Hello! We’re very glad you're interested in joining our band and suspect you have some questions before making your final decision. Each year, our rehearsal and performance dates vary depending on upcoming performance opportunities. Before deciding to join, please review:
- the rehearsal/performance schedule posted in the MEMBERS CENTER. This info will give you a good idea of the required time commitment.
- the new member FAQ's listed below.
To learn more about our history, click here.
New members should note the first rehearsal date of the 2010 season and plan to begin at that time. (Details will be provided in email and snail mail a few weeks prior to the new season.) However, various social and fundraising events take place throughout the year and new members are welcome to come out at any time and get involved.
When you’re ready to join, fill out a new member profile and you’ll automatically be added to our email distribution list that will tell you about upcoming plans. That’s it! It’s that easy. Welcome aboard!
- How well do I have to play and march?
- Is there an audition?
- Do I have to supply my own instrument or guard equipment?
- Will I be the only new person in my section?
- Can my spouse/significant other be involved? (with no real past experience but a desire not to be left out)
- How much does it cost to be a member?
- Who are typical members?
- Can you accommodate people with disabilities?
- I’m interested in the color guard groups such as drill team, flags, rifles or majorettes. How do I get started?
- I have never marched in band before but want to join. What can I do, and how do I get involved? (Perfect for spouses, friends, relatives!)
- I have never marched in band before but want to join. What can I do, and how do I get involved? (Perfect for spouses, friends, relatives!)
- After I fill out my profile, when/how will I hear something back from you?
- Where do I get a uniform?
- Only five, or so, rehearsals....wow! What's the quality of your performances like?
- How do I keep track of what's going on?
- Is there someone I can contact if I still have questions after reviewing the web site?
Q: How well do I have to play and march?
A: The band is open to all musicians and performers with experience and desire. You should be proficient enough to be able to play music which is a level of difficulty generally seen in high school or college. Our field routines are straightforward so we can concentrate on our sound and visual "flash", and street marching is heel-toe (no fancy steps). Most people can learn the routines and music without much difficulty.
Q: Is there an audition?
A: We do not have musical auditions; in the past members have judged for themselves whether they are capable of playing the music. (Remember, practice makes perfect !) However, there are some minimum requirements for each auxiliary group and a ‘soft audition’ is usually required to help get folks into the correct auxiliary group. The main requirement to be in the band is to be over 18 years old and to show up for all the rehearsals and to be able to perform. The rehearsal and performance schedule is posted on the website.
Q: Do I have to supply my own instrument or guard equipment?
A: Many people own their own instruments and can just bring them. For those who do not have one, instruments from trombones and smaller can be rented for a nominal fee for the band season from Bringe music. Larger instruments such as mellophones, baritone horns, tubas, drums, etc. are owned by the band and are supplied to players. There is a nominal fee for the use of these instruments, to provide for upkeep and repairs. As in years past the fee for the season is $35 for instruments and percussion as follows: $35 for quads, snares, bass drums with mallets; $10 for cymbals and bells. Auxiliary members – rifles and majorettes are expected to provide their own equipment. Flag poles and flags are provided for a equipment rental fee.
Q: Will I be the only new person in my section?
A: The beauty of the band is that we are not "static". Some members don't play every year, some move away, new members join. Every section will have people JUST LIKE YOU who are new, as well as many "old hands" to help you out and answer your questions !
Q: Can my spouse/significant other be involved? (with no real past experience but a desire not to be left out)
A: There are many levels of "involvement" possible in our performance and support units. For instance, our "letter carriers" (kind of like the Standard Bearers of yore) perform in all of our functions, yet do not require any musical ability or extraordinary physical skill. Our group has a squad of people essentially to keep us moving from place to place, supplied with equipment and after-performance refreshments, and do things essential to the operation of our group. If you are willing to show up, we will find a place in our organization that is just right for you!
Q: How much does it cost to be a member?
A: There is no "membership fee" to be in our band. Performers will need to have an official uniform (we have a band shirt and hat combo available for less than $20) and of course, an instrument for musicians. Equipment for auxiliary members is provided.
