Frequently Asked Questions
...and Answers (Contact Mr. Leonard if you need more info.)
Royal Brigade Marching Band FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in marching band?
Wind and percussion students enrolled in a music class at Courtland High School are eligible. Color Guard members are not required to be in a band class. The Color Guard, however, is a part of the RBMB.
How can I join the Drum Line?
Marching band drum line tryouts are typically in late May. You will be required to sight read.
How much time does marching band really take?
Mini-Band camp is held in late spring after school for 3 days. There may be section practices and/or full band rehearsals throughout the summer as determined by the director. Band Camp starts the first full week of August for all members and runs for 3 weeks. We usually go from 8am-2pm the first week, 8am-4pm the second week, and then 4-8pm the last week. Practice during the school year is after school until 5:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Football games are on Friday nights and competitions are on some Saturdays. Some competitions may require an overnight stay. The RBMB plays at all home games and all away games held within the county. The season typically ends in mid-November with the Christmas parades the first weekend of December. There will be a Banquet held in December for all members of the RBMB.
What should I bring to Band Camp?
100 disposable cups (no Styrofoam)
Fruit, powder Gatorade and peanut butter donation
Your instrument
Packed Lunch
Sun block
Sneakers (Athletic Shoes; NO Sandals, Flip Flops, or Bare Feet)
Hat and sunglasses
Highlighter & pencil
3-Ring Binder w/ 50 Plastic Sheet Protectors (for Music and Drill)
Water bottle/Camelback (one that hooks to you or wear on your back)
A good attitude!
Eat Breakfast! You will be in the hot sun working hard – your body needs fuel to keep going.
Drink lots of water the day before to hydrate your body for the next day.
Are there Scholarships available to RBMB members?
Yes, the CBPA awards up to 6-$500 scholarships to deserving seniors who are members in good standing with the CBPA at the Seniors Awards Ceremony held in late Spring. If you are interested in applying you can find an application under the heading of “CBPA” Website.
Courtland Band Parents’ Association FAQ
What is CBPA?
The Courtland Band Parents’ Association is a non-profit, tax exempt organization which supports Courtland High School Bands, Color Guard, and Winter Drum Line. Our purpose is:
To foster and promote a positive image of the Courtland High School band students and band programs.
To provide all possible moral and financial support and services to the Royal Brigade Marching Band, curricular band classes and other ensembles.
To cooperatively support the efforts of the Band Director(s) and staff to provide students with a music education that meets the highest possible standards.
To assist the Courtland High School bands in achieving growth in musicianship, in performance opportunities and in the number of students participating at all levels.
To foster an appreciation within the Spotsylvania County Public Schools and community for the educational value of strong band programs.
To work to build and maintain an organization of parents, which will help to promote the general activities of the Royal Brigade Marching Band, curricular band classes and other ensembles.
Who can be a member of CBPA?
Any parent who has paid the dues for their child to be in the Royal Brigade Marching Band is a Regular Member of CBPA. This includes Color Guard. Any parent whose student is not in the marching band, but is in a band program is encouraged to join as an Associate Member for $25. Associate member are entitled to vote on non-RBMB issues. Alumni of the CBPA can join as an Alumni Member for $25. Alumni Members are not entitled to vote or chair committees.
How much are Marching Band dues?
Each member will pay a $325 in membership dues: $50 non refundable deposit is due at sign-up, $100 due on August 15th, $100 due on September 15th, and $75 due on October 15th. Make checks payable to “CBPA”. Student account points may be used to help pay your fees. CBPA is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. ANY AND/OR ALL MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Once your second payment is made August 15th you will responsible for all dues even if your student drops out.
Can I pay my marching band dues, fund-raising fees, spring trip money, and winter activities fees in cash?
The CBPA will only accept personal checks, money orders or cash. All funds must be put in an envelope clearly labeled with the student’s name and purpose for the money.
What do my dues cover?
The membership dues will go toward the cost of transportation, Show shirt, Polo shirt (first year), uniform cleanings, new shoes, gloves, uniform accessories, instructors, show & music, newsletters, awards, and competition fees. The transportation covers transportation to everything except Spring Trip.
