Good to Know About Marching Band
For members, band is a significant part of high school. If you are new to band life as a parent or are a student considering joining, here are some good to know terms, what band life is like for students and parents, and why joining the RBV Band is right for you.
Why Join Marching Band or Color Guard?
The Rancho Buena Vista Band and Color Guard has been recognized for decades for its excellence, and for setting high standards for their members. Improving on more than just musical skill, being a member of this band teaches self-discipline, teamwork, flexible thinking, and improves problem solving skills. Students who learn an instrument expand their mind helping with overall academics, setting them up to be successful students throughout high school and continued education. Marching Band and Color Guard can also be a gateway to more affordable university education through grants and scholarships that are not available to other students.
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Being a part of the RBV Marching Band and Color Guard also comes with a strong community. Something not often found in high school. Whether you are a newcomer already in high school or among the 8th graders at our local middle schools who exhibit the necessary musical skill are invited to join the RBV Band, you'll gain the friendships and support of hundreds of students, parents, coaches and volunteers.
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The RBV Band program is supported by an incredible staff headed by our Band Director Eric Weirather and Assistant Director Jordan Jellison, who work tirelessly with students to build on their skills. Additional support is provided by a team of dedicated coaches who provide music education, drill and color guard instruction. We also have a group of volunteers via our Band Boosters that support the band and band staff by raising necessary funds, building props, handling and organizing uniforms, serving as roadies, chaperones, and much, much more.
Fundraising FAQ
How Much Does a Band Program Like This Cost?
The cost to run the program varies with the number of students. Currently, there are over 100 students in the Band and Color Guard. Yearly funds required to run a successful porgram are between $230,000 and $250,000.
Where Do Funds Come From?
Funds come from a combination of student Fair Share Contributions, district funding, grants, corporate sponsorship, and other Band Booster fundraisers like candy sales, concessions, tickets, merchandise and many other fundraising efforts. District funding covers only a portion of the band cost such as some staff salary. Grants are an unknown and may not be awarded to our school each year, but are part of our yearly fundraising efforts.
What is a Fair Share Contribution?
A portion of the band's expected expenses for the year are set as a Fair Share Contribution to be paid by each student in the program. This contribution is typically between $600-750 per year. Fundraising for student accounts starts in the summer and is vital for a good start to the school year. Those initial funds raised help pay for tournament fees, props, music, and uniforms and ensure we have time with coaches to start tournament season off on the right foot. However it never too late to make payments to your student's account, and no student will be denied participation. Students are encouraged to pay what they can throughout the year. Scholarships are often available through Vista Unified to help students pay for this contribution. You can also make low monthly payments on this site to your student account via PayPal. Click the Donation to Student Account button at the top of the site to do so.
What are RaiseRight and 99Pledges?
RaiseRight is a fundraising platform that gives a portion of gift card and online shopping sales to the band! All you have to do is shop online using the links on the RaiseRight website. Buy gift cards to your favorite places and the band will get up to 20% back! Donations are not deducted or added onto your transaction amount.
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99Pledges is a traditional donation platform with very low fees, meaning the band keeps what you donate! Unlike other platforms that may charge up to 20%, 99Pledges fees are less than 3% to cover transaction fees only.
Helpful Links and More Info
Student Expectations
Volunteering
Competition
Parent Expectations
Learn more about practice schedules, how Band works with the school week and what RBV Band expects from you as a student.
Parents, here's what you need to know when you're expecting a band student!
We cannot do this without you! Find volunteer information here.
Competition is a major part of the Band's Fall semester and throughout the school year for Color Guard. Find out more about competition seasons, scoring, and etiquette.
Marching Band & Color Guard Basics
Band Camp
Marching Band begins a couple of weeks before the school year starts. This two week camp is the best time to get to know new band members, get introduced to routines, experience what a typical practice is like, and learn the music you will need to know when we kick off the school year. If you want to participate in Marching Band or Guard, camp is required.
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No P.E.!
Marching Band and Color Guard count toward your high school Physical Education credits! That frees up schedules to have an additional elective. For music students, band can continue to be part of your regular schedule as well. Freshmen are required to take Concert Band.
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Practice
Practice makes perfect! The Marching Band and Color Guard keep a regular practice schedule to stay on track for tournament season, with a similar schedule to being on a team sport. The Fall semester is a busy couple of months, but we work hard so we can play hard!
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Football Games - Friday Night!
Marching Band and Color Guard are the heartbeat of school spirit at Rancho Buena Vista! The Band performs at every home football game unless there is a conflict with a tournament date.
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Tournaments
Each Fall semester the RBV Marching Band and Color Guard go to approximately 7 tournaments at schools throughout San Diego County and the Los Angeles area. Tournaments can range from an evening to an all day event, depending on the number of bands competing and distance we need to travel. For those participating in ADLA or Winter Guard, the spring semester has a similar tournament schedule. We also host our own tournaments for both semesters.
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Other Performances
During the Fall semester, the Marching Band may perform at other venues to help the Band fund raise, perform for charities or march in parades. Concert Band, Wind I & II, Drumline and Color Guard all have performances throughout the school year. In the Spring we have our Spring Concert and our annual Pops concert.
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Fun Trips!
The RBV Band & Color Guard has been to Europe, Japan, Disneyland, and has had the incredible opportunity to march in major parades and play at special events throughout the past 20 years. We are always looking for opportunities to take another trip.