Marching Band
Marching band is one of the most exciting, fun-filled programs at Coon Rapids High School. The Marching Cardinals perform at parades, football games, and competitions throughout the year and take great pride in representing our school and our community. The Marching Cardinals operate and succeed based on one important premise: Attitude is more important than ability!!
In marching band, there is no 'second string' or 'bench sitter.' Every single member of the band makes an important contribution to the team. Every member is a part of our marching band family. This family is bigger than just the members of the Marching Cardinals - it includes marching band participants from all over our state and our region!
The Marching Cardinals have come a long way in the past several years. As recently as 1996, the band consisted of only 33 members. Today's band has nearly 60 active, involved members committed to developing their expertise and achieving excellence. Thanks to the direction, vision, and dedication of band director and his staff of instructors, and a strong parent booster organization, the Marching Cardinals continue to grow by continuously challenging themselves.
As a member of the marching band, you'll work hard and learn a lot about teamwork, leadership, motivation, and responsibility. You'll represent our school and our community at events throughout the state and region and make a lot of new friends. Most important of all, you'll have a lot of fun!
Marching Band FAQ
Interested in joining the Marching Cardinals? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. Need further information or have questions not covered here, please contact our Band Director or our Booster President, John Bennett, for more information.
Who can join marching band?
Everyone! If you enjoy music and want to make new friends, marching band is for you! The Marching Cardinals consist of several sections: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and color guard. No prior musical experience is required for color guard members; prior experience in band or orchestra or other formal music training is required for other sections.
How much time is involved?
The time requirement varies from season to season, but generally involves rehearsing twice a week in addition to weekend competitions. Rehearsals for summer and fall marching season begin as early as in April. June and July are typically our parade season; including the Coon Rapids Lions July 4th parade. In August, all band members are required to attend a week-long band camp during which you'll learn the marching drill and fine-tune your skills. Competition season begins in September and runs about six weeks.
Winter drumline and colorguard begin rehearsals in November, with the competition season generally running from January through March or April. Rehearsals are scheduled for twice during the week with occasional Saturday rehearsals as determined by instructors.
Most band members find time to participate in one or two extracurricular activities in addition to band and still have time for their first priorities: homework and studying.
Can I letter in marching band?
Marching Band participation earns points toward your Band letter.
Earning a Band letter is dependant upon a student's level of
participation in other band activities such as jazz band and winter
activities band, in conjunction with their marching band participation.
To get further information on how a student qualifies for a band letter,
please contact the CRHS Music Director.
How much does marching band cost?
Fees and associated costs vary from year to year, depending on the state of the school budget and other factors. In 2005, participants in fall marching band paid an average of over $500 in activity fees and related band expenses, such as marching shoes, gloves, and black socks. Fortunately, you can pay 100% of these fees and expenses by participating in a variety of fundraising activities. Financial aid is also available on a case-by-case basis and administered by the CRHS Band Boosters.
The annual activity fee assessed by the school district covers only a small portion of instructor and transportation fees. The remainder of the equipment and operating budget is managed by the Coon Rapids Band Boosters, who organize and administer a variety of fund-raising programs used to supplement and pay band fees and expenses. Many of these programs pay funds directly into your personal band account where they can be used as needed to pay for marching band fees and expenses.