Q: Who are typical members?
A: There are not "typical" members - we are from all walks of life, ages 18 through 80+. The common thread is a love of music and marching bands.
Q: Can you accommodate people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the facilities we use are fully disabled-accessible, and wheelchairs or other devices are welcome in our parades and performances. Each member may decide if they are capable of participating in our marching and/or concert performances.
Q: I’m interested in the color guard groups such as drill team, flags, rifles or majorettes. How do I get started?
A: Fill out the new member profile to be sure you are on our email mailing list, and keep an eye on the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule section of this website for dates, times and locations of rehearsal. Then, just come on out and we’ll get you started! There's an auxiliary group to fit every level of experience. Be sure to read the minimum performance requirements for the group you are interested it. Click here to view a description and minimum requirements for each group.
Q: I have never marched in band before but want to join. What can I do, and how do I get involved? (Perfect for spouses, friends, relatives!)
A: No marching experience? No problem. We have three different options specifically designed for first time arounders who want to be Second Time Arounders! Just fill out and submit the application form, be sure you are on our email mailing list, and keep an eye on the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule section of this website for dates, times and locations of rehearsal. Then, just come on out and we’ll get you started. Even though you don’t need experience, there are some physical requirements, Click here to view a description and minimum requirements for each group.
Q: I have never marched in band before but want to join. What can I do, and how do I get involved? (Perfect for spouses, friends, relatives!)
A: No marching experience? No problem. We have three different options specifically designed for first time arounders who want to be Second Time Arounders! Just fill out and submit the application form, be sure you are on our email mailing list, and keep an eye on the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule section of this website for dates, times and locations of rehearsal. Then, just come on out and we’ll get you started. Even though you don’t need experience, there are some physical requirements, so click here to review minimum requirements so that you can be successful in the group you are interested in. Here's a breakdown of the three ‘no experience required’ options:
Q: After I fill out my profile, when/how will I hear something back from you?
A: You’ll receive a short auto reply email just to confirm that we received your profile information. This email will also contain your member ID and password that are required for logging in as a member on the website, so please file it in a safe place. You will then begin receiving periodic emails from auto@secondtimearounders.org and communications@secondtimearounders.org that go out to all band members. It’s a good idea to make sure our emails don’t automatically go into a SPAM folder, or junk email. You’ll also receive via snail mail our yearly mailing with our annual application form in January (we need one every year to get a participant count and insurance release).
Q: Where do I get a uniform?
A: The band shirts and hats are available from the band before our performance week begins - plenty of time to get one. Other portions of the uniforms (navy blue "Dockers" style pants, white tennis shoes, etc) are widely available at local merchants. Specialty items (sashes, headbands, etc) for auxiliary units are supplied by those units.
Q: Only five, or so, rehearsals....wow! What's the quality of your performances like?
A: Well, we typically have five practices, but depending on the performance opportunity, there may be a few more (the percussion and auxiliary groups always have a few more than the wind players). But, we are (humbly put) UNBELIEVEABLY GOOD!! Nothing matches the thrill of a live performance - recordings do not do our AWESOME sound justice, and a tiny screen never can show the spectacle of almost 500 performers spread out over a 100 yard football grid. Over the years the band has tried different rehearsal schemes. Fewer than 5 rehearsals was not sufficient to get the music and field performances down, more than that led to a longer season and people dropping out due to other commitments (auxiliary and percussion have a couple more practices since they have routines and cadences to memorize, respectively). Our aim is to have FUN and put on a performance that we can be proud of, and our present schedule allows us to do both!
Q: How do I keep track of what's going on?
A: Updates are posted on the website (www.secondtimearounders.org ) and emails are regularly sent.
Q: Is there someone I can contact if I still have questions after reviewing the web site?
A: Send your questions to: communications@secondtimearounders.org and someone will contact you – we promise!
CONVINCED? We hope so! Click here to fill out a new member profile. Welcome Aboard!