2025-2026 FCHS BAND
MARCHING BAND
5Thank you for your interest in joining the Marching Patriots. We are excited to have you & hope you will join our ensemble for what should be another amazing season filled with hard work, new skills, engaging music, & most importantly--lifelong memories made with friends as we continue to pursue excellence in the marching arts. Below you will find a lot of information that will help you make the decision to join the Marching Patriots as well as our schedule for the season. Once you are ready to join, please fill out the Commitment Form & Medical Form so we can add you to our roster. At the very end, it is important that each student member & parent join our BAND group so we can keep in touch & share important information throughout the season. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Craig.
BAND APP
The FC Band uses the BAND app for all extracurricular ensemble communication. The BAND app is used for schedules, signups, volunteers, communication, & many other functions. The BAND app can be accessed via the link below, which will take you to our group. The group can be accessed via the mobile app or any web browser.
Class Schedules
Students will be placed into the following ensembles:
Note: If your schedule is incorrect (you signed up for the wrong class or were put in the incorrect class by a counselor), contact Mr. Craig ASAP so the schedule can be fixed prior to summer break.
- Beginning Band: New students & students learning a secondary instrument.
- Intermediate Band (Concert Band): All students with at least 1 year of experience on instrument. Will begin year on VBODA Grade 2/3 music.
- Advanced Band (Wind Ensemble): To earn placement in this ensemble, students must pass an audition & be recommended by the Director of Bands. Will begin year on VBODA Grade 4/5 music. If you are a rising freshmen & would like to be considered for this ensemble, please contact Mr. Craig to schedule an audition. The deadline to audition is August 1st, 2023.
- Percussion Class: All percussion students must take this class in order to maintain specific technical that apply to percussion students.
Note: If your schedule is incorrect (you signed up for the wrong class or were put in the incorrect class by a counselor), contact Mr. Craig ASAP so the schedule can be fixed prior to summer break.
FAQS
Q: Can non-band students join marching band?
A: Yes. Non-music students, orchestra, & chorus students are welcome to join the Marching Patriots. New members may learn an instrument or join the colorguard.
Q: What is marching band?
A: The marching band is the FCHS athletic band that rehearses outside of class during the summer & fall.
Q: Where does the marching band perform?
A: The marching band performs at home football games, local parades, & competes locally/regionally/nationally against other scholastic ensembles.
Q: Are freshmen allowed to be in the marching band?
A: YES! We strongly encourage every incoming student to join the marching band (check out the "Why Join Marching Band?" link below)
Q: Do I have to join marching band if I am signed up for band?
A: No, however all band students will perform in the parades as VBCPS requires each high school band to march in 2 parades per year. We do however strongly encourage each student to march--those that have joined later in high school often regret not joining sooner.
Q: Why are there fees for marching band?
A: While we are supported by VBCPS & FCHS in part, we are not given financial assistance to cover music, props, travel, or staff (VBCPS does not provide Assistant Coach stipends like for athletics). It becomes necessary to charge dues & fundraise to support our season & provide the best quality experience for our students. Note: We will not turn away any student due to financial difficulties or concerns---we are flexible!
A: Yes. Non-music students, orchestra, & chorus students are welcome to join the Marching Patriots. New members may learn an instrument or join the colorguard.
Q: What is marching band?
A: The marching band is the FCHS athletic band that rehearses outside of class during the summer & fall.
Q: Where does the marching band perform?
A: The marching band performs at home football games, local parades, & competes locally/regionally/nationally against other scholastic ensembles.
Q: Are freshmen allowed to be in the marching band?
A: YES! We strongly encourage every incoming student to join the marching band (check out the "Why Join Marching Band?" link below)
Q: Do I have to join marching band if I am signed up for band?
A: No, however all band students will perform in the parades as VBCPS requires each high school band to march in 2 parades per year. We do however strongly encourage each student to march--those that have joined later in high school often regret not joining sooner.
Q: Why are there fees for marching band?
A: While we are supported by VBCPS & FCHS in part, we are not given financial assistance to cover music, props, travel, or staff (VBCPS does not provide Assistant Coach stipends like for athletics). It becomes necessary to charge dues & fundraise to support our season & provide the best quality experience for our students. Note: We will not turn away any student due to financial difficulties or concerns---we are flexible!