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| © Arlington High School Marching Band. All rights reserved |
So you are thinking about joining the Arlington Marching Band......
The information below is basic information to start you on your journey toward being part of one of the largest and most respected
groups in the Arlington Central School District.
Look through this site (especially the calendar and handbook pages) for more information. Please feel free to contact the Director
at anytime if you have questions or concerns about joining the Marching Band!
The information below is basic information to start you on your journey toward being part of one of the largest and most respected
groups in the Arlington Central School District.
Look through this site (especially the calendar and handbook pages) for more information. Please feel free to contact the Director
at anytime if you have questions or concerns about joining the Marching Band!
* Arlington High School will
loan you this instrument for
the season. Other
instruments you must own.
loan you this instrument for
the season. Other
instruments you must own.
What is the Arlington Marching Band?
The Arlington Marching Band is an extra-curricular activity that is made up of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students at our
school. The group averages about 150 members and starts working for the upcoming season in the late spring. The Band is
"active" until Early November. We perform through September, October, and the first week in November at home football games,
local parades, and competitions. These performances are at Arlington, other New York State high schools, and locations such
as The Carrier Dome at Syracuse University!!
Who can join the Arlington Marching Band?
To be in the WIND or PERCUSSION sections:
YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE such as middle school band, orchestra, piano, or private lessons. You must BE
ENROLLED IN A MUSIC CLASS at Arlington High School this fall!
To be in the COLOR GUARD:
YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE such as middle school band or private lessons. You DO NOT NEED TO BE
ENROLLED in a music class at Arlington High School. In fact, most guard students have a little dance background and come to
our program from the orchestra, choirs, theatre, or other school programs.
What instruments make up the sections of the Arlington Marching Band?
The WIND SECTION is a group of performers who play:
piccolo*, flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax*, baritone sax*
trumpet, mellophone* (marching french horn), trombone, baritone*, tuba*
This section works in much the same way that a concert band wind section does, with the exception of the number of members.
We hope to have over 100 wind players in the 2008 Arlington Marching Band!!
The PERCUSSION SECTION is made up of two sub groups - PIT and BATTERY:
The PIT is a group of performers who play:
marimba, xylophone, vibes, bells, chimes, timpani, auxiliary, concert bass drums, gong, drum set, and PIANO.
The cool part about this section is THERE IS NO MARCHING!! You just stand still and play great!!
The BATTERY is a group of performers who play:
snare drum, tenor drums, bass drum, and hand cymbals
This portion of the band is referred to as the "drum line", but make no mistake, to be in this section you must read music and be
ready to be a great musician.
The COLOR GUARD is a group of performers who:
Perform using flags, rifles, props, and dance to bring the music to life!! The 30+ males and females are a highlight of the Band
to many of our spectators!
WHY JOIN the Arlington Marching Band?
Each year over 97% of those student who are eligible RETURN TO PERFORM ANOTHER YEAR! Each year The Arlington Marching
Band welcomes about 40 new members into the band!
Why do students return year after year? Here is what they had to say....
"I love all of the friends I've made."
"I knew more people going into my first day of high school through the summer camp with the Band."
"Knowing that all of the hard work pays off."
"It is an experience you can not get anywhere else in high school."
"Getting to play in front of thousands of people each week is a rush!"
"Lifelong lessons...life long friends"
"You develop a discipline and drive that helps in all of your other classes in High School"
"The chance to get to know 150 people from every grade level is a blast. I made friends from every grade and
every group at Arlington"
"Who doesn't like to travel all over, make people cheer, and have fun with your best friends"
"The feeling of accomplishment that comes from teamwork, hard work, and a need to aspire to a higher
level......it is an irreplaceable feeling!"
"As a freshman, I got to play next to students from the upper bands like Wind Ensemble and Jazz Machine
before my friends started school. I think it gave me an edge"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
I'm already an AHS Student and I didn't join the Marching Band my freshman year. Can I join now?
Absolutely!! Each year we have new members from all four grades. There is never a bad time to join the Arlington Marching
Band!!
Do you have to be in a music class to be in the Marching Band?
If you are trying out for the color guard......no.
If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument......yes, you need to be in a band, orchestra, or choir class as Arlington
THIS FALL.
Do you practice after school every day?
NO WAY!! The Marching Band does have some summer practices, but people still take summer vacations and attend summer
camps in June, July, the first part of August, and the week before school starts. When school starts and you need more time for
school work, we only practice TWO SCHOOL NIGHTS PER WEEK!
