MARCHING SEASON

Starting the Season Right

The road to marching season starts with band camp and there are two: Mini Camp and Band Camp

Mini Camp is the best way to see if marching band is right for you, and is a must attend three evening session for new and potential marching band students. Returning students will be there to join in on the end of year fun, and show new members the ropes.

2026 Mini Camp is June 10-12

No instruments
6-9 PM at RBV
Bring good shoes to be on the field and dress comfortably - no jeans, skirts or dresses.
Don't forget a water bottle

Band Camp is July 27th - August 7th.

This is when we dive head first into marching band because we hit the ground at the beginning of the school year running with football games and pep rallies.. Students will be on the field for two weeks from midday to the evening, and will learn how to march while working on their first pieces of music. From the start of band camp, to the first tournament is about 9 weeks, and we'll be putting together a show in that short time as we compete our way to championships.

What to bring to Band Camp:

Your instrument. If you need to borrow an instrument from RBV make sure to coordinate with directors.
1/2 gallon or gallon water bottle - load it with ice to help keep cool
Note pad and pencil
Drill markers (will be provided)
Fanny pack, hip or sling bag - this is to keep your notes and markers handy while on the field.
Snacks/ dinner. Students will be given a dinner break and may leave campus to eat but packing a dinner is a smart move!
A small cooler or lunch box is handy and a duffel to keep gear in one place.
Students should dress for a workout. Athletic shoes, and comfortable clothes. White shirts are necessary.
If you have long hair, bring something to keep it neatly out of your face.
Sun protection! Hat and sunscreen.

Other important summer dates:

Uniform Fitting - 2026 uniform fitting will be July 22-23. Be on the lookout for details in your email.

Parent Preview - August 7 2026 parents are invited to see what your kids have accomplished during marching camp, and maybe get in on the fun on the field too! Come meet the band boosters and directors, ask questions and get some insight on the semester ahead.

Have questions now? Contact Director Eric Weirather ericweirather@vistausd.org or Assistant Director Jordan Jellison jordanjellison@vistausd.org

Committed to Tradition

Have you ever seen a college football game, where the half-time show is a big band marching cool patterns on the football field? That is what our kids are going to learn to do, and do well, during Marching Band Season.

During Marching Season, students will spend time in class during the day learning the music. Just like a team, we need time on the field. We practice two evenings a week and as tournament season gets closer, we have a handful of Saturday practice days. Tournaments start in early October and end the Saturday before Thanksgiving break at Championships.

The RBV Marching Band is also the pep band for the RBV Varsity Football team, playing at home games on Friday nights. We are the featured half time show. We'll attend 5-6 tournaments a season, most of which are on Saturday's with the occasional mid-week tournament toward the end of the season. Be sure to follow the band calendar for dates and times. You'll also receive emails for call times and any updates or changes to practice schedules.

Marching Band and Color Guard Tournaments bring schools from all over the southern California region to compete against one another playing some magnificent music, with flying flags and incredible drills. These performance are a showcase of musical, visual and physical skill. Tournaments may be small (10-12 schools) to HUGE (20+ schools). RBV typically competes at 5-6 Tournaments from October through November. We also host our own tournament, the RBV Premier Field Tournament, usually in the middle of November. Because our tournament is often the last chance schools have to score points for championships, we proud to host one of the larger tournaments in the area with 15 or more schools attending each year. Through concessions, entry fees, program advertising and vendor fees, we raise much needed funds for the program. The RBV Premier Field Tournament is our biggest fundraising event of the year!

If you are looking for our calendar, click here.

Marching Season: About the Band