:: FAQ's about HS Band ::
:: Nixa Bands Nixa, Missouri::
- As students approach attending Nixa HS, it is natural to have questions regarding the band program at that level. This page is intended to get prospective members and
their parents and jump start on learning more about the Nixa HS band program and what their membership would entail. This is not a 100% inclusive list. You can find
other information simply by browsing the rest of this site and of course by contacting Mr. Finger.
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Crimson Corps FAQ’s Summer Calendar is at the bottom of this page.
When does Marching Band start?
Our first week of rehearsals begins June 4th. See the HS Calendar for more details.
What if we have family vacation during a summer rehearsal?
The general rule for summer rehearsals (excluding band camp) is that if the student is in town, we ask that they be in attendance. Church camps and family vacations do not need to
be scheduled around summer rehearsals (though it benefits the student’s learning if they are). All students have to do is to inform the director of their absence in a timely fashion. We
ask that students do their best to inform us of summer absences prior to school letting out for this year. Students do need to be at band camp in order to participate in the HS band.
What happens if we don’t inform the director of our summer absence?
When a student does not show up for rehearsals, steps are taken to remove the student from the show. This is to protect the show that is designed months prior to actually being put
on the field. If this happens, it is usually due to a lack of communication so again, students need to make great efforts at making sure the director knows where you are if you are not at
a scheduled rehearsal.
Are students penalized for missing summer rehearsals?
Just like athletics, we must have practices during the summer to adequately prepare the band for the upcoming year. Band families work hard to schedule their activities the best they
can with the band rehearsal schedule. If your child misses too many rehearsals they will find it very difficult to catch up, finding themselves so far behind that many times students
elect to drop out. Band camp is vital to putting the show on the field. We rarely have students miss this experience.
When does the marching band rehearse during the year?
Starting the 2nd day of school, students start rehearsal before school (exact time to be announced). (Front Ensemble Percussion does not come in at this time). On Tuesdays we
rehearse music and guard technique from 2:45 – 3:30. This allows the percussion and winds to work their music as a full ensemble. Once a week we will have rehearsals during
either Tuesday or Thursday evenings (depending on field availability). We rehearse as a full group from 6:00 – 8:30 PM during this time. This is the only time that the band has to put
all the different elements together on the field. Monday Late Starts: Even though school starts at 8 AM on Monday’s, we still rehearse starting at 7 AM.
Is transportation provided to early morning practices?
Unfortunately no. However, there are several carpool options that section leaders can work out for everyone who needs a ride.
What does the band fee cover?
The school district does an outstanding job of providing the band instruments needed for our program. They provide the uniforms as well as cover our transportation cost. The $40
band fee is modest compared to other programs of similar size and quality. This fee breaks down as follows: $10 for band t-shirt, $10 for the uniform cleaning and $20 to offset the
cost of the show. The drill alone costs $3500 so you can see that it is a very expensive process to put a show on the field.
Are there other costs besides the band fee?
Students will need to purchase a pair of marching shoes ($30) and a couple of pairs of gloves ($5 total). If they are using a school instrument, there is a $40 user fee that covers the
entire school year. The boosters also collect a small fee to help pay for the enormous amount of food that is served to the kids at various events. Of course, there are individual
expenses related to instrument up keep that families have to be prepared for.
**We are very proud to offer this organization while keeping the costs low. Many programs have higher fee's. One local group is $200 while another is $450. There are several
Missouri bands that have fee's of $500 - $700 and I know of several nationally that are over a $1000!!
My child wants to participate in other activities while in band. Is this possible?
Yes! We encourage students to participate in as many activities that they are able. However, they must be willing to treat each activity equally. The band policy is that if activities
conflict, students are to split the conflicting time. There is a hierarchy to activities as well. A State event overrides a District event, which overrides a conference event, which overrides a
“regular” season event, which overrides a practice. It is also our policy that the activity sponsors will work out conflicts so that the student is not forced to choose. Most sponsors will
work very well with students that are involved in numerous activities. However, there are a few that ask the kids to focus on one activity only. I encourage you to figure out what you want
to sports or activities you would like to be involved with next year and meet individually with that sponsor to ensure that their policy works for you. Again, our policy is that we encourage
students to keep an active but MANAGEABLE activity schedule!
But freshman are only allowed so many electives! How can we fit in band?
It is true that recently the graduation requirements for HS have been raised and that freshman have less choices in their schedule. A student can still do band however! They just need
to plan a bit more long term. As they get older, they have more choices. So ask yourself if there are classes that you want to take that can be taken at a later time. Also, are there
classes that can be taken during summer school sessions so that you can have more freedom during the school year. IT CAN BE DONE!!!
Once we register for band can we change our mind?