Are there auditions for the Arlington Marching Band?
Yes. But, we accept over 95% of applicants. Your attitude and attendance is the biggest factor! This year we will have a
Marcher/Member Policy which will allow us to accept more students. The auditions occur in the late spring (April and May) and
are not a single "snap-shot" audition, but rather a series of mini-camps that allow us to really see what every student can achieve.
Are there ways to support my child through your booster group?
The Arlington Band Boosters, INC. is our lifeline! Without the dedicated volunteers who give us their time and talent, our band
would not be what it is today!
There are literally hundreds of ways to help. You can sew flags, build or transport equipment, chaperone a trip or concert, bake
something, donate supplies for camp, speak with your business about a donation or sponsorship, usher guests at a band
competition, etc. etc. etc. THE LIST IS ENDLESS!! It is through the work of our parents that we safely and successfully get through
each year.
I’m worried about grades and Marching Band. How do the current kids deal with the band and study schedule?
First, we only practice two school nights a week during the months of September, October, and half of November. Second,
knowing the schedule ahead of time allows students (with parental assistance) to plan their study time -- a valuable skill in high
school and beyond. Third, most students budget their time better in the fall. Statistically, most students’ grades are better during
the 1st term (marching band season) than the 2nd term.
I don't own the instrument I need for Marching Band. Can the Arlington Band help?
We have complete sets of marching brass, percussion, tenor and bari saxes, piccolos, and color guard equipment. All of this
equipment is checked out (free of charge) to students who use that equipment.
The Marching Band offers a wonderful experience; does it cost me any money?
This coming season, each student will be responsible for fees that total approximately $350-$400. This may seem like a lot of
money; but considering the experience and benefits for their children, most families find it a bargain. There are fundraising
opportunities and confidential assistance programs available to every student.
THERE ARE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE! NO CHILD WILL BE LEFT BEHIND FOR FINANCIAL REASONS!
My child wants to switch to another instrument. Is that allowed?
We generally encourage students to work toward achievement on one instrument but switching is, in rare cases, the right
answer. The best thing to do is to contact Mr. Keech at the high school and discuss the options. If there is going to be a switch,
let’s get started soon!
Can my child participate in Marching Band and a SPORT or CLUB?
They can if you feel they can handle it, but Arlington's Athletics and Marching Band have strict attendance policies. In the past it
has been our experience that a vast majority of students can not handle a varsity sport and Marching band. Clubs that meet after
school and some "outside of school" activities are possible. Again, the attendance policy for Band camp (August) and during the
school year, is near 100% so if you are concerned, contact Mr. Keech.
The Arlington Marching Band is an extra-curricular activity that is made up of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students at our
school. The group averages about 150 members and starts working for the upcoming season in the late spring. The Band is
"active" until Early November. We perform through September, October, and the first week in November at home football games,
local parades, and competitions. These performances are at Arlington, other New York State high schools, and locations such
as The Carrier Dome at Syracuse University!!
Who can join the Arlington Marching Band?
To be in the WIND or PERCUSSION sections:
YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE such as middle school band, orchestra, piano, or private lessons. You must BE
ENROLLED IN A MUSIC CLASS at Arlington High School this fall!
To be in the COLOR GUARD:
YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE such as middle school band or private lessons. You DO NOT NEED TO BE
ENROLLED in a music class at Arlington High School. In fact, most guard students have a little dance background and come to
our program from the orchestra, choirs, theatre, or other school programs.
What instruments make up the sections of the Arlington Marching Band?
The WIND SECTION is a group of performers who play:
piccolo*, flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax*, baritone sax*
trumpet, mellophone* (marching french horn), trombone, baritone*, tuba*
This section works in much the same way that a concert band wind section does, with the exception of the number of members.
We hope to have over 100 wind players in the 2008 Arlington Marching Band!!
The PERCUSSION SECTION is made up of two sub groups - PIT and BATTERY:
The PIT is a group of performers who play:
marimba, xylophone, vibes, bells, chimes, timpani, auxiliary, concert bass drums, gong, drum set, and PIANO.
The cool part about this section is THERE IS NO MARCHING!! You just stand still and play great!!
The BATTERY is a group of performers who play:
snare drum, tenor drums, bass drum, and hand cymbals
This portion of the band is referred to as the "drum line", but make no mistake, to be in this section you must read music and be
ready to be a great musician.
