What parents of”rookie” students want to know about high school band, but have no idea who to ask?

Go to www.nwcbands.org to receive the most current information!

Ask the directors for a copy of the current hand book

Make sure that your student information is correct, please let us know when changes are made

What kind of commitment is my student making for marching band?

In order to march in the fall show (“show” is the term the band uses for the performance at half-time on Friday night), a student must participate in the following:

1. Pre-band camp (for rookie band students, this camp takes place about 3 weeks before school– veterans have a different schedule),

2. Band camp (a few weeks before the start of school) is required of all band students.

3. Marching band practice (after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays) during marching season, plus other practices or sectionals – particularly for percussion and color guard.  Practice will be from 4 to 6 pm for the marching band

4. Students are encouraged to stay after school on rehearsal days to do homework and get a snack before rehearsal begins.

5. Students must also be enrolled in band class during school.

In addition to performing half-time at the Northwest Football games, marching band members participate in several competitions during the fall. These may include overnight trips.

Report times for band events vary and will be announced to the students as the season continues. Watch www.nwcbands.org for more information on times and dates as the season progresses!

What kind of commitment am I making as a parent?

Band is unlike most student organizations in high school. Band involves every family. When your so or daughter join the band, so do their parents. Every parent is automatically a Northwest Band Booster.  The Northwest Band Boosters are ALWAYS in need of parent volunteers! If you have not signed up yet, send an e-mail to a band booster secretary ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or band director

What about  band fees?

Each marching band student is required to pay band fees to help cover the expense of the band program.  The amount will be announced in the spring of each year.

Can we raise money for fees?

You can see fundraising opportunities at www.nwcbands.org.

Does my student need to audition to be in band?

All students will audition to be in the Northwest band. Students will be placed in classes based on ability– students are ‘projected’ by the Director’s and the Spring audition finalizes placement for the fall. There are multiple opportunities to move within sections during the course of the year (usually by way of auditions).

What about color guard and percussion?

Other special groups that audition are used to determine placement – percussion & color guard. During the spring will be audition week for color guard & percussion. Stay tuned in middle school band class and www.nwcbands.org for details.

Please be aware that Color Guard and percussion have additional rehearsal commitments both in the summer and during school. If your student is involved in those sections, more information will be provided to you.

Does my student have to play an instrument to be in Color Guard?

While many members of the Color Guard are band students also, it is not a requirement. Any student can audition for Color Guard and those students are not required to take band classes. There are additional rehearsal commitments and fees for Color Guard members. This information will be communicated during auditions.

When will my student get a chance to participate?

Pay attention during band class for important dates in the spring including auditions and meetings for our Future Members!

What are these funny terms the band keeps using?!?

Letter of Intent (LOI) – A letter of intent lets the band directors know that your student will be participating in the band and what instrument they will be playing (usually filled out during school).

Show – The marching band show is a combination of the music that is played at halftime/competitions and the drill (spots/positions) that the band marches. This show is written especially for our band each year and has specific places for each individual student. If a student does not turn in an LOI, there is not a place for them in the show. Likewise, if a student turns in the LOI and does not come to band camp, that student will be replaced by another student with better commitment.

Band Booster Meeting – All band parents are automatically members of Band Boosters. The Executive Board of the Northwest Band Boosters meet monthly, generally on the first Monday of the month at 7 PM. Check the Calendar at www.nwcbands.org for exact dates, times and locations. All parents are invited to attend to observe (but not vote). Full Booster meetings are held at least three times during the academic year.

Rookie – Any new band member, regardless of year in school. Most rookies are incoming freshman. This term is also applied to parents of incoming band members, for example, “Rookie Parent.” The Northwest Band welcomes all rookies!

So what do we do now?

1. Have your student sign up for band class on their 9^th grade class request form. Students will be placed in classes based on their spring audition for Northwest.

2. Turn in a Letter of Intent (LOI). Final payment amounts and payment schedule will be posted right after the budget is approved in the June Band Booster Meeting

3. Participate in Northwest band fundraisers.

4. Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Northwest Cabarrus Band parent!