Dear new/returning Willow Spring High School Marching Band members,

It is with great anticipation that I write this letter providing information regarding our 2024 Willow Spring Sound of the Storm Marching Band! This packet includes dates, schedules, information/medical forms and other very important information. Please read over this letter as a family and complete the online registration located on the front page of the WSHS Band website. Forms included at the back of this packet will be collected at band camp. Online registration is due by June 1 in order to reserve your spot. If questions arise, please contact the band office by email or phone.  That information is located at the top of this page and elsewhere throughout the packet. 

Overview

The Willow Spring Marching Band is a special group of young people dedicated to music and performance!  This ensemble is a competitive unit that provides students the opportunity to learn and perform a highly artistic show, perform for thousands of people over the course of the season, and travel extensively throughout North Carolina! Members are held to high standards academically and receive encouragement and support to maintain those standards. The band focuses on student leadership and teamwork efforts in order to produce quality performances. Parents and friends of the marching band are encouraged to get involved and help out!  The marching band meets entirely after school, and members must meet certain criteria for membership.

Qualifications/Auditions

The Willow Spring Marching Band is one of the largest and most visible student groups on campus, and thus held to high standards both academically and personally. Qualifications are as follows:

1. All students must be in “good standing” with the school academically and socially as outlined by WCPSS and Willow Spring High School administration in order to be eligible to participate. Show up to school, do your best work, and be respectful!

2. Winds and percussion students must be enrolled in a band class in order to participate.  While it is EXPECTED to be enrolled in both semesters of concert bands, students who enroll in one semester may enroll in the spring semester with Mr. Still’s permission.  Please speak with Mr. Still regarding scheduling issues.

3. There is no class requirement for colorguard students; however, members are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to enroll in a dance or theater arts class if they do not have experience playing an instrument.

Summer Rehearsals

Summer rehearsals are necessary due to the school schedule and the amount of training/conditioning involved in this activity. Band Camp is the most important time of the marching band season. The purpose of band camp is to allow students to focus almost entirely on learning the competition show, foster positive relationships and create a sense of team unity. Full Band camp is the most critical of all weeks; exceptions to this week are made sparingly and are based on musicianship skills and circumstances. Each section will conduct “sectionals” throughout the summer months. These meetings are not mandatory, but if you’re in town and available, they can be a great tool to improve and hang out with friends!  Student leaders will contact you regarding sectionals and must give at least a week’s notice as well as arrange for adult supervision.

Funding

The competitive marching arts can be an expensive activity. Almost everything is custom designed to fit our band’s size, instrumentation, and experience. We must pay for music, drill/choreography, bus transportation, marching competition entry fees, color guard uniforms and equipment, marching uniform care and maintenance, and hire additional instructional staff in order to share in a season of success and positive experiences. We receive NO FUNDING from WCPSS for these needs. Many Wake County schools charge anywhere from $600-$1000. We will strive to keep this number as low as possible. We accomplish this feat by fundraisers and community donations. The fee this year for all students will be $600. Students are also responsible for their shoes (@$35) and their gloves (a one-time fee of $10) as well as some other small expenses as needed.

Breakdown of Marching Band Fees

Membership Fee - $650 

First pair of hornline/guard gloves covered in membership fee - Additional Hornline/color guard Gloves - ~$10 (if needed)

Marching/color guard shoes - ~$35 (if needed)

Hornline Lyre/Flip Folder - ~$15 (if needed)

In order to help our families pay their marching fees and to ease the burden of paying a large lump sum, we ask for the money to be paid following the payment schedule below. 

$200 non-refundable deposit due with signing of membership contract end of spring training (May) Deadline to Register June 1

$200 due July 1 (mail check to school or pay through the band website)  

$150 due August 1         

$100 due September 1

All incidental fees (gloves, shoes, apparel, flip folders/lyres, etc.) due at time of order

***WE WILL NEVER TURN AWAY ANY STUDENT FOR FINANCIAL REASONS!!!  Please email Mr. Still if you have concerns. We just ask that all families pitch in where they can so we can all grow and learn together!

How do I sign up?

In order to be included in the 2024 Willow Spring High School Marching Band, each student must complete the online Registration Form.  A $200 non-refundable deposit is requested at the time of AGREEMENT signing. *This fee will not be refundable as we use that money to plan for the season based on student numbers.  The $200 will be used toward the overall marching band assessment. Because our music and drill is custom written for our band, we must know exact numbers by the first week of June. Students who enroll after this week are not guaranteed a position. 

Final Thoughts

Because the success of a group such as the marching band is contingent upon participation from everyone involved, it is crucial that students be at ALL rehearsals and performances. If you see a serious conflict with any of the aforementioned dates, please let the band office know in writing as soon as possible. Many circumstances—including doctor appointments—can be adjusted now in order to avoid hindering the progress of this wonderful group of students!

YAY BAND!

Kevin M. Still

Director of Bands