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MVHS has an eight-class block schedule that will allow you to take a maximum of 32 full year or 64 semester classes in your high school career. PLEASE NOTE: you can be in band for four years and get everything you need to graduate even on the Academic Honors Diploma track! Almost 20% of our members in 2005-2006 were the top 10 students in their respective classes (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Seniors)!

How much time does band take?

There is after-school time required for rehearsals and performances. However, it is not nearly the overwhelming time commitment many believe it to be. During the Marching Season we practice after school/evenings 3 times a week, and practice or competitions are scheduled for most Saturdays in September and October. We also practice in the summer, including 2 full weeks of camp just before school starts. The amount of time we invest in band is about the same as the time spent by most school athletic teams. After marching season is over there are very few after-school rehearsals.

Won't band hurt my grades?

Many students are concerned about their grades dropping if they participate in Marching Band. In every graduating class at MVHS the Band students make up a high percentage of the Honor Graduates and High Honor Roll students. For example: In the class of 2006, of 18 band members, 13 members were in the top 25% of their class and all were in the top 50% of their graduating class.

How much does the band perform?

The marching band performs at all home football games and at 7 to 9 competitions or other events. After marching season ends, the Concert Band gives 3 or 4 concerts through the remainder of the school year. In addition the Concert Band participates in the ISSMA Organizational Contest in April. Additional performance opportunities are available to those that chose to participate in Winter Guard, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.

Does the band travel a lot?

There is much local travel involved in both Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble for area contests and performances. In addition we have a Major Trip every four years in both Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band. These trips are offset so that every other year we are taking a major trip with each group.

What can you tell me about the band competitions?

MVHS has established a tradition of excellence in the marching arena. Over the past four years we have become recognized for our growth and development. Competitions are evaluated events where we perform in a class with other area bands for either a rating or a placement. While we compete to get feedback on our progress, competition is not the focus of our program. Our focus is the development of lifelong musicians that will make memories and friends that last a lifetime.

What do I need to be successful in band?

Incoming Freshmen sometimes feel they might not be able to handle high school band, because of the high level of excellence and difficulties of the high school transition. We understand how important it is to you not to fail. Regardless of your ability, be assured that you can be a real contributor to the success of the band next year. The staff and present students will do everything possible to help make this transition a successful one.

If I'm in band, does that mean I can't be in anything else in high school?

Not true! Some sports conflict with band: sports that are in season during the marching season – football, volleyball, soccer, cross-country – anything that is in season at the beginning of the fall semester. However only volleyball and soccer have been issues in the past due to their game schedules. Everything else we have been able to work out compromises on with ample effort from students involved. Communication is the key to making this all possible and with enough notice most conflicts can be avoided or worked around.

What's in it for me?

Being a member of the MVHS Band is an experience that will provide you with memories that you will treasure for the rest of your life. You will learn things about yourself that you couldn’t learn any other way – about your ability to work together as a team to achieve a common goal and to see a project through to its completion. You’ll have over 75 friends when school starts to make that transition to high school easier. You’ll have more fun than you could ever imagine. You’ll have the opportunity to go places and do things that other groups in school only dream about.

F Student Frequently Asked Questions E

Can you tell me about the band classes at MVHS?