The goal of Summer Music Camp is to allow the students a complete immersion into marching band. This is especially true for our new members. During this camp, students will experience what it is like to be in our marching band. The hours aren't as long as band camp, but the energy and expectation levels are very close.
Attendance during Summer Music Camp is required for the entire band. That includes all returning members, incoming rookies/transfer students, and student leadership.
During the two evening camps, students are taught the fundamentals of marching and playing while moving. They will also be given their music, fitted for uniforms, and taught many of the things they will need to know to help them have a successful first year in the band.
It is also during Summer Music Camp that the staff and I will listen to students play individually. We do this to make final decisions on how many students we will have in the halftime show. If students are not present at the camp, we cannot accurately assess their abilities. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that they will be assigned a non-marching or alternate position.
Attendance during Summer Music Camp is required for the entire band. That includes all returning members, incoming rookies/transfer students, and student leadership.
During the two evening camps, students are taught the fundamentals of marching and playing while moving. They will also be given their music, fitted for uniforms, and taught many of the things they will need to know to help them have a successful first year in the band.
It is also during Summer Music Camp that the staff and I will listen to students play individually. We do this to make final decisions on how many students we will have in the halftime show. If students are not present at the camp, we cannot accurately assess their abilities. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that they will be assigned a non-marching or alternate position.
Band FAQ
When does the Raider Band start practicing?
The Raider Band starts summer band practices as soon as we get out of school. Band Camp is July, 16th - August 27th. The Color Guard and Percussion also have an earlier week long camp from June 18th - 22nd. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. each day.
My child wants to be in Color Guard, does that make her part of the band?
Yes, the Color Guard is considered an important part of the Marching Band. What is sometimes referred to as the “Raider Band Program” consists of Symphonic band students, Concert band students, Steel Drum band students, students as well as Marching Band students. The Band Boosters’ charter is to support all aspects of the Raider Band Program, although Marching Band is at the forefront during the Fall.
What is Summer Music Camp? When does it start? Is it necessary for my student?
Summer Music Camp is a time when we bring all of the new and veteran marchers in for a week long total emersion into the marching arts. They will learn the basics to nearly every aspect of marching band movement as it relates to performing their half time show. This camp is required for all members of the Raider Marching Band no matter what grade they are in.
How many hours do marching band students practice during the school week?
The Navarre Raider Band practices 5 hours per week. Our rehearsals are every Monday and Tuesday, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. rain or shine, and Wednesdays, 3:45 until 5:30 p.m.The only time a rehearsal is cancelled during this time is when the SRSD deems it too dangerous for students to remain on campus. This is normally weather related. Please do not assume rehearsal is cancelled because of rain. If the weather is bad, we will stay inside. This schedule is in place from the first day of school until the week following last competition around the first of November. The Monday following our last competition, we will scale back rehearsals to roughly one afternoon a week, usually Thursday. While this is not set in stone, it is commonly true and is dependent on the needs of the group.
When do marching students do homework?
Students are dismissed promptly at 8:30pm. While they do have to learn time management, the majority of our students have no problem keeping up with their academic requirements. The majority of our students are A or A/B students and many juggle Dual Enrollment, AP class schedules and jobs.
Remember, our schedule is only hectic the first 11 weeks of school.
When does the Raider Band perform?
The Navarre Raider Band performs at every varsity football game both home and away, pep rallies and many local and regional competitions. That means Friday nights, and most every Saturday in late September through October booked! In fact, October is referred to as BANDtober, because it truly is Band Season. Make sure to check our calendar before booking events that will prohibit you from attending band events. We need everyone at every performance!
Where can I find a complete listing of all rehearsal and performance times?
The official Raider Band calendar is here.
What are Fair Share Donations?
Fair Share Donations are an equal amount of money raised by members to offset the cost of music, technicians, fuel costs, and many more things related to the operation of the band throughout the year. This amount varies year to year. Come to a band parent meeting to see how your donations are spent.
Because of the great planning and hard work, most students are able to raise the entire amount of their Fair Share Donations through Booster sponsored fundraisers.
What is required clothing for the Raider Marching Band?
This information is being updated for the 2022-23 season, and will be available at the New Member meeting on Saturday, May 22nd.
Does the Raider Band have a handbook?
This information is being updated for the 2022-23 season, and will be available at the New Member meeting on Saturday, May 22nd.
What is the difference between the Raider Band Boosters and the Raider Band?
The Boosters are a parent organization that exists to support the Band, provide volunteers for various functions and other logistical needs, and raise funds to help offset some of the costs incurred by the Band. The Boosters operate under a budget separate from the Band Fair Share Donations, but they do provide support and funding for things such as trailers and trailer maintenance, staffing and many other things. They are there to "bridge the gap" financially for whatever is not covered by "Fair Share" payments.
It all seems like so much to take in, how can I keep it all straight?
Congratulations on your investment in your child by wanting to include music as part of a well-rounded education! We have all been there as new band parents and it admittedly can be very overwhelming. This is another reason why we have the Band Boosters organization, to provide information and support to YOU! You’ve heard of the positive reputation that Navarre High School has, and likely you’ve researched and heard about some of the accolades that the Raider Band program has to its credit. You are about to become another reason for the continued success of the Raider Band. To facilitate that, we have an “Adopt-A-Rookie Program” AARP where we’ll assign you to a veteran band parent who will personally make sure you have your questions answered, are well informed, and are kept up to date.
When does the Raider Band Boosters hold their meetings?
The Raider Band Boosters meets approximately August through May on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in the NHS Media Center. Announcements are sent out via the email, Remind group text and posted on the official band calendar.
