PEP BAND One of the responsibilities of the Century High Band is to support various school activities. All students are expected to perform at all pep band events as part of basic band membership. Participation in pep band counts towards a band letter and is part of the overall band grade. The pep band performs approximately 12 - 14 times per year and plays at most home football games, select boys and girls basketball events, select hockey games, and one volleyball game. The events at which the band performs are determined by the band directors in conjunction with the school activities director. Band members will be released after half time of football games, pre-game of the second basketball game, and prior to the start of the hockey game and volleyball games. Attire for all performances is the pep band shirt. The following guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of yours and the school's instruments as well as to provide an environment which is conducive to allowing for a high quality performance:
1. Good bands look organized at all times. We want to look good as well as sound good! Behavior in the bleachers is a vital element of the impression we give the public about our band program. One of our main functions at athletic events is showing our enthusiastic school spirit and supporting the team at the event we are participating in as performers.
2. Be alert! Watch the game, things happen quickly! Be prepared to play the school song after each football-touchdown is scored.
3. No gum, candy, soda, or food of any kind is allowed in the band.
4. Non-band friends are not allowed within the band set-up.
5. Sit in your section (clarinets together, trumpets together, percussion together, etc.). This will enable us to sound our very best.
6. Keep your eyes to the front. When the chart has been called, move quickly and be ready for the downbeat. When playing the music, watch the director so that we start and stop together.
7. No individual playing during the game. We play either as a section or the whole band.
8. You are responsible for bringing your own instrument, music, lyre/stand, and pep band shirt to every pep band event. (Only the euphonium, tuba, and percussion sections do not need a lyre.)
9. Watch your instrument carefully to avoid any damage and handle your equipment only. Never play other people's instrument!
10. For safety and liability reasons, if you need to leave the band for whatever reason, ASK.
11. At the end of the game, take all of your materials (music, stands, etc.) with you and return it to school as soon as possible.
12. Have fun!
Remember: You are an important part of this team. As a member of this team, you represent this band as well as this school. DO NOTHING that will impair the reputation and professionalism of the bands at Century High School.
MARCHING BAND Consisting of every member in the band program, this ensemble performs at the Autumnfest Parade in the fall and the Band Night Parade in the spring of the year. Because these events combine the members of all four bands, students will be required to attend a limited number of extra rehearsals, outside of school prior to the performance.
The marching band is considered one of the premiere ensembles at Century High School. Throughout our history, the marching band has participated in nationally known parades, such as the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, the Endymion Parade in New Orleans, and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio. It has also performed at the Statue of Liberty, Mount Vernon, the United States Capitol, and Colonial Williamsburg.
SMALL ENSEMBLES All students are required to participate in at least one ensemble group each year. While most only participate in the yearly solo and ensemble contests, some are active throughout the year and entertain at art exhibits, holiday parties, and other school and community celebrations. Examples of small ensemble groups include flute choir, clarinet choir, saxophone quartet, brass quintet, percussion ensemble, and trash can band.
COLOR GUARD AND "SPIRIT OF ‘76" Open to any member of the band program, the Color Guard and "Spirit of '76" meet outside of the school day and consists of the most impressive and dedicated marchers. This group has performed for hundreds of thousands of people in live performances, and millions on television, both regional and nationally. Audiences have included famous people and statesmen, including two First Ladies and the President of the United States.
PIT ORCHESTRA The pit orchestra is an ensemble that performs for the annual fall musical. This ensemble performs professional Broadway shows in conjunction with student actors and singers from Century High School. Recent shows have included Annie and Beauty and the Beast. Rehearsals are scheduled in the evenings from September through November. See Mr. Dasovick for more details.