Portage Northern Marching Band – FAQ

What is Marching Band?

Marching Band is a competitive, performance-based ensemble that performs at football games and competitions while marching and playing at the same time. Students build musicianship, teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience while representing Portage Northern High School.

Who can join Marching Band?

Any student enrolled in the band program is eligible to participate. Color Guard and Percussion have separate audition processes.

Do I have to be enrolled in a band class?

Yes. All musicians in the marching band must be enrolled in a band or orchestra class at Northern. Year-round musical development is vital to our success.

Exceptions due to unique circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Mr. Mufarreh with questions.

Does Color Guard need to enroll in a band class?

Enrollment in a band class is not required for students who participate only in Color Guard.

However, students who play a musical instrument are expected to enroll in one of Northern’s band ensembles to continue their year-round musical growth.

Can I take AP, IB, or Honors classes and still do marching band?

Yes. A large percentage of PNMB students participate in AP, IB, and Honors coursework. Marching Band students consistently demonstrate strong time-management skills and academic success.

Can I do marching band and a sport?

Yes. Many students successfully manage both, but it requires strong time management and consistent communication.

General guidelines:

  • Games typically take precedence over rehearsals.

  • Marching Band competitions typically take precedence over games.

  • Conflicts are handled case-by-case.

  • Some sports may not be compatible due to scheduling overlap.

Students are expected to take ownership and communicate early with both directors and coaches.

What if I play oboe, bassoon, viola, or another non-marching instrument?

Many students who play instruments not suited for marching learn a secondary instrument for the season.

Examples (But not limited to)

  • Bass clarinet → Clarinet or Tenor Saxophone

  • Oboe/Bassoon → Saxophone or Percussion

  • String players → Percussion, Electric Bass, Guitar, Piano, or a Wind Instrument

We will help you determine your best placement. There is a place for you in PNMB.

What organization do you compete in?

Portage Northern competes in the Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA), which sets competition rules, schedules, and rankings.

What is “Flight II”?

MCBA groups schools into “Flights” based on total school enrollment (not band size). Portage Northern competes in Flight II.

What competitions do students perform in?

Students perform at:

  • MCBA competitions in September & October

  • Home football games

  • MCBA State Finals (for qualifying bands), held at Ford Field

Is Band Camp required?

Yes. Band Camp is required for all Marching Band members and is essential for learning music, marching technique, drill, and team culture. Students who miss Band Camp start the season at a major disadvantage.

How much time does Marching Band take?

Marching Band is a significant commitment during the fall season:

  • Band Camp in late July/early August

  • After-school rehearsals during the week

  • Some Saturday rehearsals

  • Football games

  • Competitions

Students and families should plan for a busy August–October.

Three seasons of Marching Band satisfy the district’s Physical Education (PE) credit requirement for graduation.

Marching Band is also an excellent way for students to begin the year with structured time management — a skill that benefits them well beyond high school.

Do students have to march and play at the same time?

Yes. Students are taught how to march and play simultaneously. Instruction is scaffolded so rookies build skills gradually and safely.

Do students have to practice at home?

Yes. Students are expected to practice music and review marching outside of rehearsals. Growth depends on personal responsibility and preparation.

Is music memorization required?

Yes. Students are expected to memorize music as the season progresses. The rehearsal process is structured to support memorization, and materials are available early so students can begin preparing before camp.

What if my student is new to marching band?

All first-year members are considered “rookies,” regardless of grade level. Rookies receive extra guidance from staff, drum majors, section leaders, and veteran members. Marching Band is intentionally designed to build skills from the ground up.

How physically demanding is Marching Band?

Marching Band is physically demanding but designed so all students can succeed with effort. Conditioning, stretching, and endurance training are built into rehearsals. Light summer activity before Band Camp is recommended.

What should students bring to rehearsal?

Students should bring:

  • Their instrument or equipment (flag, sticks, mallets, etc.)

  • A large water bottle

  • Athletic shoes

  • Dot book and pencil (or UDB App)

  • A positive, hardworking attitude

A more exhaustive rehearsal gear list is available HERE

How are uniforms handled?

Students are fitted for uniforms each year during pre-camp.

Uniforms must be worn and cared for properly:

  • No food or drinks (except water) in uniform

  • All uniform parts must be returned after each performance

  • Uniforms are cleaned by boosters

  • Personal items (gloves, undershirts, etc.) are cleaned by families

Students must wear the required black PNMB undershirt under their uniform.

Additional uniform requirements and care guidelines are outlined HERE

How do students get information?

Students receive information through:

  • Band leadership (Drum Majors & Section Leaders)

  • Director announcements

  • The BAND App

Parents receive weekly emails during the season from directors and boosters.

Where should parents look for official information?

Official communication comes from:

  • Weekly Director Emails

  • Weekly Booster Emails

  • BAND App

Social media is for photos and community connection — not official updates — but we encourage families to follow us to stay connected and celebrate student achievements.

What are Section Leaders and Drum Majors?

Section Leaders and Drum Majors are student leaders selected through an application and interview process. They are the first point of communication for students and help run rehearsals and section activities.

What is a “Section Breakfast”?

On competition days, sections may meet for an early breakfast. This is a student-run tradition that builds section community. Students represent PNMB in public during these outings.

What is PNIPE / Winter Guard?

Students may choose to participate in:

  • Indoor Percussion (PNIPE)

  • Winter Guard

These are separate programs with separate fees and auditions held in November.

Are families expected to volunteer?

Yes — Marching Band depends on family volunteers.

Opportunities include chaperoning, uniform help, trailer loading, competitions, and major fundraisers. When families help once or twice, the workload stays manageable and sustainable for everyone.

What extra costs should families expect?

Common optional or required items may include:

  • Show shirts

  • Band swag

  • Band jacket

  • Lyre & flip folder

  • Gloves and shoes

  • Required undershirt

Details are shared each season.

Who do I contact if I have questions

Questions should be directed to:

  • Your student’s Section Leader (student concerns)

  • Band Directors (program questions)

  • Band Boosters (volunteering, fundraising, accounts)