1. •How do I become a member? Do I have to audition?
   

There is no formal audition to gain membership as an instrumentalist in the Monrovia H.S. Marching Wildcats. All you need is the approval of your middle school band director. Placement auditions will occur during band camp in August. Just make sure to sign up for the class by contacting the Band Office or the MHS Counseling Office.

1. •When do we rehearse? What kind of time commitment is involved?
   

The band rehearses every day as part of the school schedule. Sectional rehearsals with an expert in your instrument are held once every two weeks. During field show season, we rehearse on Thursday nights from 5:30-9:00 and every other Saturday from 9:00-12:30.  During spring festival season, we will have 2-4 evening rehearsals. 

1. •What about summer rehearsals?
   

Summer Band Camp runs for two weeks during the month of August. This intensive 2-week camp will cover marching technique, ensemble musicianship, a variety of repertoire and the opening drill of our competition field show.  There are additional wind and brass, Drum Line, and Color Guard rehearsals scheduled throughout the summer.  See the sidebar on this page for our rehearsal schedule.

1. •What kind of performance opportunities do we have?
   

The Marching Wildcats perform dozens of times per year throughout Southern California and beyond. Football games, band competitions, parades, the LA County Fair, and community events only make up a small portion of the reason we are the premier performing ensemble of Monrovia, CA.

1. •How can I fit band into my school schedule? What classes should I sign up for?
   

We expect that all members of the Monrovia Band program will be able to join us for four years and we recognize those students that do with awards and scholarships. Even students with the most rigorous academic schedules can find room for instrumental music EVERY SEMESTER. Four years of band is a definite plus on any college application.

All instrumentalists should sign up for Marching Band in the fall. Woodwind and Brass musicians must register for 1st Period Band.  Percussionists and Color Guard members must register for 4th Period Band.  Your counselor will help you make sure you are signed up for the correct section. 

1. •How much is this going to cost? What if I can't afford it?
   

Due to the expense of running our competitive and rigorous program, the band fee is approximately $500 per year. This amount may be adjusted up or down due to a number of factors and won't be finalized until we know exactly how many students will be enrolled in the ensemble and until our budget is approved by the Booster Board. In all cases, we will establish a payment plan that most families can work with. We also provide many opportunities to fundraise our financial obligations in addition to need-based financial aid.

1. •How can I find out more information?
   

If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact Mr. Magallanes at 626 471 2821 or by email at MonroviaWildcatMusic@gmail.com. More information is available at our website: www.monroviamusic.org