FAQ
  • Can anyone be in the band?

  • Do students have to try out for band?

  • Can a student be in marching band if they are not in a band class?

  • Do all students participate in marching band?

  • Are the summer “Band Camp” rehearsals required for membership in the marching band?

  • What expenses can a marching band student expect?

  • What kind of credit does a student receive for Band?

  • How much after school rehearsal time is expected of a band student?

  • Can a student participate in athletics and band?

  • What kind of contest/competitions does the Band participate in?

  • Who provides the Band uniforms?

  • How much does the Band travel during the school year?

  • Are private lessons required for band students?

  • What extra music experiences can a band student participate in?

  • Do band students do a lot of “fund raising” during the school year?

  • Can a student rent an instrument from the school?

  • Is there a Color Guard program?

  • Is there a Jazz Band program at MHS?

  • Is there a Band Booster organization?

  • Does Band involve students to the exclusion of other school activities?



Can just anyone be in the band?

Yes and No. A student interested in playing a musical instrument in marching band will need previous experience like middle school band or strong private musical background in
order to perform with that group. Mukwonago High School will offer band classes for every level of player from basic beginner to advanced.  All students enrolled in Band must play
an approved instrument.

Do students have to try out for band?

Students are placed in one of several performing bands by ability and experience.  An audition is a great way to evaluate a student’s ability level.  Auditions can also be used for
chair placement in various bands.  While an audition is not required to be in the band program, students must audition for placement in any intermediate or advanced band class.

Can a student be in marching band if they are not in a band class?

No. Students must sign up for a band class which covers the state mandated Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music.  Further, all of the concepts introduced and taught during
the regularly scheduled band class are prerequisites for the performance level necessary for a high quality marching band.

Do all band students participate in marching band?

No.  Students may elect to enroll in a band class but not participate in marching band.  Marching band is a co-curricular activity, which means that the musical concepts necessary for
performance in marching band are taught and reinforced in band class.

Are the summer “Band Camp” rehearsals required for membership in the marching band?

Yes.  Students electing to become a part of the Mukwonago Marching Band must attend all rehearsals beginning in July of each year.  Much of the material that will be learned and
performed through the fall marching season is introduced during this time to allow the students enough time to master the skills necessary to perform effectively throughout the
marching season.

What expenses can a marching band student expect?

Marching Band membership does require certain expenses for each student.  These expenses include marching shoes, gloves, an “official” Mukwonago High School Band polo-shirt
and a pair of “approved khaki slacks” for the “informal uniform”; a music flip-folder, and a lyre, during the fall marching season.  In addition, the band will use charter buses for
some competitions, so there are travel expenses.  Each student is also required to pay a $35.00 maintenance and cleaning fee for the band uniform.  Students using school-owned
instruments must pay a $60.00 yearly rental fee.  For your convenience, many of these items are included in one "marching band fee".  Click Here for more information on the marching
band fee.

What kind of credit does a student receive for Band?

A student receives 1/2 elective credit for marching band, and one full credit for each band class.

How much after school rehearsal time is expected of a band student?

Marching band students can expect to rehearse for approximately 3 hours a day, one day a week during football season.  A few additional rehearsals are called for parade
preparation in early December.  Marching band students participating in the bi-annual spring trip can expect to rehearse 2 days a week for the three weeks prior to the trip.  For
rehearsal schedules, please refer to the on-line Band Calendar.

Can a student participate in athletics and band?

Yes.  If a student is a member of the marching band, that becomes their “fall activity” and they would be able to participate in a fall sport but with some very careful time
management skills.  Non marching band members can participate in athletics year round.  The Band and Athletic departments work closely together to arrange practice time and
rehearsal schedules to accommodate students participating in both activities. It is not always easy, and does require some advanced planning, but most conflicts are worked out
with good communication between students, parent, coach, and band director.  The student must take initial responsibility for working out conflicts by communicating with the
coaches and band staff.

In what kind of contest/competitions does the Band participate?

The Marching Band usually attends at least one competition prior to the WSMA State Marching Championships, which is held in late October.  The Concert Bands will sometimes
participate in a Concert Festival but not always, please refer the online calendar.  Marching Band members may optionally participate in our bi-annual spring trip, which usually
involves a parade exhibition performance.

Who provides the Band uniforms?

The Mukwonago Area School District provide uniforms for the Marching Band, not including the Color Guard.   Some concert attire may be provided for students by the school and/or
booster club.

How much does the Band travel during the school year?

The Marching Band attends all Varsity Football games.  The group will also perform in a competition in late September and October, the WSMA State Marching Championship in late
October and several parades throughout the season.  The Marching Band members may have the opportunity to travel on a Spring Band trip (typically out of state) provided necessary
funds are available through fund raising, Band Booster contributions, and student/parent monetary contributions.

Are private lessons required for band students?

Private lessons are not required of any student. However, in the extremely competitive areas of wind ensemble auditions, private lessons will be a definite advantage to any
student.  We will do all that we can to provide good quality private instructors who are specialists on their chosen instrument to teach private lessons to MHS band students.

In what extra music experiences can a band student participate?

Band students can participate in auditions for WYSO, MYSO, and other state honors organizations.  See your director for more information.

Do band students do a lot of “fund raising” during the school year?

Fund raising projects are always optional for students enrolled in a band class.  We would like to encourage all students and parents to participate in whatever way they can to help
our band program.  Marching Band students are required to participate in fund raising and will be expected to earn their “fair share” for the band.  An individual student account is
set up for each student in the band program by the band boosters and is maintained using our Charms system.  Students earn money in these accounts by participating in fund
raising projects.  The accounts may be used to pay band expenses as outlined in the Band Student Handbook and can also help the student pay for other musical needs such as
reeds, trips, fees, etc.

Can a student rent an instrument from the school?

A certain number of instruments are owned by the Mukwonago Area School District for student use.  The annual rental fee is $60.00, but availability is limited.  Marching Band
students who use a separate school instrument for marching and a school-owned concert instrument only pay a single $60.00 rental fee.  All Percussion (Concert, Marching and Jazz) &
Color Guard students are required to pay the rental fee for use of all school-owned equipment during the year.

Is there a Color Guard program?

Yes. A color guard program is offered during the fall marching season. Color Guard members are required to attend summer camp at their own expense.  Color Guard members are the
only marching band students who are not required to be enrolled in a band class.

Is there a Jazz Band program at MHS?

Yes. A jazz program is offered to interested students in grades 10 - 12.  Jazz Ensemble is an advanced instrumental music course and will meet as a regularly scheduled band class.  

Is there a Band Booster organization?

Yes. The Mukwonago Band Booster Association is an important part of our band program.  This group has become a very active group of volunteers that are vital to the success of  the
Mukwonago Band programs.

Does Band involve students to the exclusion of other school activities?

No. We have students that are involved in all aspects of student organizations, clubs, and sports. Students will have to learn to manage their time wisely to be involved in several
school activities, but it can be done and has been done successfully for many years throughout Waukesha County, Wisconsin and the world.