Frequently Asked Questions

To navigate this page, just click on the question for which you'd like the answer.

Band Information In General

  1. How many band programs are there at Central Dauphin High?
  2. Can students just sign up for whichever band(s) they want?
  3. How many band programs are credit courses?
  4. What should my student do to try out for Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band?
  5. My student is going to be attending Dauphin County Vo-Tech. Can he/she still participate in the band program?
  6. Is it possible to participate in more than one music program at a time – my student wants to take both band and choir?
  7. I heard that band parents have to do a lot of fund raising. Will I have to do this?
  8. If my child is in only one of the Concert or Jazz Bands, why should I participate in fund raisers?
  9. My student already signed up for choir (or orchestra); can he or she still get into the band?
  10. Whom can I call if I have more questions?

Marching Band Information

  1. What does the Marching Band do?
  2. I heard Marching Band members have to practice all summer. Is this true?
  3. What is Band Camp and when is it? Must my student attend Band Camp to be in Marching Band?
  4. Marching Band sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits of being involved in that program?
  5. Can my student be in Marching Band and still participate in fall sports?
  6. My student is interested in being a member of the Band Front. What should we do?
  7. My student is interested in joining the Drumline. What should we do?
  8. Are members of the Drumline, Pit, or Band Front allowed to miss a summer (non band camp) practice to go on vacation?
  9. Does my student have to sign up for Marching Band to participate in the Band Front?
  10. My student already signed up for choir (or orchestra); can he or she still get into the band?
  11. Whom can I call if I have more questions?

Student Ledger Information

  1. What is the purpose of a Student Ledger?
  2. How does money get into my Student Ledger?
  3. For what expenses may I use my Student Ledger?
  4. How do I access the funds in my Student Ledger?
  5. How do I find out how much money's in my Student Ledger?
  6. What happens to my Student Ledger balance if I quit the band or transfer to another school?
  7. How about if I have money left over when I graduate? 

Q: How many band programs are there at Central Dauphin High School?

Currently we have 11 different band programs:  The Marching Band (which also includes a Band Front, Drumline, and Pit); Two concert bands, the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble; a Percussion Ensemble;  as well as the Jazz I and Jazz II bands.  We have an Indoor Percussion group, Indoor Guard, and Indoor Majorette group. We also assemble a Pit Orchestra each spring to accompany the school musical.

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Q: Can students just sign up for whatever band(s) they want?

No.  Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz II are the only bands in which your student will be automatically placed upon registration.  The Drumline and Band Front units hold tryouts in the spring preceding the start of the new school year. Participation in Wind Ensemble and Jazz I will depend upon student tryouts for Mr. Ceresini.  Indoor unit tryouts are held around November for their January through April season.  Mr. Ceresini will select the members of the Pit Orchestra.

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Q. How many band programs are credit courses?

Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band (I and II) each is a graded course for which a student earns 1 credit per year. Marching Band members also are graded and earn 0.5 credits per year.

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Q. How does my student try out for Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band?

Contact Mr. Ceresini before the end of the school year to try out for next year’s bands (preferably in early May). You can reach Mr. Ceresini at 703-5360 extension 428 or e-mail him at mceresini@cdschools.org.

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Q: I heard Marching Band members have to practice all summer. Is this true?

Some sections of the Marching Band do practice during the summer in order to be sharp in the fall. The Drumline and Band Front each has its own practices scheduled by its instructor. All Marching Band members have weekly summer rehearsals and a two-week band camp in August to learn music and drill for the upcoming year.

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Q:  Are members of the Drumline, Pit, or Band Front allowed to miss a summer (non band camp) practice to go on vacation?

Yes, an occasional absence is allowed as long as the instructor has timely notification.

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Q:  What is band camp and when is it?

Band Camp consists of two weeks of practice, usually the first two weeks of August.  We hold "two-a-day" sessions, so you'll be there each day from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and then from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  For more information on Band Camp, click here.

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Q:  Must my student attend Band Camp to participate in Marching Band?

