Beyer Band and Color Guard - FAQ for Parents and Students

The following may be questions you have regarding the band program at Beyer. Our goal at Beyer is to keep parents and students well-informed and to make the transition from middle school to high school a safe and comfortable one for all students. We also want to keep current students and parents informed on what is happening and what to expect.

Q: Why is band or colorguard important in high school?

In these uncertain times, we as parents are interested in providing a well-rounded education for our children. High school is one of the most critical times in a student's social and intellectual development. Music is an integral part of a student's growth both emotionally and intellectually. In order for students to succeed in life they need to feel secure, loved, challenged, and proud of their achievements. Band fulfills all of these needs. As a matter of fact, you’ll find many of the best students at Beyer participating in the band and color guard! That kind of success is found in our program because we strongly believe that:

Q: I have heard that band and color guard takes a lot of the student’s time. What are the time commitments involved?

The time commitment is probably less than what you heard or expected! We understand that some parents are concerned that their student will become over-involved, won’t have time to study, or won’t budget time well. Band teaches students to budget their time. We don’t limit students, because most band students are involved in other activities. There have been many studies that show students work best when they are active and doing things that challenge them and that they enjoy.

During marching band season (beginning of school until mid-November), band students practice Tuesdays 5-9 P.M. and some Saturdays. Percussion and color guard students have an additional shorter practice on Thursdays (3-6 for colorguard, 5-8 for percussion). Marching band also starts the year off with an exciting band camp before school starts. We then play at four to six marching band competitions and three to four home football games. Overall, the time commitment is very manageable!

During concert season (after Thanksgiving until the end of the school year), the bulk of the additional time is concerts and festivals, much the same as in middle school. During this time, our Winter Guard and Winter Percussion groups have their own competitive seasons, with the schedule being much the same as in marching band season. Winter Guard and Percussion go approximately from early December to Mid-April.

Q: How long does marching band season last?

Marching band is active only a small portion of the school year. The last commitment of the marching band is usually the weekend before Thanksgiving at State Championships, after which time the marching band rehearsals are discontinued.

Q: In what ways can parents get involved?

What a great way to get involved with your student’s education! There are many ways to get involved with the band and color guard program. At the first parent meeting of the year in September, we will give you a chance to sign up for involvement in many of the band and guard’s activities. There is never any pressure – it’s just a lot of fun and a great feeling to work with students and other parents! The Blue Crew is our major parent volunteer group for the band and guard program. We also have positions open every year for booster board members, in addition to the many committees and event planning chair positions available. We are constantly in need of parent help, and the Beyer program has a rich tradition of tremendous and active parent support.

Q: What if my son or daughter falls behind in other schoolwork?

We understand that the student’s schoolwork comes first! Students in our program help each other a great deal and are extremely grade-conscious students. The band has a reputation for having many of the brightest and highest-achieving academic students on campus. If your son or daughter’s grades become a concern, please make an appointment to talk with the band director so any problems can be avoided.

Q: What is Band Camp?

Band Camp is the first official time the entire band and color guard rehearses before school begins. Because rehearsal time is limited when school is in session, we meet before school begins (see calendar for exact dates) with additional staff to help students learn their music, choreography, and marching fundamentals. This is also a “get reacquainted” time for band and guard veterans, and an orientation time for the freshmen. Check the website toward the end of the school year for more information about camp. Be sure to mark the dates on your calendar!

Q: What are Winterguard and Winter Percussion?

Winterguard is an indoor color guard activity, derived from the outdoor activity that is part of the marching band. Winter Percussion is an indoor activity for marching drumline and front ensemble percussion. The students who participate in the color guard and percussion for marching band, as well as any other interested students, get a chance to hone their skills and perform at competitions in a much more intimate setting (high school gymnasium or basketball arena). Winterguard and Winter Percussion are two of the most enjoyable and successful programs that Beyer has to offer. Both groups have achieved national ranking status and even earned silver and bronze medals in their respective divisions, and are among the most well respected programs in the country.

Q: What if my student needs to miss a rehearsal?

The Beyer program is one of the most successful in the United States, and a major reason for this is the effective use of rehearsal time. We schedule rehearsals carefully and have a full adjunct-staff of teachers and coaches so that the students’ time is not wasted, and because of that, we strive for 100% attendance at all rehearsals. If there is a time conflict that cannot be resolved, however, parents need to notify the band office 2 days in advance for an excused absence. If there is an emergence, the Director should be called as soon as you can after the rehearsal missed.

