Frequently Asked Questions About the Leon Band

I turned in my registration form last week and didn't register for band.  I changed my mind, can I still be in band?

YES-- just have your parents call the school at 488-1971 and ask for the guidance department.    You may also have your parents write a note and fax it to 922-5311.  Be sure to include the course that you would like to drop, in order to fit band into your schedule

I'm zoned for Leon, but I planned on going to a school-of-choice.  Can I change my mind and switch back to Leon?

YES--just have your parents call the school at 488-1971 and ask for the guidance department.  They will take care of everything.  If you have any problems, e-mail me.

 If I am in band, can I also belong to other student clubs?

YES!  You CAN do Steel Drums, Chorus, Guitar, Drama, ROTC and other clubs and activities while you are in band. I encourage you take advantage of all the great musical opportunities at Leon High School, because it will make you a better musician. In fact, most of the Leon  Band students belong to a second, and sometimes third student club! We encourage involvement! 

If I am in band, can I also do Sports?

Yes and No.... 

Band is an activity that requires equal participation among all members.  There is no "Bench" in band like there is in sports,  that some members of the team sit on while others play.   It therefore requires that every member be at every rehearsal.  Band is a co-curricular activity which means outside rehearsals and performances are an extension of the class and included in the grade for the class.  If you have questions about sports and band please contact Mr. Thornton and he will be more than glad to speak with you.

Do I have to audition for the Leon Band Program?

Everyone "makes the band."  Mr. Thornton will visit your school and hear you play individually. He will ask you to play scales, perhaps a piece you are playing in band and then sight read.   

Our concert bands are split into two classes, the "Concert Band" and the "Symphonic Band."  The Symphonic Band requires an audition which consists of 12 major scales played in under 2 minutes with few or no mistakes, in addition to sight reading.  If you do not wish to be in Symphonic band then you will be placed in concert band.

WE WANT YOU IN THE LEON BAND!  

Can I be in band all four years?

Yes! You only need 24 credits to graduate, band fulfills your requirements for fine arts, P.E. (marching band), and elective credit.  You can even take 2 music classes every year and still have room for more electives.  Here is a sample schedule you might have. 

Will being in band have a NEGATIVE effect on my grades or Scholarships?

NO! As a matter of fact, most of the students in band are in the top of their classes. Research has shown that the extra time you spend in band not only helps you build your musical skills, but also makes you smarter in math, science, and English!

Sometimes students are worried about band classes conflicting with AP and Honors classes.  Here is a document you may use to help you fit band and other music classes into your schedule.
Sample Schedule With Two Music Classes Every Year  

Does the Leon Band take any trips?

Yes!  Trips are one of the most fun parts of being in band. Past trips have included New York City, Nashville, Indianapolis and Oxford. If you are in Symphonic Band, we also travel to state festival each year.

Do I have to be in Marching Band, or can I just do Symphonic or Concert Band?

Leon High School has a comprehensive band program and yes, everyone in the band program participates in marching band unless an EXTRODINARY circumstance prevents you from doing so.

Marching band is a lot of fun.  It is where you meet everyone and make a lot of new friends.  It's a great way to make the transition to high school.  While all your non-band friends are scared on the first day of school, you will have already made close to 100 new friends you met at band camp.  It's also where everyone gets a feel for how the band runs, and learn all the little things that transfer to symphonic and concert band, making everyone a better musician.

Do I have to go to Band Camp?

Yes, why would you want to miss it?  Band camp is the only chance we get all of this accomplished:

• We get to know each other and become a "family" of friends working together to make an exciting musical and visual show.
• We make new friends and get used to the school
• We learn the marching portion of the show, and combine it with the music that we learned over the summer.  
• We learn basic concepts of good marching techniques, and apply it to the show.
• We learn basic concepts of good playing techniques, and how to play and march at the same time.

If you miss it, it will be IMPOSSIBLE for you to catch up.  Please contact Mr. Thornton if you forsee and issue!  Band camp is the two to three weeks before school starts.  Please schedule your vacation time around it. 

If you have any other questions, e-mail Mr. Thornton at thorntond@leonschools.net