Welcome to the Pride of Hancock!!
Make sure to print out a NEW STUDENT CHECK LIST and get your STUDENT BAND HANDBOOK!
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As a new Pride of Hancock Band student, you may be overwhelmed with information - From Band Camp to the band banquet, there is a lot to keep track of, we are going to try and make this as easy for you as we can. Here is everything you need to know as a new band student:
You MUST stay informed
We keep the band informed primarily by this website, Facebook, and email.
Both band students and their parents should be signed onto Charms.
If you are not sure whether the band has your correct info, contact us.
Instructions for charms can be found on our Resources Page.
Resources ARE available to you
Check our FORMS page for school forms, permission forms etc.
Schedules, practice materials and the band calendar can be found on our EVENTS page.
Our Band Handbook can be found here.
"Who you gonna call?"
Mr. McLain is your first go-to person for questions and concerns about band. But sometimes he can’t answer all of your questions during band class. If you have a question or concern about band, check the list of committee chairmen on the Boosters page.
Our band parents are always willing to help! If in doubt, stop any band parent and ask for help.
Band FAQs
1) What is the time commitment involved for band?
As in every band, the major time involved is homework: Practicing daily at home! A little practice goes a long way! There are practice materials on our Practice Materials page with warm-ups for woodwind, brass and percussion)
2) When are practices for marching band?
Practices are Tuesday and Thursday FULL BAND, this includes the Talons and color guard.
All practices are from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
Occasionally there will be practice on a Saturday, the dates and times will be posted on Charms.
3) What happens if I cannot be at a practice?
Each band student is important to the success of our many activities. We must be able to count on 100% attendance at these rehearsals and performances. If a family emergency occurs unexpectedly, PARENTS please e-mail or call Mr. McLain. Occasionally, there may be family commitments (weddings, graduations, etc.); in which case, we will try to be flexible and work with you on an individual basis. This must be discussed in detail well in advance (a month or more!). If you are absent from school and it is an excused absence, you will be excused from band practice. Other than that, you must submit your absence request in writing. There will be no excused absences for performances.
4) What band camps am I responsible to attend?
All band members who are in the Pride of Hancock need to attend the summer camps as presented by Mr. McLain. We are a very competitive band and we will rehearse a lot. See our EVENTS page for more specific dates.
5) How do I prepare for band camp?
Get outside and enjoy the heat between now and the first camp. THIS WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Pace yourself and be careful not to overheat. Also, start walking or jogging to get yourself in better cardiovascular shape. Drink plenty of water every night before camp. Eating healthy and knowing good nutrition habits are a huge tool for success. You need to take care of your body so that we can all be strong.
6) Are there any items needed for band camp?
1. ALL music that was passed out in May
2. A lyre to hold your music and flip folder with plenty of pages
3. A neck lanyard to hang coordinate charts and marching instructions from
4. Pencil
5. Cap/Hat to wear outside
6. Water jug for water. Water will be provided, but to avoid long lines and small cups, bring your cooler!
7. Tennis shoes that are already broken in. DO NOT WEAR NEW SHOES!
8. Lightweight and light colored clothing. It’s going to be HOT!!
9. A case of water and a box of snacks that can be used for 3rd quarter snack.
7) Do I need a different instrument to march?
Double reed players, pianists, guitar players and bass clarinetists will need to play a secondary instrument (like tenor saxophone or auxiliary percussion), or march in the color guard/dance team. See Mr. McLain about what you would like to play!
8) What items do I need for band camp?
You will need to wear comfortable clothing (light colored shorts and t-shirts), socks, and cross-trainer sneakers (not high-tops or s10kating shoes), and a light-colored hat. Also, you MUST bring at least a gallon of water. Sunscreen must be worn and healthy snacks are important as well.
9) How long is marching season?
Marching season begins with Band Camp and ends after the last football game of the season. After school rehearsals will end after the last competition.
10) How do I get into The Pride of Hancock?