The directors work very hard at not pressuring students to be in band. We obviously encourage good kids to stay with the band program but we always want to be respectful of their
decision. As directors we spend time to educate all involved about the commitment HS band requires to be successful at this level. Due to these efforts and since we don’t pressure
the kids, we ask that they make an informed decision that is best for them. However, once they make that decision we will act upon it and the show is designed around them. By the
time July comes around, we are in full swing and the show design is finished. One student quitting after the completion of the drill creates an unfixable problem that can be avoided by
making an informed decision and then sticking to that commitment. We ask all students and parents to discuss becoming a member of the HS band and make a commitment by the
end of the school year. We won’t pressure you on your decision, but once that decision is made, we must be able to count on your honoring your decision and will not allow schedule
changes.
My child isn’t interested in continuing in band. Should I insist that they continue?
Band is a wonderful experience that provides a great and positive support group for our students. The nonmusical benefits of this activity are sometimes overlooked by incoming
students because they don’t often view their participation in band as a fraternal experience. 8th graders who have older siblings in the HS program are always extremely eager to join
the band (especially marching band). Students who close circle of friends reside outside the band family are often reluctant to continue in the program. Requiring your child to be in
band against their wishes is a very important and personal decision that must be discussed at length in your home. Whatever the decision, every parent must remind their child of the
big commitment and expectations that are attached to joining this or any team activity.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about the HS band program?
Mr. Finger can be reached at Nixa HS at 724-3550 or by email, craigfinger@nixaschools.net. Feel free to contact me for a meeting if you would like to discuss in more detail than what
is currently provided.
2012 Spring/Summer Rehearsal Dates
Preseason
• April 14 9 – 12 Marching Techniques (current 8th graders and current freshman)
• May 12 9 – 12 Marching Techniques (current 8th graders and current freshman)
Summer
• June 4 & 8 1 – 4 Guard rehearsal
• June 5 – 7 1 – 4 Full band rehearsals (all students)
• June 11 & 15 1 – 4 Guard rehearsal
• June 12 - 14 1 – 4 Full band rehearsals (all students)
• July 9 – 13 9 – 4 Guard/Percussion rehearsals
• July 25 - 26 9 – 12 Rookie camp (any student who was not a 2011 member)
• July 27 9 – 12 Marching Techniques (all students)
• July 25 – 27 2 – 4 Full band rehearsals (all students)
• July 30 – Aug 3 Band Camp: (all students) Session 1 = 8 AM – 12:00
Session 2 = 4 PM – 8 PM
**Please note Wednesday, Aug 1 schedule…Session 1 = 8 AM – 12 PM
Session 2 = 2 PM – 6 PM
*We would have a review rehearsal sometime during the week of Aug 6. This will be determined once the back to school schedule is finalized.
*Nixa Activities Dead Week for 2012 is June 30 – July 8.
When does Marching Band start?
Our first week of rehearsals begins June 4th. See the HS Calendar for more details.
What if we have family vacation during a summer rehearsal?
The general rule for summer rehearsals (excluding band camp) is that if the student is in town, we ask that they be in attendance. Church camps and family vacations do not need to
be scheduled around summer rehearsals (though it benefits the student’s learning if they are). All students have to do is to inform the director of their absence in a timely fashion. We
ask that students do their best to inform us of summer absences prior to school letting out for this year. Students do need to be at band camp in order to participate in the HS band.
What happens if we don’t inform the director of our summer absence?
When a student does not show up for rehearsals, steps are taken to remove the student from the show. This is to protect the show that is designed months prior to actually being put
on the field. If this happens, it is usually due to a lack of communication so again, students need to make great efforts at making sure the director knows where you are if you are not at
a scheduled rehearsal.
Are students penalized for missing summer rehearsals?
Just like athletics, we must have practices during the summer to adequately prepare the band for the upcoming year. Band families work hard to schedule their activities the best they
can with the band rehearsal schedule. If your child misses too many rehearsals they will find it very difficult to catch up, finding themselves so far behind that many times students
elect to drop out. Band camp is vital to putting the show on the field. We rarely have students miss this experience.
When does the marching band rehearse during the year?
Starting the 2nd day of school, students start rehearsal before school (exact time to be announced). (Front Ensemble Percussion does not come in at this time). On Tuesdays we
rehearse music and guard technique from 2:45 – 3:30. This allows the percussion and winds to work their music as a full ensemble. Once a week we will have rehearsals during
either Tuesday or Thursday evenings (depending on field availability). We rehearse as a full group from 6:00 – 8:30 PM during this time. This is the only time that the band has to put
all the different elements together on the field. Monday Late Starts: Even though school starts at 8 AM on Monday’s, we still rehearse starting at 7 AM.
Is transportation provided to early morning practices?
Unfortunately no. However, there are several carpool options that section leaders can work out for everyone who needs a ride.
What does the band fee cover?
