FAQs

Each winter, band members go to Ralya and Murphy so all 5th graders have a chance to see different band instruments and learn about the band program in Haslett.

On a different day shortly after the petting zoo, students interested in taking band meet with the band directors and professionals from Herter Music. If students are interested in a specific instrument, they can ask to try it. Band directors can also recommend instruments based on assessments of how students interact with instruments.

Talk to the band director for 6th grade if your child is struggling with the instrument or really doesn’t like playing it. The director can help find an alternative.

Never fear. If your students know they want to do band, mark that on the scheduling registration form and turn that in. There will be a parent meeting where students can talk to the director or Herder rep. to choose an instrument.

Complete the registration or scheduling form to sign up for band in 6th grade. Band is an exploratory class. Sixth graders enrolled in band take it for the full academic year.

Yes. Middle school students have 2 exploratory hours so if a student is in band for the year, they have one other class period for rotating exploratories.

Students who play the baritone and tuba do not transport their instruments. Instead, students bring their mouth piece to school to play during the band hour on an instrument kept at the school. The practice at home instrument stays at home.

Band directors provide the information on the different rental and purchase options. Additionally, during the 6th grade open house, there is a band meeting where families can complete paperwork and talk to the instrument sales representatives.

Students are encouraged to take lessons but this is not required. Lessons help teach good technique and practice habits. Lessons are also a good option for students who may need more of a challenge than the classwork. The Band Boosters provides reimbursement for lessons. Please see this link.

Reading music is part of the 6th grade band curriculum. If they haven’t learned before to 6th grade band, they will learn.

This is determined on a case by case basis and may involve lessons outside of class.

The first concert where all bands, including the marching band, perform in the high school gym. Middle school students leave their instrument cases in the car or at home because there is no space for them at the Festival. This is a chance for the middle school students to see the marching band perform and what they are working towards.

6th graders should wear nice shirts and slacks (no jeans) to perform. The 7th and 8th graders receive a tuxedo shirt, bow tie and studs to wear when performing. These are provided by the band program. Students need to wear their own black pants and shoes.

Check the band Google calendar for all band activities. Make sure you check in with your student about call times as the performance date approaches.

Sixth graders should practice every day. After that first year, practice logs are not required but students should have a regular practice routine at home.

Please see the Solo & Ensemble page.

Brass instruments need more service than woodwinds. If something looks weird, make sure your child talks to a band director. It’s a good idea to clean the brass instrument over winter break and at the end of the school year. Because many people in the Greater Lansing area take their instruments to Meridian Winds or Marshall Music, it is best to get the instrument in the repair shop as soon as winter break begins so that it’s done before school resumes.

The 8th grade invitational is a chance for 8th grade students to learn about marching band.  They perform during half-time at one of the regular season football games with the Viking marching band. Dinner will be provided. Students will receive more information as the time approaches.

No. All students participate in marching and concert bands for the academic year.

Scholarships for band camp are for not for the Haslett Varsity Marching Band camp. Band camp scholarships are for enrichment programs offered by different organizations such as, but not limited to: the MSU Community Music School, Herter, Blue Lake and Interlochen. If a student needs financial assistance for Haslett Varsity Marching Band camp, please complete a form available at this link. Requests for financial aid are confidential.

Online registration is available prior to fittings for marching band uniforms in May. However, all students must attend one of the registration options for uniform fitting. Fees for camp are paid at this time. Students may also order marching shoes for which they will be fitted at band camp. Shoes arrive prior to marching season at school. Students also may order gloves (2 pairs are recommended), band t-shirt and gray shorts worn under the marching uniform. These are paid with a separate check or charge to make bookkeeping easier for the volunteer treasurer.

For performances prior to Labor Day, students wear the band t-shirt and tan or khaki shorts. Families purchase the shorts on their own and do not have to match what other students have. They do have to meet the school dress code guidelines. Students also wear ankle or no-show white socks and tennis shoes or marching shoes. In instances when the weather is horribly hot after Labor Day, band directors may opt to have students wear the summer uniform for performances.

