Carroll Charger Pride Band

Here is a list of frequent questions asked by Freshmen.

Did you fill out the pre-enrollment form? Click on the Pre-enrollment button below for a printable version.

Email Mr. K at

dick.karkosky@nacs.k12.in.us

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Freshman page

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Booster Home Page

1Q) When does Marching Band start?
1A) Practices are typically held the first week after school lets out in June. Then there is a break until Band Camp, which starts in late July.

2Q) How often does the Marching Band or Color Guard Practice?
2A) Band Camp is two or three weeks of all-day practices (Monday thru Friday) held at the school during late July and/or early August. After band camp, the Marching Band and Color Guard usually practices on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:30 PM, and Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 PM. Wednesday sectional practices are held after school. Times are subject to change, but these are general guidelines.

3Q) How often does the Marching Band Perform?
3A) The band performs at all home football games and performs at 9 or 10 competitions. Competition
season begins the first week of September and
continues until the end of October. All competitions
are held on Saturdays and are either in the afternoon and/or evening.

4Q) Where does the Marching Band perform?
4A) The Marching Band competitions are mainly in the northern half of Indiana. Typical city areas include, Kendallville, Elkhart, Indianapolis, Plymouth, and Fort Wayne. District competition is usually at Homestead High School. Regional competition alternates yearly between Chesterton and Lafayette Jefferson High Schools. State Finals are held in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Only ten bands in each class in the whole state are privileged to make it to the Dome, and in 2006, the Charger Pride was one of them!

5Q) By what date do I decide that I want to be in Marching Band ?
5A) By the date that your class sign-up sheets are due.

6Q) Do I need to tryout for Marching Band?
6A) No, you just need sign-up for the proper classes.

7Q) What classes do I sign-up for so that I can be in
Marching Band?
7A) Freshman brass and woodwind players who want to be in marching band should sign up for Intermediate Band. Percussionists sign up for Instrumental Ensemble first semester and then Intermediate Band second semester. If you are in Color Guard and also play a musical instrument, you would sign-up for Beginning Band. You should talk with Mr. K if you want to try out for Advanced Band and/or Jazz Band.

8Q) If I don't want to be in Marching Band can I still be in the other types of Band?
8A) Absolutely! While we encourage all band students
try Marching Band, its not for everyone. You would need to sign up for Beginning Band or try-out for the Jazz Band. Both the Intermediate and Advanced Bands concentrate solely on the marching band show during marching band season.

9Q) Can the School provide me with an instrument?
9A) Yes. Be sure and fill-out the Pre-enrollment form as quantities and instruments are limited.

10Q) Can I still be in fall sports and in Marching Band?

10A) It's challenging, but possible. You need to talk to Mr. Karkosky.

11Q) How much does Marching Band or Color Guard cost? 11A) The fee for Marching Band or Color Guard is currently $250. The payment schedule is currently under review, but typically is separated into 3 separate payments.

12Q) Does the Marching Band go on any trips outside of marching season? 12A) Yes. One large trip is scheduled every four years. The band went on a cruise to the Bahamas during Spring Break, 2004. A small trip is scheduled every two years after a large trip.

13Q) How can I raise money to pay for band fees and trips? 13A) The easiest way to raise funds for your student's fees is through our different fundraisers (chicken BBQ's, and brochure sales), and the Band Booster SCRIP program. See the Band Booster's web site for the most current SCRIP form and ordering information.

14Q) Is there any way for the parents to get involved? 14A) Yes! There are many opportunities for the parents to get involved in the Marching Band program. Being a Band Booster is a great way to be involved in your student's High School experience. The Boosters meet on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7 PM at the High School. We will need your help at the 4-H Fair in July and the Carroll Invitational in September. These are large money making projects that the Band Boosters hold each year. Plus, there are always opportunities for chaperones, pit crew, decorating lockers, etc. Come to any Band Booster meeting to find out more. Booster meetings are a great way to meet other band parents (we're a fun group!) and really get in on the excitement surrounding the Carroll High School Bands.