Marching Band
The members of the Urbana High School Marching Band work together to create a stunning show each year. Our students work hard to master a program that challenges them physically, mentally and musically. Under the direction of Mr. Mike Harrison, Band Director and his team of highly-skilled instructors and technicians, students learn difficult music, drill, body movements and playing techniques. Band is a rewarding but time-intensive endeavor. Review the program requirements below to get a better understanding of the marching band commitment.
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Rehearsals
The band season unofficially begins in May as the band begins to reach out to the middle schools to recruit 8th graders to the program. Spring workshops are a great way for our future Freshmen musicians and guard members to meet the band and instructors and get a feel for the program.
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In order to build an award-winning program each year, the band season officially starts with an intensive two-week on-site band camp. The purpose of band camp is to prepare for the competition season and build a strong, cohesive team. Band Camp is required for all members. Click here for more information.
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Rehearsals are held 3-4 evenings per week and all day on non-competition Saturdays, September through October/early November.
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Competitions
The Urbana High School Marching Band is a competition-based program. Attendance at all competitions is required and critical for the overall success of the performance. The competition schedule includes every Saturday, all day, from early September through late October. Urbana Band hosts one home show each year, and the rest of the shows are typically within a 1-2 hour bus ride away.
Other Events
Preview Show
Just after school begins in the fall, the band will perform a Preview Show for parents, guardians and local fans. Typically we are joined by 1-2 other local bands. Dinner is catered by local restaurants and tickets are sold before the event. Information for the current band year can be found in Charms.
Frederick County Marching Band Showcase
Each October, all FCPS Marching Bands participate in a festival to showcase the talent of the marching bands across Frederick County. This event is not a competition, but a chance to perform for the broader community and cheer on their fellow FCPS bands. Details will be communicated via Charms.
Football Games
The marching band performs at most home football games. Prior to the start of the game, the band performs the Star-Spangled Banner and during the game will play the school fight song and other songs to support the Urbana Hawks and engage the audience. During the game, the band is seated in bleachers on the track. At half-time the band may perform their full program. Details will be communicated to the band members directly by Mr. Harrison in the week before the game.
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Trips
Each year the band goes on one or more longer trips to competitions or parades. Some occur during the fall marching season and are mandatory, others occur in the spring and are optional. Past trips have included BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, the Disney parade in Walt Disney World in Florida and the Patriot's Day Parade in Massachusetts. Details are planned and communicated well in advance of the trip by the Band Director.
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