What you need to know about marching band

Eligible students to participate in the marching band

Any band student who will be in grades 8-12 during the marching band season may be a part of the marching band.  The student should be able to play their instrument well enough to play high school level music.  

All 8th Grade Band members who are a part of the marching band will receive a HS Phys. Ed. waiver.

What to expect for summer

Sectional rehearsals for 2024 will be held in July.  The specific dates will be shared as we get closer to summer.  These rehearsals will also include marching fundamentals to teach all rookies the moves and terminology used in marching band.  This is also a great time to begin developing connections between rookies and veterans. 

Band camp is scheduled for the 3 weeks leading to the first week of high school football games.  This means that for the Summer of 2024 that band camp will TENTATIVELY start the week of July 22 with the first football game being August 23.  Band camp is Monday - Thursday each week.

All rehearsals will be held in the band room and on the band field.  All summer practice sessions are in the morning from 8:00 to 12:00 noon.  Every effort should be made to be at all the sessions to help the entire group maximize its efforts.  All members should wear appropriate clothing for comfort and modesty.

Practice sessions during the season

During the marching band season the marching band practices after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:45.  There will also be a practice before each performance to make final adjustments and to run through the show one last time before performance.  Every effort should be made to attend the after school rehearsals.  Schedule conflicts with athletics can be worked out on an individual basis.

The cost involved in being a part of the marching band

Each student will need to purchase band shoes ($30-$40), gloves ($3.00 or $3.50), band backpack ($3.00), and a few pair of solid black socks (purchased at any store that carries dress socks).  The band shoes, gloves, and backpacks will be ordered through Mr. Leavitt.  The students also pay a class fee that covers the cost of cleaning the uniform at the end of the season.  The students do not need to purchase the band uniform but unnecessary damage will result in the student paying for repair or replacement of the uniform.

Sports and marching band

Every year there are students who participate in athletic activities while being a part of the marching band.  Every sport offered at North Union has been represented in the marching band.  It is possible to do both activities.  Every effort is made by Mr. Leavitt to work with the different coaches to ensure that there are the least amount of conflicts as possible. 

Performances

The marching band performs at several venues over the course of the marching band season.  It also performs at the Richwood Fair, all varsity football games, Bellefontaine Band Show, NU Homecoming Snake Dance, Prospect Halloween Parade and may perform at other events scheduled during the marching band season.   The NU Band Boosters are already in the process of planning our hosting our own Annual North Union Festival of Bands.  The date of the band show is September 28.  More information will come as we have it available.  A complete calendar and schedule will be on the BAND app page as that info becomes available.  The calendar is also posted on this website. More info about the BAND app can be found on the BAND app page of this website.

Parental involvement

There is a chance to sign up to chaperone different events by going to the tab at the top of this page titled "Sign Up Genius".  The North Union Band Boosters meets each month in the high school band room.  All middle school and high school band parents are invited to attend and be a part of this vital organization.  A strong band begins with a strong booster group.