McLean High School Band - Frequently Asked Questions

(last updated March 16, 2007)


  1. What is the Band Parents Association? All parents and guardians of MHS Band students are automatically members of the McLean High School Band Parents Association (MHSBPA), which meets at least three times each year.
  2. What is the executive board of the MHSBPA? The officers and committee chairs make up the Band Executive Board. They meet the first Tuesday of most months in the Career Center in the Guidance Office at MHS, and meetings are open to all band parents. Attendance is a good way to keep up with Band activities.
  3. What are the differences between Concert I, Concert II, Symphonic, and Marching Band? Most students begin in Concert Band ("Intermediate Band" on your student's schedule), which meets every day during 5th period. As students become more advanced in their skills, they audition for Symphonic Band ("Advanced Band" on your student's schedule), which meets on silver days during 4th period as well as Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm. All Symphonic Band and percussion class members are required to participate in Marching Band. Marching Band is optional, but encouraged for Concert Band members. Concert Band II is a lower level of Intermediate Band than Concert Band I. Concert Band II includes those students who are not advanced enough to placed in Concert I. Concert II performs on selected pieces along with Concert I. Concert Band has some special practices on Tuesday or other dates. Check with your student or the band calendar – on this Web site or in the newsletter – for the latest dates.
  4. What is Color Guard? Color Guard is part of Marching Band. Members perform with flags and other props to enhance the visual element of the marching performance. After the marching band season, many members of Color Guard also participate in Winter Guard, which is open to new guard members, rehearses regularly and travels to competitions.
  5. Explain the August practices for marching band: This activity, which at one time was known as "Band camp", is a three-week preparation for Marching Band. It includes practices at school as well as the week-long retreat to Westtown School (the "Westtown Experience"), just outside of Philadelphia. The entire preparation period is mandatory for all marchers and Color Guard members. Rookie practices normally held the first week of June for two afternoons after school. Rookie practices are only for new marchers. The "Westtown Experience" is preceded by two days of practices in August held in McLean. Students should prepare themselves ahead of time by drinking and bringing extra water to help their bodies adjust to being outdoors in August.
  6. Why are practices held at different locations? In general, local daytime marching practices are held in the athletic event parking lot adjacent to the football field, to preserve the grass on the McLean High School football field. These daytime practices may also be held at the football field at Lewinsville Park, which is just off Chain Bridge Road, not far from the high school. Wednesday night practices are held in the MHS stadium. Color Guard and percussionists usually practice with the marchers but may practice on their own.
  7. What is a Dinkle? Dinkles are comfortable shoes especially designed for Marching Band. They provide traction on the grass and, unlike regular dress shoes, they allow the foot to roll properly. They are purchased through the band, and students will be fitted for them by the end of the band camp retreat at Westtown.
  8. What are USSBA and BOA? The United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) and Bands of America (BOA) are circuits of high level marching band competition in which McLean participates.
  9. What expenses will I have because of Band? Families pay for transportation, food and lodging for overnight trips, uniform rental, and in some cases instrument rental. They may also have to pay a separate transportation fee to help cover the cost of buses to marching competitions.
  10. What if I have financial difficulty with these expenses? Our grocery store scrip and gift card scrip programs can help offset most of these expenses. If you have any questions or other extenuating circumstances, contact Mr. Kirchenbauer privately. Our goal is to have no student excluded from any activity for financial reasons.
  11. What is Tag Day? Tag Day, held on a Saturday in September, is the Band's principal annual fund-raising activity. Students canvass McLean neighborhoods requesting donations to support the Band program. The McLean community is very supportive.
  12. What is Tag Day money used for? Tag Day receipts supply much of the Band's yearly operating expenses. Among other things, Tag Day money is used to pay sectional teachers, replace and repair musical instruments and uniforms, and pay contest fees, special event fees, and some transportation costs. In general, Fairfax County supplies very little for our program.
  13. Can my child participate in other school activities? Absolutely, although anyone in Marching Band already has a rather full schedule during the fall.
  14. What can I do to help the McLean Band? All parents are encouraged to volunteer for various Band activities. Sign-up lists for volunteering will be available at the Fall General Band meeting. There is a wide range of fun opportunities available and all parents and guardians are welcome.
  15. How can I find out information on band events and schedules? The most up-to-date information – and breaking news -- is posted on this web site. The band newsletter is also published 8-10 times a year, and available on the website, but by its nature is not as up-to-date as the frequently updated Web site. You can receive the newsletter in the mail or, if you have Internet access, save the band the cost of printing and postage, via email.