The Pride of Hancock auditions will start in May when we have our pre-camp with the incoming freshmen. Don’t worry, we understand if you are new you will know very little about marching at the beginning of camp! You will be taught everything you need to know.
11) Do I need to be able to play an instrument to be in Color Guard/Dance Team?
No
12) What is the cost to be in the The Pride of Hancock?
Horn Line Fee: $300.00
Percussion Fee: $375.00
Color Guard Fee: $450.00
Late Fee if not paid in full by Oct. 7th: $50.00
Payment schedule is on charms
Uniform shirt: $15.00
Shoes/Gloves: shoes will be ordered during band camp July 27, 2016 between 7:15a.m.-8:45a.m.
Band shoes- $43.00
Guard shoes- $44.00
Gloves- $3.25
CASH OR MONEY OREDERS ONLY- No checks or credit cards will be accepted
13) Is fundraising mandatory?
No, fundraising is not mandatory. But it is a great way to experience band and all of the exciting extras that we do for free. It will help offset the cost of your fair share fee. If you fundraise enough you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for fair share. See our FUNDRAISING page for some of the fundraising opportunities that can help reduce your band fees.
14) My child is not a great student or good organizer of time. How will they balance homework & marching band in the fall?
Your student should consult the Band Leadership Team for strategies to organize his/her time and manage responsibilities.
15) Can I participate in any other sports/JROTC and band at the same time?
YES! ABSOLUTELY! There are several marching band members who are also in the JROTC, Soccer team, and other various activities. We will work with the coaches on an individual basis to discuss rehearsal schedules.
16) Can I have a job, participate in sports, and be in marching band?
Student job commitments and “select sports” are NOT reasons for an excused absence from band performances or rehearsals! Many band students work, participate in “select sports”, and participate successfully in band. We suggest that these students take a copy of the band calendar to his/her employer and/or coach and clear all band performances and rehearsals. Most employers are very understanding and are flexible if they know of band commitments well in advance, especially if they understand that band performances are a required and a vital part of the course work. Work with employers to clear the Fall evening rehearsals. (We are glad to talk to employers to validate student commitments.)
You MUST stay informed
We keep the band informed primarily by this website, Facebook, and email.
Both band students and their parents should be signed onto Charms.
If you are not sure whether the band has your correct info, contact us.
Instructions for charms can be found on our Resources Page.
Resources ARE available to you
Check our FORMS page for school forms, permission forms etc.
Schedules, practice materials and the band calendar can be found on our EVENTS page.
Our Band Handbook can be found here.
"Who you gonna call?"
Mr. McLain is your first go-to person for questions and concerns about band. But sometimes he can’t answer all of your questions during band class. If you have a question or concern about band, check the list of committee chairmen on the Boosters page.
Our band parents are always willing to help! If in doubt, stop any band parent and ask for help.
Band FAQs
1) What is the time commitment involved for band?
As in every band, the major time involved is homework: Practicing daily at home! A little practice goes a long way! There are practice materials on our Practice Materials page with warm-ups for woodwind, brass and percussion)
2) When are practices for marching band?
Practices are Tuesday and Thursday FULL BAND, this includes the Talons and color guard.
All practices are from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
Occasionally there will be practice on a Saturday, the dates and times will be posted on Charms.
3) What happens if I cannot be at a practice?
Each band student is important to the success of our many activities. We must be able to count on 100% attendance at these rehearsals and performances. If a family emergency occurs unexpectedly, PARENTS please e-mail or call Mr. McLain. Occasionally, there may be family commitments (weddings, graduations, etc.); in which case, we will try to be flexible and work with you on an individual basis. This must be discussed in detail well in advance (a month or more!). If you are absent from school and it is an excused absence, you will be excused from band practice. Other than that, you must submit your absence request in writing. There will be no excused absences for performances.
4) What band camps am I responsible to attend?
