Can 9th graders participate in the AF Marching Band?

9th Grade students will be accepted on a limited basis. How is this determined? 9th grade students will audition to Mr. Major or Mr. Bateman. If they are in their top band they are eligible for Marching Band. Others will need to have special approval from Mr. Major or Mr. Bateman. We welcome 9th grade students into marching band if their ability and desire prove that they are capable of performing at this level. If not, we encourage them to wait another year until their ability level matures--allowing them to have a more positive and successful experience.

What transportation arrangements are available?

9th graders are expected to organize car pools to get them to the H.S. by 3 PM. A parent committee will help to organize this transportation.

What is the time commitment?

A complete calendar can be viewed on the band web-site. www.afbands.org Attendance at rehearsals is crucial to our success and any absences must have prior approval. Time commitment is similar to involvement on any major sports team. Color Guard and Percussion will have additional practices.

What are the camps that are absolutely essential to attend?

Band Camp June 18-22 is crucial and should be attended if at all possible. Band Camp on August 13-17 is non-negotiable concerning attendance. If a student is going to be in the AF Marching Band these camps are essential. All other summer practices are excusable for youth camps, trips etc. but an excuse form must be submitted two weeks in advance of any absence.

What do we do about family summer vacations and scout/girls camps?

We encourage students to try to schedule activities around the band schedule but we realize conflicts will occur. The sectionals every Monday morning and Thursday evenings are crucial but they are excusable if conflicts occur. The only summer activities that are absolutely mandatory are the band camps during August.

What is the total cost of marching band?

The basic marching band cost is $650. The tour to St George this fall is estimated to be an additional $200. New students will need to purchase marching shoes for appx. $35. Replacement gloves are $5. (the first pair is given with the uniform) Most students will also want an optional band jacket that sells for appx. $50. The school will charge a $50 participation fee to help cover the cost of transportation. This will need to be paid at registration.

Are there fund raising opportunities to help defray these costs?

This summer we will be selling tickets to the Steel Days Breakfast and again, 100% of the ticket will be credited to your students account. In June the band will hold its annual Band Yard Sale at Robinson Park. We will also be selling emergency solar powered flashlights. Many students, in the past, have paid off their entire fees with these fund raising projects.

What is the payment structure?

In order to determine the exact numbers for the show design, we require students and parents to sign a contract that is submitted along with a $150, deposit by March 1st.. A complete payment schedule is as follows. This schedule is designed to have all fees paid prior to band camp. Students delinquent in payments may be removed from the drill so we can make the needed adjustments during band camp.

Payments made to American Fork H.S. Band
February 15  $100. March 1st $100. April 1st $100. May 1st $100, June 1st $100. July 1st $100 August 1st $100. September 1st $150.