Marching Band Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can students participate in marching band and other sports?

We have a lot of students who do marching band in the fall and then do other sports in the winter and spring. The busiest time in the marching season is from mid-July through October, so marching band only conflicts with fall sports such as football, cross-country, fall cheerleading, and volleyball.

Can students be in the STEM Academy or the International Spanish Academy (ISA) and do marching band?

Absolutely! We have many STEM and ISA students in the band program and in marching band. Marching band students learn important time management skills, and many choose to study together before band practice. Marching band also provides an excellent support system, where younger students benefit from the academic experiences of the upperclassmen.

Does participating in band help students get into college?

Colleges look for continued and sustained participation in activities such as band and extra-curricular activities like marching band. Many colleges know the value of a marching band student, as those students have learned many important life skills such as time management, work ethic, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and dedication. Colleges are looking for well- rounded individuals who have something to add to their campus, and marching band students have much to offer.

What are the practice times for marching band?

Marching band students practice on Mondays from 4-6pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm. Once football season begins, they will have Friday night football games. As we approach the competition season, which is mainly in October, students will have some all-day Saturday practices called “Friend Days.” These days are extremely rewarding for the students, as they perfect their craft and learn how to work as a team to achieve success.

Do you know any dates for next year (events, etc)?

The Walton Band calendar can be found at waltonband.org/calendar and has been updated through January 2026. Some dates may change slightly, but the key ones to note are MB Raider Games/Spring Training (April 21-23, 2025), Marching Band Mini-Camp (May 27-30, 2025), and Marching Band Camp (July 14-21, 2025). MB Raider Games/Spring Training is optional but a great way for students to 'try out' marching band!

What about family time and friendships?

Marching band provides wonderful opportunities to be near your child through volunteering. Family time is enhanced when you volunteer because you get to be involved in something your child loves and you get to know their friends. You will also have more to talk about – which is quite a gift once students enter high school!

Marching band students and alumni often comment that what they love most about marching band are the friends they make. Through the hard work, excitement, and joy they experience together, friendships form that can last a lifetime.

Are there fees associated with marching band?

The marching band fee varies each year depending on numerous factors. We work hard to keep the fees as low as possible. The band fee can be paid in a single payment or split into multiple payments and covers a year-long program including world- class instructors and staff, concert fees for band class, three weeks of band camp, competition fees, transportation, instrument repair, specialized instruments, uniforms basics, etc. There are some add-on fees during the season for meals, uniform accessories for rookies, and a band trip. There are many fundraising opportunities to help offset the fees. If you have questions about our fee structure, please contact us.

What if I’m interested in Color Guard? How is that different?

Color guard is part of the marching band, so most aspects of the program apply to color guard students as well. These students wear costumes instead of uniforms and use flags and other props to make the marching band show sparkle!

What about marching band trips? 

Last Fall our marching band participated in a Disney parade and got a behind the scenes look to parts of Disney World!

So the marching band is traveling to LONDON in Jan 2026?

YES! And while we would love for all marching band students to join us for this extra-special parade, you are not required to go on the London trip to be in marching band. You do, however, have to be in marching band to qualify for the trip. Want more London info? Click here.

What do I need to do to sign up for marching band?

Go to waltonband.org, create an account, complete the marching band commitment form, and pay the fee. More details can be found here. We look forward to you joining us for the new marching season!

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us at presidents@waltonband.org! The Walton Band Parent Association (WBPA) Board contacts can be found at waltonband.org/wbpa_board. We’re all happy to help!