Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Band at Churchill if I took a year off due to the pandemic?
Absolutely! If you are an incoming 9th grader, sign up for Concert Band. Other grades, sign up for Symphony Band.
Can I take band for one semester?
Band is a full year course. The exception to this is that MSC 9th and 10th graders may choose to take band for one semester to accommodate their extra required MSC course those years. MSC 9th and 10th graders who wish to take a full year of band can do this as well, you just will need to either not schedule world language those years, or take spring semester of world language online. We find that about 80% of the MSC students stay in band for the full year and about 20% take spring semester off for language and return to band in the fall. The choice is yours as to which option works best for you.
Can I be an athlete and also be a part of the band?
Yes, yes, yes! We have many fall, winter, and spring athletes in the band program as well as students in travel teams. If you are in marching band, most fall sports will conflict, however Cross Country and girls Swim/Dive does work with the Marching Band schedule. You just need to talk to Mrs. Hering and your coach to make arrangements. There are no sports with regular conflicts with the band classes. Occasionally there is a concert the same night as a game or meet and the coaches and Mrs. Hering work together to find the best resolution for each situation. But 99% of your band class responsibilities will have no bearing on your athletic schedule.
Can I be in MSC and be a part of the band?
Absolutely! In fact we typically have a large percentage of MSC students that also choose to be four year band members. They find that it brings balance to their schedule and allows an opportunity to use their brain in a different way and it allows students to build a well-rounded college application portfolio.
Can I be in CAPA and be a part of the band?
Yes! CAPA students take two CAPA classes + four cores each year. If you are in band, you would take one CAPA class, one band class, and four cores. The marching band schedule conflicts with taking a large role in the fall (only) CAPA play because our practices are at the exact same time, so that would be one thing you would need to be aware of when making your activity decisions.
Do I have to be in the Marching Band if I want to take a band class?
While the Marching Band is an amazing activity for our Chargers, we know it doesn't always work for every student. You do not need to march to play in band class.
Can I only be in Marching Band but not take a band class?
Since Marching Band is active for only a short time of the year, it's important that our marchers keep their chops in shape by participating in band class in addition to marching band. Band or Orchestra class is a requirement for being in the CHSMB - the exception to this is Color Guard. Guard is open to any Churchill student and there is no course requirement for participation.
Can I play in the band if I have never played an instrument before?
Yes, with conditions. We do not have a beginner class at Churchill, but a student that is successful academically (mostly A's and B's and holds a good work ethic) can typically be successful in starting an instrument later than everyone else!
Does Churchill loan instruments to students?
Churchill has a small inventory of loaner instruments for our students. Students who play very large or expensive instruments, like tuba, euphonium, baritone saxophone, bassoon, and bass clarinet are guaranteed a loaner instrument. We also have a small inventory of tenor saxophones, trombones, and other small instruments that can be loaned either to students in need or students that would like a second instrument so they don't have to transport their instrument to and from school each day. These are first come, first served. Last, we have a whole slew of marching specific instruments like our drumline instruments, sousaphones, mellophones, and marching baritones. Churchill does not charge students for loaner instruments, but they are responsible for paying for any damage beyond typical wear and tear.
Absolutely! If you are an incoming 9th grader, sign up for Concert Band. Other grades, sign up for Symphony Band.
Can I take band for one semester?
Band is a full year course. The exception to this is that MSC 9th and 10th graders may choose to take band for one semester to accommodate their extra required MSC course those years. MSC 9th and 10th graders who wish to take a full year of band can do this as well, you just will need to either not schedule world language those years, or take spring semester of world language online. We find that about 80% of the MSC students stay in band for the full year and about 20% take spring semester off for language and return to band in the fall. The choice is yours as to which option works best for you.
Can I be an athlete and also be a part of the band?
Yes, yes, yes! We have many fall, winter, and spring athletes in the band program as well as students in travel teams. If you are in marching band, most fall sports will conflict, however Cross Country and girls Swim/Dive does work with the Marching Band schedule. You just need to talk to Mrs. Hering and your coach to make arrangements. There are no sports with regular conflicts with the band classes. Occasionally there is a concert the same night as a game or meet and the coaches and Mrs. Hering work together to find the best resolution for each situation. But 99% of your band class responsibilities will have no bearing on your athletic schedule.
Can I be in MSC and be a part of the band?
Absolutely! In fact we typically have a large percentage of MSC students that also choose to be four year band members. They find that it brings balance to their schedule and allows an opportunity to use their brain in a different way and it allows students to build a well-rounded college application portfolio.
Can I be in CAPA and be a part of the band?
Yes! CAPA students take two CAPA classes + four cores each year. If you are in band, you would take one CAPA class, one band class, and four cores. The marching band schedule conflicts with taking a large role in the fall (only) CAPA play because our practices are at the exact same time, so that would be one thing you would need to be aware of when making your activity decisions.
Do I have to be in the Marching Band if I want to take a band class?
While the Marching Band is an amazing activity for our Chargers, we know it doesn't always work for every student. You do not need to march to play in band class.
Can I only be in Marching Band but not take a band class?
Since Marching Band is active for only a short time of the year, it's important that our marchers keep their chops in shape by participating in band class in addition to marching band. Band or Orchestra class is a requirement for being in the CHSMB - the exception to this is Color Guard. Guard is open to any Churchill student and there is no course requirement for participation.
Can I play in the band if I have never played an instrument before?
Yes, with conditions. We do not have a beginner class at Churchill, but a student that is successful academically (mostly A's and B's and holds a good work ethic) can typically be successful in starting an instrument later than everyone else!
Does Churchill loan instruments to students?
Churchill has a small inventory of loaner instruments for our students. Students who play very large or expensive instruments, like tuba, euphonium, baritone saxophone, bassoon, and bass clarinet are guaranteed a loaner instrument. We also have a small inventory of tenor saxophones, trombones, and other small instruments that can be loaned either to students in need or students that would like a second instrument so they don't have to transport their instrument to and from school each day. These are first come, first served. Last, we have a whole slew of marching specific instruments like our drumline instruments, sousaphones, mellophones, and marching baritones. Churchill does not charge students for loaner instruments, but they are responsible for paying for any damage beyond typical wear and tear.
