FAQs
Q: What are the curricular band offerings at EHS?
A: Symphonic Band: primarily 10th graders, but open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Varsity Band: primarily 11th graders, but open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Concert Band: primarily 12th graders, but open to all 11th and 12th graders
Marching Band: required of all 10-12 grade band students (fall season only)
Pep Band: required of all 10-12 grade band students (winter season only)
Q: What are some extra-curricular band offerings at EHS?
A: Jazz I, Jazz Too, Chamber Winds, Pit Orchestra, Solo/Ensembles
Q: How do I know which band I should be in?
A: Students are placed in the appropriate bands based on auditions, interest, and individual musical goals. The 4th quarter play test for all 9th – 12th grade band students is used as the audition. Students are also surveyed on their interests and aspirations in the Edina band program so that we can help them find the best fit.
Q: How does the marching band work?
A: The EHS Marching Hornets is made up of all 10th-12th grade band students. The marching band performs at the Edina home football games from the beginning of school until mid-October. The entire marching band plays for the pregame show (Symphonic+Varsity+Concert), while only Varsity and Concert band members march the halftime show.
Q: When is marching band?
A: Marching band begins two weeks before school starts in what we call Marching Band Camp. Band camp generally runs Monday through Friday from 9 am – 5 pm during that second week before school starts. The dates for the 2010-11 Marching Band Camp will most likely be August 23rd – 27th with our first performance being the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, August 28th.
Q: Can I be in sports/activities and in marching band at the same time?
A: YES!!! It is entirely possible for students to participate in both marching band and a fall sport or activity. We do our best to be flexible and encourage students to get involved in as many activities as they can handle at EHS. We have students representing virtually every fall sport and activity who march in marching band and make it work successfully. It does take good time-management and communication skills, but the students who make it happen have rich and rewarding experiences at EHS. We in the band department believe strongly that it is important for students to be successful in whatever endeavors they pursue, and we work hard to be as flexible as possible in helping them achieve that success.
Q: Can I take both band and choir as a sophomore?
A: Yes! Depending on what classes you want to take, this could be accomplished one of several ways…
- Deferring classes (i.e. health and/or P.E.) until your jr. or sr. year when more electives are available
- Taking a zero hour course (there is a zero hour choir offering)
- Holding off on taking certain desired courses until jr. or sr. years when more electives are available
Q: I can’t seem to fit band into my schedule. What should I do?
A: Consider the following options to make band fit into your schedule:
- Defer a required class (i.e. health and/or P.E.) until your jr. or sr. years when more electives are available
- Consider taking a zero hour course for one semester, one year, or multiple years
- Hold off on taking certain desired courses until jr. or sr. years when more electives are available
