being at the top of their class academically. There are lots of other kids in marching band who have been through the same courses and will be there to help you. Marching band is only during the first marking period which is when your courses tend to be lighter in workload. Believe it or not, most band members have their highest GPA

of the year during marching band season because they don’t have time to slack off!

Is it a lot of work?

Yes, but it is FUN work. We work hard and we play hard. There is nothing quite like the payoff of

performing in front of a huge crowd – the shows are the best part!

Is it hard? It seems like a lot of work and I don’t know if I can handle it. I heard band camp is hot and tiring. I don’t know if that’s for me.

It might be unfamiliar at first, but if you can walk, you can march! We will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know. You already know how to play your instrument and that’s half the battle! It takes time to get used to, but the end result is amazing! It is an outdoor activity like many other sports, so it can get hot during band camp sometimes, but we give plenty of breaks in the shade so that you stay in tip-top condition. Your body is more than capable of handling it!

What if I don’t know anyone?

You will know someone from your class and you will be become BEST FRIENDS with many others, and FAST. Band is very much a family. You will also have an advantage over many of your classmates by having a bunch of older friends in the school to look up to.

How much does it cost?

Other than the price of shoes, nothing!

I just don’t know if I want to do it…

Just come to the first rehearsal and see how you like it! You can always give it a try for a year and leave the following year if you decide it is not for you. To be honest, it starts off foreign and difficult in June, but by the end of mini-camp, everyone realizes just how much fun it is! We even do a scavenger hunt at the end of band camp to encourage you to bond with your section, who could potentially become your best friends for the next four years!