Yes.  Mr. Ceresini may at his discretion permit exceptions if there are unusual circumstances that are brought to his attention well in advance; however, as a rule ALL of band camp is mandatory.

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Q:  What does the Marching Band do?

The Marching Band plays at all football games, home and away. The Marching Band performs its show at each game and plays music in the stands throughout the game.  Marching Band members  are free to get some food or visit with friends during the third quarter of each game.  The Marching Band also performs in several parades from September through November and performs in exhibitions during that time.  The Marching Band also performs in the Linglestown Memorial Day Parade.  For this year's schedule, from the Home Page, click on "Bands" then on "Marching Band."  In the past, the Marching Band has taken special trips, including a 2005 Thanksgiving trip to to Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld and a 2008 Trip to Universal Studios, Sea World, and Cape Kennedy.  The Marching Band also has performed at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and New York City.  Why consider marching band?  Click here.

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Q:  Marching Band sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits of participating in the program?

Membership in the Marching Band is more than just performance. Marching Band members form a bond during the school year that comes from working closely together in an activity they enjoy. Incoming students will be pleased to discover that starting high school isn’t as difficult when they’ve already made a lot of friends in band before school even begins. Marching Band members get to attend all football games free of charge, and learn the thrill of performing before different groups on a regular basis. The travel is a lot of fun (and can even be educational, but don’t tell the kids!) and lifelong friendships can be made through these shared experiences.

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Q:  Can my student be in Marching Band and still participate in fall sports?

Often times that can be done. Talk to your coach and Mr. Ceresini to see what can be worked out.

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Q:  My student is going to be attending Dauphin County Vo-Tech. Can he or she still participate in the band program?

Any band that meets after regular school hours are easily accessible to Vo-Tech students. These include Marching Band, Indoor units, and Pit Orchestra.

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Q:  My student is interested in being a member of the Band Front. What should we do?

You should sign-up for marching band and indicate to either your middle school teacher or Mr. Ceresini that you are interested in being in Band Front. You can reach Mr. Ceresini at 703-5360 extension 428 or e-mail him at mceresini@cdschools.org  There will also be information posted sometime in May about the first rehearsal/try-out day.

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Q:  My student is interested in joining the Drumline. What should we do?

You should sign up for marching band and indicate to either your middle school band director or Mr. Ceresini that you are interested in being in Drumline/Pit. You can reach Mr. Ceresini at 703-5360 extension 428 or e-mail him at mceresini@cdschools.org . There will also be information posted sometime in May about the first rehearsal/tryout day.

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Q:  Does my student have to sign up for Marching Band to participate in Band Front?

Yes. Even though practice is not held during the school day, Marching Band is a credited course for which your student will be graded.

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Q:  Is it possible to participate in more than one music program at a time – my student wants to take both band and choir?

Yes.  Your student can easily arrange his or her schedule to accommodate more than one music program. Many students participate in some combination of  band, choir and orchestra. Be sure to work with your guidance counselor to ensure proper scheduling of the music programs in which your student would like to participate.

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Q:  My student already signed up for choir (or orchestra); can he or she still get into the band?

Yes. Speak to your student's guidance counselor about it.  Make sure that Mr. Ceresini is aware of your student's decision to join the band and he and your guidance counselor will work with you to adjust your student's schedule.  You can reach Mr. Ceresini at 703-5360 extension 428 or e-mail him at mceresini@cdschools.org.

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Q:   I heard that band parents have to do a lot of fund raising. Will I have to do this?

Not if you don't want to.  But whatever help you can give us is very much appreciated. The Band Boosters organization does whatever it can to provide support for all bands.  Click here for more information on our fundraising efforts.

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Q:  If my child is in only one of the Concert or Jazz Bands, why should I participate in fund raisers?

