New Students/ Parents FAQ
Welcome to our band family!
We are excited to have you join one of the most active, rewarding, inclusive, & successful organizations at Grassfield–the Grassfield Band. In our program, there are opportunities for every student to improve as musicians, grow as leaders, & create memories that will last a lifetime. Be it 9th Grade Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, Color Guard, Jazz Band, Winter Guard, or Winter Percussion–there is something for everyone.
Music education is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each student to use the creative side of their brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC. All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically outperform their non-musical counterparts.
This page will hopefully answer most of the questions that you and your parents may have regarding the band program.
We are excited to have you join one of the most active, rewarding, inclusive, & successful organizations at Grassfield–the Grassfield Band. In our program, there are opportunities for every student to improve as musicians, grow as leaders, & create memories that will last a lifetime. Be it 9th Grade Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, Color Guard, Jazz Band, Winter Guard, or Winter Percussion–there is something for everyone.
Music education is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each student to use the creative side of their brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC. All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically outperform their non-musical counterparts.
This page will hopefully answer most of the questions that you and your parents may have regarding the band program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who are the band directors?
Director of Bands: Mr. Keith Dublin
Associate Director of Bands: Mr. Luke Walker
What classes are offered?
A description of our ensembles is located under the "ensembles" page on this website.
How do I become a member of the Marching Band?
Follow the steps listed on "Join 2023-2024 Marching Grizzlies" page on this website.
Can a STEM Academy student participate in Marching Band? Is there time to balance classes/internship/band?
YES! There are many STEM students in the Marching Band. Students will need to balance their workload as they would for any sport or job.
This is very doable and gives a lot of students a fun and creative outlet in their very academic-focused day.
Can an Orchestra student participate in the Marching Band/ Indoor Percussion/ Winter Guard?
YES! We have several orchestra students in our Indoor Percussion/ Front ensemble section and in the Color and Winter Guard. All of these sections have conditioning in May, followed by an audition process. We welcome the chance to bring together music students from across the entire GFHS Music Department (band, orchestra, chorus, ghuitar, etc)
What is Band Camp?
Band Camp refers to the multiple weeks of full-day rehearsals held over the summer. The Marching Grizzlies learn the bulk of their music & field show during these weeks of rehearsals, with a large percentage of our season’s rehearsal time occurring during these weeks. While all rehearsals are mandatory, Band Camp is absolutely mandatory for our members.
What are competitions?
The Marching Grizzlies not only perform at all home football games & attend all away football games. We also compete in 4-5 marching band competitions each fall. Several are in our area, and several are out of town, and may require overnight stays.
Can I videotape the performances?
You may record video, however you are NOT allowed to post the video online (e.g. youtube, social media) due to music copyright laws.
Are parents involved in the band?
Absolutley YES! The Grassfield Band Parent Association (GFBPA) is extremely involved in all aspects of the band progrma and supports all students and all ensembles. Please consider being a part of our wonderful parent association.
How can a parent join the GFBPA and how can I help?
There are no fees associated with being a member in our band parent association, we just need you to agree to our bylaws and sign that you will be a member. The success of our band program is due to the combined efforts of dedicated, wonderful and extremely talented directors/instructors and the very supportive parents and families that make up the GFBPA. THE GFBPA NEEDS YOU!
Is parent volunteering required?
It is expected that each parent/guardian takes an active role in their student’s band experience. The Grassfield Bands have significant needs in terms of funding & volunteer needs. From a fundraising standpoint, we ask that each parent volunteer to work at least 2 Scope/Harbor Park Concessions events during the marching season & 1 GHS Football Concessions event.
We are fortunate to have these opportunities available to bring in income & help us lower the cost per member to participate in marching band.
There are numerous ways parents/guardians can share their time & talents to help the Marching Grizzlies.
When/where does the GFBPA meet?
We hold meeting once a month, usually the 3rd Thursday. Our meetings are normal held in the band room. All of our information and schedules can be found in CutTime. https://cuttime.net/signin.cfm
What are the primary methods of communication?
