FAQ'S
1.) When does the marching band rehearse?
The band rehearses on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 3:00-5:30 and select Friday sectionals from 3:00 - 5:00. (2:45-4 on game days). This is far less than many schools across the state. You will be amazed at how much we accomplish in the time we are together. This is a fall class that meets after school and students receive credit for the class.
2.) Do I have to own an instrument to participate?
Not necessarily. Although we prefer you to own your own instrument such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone, one can still join the group if you don’t own an instrument. All larger instruments in the percussion and brass family are provided by the school.
3.) Can I participate in YPAS Concert Bands, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and still participate in Marching & Pep Band?
YES! YPAS ensembles do not conflict as Mr. Gregory teaches all of these classes. YPAS concert band classes rehearse during the normal school day. Marching and Pep Band are strictly after school. You do need to audition for YPAS Bands (regardless of magnet) in order to participate. Go to this link for more info: YPAS Concert Band. Currently, the marching and pep band consists of students from all 5 Manual Magnet Programs with the highest number of participants being from YPAS and MST.
4.) Do I have to attend pre camp & band camp?
YES. We are no different than a fall sport. Our first week of rehearsals starts with primarily music and we move to marching and setting drill in the later camps. WE ALSO INCORPORATE A LOT OF TEAM BUILDING GAMES INTO THE CAMP AND HAVE FUN! The first rehearsal starts roughly in late July. We have zero commitments prior to this date so that you can enjoy summer vacation, take family vacations and attend summer camps. All Band Camp Dates can be found here: Band Camp Dates.
5.) What if I have an academic camp that conflicts with pre camp?
Not a problem, we’re Manual High School! Of course we have students involved in academic summer camps. We have had many past students who have participated in Governor's School for the Arts, Governor’s Scholars Program, nationwide music camps, etc. Each situation is handled on a case by case basis between the student’s family and Mr. Gregory. Please BE PROACTIVE and consult with Mr. Gregory before signing up for a summer camp that conflicts with summer pre camp.
6.) Are there membership obligations to participate in the “Crimson Sound” marching band?
Yes. Like all extracurricular activities, we do have an operating budget and a large portion of the budget covers transportation, instructors, musical arrangements, drill design, choreography, equipment maintenance, and uniform maintenance. The good news is that many fundraiser opportunities are offered by the Manual Band Boosters, Inc. to help keep our member obligations much lower than they could be. Our membership obligations are lower than many competitive marching bands across the state of Kentucky. We rely a lot on general fundraising efforts and band fees are set up on a monthly payment plan.
7.) How long does the marching band season last?
From roughly mid-July until the first Friday of November (the first home playoff game).
8.) Is Marching Band and Pep Band at duPont Manual considered a class?
Yes. All “Crimson Sound” members receive a half credit in the fall and in the spring semester. Grading is based on effort, musicianship. visual performance, marching and attendance.
9.) How much time does basketball pep band demand?
We start rehearsals in mid-November on Tuesday’s once a week. After about 5-6 rehearsals, we will start performing at select Boys & Girls Varsity home games in December, January and February. We will play at roughly 10 home games. Many of these games are “Double Headers” (boys and girls on the same night) so there are less evenings we have to be at school. When the Pep Band is large enough, we will split into two bands and students will play at even less games. When we split the Pep Band, each student is welcome to play at all games but only required to play at app. 3-5 games. Games are usually on Tuesday or Friday nights. Our busiest time of the year is in March when the teams head to District, Regional and State Championship tournaments. This is also when we have the most fun and our pep band gets exposure to other schools.
10.) Can I participate in Pep Band only without being involved in marching band?
NO (with the exception of Color Guard). Both ensembles work as one unit. Students grow as musicians by being involved with both ensembles. Participating in marching and pep band is especially a must for students who are not enrolled in a YPAS concert band class. This is key to keep students playing their instrument throughout the entire school year.
11.) Can I be involved in other after school activities (clubs, sports, academics, etc.) and still be in the marching band?
YES! Most of our current students are in other after school activities. While some fall sports are less accommodating to sharing students, winter and spring sports do not conflict at all. We currently have several athletes in the band program right now. The majority of the marching band is involved in other extracurricular activities including academic organizations, musical ensembles athletic organizations and many off-campus organizations.
