Frequently Asked Questions
General Band Questions
What is a "Virginia Honor Band"?
A Virginia Honor Band is awarded to a band program for achieving a Superior Rating for both the marching band and their elite concert band (Wind Ensemble at DRHS) at their respective band festivals.
What does "Superior, Excellent, etc." mean?
A Superior (also referred to as a "I" or "One") is the highest possible rating at a VBODA sponsored event. An Excellent is a II, a Good is a III, and a Fair is a IV.
What is VBODA?
It stands for Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association. It is the governing body for all official band contests in Virginia including Marching Festival, Band Festival, District Band, All-VA Band, and Solo & Ensemble Festival.
What does it mean when music is graded “3, 4, 5, 6”?
The state organization (VBODA) decides how difficult a particular piece of music is and assigns a grade based on several factors. A grade “1” is a beginning band level, grade “2” is typically young middle school band, grade “3” is advanced middle school, grade “4” is young high school, grade “5” is advanced high school and college, and grade “6” is professional level.
How do I know rehearsal and performance times, dates, etc.?
A performance reminder is typically sent out by email. The calendar is updated constantly, so please check the website calendar about once a week for updates.
Concert Band Questions
What is the uniform for Symphonic and Concert Band?
Young men wear a tuxedo and young ladies where a long black dress.
How do I get the uniform?
All students will be measured for formal wear at band classes in early September. You will be notified ahead of time. Formal wear will be delivered to students in October.
Where do I get my band tux or dress cleaned?
You are responsible for getting your band dress/tux dry cleaned. All band outfits should be in presentable condition prior to a concert or competition.
Marching Band Questions
What is Marching Band Camp?
Band Camp is a required portion of the Honors Marching Band Course (9232Y). Full participation in the learning experience is required. Please schedule ALL appointments outside of band camp time. Thank you for your cooperation as Honors Marching Band is a team experience and 100% support is a must!
Band camp is an opportunity for the band to begin bonding as a team and learning to work together. It’s especially helpful for new students in that it allows them to get to know other students at the school as well as become familiar with the school layout. During band camp, students will focus on music, marching techniques, and learning the beginning of the fall show.
Traditionally on the last full day of band camp, we host a family get together with a pot-luck dinner and a demonstration by the marching band, so that all band parents can get a glimpse of what the students have been working on for the previous two weeks. It’s a lot of fun and very rewarding!
What is the Jump Start Clinic? When is the Jump Start Clinic?
The Jump Start Clinic is an event held on 2 Saturdays in May where students will:
What is a band competition?
It’s a fun filled Saturday where you can watch your child and his/her band as well as other local/state bands perform. They are judged on their musical talent and their execution of the marching drill.
Do parents of marching band students get into the games for free if parents volunteer for a game?
Some volunteer positions allow parents to get into the game without paying for a ticket. Volunteer positions in Concessions, chaperones, seat covers, Pit Crew, all get into the game for free because parents are working during the game. However, volunteers who wash uniforms, for example, would not gain admittance into a game because their "job" does not occur during a game.
Band Boosters
Do you have questions like:
General Band Questions
What is a "Virginia Honor Band"?
A Virginia Honor Band is awarded to a band program for achieving a Superior Rating for both the marching band and their elite concert band (Wind Ensemble at DRHS) at their respective band festivals.
What does "Superior, Excellent, etc." mean?
A Superior (also referred to as a "I" or "One") is the highest possible rating at a VBODA sponsored event. An Excellent is a II, a Good is a III, and a Fair is a IV.
What is VBODA?
It stands for Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association. It is the governing body for all official band contests in Virginia including Marching Festival, Band Festival, District Band, All-VA Band, and Solo & Ensemble Festival.
What does it mean when music is graded “3, 4, 5, 6”?
The state organization (VBODA) decides how difficult a particular piece of music is and assigns a grade based on several factors. A grade “1” is a beginning band level, grade “2” is typically young middle school band, grade “3” is advanced middle school, grade “4” is young high school, grade “5” is advanced high school and college, and grade “6” is professional level.
How do I know rehearsal and performance times, dates, etc.?
A performance reminder is typically sent out by email. The calendar is updated constantly, so please check the website calendar about once a week for updates.
Concert Band Questions
What is the uniform for Symphonic and Concert Band?
Young men wear a tuxedo and young ladies where a long black dress.
How do I get the uniform?
All students will be measured for formal wear at band classes in early September. You will be notified ahead of time. Formal wear will be delivered to students in October.
Where do I get my band tux or dress cleaned?
You are responsible for getting your band dress/tux dry cleaned. All band outfits should be in presentable condition prior to a concert or competition.
Marching Band Questions
What is Marching Band Camp?
Band Camp is a required portion of the Honors Marching Band Course (9232Y). Full participation in the learning experience is required. Please schedule ALL appointments outside of band camp time. Thank you for your cooperation as Honors Marching Band is a team experience and 100% support is a must!
Band camp is an opportunity for the band to begin bonding as a team and learning to work together. It’s especially helpful for new students in that it allows them to get to know other students at the school as well as become familiar with the school layout. During band camp, students will focus on music, marching techniques, and learning the beginning of the fall show.
Traditionally on the last full day of band camp, we host a family get together with a pot-luck dinner and a demonstration by the marching band, so that all band parents can get a glimpse of what the students have been working on for the previous two weeks. It’s a lot of fun and very rewarding!
What is the Jump Start Clinic? When is the Jump Start Clinic?
The Jump Start Clinic is an event held on 2 Saturdays in May where students will:
- pick up information related to band camp,
- meet other band students,
- meet the band director,
- pay fees related to band,
- receive your music for the band season,
- practice the music with your instrument section members,
- start the bonding process with the band team,
- AND START HAVING FUN!!!!!!!
What is a band competition?
It’s a fun filled Saturday where you can watch your child and his/her band as well as other local/state bands perform. They are judged on their musical talent and their execution of the marching drill.
Do parents of marching band students get into the games for free if parents volunteer for a game?
Some volunteer positions allow parents to get into the game without paying for a ticket. Volunteer positions in Concessions, chaperones, seat covers, Pit Crew, all get into the game for free because parents are working during the game. However, volunteers who wash uniforms, for example, would not gain admittance into a game because their "job" does not occur during a game.
Band Boosters
Do you have questions like:
- What is Band Boosters?
- How can I get involved?
- Will my child like me there?
- What fundraising activities are required?