Band, but Not Marching Band?

Band, but Not Marching Band?

Many Ashley band students take band class without doing marching band. That is completely allowed. Marching band is strongly encouraged, but it is not required to be in band at Ashley.

If your student already has a full fall (a sport, a job, dance, family commitments), this page is for you. So is the student who has nothing filling the fall yet.

First, the One Thing That Matters Most

Make sure band is on next year's schedule. If band is the plan, that is the part we have to get right before summer. Marching band is a separate, optional layer on top of that.

You Can Probably Do Both

Marching band fits more schedules than families expect.

• Many of our marchers also play a sport, work a job, or dance.
• Rehearsals are predictable: Tuesdays and Thursdays after school during the season.
• The season is contained. Band camp in August, then Friday games and a handful of Saturdays through the end of October.
• We work with families on real conflicts. Strongly encouraged means we talk it through, not that we ignore your life.

If a sport or activity is the only thing holding you back, ask before you rule it out.

If the Fall Is Otherwise Open

If your student does not already have a fall activity, marching band is one of the best things they can do.

• It is a place to belong from day one of the school year.
• It is daily physical activity with a team.
• It is where many of our strongest friendships and student leaders come from.

A student without a fall home often finds one on the marching band field.

What It Looks Like

• Band Camp: August 4-15
• Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays after school during the season
• Friday night football games
• A few Saturday competitions, late September through October
• Season wraps at the end of October

Even students who are not in the competitive marching band are invited to perform in the stands at games, pep rallies, and parades when possible.

Cost Should Not Be the Deciding Factor

Marching band has a real cost to operate, but there is no required individual payment to participate. We use sponsorships, fundraising, booster support, school and district support, optional family contributions, and hardship support. No student is excluded from a band activity because of financial hardship. Full detail is on the Marching Band 2026 page.

Keeping the Door Open

You do not have to decide today. If there is any chance your student may want to march, tell us during the June 1 sign-up window. Saying you are interested does not lock anything in. It makes sure your student gets the next set of information.

Email Mr. Parker to ask for marching band information, or read the full Marching Band 2026 page.