Join Us!
Printable VersionIf your junior high age children (or grandchildren!), friends, or neighbors are interested in being a member of Cincinnati’s most visible high school marching band, then please contact us and find out more information.
Transfer students are also welcome.
No experience is necessary. Seriously! All you need is the desire to be in a school organization where you are respected, all members play at the varsity level, and you get a real sense of pride in what you do.
Please contact Debbie Axt, and she will e-mail you back or call you if you provide your phone number in your e-mail to answer any of your questions. Mrs. Axt is a mother of one current band member and one band alumn.
Call the school office at 641-1300 to schedule a Shadow Day where a student can spend a day following a band member around the school to see what a typical day is like at Roger Bacon High School.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to play an instrument to join? - NO! Anyone can join the band. Every year students join the band that have never played an instrument before. The band members receive instruction and encouragement as they learn their instrument. You would be surprised how quickly they learn and are included in the band performances.
Do I need my own instrument to join? - NO! The Band will provide an instrument for you.
What about instrument lessons? - Each band member is required to take lessons in their instrument of choice. The Band has approved instructors at very reasonable rates. The students grades are dependent on their instrument lessons and practice.
Can I use my own music teacher? - Yes, with the approval of the band director.
Is there a band class? - During the school year Concert Band is a period during the day. Yes, you get a grade for band. Unlike many other high schools, Band at Roger Bacon is a full credit course and fulfills the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Are there other music classes? - YES. The school also offers Concert Choir, Percussion Class specifically for percussion players, Guitar Class for any level player and the following as music electives: Music Appreciation, Music and Technology, and History of Jazz and Pop.
My background is in dance or cheerleading. Do you have a plan for me? - YES! Our award winning Color Guard accompanies the Band on all trips, performs year-round, and when possible competes on its own in the "Winter Guard" circuit.
What about Band Camp? - Band camp spans three weeks near the end of July and beginning of August. Freshman Band Camp is the first week where freshman and seniors spend 1/2 days with the seniors teaching the new members the basics of the band. Band Camp spans the next two weeks and meets all day. This time is to learn the music and drill for our football half-time and competition marching shows. Overall, Band Camp is a bonding experience that brings the band members together as a single unit. For new students entering Roger Bacon, Band Camp makes the first few weeks of school less daunting because you already know people in the school and usually have several band members in each of your classes. Often a week of Band Camp is spent off campus. Away Band Camp is a week long opportunity for students to stay overnight with each other, and continue their bonding and learning of the marching show. In past years, the band has stayed at Thomas Moore College.
How long is the band season? - Band is a year-round committment. (Yes, 365 days.) Marching Band is during football season in the fall, Concert season is throughout the rest of the school year, and there are usually many parades and other performances in the spring, all summer, and throughout the year. There are also pep and jazz bands available for extra credit.
When and How long are practices - Practice times are determined by the band director. Typically there are two band practices per week during football season that occur immediately after school. During the rest of the year practices vary based on the event.
Do the individual sections practice separately? - YES. Time is built into the rehearsal for sections to meet and practice by themselves.
Can I participate as a Junior High student? - YES! Junior High students are welcome to join the band. Please contact the Band Director for specific details and requirements.
How can parents get involved? - The Roger Bacon Band Boosters supports the Band through fund-raising and logistical assistance. From working concession stands at sporting events to parking cars at our annual Band Invitational to completing taste surveys, the Roger Bacon Band Boosters are there for our kids. The Boosters meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the school cafeteria.