The school district does an outstanding job of providing the band instruments needed for our program. They provide the uniforms as well as cover our transportation cost. The $40
band fee is modest compared to other programs of similar size and quality. This fee breaks down as follows: $10 for band t-shirt, $10 for the uniform cleaning and $20 to offset the
cost of the show. The drill alone costs $3500 so you can see that it is a very expensive process to put a show on the field.
Are there other costs besides the band fee?
Students will need to purchase a pair of marching shoes ($30) and a couple of pairs of gloves ($5 total). If they are using a school instrument, there is a $40 user fee that covers the
entire school year. The boosters also collect a small fee to help pay for the enormous amount of food that is served to the kids at various events. Of course, there are individual
expenses related to instrument up keep that families have to be prepared for.
**We are very proud to offer this organization while keeping the costs low. Many programs have higher fee's. One local group is $200 while another is $450. There are several
Missouri bands that have fee's of $500 - $700 and I know of several nationally that are over a $1000!!
My child wants to participate in other activities while in band. Is this possible?
Yes! We encourage students to participate in as many activities that they are able. However, they must be willing to treat each activity equally. The band policy is that if activities
conflict, students are to split the conflicting time. There is a hierarchy to activities as well. A State event overrides a District event, which overrides a conference event, which overrides a
“regular” season event, which overrides a practice. It is also our policy that the activity sponsors will work out conflicts so that the student is not forced to choose. Most sponsors will
work very well with students that are involved in numerous activities. However, there are a few that ask the kids to focus on one activity only. I encourage you to figure out what you want
to sports or activities you would like to be involved with next year and meet individually with that sponsor to ensure that their policy works for you. Again, our policy is that we encourage
students to keep an active but MANAGEABLE activity schedule!
But freshman are only allowed so many electives! How can we fit in band?
It is true that recently the graduation requirements for HS have been raised and that freshman have less choices in their schedule. A student can still do band however! They just need
to plan a bit more long term. As they get older, they have more choices. So ask yourself if there are classes that you want to take that can be taken at a later time. Also, are there
classes that can be taken during summer school sessions so that you can have more freedom during the school year. IT CAN BE DONE!!!
Once we register for band can we change our mind?
The directors work very hard at not pressuring students to be in band. We obviously encourage good kids to stay with the band program but we always want to be respectful of their
decision. As directors we spend time to educate all involved about the commitment HS band requires to be successful at this level. Due to these efforts and since we don’t pressure
the kids, we ask that they make an informed decision that is best for them. However, once they make that decision we will act upon it and the show is designed around them. By the
time July comes around, we are in full swing and the show design is finished. One student quitting after the completion of the drill creates an unfixable problem that can be avoided by
making an informed decision and then sticking to that commitment. We ask all students and parents to discuss becoming a member of the HS band and make a commitment by the
end of the school year. We won’t pressure you on your decision, but once that decision is made, we must be able to count on your honoring your decision and will not allow schedule
changes.
My child isn’t interested in continuing in band. Should I insist that they continue?
Band is a wonderful experience that provides a great and positive support group for our students. The nonmusical benefits of this activity are sometimes overlooked by incoming
students because they don’t often view their participation in band as a fraternal experience. 8th graders who have older siblings in the HS program are always extremely eager to join
the band (especially marching band). Students who close circle of friends reside outside the band family are often reluctant to continue in the program. Requiring your child to be in
band against their wishes is a very important and personal decision that must be discussed at length in your home. Whatever the decision, every parent must remind their child of the
big commitment and expectations that are attached to joining this or any team activity.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about the HS band program?
Mr. Finger can be reached at Nixa HS at 724-3550 or by email, craigfinger@nixaschools.net. Feel free to contact me for a meeting if you would like to discuss in more detail than what
is currently provided.
2012 Spring/Summer Rehearsal Dates
Preseason
• April 14 9 – 12 Marching Techniques (current 8th graders and current freshman)
• May 12 9 – 12 Marching Techniques (current 8th graders and current freshman)
Summer
• June 4 & 8 1 – 4 Guard rehearsal
• June 5 – 7 1 – 4 Full band rehearsals (all students)
• June 11 & 15 1 – 4 Guard rehearsal
• June 12 - 14 1 – 4 Full band rehearsals (all students)
• July 9 – 13 9 – 4 Guard/Percussion rehearsals
• July 25 - 26 9 – 12 Rookie camp (any student who was not a 2011 member)
• July 27 9 – 12 Marching Techniques (all students)
• July 25 – 27 2 – 4 Full band rehearsals (all students)
• July 30 – Aug 3 Band Camp: (all students) Session 1 = 8 AM – 12:00
Session 2 = 4 PM – 8 PM
**Please note Wednesday, Aug 1 schedule…Session 1 = 8 AM – 12 PM
Session 2 = 2 PM – 6 PM
*We would have a review rehearsal sometime during the week of Aug 6. This will be determined once the back to school schedule is finalized.
*Nixa Activities Dead Week for 2012 is June 30 – July 8.
