Forest Park High School
Marching
Bruin BandSome “New Band Parent” FAQs:
Q: What’s the difference between “Band” and “Marching Band”?
A: Band is an elective course and students receive credit for this class. If your student is interested in the IT
program at FPHS, there may be one or two scheduling conflicts over the four years, but our Director of Bands, Mr.
Magee, can help your student navigate through these conflicts and participate in both IT and the band program.
Most Freshman will likely be placed in Concert Band which traditionally is scheduled for first period, meaning your
children can look forward to starting every day with a class they are sure to enjoy, surrounded by friends--which
makes it a little easier to get up in the morning! Marching Band is an extra-curricular activity, yet awards 0.5
credits each year. There is a student fee to participate in Marching Band ($225 this year), which covers things
like band camp, uniforms, transportation, staff augmentation, music, competitions, etc. Marching Band season
coincides with High School football, starting with camp in August and ending with an awards banquet in November.
Q: As a parent, what are the advantages of my child participating in Marching Band?
A: Marching Band qualifies for 0.5 credits for every year the student marches (and these can be “A”s that will
impact GPAs and transcripts for college!). Also, at Forest Park, your child will “letter” after their first season
because it’s not just art, it’s a tough physical activity requiring the teamwork of any sport. And, thanks to two
weeks of Band Camp here at school in late August, your child will start their freshman year familiar with this very
large high school. They will have 80 or 90 friends (upper classman even!) that they can talk to and have fun with
from the very first day of school. You will find Band kids are the kind of kids you
want your children to have asfriends!
Q: Who are the FPHS Bruin Band Boosters and how do I get more information about the Band Program?
A: The Boosters are the parents of band students at FPHS…all parents are automatically members if their
students are in band (there is no membership fee to be a Booster). There are many advantages to your child being
a part of the band program--trips, performance opportunities, leadership and teambuilding skills just to name a
few. There are also advantages for
parents who become involved in Boosters. Not just the rewards that comewith supporting your child with your physical presence, but a special benefit is getting to know and work with the
other parents who support the band. We look forward to welcoming you, as well! Information about the Boosters
and the Band Program can be found online at
www.BruinBand.net. We invite you to browse our website…you candiscover a great deal about us by looking at the Band Handbook under the “Band Programs” tab. Your Middle
School band directors will let you know when a date has been set for the informational meeting for Marching Band
Enrollment, usually scheduled for sometime in the late spring, and hopefully, we will see all of you there!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions, at
bnsreid@aol.com.Sue Reid
New Member Representative
FPHS Bruin Band Boosters