FAQs - GBS Band Room

GBS BAND Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the band meet at GBS?
A: Band is an elective course and meets during the school day. There are several different band options.
Class credit and grades are received for participation in band. Marching band rehearsals are in the evenings
(normally Tues and Thursday 6-9 pm). Marching competitions are normally on Saturdays. The Marching Band
plays at home football games (4-5 per year) and 4 local parades during the year. The band plans major trips
every other year and recent destinations have included Hawaii, and The Russell Athletic Bowl near Orlando.
Q: Do band students have time for other activities or sports?
A: YES! We have band students who also participate in many other activities and sports, including, Football,
Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Tennis, Golf, Track, Cross-Country, Student government,
Debate Team, Speech Team, Choir (including elite groups like Solace & Nine), Drama, Dance, Juggling Club,
Student to Student.
Q: Do band students have time to do their homework and keep up in academic classes?
A: YES! Band helps students develop time management skills and prioritize their workload. We have band
students succeeding academically at every level at GBS and many band students are enrolled in the most
challenging academic classes. Band students often help each other study.
Q: Is band open to students of ALL playing levels and abilities:
A: YES!! Band is open to all levels of playing, including beginners, and there is a place for EVERY student
that would like to participate.
Q: Do Color Guard members have to play an instrument to qualify for Guard?
A: NO! Color Guard members do not have to know how to play an instrument and Guard is a terrific way to
participate in a competitive dance group in high school.
Q: Do band students have the opportunity to take elective classes other than band?
A: YES! There are many options for participating in band and we will work with every student that wants to
participate to make sure that band can fit into his/her schedule along with other electives. The new block
schedule will open new opportunities for band participation.
Q: Is there such a thing as a “typical band student”?
A: Not really! Band members include all types of students and there is a place in band for every student
wishing to participate. Band is a “home” within GBS for our students and the group dynamic is unique and
treasured by our members.
Q: How can I get more information about GBS Band?
A: Contact Greg Wojcik, Band Director (847-486-4435) or [email protected] or go to our website:
www.GBSBandRoom.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Parent Support: How can parents get involved with the band program?
Glenbrook South Instrumental League (aka GBSIL) is the parent
group supporting the band director and staff in the areas of
chaperoning, fundraising, concerts, uniforms and equipment.
Parents are truly needed to help at every event.
Volunteering with the band program gives you the chance to stay involved.
Help- at a single event: band camp, parade, competition, or game.
Jump in and join a committee: Fundraising, Uniforms, Equipment, Jazz Fest etc.
PARENT SUPPORT MAKES THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE!!
GBSIL President contact information:
o Bridget Neuson [email protected] 847-476-2380 (cell)
Attendance: What if my band student cannot attend a scheduled rehearsal or performance?
Any absences, conflicts or illness should be addressed as early as possible with Mr. Wojcik using the
contact information below.
Many band students also participate in GBS sports teams and extra-curricular activities. The band
staff will work with a student to resolve scheduling conflicts.
o Mr. Greg Wojcik
Mr. Aaron Wojcik
Band Director
Assistant Band Director
847-486-4435
847-486-4437
[email protected]
[email protected]
Band related payments: How do I make payments to the band program?
Payments of any kind should be in check form. Please do not submit cash.
Checks are made payable to GBSIL (Glenbrook South Instrumental League)
Payments can be deposited in the GBSIL mailbox hanging on the wall inside Mr. Wojcik’s office.
Band and Uniform Fees are paid at uniform fittings held during August Band Camp.
GBSIL Treasuer Contact information:
o Michelle Cummings: [email protected]
Student Fundraising Accounts: What is a student fundraising account and how does it work?
A variety fundraisers per year where band students can sell items to family and friends.
Profits from fundraisers are held in internal accounts with GBSIL.
Balances in accounts can be used to pay for band trips.
GBSIL treasurer periodically sends account statement to each family.
Watch email for announcements of upcoming program.
GBSIL Student Fundraising Coordinator:
o Dianna Sirakides [email protected]
Rehearsals: Does the marching band hold practice at night all year long?
The GBS Marching Titans is a competitive marching band which means we participate in 4 or 5
band competitions on weekends during the fall.
The band rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm through October.
The marching band may play at post season play off football games.
Private Music Lessons: How do I find a teacher private lessons for my band student?
Mr. Wojcik can provide referrals to students interested in taking lesson.
Private teachers offer lessons at GBS and work around student class schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Musical Instrument Storage: Where can a musical instrument be stored at GBS?
Band students are assigned an instrument locker (different from the uniform
locker) based on the size of their instrument. In some cases, two students
may share an instrument locker.
Uniform Requirements: When does a band student get a marching band uniform?
Marching band uniform fittings are held during summer band camp in August.
Each student is issued a hat, jacket, gauntlets and pants.
Uniforms are kept at school in assigned lockers located inside the band room.
Black marching shoes and white insignia polo shirt are purchased through GBSIL at fittings.
Students provide their own black socks for every event.
Uniform Team Contact Information:
o Rosa Nevin: [email protected]
Uniform Needs #1: What if my band student forgets their black socks for a performance?
Black socks are required for all performances where the band is wearing the full marching uniform.
Socks are available for purchase on the day of a performance.
Students are encouraged to “stock up” on black socks. Order from GBSIL during uniform fitting or
from a local store before the season begins.
Uniform Needs #2: What if my child outgrows or loses their polo or tuxedo shirt during the year?
GBSIL maintains a supply of white insignia polos shirts which can be purchased for $25.
White tuxedo shirts are worn by upperclassmen in Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band and
Freshmen Titan Band once the marching season ends. Shirts are ordered through GBSIL in the fall
only. GBSIL does not keep extra tuxedo shirts on hand. Students needing to replace a tuxedo shirt
during the year can purchase one locally.
Performance Groups #1: Which band class does my student take?
All band members are enrolled in a daily band class.
All freshmen are in Titan Band.
Symphonic Winds is by audition and consists of sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Symphonic Band is made up of sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Performance Groups #2: What other performance opportunities are available?
Jazz Lab Band – open to all band students
Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra – by audition
Jazz Ensemble –by audition.
Trios and Quartets – students often create
their own ensembles!
GBS Variety Show -February - by audition
GBS/GBN Musical – Spring – by audition
Traveling: How often will the Marching Titans go on trips?
The marching band has performed at every major bowl game in the country.
The marching band attempts to undertake a major trip every other year.
Communications - What is the best way to stay up to date with band activities?
Band website: www.GBSbandroom.com
Parent Email Distribution List: contact Leanne Drennan at [email protected] to be
sure we have your email address. If you don’t have e-mail access please see Leanne to arrange
to receive the necessary information.