The Silver Spirit Band Students' Page

Questions students often have about their decision to join the band.

QUESTION: Why should I consider joining the band?

ANSWER: Imagine going to a new school and not knowing anything about where to go or who to talk to. The transition from middle school to high school is easier for band students because you will have over 200+ friends to help you through this process. Incoming band freshmen have immediate contact with upperclassmen; in a Big Brother/Big Sister kind of way. High school band is very healthy for students in a multitude of ways!

QUESTION: What is another reason I should join the band?

ANSWER: Because the band is unlike anything you have done before, it can greatly enhance your high school career, and it is, very simply, a great experience… The Bands of Dutch Fork are recognized not only for creating high standards, but also for the quality of experience given to its members. As you participate in the program and continue to grow, this will become more and more clear to you, as it has to students before you. The pride and sense of camaraderie that are the cornerstones of our band will figure profoundly in your future. It is true that our performance standards are very high. Incoming freshmen often assume that the only way to get good is to do nothing else. THIS COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. In fact, one facet of the band of which we are most proud is that we accomplish these very high goals while maintaining a balance with the total school experience. We have top scholars, athletes, honor society members, student government leaders, etc. among our ranks. We believe that students should experience many diverse activities and encourage them to do so. All of our outside of school rehearsals are built and timed to coexist with academics and other school activities. We are unlike many other band programs in this respect.

QUESTION: Will band fit in my aggressive academic schedule?

ANSWER: YES! We have students who are planning to enter all fields in college. The class schedule at Dutch Fork is made to allow these students to take a full schedule of classes and play in band during all their years at Dutch Fork. Dutch Fork works to insure that a student can take band for four years, and we are grateful for this consideration.

QUESTION: Isn’t Band, Marching Band in particular, “Extra-Curricular”?

ANSWER: Absolutely not! The Band Program at Dutch Fork is ACADEMIC. The Marching Band is Co-Curricular. The students who participate in the full-year band courses, receive a full credit. As colleges focus more and more attention on overall grade-point-average and class rank, the continued participation in band is a great way to help maintain and improve these ratings. Make no mistake though. Band is not “Easy”. It takes work, dedication, practice and effort. The benefit is that most who take band enjoy it and therefore do not find the course requirements to be too much. If you like doing something, you will very likely do well in it!

QUESTION: Can I play sports and be in band?

ANSWER: YES! YES! YES! Contrary to popular assumption, members of the band are actively involved in many levels of sports at Dutch Fork. The athletic staff and band director work closely together to make this possible. We firmly believe in allowing our students a wide range of experiences while at Dutch Fork. We will endeavor to work with you, the counselors, and coaches to take band and other classes of your choice. If you wish to play sports as well, we encourage you to sign up for band and the sport of your choice. This way you can experience both activities. Freshman year allows you to perform in more than one elective course. Take advantage of it!

QUESTION: How much time does it really take?

ANSWER: All bands meet during the regular school day for one class period. In addition to this, it is recommended that each student practice at least 30 minutes daily. Beyond this minimum, the time involved is related to your level of involvement. During marching band, the fall season will be the busiest time. From August to November you will be involved in rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school, some Friday evening games, and some Saturday competitions. Beginning in November and continuing through the end of the year, the concert, symphonic and symphonic winds meet during the regular school day. Performances and Festival competitions will involve evening time (Usually no more the 1-2 hours) beyond school hours.

QUESTION: Do I have what it takes for the band?

ANSWER: You are already a great fit for the band if you value learning, love music, enjoy friendships and look for personal challenges.  You are not a good fit for the band if you are sloppy with your work, cannot set goals for yourself, and are unwilling to change!