Register and pay your deposit here. Also, a QR code is provided in the information packet.

We need all registration forms submitted by May 15. This allows us to finalize our show and gives band members sufficient time to perfect the music and movement.

Band fees are determined by looking at total anticipated expenses (uniform accessories, bus trips, a weekend at States, staff fees, etc) and subtracting anticipated income (fundraising, concessions, sponsorships, and the school district budget). We then divide by the anticipated number of students. We expect the 2024-25 Band Program to cost approximately $280,000 in total, which is our starting point when calculating fees.

Your marching band fees include transportation costs to football games, competitions, and MPAs. You may be asked to provide your own transportation to special events such as parades. Note: Transportation for Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion are not included.

Yes. We have a limited number of scholarships available. Please contact Dr. Wilkerson or our Treasurer for more details. We also offer monthly payment installments to help spread the costs over the marching band season.

Students that play wind instruments are required to be enrolled in a concert band and/or jazz band course. However, there are exceptions to this due to scheduling conflicts and dual enrollment. These conflicts should be discussed with Dr. Wilkerson. Percussion and Color Guard students are required to be in the respective course for those specialty areas.

We accept musicians of all skill levels – from beginners to highly experienced. We hold auditions for drumline each Spring to determine placement - if your child auditions and does not make it, they are welcome to play a different percussion instrument.

Yes. We will provide training.

We expect band members to attend all* rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Please refer to the sample calendar for an idea of the overall schedule. We understand this is a significant commitment, but we believe it’s well worth it. When all band members are present and working together, they perform better and deepen their relationships.

The Marching Band season begins with show reveal/sign up in March and ends with State Competition in November, with an encore performance at Prism in early December and parades throughout the year. However, the bulk of the time commitment occurs July - November.

Parents should contact the band director as soon as you know there is a conflict.

The marching band travels to 1-2 away football games in the Fall and to competitions on Saturdays throughout October and November. Much of this is local but some competitions are in other parts of Florida. Band fees cover transportation costs via bus. If unexpected travel is needed, we divide the costs evenly among the students.

Instruments are available from the school or you may play your own. Band members may inquire with the band director about renting their instrument for the year so they may practice at home.

Florida summers are HOT. Band members should be prepared with a large water jug, sunscreen, and snacks. Additionally, they should bring a black towel on which to lay their instrument to protect it from hot asphalt. They should also wear white t-shirts with their name and instrument written on it (they will receive more information about this) along with comfortable clothing and athletic shoes.

We would love to help you find a good fit for your schedule and talents. Review some of the available opportunities and connect with the chairperson listed. If you’re still not sure, please contact our Corresponding Secretary to discuss how you can get involved.

No. LRBBA supports all the band programs, including symphonic band, wind ensemble, jazz band, percussion and colorguard.

Our annual budget makes assumptions about the income level of fundraising dollars, so if we don’t bring in what we budgeted, we will have a budget shortfall and have to make cuts and/or raise fees the following year to compensate. That being said, no one is required to participate in fundraising but it is strongly encouraged. We make it easy with a variety of fundraising opportunities that require little time investment. Some fundraising events directly support your student (applied to your student’s band fees) while others support the entire band (applied to the overall budget).

A competitive band is what it sounds like – competitive. That means we spend extra time and resources perfecting our music and visuals in order to compete (and win) against other bands throughout the state. This requires a higher time commitment from our members than a pep band. The class of competition will be determined by the size of the band (number of students who register) and our band will compete against other bands within the same class.

Charms is a members-only website and is the source of truth for the band program. Every band student is provided access to Charms. Parents will use Charms using their students info to make payments and manage their accounts, sign up for volunteer events, access previous MMNs, and view the calendar. You can view a tutorial here. If you have questions or need help accessing Charms, please contact the corresponding secretary.

You can find the school district volunteer information and form at https://www.manateeschools.net/volunteer. Complete and submit the form — you will receive an email from Raptor Technologies when it is approved. The second and final step is to visit the school front office during school hours to scan your state-issued ID (Driver’s License).

If you wish to volunteer overnight, you will need to have a more extensive background check conducted (level 2 clearance) and pay an $80 fee. Please email gambinod@manateeschools.net for instructions.