Q: What are the costs during the year?

The Beyer Band and Colorguard Boosters (BBB) raise money throughout the year to assist in providing funding for the programs. It is for this reason the actual out-of-pocket expenses for band activities are quite inexpensive. We ask for a voluntary donation of $175.00 during marching band season (due by the end of September) to defray staff, as well as help pay for food, fuel, transportation and other costs during the season. Students are asked to purchase minor uniform accessories, such as gloves for brass players, shoes and socks, and unitards for the guard members.

The band and guard often has opportunities to travel during the year. When those opportunities are discussed at parent meetings, the costs for the trip are clearly spelled out, and fundraising projects are planned to give students the opportunity to raise the funds.

Q: How does the band raise money?

Less than 10% of the band’s budget comes from the school district. In the Spring of every year, the Beyer Band and Colorguard Boosters plan fundraisers for the upcoming year. These fundraisers are designed to raise money with the least amount of time spent by students and parents. Examples include a crab feed, silent auction, fireworks booth during 4th of July time, sponsoring local competitions for the marching band and Winter groups, car washes, rummage sales, special performances for the community, and much more. Many fundraisers are run completely by the BBB, and others include student participation. Parents will be kept informed about all fundraising activities through announcements at school and rehearsals, as well as on our website’s fundraising page.

Q: Where does the band travel during the year?

Most of the competitions and festivals during the year are in the Central Valley area or in the Bay Area. The marching band sometimes travels to Southern California or out of state for competitions, depending on the schedule for the given year. In the past, the band has traveled to Orlando, Chicago, and Arizona for competitions or festivals. Major international trips have included Ireland, Australia, and most recently China. Trips are not mandatory, and do involve fundraising and additional expense, but the reward of the experience is always well worth it! The Winter Guard and Winter Percussion have also traveled many times in the Spring to Dayton, OH for the WGI World Championships.

Q: How are trips chaperoned?

The Booster Organization has a member who plans the trips and provides sufficient chaperones (usually at a ratio of one parent to every 8 students). Trips are carefully organized and rules are strictly enforced.

Q: Does the school have any instruments for students to use?

Yes. The school owns many larger instruments such as tubas, bassoons, and baritones. Students can check with the band office prior to finishing 8th grade to see if there is an instrument available. Parents can rent instruments through local music dealers if there is not a school instrument available, but we are usually able to accommodate everyone.

Q: Will my son or daughter be able to fit in all of the required classes and take band at the same time?

Yes! There are many students in band and guard who not only take Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, but also concurrently take Jazz Band and have the time for extra-curricular activities such as sports, church, etc. The most important thing, of course, is careful planning. You can take band and your required classes and still have room for other electives if you sit down and plan for it during the student’s first year of high school. Your student’s counselor is an excellent source of help for program planning. You just need to make an appointment in the office, and ask them to make music a priority!

Q: But my student says s/he can’t be in band and sports at the same time.

The best way to deal with that question is to ask a student who does both. In the past, we have had many band students who are in sports such as basketball, soccer, football, cheerleading, water polo, swimming, etc. We want students to feel they can try many things, as long as they are committed to doing them well. Schedules are organized to avoid conflict with sports practices. If there is a problem, we will discuss it with the student and try to reach a solution that makes the student feel uncompromised.

Q: It sounds like the band and guard is busy. How will I be kept informed of pertinent information about the program?

Our website is the best way to stay up to date on information, events, and calendar dates relating to the band and color guard. During the school year, we also have a weekly bulletin that is posted in the band building as well as online, outlining the upcoming events and giving important announcements for the week. Parents can also email or call the director’s office with any questions.

Q: What makes the Beyer band and color guard outstanding?

The Beyer program offers students a chance to feel a sense of belonging in a group that takes pride in excellence, values respect and discipline, and strives to make the high school experience more well rounded and rewarding. We value the benefit of competition and have achieved many accolades, but we emphasize education and pure achievement as our first goal. Please take a few minutes to click around our website and read about our many successes. You will find a long list of impressive achievements and exciting opportunities for your son or daughter. We want you to be a part of our musical family!

Q: Who do I call if I have questions?

If you have any questions or comments, you may reach the Director, Mr. Williams, at 576-4354. You can also email Mr. Williams, or email the web master, Nate Bourg. On our staff page, there are also contact links for each of our adjunct staff members. We would be glad to answer any questions you may have!