Question 1

Are fundraisers mandatory?

Accepted Answer

No. No fundraising activity is mandatory for any family. All fundraising opportunities are communicated to the group by the GPHS Band Boosters, who arrange general fundraisers that benefit the band groups as a whole.

Question 2

Where can I find information about the band program?

Accepted Answer

This site is the hub for all things GPHS band — the calendar, the Band Handbook, news, and more. Course descriptions are also on the GPHS Band page on the school website.

Question 3

What is the Marching/Pep Grizzly Band?

Accepted Answer

It is the 'face' of GPHS Bands — the band that supports GPHS teams at all home football games (marching and in the stands), selected basketball games, and community parades.

Question 4

Is there a separate Drum Line Camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Drum Line Camp runs the week before Band Camp, roughly 6pm-9:15pm each day. It is optional (but highly recommended); you do not have to attend it to be a percussionist in the Grizzly Band.

Question 5

What is the Concert Band uniform?

Accepted Answer

Option 1: black dress slacks, a black long-sleeved button-down shirt, black belt, black socks, and solid black dress shoes (acquired by the student). Option 2: one of two full-length black dress options provided ($67-79), black tights or nylons, and solid black dress shoes; the boosters place a bulk order each fall.

Question 6

What do booster funds support?

Accepted Answer

Specialized instructors and clinicians, music folders and new music, scholarships, uniform maintenance, sponsoring concerts and competitions, defraying various band costs, and providing financial assistance to families in need.

Question 7

How do I stay updated with the band?

Accepted Answer

Follow the band on social media — we're on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube — and check this site for the latest Band Happenings.

Question 8

Who can join the Grizzly Band, and how?

Accepted Answer

Any GPHS student can join, whether or not they're enrolled in a band class. Register and pay for membership through the GPHS Band Boosters, attend Band Camp, and become an ASB member.

Question 9

What are the benefits of Drum Line Camp?

Accepted Answer

Percussionists meet the current drum line and the drum line instructor early, and work on the exercises used during Band Camp for the marching drum line. Need-based scholarships are available via the financial assistance request form on this site.

Question 10

What is the Symphonic Band / Wind Ensemble uniform?

Accepted Answer

Option 1: black tuxedo with a white long-sleeved button-down shirt and black bow tie, black socks, and solid black dress shoes. Option 2: one of two full-length black dress options provided ($67-79), black tights or nylons, and solid black dress shoes.

Question 11

What are the annual field trip costs?

Accepted Answer

Wind Ensemble students pay the school ASB $90 for annual field trip costs; students in Concert, Symphonic, Percussion, and Jazz pay $30.

Question 12

Who do I contact with questions?

Accepted Answer

Send an email to gphsbandboosters@gmail.com, or reach the band director, Mr. Morris, at tadd.morris@sno.wednet.edu.

Question 13

What is the Grizzly Band fee, and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

For 2025-2026 the fee is $190 (a household with multiple Grizzly Band siblings never pays more than $290). It covers instructors, the marching show, music, uniform use and maintenance, transportation to games, occasional team meals, and a Grizzly Band T-shirt.

Question 14

What are the Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band uniforms?

Accepted Answer

Percussion Ensemble wears a black custom polo (ordered through the boosters, $39-47, tucked in). Jazz Bands wear black slacks, a black dress belt, black dress socks, and solid black dress shoes, acquired by the student.

Question 15

Are scholarships available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The GPHS Band Boosters provide a limited number of need-based scholarships for Grizzly Band fees, concert uniform costs, and field trip fees. A financial assistance request form is available on this site under Forms.

Question 16

What band groups are there?

Accepted Answer

Grizzly Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz I, and Jazz II.

Question 17

When is Band Camp, and is it required?

Accepted Answer

Band Camp runs a week in early August, 8am-4pm daily. Students can still join the Grizzly Band if they miss it, but Band Camp is where music and marching formations are learned, so attendance is required to march in the half-time show and to be fitted for a uniform.

Question 18

Which bands require auditions, and when are they held?

Accepted Answer

Jazz Bands, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble require auditions depending on instrument. Jazz auditions are in September and January; Wind Ensemble auditions are in April or May.

Question 19

How many concerts are there each year?

Accepted Answer

Each group performs four concerts per year (Fall, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring). Concert, Symphonic, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion perform over two consecutive evenings; Jazz I and II perform on a separate night.

Question 20

How can I be involved in the band program?

Accepted Answer

Attend the Band Booster meetings — typically the second Tuesday of each month. Consider serving on the Booster board (which comes with discounted Grizzly Band fees), and volunteer at our many events throughout the year.

Question 21

Are there field trips?

Accepted Answer

Each band program has three to five field trips a year, plus a usually-optional big trip — in past years to Silverwood, Disneyland, and Hawaii. For 2025-2026 the trip is a long weekend at Silverwood, with details to come.