• Lunch – make sure the Friday lunch is substantial because students may not get to eat dinner until after they perform which could be around 7 pm.
• Water bottle – they will get one at band camp but it’s wise to have a second one. Band camp bottles are kept by sections in crates and come out for breaks. Students may keep a second bottle with them at all times. Some students may need a water bladder for extra hydration.
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Change of clothes – optional but handy in case it rains
• Chapstick – optional but helpful – especially for brass instrument players
• Lyre – if needed for instrument – check with band directors
• Flip book
• Shorts
• Good walking shoes
• Shirts for themed days – announced closer to band camp
• If chafing is an issue, wearing bike shorts or Runners Glide may help

Students should eat a good breakfast. Complex carb foods and proteins are good.

Yes, so make sure your child understands the importance of staying hydrated. Student water bottles may be filled with water or Gatorade. If your child prefers only water, have the child inform the volunteers so their bottles gets marked accordingly. Drinking water helps prevent muscle aches, cramps, stomach pains, and headaches.

There are usually breaks with snacks provided by the Band Boosters. You may also send snacks with your child.

Band camp is exhausting for everyone. If your student needs a rest, the family picnic and student activity night on Wednesday and Thursday evening activities are optional.

Each group of instruments is a section and all have at least one section leader. The leader organizes times for group practice and team building. Section leaders are supposed to provide at least 1 week notice of each sectional. Your student should inform the section leader if they cannot attend. Section leaders also distribute music and assign parts.

When the band starts marching to the football stadium.

For the safety of everyone, marching band students must concentrate and focus on the band. While marching, students are not supposed to smile nor look for their family and friends. If you want a posed photo, you may do that in the stands of the stadium when students are not performing. Around third-quarter snack time is a good time for a posed photo.

Minicamp is rehearsal in the evenings for a few days before the first home football game. After the first game, there is typically one evening rehearsal a week.

This is an event hosted by Grand Ledge High School for bands around the area. General admission tickets is under $10. Parents who chaperone on the school buses get in free. It’s an opportunity to see lots of great marching band performances including the MSU Marching Band.

Yes. Band members wear rain coats.

See this link about concert band.

For marching band, students purchase shoes, grey shorts, white calf-high socks, gloves. Used items will be available for purchase at a discounted rate at marching band registration in May. Or contact the Marching Band Uniform Coordinator, Carrie Johnson or Patti McManus.

Students have a different uniform for concert band. Girls are provided dresses and should wear their own black shoes. Boys are provided with a tuxedo and should have their own tuxedo shirt, bow tie, and black shoes.  Shirts and bow ties may be ordered through the school.

Complete the background check form available at the school administration building and provide your drivers license or state id.

Typically

• 4:00 Call time for students to rehearse
• 5:00 dinner
• 5:30 dress in uniforms
• 6:35 step off from school by band door and march to stadium

Typical Homecoming
6th hour on practice field

• 1:30 HMS pep assembly
• 1:52 HHS pep assembly
• 3:00 dinner
• 3:30 uniform
• 4:25 load buses to Wilkshire
• 4:30 depart for Wilkshire
• 5:30 parade
• 6:00 alumni rehearsal
• 6:25 step off
• 6:35 pre-game show and tunnel
• 6:55 Star Spangled Banner

See this link
Also see the back of your student’s band camp t-shirt

Contact the Band Camp Director.

Please see this page about fundraising.

Families may order shirts using this Family Band Shirt Order Form. Payments can be made on the Donate page.

Check the volunteer page and sign up sheets will be posted for the following and other related activities:

Marching Band
HBB Holidays in Haslett Craft show 

Concert Band

Forms will be posted in the spring for the 2020 band camp.

Yes, but at marching band camp registration and uniform fitting.

You should have a received a confirmation email after registering. If not, please check with the band camp director.

Your child will receive a form at band camp. Purchasing photos is not required but all students are photographed for the band composite.

The picnic information flyer will be posted closer to the time of band camp.

The Band Boosters provides hot dogs and buns. Families are asked to bring sides and desserts.

See this link.
Also, you may contact MSU’s College of Music
Christine Beamer
Music Practice Building
345 W. Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-432-7371
Email: beamerch@msu.edu

Contact the band camp director or the uniform coordinator.