BBLZ has answers to common questions below, especially helpful for the ‘first-year’ band parents!    Keep reading for information on Marching Band, Concert Band, and Pep Band and read our Welcome Letter.

Band Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:  How do I find out what my student has in their band account?

A:  Email information@lakezurichbandboosters.com to get your student’s current balance.  BBLZ can email or print the report for you.

Q: Can I add new or remove email addresses from the BBLZ communications?

A: Absolutely!  Send your request to information@lakezurichbandboosters.com, and we'll take care of you.

Marching Band Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does ‘call time’ mean?

A: Call time is when your band student needs to be dressed and ready to go!  Call time for a football game means band members should have their marching band uniforms on and ready to practice, not just arriving at LZHS.  Call time for the first game is 5:00 pm; all other games are 5:30 pm

Q:  What should my child wear under their marching band uniform?

A:  All students should wear long black socks, their marching band t-shirt that they were given at band camp, nylon shorts / under armor in cold weather (no jeans or sweats), and marching band shoes.  Their uniform, hatbox, and white gloves will be kept at LZHS in the uniform room.   If they return to play as the pep band, a change of clothes (weather appropriate) is recommended.

Q:  What happens if my child forgets one of the above-listed items for a football game?

A:  All of the above-listed items can be ‘rented’ for a game for a price.  Black socks – $3 / white gloves – $2 / marching shoes – $5 / t-shirt – $5.  All students will be given NEW white gloves at the beginning of the marching band season.  It is up to each student to keep track of their gloves.  It is easiest to keep them in their hatbox, so they are with the rest of their uniform.

Q: What is the football schedule, and how to purchase tickets to watch my band student(s)?

A: View the Football schedule or LZHS Athletic Schedule to plan your Friday nights.  To purchase LZHS Football tickets, go to the GoFan website or app. Tickets are delivered electronically.  Parents need to have tickets to enter the stadium.   Students in the band are free.

Q:  What is the evening marching practice rehearsal schedule and times?

A:  Evening rehearsal dates and times are included in the Band Calendar under "News" from Mr. Thompson

Marching Band Ins and Outs

It’s a time of new beginnings, excitement, and fun; however, it also can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of the season. So, if you’re a new band parent, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• During the regular football season, the band only plays at home games.

• The games usually start at 7:00, but band members are expected to be dressed and ready to practice in the band room much earlier. They’ll be informed of this “call time” before each game.

• Band uniforms are stored at the school in a storage room near the band room.

• Band members should come to the band room wearing athletic shorts, their band tee shirt, long black socks, and their marching shoes. (Quite the fashion statement.) They’ll then put on their uniforms over their shorts and tees.  Their gloves, hats, and plumes are also stored at the school in their hat boxes. Band members with long hair must put their hair in a ponytail and tuck it under their hat.

• If they’re missing a uniform component of their uniform, they’ll have to pay a fee to rent it for that game.

• Dressed in uniform, they perform a pre-game show and a half-time show and then head back to the band room to change into casual clothes to participate in the pep band during the 4th quarter.

• Typically, there’s a student dress-up theme of the week, which pep band members follow e.g., dress up like the '80s, white-out, or in business attire, etc. Band members will be informed of the theme earlier in the week.

• When you attend a game, you’ll have to purchase a ticket. Your band member, however, gets in free.

• The marching band will practice every day during school, but they also practice a weeknight during marching band season from 7:00 – 9:00.  The dates are in the Band Calendar (under News)

• The 7:00 start time means the time that they’re on the football field ready to practice. They wear casual clothes and athletic shoes,  and have their instruments, lyres, and music. As the fall progresses, outdoor night practices can get chilly, so make sure your band student has dressed accordingly.

• One Saturday each year, the band is bussed to Evanston to march on Northwestern University’s (NU) field along with other high school bands and the NU collegiate band. It’s a beautiful sight to see all of the various band colors march onto the field and listen to hundreds of band students play in unison. If you’d like to attend this game, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase tickets. Band members get in for free. More details will be sent our way from Mr. Thompson as the date approaches.  WARNING - Ryan Field does not take cash.  Your student will need a debit/credit card to purchase food for the day.  Alternatively, make arrangements with a friend to give them cash to use their debit/credit card.

