GARNET VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC
BAND HANDBOOK & STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Welcome to the GVHS Band! We have a band motto:
BE KIND. WORK HARD. HAVE FUN.
This motto is more important than anything else we do. It shapes how we treat each other, how we rehearse, and how we grow together as a band family. To learn more about the values behind this philosophy, check out the Core Principles section of the handbook below.
CORE PRINCIPLE #1 We will create an atmosphere where all people feel safe and welcome.
CORE PRINCIPLE #2 We will strive for excellence and continuous improvement, while maintaining a healthy atmosphere for all.
CORE PRINCIPLE #3 We will hold ourselves to high standards of personal responsibility and professionalism.
CORE PRINCIPLE #4 We will respect all facilities and equipment, both our own and others.
These Core Principles are posted in our band room and referred to often. They serve as a constant reminder of who we are, what we stand for, and how we succeed together.
READ OUR BAND HANDBOOK
Band Camp is where our season begins! Over these two weeks we'll dive into learning our halftime show music and drill, prep our stand tunes for football games, and lay the foundation for a strong, exciting season.
It's not just rehearsal — camp traditions include the Talent Show, Drill Down competition, Band Olympics, and daily theme/spirit days. Dinner is provided every evening, so eat breakfast and lunch beforehand and come ready to work hard and have fun.
MINDSET MATTERS
The number one key to a great camp experience is attitude — come ready to Be Kind, Work Hard, and Have Fun. Marching band can be physically demanding, especially in summer heat, and it may be brand new for many students.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR BAND CAMP
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Instrument: Instrument in working order, plus reeds, valve oil, neck strap, etc. as needed; flip folder and lyre for winds/brass
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Water: Refillable water bottle (new members receive one free)
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Sun Protection: Sunscreen applied before arrival, extra sunscreen to reapply, hat and sunglasses recommended
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Clothing & Shoes: Light, comfortable clothing; ATHLETIC STYLE SNEAKERS WITH SOCKS REQUIRED (no Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, Converse, slides, or open-toe shoes)
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Rain Gear: Poncho or raincoat. We rehearse outside unless there is heavy rain or lightning
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Other: Pencils for marking music and a great attitude!
DAILY SCHEDULE
Arrive 10–15 minutes early — to be early is to be on time
First day: report to the Band Room for the Opening Welcome
All other days: be in your spot in the Attendance Block (parking lot) at the posted start time
The daily rehearsal schedule is posted on the Band Room projector each day
ATTENDANCE
Need to miss part of camp? Email Dr. Selfridge in advance (selfris@garnetvalley.org) and let your section leader know. Advance notice shows respect for your team and helps us plan.
DUES
Marching Band dues help provide many benefits for each student, including 9 nights of dinner at band camp, an annual show shirt, water bottles for new members, junior hoodies, senior gifts, uniform cleaning, banquet expenses, and additional supplies beyond the school budget. Fundraising throughout the season helps keep dues as manageable as possible for families.
Dues for the current season are $250 per student. The exact payment deadline is announced each year in our summer updates — check the Latest Updates section above for this year's date.
How to pay
Venmo: @QNC-GVHS — please send as a payment between friends, not goods/services, so we aren't charged a service fee. In the notes, include your child's full name and "Band Dues."
Check: payable to "QNC" or "Quarter Note Club." Label the envelope with your student's name and "Band Dues," and place it in the band room lockbox.
If dues present a financial challenge for your family, please reach out to qncboard@gmail.com — we're happy to work with families as needed.
MUSIC & DRILL
SHOW VIDEO AND MUSIC PDFs
Check out our show reveal video and listen to the music for Bruno Mars 2026. Listening to the show music now will help students become familiar with it and make the music easier to learn.
STAND TUNES
Stand-tune materials will be posted here.
DRILL
Drill links will be posted here once available.
Note for new band members: We know this music might feel like a lot at first, and that is completely normal. Do not worry if it seems challenging right now. Practicing in advance helps, but you are not expected to have it mastered before Band Camp starts. We spend a lot of time in sectionals working through the music together, and we will help you get there.
The Quarter Note Club (QNC) is the parent booster organization that supports the Garnet Valley High School Band and Music Department. QNC volunteers play an essential role in helping students have outstanding musical experiences through event support, logistics, fundraising, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts.
All GVHS Band parents are automatically part of the Quarter Note Club. There is no membership fee, and every parent is invited to volunteer in whatever way fits their time and interests. Whether you can help occasionally or take on a larger role, your support makes a difference.
Ways You Can Help
There are many ways to get involved with the Quarter Note Club, including:
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Plan, serve, and clean up dinner during Band Camp
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Send in Band Camp desserts
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Fit students for uniforms or hem uniform pants
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Help move equipment and props
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Assist with prop building
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Chaperone buses to away games and competitions
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Sell 50/50 raffle tickets at home football games
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Plan fundraisers
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Create flower bouquets and pins for Senior Day
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Serve on the QNC Board
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Lend a helping hand wherever it is needed
And much, much more!
Volunteer Clearances
Many volunteer opportunities require current Garnet Valley School District clearances. Please visit the GVSD Volunteer Clearance Information page to learn about requirements and how to submit your clearances.
Support the QNC
The Quarter Note Club is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are always grateful for support from businesses and individuals interested in making a tax-deductible donation to benefit GVHS music students. Donations help the QNC continue supporting the performances, events, and opportunities that make our program special.
2026–2027 Quarter Note Club Board
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Co-Presidents: Michelle Craley and Heather Bilson
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Vice President: Lucia Payton
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Secretary: Stacey Maloney
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Co-Treasurers: Stephanie Thornton and Marissa Heuerman