Summer Camps

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. 
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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 three day camp, 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 band experience. 

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 

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen does the Raider Band start practicing?Summer band practices begin immediately after school ends. View our complete summer camp and rehearsal schedule here.Is Color Guard part of the band?Yes! The Color Guard is an integral part of the Marching Band. The Raider Band Program includes students from Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Steel Drum Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, and Marching Band. The Band Boosters support all aspects of the program, with Marching Band taking center stage in the fall.What is Summer Music Camp? Is it required?Summer Music Camp is a week-long intensive program where students learn marching fundamentals and half-time show performance skills. This camp is required for all Raider Marching Band members, regardless of grade level.How many hours do students practice weekly?The Raider Band rehearses 5 hours per week from the first day of school through early November:
  • Monday & Tuesday: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Rehearsals continue rain or shine unless Santa Rosa School District deems conditions unsafe. After our final competition (early November), rehearsals scale back to approximately one afternoon per week, typically Thursday.When do students complete homework?Students are dismissed promptly at 8:30 PM. The majority of our band members maintain A or A/B averages while managing Dual Enrollment, AP courses, and part-time jobs. The intensive schedule only lasts the first 11-13 weeks of school.When does the Raider Band perform?The Raider Band performs at:
  • All varsity football games (home and away)
  • Pep rallies
  • Local and regional competitions
Expect Friday nights and most Saturdays in late September through October to be booked—we call it BANDtober! Check our calendar before scheduling other events. We need every member at every performance.Where can I find the complete schedule?Visit the official Raider Band calendar here.What are Fair Share Donations?Fair Share Donations help offset costs for music, instructors, fuel, and program operations. The amount varies annually—attend a Band Boosters meeting to see how funds are allocated. Most students raise their full Fair Share amount through Booster-sponsored fundraisers.What clothing is required for the marching band?Updated information for the 2025-26 season will be available at the New Member Meeting on Monday, May 19th.Is there a band handbook?Yes! The handbook will be available at the New Member Meeting on Monday, May 19th.What’s the difference between Band Boosters and the Raider Band?The Band Boosters are a parent organization that supports the Band through volunteers, logistics, and fundraising. They operate under a separate budget from Fair Share Donations and help cover expenses like trailers, maintenance, staffing, and other needs not covered by Fair Share payments.This seems overwhelming. How can I keep track of everything?Welcome! We understand it can feel like a lot at first. That’s why we offer the Adopt-A-Rookie Program (AARP)—we’ll pair you with a veteran band parent who will answer questions, keep you informed, and help you navigate the program. You’re joining a community dedicated to your child’s success and the continued excellence of the Raider Band.When do Band Boosters meet?Band Boosters meet August through May on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the NHS Media Center. Meeting announcements are sent via email, Remind text, and posted on the official band calendar.