Questions?

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.

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.

Q: Can't find or lost the email the directors sent?

A: Log into Parent Vue.  Select the "Message" menu on the left.  You'll see copies of all emails sent through this application (classes, and clubs).

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 evening marching practice rehearsal schedule and times?

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

Q: What is the football schedule, and how do we 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 are the "game day" safety procedures implemented by the D95 District starting in August 2024?

A: To enhance safety measures during football games at the LZHS Stadium, D95 will be implementing "Game Day Safety" procedures. These procedures include clear bag and bag size requirements that limit what is permitted inside the stadium. The decision to implement these measures stems from our dedication to utilizing local data, industry best practices, and collaborative input from our community partners and the District Safety Committee.  For more detailed information about "Game Day Safety," we encourage you to review our guide, which can be found HERE.

Approved bags:

Prohibited bags:

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:

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 attend the Awards ceremony near 8:30 p.m. Chairs are along the wall for parents to sit and listen to the awards.  Students can watch a slideshow of the year from 7:30-8:00 pm before dinner is served.

Q:  What is the Band Banquet?

A: It’s an evening to celebrate the past year and to look forward to the new one.  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 money from their student accounts to help with the cost of this event or pay the fee directly. Please make sure to note payment preference on the form.

Q: What should students wear?

A: Students usually “dress up” for this event.  Students often choose a range of outfit styles: shirts and ties,  dress shirts, polos, and nice dresses.  No formal wear is needed.