The COLOR GUARD is a group of performers who:
Perform using flags, rifles, props, and dance to bring the music to life!! The 30+ males and females are a highlight of the Band
to many of our spectators!
WHY JOIN the Arlington Marching Band?
Each year over 97% of those student who are eligible RETURN TO PERFORM ANOTHER YEAR! Each year The Arlington Marching
Band welcomes about 40 new members into the band!
Why do students return year after year? Here is what they had to say....
"I love all of the friends I've made."
"I knew more people going into my first day of high school through the summer camp with the Band."
"Knowing that all of the hard work pays off."
"It is an experience you can not get anywhere else in high school."
"Getting to play in front of thousands of people each week is a rush!"
"Lifelong lessons...life long friends"
"You develop a discipline and drive that helps in all of your other classes in High School"
"The chance to get to know 150 people from every grade level is a blast. I made friends from every grade and
every group at Arlington"
"Who doesn't like to travel all over, make people cheer, and have fun with your best friends"
"The feeling of accomplishment that comes from teamwork, hard work, and a need to aspire to a higher
level......it is an irreplaceable feeling!"
"As a freshman, I got to play next to students from the upper bands like Wind Ensemble and Jazz Machine
before my friends started school. I think it gave me an edge"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
I'm already an AHS Student and I didn't join the Marching Band my freshman year. Can I join now?
Absolutely!! Each year we have new members from all four grades. There is never a bad time to join the Arlington Marching
Band!!
Do you have to be in a music class to be in the Marching Band?
If you are trying out for the color guard......no.
If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument......yes, you need to be in a band, orchestra, or choir class as Arlington
THIS FALL.
Do you practice after school every day?
NO WAY!! The Marching Band does have some summer practices, but people still take summer vacations and attend summer
camps in June, July, the first part of August, and the week before school starts. When school starts and you need more time for
school work, we only practice TWO SCHOOL NIGHTS PER WEEK!
Are there auditions for the Arlington Marching Band?
Yes. But, we accept over 95% of applicants. Your attitude and attendance is the biggest factor! This year we will have a
Marcher/Member Policy which will allow us to accept more students. The auditions occur in the late spring (April and May) and
are not a single "snap-shot" audition, but rather a series of mini-camps that allow us to really see what every student can achieve.
Are there ways to support my child through your booster group?
The Arlington Band Boosters, INC. is our lifeline! Without the dedicated volunteers who give us their time and talent, our band
would not be what it is today!
There are literally hundreds of ways to help. You can sew flags, build or transport equipment, chaperone a trip or concert, bake
something, donate supplies for camp, speak with your business about a donation or sponsorship, usher guests at a band
competition, etc. etc. etc. THE LIST IS ENDLESS!! It is through the work of our parents that we safely and successfully get through
each year.
I’m worried about grades and Marching Band. How do the current kids deal with the band and study schedule?
First, we only practice two school nights a week during the months of September, October, and half of November. Second,
knowing the schedule ahead of time allows students (with parental assistance) to plan their study time -- a valuable skill in high
school and beyond. Third, most students budget their time better in the fall. Statistically, most students’ grades are better during
the 1st term (marching band season) than the 2nd term.
I don't own the instrument I need for Marching Band. Can the Arlington Band help?
We have complete sets of marching brass, percussion, tenor and bari saxes, piccolos, and color guard equipment. All of this
equipment is checked out (free of charge) to students who use that equipment.
The Marching Band offers a wonderful experience; does it cost me any money?
This coming season, each student will be responsible for fees that total approximately $350-$400. This may seem like a lot of
money; but considering the experience and benefits for their children, most families find it a bargain. There are fundraising
opportunities and confidential assistance programs available to every student.
THERE ARE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE! NO CHILD WILL BE LEFT BEHIND FOR FINANCIAL REASONS!
My child wants to switch to another instrument. Is that allowed?
We generally encourage students to work toward achievement on one instrument but switching is, in rare cases, the right
answer. The best thing to do is to contact Mr. Keech at the high school and discuss the options. If there is going to be a switch,
let’s get started soon!
Can my child participate in Marching Band and a SPORT or CLUB?
They can if you feel they can handle it, but Arlington's Athletics and Marching Band have strict attendance policies. In the past it
has been our experience that a vast majority of students can not handle a varsity sport and Marching band. Clubs that meet after
school and some "outside of school" activities are possible. Again, the attendance policy for Band camp (August) and during the
school year, is near 100% so if you are concerned, contact Mr. Keech.