Q & A

---

We know that the summer and fall band schedule can look intimidating. We front load the rehearsal schedule to begin in August during band camp so that once school begins, students have time to participate in band and maintain their academic responsibilities.

Please recognize that with all of your hard work, you receive elective, fine arts, and P.E. credit.

Marching band usually lasts until the second or third week of November. The Edison Band becomes a concert band in winter and will have a less intensive rehearsal schedule during the winter and spring seasons.  If you choose to participate in other programs like Winter Guard, Indoor Drumline, Jazz Band or others they will have accompanying rehearsal schedules. 

Band camp is mandatory for members of the band and color guard and constitutes the majority of the preparation before marching season. During camp the band, students learn how to march, learn the show drill and show music.  The time at band camp is used for focused rehearsals and time for bonding between band members.

Color guard also rehearses during band camp.

Yes. Our philosophy in the band program is to provide as many opportunities as possible for students. Many of our students participate in other activities including athletics, MUN, ASE & CIBACS. We recognize that it can be difficult to participate in as many events as students would like, but with open and frequent communication between groups we are almost always successful at figuring out a solution. 

Marching band is a PE credit.  Winds and percussion will be enrolled in PE marching band in the fall every year, which means students will complete the requirement if they stay in marching band for four years. 

Both color guard and winter guard are PE credits. If students stay in color guard and winter guard for 4 years, they will be able to complete PE requirement in the first two years, and then complete the last two years for VPA credit. 

• Marching Band - In the fall, the band and color guard perform together as The Edison Marching Band and Color Guard. This is a competitive ensemble that performs at home football games and participates in competitions against other high schools.
• Pep Band - Pep Band is the musical group that typically performs at away football games, pep rallies, assemblies and other school events.
• Color Guard/Winter Guard  - Color Guard is the auxiliary squad of the marching band and is open to both males and females. This specialized group hosts auditions in the Spring for the following Fall semester. During the Spring, Color Guard participates as a Winter Guard in competitions.
• Indoor Drumline - Indoor Drumline is a separate opportunity for the percussionist in the marching band and concert wind ensemble. This is a competitive group that happens in January through April. Students prepare a show that is evaluated by a panel of expert judges. In doing so, they learn teamwork, leadership, musicianship, and physical skills.
• Concert Band - When the Marching Band season concludes in November, all wind and percussion students become part of the Concert Wind Ensemble. The Concert wind Ensemble performs a wide variety of music ranging from classical pieces by famous composers to music from movie soundtracks. They are proud to perform at festivals, concerts and school events.
• Jazz Band - Jazz Band is an additional opportunity for members of the Marching Band and Concert Wind Ensemble. This ensemble is active during the second semester and plays specific popular styles including, jazz, funk, rock, blues, and latin jazz styles. Rehearsals are usually once a week after school. Jazz Band is non-competitive and performs at a number of festivals, concerts, and school and community events.
• Honor Band - The HBUHSD District Honor Band is a performing group comprised of students from every high school in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Auditions are required and are held early in the year, and a concert is typically scheduled in February. All students are encouraged to audition; this is an opportunity for them to perform with a distinguished guest Conductor and the best student musicians in the district. Students who have participated have had a very positive experience.

There are some special circumstances where we allow participation for half of the year. If you participate in a fall school sport (football, boys water polo, cross country, surfing, field hockey, girls tennis, girls golf, or girls volleyball) please reach out to the director to see if you qualify for an exception.  

Attendance at all rehearsals, games and performances is mandatory. If you do have a conflict with any band events, contact the director immediately. The calendar will contain all the band events so you can plan ahead to avoid conflicts especially with PSAT and SAT testing.   You will find that early communication is key.  

The Booster group is made up of all Band and Color Guard families. If you have a student in the Edison High School Band or Color Guard, you are a member of the Booster Organization. 

Booster membership means that you are invested in the success of the Edison Band & Color Guard program.  That investment is demonstrated through volunteer hours, monetary donations and attendance at booster meetings.  The success of the program is dependent on families commitment to participate any way they can. All help is appreciated.  

Booster meetings are typically held one evening a month for 1 hour in the Edison band room. You will hear an update from the director as well as information on upcoming events. Come to a meeting to meet the executive board and the other active boosters.