Is the cost of spring trip included in my band dues?
No, however; you can use points to pay for spring trip.
What are Points?
Points are credits in your marching band account. One point equals one dollar.
How can I earn Points?
Students can earn points by participating in fund raisers. It will be announced prior to each fundraiser, how many points can be earned. Traditionally a portion of the profit for selling items goes to the student and a portion goes to the band. Rock-A-Thon is the only fund raiser in which 100% of the profit goes to the student. If you shop online frequently, consider registering with OneCause.com and a percent of your purchase goes to your child’s point account. Buying Scrip (Gift Cards) is also an easy way to earn points. Parents can earn points by signing up for a job or position that awards points. See the Parent Participation Form and Volunteer Opportunities for more details.
How do I know how many Points I have and how can I use them to pay dues?
There are two ways you can check your student’s available points.
1. Your child’s available points will be posted on the band office window every month after the CBPA meeting.
2. You may contact the Treasurer by phone or e-mail.
What can I use Points for?
You may use Points to pay for dues, spring trip, District Audition Fees, Solo & Ensemble Fee, and fund-raising fees. Fill out a “Points Transfer Form” (available in the band office above the safe) indicating how many points to transfer, purpose of the transfer, sign it and give it to the Treasurer.
How can I support the Courtland Band Program?
VOLUNTEER !!! BE ACTIVE!!!
Join CBPA and attend meetings, volunteer to be a chairperson or board member, chaperone, work concessions, and participate in fund raisers. Donate money, food for band camp, or various goods that can be used at concessions (ex: paper cups) or sold at the souvenirs table (ex:crafts, spirit items).
How can I keep up with what is going on with my band student?
The Courtland band web site (Click Here to visit Web Site) is kept up to date with announcements and has a calendar with important dates. The Band Director issues a Performance Reminder prior to any performance that includes report times, dress code, and any other important details. In addition, if you are a CBPA member, the CBPA President will send out regular e-mails with important information and CBPA newsletter is sent out monthly during marching band season to all members. The newsletter is sent out via email and can be sent to your home upon request.
General Band Class FAQ
Does Courtland High School loan out instruments?
Yes, please contact the band director. We do NOT provide mouthpieces or reeds.
Should I take private lessons?
Yes. Private lessons will help you improve dramatically with the individual attention you will receive. Local music stores can provide information on lessons. Occasionally, there are ads for music teachers on the bulletin board in the band room. Another resource is the website, www.lessonportal.com.
How can I be in Symphonic Band?
For rising 9th graders, Concert band is scheduled by default unless a tryout is set up in advance with the director (preferably before August), in which case, Symphonic Band may be an option. Upper classmen who are currently enrolled in Concert Band will have the opportunity to audition for placement in Symphonic during the spring semester.
Does it cost money to join Jazz Band?
Jazz Band is a class, not an afterschool activity like marching band. There may be some expenses related to concert attire and various other activities that take place throughout the year.
What is a chair challenge?
Chair challenges take place throughout the school year. You will be asked to perform several major scales, your chromatic scale, and typically perform a portion of a piece of music you have been working on in band class.
How do I earn medals?
By participating in Festivals, All-District Band, All-Virginia Band, or Solo and Ensemble. These medals are provided by the CBPA and are presented at the awards banquets.
How do I get a Courtland "Band Letter"?
The Band Letter is awarded to students who participate in Symphonic Band or Concert Band, Marching Band, or Jazz Band, try out for All District Band, and perform at least one piece at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students must maintain a perfect attendance record for the year (July 1 – June 30) in which they receive the award. Members of the Royal Brigade Marching Band are also eligible to receive the “RB Honor Letter.” Students must have perfect attendance at all rehearsals and performances and demonstrate exemplary levels of performance and conduct throughout the season.
How do I get the "Symphonic/Concert Band" Award?
The Symphonic/Concert Band Award is given to students who accumulate points according to the band handbook. Points are given to students for things like perfect attendance, attending a musical performance, participating in private lessons, superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble, etc. These are not the same as Points credits used to pay dues, etc.
