What is marching band???​
  • Marching band is a group of instrumental musicians and color guard performers that coordinate movements with a musical performance, for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, and competition. The typical instrumentation includes, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. See our videos above for some great examples. 
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How do I join Marching Band?
  • Check out our page here for information on joining the marching band. We will have more information at our 2024-2025 season Information Night!

When does marching band meet? Is there a schedule of events?
  • AHSMB typically meets every Monday and Wednesday after school from 6-9pm. Weekly schedules may change depending on school schedules and availability. 

Will I have time for marching band?
  • Yes! The Marching Band schedule is designed to be achievable for academically minded students. Our season ends on the first weekend of November, five to six weeks before final exams begin, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare and study. While the schedule can be slightly overwhelming every once and awhile, you will develop important life skills in the process, such as time management, hard work, and dedication. Most importantly, you will have a team of students and staff who are here to support and assist you in whatever ways we can! In band, we are a team, everyone is important, and, when all else fails, we have each other. 

What if I play a sport?
  • Many of our marching band students do play sports! Our schedule is designed in order to accommodate those who play sports, as all practices end at 6 pm. We have even had marching band members on the football team!

Where does marching band perform?
  • Marching band performs at all home football games, seasonal competitions, and various events around the school including pep rallies, Back to School Night, and New Student Orientation!

What is band camp?
  • Between learning to march, memorizing the music, and getting the show on the field, marching band can be a lot to learn! Band camp is an opportunity for students to get a head start on their skills before school even starts. During band camp, we brush up on our technique, learn to play as one, and start getting our show on the road. You’ll meet students, become familiar with AHS, and have a ton of friends before school even begins! You’ll work hard, but you’ll learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it!!

When is band camp? Do I have to be there?
  • All members of the marching band are required to be at band camp. Student absence from band camp will be approved on a case by case basis. Please see Ms. Swartz ASAP if you have a conflict. 
  • New members who must miss ALL of band camp will not be eligible for that years season. 

Can I borrow an instrument for marching band?
  • All members of the marching band are required to be at band camp. Student absence from band camp will be approved on a case by case basis. Please see Ms. Swartz ASAP if you have a conflict. 

Do I have to be in a concert band to be in marching band?
  • Nope! At Atholton, we are a volunteer marching band. This means that anyone who is interested in being part of the marching band, even if you don't play a band instrument!

Don't play a 'traditional' band instrument? How can I be part of the band??
  • Marching instruments include: Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, & Bari), Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Euphonium (Baritone), Trombone, Tuba (Sousaphone), Battery Percussion (Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums), and Front Ensemble Percussion (Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, Piano/Synthesizer, Auxiliary Percussion). If you do not play one of these instruments, YOU CAN STILL JOIN.
  • If you play a different instrument we will find you a similar instrument to learn!
  • If you have a basic musical background (piano, choir, elementary level instrument, strings, etc.) you may be able to check out an instrument in our Front Ensemble!
  •  If you are interested in learning some dance moves, we could also give you a flag and teach you color guard, most members have no background when they start color guard so it may be more comfortable for members that are starting with no musical background.  

What's Front Ensemble?
  • Front Ensembles are a group of percussionists that typically stand stationary at the front of the field. Sometimes referred to as "pit" percussion, these instruments can consist of a wide variety of instruments including xylophones, vibraphones, marimbas, timpani, bells, chimes, gongs, cymbals, bass drums, and electronic instruments, as well as other auxiliary percussion.
  • This is a great option if you play piano, can read notes/rhythm, or are interested in trying something new!

What's Color Guard?
  • Color Guard is the dance-oriented part of the Marching Band. You do NOT need to know how to play an instrument or dance (we’ll teach you) and it is open to ANY Atholton student. We’ll teach you how to work with the equipment, and you’ll have all the same benefits of being a member of the band. Again, you do not need to have dance experience, but if you do have experience it’s a great opportunity to perform!

How much does marching band cost?
  • Just like any team, there are dues that include your Team Member Shirt, shoes for new members, uniform maintenance, gloves, and lots of other needs. We are in this together recognizing that when each individual and each section have the appropriate materials needed to succeed, WE ALL SUCCEED. When the Color Guard has the appropriate flags and uniforms, the whole show is better. When we get a tuba repaired, the whole band sounds better, etc. These dues are what we refer to as “Fair Share.” Any other personal items may need to be purchased separately from the Fair Share.

    Fair Share is $250. Among other expenses this includes transportation, t-shirts, meals for the Band Camp Picnic and Homecoming Lunch, shoes for new members, and the uniform maintenance. Students will not be denied participation based on financial ability, we will work with you to develop a plan or alternate sources of funding.

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?