12.) How large is the current marching band?
In 2023 we had 71 members and are looking to add 30 or more new members for next year.
13.) Is there an audition to be in the marching band?
Color Guard and Percussion (Pit and Drum line) must attend a spring clinic audition. Please refer to the Spring Clinic Information Section under the Marching Band Drop Down List of this website or your M.S. band director for these dates. There is no audition for Brass and Woodwind students. Students simply need to be currently enrolled in their middle school band program. Students who have interest in color guard do not have to play an instrument. Having a background or interest in dance helps but is not required.
14.) How often does the band travel?
The Manual Band travels to approximately 4-5 regular season marching band contests throughout the Kentucky during the months of September and October. In addition, the band participates in the KMEA state marching band regionals and championships . Lastly, the marching band travels to and performs at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios every other year over the Martin Luther King weekend. The 2024-2025 marching band will once again take this wonderful trip to sunny Orlando, FL.
15.) Will being involved with marching band help my chances with college admissions and scholarship offers?
YES!!! Being involved in extra curricular activities demonstrates to scholarship and admissions committees that the student can handle balancing academics while also being involved with a worthwhile activity such as marching band. Marching band helps create a great individual work ethic, promotes confidence, promotes healthy competition, teaches individuals how to work well with others, promotes that "all individuals" of the team are important, teaches the ability to focus on fine details and creates future lovers and supporters of the arts.
16.) How successful is the "Crimson Sound" Marching Band?
We are consistently one of the stronger bands in JCPS as well as the state. Our marching band generally places in finals competition (top 8-10 highest scores out of all bands attending a contest) at every contest we attend. The band has been a KMEA state semifinalist "Sweet 16" for the past 6 years and a Mid-States Championships finalist. Our music scores are always among some of the highest and we often hang with bands 2-3 times our size. Our percussion section is consistently one of the best in the state. and our color guard program is rapidly growing in both quality and quantity.
17.) Additional Questions? email Mr. Gregory at [email protected]
1.) When does the marching band rehearse?
The band rehearses on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 3:00-5:30 and select Friday sectionals from 3:00 - 5:00. (2:45-4 on game days). This is far less than many schools across the state. You will be amazed at how much we accomplish in the time we are together. This is a fall class that meets after school and students receive credit for the class.
2.) Do I have to own an instrument to participate?
Not necessarily. Although we prefer you to own your own instrument such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone, one can still join the group if you don’t own an instrument. All larger instruments in the percussion and brass family are provided by the school.
3.) Can I participate in YPAS Concert Bands, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and still participate in Marching & Pep Band?
YES! YPAS ensembles do not conflict as Mr. Gregory teaches all of these classes. YPAS concert band classes rehearse during the normal school day. Marching and Pep Band are strictly after school. You do need to audition for YPAS Bands (regardless of magnet) in order to participate. Go to this link for more info: YPAS Concert Band. Currently, the marching and pep band consists of students from all 5 Manual Magnet Programs with the highest number of participants being from YPAS and MST.
4.) Do I have to attend pre camp & band camp?
YES. We are no different than a fall sport. Our first week of rehearsals starts with primarily music and we move to marching and setting drill in the later camps. WE ALSO INCORPORATE A LOT OF TEAM BUILDING GAMES INTO THE CAMP AND HAVE FUN! The first rehearsal starts roughly in late July. We have zero commitments prior to this date so that you can enjoy summer vacation, take family vacations and attend summer camps. All Band Camp Dates can be found here: Band Camp Dates.
5.) What if I have an academic camp that conflicts with pre camp?
Not a problem, we’re Manual High School! Of course we have students involved in academic summer camps. We have had many past students who have participated in Governor's School for the Arts, Governor’s Scholars Program, nationwide music camps, etc. Each situation is handled on a case by case basis between the student’s family and Mr. Gregory. Please BE PROACTIVE and consult with Mr. Gregory before signing up for a summer camp that conflicts with summer pre camp.
6.) Are there membership obligations to participate in the “Crimson Sound” marching band?
