General Information

1st Semester Marching Band

As we get ready for an exciting season we thought it might be nice to explain some important aspects of marching band.

THE
HANDBOOK

All band members must read and familiarize themselves with the expectations, grading policies, and requirements of the Verrado Viper Vanguard. Parents should also read through the handbook to know how to support their child in band. 

Click on the button below to sign the contract that you read and understood the handbook

PRactice - 1st Semester

The expectation of the Verrado Viper Vanguard is to treat every full ensemble rehearsal, individual practice, and sectional as if you were performing at state championships. Therefore, each member of the Viper Vanguard is responsible for memorizing his or her music, drill, and routine. All Vanguard members will attend rehearsals, practice and sectionals fully prepared with working equipment,  dot book, music, and instrument.

In order to compete at the highest level, marching band practice will take place throughout the week and will include some Saturdays.  

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2021 Marching Season Practice Schedule

Full Band Rehearsal

• Mondays 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

(Practices will be on Tuesdays when there is no school on Mondays.)

• Thursdays 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM​

Additional Practice Schedule

Percussion

Percussion Extended Practice

Thursdays 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

(following  full band rehearsal)

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Freshmen Marching Basics

Dates and times will be coming soon

These practices are student-leader facilitated and are highly recommended.
Section leaders determine which students should attend as they are not mandatory. Tutor bus is available for students.

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Sectionals and Saturday Practices

Additional practices may be scheduled per section and section leader. These practices will be communicated to band students by their section leader not Mrs. Meldrum.

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Uniforms

Uniform fitting will take place during Band Camp I. We try to do alterations as needed so if you have a talent for hemming please consider helping us out. All uniforms are dry cleaned before we fit (thank goodness). Dry cleaning fees are part of the Flat Fee price.

Anatomy of the uniform:
Bibbers - sometimes better known as overalls :)
Jacket - worn over bibbers
Gauntlets - worn near the wrist
Sash - attaches to the front of the jacket
Aussie - hat
Plume - feather that goes into hats

Band Camp

Band Camp 1

Band camp 1 will take place at Verrado High School in the band room and on the field. Students should wear comfortable clothes and shoes (gym shoes) for marching outside. Students should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. Students are responsible for bringing a lunch. Students who drive may leave campus to eat lunch. 

Freshman and Leaders Only - Monday, July 20, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please meet in the band room at Verrado High School. 

All Band Members - July 23 to July 28 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
July 29-31 Sections will be expected to hold at least one sectional through this time.

Band Camp 2
October 4-7

Heber, AZ

Cost per student - $300 

Full Payment Due September 17 to the Verrado Book Store

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We will be going to band camp this year in Heber (North of Payson) from the 4-7 of October. It is called Camp Shadow Pines. This covers all food, staff, transportation, and shelter. This trip is as close to required as you can get without being required. If a student does not attend, not only does it hurt the ensemble, but the student will not be allowed to participate in performances and certain rehearsals until he/she has caught up with what we learned while they were gone. There is a chance they may not catch up for the season. This is simply a safety concern. Chances are if we don’t learn new drill (which we probably will) we will be changing some things during the camp. If the student jumps right in, he/she or others will be hurt. As the time approaches, we will have a parent-student meeting just for band camp.

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Band Camp 2018 Pics

Invitationals

An invitational is a competition where bands from around the state compete to qualify for
the State Finals, and if they do well, can lead to bands going on to the Championship.

Most Invitationals take place all day on Saturdays. Students will be given a "call time" by Mrs. Meldrum, which is the time they are required to be at school.  Parents can also check the calendar on the VIPS site to see the call time.

Students are responsible for having all their required items, such as instrument, reeds, drumsticks, valve oil, shoes, socks, uniform, and music. 

Upon returning to Verrado High School after the competitions, band members are required to put away their uniform and instrument correctly and clean up the band room. No student is permitted to leave until all equipment and uniforms are put away.

See the calendar  for all upcoming competitions.

See Volunteer  page for helping with meals, equipment, and uniforms.

2nd Semester Band, Percussion, and Winter Guard

The second semester also has many exciting and fun opportunities for students to participate in. 

Symphonic and Jazz

Second semesters focuses around indoor symphonic and jazz bands. 

Drumline and Chop Shop

Winter Drumline is an extra-curricular percussion ensemble that competes in WGAZ competitions.  There is an additional cost to participate. Students must try-out for a spot on the drumline.

If students are interested in winter drumline, they can attend the free Chop Shop practice sessions. Dates will be coming soon.

Winter Guard

More information on Winter Guard coming soon.