When does Marching Band Season run?
Marching Band generally meets twice a week starting in July. In August, we hold a 1 week Band Camp and a shorter mini Band Camp in preparation for the competition season, which begins in September.
Who can join Marching Band?
East Irondequoit students in grades 7-12 can join the Marching Band, Color Guard, or Pit. Students in grades 6 can join the pit.
How often is Marching Band rehearsal?
Marching band meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. During competition season, we also meet on Saturdays for either practice or competrition.
What are marching band competitions?
Competitions are held on Saturdays or Sundays throughout the marching band season almost every weekend in September and October. We typically compete in 5-6 competitions, both in town and out of town (all within 1.5-2 hours driving distance). Our season ends at the NYSFBC Championships at the Carrier Dome. Competition days typically begin with practice on Saturday morning at the High School. After practice, the band eats lunch then takes a bus to the competition. They will eat dinner at the competition then take the bus back to school. Generally, they will arrive home between 10 and 11:30 on Saturday night.
What is the Rainbow of Stars?
Rainbow of Stars (ROS) is the annual competition held at East Irondequoit-Eastridge in early September. It is the first competition of the year, and our biggest fundraiser (see Rainbow of Stars page for more information or to volunteer).
What happens on 'Dome Day'?
Dome Day is term referring to the NYSFBC Championships held annually at the Carrier Dome on the last Sunday in October. This is the biggest competition of the year and is a day long event. The day always starts with the Dome Day breakfast, hosted by the EPFM. This is a special breakfast where the band celebrates all the hard work that they have put into the season. Many long standing traditions come forth during the breakfast (the Bacon Bowl, and the Dome Cone). After breakfast, there is a special recognition for all graduating seniors, including pictures on the Ridge Culver Fire truck. After breakfast, there is a short practice, then it is off to the Dome. Once at the Dome, the band practices at Sky Top, then enters the Dome and gets ready for their performance.
The championships begin early Sunday morning, East Irondequoit typically performs late Sunday afternoon. After performance, the band is allowed to eat dinner at the Dome. After all bands have completed performances and awards have been presented, the band boards the bus and returns home. They will typically arrive around 12:30-1 AM.
The championships begin early Sunday morning, East Irondequoit typically performs late Sunday afternoon. After performance, the band is allowed to eat dinner at the Dome. After all bands have completed performances and awards have been presented, the band boards the bus and returns home. They will typically arrive around 12:30-1 AM.
How can I help with Marching Band?
First, to volunteer with Marching Band, or with any event sponsored by EPFM, you need to become a member of the club. There are many ways to volunteer. All band members are expected to have at least one family member to volunteer during Rainbow of Stars. It is fun and exciting!
Also, we are always looking for volunteers throughout the year for the following roles:
Also, we are always looking for volunteers throughout the year for the following roles:
- Uniforms
- Fundraising
- Rainbow of Stars Chairperson(s)
- Band Camp
- Pit Crew
- Chaperones
- Dome Day Breakfast
Please see our volunteer page to volunteer for any of these spots!
What about Winter Drumline?
Winter Drumiline is the Indoor Percussion and runs from November until April. Similar to Marching Band, Winter Drumline meets 3 times a week, with competitions on Saturdays. Unlike Marching Band, Winter Drumline is a much smaller group (about 40 members vs 90 for Fall Marching Band). It consists of cymbal players, percussion, pit, and color guard only. Saturday competitions are generally during the day vs the night time performances of Fall Marching Band, so the students are usually home by 5 PM. The season culminates with the state championships in Syracuse in April.
What about Spring Parade Band?
Spring Parade Band starts in April and runs until July 4th. Spring Parade Band marches in both Memorial Day Parades and the 4th of July Parade.
What about trips?
The bands usually take one trip in the Spring. In recent years, they have traveled to Virgina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania for band competitions. Generally, multiple bands are part of the trip (Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Chorale).