Playing in Band at EAHS

Last Thursday the EAHS Jazz Band stopped by to perform for our 8th Graders and to give them information about joining the high school band.

We encourage all of our CMS Mustang Band Members to continue on to the award winning EA Spartan band in high school!  Below is some of the information they handed out.  

​Please check their website at http://www.eahsband.com for more information and contact patricia.roussel@apsb.org with any questions.

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EAHS Auditions and Summer Band Camp Dates

• Drumline Auditions
  May 6, 3 – 5pm
• Summer Drumming/Summer Spinning - ALL Percussion and Colorguard
  Once a week on Mondays beginning week of June 6th
  Time TBA
• Drumline and Colorguard Camps
  Mandatory for ALL percussion and colorguard members
  July 11 – 15, 3 – 8pm
• New Member (Rookie) Camp
  ALL New Members and Officers ONLY – Mandatory
  July 18 – 20, 3 – 8pm
• Full Band Camp
  ALL Band Members (Winds, Percussion, Colorguard) – Mandatory
  July 21 – August 2, 3 – 8pm (no weekends)
  

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FAQ and Helpful Hints
East Ascension High School Band
Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I encourage my child to participate in the E.A. Band?
For several reasons, most important being that the Band at EA is a close-knit group of extremely successful and hardworking students who can help your child make a smooth  transition into high school…which can be a very intimidating experience for 8th graders! We are a family here in the EA Band program!

Are there academic advantages to my child being in band?
YES…studies have proven that test scores rise proportionately higher with the length of  time spent studying music in school, and our Band program has a history of outstanding students who place at the top of their class!

I’m not sure whether I will like band or not. What should I do?
All students are encouraged to – at the very least – try band for the summer band practices. Most students find once they try it and get over the summer camp experience, they love it!

Can my child participate in the Band and sports at E.A.?
Our Band students participate in every sport at E.A., and we make it work! We will communicate with the coach and “share” the student without allowing him/her to become overwhelmed. We promise, IT WORKS!!

If I am in band, can I also belong to other student clubs?
YES! In fact, most of the EA Band students belong to several student organizations!!  If   you can think of a club, organization, sports team, or extra-curricular activity on our campus, you will find an EAHS High Band member participating. We have football   players, cheerleaders, color guard members, athletes, and other club participants as  members of our band. Band  is a class just like any other at EAHS.

Do I have to audition for the Marching Band?
No. Everyone in the band program participates in the marching band regardless of  marching or playing    ability. You will be placed in the band class for your ability level/instrument. Part assignments (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) and alternates will be determined during summer band camp. 

How much does Band cost?
Not as much as many other organizations on campus…there is a $50 Band fee every semester ($100 total), along with a $50 “fair share” requirement. Students will be provided with opportunities to fund- raise for their fair share and their second semester band fees (jambalaya sales, candy sales, volunteering at band events, etc.).

Can I be in band all four years?
Yes! You only need 24 credits to graduate, and band does count as a fine arts, P.E., and  elective credits, all of which you need for graduation and TOPS.  And since we are on a block schedule, you will get to take band all year while fulfilling requirements in other areas, allowing you to maximize your elective choices. You will also earn your letterman  jacket in band for participating all four years!

What scholarship opportunities does Band provide?
Several of our band students graduate every year with music scholarships to various colleges—and they don’t have to major in music! Also, being in band fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for TOPS. Band students are very attractive to colleges when handing out scholarship money and acceptance letters!

How does marching band help students earn P.E. credits?
In the fall semesters, students earn either a half credit of band or a half credit of P.E.— whichever they    need. Over the course of three years in band, students will meet all of  their P.E. requirements for graduation through participation in band.

Does the EA Band take trips?
Yes! Every year all of the bands at EA take trips to District and State Festival! Every other year, we take bigger, out-of-state trips. We encourage everyone to go on the band  trips, and we do fundraisers to help offset the costs.

How can I get my other questions answered?
If you still have questions or concerns, please contact one of the band directors listed in the contact section, and they will be happy to find all of the answers you need.