What is the difference between "All County Band" and the "Spotsylvania Combined Band"?
All County Band is comprised of Concert or Symphonic Band students who tried out for District Band and scored a combined total of 100 points from both judges. The Combined Band is made up of all marching band students from all five high schools. It performs at the Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg Holiday parades annually.
Am I required to participate in "Solo and Ensemble" and "District Band"?
Students enrolled in Symphonic Band are required to participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival and are required to try out for District Band. If you do not wish to try out or participate, consider enrolling in Concert Band.
What is "District Band"? When and where is it?
Individual band students from several neighboring counties compete for limited spots in two bands: District Concert Band and the District Symphonic Band. Auditions and the concert is at a local high school in December. Students who place high enough in the Symphonic Band are eligible to try out for the All-VA Band. The audition scores are also used to seat students in the All-County Band (Spotsylvania). There is a nominal fee to audition and it is usually paid for by the CBPA. See the calendar for specific dates.
How do I prepare for "District Band" auditions? Who can try out?
District Band tryouts will demand a thorough knowledge of all 12 major scales, the full chromatic scale for your instrument, a prepared selection, and a brief sight-reading exercise. Any student enrolled in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, or Percussion Class is eligible. Students in Symphonic Band are required to try out.
Are there costs involved for trying out and participation in All County/All District?
Trying out for District and County Band costs approximately $6. All County Band is free. If the student is a member CBPA, in good standing, all fees will be paid for by CBPA.
Winter Drum Line and Winter Guard FAQ
What is Winter Drum Line?
Winter Drum Line is similar to marching band except they compete in a gym and only percussion instruments are used. We typically attend four competitions during the winter season. Winter Drum Line try-outs are in November and practice begins in December. The competition season starts in late February and runs through the month of March. Check the calendar for these dates. You do not have to be a member of RBMB to do winter drum line.
What is Winter Guard?
Winter Guard is similar to Color Guard only without the accompaniment of the band. Prerecorded music is used to accompany a dance routine performed in a gym. Winter Guard try-outs are in November, and practice begins in December. The competition season starts in late February and runs through the month of March. Check the calendar for these dates. You do not need to be a member of the RBMB Color Guard to join the Winter Guard.
Why do I have to pay extra dues to join the Winter Drum Line and Winter Guard?
Winter Drum Line and Winter Guard are separate activities from RBMB. Like marching band, Winter Drum Line and Winter Guard need funds for competition fees, traveling expenses, uniforms and props. If you would like more information, check out the CBPA’s Constitution and Bylaws.
VBODA Activities FAQ
What is VBODA?
VBODA stands for Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association. It is the governing body for all official band contests in Virginia including Marching Festival, Band Festival, District Band, All Virginia Band, and Solo & Ensemble Festival.
What does "Superior, Excellent, etc." mean?
Students and bands are given ratings at all VBODA sponsored events.
I – Superior II – Excellent III – Good IV – Fair
What does it mean when music is graded “3, 4, 5, 6”?
The state organization (VBODA) decides how difficult a particular piece of music is and assigns a grade based on several factors.
1 = beginning band level 4 = young high school
2 = young middle school band 5 = advanced high school and college
3 = advanced middle school 6 = professional level
What is "Festival"?
Festival is a VBODA sponsored band contest. This can be for Marching, Symphonic, Jazz, or Concert band.
What is a "Virginia Honor Band"?
A Virginia Honor Band a band program that achieves a Superior Rating for both the marching band and Symphonic Band at their respective band festivals.
How do I get a "Virginia Honor Band" patch and medal?
You must participate in both the Marching Band Festival and Symphonic or Concert Band Festival and achieve Superior ratings for both. If you are part of one and not the other you will not receive the patch or medal.
What is "Solo and Ensemble"? How do I prepare?
Solo and Ensemble is a VBODA event in which students are judged as a solo or small ensemble. Students work on a piece of music independently outside of band class. Students should plan at least three months ahead and purchase the music they wish to play. Students may also borrow music from Courtland's Music Library.