Freshman FAQs
How do I enroll in the RUHS Band and Guard Programs ?
You may sign up for Marching Band, Seahawk Band, and Jazz Band (with an audition) through your middle school counselor.
What is the time commitment?
Being in band requires a great commitment of your time. The experiences and skills you gain in the program are life-long, and amongst the top skill is time management. Band students are amongst the most successful students at our school, and most schools across the state. This is for all band and guard students.
How many rehearsals during the week? When are rehearsals?
We are in the process of planning rehearsal schedules with Athletics and Administration. Last school year we rehearsed on Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school for a total of 6-7 hours per week. We will have roughly 4 Rehears- A-Thons, times to be determined with plenty of breaks in the fall, to prepare for competition season
Why so many hours?
Students need to rehearse and become more familiar with their marching maneuvers and music on the field; it takes a lot of practice to perform a precision show. On average most programs rehearse up to 10 hours per week.
How many competitions?
Most competitions are held on Saturdays; however, there are also competitions hosted during the week. We normally schedule 5 tournaments on Saturdays. The goal is not to have more than 5 competitions on a Saturday, with the exception of semi- finals or championships
Are there other commitments?
Yes, the Band and Guard plays at all home football games, and may be asked to participate in local events or parades.
What if my child can't make a rehearsal or competition because of another commitment?
Unlike another activity or sport, marching band depends heavily on the principles of guiding to one another due to the precision of the field production. Our scores decrease when judges see that a person is missing; they automatically think it is an error and therefore mark us down many points.
Why does my child have so many band classes in their schedule?
This is usually true for freshmen and sophomore students; by taking zero period Marching Band, this allows the student to now have 2 electives since they don’t have to take PE. The zero period Marching Band class fulfills the PE requirement.
What happens in the spring semester when there is no marching band?
Freshmen students will continue to be challenged musically along with the other upperclassmen in the spring semester with the rest of the concert band students. Marching Band zero period becomes Concert Band zero period but still remains as Marching Band on your school schedule.
Do I have to be in Symphonic Band?
Seahawk Band is a prerequisite for all students before they can move to any other bands. Seahawk Band can be taken concurrently with Marching Band and in some cases if your schedule allows, it can be taken concurrently with Jazz Band or Percussion class.
Does my child have to do concert band?
Freshmen students already participate in Seahawk band; they will not participate in Concert Band during their freshmen year unless the need is there for their particular instrument. They need to remain in Zero period for Freshmen and Sophomore year in order to fulfill their PE - A through G requirement.
What kind of concert band attire do students need ?
Students can wear either black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes and a plain white button-up shirt or a plain, black, school-dress-code-appropriate dress, and black dress shoes.
Is there a rubric so I know how my child is graded?
Students are graded based on attendance, participation, tests, and other subjects as seen in the syllabus.
How will I find out call time or other information about the marching band season?
You can find information about our program on: http://redondobandandguard.org/events-calendar/and the band app: https://www.band.us/band/75932944/calendar?currentDate=2026-05
What time does zero period start? Where do I drop off for zero period?
Zero period begins at 7:15 am. Don’t be afraid of ZERO, while you may not be a morning person, the students all have a lot of fun together and grow accustomed to the early start.
In the fall, drop off is at the Visitors side of the football stadium, NOT the home side.
How late do the buses get in from competitions?
Awards ceremonies for the competition are usually around 9pm and end around 10pm. Depending upon the location, it could take up to one hour to arrive back to RUHS, and then the students organize their uniforms before they are dismissed. 11pm is a standard time.
How much do I have to contribute?
The contibution amount varies year to year depending upon enrollment and the complexity of our competition show. We ask that parents donate and/or fundraise to help cover costs that the school and/or state do not pay. Suggested donations may be tax-deductible and are TBA$. This funding goes toward field show music and props, uniforms or dance guard costumes, specialized instructors, and competition fees. Without the financial support of family and friends, our program will not exist.
If I contribute to my student’s contribution, why do I need to fundraise ?
Contributions only cover the basic needs of operating the program on a year to year basis. Fundraising helps us raise funds to repair instruments, purchase instruments, and any other equipment we need for the program. Fundraiser activities also help offset the suggested contribution amount. All payments made to the students contribution may be tax deductible.
Why do I have to pay a transportation fee?
Transportation is done through RUHS Athletics Department and they order all of our buses for us. We must have funds in our account through Athletics to be able to order buses to transport us to and from competitions and festivals. This is separate from the Booster financial need. To access the school registration, please go to the following link: https://manage.snap.app/register/redondounion/dashboard/home
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, you can definitely donate by using a credit card.
What if I can't afford the entire contribution amount?
No one can be turned away for inability to pay. We offer many opportunities for all to help raise funds for our program.
What is Athletic Clearance and why do I have to comply?
The school considers Marching Band & Dance Guard a PE class and this requires students to complete the required consent forms and medical release form signed by a doctor. At the conclusion, there will be a place to pay for transportation fee.
Can parents go to competitions? Can parents ride on the buses?
Yes, we love when parents go to our competitions. There is always lots of help needed. Parents may volunteer as a bus chaperone.
How do I volunteer?
Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities at football games, competitions, and the Booster uses Sign-Up Genius (an online free enrollment volunteer sign program). You will be notified a couple of weeks in advance of an event as to what kind of volunteer help will be needed.
Where do I find more information?
Check out the tabs on this website, or for specific questions, email our booster president at ruhsbandguardboosterprez@gmail.com. We also use the Band App: https://www.band.us/band/75932944/calendar?currentDate=2026-05.