Los Lunas Tiger Marching Band
Welcome!
With a tradition of pride and accomplishment, the Los Lunas Tiger Marching Band is composed of members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, and it is only active during the Fall semester- usually through the early part of November.
So, What is Marching Band…?
The definition of the term ‘marching band’ is simple: it’s a group of people who play musical instruments while marching, usually in a parade or at a sporting event. However, marching bands are so much more than this!
Historically, marching bands have their origins in the military, where they were used to direct troops and maintain morale. According to Yamaha, the marching band can be traced clear back to the Ottoman Empire! More modern marching bands can trace their origins to the fife and drum corps of the American Revolution. However it was under the direction of composer and conductor John Phillips Sousa that the marching band moved from a military unit to a form of modern entertainment. He was responsible for taking the U.S. Marine Corps Band on tour, playing familiar military marches. Today, we still see this influence in the music we play and in the uniforms we wear.
For participants in this time-honored tradition, marching band is something more. Every marching season, there is a fresh crop of young students who, under the guidance of the upperclassmen, learn what it means to be part of a team- a family that is like no other. Friendships are formed, memories are made, and traditions are passed down through the years as students participate in their school’s marching band program. There is much talk of the ‘Friday Night Lights’ in relation to the football team and the challenges they face on (and off!) the gridiron, but it is just as applicable- if not more so!- to the marching band.
Marching Bands compete in rigorous competitions throughout the country each Fall; the LLHS Tiger Band routinely competes at New Mexico’s Pageant of Bands, UNM’s Zia Marching Fiesta, and NMSU’s Tournament of Bands, in addition to hosting the Los Lunas Marching Invitational and performing at home football games, pep bands, and more.
So, marching band is simple: it’s a group of people who play instruments while marching, and along the way, have the time of their lives!
Marching Band at LLHS
Marching Band is composed of members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. It exists during the first term only (usually through October and the early part of November). The "Tiger Marching Band" has a tradition of pride and accomplishment. Membership entails a substantial commitment of time, energy, and effort. The marching band's active performance schedule includes: football games (all home),marching festivals, parades, and special events. All students are required to attend five rehearsals after school per week (please refer to the band calendar for times). In addition, there are also required scheduled Saturday rehearsals (again, please refer to the band calendar for dates). Attendance at ALL performances, rehearsals, preseason marching camp and summer band is required. Students must maintain eligibility requirements to be a full member of the marching band. Students must participate in ALL major performances/competitions in order to meet requirements for lettering at the end of the year. Any points for missed performances may be made up at the discretion of the director. Make up points will not be awarded for unexcused absences. Two semesters of Marching Band will meet the requirement for the P.E. credit. ** POST SEASON PERFORMANCES: The marching band will be expected to attend and perform at postseason performances. Due to the nature of the season, students will receive information as directors receive them.
Expectations and Eligibility
Membership in the Tiger Marching Band requires a substantial commitment of time, energy, and effort. The marching band's active performance schedule includes: all home football games, marching festivals, parades, and special events. In order to prepare for performances, students are required to attend Summer Band, Pre-Season Marching Band Camp, five after-school rehearsals per week, and several pre-scheduled Saturday rehearsals (please refer to the band calendar for dates and times). At times, the marching band will be expected to attend and perform at post-season events. Due to the nature of these events, students will receive information as Directors receive it.
Additionally, students must maintain eligibility requirements as determined by the New Mexico Activities Association to be a full member of the marching band. This includes submitting an annual physical as well as maintaining a 2.0 GPA. Further information can be found on the NMAA website.
Lettering Requirements
General Band Requirements:
1. A student must have at least one and one-half years of service with the LLHS Tiger Band to be eligible for a letter. Exceptions may be made for transfer students from other schools that have completed one successful year in the LLHS Tiger Band. Exceptions will be handled on an individual basis by the band director.
2. Freshman lettering will be retroactive. A student may receive a letter for their freshman year if they have earned enough points to be eligible. However, they may not receive the letter until they have met the requirements for the second year. It is felt that the student must have at least one and one-half years of service with the LLHS Tiger Band in order to be eligible for the letter awards.
3. A student must attend ALL required performances in order to letter. Missing a required performance, in any ensemble, will result in no letter for that year. In the case of excused absences approved by the directors ahead of time, students may make up lettering points by doing extra service projects
Marching Band Specific Requirements:
A Marching Band Letter can be earned by attendance at rehearsals and ALL Marching Band performances. Missing a required performance will result in no letter for that year. In the case of excused absences approved by the directors ahead of time, students may make up lettering points by doing extra service projects. The student must also be eligible for a Band Letter for the current year. In addition a student must maintain an "A" in the class for the entire marching season. Students who are not in Concert Band are still eligible for a Marching Band Letter as long as above criteria are met.