FAQ - Marching Band

In addition to the benefits of being in band (listed in the General questions section), Marching Band provides these added benefits:

• Ability to perform and connect with peers from all grade levels

• Ability to learn from and perform with the top players on your instrument at the school

• Weighted GPA boost of .5 for the entire year for each marching band season

• Travel and perform in college stadiums for thousands of your peers

• Many colleges and universities give scholarships for marching band members

• Increased coordination and mental capacity to process thousands of actions per performance. 

Mr. English is working to finalize the full Marching Titans schedule. Full marching band camp for 2026 starts on July 27th. The full google calendar for the entire band program can be accessed on the website.

Students are expected to be at ALL rehearsals and performances. Any absence other than illness or family emergency needs to be cleared with the directors ahead of time. Missing more than 6 hours of rehearsal during the year for unexcused reasons will result in a meeting with the student and parents about their participation in the ensemble. When in doubt, email Mr. English as early as possible!

The 2026 Marching Titan season fee is TBD (dependent on the number of students and overall budget needs), but is expected to be between $500-$600 – broken up into three payments: $125 non-refundable deposit - due June 12; $200 - due July 27, and the remaining total to be due on August 21. This includes everything for the season minus the shoes that new marchers will need to purchase separately. 

Absolutely! Personalized payment plans and fee waivers for students on free and reduced lunch are available. Please reach out to Mr. English directly (gary.english@lcps.org) if you have any financial assistance questions. 

💪🏻 Here's your 2025 Band Camp Survival Guide:

📺 Watch | Survival Guide: Top 10 Must Have Items

✅ Required Gear

• Water jug (at least 1 gallon)

• Backpack

• 1-inch 3-ring binder (page protectors provided). Not needed for Color Guard.

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Light athletic wear—it will be hot!

• Supportive athletic sneakers. No crocs, sandals, flip flops, or fashion sneakers like Vans or Chucks.

⭐️ Highly Recommended

• Sunglasses

• Hair ties

• Towel or exercise mat

• Lunch and snacks

• Lip balm

• Fanny pack (for drill dots, UDP device, etc.)

• Earplugs—especially percussion!

2024 Wind Players: If you still have your breathing tubes, bring them along!

Starting in 2027-2028, all students playing a wind or percussion instrument will be expected to be enrolled in a curricular band class. This requirement does not apply to color guard. However, you do need to have previous experience playing your instrument. 

The marching band practices three nights per week during marching season (September through November). In addition, students perform at home varsity football games, the DHS homecoming parades, showcases, and competitions. The marching band schedule is provided to students and parents at the beginning of the season so that students can budget their time--an important life skill to master! Students who are taking college entrance exams are asked to schedule those around the marching schedule, but there are always a few open weekends each season, so it is manageable.