Frequently Asked Questions

I didn't register for band.  I changed my mind; can I still be in band?
YES-- just have your parents call the school at 975-7340 and ask for the guidance department.  You may also have your parents write a note and fax it to 975-7349.  Be sure to include the course that you would like to drop, in order to fit band into your schedule

I'm zoned for Gaither, but I planned on going to a school-of-choice.  Can I change my mind and switch back to Gaither?
YES--just have your parents call the school at 975-7340 and ask for the guidance department.  They will take care of everything.  If you have any problems, e-mail me.

If I am in band, can I also belong to other student clubs?
YES!  In fact, most of the Gaither Band students belong to several student clubs! We encourage involvement!  Clubs meet once a month during school on a special "Club Day”.

If I am in band, can I also participate in Sports?
Yes, we encourage students to participate in sports. However band concerts and performances are curricular and sports are co-curricular. If there is a sporting event and a band performance on the same night, the band concert has to come first. It is graded. We have had students on the varsity and junior varsity football teams, basketball, softball, track, weightlifting, baseball, volleyball, etc… The student has to be organized with a planner to avoid conflicts. Please contact Mr. Dell if you are interested in sports, especially football or volleyball.

Do I have to audition for the Gaither Band Program?
NO. Everyone is welcome to participate in the band REGARDLESS OF YOUR PLAYING ABILITY.   Part assignments will be determined during band camp.

Wind Ensemble, Yes.  Our concert bands are split into three classes: "Concert Band", "Symphonic Band", and Wind Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble requires an audition which consists of 12 major scales played in under 3 minutes by memory, as well as a short excerpt from a piece of music that we are planning on performing in the upcoming year.  

Most incoming freshmen are placed in Concert Band their first year, or least semester to get acquainted with Gaither. After the first semester, we audition students who are interested in moving up to Symphonic or Wind Ensemble, however that is based on instrument openings.

The marching percussion is auditioned every year. These auditions take place sometime in May. All incoming 9th graders must participate in the front ensemble for their first year; new students in grades 10-12, will have the oportunity to audition - please contact Mr. Dell immediately to schedule this. We have over 20 percussionists, but we can only march 10-12 on the field. Everyone else performs in the front ensemble. The percussionists are in their own class and perform other events besides marching band.

I'm not sure whether I will like band or not. What should I do?
All students are encouraged to -at the very least - try band for the summer band practices. If you feel that you don't like it, there is no obligation to stay in.  Also, band meets one of your graduation requirments. 

Can I be in band all four years?
Yes! You only need 24 credits to graduate, band fulfills your fine art graduation requirement.  You can even take 2 music classes every year and still have room for more electives.  

Will being in band have a NEGATIVE effect on my grades or Scholarships?
NO! As a matter of fact, during you junior and senior year, you can take band for honors credit. You can earn and extra .5 credit just by taking band during your junior and senior years. There is also an A.P. Music Theory class offered to junior and seniors. Research has shown that the extra time you spend in band not only helps you build your musical skills, but also makes you smarter in math, science, and English!

Does the Gaither Band take any trips?
Yes!  Trips are one of the most fun parts of being in band.  In the past, we have traveled to Washington D.D. for the President Inaugural Parade, Atlanta, GA; Gatlinburg, TN; Williamsburg, VA; New Orleans, LA; Myrtle Beach, SC; etc…We take “mini” trips during the year to Tallahassee, Orlando (Universal Studios or Disney), and other cities across the state. We try to plan a big trip every other year.   

Do I have to be in Marching Band?
All students in the Gaither Band must participate in marching for two years. After that, there is an alternative curriculum that can replace marching band, but still be in the class. We don’t want anyone to quit band because of marching band. If you have an issue, please email me. I understand that it can be a little intimidating, but it really shouldn't be.  Almost all the freshmen this year said they were a little scared of marching, but it's really not bad at all.  We don't march everyday during the school year like other bands (Tues/Thurs).  You get to travel to all football games and ta few competitions across the state. Our primary emphasis is on concert bands, so the marching band is used as a fun way to learn a lot of concepts that easily transfer to the indoor bands and solo/ensemble playing.  That's not something you want to miss.  

Marching band is a lot of fun.  It is where you meet everyone and make a lot of new friends.  It's a great way to make the transition to high school.  While all your non-band friends are scared on the first day of school, you will have already made close to 150 new friends you met at band camp.  A lot of important things are learned, and you will be a much better musician. But its fun... you should at least give it a try.  I think that if you don't do it, you'll feel like you missed out on a great experience and a lot of fun when you hear everyone else talking about it.  

Do I have to go to Band Camp?

Yes, why would you want to miss it?  Band camp is the only chance we get all of this accomplished:

• We get to know each other and become a "family" of friends working together to make an exciting musical and visual show.

• We make new friends and get used to the school

• We learn the marching portion of the show, and combine it with the music that we learned over the summer.  

• We learn basic concepts of good marching techniques, and apply it to the show.

• We learn basic concepts of good playing techniques, and how to play and march at the same time.

If you miss it, it will be difficult for you to catch up.  If you are unable to attend band camp, you may become a permanent alternate, which means you will fill in for thohse people who get sick during the season.    

Band camp schedule is posted on the main page. Please schedule your vacation time around it. 

If you have any other questions, e-mail Mr. Dell at brian.dell@sdhc.k12.fl.us