The Lamar Band Music

The Lamar Band Handbook

2022 Leadership Team

Drum Majors: Isabella G, Tailyn H, Kate W

Captains: Hermosa C, Zach M, Edwin M, Valentina A, Mia W

Section Leaders: Abrasjah M, Nevaeh B, Omari A, Joe K, Zach M, Kara B, Diego H, Micaela J

Load Crew Chief: Kara B

Spirit Chief: Nevaeh B, Summer R

Performance Apparel

The Band performs “in uniform” all the time, but that uniform will change based on the type of performance.

The Marching Uniform is used for football games and marching contests. Guard will wear either the “Show” uniform or the “Basic” uniform provided by the school. Band students should provide their own marching shoes, black socks, athletic shorts that won’t show through the marching pants (“bibbers”), and the red Band shirt for football games and performance shirt for contests. Guard should provide dance shoes and appropriate wear based on requirements per year.

Red Shirt Uniform is for informal performances like pep rallies. Each student should wear the band-provided red shirt with tan-khaki shorts or pants, and athletic shoes. All articles of clothing should be in good repair with no holes or stains. Guard will also wear red shirts this year - this is a change from all black last year.

During performances in the stands during cold weather, we allow the students to wear only certain items over their uniforms. Since we’re in the stands, we don’t normally wear the vest portion of the uniform. We allow only letterman jackets or the dark blue Lamar jacket over the uniform in the stands. We also allow solid black items like hats and gloves when it gets cold as well. We do not allow scarves or blankets. Please remember you can also layer clothes under the uniform to stay warm.

Switching Instruments

It is common for some students to change instruments during marching season and is based on the conventional instruments we use for marching band.

Percussion to Drumline

Marching band employs several marching percussion instruments on the field to make each performance work. Making it into the drumline isn’t easy and starts with an audition process in May.

French Horn to Mellophone

Mellophone is a bell-front instrument in F similar to a trumpet

Euphonium to Marching Baritone

Marching Baritone is a bell-front instrument that could be compared to a “really big trumpet.” It’s a little heavy, but students can easily condition to carrying it properly in no time.

Tuba to Sousaphone

A sousaphone operates and sounds the same as a tuba, but wraps around the body for easier carriage. It’s heavy, but manageable.

Bass Clarinet and Baritone Saxophone

The Lamar Band does not march these instruments and we encourage those players to perform on the smaller versions of their instruments.

Oboe and Bassoon

Marching band does not incorporate oboe or bassoon unless it’s feature in a solo section. Members of the double reed family often find their spots in the flute and saxophone sections, as well as pit ensemble and drumline. Color Guard is also an option as that group teaches beginner dance at the start.

Commonly Asked Questions for New Band Members

What kind of time commitment is required of members of the Lamar Band?

The Lamar Marching Band meets roughly 4 weeks before the start of the school year for band camp. Once school starts we will rehearse Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays during the fall marching band season. Concert groups and Winterguard rehearse through the spring on different schedules.

Do I need marching band experience to audition?

Nope! Most new members to The Lamar Band have no prior experience. This is normal for students who are new to high school marching band.

Can I choose to only take the Marching Band or Concert Band?

The Lamar Band Program requires all students to participate in both marching and concert band. The marching band class is the primary band class for the fall and the concert bands are the primary classes for the spring.

How do members of the Lamar Band balance their school and band schedule?

The members of the Lamar Band Program are amongst the highest performing academic students at the school. Largely because band teaches valuable time management skill that help in core classes.

Do I need to supply my own instrument/mouthpiece/reed/sticks/mallets?

No you don’t. While we prefer students who can supply their own instruments and equipment to do so, we are able to supply instruments for those who are unable to.

What do I need for my first day of band camp?

• Your Instrument/Equipment (Flag, Rifle, etc.)

  • Mouthpiece, Reeds, Drumsticks, Mallets, etc.

• Comfortable/Flexible/Cool Athletic Clothes

• Athletic Shoes

• RED Coleman Insulated 1 Gallon Water Jug

• Workout Towel

• 1-Inch Black Binder w/Page Protectors

• Pencil/Pen

• Sunscreen

• Chapstick (Non-camphor!!!)

• Hat

• A great attitude! :)

Memorization

Marching Band calls for the memorization of about seven to eight minutes of music as well as specific positions on a football field. Please work to memorize the music as soon as possible. This will help you while learning the marching drill and just make the whole experience a little smoother.

Region Music

Members of the Varsity Band are required to audition for Region Band in November. This involves learning three etudes and performing them at a superior level to compete with other band students in our area. While the big goal is to advance to the All-State Band, the solo work on these challenging pieces develops musicianship and independence.