What is Marching Band?

A musical and visual ensemble consisting of students in grades 9-12. For students who play a band instrument, there is a class scheduled during the school day that gives a credit towards graduation. For students who are members of the color guard, there is not a credit awarded class currently. We march, we play music, we represent the music visually with our guard members, we have a great time performing and making friends.

What does the Marching Band do during the year?

The marching band

• Performs several concerts throughout the year
• Plays/Performs at Home Football games
  (Pep Band in stands and then a half-time show)
• Marches in the Apple Harvest and Memorial Day parades here in town
• Performs in competitions that are held on Saturday afternoon/evenings (beginning mid-Sept and culminating in November at Nationals)
• Performs in a State and National championship
  (States are typically held in New Britain at the stadium
  Nationals are held at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ)

Rehearsals

• Active in the summer with percussion and guard practices on Wednesday evenings

• A couple of music (brass and winds) rehearsals (June 28th and July 17th)

• Band Camp (August 14-18 & August 21-25)

• After band camp rehearsals are Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6PM – 9PM and Fridays 2:30PM – 5PM

MOTK – What is it?

MOTK or Music of the Knight is Southington’s Home Show. Historically, this show is the last competition/exhibition before states. It typically is an all day event that starts with volunteers getting breakfast at Pepper Pot and then heading over to the high school to prep for the most exciting and tiring day that you will probably experience. It is expected that each member of the BKMB and Guard, has an adult family member(s) volunteer during this event

States and Nationals

States and Nationals are the two final weekends of competitions. This is where you will get to see the culmination of all of the hard work that our kids have put in since the beginning of the season.

States is typically held at Veterans Memorial Stadium
Nationals is typically held at the Met Life stadium in East Rutherford, NJ

What is expected of me as a parent?

When your child joined the band, whether it be as part of a class or because they love to dance and spin things, they signed you up to support them. All parents are automatically adopted into the BKMB Backers organization. We have at least 1 monthly meeting, where we discuss financials of the band, upcoming fundraisers that parents and kids can take part in, and alert everyone to important upcoming events.

MOTK, mentioned above is the areas largest show. Without the support and help of all of the parents and guardians, we would not be able to put the show on. There is an expectation that every parent or guardian donate their time on that day especially. It takes an Army to put the show on and when parents don’t participate, it puts more work on the parents that do contribute. There is no expectation that you give your whole day, but we do hope that you can find something in all of the options that are out there, and help out, even if it is just for a few hours.

I have more questions, who can I reach out to?

We have a special person on the Eboard that has been a Band Backer for years, (Bridget Ceruti.) They have seen numerous competitions, parades, concerts, and attended many many meetings.

No question is stupid, and its probably been asked before. We try to answer as many questions as we can in our 1st Year corner, but if you can’t find the answer, feel free to email, Bridget at Teamcaptain