• The regular marching band season concludes with the spirited Band-O-Rama concert held indoors at the high school.  Band-O-Rama is the best of both worlds in that parents can watch their uniformed kids perform the lively marching band tunes and wacky band dance up close and personal yet in the comfort of the school auditorium. Flags are twirling, drums are banging, and horns are blaring to celebrate another fun and successful marching band season.

Concert Band Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What part of Concert Attire is provided by the Band Program?

A:  Black Concert dresses are provided by the school.  Dresses may be taken home.  Machine wash is okay, but line-dry.  Do not dry clean.  Return after the last concert or by the end of the school year.

A:  The band program provides black tux jackets and bow ties.  These are kept at school in the band closet.  

Q:  What of the Concert Attire is provided by students and families?

A:  Black hose is preferred with black concert dresses.  Flats or heels are a personal choice, but the color must be black.  Please avoid shoes with buckles, as they may snag the hem of the dresses. 

A: Black shoes (no gym shoes), black socks (not short ones), and black dress pants are needed with the Tux shirts and jackets. The band directors will share the order forms in early November for purchasing Tux shirts.  Students may use money from their student accounts to help with the cost of this item.

Q: How do I know which Concert Attire is assigned to my student?

A: Students are assigned a uniform number during their fitting.   These are posted outside the band closet, generally on the right side of the door.  This is a separate number from their Marching Uniforms.  Dresses and tux jackets each have unique numbers.   Dresses are taken home.  Jackets and box ties are kept in the band uniform closet.

Q:  Do I need to purchase tickets?

A:  The Concert, Symphonic, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band concerts are free to the public.   Concerts are held in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and enter at Door 15.  No tickets are required for any of these LZHS Band performances.  

Q: What is call time?

A: Students are expected to be dressed and ready at this time.   The first concert call time is 5:45 pm to allow for pictures of the ensembles to be taken.  All other concert call times will be announced but are not set.

Pep Band Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What do kids wear as part of the Pep Band?

A:  Each student is provided a blue "Band" Sweatshirt during their first year in the band.  It's bright blue (and is not the T-shirt worn under their Marching Uniform).  The first year there is no cost to students.  The band directors set out sample sweatshirts for students to try on to collect sizes.  This occurs in November (near the Concert Uniform fittings).  Students can purchase a new one if they outgrow or wear it out.  The students are responsible for the cost after the first one.   

Q: When is the call time?

A: Generally, 30 minutes before the basketball game.  Students are expected to be in the band room ready to practice at call time.   Please arrive 5-10 minutes before call time to ensure you are in the band room ready to practice.

Q: How do I know when the games are?

A: The Band directors leave a schedule of boys' and girls' games when the pep band is expected to perform in the band room.  It's a page with the dates.   The Band Google Calendar will be updated with the same dates.

Q: Which games do I have to attend?

A:  All band students must attend one of the first two games to ensure they know the music performed at the games.  Students must attend five games each season for full credit.   Their attendance is part of their grade for the band.  Anyone who attends eight games in the basketball season will be announced at the band banquet for their stellar participation.

Q:  What time do we pick students up from Pep Band after the basketball games?

A:  Generally, games are about two hours.  However, allow for flexibility (games ending early or running late).  The best estimate is to have your student text when two to three minutes are left in the final quarter.

Q:  Do I need to purchase tickets to watch the pep band at basketball games?

A:  Yes, please use GoFan to purchase tickets.

Band Banquet Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:  Is the event for students only?

A: Parents are welcome to join in during the Awards ceremony portion of the evening near 8:30 pm.  There are chairs along the wall for parents to use to sit and listen to the awards.

Q:  What awards are presented?

A: Awards from Band Directors (i.e., ILMEA State, Pep Band perfect attendance) and Student leaders provide student choice awards too.  Drum Majors and leaders are announced.  Tri-M Honors inductees are shared.

Q:  Where is it held?

A: Concorde Banquets in Kildeer in mid-May.  The BBLZ organization heavily subsidizes the event.

Q: How do we pay for this event?

A: The band directors will share the form for students to RSVP in April.  Students may use monies from their student accounts to help with the cost of this item.  Just make sure to note how they prefer to pay on the form.