Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I miss rehearsal during camp to move into my off-campus housing? Yes, You will need to fill out the absence request form. We just need to know when you will be missing and why. You are allowed to miss one rehearsal block to move. You are not allowed to miss an entire day of camp to move into your housing.
- Do we need to bring our own equipment? If you have your own equipment or access to equipment i would plan on bringing it just in case.
- What are the band camp dates? The dates have been officially published on our calendar.
- What is the dress code for band camp? Locate the spring newsletter on the marching band page of this site. That newsletter details everything you will need for camp.
- Do you have to be a music major to be in the marching band? No, anyone is welcome to join the marching band that has had prior marching experience.
- Can any of the information we provide on any of the forms be updated? Yes, just send Mr. Thomas an email with the corrected information and he will make the change. This is especially important once you know your Eagle ID.
- Does the marching band travel with the football team for the away games? The full band typically travels to at least one away game per season. This does not include Bowl Game travel. The full bad will travel to the bowl game.
- Do we need our own instrument or will one be provided? Wind instruments that will be provided: Piccolo, Tenor Sax, Mellophone, Baritone, Sousaphone. You must own and bring all other wind instruments.
- When will early move-in happen and how does it work? Early move-in will occur on the first day of band camp. You will check in a Foy first and then check-in to your housing at Watson Hall. Check the calendar for specific move-in dates for your section. Please note: The housing office is located in Watson Hall. This is where you go to get your keys for the place you are living on campus. You do not have to live in Watson Hall.
- How do we set up early move-in? You don’t. Mr. Thomas will handle all the arrangements for you to move in early to your on-campus housing. Please DO NOT call or email housing to try and set up or alter this in any way. All early move-in questions need to come directly to Mr. Thomas.
- What happen if I cannot attend band camp? Band camp is required. However, send Mr. Thomas an email detailing the reason you will not be able to attend band camp and in certain cases an exception may be made.
- When are drum major, leadership, and captain audition/interviews? We typically hold drum major, leadership, and captain interviews in January/February for the upcoming season.
- Do I have to move in early if I am living on campus? Yes.
- Can I audition for percussion even though I have never played before? Yes, all experience levels are encouraged to audition.
- Do I need to buy marching shoes? No. Everybody will be provided a new pair at the beginning of camp.
- Is there a band fee? No. However, there are a couple of items that need to be purchased. The UDB (Ultimate Drill Book) app and the appropriate e-flip for your instrument. Both together may cost about 40 dollars. Detailed information on what and where to purchase will be in the newsletter.
- What is the attendance policy? All rehearsals, performances, and the bowl game are required. See handbook for more information (located on our website).
- Should I go ahead and register for the class? Yes! You must be signed up for the class. Let your advisor know to sign you up. MUSE 3212. If you cannot sign up for some reason email Mr. Thomas.
- What if I have a class conflict with marching band rehearsals? Email Mr. Thomas the conflict and we will discuss it to see if we can work it out. In most cases we can work out the conflict so you are still able to participate. Your advisor may need to email Mr. Thomas directly to get approval.
- Where do I go to get the latest information? You can visit our new website: www.gsombands.com, as this is updated regularly. We also use the BandApp for communication. A new group will be created and information to join will be sent out. This will be the primary means of communication. Until then, please check the email you provided regularly.
- Do we need to be enrolled at the Statesboro Campus to participate? No. However, you are still required to be at all rehearsals and performances.
- Can I participate in the marching band if I attend Ogeechee Tech? No, at this time we do not allow Ogeechee Tech students to participate in the marching band.
- What is the schedule for band camp? There is a tentative schedule posted on the marching band page to this site. All dates, times, and locations are subject to change.