Band Camp
Band camp is held each Summer prior to the first day of school. Pre-camp rehearsals/practices called Technique Camp will be held before Band Camp. Band Camp (the week from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.) is mandatory to be a member of the marching band. Technique Camp typically takes place the last two weeks in July, and Band Camp is usually the first week in August (dates are tentative to change). After Band Camp, there will be scheduled band practices until the first day of school. It is obvious to every successful team and organization that the most common characteristic of success is great attendance. It is understood that family plans can conflict with Technique Camp. We ask that you communicate those conflicts in advance. Last minute absences may affect the students standing and could prevent them from performing with the competitive marching band.
Carolinas Exhibition of Bands
Nation Ford Band hosts the Carolinas Exhibition of Bands each September. This is a unique event in that each band is able to present their show for the first time for the season to a stadium full of spectators, and be critiqued by a panel of World Class adjudicators for the simple benefit of receiving feedback on how they can improve. There are no scores given, but there are opportunities for clinics and full dress rehearsals prior to the beginning of competition season.
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Band Contests
The band performs in several marching band contests (exhibitions, competitions, Bands of America events & SC state contests) each year during the Fall and several concert festivals and competitions in the Winter/Spring. Participation in these events provides extra motivation to strive for excellence, raise the quality of performance, and it offers an opportunity to gauge the band’s progress and to gain recognition.
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Region Band
Open to all band students through auditions held in early January. The best auditions in the region are selected for two bands (Clinic 9th & 10th) (Senior 11th & 12th). These groups will rehearse and perform one weekend in February. Since Nation Ford hosts this event, we run concessions and perform other duties as deemed necessary by the band directors.
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All-State Band
The best Region Band auditions are invited to audition for All-State Band. This group will rehearse and perform one weekend at Furman University. The students selected for All-State do not perform at Region Band.
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Concert Festival
Typically held in late-March or early April. It is required that all Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band members participate. The band is evaluated by a panel of adjudicators who gauge the band’s ability to perform good concert literature and to perform sight reading. Wind Symphony Attire: female students wear a black, polyester blend, long sleeve, scoop neck, floor length dress with dress shoes; male students wear tuxedos, black dress shoes and black socks. Symphonic Band Attire: announced by director but generally white or black top and black bottoms with black shoes. ** Do not purchase attire until it is decided & communicated by the band director **
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Solo & Ensemble
Open to all band members who wish to complete a solo, duet or small ensemble for evaluation by an adjudicator and is usually held in April. If Solo & Ensemble is hosted by one of our booster club schools, we help with concessions and perform other duties as deemed necessary by the band directors.
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Concerts
The band has a Holiday Concert in December, and a Spring Concert in May. Percussion will usually also have a separate showcase in the Spring as well. Color Guard will be featured at the concerts, and will have the opportunity to perform at a Recital in the Spring.
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Graduation
The band will play at graduation and it is mandatory for all students unless a family member is graduating AND prior notice/approval is granted by the Band Director. This performance is the final test grade for the semester. Failure to attend will affect a student’s final grade if not approved in advance.
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Community Events / Parades
The band performs in the annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade in early December. All parades and community events are mandatory unless excused (prior notice & approval) by the band director.
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Winter Guard
An activity which students audition to participate during the winter months. This involves a series of competitions across many locations. Additional fees do apply.
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Winter Percussion Ensemble
An activity which students audition to participate during the winter months. This involves a series of competitions across many locations. Additional fees do apply.