Concert Band
Will I have time for academics?
YES! Members of the Concert Band display very high academic standards. For example:
Most band members are enrolled in honors and advanced placement classes.
Over half of all ESHS National Honor Society members take part in the Concert Band.
Approximately 80% of the Concert Band make the honor roll each semester.
Most years, the valedictorian and/or salutatorian of the graduating class is a band member!
Can I be a part of the Concert Band and still participate in sports?
Concert Band members have successfully participated in Fall, Winter, and Spring sports. Many ESHS band members have held captain positions in sports and have been awarded college scholarships for athletic ability.
Can I be a part of the Concert Band and still participate in clubs and activities?
YES! Concert band members have participated in Foreign Language Clubs, Model UN, Art Club, Yearbook Staff, Chess Club, Honors Seminar, Video Club, AV & Stage Crew, etc. Most band members have held leadership position in these clubs as well.
Is it true that if I schedule Concert Band, I won't have enough time to schedule other electives?
Contrary to popular belief, students enrolled in Band or Chorus can take more electives than other students. This is possible when students "double up" on their Health/Physical Education Classes. By taking two sections of Health/Physical Education Class in one year, your child will free up one entire block to take an elective! This will allow a maximum of two additional blocks as compared to students who take only one Health/Physical Education Class per year.
What enrichment opportunities are available in the high school instrumental music program?
In addition to the concert band, other music electives offered during the school day include:
Jazz Lab (.5 credits, offered in the Fall Semester)
Conducting & Analysis (.5 credits, offered in the Spring Semester)
Music Fundamentals (1 credit, offered Fall & Spring Semester)
Honors Band (Concert Band that is counted as 1 Honors credit, grades 10-12 only)
Marching Band
What is Marching Band?
It a group of musicians (woodwind, brass, and percussion players) and color guard members that combines music and movement into an artistic, challenging, and entertaining performance.
When and where does the Marching Band perform?
The Marching Band performs at all Varsity football games, as well as Marching Band competitions. The marching season typically begins in August and continues through mid-November.
When does the Marching Band practice?
There is a summer camp held at the school in August, in the evening two night a week during football season.
Can Marching Band members still participate in sports and clubs?
YES! Many Marching Band members have participated in Freshman, JV, and Varsity sports. Evening band rehearsals are scheduled, in part, to accommodate sports teams.
What is involved in a band competition?
A competition is a judged event usually held at a high school stadium. Hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of spectators attend to see anywhere from 5 to 25 high school marching bands perform. These performances are critiqued by a panel of judges, and each band receives a place ranking for its efforts.
Where are competitions held?
We might travel to Parkland or Bloomsburg High School one weekend, then to the Lackawanna County Stadium on another. Mr. Ritter will provide a detailed schedule with all performance dates and locations.
Is there a financial obligation for the Marching Band?
The required financial obligation is minimal. The district provides band uniforms, music, color guard equipment, certain school owned instruments, and transportation costs. Students must purchase marching shoes and gloves, which total approx. $32.
I've heard that the Marching Band takes trips - is this true?
YES! For example, the Marching Band performed in Walt Disney World in the Spring of 2004/2007. In past years, the band has performed at Virginia Beach, Boston, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and Canada. These trips are only available to Marching Band members!
How do we pay for trips, or other financial concerns?
The Band Parents organization offers a variety of fundraisers during the course of the school year. These fundraisers allow students to "bank" a portion of their earnings in an individual account, to be used for music-related activities. This money can be applied toward the cost of a trip.
How will I know what happens next during the season?
Mr. Ritter usually puts out newsletters and updated schedules, particularly before big events. You can also contact him by email at: chris-ritter@esasd.net