MARCHING BAND The Century High School Patriot Band has one of the most well-known and distinctive looks in the state of North Dakota. The colonial uniform, with historically accurate red coats, breeches, tri-cornered hats, and buckled shoes, originated with the founding of the school in 1975. The uniform – and by extension, the band – served as the model for the school mascot and represents the entire student body to the general public. We in the Century High School Band Program take pride in this fact and what our organization means to our community. Over the years, we have developed a marching style that is unique in the region. Power, passion, posture, and precision have made the band what it is today. Every member who learns this soon acquires the pride that comes from attaining excellence. Observing the following points will help keep alive the great traditions that have developed.
Point #1 – Marching Style We are one of the few bands in North Dakota that employs a “Corp Style” of marching. This style utilizes what is referred to as a roll step. This step, which hinges on the placement of the foot, is a critical element in making it look sharp. It is accomplished by placing down the heel, then rolling the outside of the foot to complete each step. Always start with the left foot. All other commands are given on the left foot, but executed on the right foot – WE ARE A RIGHT-FOOTED BAND!
Point #2 – Music ALL MARCHING MUSIC IS TO BE MEMORIZED!!!
Point #3 - Marching Commands When called to “At Ease,” there is to be no talking and each member is to be in their respective place with proper instrument position and feet slightly apart. The “At Ease” command is two short whistles. When called to “Attention,” each member give a salute with the left hand at the same time as doing a side kick with the left foot – feet are now together. At the point, there is no looking to the side, no talking, and total concentration is now given to all commands, exercises, and music. Eyes are focused straight forward and instruments are held in proper position.
Point #4 – Behavior Behavior while representing the band – in or out of uniform – must be exemplary! Good manners are to be exercised at all times.
Point #5 – Appearance Whenever the uniform is worn, it is always worn complete. If it becomes necessary to remove part of the uniform after a performance, time must be taken for a complete change. A white t-shirt must be worn under the uniform at all times! No jewelry or noticeable make-up is to be worn and members must be clean-shaven or have neatly groomed facial hair! Also, if you are wearing earrings, they must be invisible. Long hair must be braided to the back or tucked inside the hat.
UNIFORM MAINTENANCE Once fitted and assigned, all uniforms will be kept at home. You are responsible for keeping your uniform properly stored on the hanger. Please remember that your uniform costs approximately $1,000.00, so take good care of it. If it becomes soiled during the course of the year, it is YOUR responsibility to get it cleaned. Hang the uniform properly to retain its shape. A uniform fee of $60.00/year is to be paid by each member. The fee covers the cost of yearly cleaning and overall maintenance of the uniform, purchases each student an initial pair of marching socks and shoes, and purchases the pep band shirt for first year members. (The fee for members of the Wind Ensemble is $76.00. In addition to the items listed above, it includes the registration fee for All-State auditions.)
Due to the tremendous expense of the uniform being entrusted to your care, ANY LOST ITEMS WILL BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENT!!! The cost breakdown for replacement of uniform parts is as follows:
Custom Made Jacket – $500.00 Custom Made White Marching Pants – $250.00 Custom Made Blue Concert Pants – $250.00
Always store the uniform properly both at home and to and from performances. Obvious things, such as sitting on the ground while in uniform, or other inappropriate actions will not be tolerated. Proper respect must be exercised at all times both for the uniform and for the organization that it represents. Penalties will be assessed for improper treatment of the uniform.
At the conclusion of the school year, all items with the exception of the shoes, socks, and gloves will be returned to the directors. A student returning a badly wrinkled and/or soiled uniform will be assessed an additional fee appropriate to the lack of care given to the uniform.
COLOR GUARD HISTORY The history of Drum Majors in our country has much to do with the Marine Band that was established in 1798. The early leadership of the Marine Band consisted of a Drum Major and a Fife Major. The Drum Major was considered the Leader of the Marine Band and the Fife Major's responsibility was to train the fifers. In July 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed an Act of Congress reorganizing the Marine Band which created the positions of Leader, who was the principal musician, Drum Major, and 30 musicians. The title of Fife Major was abolished that year, and in 1881 the fife was removed from Marine Corps instrumentation. Currently the Marine Band Drum Major is responsible for the band's appearance, ceremonial drill, and military decorum. He is charged with directing the band in ceremonial commitments including the Inaugural Parade, and will regularly lead the band in review for U.S. Presidents, Heads of State and International Dignitaries.
At Century High School, it is the duty of the Drum Major to help foster pride in the spirit of the band and to be an example of maturity, dignity, and respect so all the students have a model that will carry on the traditions of the band. The Drum Major is to act as a drill instructor in marching routines, so as to efficiently rehearse the students to execute all commands and routines with precision and excellence. The Drum Major is picked in the spring of the year by the head director. The candidates must be seniors for the following school year, be a band member in good standing, and be able to demonstrate leadership ability. Additional members of the Color Guard include the Spirit of '76, flag bearers, rifle carriers, and trumpeters. These members operate as a unit and are requested to present colors for many functions throughout the school year. Good grades are important since there are times they may miss classes for Color Guard presentations.