Resources
Band
Chorus
Director’s Updates
FAQ’s
Who is a part of the marching band?
Everyone in Band 2-6 & Color Guard are a part of the program and participate fully!
Is marching band required?
Yes. Marching band is a required curriculum in the Pasco County School District. In order to receive credit for band you must do marching band. That being said, marching band is every student’s favorite time of year!
Will I be able to fit band into my schedule with all of the requirements to graduate?
YES! Participation in one year of band fulfills the one-year Fine Arts credit required for graduation and you receive a waiver for a semester of your Physical Education requirement. Additionally, Dual Enrollment and Florida Virtual School (online classes) help our students fit in even more electives to there schedule. There will be no problem with fitting band into your schedule!
Band takes up a lot of my time…how will I get my homework and studying done?
If the 100 students of the AHS Band Program can do it, you can too! Many students in the band are at the top of their class, and most take multiple Cambridge courses. Being in band help our students with time management. The marching band rehearses only two days a week up until the end of October. During the spring semester students generally only rehearse once a week after school (with many weeks not rehearsing at all after school.)
I play a sport…Can I be in band too?
Yes. Sometimes schedules will need to be worked out, but it is possible. We have students that participate in just about every sports program offered at Anclote as well as a few local teams. Students also participate in ROTC. Band students are given a calendar at the beginning of the year with all of the rehearsal dates, which can also be found on the Band App. Occasionally dates are added, but generally students will receive at least a two weeks notice. If you plan to participate in a sport, it is your responsibility to speak with Mr. Stewart and your coach to work out the rehearsal schedule.
I have never marched in my life…I don’t think I can do it…
There are many past 8th graders who asked themselves the same question, but tried it and were glad they did. These skills are taught during band camp, and each year our freshman and new students are able to learning these new skills in no time! During that time we will also teach you marching and advanced playing fundamentals as you learn music for the fall, get issued a uniform, and make over a hundred friends before school even starts. If you have a positive attitude and are willing to learn, you will do great!
I did band in middle school and am tired of it; I think I want to quit…
After investing all of your time in middle school, you are now getting to the point where you have acquired lots of skills on your instrument. Do not drop out now when you are on the threshold of getting the most out of it and enjoying it to the fullest. By the end of their senior year, band students are able to show their college, university, or employer that the have a demonstrable 7 years of commitment, dedication, and achievement in one subject in additional to everything else- not just little bits of activities here and there like most other applicants. In many ways, band students are able to set themselves apart in ways that no one else can. At the very least, you must try it to see!