All band members who are in the Pride of Hancock need to attend the summer camps as presented by Mr. McLain. We are a very competitive band and we will rehearse a lot. See our EVENTS page for more specific dates.
5) How do I prepare for band camp?
Get outside and enjoy the heat between now and the first camp. THIS WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Pace yourself and be careful not to overheat. Also, start walking or jogging to get yourself in better cardiovascular shape. Drink plenty of water every night before camp. Eating healthy and knowing good nutrition habits are a huge tool for success. You need to take care of your body so that we can all be strong.
6) Are there any items needed for band camp?
1. ALL music that was passed out in May
2. A lyre to hold your music and flip folder with plenty of pages
3. A neck lanyard to hang coordinate charts and marching instructions from
4. Pencil
5. Cap/Hat to wear outside
6. Water jug for water. Water will be provided, but to avoid long lines and small cups, bring your cooler!
7. Tennis shoes that are already broken in. DO NOT WEAR NEW SHOES!
8. Lightweight and light colored clothing. It’s going to be HOT!!
9. A case of water and a box of snacks that can be used for 3rd quarter snack.
7) Do I need a different instrument to march?
Double reed players, pianists, guitar players and bass clarinetists will need to play a secondary instrument (like tenor saxophone or auxiliary percussion), or march in the color guard/dance team. See Mr. McLain about what you would like to play!
8) What items do I need for band camp?
You will need to wear comfortable clothing (light colored shorts and t-shirts), socks, and cross-trainer sneakers (not high-tops or s10kating shoes), and a light-colored hat. Also, you MUST bring at least a gallon of water. Sunscreen must be worn and healthy snacks are important as well.
9) How long is marching season?
Marching season begins with Band Camp and ends after the last football game of the season. After school rehearsals will end after the last competition.
10) How do I get into The Pride of Hancock?
The Pride of Hancock auditions will start in May when we have our pre-camp with the incoming freshmen. Don’t worry, we understand if you are new you will know very little about marching at the beginning of camp! You will be taught everything you need to know.
11) Do I need to be able to play an instrument to be in Color Guard/Dance Team?
No
12) What is the cost to be in the The Pride of Hancock?
Horn Line Fee: $300.00
Percussion Fee: $375.00
Color Guard Fee: $450.00
Late Fee if not paid in full by Oct. 7th: $50.00
Payment schedule is on charms
Uniform shirt: $15.00
Shoes/Gloves: shoes will be ordered during band camp July 27, 2016 between 7:15a.m.-8:45a.m.
Band shoes- $43.00
Guard shoes- $44.00
Gloves- $3.25
CASH OR MONEY OREDERS ONLY- No checks or credit cards will be accepted
13) Is fundraising mandatory?
No, fundraising is not mandatory. But it is a great way to experience band and all of the exciting extras that we do for free. It will help offset the cost of your fair share fee. If you fundraise enough you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for fair share. See our FUNDRAISING page for some of the fundraising opportunities that can help reduce your band fees.
14) My child is not a great student or good organizer of time. How will they balance homework & marching band in the fall?
Your student should consult the Band Leadership Team for strategies to organize his/her time and manage responsibilities.
15) Can I participate in any other sports/JROTC and band at the same time?
YES! ABSOLUTELY! There are several marching band members who are also in the JROTC, Soccer team, and other various activities. We will work with the coaches on an individual basis to discuss rehearsal schedules.
16) Can I have a job, participate in sports, and be in marching band?
Student job commitments and “select sports” are NOT reasons for an excused absence from band performances or rehearsals! Many band students work, participate in “select sports”, and participate successfully in band. We suggest that these students take a copy of the band calendar to his/her employer and/or coach and clear all band performances and rehearsals. Most employers are very understanding and are flexible if they know of band commitments well in advance, especially if they understand that band performances are a required and a vital part of the course work. Work with employers to clear the Fall evening rehearsals. (We are glad to talk to employers to validate student commitments.)