Many expenses associated with maintaining a top flight music program such as we have at Central Dauphin H.S. are not covered by the school district budget. This is not so much a shortcoming by the district adminstration but rather one of the challenges that many high quality band programs face. A primary function of the Central Dauphin Band Boosters Association is to provide for the needs for our students The money that is raised through the boosters fundraising efforts in used for a wide range of instruments, supplies, equipment, awards, scholarships, registration fees, student meals, and more.  That's why we need the support of every band student's family.  Click here for more information on our fundraising efforts.

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Q:  Whom can I call if I have more questions?

Any member of our Band Booster organization will be glad to help you if you have any questions about our group, or other band-related activities. Officers' names and phone numbers can be found on the "Contact Us" page or on the "Band Boosters" page.  Feel free to direct your questions relating to the Central Dauphin Ram Bands to Mr. Ceresini.  You can reach Mr. Ceresini at 703-5360 extension 428 or e-mail him at mceresini@cdschools.org. 

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Q:  What is the purpose of Student Ledger?

Many expenses associated with maintaining a good music program are not covered by the school district budget.  A common misconception is that all our fundraising supports the Marching Band program; in fact, we provide supplemental funds for all band members in all performing units by purchasing or underwriting music rights, instruments, band staff, guest performers, and other band and community enrichment activities.

A major function of the Central Dauphin Band Booster organization is to provide for those needs for our students.  The Band Boosters Association provides various fundraising opportunities to help band students' families defray certain band-related costs. These activities may include, but are not limited to, the Business Sponsorship program, product sales, RamBand Scrip purchases, and various other opportunities.  Click here for more information on our fundraising efforts.

All funds raised through these efforts are the property of the CD Band Boosters. Though the CD Band Boosters will maintain control of these funds, we will set aside a percentage (typically 30% - 70%) of the profit earned from certain fundraisers in an individual ledger earmarked for the benefit of the student ("Student Ledger").  Students may spend Student Ledger funds only in connection with expenses approved by the Band Boosters for music activities, including, for example, band trips, lessons, equipment, or musical enrichment activities.

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Q:  How does money get into my Student Ledger?

Money is placed into Student Ledgers from fundraisers, from overpays, and from direct deposits to this ledger. It's important to note that once deposited into the Student Ledger, this money may not then be "withdrawn," unless it's used for expenses approved by the Band Boosters for music activities including, for example, band trips, lessons, equipment, or musical enrichment activities For fundraisers, the amount that will be credited to the Student Ledger per item sold will be announced with each sale. It will vary from sale to sale.

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Q:  For what expenses may I use my Student Ledger?

You may use Student Ledger funds only in connection with music activities approved by the Band Boosters, including, for example, lessons, instruments, instrument repairs, marching band shoes and other equipment, band trips, or other musical enrichment activities.  Funds also may be used to pay for tickets to band events such as fundraising concerts.  Note that funds in the account may also be used to pay for other family members for the band banquet or for trips.  These funds also may be available for transfer to the same student’s account in other music programs at Central Dauphin High School.

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Q:  How do I access the funds in my Student Ledger?

You can request money from your Student Ledger by filling out an Student Ledger Withdrawal form.  Click here for a copy of the form.  Once the form is completed (and signed by a parent), turn it in, just like you would turn in a check (in the envelope in the Band Room for that activity).  So if you're using your student account for ongoing payments (such as deposits for a Band Trip), you must submit a Student Ledger Withdrawal form each time you'd like our Financial Secretary to move funds from your Student Ledger.  If you are requesting reimbursement for a repair or lessons, give your completed form to Mr. Ceresini or the Band Boosters Treasurer along with a receipt.

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Q:  How do I find out how much money's in my Student Ledger?

Student Ledger balances are available by logging into your Charms account.  Click here for more information on Charms. 

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Q:  What happens to my Student Ledger balance if I quit the band or transfer to another school?  How about if I have money left over when I graduate?

Any money remaining in the Student Ledger when you leave the band-- for any reason-- reverts to the Band Boosters.  The only exception: the balance will roll over to a sibling who is actively participating in a the Central Dauphin HS Band Program.

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