1. Why should I join band? What are the benefits?
The purpose of the Marching Red Devils is to create a "family" environment to which all band students can belong. Students learn lifelong values and standards, where they can learn to depend on one another in their pursuit of excellence. They learn about responsibility, doing their fair share, and sticking to a common goal. Members of the marching band develop a sense of pride and respect within both the school and community.
This is reflected in the band’s Mission Statement:
The Burlington High School Marching Red Devils aim to cultivate a strong sense of artistry and camaraderie. The organization strives to create a professional and safe environment, while promoting self confidence, creativity, and leadership.
“Work hard, play hard.”
Graduates of the Burlington Band have gone on to represent our program at well-respected universities such as Harvard, Brown, Tufts, and Northeastern. In addition, several students have furthered their musical studies at Berklee College of Music, Ithaca College, University of Miami, and UMass Amherst. We also have representation in military branches through the US Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Check out this TedEd segment: “How Playing An Instrument Benefits Your Brain”
This is reflected in the band’s Mission Statement:
The Burlington High School Marching Red Devils aim to cultivate a strong sense of artistry and camaraderie. The organization strives to create a professional and safe environment, while promoting self confidence, creativity, and leadership.
“Work hard, play hard.”
Graduates of the Burlington Band have gone on to represent our program at well-respected universities such as Harvard, Brown, Tufts, and Northeastern. In addition, several students have furthered their musical studies at Berklee College of Music, Ithaca College, University of Miami, and UMass Amherst. We also have representation in military branches through the US Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Check out this TedEd segment: “How Playing An Instrument Benefits Your Brain”
For more information, check out the “Benefits of Being in Band”:
Benefits of Being in Band.pdf | |
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2. What is the time commitment for being a member of the band?
Members of the band program typically participate in the Marching Red Devils, which includes winds (woodwind/brass), battery, front ensemble, and visual ensemble (Fall color guard). Prior to the end of a school year, we invite 8th grade students (next year's freshman class) to attend "Ice Breaker" rehearsals at BHS in the beginning of June where band members can 'break the ice' and meet one another in a fun rehearsal environment. We also coordinate a Welcome Meeting for all parents and students to learn more about the program and hear about our upcoming plans for 'Marching Season' and the school year.
Band camp takes place in August prior to the start of the season - see #6 for more information. During the Fall season from September to the end of October, marching band rehearsals take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Our performance schedule includes football games on Friday evenings and NESBA (New England Scholastic Band Association) competitions on select Saturdays.
We know that many students and families may find our fall schedule intimidating. The schedule is front loaded in the beginning of the school year to align with ‘Marching Season.’ The calendar for the remainder of the school year relaxes as we move into ‘Concert Season’ for the winds and percussion or ‘Winter Season’ for the color guard. We plan and prepare for our events as efficiently as possible to make sure that students are getting the highest quality out of each experience.
Band camp takes place in August prior to the start of the season - see #6 for more information. During the Fall season from September to the end of October, marching band rehearsals take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Our performance schedule includes football games on Friday evenings and NESBA (New England Scholastic Band Association) competitions on select Saturdays.
We know that many students and families may find our fall schedule intimidating. The schedule is front loaded in the beginning of the school year to align with ‘Marching Season.’ The calendar for the remainder of the school year relaxes as we move into ‘Concert Season’ for the winds and percussion or ‘Winter Season’ for the color guard. We plan and prepare for our events as efficiently as possible to make sure that students are getting the highest quality out of each experience.
3. Do I need to be in marching band in order to be in the band?
New for 2022, you do NOT have to join the marching band in order to be in the band program, although we strongly encourage students to try marching band, as it is a new and exciting opportunity! This is a common fear amongst 8th grade students, especially for those families that are new to BHS. Most if not all of our students cite marching band as being their favorite aspect of the program and really appreciate having dozens of new friends by the first day of high school.
Please email Mr. Buchsbaum directly at [email protected] to help figure out the best choice for you.
Please email Mr. Buchsbaum directly at [email protected] to help figure out the best choice for you.
4. Can I do band AND play a sport?
ABSOLUTELY. The positive relationship between the performing arts programs and the athletic department is something that we value greatly. There is rarely a situation that we have not been able to work out between programs. In fact, many band students excel in athletics and often leave high school with better time management skills because of this.
With busy schedules, we recognize that it can be difficult to participate in as many events as students would like. Our philosophy in the band program is to provide as many opportunities as possible for students.
Check out this BCAT segment: “Burlington High Students Pull Double Duty For Band & Football”
With busy schedules, we recognize that it can be difficult to participate in as many events as students would like. Our philosophy in the band program is to provide as many opportunities as possible for students.
Check out this BCAT segment: “Burlington High Students Pull Double Duty For Band & Football”
5. How do the band classes work at BHS?
There are three band classes that are offered during the school day at BHS:
Wind Ensemble - Audition required for wind (woodwind + brass) musicians.
Symphonic Band - Open to all wind musicians. No audition required.
Percussion Ensemble - All percussionists are enrolled in this course.
Students in the band program sign up for one of these three classes. In the Fall, these classes along with our Visual Ensemble (Fall color guard) make up the Marching Red Devils, which rehearses as a group primarily in the evenings. During the first several weeks of the school year, the three band classes dedicate some of their in-class time to marching band-related curriculum. Beginning in October/November, the classes transition into ‘Concert Season,’ where the focus shifts to repertoire that the concert bands will perform. Percussion Ensemble students will audition to be assigned to either the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band, which perform at school concerts and regional music festivals in Massachusetts. For more information on each of these groups, visit the Ensembles tab.
Wind Ensemble - Audition required for wind (woodwind + brass) musicians.
Symphonic Band - Open to all wind musicians. No audition required.
Percussion Ensemble - All percussionists are enrolled in this course.
Students in the band program sign up for one of these three classes. In the Fall, these classes along with our Visual Ensemble (Fall color guard) make up the Marching Red Devils, which rehearses as a group primarily in the evenings. During the first several weeks of the school year, the three band classes dedicate some of their in-class time to marching band-related curriculum. Beginning in October/November, the classes transition into ‘Concert Season,’ where the focus shifts to repertoire that the concert bands will perform. Percussion Ensemble students will audition to be assigned to either the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band, which perform at school concerts and regional music festivals in Massachusetts. For more information on each of these groups, visit the Ensembles tab.
6. What and when is band camp?
Band Camp is the kickoff to our Fall season! The camp is typically held two weeks prior to BPSCon (Teacher Planning) and is held at Burlington High School. Students make some of their most important memories at Band Camp, where we combine bonding activities, small ‘sectionals’, and full ensemble rehearsals.
On Thursday of the 2nd week, we host a Friends and Family Preview Show in the evening that highlights all of the new skills and premiers the first half of our marching band show for the season. On Friday of the 2nd week (the last day), band members hop on school buses to attend our annual Hampton Beach Day trip.
On Thursday of the 2nd week, we host a Friends and Family Preview Show in the evening that highlights all of the new skills and premiers the first half of our marching band show for the season. On Friday of the 2nd week (the last day), band members hop on school buses to attend our annual Hampton Beach Day trip.
For any additional questions, please email Mr. Buchsbaum at [email protected].