Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q. – frequently asked questions concerning the Collingswood Panther Marching Band

With the help of current band members, we have pieced together a list of common questions that incoming students, and their parents, may have concerning the program. If you have further questions concerning the Panther Marching Band, please contact us at the high school, or visit out website at http://pantherband.net.

Joe Lerch, Band Director – 856-962-5701 x6430 – email: jdlerch@pantherband.net

If I am in Concert Band, do I have to do Marching Band?

No. We do not have a “mandatory marching band” policy, which allows students that just aren’t able to fit marching band a chance to still be in our concert program.

If I want to march, do I have to do Concert Band?

No. All members of the marching band are encouraged to sign up for the class if possible, because we feel the best musical training comes from having band five days per week. However, not every band members is able to fit the class in their schedule.

If I am in the band classes, do I get anything extra to be in the Marching Band?

Yes, but not until your third year of membership in the band program. Collingswood offers a version of the band class that awards Honors credit. Part of the requirement for a student electing to take band for Honors credit is that the student is a member in good standing in the marching program.

Is Marching Band a class?

No. At this time, marching band is strictly an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity.

Are there after school rehearsals? Are rehearsals every day?

Actually, the Marching Band rehearses only two evenings per week, to allow students time after school to do other things, such as sports and/or homework.

Does the Marching Band practice all year?

No. The regular rehearsal schedule begins on a Tuesday around the beginning of September, and ends the first full week of November. This is actually just the first marking period of the school year.

How about during the summer?

The band rehearses once per week during the summer for about 3 hours. These are evening rehearsals. Our policy is that if the member is in town, they should be at these rehearsals. If they are out of town, the rehearsal is excused.

I play sports. There’s no way I can do marching band, right?

Many of our band members are involved in fall sports or plays. Almost any fall sport schedule can be worked out with out marching schedule, with the possible exception of varsity football. However, in 2002, we even had a student work that out!

If I’m a member, do I have to come to band camp?

Band Camp (August 20-25) is an important part of the preparation for our fall season. During these days, the staff teaches about a month’s worth of material to the group. Students come out of camp with a working knowledge of all of the band music and most of the field show. Aside from rehearsals, this is a great chance for the band members to get to know each other and bond as a group. We include fun activities during this week, such as games, and a cookout.

Where does band camp take place?

Our band camp starts with a mini-camp, held here at the high school. Then we go away for a 5-day camp!

How many performances does the band do?

The band performs at all varsity football games, and usually does about 8 competitions. This comes out to usually one football game and one competition per weekend.

Can I switch to another instrument?

We encourage people that are interested in learning another instrument to consider an “in-demand” instrument, such as low brass or mellophone.

Will I be able to march and play at the same time? Will I be able to memorize my music?

Yes to both. We have a near-perfect success rate in teaching people to do both of these.

Does the band do trips?

We have performed in many places throughout the United States and Canada. We usually take a trip every year.

Do I have to do an audition for Marching Band? Can I be cut?

No. Marching band is open to anyone that plays an instrument, or has an honest desire to learn.

What is the marching band staff like?

Our staff is made up of music educators and people that specialize in areas of marching band instruction. They are dedicated to the education of all members of our program and work hard to help each student succeed, while still maintaining a fun atmosphere in the program.

Will marching band benefit me in the future?

Marching band not only helps with music skills, but also helps develop students physically and mentally, and helps to foster leadership and social skills. The physical nature of the activity helps kids to stay in shape, much like a phys. ed. class. Marching band also helps with organizational and time management skills. Colleges not only look for academic subjects from applicants, but also look for extra-curricular activities.

We hope that we have covered some of your questions. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions. We look forward to possibly having you become a part of our award-winning program!

F.A.Q. – frequently asked questions concerning the Collingswood Panther Marching Band – Color Guard program specific.

With the help of current band members, we have pieced together a list of common questions that incoming students, and their parents, may have specific to the guard program. If you have further questions concerning the Panther Marching Band, please contact us at the high school, or visit out website at http://pantherband.net.

If I am a musician in Concert Band, do I have to play in Marching Band, or can I be in the color guard?

While we encourage any student that plays an instrument to do so every chance they get, we do have members in our guard program that are in the daytime band classes.

Is Color Guard a class?

No. At this time, color guard is strictly an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity.

Are there after school rehearsals? Are rehearsals every day?

Actually, the Marching Band rehearses only two evenings per week, to allow students time after school to do other things, such as sports and/or homework. Color Guard normally rehearses during the same times as the full band, but may have small group sectionals at other convenient times.

Does the Color Guard practice all year?

No. The rehearsal schedule is identical to the schedule of the full band. This is actually just the first marking period of the school year.

I play sports. There’s no way I can do marching band or color guard, right?

Many of our band members are involved in fall sports or plays.

I take dance lessons, or do gymnastics, or theater. How can I do both?

Part of what we teach is the skill of time management. If you are a dancer, gymnast, or actor, you already have most of the skills necessary to be successful in a color guard. If you are willing to work with us on the schedule, we are willing to work out conflicts with outside programs. The best solution is one that allows the student to be a member of the color guard, and outside programs. We have been successful with almost every student.

If I’m a member, do I have to come to band camp?

Band Camp (August 20-25) is an important part of the preparation for our fall season. During these six days, the staff teaches about a month’s worth of material to the group. Students come out of camp with a working knowledge of all of the band music and most of the field show. Aside from rehearsals, this is a great chance for the band members to get to know each other and bond as a group. We include fun activities during this week, such as games, and a cookout.

How many performances does the band do?

The band performs at all varsity football games, and usually does about 8 competitions. This comes out to usually one football game and one competition per weekend.

Do I have to learn how to twirl a flag?

Today’s color guard is more than using a flag. Guard members use various types of equipment to create a visual effect, including silks, rifles, sabers, and body work. Also included is training in dance.

Does the band do trips?

We have performed in many places throughout the United States and Canada. We usually take a trip every year.

Do I have to do an audition for Color Guard? Can I be cut?

Guard is open to anyone that has an honest desire to learn, and is willing to make the commitment. We do not make cuts. We do assign roles in the guard based on ability.

What is the marching band / color guard staff like?

Will marching band benefit me in the future?

Marching band and guard not only help with performance skills, but also helps develop students physically and mentally, and helps to foster leadership and social skills. The physical nature of the activity helps kids to stay in shape, much like a phys. ed. class. Marching band also helps with organizational and time management skills. Colleges not only look for academic subjects from applicants, but also look for extra-curricular activities.

We hope that we have covered some of your questions. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions. We look forward to possibly having you become a part of our award-winning program!