Dear 2024 GHS Marching Band Members and Parents:

I just wanted to take a moment to welcome you to the 2024 GHS Marching Band! For those of you who
are new to our organization, I want to congratulate you on making such a wonderful decision. The
marching band is one of the largest organized groups at GHS and its flagship ambassador. Most
importantly, the marching band is an absolutely awesome FAMILY of musicians who share a passion for
visual and musical performance. I can promise you that one of the BEST EXPERIENCES OF YOUR LIFE is
just around the corner!

Whether you are a new or returning member, there are always questions… mainly: “What have we gotten
ourselves into??!!” Well… marching band IS a big commitment. It requires a lot of time and hard work, as
well as a financial commitment. However, the friendships, growth, leadership, commitment, sacrifice,
teamwork, determination, and FUN that you will experience during your years with the marching band
will be life-changing.

With that being said, I know that these next few weeks and months will be filled with a lot of questions.
I’ve prepared this letter with the hope that it will answer most common questions and spare you a lot of
confusion. So, let’s get started!

Contact information: MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE BAND APP! We will communicate regularly with
you through the Band App, which you can download to your smartphone or use through a web browser.
Instructions for downloading the app are available in this packet. Additionally, we’ll collect your current
contact information through the Student Registration Form, as well as the Parent Information Form.

Communication: READ THE POSTS AND MESSAGES ON THE BAND APP! Things can change, such as
call times, performance times, or rehearsal details, so you want to be sure you get the latest information.
When it comes to keeping up with marching band, ignorance is NOT bliss. Color guard is an important
part of the marching band too! Information you receive about marching band also applies to color guard,
unless otherwise noted.

Practice Times: Posted marching band rehearsal times are START TIMES. This means that you must be in
the rehearsal space, ready to go at the start time, not just driving into the parking lot. (Translation: You
need to be at the rehearsal at least 10-15 minutes earlier than start time so that we can all start on time.)

Schedule: It’s best for students to attend all camps and practices, but life doesn’t always allow for that. If
life gets in the way of you attending a rehearsal, please make sure that you let the band staff know well in
advance so we can plan accordingly. The most important rehearsal times that cannot be missed are the
two weeks of band camp. Attendance at these camps is vital to the success of the band

Attendance: Marching band is a team sport that takes everyone being on the field together to be
successful. When a student signs up for marching band, they are making a commitment to the entire band
to be a team player. When even one student is missing, it affects everyone, as it causes breaks in
formation, affects the band’s ability to clean drill and music, and causes you to miss important work and
changes. Please do everything you can to make sure you are always at practice. The only real reasons to
miss practice are illness and emergencies (and perhaps a summer vacation). After-school jobs, doctor
appointments, getting help for school, music lessons and other similar activities need to be scheduled
outside of practice time in order for the band to be successful.

Be flexible! Sometimes things change, and most of us deal with change on a daily basis. Our marching
band schedule is no exception. In general, we are able to get you timely and complete information. But
sometimes last-minute, unavoidable adjustments are needed, such as call time, meeting place, or schedule
changes. These adjustments are made smooth when we do all we can to be flexible! The easiest way to
stay aware of changes is to sync your phone with our Band App calendar.

Questions? The most important thing to know is that if you DON’T know, you can ASK! You are not in this
alone. If you are confused or frustrated or just need information and don’t know who to talk to, please
contact me. I will be happy to respond through email or over the phone.

Welcome to the family! I genuinely hope you love it here. Please let me know if you need anything.
Together, we can make this an amazing season!

Philip David DeYoung

Director of Bands
Grant Public Schools

Cell Phone • 231.769.0979

Office Phone • 231.834.2341

pdeyoung@grantps.net