THE BASICS

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET STARTED

CONCERT AND JAZZ BANDS

• If your student wants to or will be playing in any of the in-class instructed bands, namely the Concert or Jazz Bands or Ensembles, most of your time and effort will involve ensuring they practice at home, as well as attending usually three to four formal concerts during the school year, held outside of regular school hours.  While most concerts are held in our beautiful high school auditorium, some concerts and performances are held elsewhere in the community.  Your student will be advised well in advance about these concerts, so you can plan appropriately to attend and ensure they get there. 

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• Jazz and Concert bands require an instrument (though the school is fortunate to have percussion, as well as other large instruments to sign out), and an outfit for concerts.  Attire (not provided) is normally black slacks/pants and a blouse/shirt or conservative skirt/dress, all conforming with school dress code.  Music and in-class instruction are provided. 

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MARCHING BAND

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• If your student is interested being a member of the Marching Band, your time and efforts are an important part in helping them do well.  Students must attend a two week long summer Band Camp, held at the high school in the month of August, prior to the "official" school year, usually beginning at 8 a.m and ending at 8 p.m, Monday through Friday, as well as summer mini camps in June and July. Once the school year begins, and for the FALL SEMESTER ONLY, practices normally run Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM to 9 PM.  Most Fridays require your students attendance at our high school football games, both home and away. Most Saturdays require either practice or competition attendance, again both at Central Dauphin High School, or away.  While students are bussed to and from football games and competitions, you are required to ensure they get to the high school before and picked up after these events and practices. 

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• Marching Band members are provided a uniform, that is fitted usually towards the end of summer Band Camp.  However, the following items are required to be purchased, with current prices shown - all items (also known as wearables) are available (except for black crew socks) via the "Shop" section of this website or by logging into the Charms website. 

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• Required Marching Band items are:​​

  • Marching Shoes - Dinkles brand - black

  • Dri-Fit Black under shirt

  • Tour T-shirt - a t-shirt designed for the current year's performance or "tour" 

  • Ram Band Logo Polo Shirt 

  • Uniform Bag 

  • Dot Holder 

  • Black Socks - crew length or higher

  • Gloves (white in color, FOR WIND PLAYERS ONLY) 

  • Gloves (tan in color, FOR COLOR GUARD ONLY) 

  • NOTE IF ANY ITEMS REQUIRED FOR MARCHING BAND ARE IN GOOD CONDITION FROM THE YEAR PRIOR, THEY MAY BE USED FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

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​DAUPHIN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL STUDENTS

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• Any band that meets after regular school hours are easily accessible to Dauphin County Technical School students. These include Marching Band, Indoor units, and Pit Orchestra.

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PARTICIPATING IN MULTIPLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

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• We encourage students to participate in multiple school activities, though conflicts can occur. For instance, your student can 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.  For other activities, including sports, please contact our Directors, Mr. Carraher and Mr. Bitner, to work through various activity participation issues.

YOU ARE BAND BOOSTER

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The Central Dauphin Band Boosters Association is comprised of people just like you - parents, other family and friends of the Ram Bands - who understand the critical needs high school bands have so that they can succeed.  Whether it's supplementing the ever diminishing school district budget for our bands and music department through fundraising and garnering sponsorships, or volunteering a few hours to help move equipment, tidy up uniforms, or lots of other opportunities, be an active part of your student's life, play your part. It's easy and fun.