Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the Screaming Eagle Regiment?

A: It is the marching band at South Lake High School. It is our most visible and active ensemble. We perform at football games, parades, community events, concerts, and marching band festivals and competitions.

Q: Does my student have to participate in the marching band?

A: Yes. Every member of the band program must participate in marching band (Screaming Eagle Regiment) in some capacity. There are a few extenuating circumstances that can prevent such participation, and those issues should be discussed individually with the band staff.

Q: What about uniforms, instruments, and equipment?

A: We provide each student in each ensemble with a uniform. The cost and maintenance of those uniforms are assessed to the students as part of their participation fees. Students are expected to purchase shoes and gloves, separate from their lab fees. If a student plays on certain low brass, low woodwind, percussion, and guard equipment, because of the extreme cost in purchasing or renting these types of instruments, we assess those students a small instrument rental fee of $25 per year to help cover the maintenance of those instruments. For smaller instruments, it is expected that the student and their family either purchase or rent an instrument through a reputable music instrument retailer. We can direct you to one as well.

Q: How much does it cost to participate in band?

A: Honestly, we are one of the least expensive co-curricular activities on campus. Our lab fees are $400.00 for the year, which covers Regiment and a concert band. This assessment is paid over four payments. (There are other payment options available as well for extreme circumstances). We also have multiple fundraising opportunities where students can virtually raise every penny of the assessment, and the family will be out-of-pocket nothing. There are additional assessments for other ensembles, such as Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Winter Guard. Ultimately, it costs much more not to have your student involved in an organized activity such as band. Students learn, socialize, meet life-long friends, and develop leadership skills. All these things are attractive to employers and colleges alike. Also, your student is spending his or her time in a positive environment, rather than finding themselves in trouble due to boredom, as is often the case with teenagers.

Q: How much time does band require?

A: Our busiest time of the year for most of our students is the Fall. During that time, band takes up about 10-15 hours per week, outside of the regular school day. Many of our students are able to maintain a job, while still participating in band year-round. Also, over two-thirds of our students are enrolled in Honors, Advanced Placement, and/or Dual-Enrollement classes, which have a large time commitment. Our students are taught to manage their time, and they find that it is actually eaiser within the large support group that exists in band. Our students are able to offer one another help with homework and projects, and we foster a very academic environment.

Q: Can my student be in Jazz Ensemble?

A: Yes. Jazz Ensemble is open to any student who is interested. We hold a Jazz Camp over the summer to audition for this ensemble. We also use that time as a training ground for interested students to learn more about jazz, and to develop the repertoire of the Jazz Ensemble. Jazz Ensemble meets exclusively outside of the school day, so there is not a jazz class offered, but our ensemble still functions year-round after school.

Q: What is the summer commitment?

A: For all members of the band, we hold Tuesday evening rehearsals to prepare for marching season. These rehearsal are mandatory if the student and his or her family is in town. Also, we hold a two-week band camp at the end of July, with the first week focusing on fundamentals of playing and marching, and the second week focusing on getting our new marching show learned. These are mandatory for every student in our program. If your student who cannot attend the camps, you need to communicate that to the band director immediately, so another option can be determined for your student. Students who do not attend, may be placed on alternate status in the program, and be allowed to participate in a limited capacity. For those students who wish to participate in Jazz Ensemble, there is a summer jazz camp in which we audition the ensemble, and develop jazz style and repertoire. This is mandatory for all Jazz Ensemble members.

Q: What class does my student need to take?

A: That depends on your student's instrument. All wind players need to sign up for Band 1 - 2nd Block during the Fall, and Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 2nd Block during the Spring. All percussionists need to sign up for Band 1 - 3rd Block during the Fall, and Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 3rd Block during the Spring. All guard members need to sign up for Eurhythmics 1 - 1st Block during the Fall, and we do not offer a class in the Spring for them, but our program continues in an after-school capacity.

Q: Is band fun in high school?

A: Our students can attest that the most rewarding experiences they have had in their time in high school, have been involved in band activities. They put in a lot of hard work, but ultimately it is a lot of fun to be a part of a group like this. The students see the rewards of their efforts, and it also gives them a sense of accomplishment, bolstering self-esteem. Our students find themsleves becoming natural leaders in their other classes and activities, making their entire high school experience much more enjoyable.

Q: Is my student allowed to miss events?

A: We understand that issues can come up from time to time, however in order for us to maintain a successful program, students and their families need to do everything in their power to plan around band rehearsals and performances. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory unless otherwise stated. Emergency situations will from time to time arise, and, of course, we will deal with those situations accordingly in the best way possible to ensure the best possible outcome for your student. We ask that you copmmunicate those absenteeisms well in advance, so that we can plan the rehearsal or performance accordingly.