FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.
  1. What parts of the marching uniform do I have to buy?
  2. What kind of supplies do I need to march?
  3. What is the morning schedule?
  4. What is Marching College?
  5. Will we stop to eat or for restroom breaks on long trips?
  6. What is benching?
  7. How do I become academically ineligible?
  8. If I lose eligibility, how long does it last?
  9. How do I regain eligibility?
  10. What happens if I pass at the 6 weeks, but not at the next 3 week period?
  11. What should I wear to a performance?
  12. I need to purchase an instrument. Where do I start?
  13. I have a new beginner. How do you choose instruments?
  14. What is the travel uniform?
  15. Why do we need a travel uniform?



What parts of the marching uniform do I have to buy?

T-Shirts ($9) will be ordered through the band office from 
Fireside.  Marching Shoes ($27) will also be ordered through the 
band office from Palombo. Students to do need to purchase a new 
pair of marching shoes each year.  It is also possible for 
students to acquire marching shoes from past members or from 
the "extra shoes pile" in the band hall.
Back to Top


What kind of supplies do I need to march?

Everyone needs a flip folder ($6) and a lyre ($8-$19). The lyres 
are instrument specific and are available from any local music 
store.
Back to Top


What is the morning schedule?

Monday is Marching College, Tuesday is drumline, Wednesday is 
brass, Thursday is woodwinds.
Back to Top


What is Marching College?

Marching College is a tutorial period for students who have been 
absent or for some other reason have not been able to demonstrate 
marching competencies at a minimal level.  Students are assigned 
to Marching College by the band director, but may also come for 
extra help voluntarily.
Back to Top


Will we stop to eat or for restroom breaks on long trips?

If the bus ride will be more than 2 1/2 hours, we will stop for a 
restroom break.  Stops on the way home to eat will be rare 
because of budget constraints, but students will have the 
opportunity to eat during the 3rd quarter of football games.
Back to Top


What is benching?

A student who has been benched will participate in travel, stands 
play rehearsals, etc., but will not perform the half-time show or 
get 3rd quarter off.  Students are benched as a result of their 
average in band dropping below a "B" or for disciplinary 
reasons.  The band director has discretion in this matter.
Back to Top


How do I become academically ineligible?

Students with an average of 69 or lower in any class on a report 
card are academically ineligible.  That means that the student 
must attend all practices and take all tests satisfactorily, but 
will not be allowed to travel or perform with the band until 
eligibility has been regained.
Back to Top


If I lose eligibility, how long does it last?

Every student has the chance to regain eligibility 3 weeks after 
report cards are issued.  This means that at the very least, a 
ineligible student will not be allowed to perform or travel with 
the band for 3 weeks.
Back to Top


How do I regain eligibility?

Eligibility is regained by passing all classes at the end of the 
3rd week of the new 6 weeks period.  If any class is not passed, 
the student remains ineligible for 3 more weeks and will have to 
wait until the next report card is issued to have another chance 
of regaining eligibility.
Back to Top


What happens if I pass at the 6 weeks, but not at the next 3 week period?

Nothing.  The student remains eligible because of the passing 
report card.
Back to Top


What should I wear to a performance?

All performances for all groups have a required 
"uniform".  The concerts will be played in dress clothes, 
marching shows in the band uniform, etc. All required clothing or 
uniforms will be announced well before the performance.
Back to Top


I need to purchase an instrument. Where do I start?

Look on this website under the "Parents" tab.  There is a great 
deal of information in the "First Instrument" link.  You can also 
talk to Mrs. Reynolds.
Back to Top


I have a new beginner. How do you choose instruments?

Beginners are tested on each instrument during the last part of 
their 5th grade year.  Students, parents and the band director 
must come to an agreement that will both fit the student and the 
band.
Back to Top


What is the travel uniform?

The travel uniform consists of the band pants, black socks, 
marching shoes and the band t-shirt.  It is to be worn when 
travelling on buses.
Back to Top


Why do we need a travel uniform?

A travel uniform distinguishes GEB members from other people and 
is a source of pride.  It also guarantees that every student has 
their whole uniform when we reach all destinations.
Back to Top