Marching Band FAQ
General Questions
What is marching band? How is it different from concert band?
Marching band combines music and movement! Students play their instruments while performing choreographed formations on the field, often to tell a story or fit a theme. Unlike concert band, which focuses on sitting and playing in a concert setting, marching band involves marching drills, precision, and visual performance.
What is spirit band? How is it different from marching band?
Spirit Band is all about school pride and making music—without the full marching band commitment! It’s perfect for students with fall sports or busy schedules who still want to perform at football games and parades alongside the marching band. All students in marching band are also a part of the spirit band! Bring your instrument, bring your energy, and join the fun!
Does my student need experience to join?
No! We welcome beginners and experienced marchers alike. We teach it all —from how to march to show routines—during summer camp and practices.
Is marching band a class or an extracurricular?
At Enloe, marching band is extracurricular. Students participate in after-school practices and weekend performances.
Time Commitment & Schedule
When does the season start and end?
Marching band season usually runs from July (band camp) through November, covering football games and competitions.
What’s the weekly schedule like?
Rehearsals typically happen 3 times a week after school until 6:30, plus football games on Friday nights and competitions on select Saturdays.
What if my student misses a rehearsal?
Attendance is very important since every member impacts the show. If your student must miss for illness or an emergency, notify us as soon as possible.
Need to be absent? Put it on the absence request form.
Are summer band camps mandatory?
Yes! Band camp is when students learn the show and bond as a team. Missing camp makes it difficult to catch up.
Performances & Events
What is a competition day like?
Competitions are full-day events, usually on Saturdays. Students travel together by bus, perform, watch other bands, and return later that evening. Students often need to bring money for concessions for at least one meal.
Do families attend all performances?
We love having family support! Football games and competitions are open to spectators. Many parents also volunteer to help. We love our parent volunteers!
Are there annual events that the band participates in?
Eagle Classic: After a day of rehearsal, parents and families are invited to join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, watch a little bit of rehearsal, have the opportunity to ask questions, and preview the competition show! Weather permitting, we plan to have our potluck dinner on the patio. Please bring your chairs and come hang out with us! Details will be in the weekly newsletter.
8th Grade Night: Future Eagles from Moore Square, Ligon, Carnage, and Martin will join the Enloe Marching Band for pizza, field time, and music! March with the band, play some tunes, and cheer on our Eagles with the Spirit Band.
Marching Band Banquet:
Marching Band Banquet: Celebrate the season with food, awards, stories, and plenty of Eagle pride! It’s our chance to honor hard work, share memories, and wrap up the year in style.
Enloe Bands Night: Future band students join us for an exciting evening of music, info, and fun! Meet our directors, connect with current band members, explore our ensembles—from marching band to indoor percussion—and enjoy activities like a pizza dinner. Discover what it means to be part of the Enloe Band family!
Spring Recognition Banquet: Our annual banquet celebrating the accomplishments of our band members and ensembles! Enjoy awards, dinner, and fellowship as we honor a year of hard work and look forward to what’s ahead.
Costs & Fees
How much does marching band cost?
Fees vary but typically cover uniforms, instruction, music, drill design, transportation, and show expenses. Additional items may be extra.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes! Please click: Learn more here to learn about the financial assistance available.
Is there anything I can do to help cover the cost of band fees for my student?
We fundraise in different ways to support our band program. Families are also able to sign up (after some training) to help run our booth (West Wine) at the Coastal Credit Union Amphitheater at Walnut Creek. A portion of proceeds and tips go directly to your child's fairshare account.
Fairshare account? What is that?
Fair Share is each family’s way of directly investing in the success of our marching band! This per-student contribution helps bring our season to life by covering exciting essentials like custom music, show design, specialized instructors, uniform care, equipment, and travel to competitions. Instead of being limited by the school’s budget, Fair Share ensures our students have everything they need to shine. Families can contribute through direct payments or by participating in fundraising opportunities, and flexible options such as financial aid or payment plans help make it possible for everyone to be part of the experience.
Uniforms & Gear
What does my student need to buy?
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Most students need: Full size black towel, sticks and mallets if needed, black full size towel, Coleman water jug, white 3 ring binder with sheet protectors, tank to wear under unis, long black socks, and a section hat. A windbreaker and green Enloe band shirt are available through Membership ToolKit. An extra percussion fee will cover sticks and mallets for those students. |
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Who cleans and maintains the uniform?
Uniform jackets and pants are usually handled by the band. Uniforms are kept at school and cleaned by parents as needed during the season. Students are responsible for keeping shoes clean and bringing the correct gear to every performance.
Parent Involvement
How can parents help?
There are lots of ways to support! From chaperoning trips, helping with uniforms, serving meals, or working on the prop crew, there’s something for everyone.
What is the Band Boosters? Do I have to join?
The Band Boosters is our parent volunteer organization. Every band family is automatically a member—there’s no extra cost, just opportunities to help and stay informed. Haven't joined yet?
Click here: 👉 Register/Log in
Student Experience
Will my student have time for homework?
Yes—with good time management. Many students successfully balance marching band with AP classes, sports, and other activities.
Is marching band physically demanding?
It’s an active activity! Students build endurance and strength, especially during summer rehearsals. We provide water breaks and encourage healthy habits.
Will my student make friends?
Absolutely! Marching band is like a family. Students form strong bonds through rehearsals, performances, and team traditions.