Yes. Like all extracurricular activities, we do have an operating budget and a large portion of the budget covers transportation, instructors, musical arrangements, drill design, choreography, equipment maintenance, and uniform maintenance. The good news is that many fundraiser opportunities are offered by the Manual Band Boosters, Inc. to help keep our member obligations much lower than they could be. Our membership obligations are lower than many competitive marching bands across the state of Kentucky. We rely a lot on general fundraising efforts and band fees are set up on a monthly payment plan.
7.) How long does the marching band season last?
From roughly mid-July until the first Friday of November (the first home playoff game).
8.) Is Marching Band and Pep Band at duPont Manual considered a class?
Yes. All “Crimson Sound” members receive a half credit in the fall and in the spring semester. Grading is based on effort, musicianship. visual performance, marching and attendance.
9.) How much time does basketball pep band demand?
We start rehearsals in mid-November on Tuesday’s once a week. After about 5-6 rehearsals, we will start performing at select Boys & Girls Varsity home games in December, January and February. We will play at roughly 10 home games. Many of these games are “Double Headers” (boys and girls on the same night) so there are less evenings we have to be at school. When the Pep Band is large enough, we will split into two bands and students will play at even less games. When we split the Pep Band, each student is welcome to play at all games but only required to play at app. 3-5 games. Games are usually on Tuesday or Friday nights. Our busiest time of the year is in March when the teams head to District, Regional and State Championship tournaments. This is also when we have the most fun and our pep band gets exposure to other schools.
10.) Can I participate in Pep Band only without being involved in marching band?
NO (with the exception of Color Guard). Both ensembles work as one unit. Students grow as musicians by being involved with both ensembles. Participating in marching and pep band is especially a must for students who are not enrolled in a YPAS concert band class. This is key to keep students playing their instrument throughout the entire school year.
11.) Can I be involved in other after school activities (clubs, sports, academics, etc.) and still be in the marching band?
YES! Most of our current students are in other after school activities. While some fall sports are less accommodating to sharing students, winter and spring sports do not conflict at all. We currently have several athletes in the band program right now. The majority of the marching band is involved in other extracurricular activities including academic organizations, musical ensembles athletic organizations and many off-campus organizations.
12.) How large is the current marching band?
In 2023 we had 71 members and are looking to add 30 or more new members for next year.
13.) Is there an audition to be in the marching band?
Color Guard and Percussion (Pit and Drum line) must attend a spring clinic audition. Please refer to the Spring Clinic Information Section under the Marching Band Drop Down List of this website or your M.S. band director for these dates. There is no audition for Brass and Woodwind students. Students simply need to be currently enrolled in their middle school band program. Students who have interest in color guard do not have to play an instrument. Having a background or interest in dance helps but is not required.
14.) How often does the band travel?
The Manual Band travels to approximately 4-5 regular season marching band contests throughout the Kentucky during the months of September and October. In addition, the band participates in the KMEA state marching band regionals and championships . Lastly, the marching band travels to and performs at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios every other year over the Martin Luther King weekend. The 2024-2025 marching band will once again take this wonderful trip to sunny Orlando, FL.
15.) Will being involved with marching band help my chances with college admissions and scholarship offers?
YES!!! Being involved in extra curricular activities demonstrates to scholarship and admissions committees that the student can handle balancing academics while also being involved with a worthwhile activity such as marching band. Marching band helps create a great individual work ethic, promotes confidence, promotes healthy competition, teaches individuals how to work well with others, promotes that "all individuals" of the team are important, teaches the ability to focus on fine details and creates future lovers and supporters of the arts.
16.) How successful is the "Crimson Sound" Marching Band?
We are consistently one of the stronger bands in JCPS as well as the state. Our marching band generally places in finals competition (top 8-10 highest scores out of all bands attending a contest) at every contest we attend. The band has been a KMEA state semifinalist "Sweet 16" for the past 6 years and a Mid-States Championships finalist. Our music scores are always among some of the highest and we often hang with bands 2-3 times our size. Our percussion section is consistently one of the best in the state. and our color guard program is rapidly growing in both quality and quantity.
17.) Additional Questions? email Mr. Gregory at [email protected]