OUR BAND WEBSITE: https://www.grassfieldbands.org/
CUTTIME: https://cuttime.net/signin.cfm
BAND App Groups: https://band.us/band/90123151
FaceBook Public Page: @GrassfieldBands/ https://www.facebook.com/GrassfieldBands
FaceBook Private Page: @GFBPA- Grassfield Band Parent Association - Closed group, open to current students and parents!
What are the fundraisers?
Please check out our Fundraiser/ support page to learn all about how we earn money to support this great program!
Can I make a monetary donation?
Yes. We appreciate donations of all kinds. Please use this link to donate to the band program.
https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/grassfieldbands/payments
Who are the band directors?
Director of Bands: Mr. Keith Dublin
Associate Director of Bands: Mr. Luke Walker
What classes are offered?
A description of our ensembles is located under the "ensembles" page on this website.
How do I become a member of the Marching Band?
Follow the steps listed on "Join 2023-2024 Marching Grizzlies" page on this website.
Can a STEM Academy student participate in Marching Band? Is there time to balance classes/internship/band?
YES! There are many STEM students in the Marching Band. Students will need to balance their workload as they would for any sport or job.
This is very doable and gives a lot of students a fun and creative outlet in their very academic-focused day.
Can an Orchestra student participate in the Marching Band/ Indoor Percussion/ Winter Guard?
YES! We have several orchestra students in our Indoor Percussion/ Front ensemble section and in the Color and Winter Guard. All of these sections have conditioning in May, followed by an audition process. We welcome the chance to bring together music students from across the entire GFHS Music Department (band, orchestra, chorus, ghuitar, etc)
What is Band Camp?
Band Camp refers to the multiple weeks of full-day rehearsals held over the summer. The Marching Grizzlies learn the bulk of their music & field show during these weeks of rehearsals, with a large percentage of our season’s rehearsal time occurring during these weeks. While all rehearsals are mandatory, Band Camp is absolutely mandatory for our members.
What are competitions?
The Marching Grizzlies not only perform at all home football games & attend all away football games. We also compete in 4-5 marching band competitions each fall. Several are in our area, and several are out of town, and may require overnight stays.
Can I videotape the performances?
You may record video, however you are NOT allowed to post the video online (e.g. youtube, social media) due to music copyright laws.
Are parents involved in the band?
Absolutley YES! The Grassfield Band Parent Association (GFBPA) is extremely involved in all aspects of the band progrma and supports all students and all ensembles. Please consider being a part of our wonderful parent association.
How can a parent join the GFBPA and how can I help?
There are no fees associated with being a member in our band parent association, we just need you to agree to our bylaws and sign that you will be a member. The success of our band program is due to the combined efforts of dedicated, wonderful and extremely talented directors/instructors and the very supportive parents and families that make up the GFBPA. THE GFBPA NEEDS YOU!
Is parent volunteering required?
It is expected that each parent/guardian takes an active role in their student’s band experience. The Grassfield Bands have significant needs in terms of funding & volunteer needs. From a fundraising standpoint, we ask that each parent volunteer to work at least 2 Scope/Harbor Park Concessions events during the marching season & 1 GHS Football Concessions event.
We are fortunate to have these opportunities available to bring in income & help us lower the cost per member to participate in marching band.
There are numerous ways parents/guardians can share their time & talents to help the Marching Grizzlies.
When/where does the GFBPA meet?
We hold meeting once a month, usually the 3rd Thursday. Our meetings are normal held in the band room. All of our information and schedules can be found in CutTime. https://cuttime.net/signin.cfm
What are the primary methods of communication?
OUR BAND WEBSITE: https://www.grassfieldbands.org/
CUTTIME: https://cuttime.net/signin.cfm
BAND App Groups: https://band.us/band/90123151
FaceBook Public Page: @GrassfieldBands/ https://www.facebook.com/GrassfieldBands
FaceBook Private Page: @GFBPA- Grassfield Band Parent Association - Closed group, open to current students and parents!
What are the fundraisers?
Please check out our Fundraiser/ support page to learn all about how we earn money to support this great program!
Can I make a monetary donation?
Yes. We appreciate donations of all kinds. Please use this link to donate to the band program.
https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/grassfieldbands/payments