Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pay band fees?
We offer a number of payment options for band fees, including:
Pay by check/money order to the band safe, located in the band office. Please make payment out to "LCHS Band Boosters" and place in an envelope with the student's name on it.
Pay online on Zeffy (no card fees). Links will be sent out for each season and will be on the band landing page: bit.ly/m/lcband
Pay with Bingo credits ($50 per shift). Bingo Credits can only be used for ensemble fees and trips, and cannot be used to pay for private lessons, supplies, or instruments.
Sell additional raffle tickets. $5 credit earned per ticket sold (20 required for marching band, additional can be requested and sold)
How do I know how much I owe?
Band fees, payments, and credits are all entered into CutTime for easy tracking. Parents and Guardians linked to a student will receive an invite to join CutTime via a Magic Link. This link is personalized, so you won't need to create a log-in or remember a password. Simply click the same link to access CutTime. If you haven't received a Magic Link, please email Mr. Malburg with your name, student's name, relation to student, and cell phone #.
What do I need for class?
During the marching band season, we will rehearse marching band in-class unless told otherwise. After State Finals, we will switch to concert season. Every day, you will need your instrument, stick/mallets in a stick bag for percussion, folder, music, Blue Book (warm-up book), supplies (extra reeds, valve oil, grease, etc.), and a pencil. This will be a part of your daily participation grade.
What is a Concert Band Fee?
All students in concert band are charged a $10 fee. This cover the cost of a Blue Book for all freshmen, which is our warm-up book that will be needed every year. For all students that already have a Blue Book, this fee will cover the cost of supplies (valve oil, slide or cork grease, trombone cream), repair supplies (pads, corks, etc.), mouthpieces for some instruments, and maintinence for school-owned instruments. We do not charge a rental fee for those who need a school-owned instrument, but any damage to instruments caused by inappropriate use will be charged to the student.
How much time will Concert Band take up?
In comparison to Marching Band, very little. The only things that will take place outside of class will be sectionals, Solo & Ensemble, occasional rehearsals, and performance. All after-school events will be on the band calendar and communciated in advance.
Is there homework for Concert Band?
Yes - PRACTICE! All students are expected to practice 5-10 minutes a day. This is less than 1% of your day and far less than most classes will give you. Consistent practice in shorter amounts is FAR better for growth than long "cram sessions" once a week.
Should I take private lessons?
YES!!! All students should take private lessons to help their personal growth as well as the band. Lessons are incredibly beneficial for any student looking to strengthen their skills, study advanced music, or looking for help in something they struggle with. It is NOT just for students who are "bad" as many misconceive. In fact, students who take lessons are often the good students wanting to get better. It's equivalent to a tutor in a subject or for the SAT. Lessons can be weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month and range $20-40 per lesson depending on instructor and rate. A list of instructors is available in the band room.
Can I be in marching band and other activities such as fall sports or clubs?
Yes! We have had band students play in every sport and be in every club at LCHS and still be in the band program. For fall sports this includes multiple starters on the Varsity Football team and team captains of the Football and Boy's Soccer team. For clubs, many of our band students also serve in positions in clubs like NHS, Science Olympiad, Choir, DECA, Student Council, and many more. We take pride in our positive relationship with the athletic department, which has been built over many years of communication and balancing between both activities. We understand that doing multiple activities can present challenges, but we also know this develops important life skills like time management and communication. The most important thing to do is COMMUNICATE with Mr. Malburg and your coach at the START of the season to establish a plan, usually a 1:1 balance of time missed between both activities. Our philosophy in the band program is to provide as many opportunities as possible for students.
How much time does marching band require?
Far less than most people think. While the month of October can get busy with multiple performances and added rehearsals, we try to find a balance so students can succeed in everything they do. Academics and having good grades are always our top priority, and band is NEVER a reason for that to change (in fact, most students who join band see their grades improve). A typical week has rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with some football games on Fridays and competitions on Saturdays. When busier weeks come up, we give homework days in-class to give students time to catch up on homework. Our schedule can look intimidating, but we actually practice less than most sports teams who practice 5-6 days a week.
Is marching band required?
Yes, we require all students in the high school band to join the marching band. Marching band is a foundational part of our program because it builds the skills, confidence, and connections that carry into everything we do throughout the academic year. Having an "all-in" approach also helps unify our students into a single program with a shared mindset and experience, strengthening our program bottom to top. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about marching band, especially if your student hasn’t done it before, but once they join the program they will feel at home. We always encourage students to finish their first season before making a decision, as many find it to be one of the most rewarding parts of their high school experience once they give it a chance.
What should we do if my student has a conflict with a rehearsal, game or other performance scheduled on the band calendar?
All rehearsals, sectionals, games, and performance are mandatory. We provide the marching band calendar months in advance, so please put all dates in your calendar. All efforts must be made to avoid conflicts with band events, especially doctor/dentist appointments or other things with flexibility. We understand that emergencies and unexpected events do occur, and we handle these on a case by case basis. If you DO know of a conflict, please contact Mr. Malburg immediately. The earlier we receive communication, the better. Last-minute or no communication may result in a student not being eligible to perform. All effort must be made to avoid any vacations in August, as attendance at Pre-Camp and Band Camp are required and cannot be missed.
What is Winter Guard?
Winter Guard is indoor color guard that combines athleticism and artistry. This competitive activity involves a combination of performance and artistry to put together a 4-6 minute show. Each show has a theme shown through costuming, character performance, props/tarp/flag design, and pre-recorded music. Students spin equipment (flags or rifles), do dance/movement, and perform on a tarp in a gym.
Who can join Winter Guard?
Winter Guard is open to any students grades 6-12 at LCHS, Middle School Central, or Middle School South. Being in band is NOT required, so any student can join with no prior experience necessary. This is a great activity for students looking for performance experience, wanting to learn a new skill, students with dance or gymnastics experience, or marching band students looking to improve their skills in the off-season. For those interested in joining the marching band, this is a great way to get a head start and learn the skills required before the season starts.
How do I join the Winter Guard?
There will be an informational meeting in October with Blair Kuhn (Color Guard Director) and Mr. Malburg (Director of Bands) that will discuss the upcoming season and answer any questions. All students interested will need to attend auditions in November, and will be placed in a group based on experience and skill level. NO ONE will be cut from our program if they attend rehearsals and pay their fees. Our program has two groups (Varsity and JV) and all students will be placed in one of those groups.
Any Band Questions:
Mr. Malburg - Director of Bands (malbury@lc-ps.org)
Color Guard or Winter Guard Questions:
Blair Kuhn - Guard Director (bkuhndesigns@gmail.com)
Parent or Booster Questions:
Angela Bilen - Booster President (skrubabilen@gmail.com)