GARNET VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC
Frequently Asked Questions...
Can I Participate in more than one Ensemble for only 1 credit? (Band/Chorus/Orchestra)
Yes, Our Band/Chorus/Orchestra meet during the same period, so students who wish to participate in multiple groups only need to sign up for ONE credit. Choose one ensemble that will go on your course schedule (that class will appear on your schedule, and that teacher will give you your grade) and then you will rotate throughout the week to the different ensembles. Be sure to let your high school music teachers know that you are interested in participating in more than one group.
Which Class Should I Sign Up For?
"Concert Band" for all incoming students who play woodwind or brass.
"Percussion Ensemble" for all incoming percussion students (you still perform with Concert Band at concerts)
"Concert Choir" for all incoming students interested in Choir
"Orchestra" for all incoming string players
If you are interested in participating in more than one ensemble, put the other ensembles as your "alternate" courses.
I Am "Doubling Up" on Math or Science. How Do I Fit Band/Chorus/Orchestra?
Some students choose to add an additional Math or Science to their 9th grade schedule. This does cause a bit of a tight squeeze for Band/Chorus/Orchestra, but it can be done! You would simply move Health & Wellness class (.5) to your 10th grade year. See a sample schedule below. To demonstrate that Band/Orchestra/Chorus will fit in even a very ambitious academic schedule, this sample schedule shows a student taking AP Sciences (1.5 credit) for three years.
9th Grade
1 English
1 History
1 Math
1 Science
1 Additional Math/Science
1 Foreign Language
.5 PE
.5 HS 101
1 Band
TOTAL 8 CREDITS
10th Grade
1 English
1 History
1 Math
1.5 AP Science
1 Foreign Language
.5 PE
.5 Health
1 Band
.5 Elective
TOTAL 8 CREDITS
11th Grade
1 English
1 History
1 Math
1.5 AP Science
1 Foreign Language
.5 Career Development
.5 PE
1 Band
.5 Elective
TOTAL 8 CREDITS
12th Grade
1 English
1 History
1 Math
1.5 AP Science
1 Foreign Language
.5 PE
1 Band
1 Elective
TOTAL 8 CREDITS
Is Marching Band Required (for Band)?
Although Marching Band is not required, it is HIGHLY recommended for all band students. 95% of band students participate in marching band. Many students describe it as their favorite part of band. Also, especially for 9th graders, you will get to meet a ton of people and make friends during band camp in August, before school starts. We are flexible with schedules as well. If you have a schedule conflict, such as tennis, soccer, or another activity, we are flexible to let you leave early or come late to practices as needed.
Can I Still Do Marching Band if I Don't Take Band Class?
We require all students to take Concert Band in order to participate in any of our co-curricular ensembles, including marching band, indoor drumline, jazz band, etc. The only exception is students who participate in our color guard. Concert Band is the center of our band program, where we learn and develop our musical skills. Our attached handout sheet goes into detail about strategies for fitting band into your schedule.
What is the Marching Band Schedule Like?
Our basic Marching Band schedule is as follows:
Mid-August: Two Week Band Camp
Sep - Nov:
Mon & Wed Evening Rehearsal 6-9pm (Ends first week of November)
Friday evening Football games, 5-9:30pm
Sectionals as scheduled by your section leader
3 Saturday Band Competitions/Festivals, approx. 1pm-9pm
May: Concord/Bethel Memorial Day Parade
Occasional community & school events throughout the year
I am Involved in Sports and/or Other Activities. Can I Fit Marching Band in My Schedule?
We have many students in the GVHS Marching Band who are quite busy with multiple sports and other activities, and we are flexible in allowing students to share time between activities. We only require that you plan ahead and communicate with your section leader and band director. If you have a conflicting activity that will require you to come late to band, leave early, or miss an event entirely, you must communicate in advance.
Can New Members Join Band/Chorus/Orchestra? Even if I'm a Beginner?
YES, we welcome all interested students! If you have never played an instrument before, or maybe you played at one time and stopped somewhere along the way, we welcome you to join. We'll teach you everything you need to know. Contact Dr. Selfridge and let's talk about what you are interested in playing! Office: (610) 579-7750 Email: selfris@garnetvalley.org