Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Is it okay to miss band rehearsal?
- What do I need to have at EVERY marching band rehearsal?
- Where can I get an instrument if I do not own one?
- How should I repair my instrument?
- May I miss a football game or band competition?
- Who do I go to for help on my music and/or marching?
- How long do I have to memorize my music for marching band?
- How do I memorize music?
- What is the audition process for Symphonic Band?
- I can't fit band in my schedule. What should I do?
- How can I become a part of the leadership team for band?
- What is concert attire for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion?
- What are the dates of band camp?
- How do I get my instrument repaired?
Is it okay to miss band rehearsal?
No. Everyone is required to be at every rehearsal in order to
have a successful practice. During the school year, please
schedule doctors appointments on Monday or Friday when possible.
Mr. Miller requires a note 48 hours in advance of a doctors
appointment so that he can plan a rehearsal for your absence.
What do I need to have at EVERY marching band rehearsal?
You need to have your instrument, music, drill(if leadership),
lyre, flip folder, water bottle, sneakers, and pencil.
Where can I get an instrument if I do not own one?
The school has a limited number of instruments that we rent for
$25.00 each semester. If one is not available for you, you may
also want to try Ken's music in Blacksburg. 540-552-1361
How should I repair my instrument?
DO NOT try to fix it on your own. First have Mr. Miller look at
it. If it is a school instrument, Mr. Miller will get it taken
care of.
May I miss a football game or band competition?
NO. The only time students are excused from one of these
performances is if there is a death in the family or a medical
emergency. Attendance is mandatory for all performances.
Who do I go to for help on my music and/or marching?
Always try to fix things yourself first. If you find you continue
to have trouble, then work your chain of command. See you section
leader or drum major. If the problem can still not get resolved,
then consult Mr. Miller.
How long do I have to memorize my music for marching band?
All marching band show music MUST be memorized by the band
leadership for the 1st day of leadership training. Everyone else
must have their music memorized for the first day of band camp at
Sweet Briar. Color guard must have at least 2/3 of their routine
memorized for band camp.
How do I memorize music?
Memorizing is really easier than you think. Often, simple
repetition during practice and rehearsal time automatically helps
you to memorize. Breaking the music down by measures and then
building them back up into phrases is a good strategy. REMEMBER,
when memorizing not only to memorize the notes but the musical
markings as well (articulations, breaths, dynamics, etc). Ask
your section leader for help.
What is the audition process for Symphonic Band?
Symphonic Band is the top ensemble at Christiansburg High School.
A successful audition is required. The student will play 2 major
scales as many octaves as possible on their instrument, their
chromatic scale the range of the instrument, and a sight-reading.
Do not be intimidated by the audition process. This is a way to
give Mr. Miller an idea of how you play and what your strengths
and weaknesses are on your instrument.
I can't fit band in my schedule. What should I do?
CHS is on a 4x4 block schedule. This allows students to take 1
more class each year than the average schedule. There should be
plenty of room in a student's schedule to take band each year of
high school. If you are having trouble making it work or would
like to go over your schedule with Mr. Miller, please contact him
via e-mail to set up an appointment.
How can I become a part of the leadership team for band?
Leadership auditions are conducted in the Spring of each year. An
application and interview are required. Do not be discouraged if
you do not receive a position. There are many more members of the
band than there are available leadership positions and we need
each member's contributions whether they are a member or on
leadership.
What is concert attire for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion?
Concert Band: Ladies are to wear a black dress, black pants or
black skirt. The skirt should be below the knees. They should
also wear black hoes, black closed toed shoes, and a black top.
Men should wear black dress slacks, black dress socks, black
dress shoes, and a black dress shirt. Ladies and
men should both wear long sleeved tops.Symphonic Band: Uniforms
are provided by the school. Ladies need closed toed
black shoes, and black hoes. Men need black dress shoes and black
dress socks. Percussion Ensemble wears the same uniforms as
symphonic band.
What are the dates of band camp?
All dates are located in the calendar section of this site or you
may follow this link.
http://teacherweb.com/VA/ChristiansburgHighSchool/Band/Calendar1.s
tm
How do I get my instrument repaired?
Mr. Miller can fix many minor problems without having to send an
instrument to a repair shop. If the instrument is the property of
the student and Mr. Miller cannot fix it, then the student is
responsible for taking the instrument to be repaired. If the
instrument is school owned, then give your instrument to Mr.
Miller so that he may take it to the proper repair shop.
