Woodson Band Frequently Asked Questions

How do students participate in Band at Woodson High School?

Students who select band as an elective are placed into one of three ensembles: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble. Each spring, the director provides information about the differences among these ensembles and the audition process for advanced groups. Ensemble placement determines which band course will appear on a student’s schedule.

How does Marching Band work at Woodson High School?

Woodson offers two marching band options, both open to any student enrolled in a band course:

  • Competitive Marching Band
    • Performs an original show each year, with music arranged specifically for the program.
    • Featured at all home varsity football games and multiple competitions.
    • Students earn an additional 0.5 GPA weight for their band course, reflecting the commitment and rigor required.
  • Non-Competitive Marching Band
    • Supports the Competitive group by performing at select moments during football games and marching in the Homecoming Parade.
    • Members do not perform in the halftime show but play an important role in the marching band program.

What is the expected time commitment for each group (outside of school hours)?

All Woodson Band students are strongly encouraged to participate in Tag Day (see below). Additional commitments vary by ensemble:

Concert Band

  • A few after-school rehearsals in the spring to prepare for assessment.
  • Required performances: Winter Concert, Pre-Assessment Concert (early March), VBODA Assessment (mid March), and Spring Concert (late May/early June).

Symphonic Band

  • All Concert Band obligations.
  • Additional after-school rehearsals as determined by the director.
  • Members are expected to participate in Competitive Marching Band unless they play a fall sport.

Wind Ensemble

  • All Symphonic Band obligations.
  • Additional Fall concert.
  • Additional rehearsals as determined by the director.
  • May include performances that require travel.
  • Typically performs at Woodson High School’s graduation ceremony.
  • Members are expected to participate in Competitive Marching Band unless they play a fall sport.

Non-Competitive Marching Band

  • Daily afternoon rehearsals (approximately 2 hours) each weekday the week before school starts.
  • All home football games and Homecoming Parade.

Competitive Marching Band

  • Band camp every weekday for the three weeks prior to the start of school.
  • Fall schedule includes after-school rehearsals three days per week, performances at all home football games and competitions (four competitions scheduled for 2025; may vary by year).
  • Typically includes an all-day Saturday rehearsal before the first competition.

How do home varsity football games work?

Both Competitive and Non-Competitive Marching Band participate in all home varsity football games.

  • Games usually begin at 7:00 PM, and students are expected to report to the band room by 5:00 PM.
  • Students get in uniform, warm up, and enter the stadium together.
  • At most games, the band plays the fight song as the team enters the field, followed by the National Anthem.
  • The band sits in a dedicated section of the stands during the first half to play pep songs.
  • The Competitive Marching Band typically performs their show at halftime.
  • During the third quarter, students have a break and may purchase food from the concession stand.
  • The band returns to their section and plays through the end of the game.
  • After the game, students return their uniforms in the band room and are dismissed.

How do Marching Band competitions work?

Only students in the Competitive Marching Band take part in competitions. These are typically full-day events, most often held on Saturdays, and return times can be quite late if the competition is farther away.

  • The director provides an itinerary in advance for each competition.
  • Students report to Woodson at a designated time before departure.
  • The band travels together to and from the event.
  • Some competitions use a prelims/finals format. If the band qualifies in prelims, they may perform again in finals.
  • Meal details are shared ahead of each competition.
  • Most competitions charge an entrance fee for spectators. This fee is waived for band staff, volunteers, and members.

What is Tag Day and why is student participation essential to the program?

Tag Day is the largest fundraiser for Woodson Band. Students work in small groups, each paired with an adult driver, to visit neighborhoods throughout the Woodson community and request donations to support the program. Participation from all students is essential to ensure the success of this important event.

How much does Band cost at Woodson High School?

Costs vary depending on the ensemble and may change from year to year. Many wearable items can be reused if they remain in good condition and fit. Used items are also acceptable.

Band Course Expenses (2025–2026):

  • $25 Course Fee (covers music)
  • $28 Woodson Band Polo (worn at band events)
  • Concert Uniform
    • Dress option: $51 Concert Shoes (different from Marching Shoes)
    • Tuxedo option: $20 Dress Shirt, $12 Bowtie and Cummerbund, $33 Black Marching Shoes
  • Instrument Costs
    • Smaller instruments are typically student-provided
    • Larger instruments may be rented from the school for $110
    • Percussion students pay $60 to help offset the cost of school-provided equipment

Competitive Marching Band Expenses (Fall 2025):

  • $475 Activity Fee (covers show design, music, show top, clinicians, and transportation)
  • $33 Black Marching Shoes (may also be used with the tuxedo concert uniform)
  • $30 Supplemental Fee for percussionists only (supports equipment and additional clinician instruction)

Non-Competitive Marching Band Expenses:

  • Students must have Black Marching Shoes
  • No additional activity fee

How do families keep up with everything going on with the band?

All students enrolled in a band class at Woodson, and their guardians, receive CutTime accounts in the spring before the school year begins. CutTime is Woodson Band’s official tool for:

  • Sending announcements to band families
  • Maintaining the rehearsal and performance calendar
  • Tracking payment status of activity fees
  • Signing up for guardian volunteer opportunities

Families should check CutTime regularly to stay informed about all band activities and initiatives.

Band instructors may also communicate with students through Schoology, and Section Leaders or other student leaders may share information verbally or by text message.

The Woodson Band Patrons publish a newsletter, The Trumpeter, weekly during the fall marching band season and periodically during the rest of the year. The Trumpeter is distributed through CutTime and includes summaries of important information for band families.

The Woodson Band Patrons and Directors also manage a private Facebook group, Woodson Band and Color Guard Parents. This group is a great place to connect with other parents and ask questions that reach many Woodson Band families.

What support is offered for new band families?

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, the Woodson Band Patrons will introduce a New Member Coordinator position. This role will be filled by a guardian of a rising sophomore who joined the Woodson Band the previous year.

The New Member Coordinator will:

  • Serve as a dedicated point of contact for new member questions and concerns
  • Organize information sessions for new families in the spring (after students enroll in band)
  • Host additional sessions during band camp at the end of the summer

If you have any questions before your student signs up for band, you are welcome to contact any of the band directors or volunteer leaders directly. Contact information can be found on the Contact Info page.

Last Updated 10/12/20205