Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to audition?
There is no extra audition required to be a part of the Concert Band or Percussion Ensemble. To be in Wind Ensemble, there is an audition that must be completed prior to August 1st of each school year if you have not received a recommendation from your middle school director.
Is Wind Ensemble better then Concert Band?
Each ensemble has musicians of different experience & ability levels. The Concert Band is designed more towards freshmen & sophomores, performing VBODA grade 2-3literature. The Wind Ensemble is designed more towards advanced musicians & upper classmen, performing VBODA grade 4-6 literature.
I think I’m pretty good…can I try out for Wind Ensemble as a rising freshmen?
Absolutely!!! Audition information can be found on the website from April-August of each year & is emailed out to all middle school directors in the middle of March each year.. To schedule an audition contact Mr. Craig at [email protected]
How do I juggle band with my classes and sports?
The best and brightest students at FCHS (all AP and Honors classes) find a way to be in band all four years, and be successful. While all students are expected to practice, the curricular bands have limited extra rehearsals, typically only the week before concerts. Wind Ensemble does have more rehearsals after school than the other ensembles, however this can usually be worked out in advance with proper planning. Being in sports won’t be an issue unless you are a part of the extra-curricular bands (Marching Band, Patriot Percussion , or Pit Orchestra), and even then, it can usually be worked out as our activities & most sports are seasonal. There are times when a student must pick if both activities overlap, as we believe it best for a student to give one activity full attention instead of shortchanging multiple activities.
Should I be a part of the Marching Patriots?
YES!!!! There are so many benefits, both musical and non-musical, that a student gains from participating in Marching Band. At FCHS, we have a volunteer marching band that rehearses during the summer & fall (after school). Registration/enrollment for the Marching Patriots occurs in late winter/early spring. This is a fabulous social and musical organization for incoming freshmen to be a part of during their transition to high school. Now is the time to join this award-winning, competitive organization!!!
What is the Patriot Percussion Ensemble?
The Patriot Percussion Ensemble is our competition percussion ensemble that competes in the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) & Winterguard International (WGI) circuits. Patriot Percussion has a custom show arranged for us each year by world class arranger KJ Stafford that varies greatly from year to year (to see a list of our shows & seasons, click here). This ensemble rehearses 2-3 times per week December-April, competing in 4-5 AIA competitions (including championships) & 1-2 WGI competitions (including world championships) yearly.
What can I do to get ready for band in the fall?
Besides practicing, there are many things to help your transition into high school go more smoothly. If you aren’t already doing private lessons, that is a great way to start. Just by joining marching band, you will be playing a ton over the summer, and be much more ready for concert season.
I’m a parent…how do I get involved?
There is so much going on with our band, we just couldn’t function without our incredible First Colonial Band Boosters!!! They help us with fundraising for things the school can’t afford (trips, equipment, etc.), but at least as important is volunteering their time. FCBB meets monthly on the first or second Tuesday at 6pm in the band room, and you can feel free to check us out now. If every parent volunteers just a little of their time, we would have plenty for the entire year!!!
Do I have to audition?
There is no extra audition required to be a part of the Concert Band or Percussion Ensemble. To be in Wind Ensemble, there is an audition that must be completed prior to August 1st of each school year if you have not received a recommendation from your middle school director.
Is Wind Ensemble better then Concert Band?
Each ensemble has musicians of different experience & ability levels. The Concert Band is designed more towards freshmen & sophomores, performing VBODA grade 2-3literature. The Wind Ensemble is designed more towards advanced musicians & upper classmen, performing VBODA grade 4-6 literature.
I think I’m pretty good…can I try out for Wind Ensemble as a rising freshmen?
Absolutely!!! Audition information can be found on the website from April-August of each year & is emailed out to all middle school directors in the middle of March each year.. To schedule an audition contact Mr. Craig at [email protected]
How do I juggle band with my classes and sports?
The best and brightest students at FCHS (all AP and Honors classes) find a way to be in band all four years, and be successful. While all students are expected to practice, the curricular bands have limited extra rehearsals, typically only the week before concerts. Wind Ensemble does have more rehearsals after school than the other ensembles, however this can usually be worked out in advance with proper planning. Being in sports won’t be an issue unless you are a part of the extra-curricular bands (Marching Band, Patriot Percussion , or Pit Orchestra), and even then, it can usually be worked out as our activities & most sports are seasonal. There are times when a student must pick if both activities overlap, as we believe it best for a student to give one activity full attention instead of shortchanging multiple activities.
Should I be a part of the Marching Patriots?
YES!!!! There are so many benefits, both musical and non-musical, that a student gains from participating in Marching Band. At FCHS, we have a volunteer marching band that rehearses during the summer & fall (after school). Registration/enrollment for the Marching Patriots occurs in late winter/early spring. This is a fabulous social and musical organization for incoming freshmen to be a part of during their transition to high school. Now is the time to join this award-winning, competitive organization!!!
What is the Patriot Percussion Ensemble?
The Patriot Percussion Ensemble is our competition percussion ensemble that competes in the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) & Winterguard International (WGI) circuits. Patriot Percussion has a custom show arranged for us each year by world class arranger KJ Stafford that varies greatly from year to year (to see a list of our shows & seasons, click here). This ensemble rehearses 2-3 times per week December-April, competing in 4-5 AIA competitions (including championships) & 1-2 WGI competitions (including world championships) yearly.
What can I do to get ready for band in the fall?
Besides practicing, there are many things to help your transition into high school go more smoothly. If you aren’t already doing private lessons, that is a great way to start. Just by joining marching band, you will be playing a ton over the summer, and be much more ready for concert season.
I’m a parent…how do I get involved?
There is so much going on with our band, we just couldn’t function without our incredible First Colonial Band Boosters!!! They help us with fundraising for things the school can’t afford (trips, equipment, etc.), but at least as important is volunteering their time. FCBB meets monthly on the first or second Tuesday at 6pm in the band room, and you can feel free to check us out now. If every parent volunteers just a little of their time, we would have plenty for the entire year!!!