Freshmen and Newcomers Guide

This “Freshmen and Newcomers Survival Guide” contains important information that you will need in order to participate in the Band program. Please take the time to read through the following information. It answers a LOT of frequently asked questions. Once you have finished reviewing the information contained in this document, please download, print and fill out the band fee form and student medical form if you haven’t already. These will be available over the summer and should be turned in at the Music Reading on July 30th, Rookie Camp or on the first day of Band Camp. All forms and fees are due at the start of band camp. We highly recommend you read the Student/Parent Handbook found on the website www.graftonband.com. It contains everything you need to know about the band program.

*Please note when reading this document that “Marching Band” includes all members of band and color guard.

What is the Grafton Band Program?

The Grafton Band program is an award-winning program that offers students of all abilities an opportunity to learn, live, and love music. The Grafton Band has multiple performance groups including Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, and the Marching Band.

How do I stay apprised of what is happening?

GHBPA Weekly Band Message is sent out via email every Sunday night. It is packed with important information that will cover details of everything you need to know. Graftonband.com also has a myriad of information, including the upcoming events, current schedule, necessary forms and the GHS Band Student/Parent Handbook. Your email address will be added to the distribution list once your forms are turned in. If you are not receiving band emails, please contact dataentry@graftonband.com

What is the Marching Band schedule?

Marching Band begins on Aug 1st and runs through the end of football season (November). Practices begin with Music Readings, Rookie Camp, 2 full weeks of Band Camp and then several weekly evening sessions. September and October include approximately three after school practices per week. The band performs up to 5 weekend competitions, 5 or 6 footballs games, and any playoffs games. See our 2024-2025 calendar at www.graftonband.com for detailed schedule information.

Where can I get the Marching Band music?

Band music is available for download from the band website at www.graftonband.com in the student section. Music is typically posted 5-6 weeks prior to Band Camp. If you don’t see it posted, please keep checking back. Announcements will be sent in through Remind and the Band Weekly Message (distributed electronically on Sunday night) alerting readers that music is available.

I heard Marching Band is tough.

Yes, marching band is physically and mentally challenging, but also a lot of fun! Marching band is a great way for freshmen and newcomers to make new friends, form relationships with upperclassmen, and become familiar with the school. It eases the transition from middle to high school. Students never forget the exhilaration of that first night performing to a cheering crowd under the lights!

What is Rookie Camp?

Rookie Camp is specifically designed for freshmen and students who are new to the Grafton Band Program. Students will learn, step by step, the proper techniques for marching and the moves associated with moving drill (the pictures that we make during half time). The only other students that will be there are the student leaders who are in charge of each particular section, to help your student learn correct technique from day one.

What items are needed for Rookie Camp?

It is highly recommended for students to wear light, comfortable clothing, (no jeans) tennis shoes and SUNSCREEN. A water bottle is a MUST. Students also will need to bring their instruments and music to Rookie Camp. Please refer to the July Newsletter for a more specific list of items for both Rookie and Band Camp.

What is Band Camp?

Band Camp is the two-week period where all marching band members learn the show for the fall performances. Students will learn and memorize their 8 minutes of show music, learn approximately 15 pep songs for the stands, and 60-70 drill sets or pictures for the show. The fall show WOULD NOT be possible without this valuable time with the students. It is a fun time for the students as well as an important time for team building and forming lasting band friendships.

What is Guard Camp?

Guard is the section that uses flags and other equipment to provide a visual representation of the music that the band is playing. Guard Camp is mandatory for all guard members. This is a critical time when the Guard learns the routine for the marching season and all additional techniques required to fulfill their individual parts in the routine. It is imperative the guard members know their routines before Rookie Camp.

Is it an option to buy lunch at Rookie Camp and Band Camp?

Students need to provide their own lunch for Rookie Camp and the first full week of Band Camp. Students may leave campus those days to eat at home or go out to eat, provided they have transportation. Being late back from lunch is NOT an option! During the second week of camp, students may sign up to purchase dinner for a nominal fee ($6.00). The Feed the Band Committee has offerings such as Chick-Fil-A, BBQ, and pizza. Students will be informed of the dinners during the first week of camp (it is also on the Combined Fee Sheet) and they will be asked to sign up and pay for those meals if they are interested. We will also ask parents to send in cookies for the 2nd week of Band Camp as well as cookies for football games and band competitions. Watch the weekly band message for more information regarding the sign ups.

Band fees – what does this cover?

Band fees help to offset the cost for the marching season. Your student will receive a band T-shirt, a pair of band shorts, 1 5×7 picture and 1 button for you to wear proudly. It also helps to cover the cost of the custom drill writing, custom music, and assistant instructors for the marching band. This ensures that every student has a spot in the show and the music is written to the strengths of our band. Please see Combined Fee Sheet and GHS Band Hand Book on www.graftonband.com for more detailed information.

What is the difference between a concert uniform and marching uniform?

The marching band uniform is used for marching band performances in the months of Sept – Nov. It consists of navy bibbers, a red jacket, a red cape, and hat (along with other smaller uniform parts). It is NEVER taken home unless the Uniform Chair has given permission. Occasionally, the marching uniforms are used on spring trip parade performances. Concert band uniforms are used for all sit down concerts such as the ones in December, March and May held at Grafton HS. We provide tux pants, a dress shirt, cummerbund, and bowtie for the young men. Young men in Wind Ensemble also wear a jacket. The young men are expected to provide black dress shoes and black socks. We provide a black formal dress for the young ladies. The young ladies are expected to provide black, closed-toe dress shoes.

How do you know which concert band your student will perform in?

Rising freshmen through juniors audition at the end of the previous school year for the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Band. Placement will be determined by audition results.

When do I get my uniform?

Marching and Concert Band uniform fittings occur during band camp. Uniforms will be issued as soon as appropriate fee payments are received. Marching Band uniforms are kept at the school, tagged with the student’s name and stored in the uniform closets. Concert uniforms will be sent home with the students.

What is GHBPA?

Grafton High Band Parents Association (GHBPA) is an extremely active body that is involved in all aspects of supporting the band. We help support the band through fundraisers (TAG day, TAG-a-Thon, Car Washes and others), chaperoning, pit crew (equipment transportation), uniforms, hospitality, feeding the band, cookies for the band, taking pictures, publicity, data entry, webmaster and many more. The GHBPA exists to support the band program at Grafton High School. GHBPA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and all parents/guardians of band students are automatically members.

How can parents get involved with the GHS Clipper Band?

There are tons of options for adult volunteers including chaperoning, concessions, computer work, sewing, uniform fittings, food and drink donation, and pit crew for the football games, just to name a few. There will be volunteer sign-up sheets available at the end of the band camp and during the Parent Show, which is held the last Friday of band camp each year. Check the GHS Band Handbook for various committees and their chairperson’s contact information. There is a place for you here – let us know your availability and we will plug you in!