Freshman FAQs

How do I enroll in the RUHS Band and Guard Programs ?

Auditions for incoming Adams and Parras Middle schools students were done during May and early June. If you didn’t attend a RBUSD middle school and would like to enroll in RUHS Band & Guard programs, please email Mr. Vizcarra at rvizcarra@rbusd.org to set up an audition time.

What is the time commitment? 

Being in band requires a great commitment of your time. The experiences and skills you gain in the program are life-long, and amongst the top skill is time management. Band students are amongst the most successful students at our school, and most schools across the state. This is for all band and guard students.

How many rehearsals during the week? When are rehearsals?

We are in the process of planning rehearsal schedules with Athletics and Administration. Last school year we rehearsed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school for a total of 8 hours per week. We will have roughly 5 Rehears- A-Thons, times to be determined with plenty of breaks in the fall, to prepare for competition season

Why so many hours?

Students need to rehearse and become more familiar with their marching maneuvers and music on the field; it takes a lot of practice to perform a precision show. On average most programs rehearse up to 10 hours per week.

How many competitions?

Most competitions are held on Saturdays; however, there are also competitions hosted during the week. We may have 7 tournaments to go to on Saturdays and 1 on a Tuesday. The goal is not to have more than 5 competitions on a Saturday, with the exception of semi- finals or championships

Are there other commitments?

Yes, the Band and Guard plays at all home football games, some away games, and may be asked to participate in local events or parades.

What if my child can't make a rehearsal or competition because of another commitment?

Unlike another activity or sport, marching band depends heavily on the principles of guiding to one another due to the precision of the field production. Our scores decrease when judges see that a person is missing; they automatically think it is an error and therefore mark us down many points.

Why does my child have so many band classes in their schedule?

This is usually true for freshmen and sophomore students; by taking zero period Marching Band, this allows the student to now have 2 electives since they don’t have to take PE and the class that fulfills that requirement is during zero period.

What happens in the spring semester when there is no marching band?

Freshmen students will continue to be challenged musically along with the other upperclassmen in the spring semester with the rest of the concert band students. Marching Band zero period becomes Concert Band zero period but still remains as Marching Band on your school schedule.

Do I have to be in Symphonic Band?

Symphonic Band is a prerequisite for all students before they can move to any other bands. Symphonic Band can be taken concurrently with Marching Band and in some cases if your schedule allows, it can be taken concurrently with Jazz Band or Percussion class.

Does my child have to do concert band?

Freshmen students already participate in symphonic band, they will not participate in Concert Band during their freshmen year unless the need is there for their particular instrument. They need to remain in Zero period for Freshmen and Sophomore year in order to fulfill their PE - A through G requirement.

What kind of concert band attire do students need ?

Boys need black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes and a plain white t shirt to wear under the tuxedo shirts that are provided by the Boosters on the day of the concert. Girls need a plain, black, school dress code appropriate dress, and black dress shoes.

Is there a rubric so I know how my child is graded?

Students are graded based on attendance, participation, tests, and other subjects as seen in the syllabus online on my (Mr. Vizcarra) website on redondounion.org. You will also find the Concert Band syllabus since marching band becomes concert band in the spring semester.

How will I find out call time or other information about the marching band season?

You can find information about our program on: http://redondobandandguard.org/events-calendar/ and our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681417508563202/ and updates are also provided directly from the Director to the students.

What time does zero period start? Where do I drop off for zero period?

Zero period begins at 7:15 am. Don’t be afraid of ZERO, I myself am not a morning person, but I have so much fun coming to hear you all play and your future classmates feel the same way. We all get used to it. 

 In the fall, drop off is at the Visitors side of the football stadium, NOT the home side.

How late do the buses get in from competitions?

We are a bigger band which means that we participate in the evening awards ceremony. This means we will most likely be arriving in Redondo anywhere from 11 pm to 1 am in some cases, when we have a faraway tournament.

How much do I have to contribute?

We ask that parents donate and/ or fundraise to help cover costs that the school and/ or state do not pay for. This helps us cover the cost of running a successful music program and it is the lifeline of a successful music program. Suggested donations may be tax-deductible and are TBA$. Please note that most other programs suggest $1000 or more. We try to keep it as low as possible and budget for a program suitable for our community. This funding goes toward field show music and props, uniforms or dance guard costumes, specialized instructors, and competition fees. Without the financial support of family and friends, it may limit the program.

If I contribute to my students contribution, why do I need to fundraise ?

Contributions only covers the basic needs of operating the program on a year to year basis. Fundraising helps us raise funds to repair instruments, purchase instruments, and any other equipment we need for the program. Fundraiser activities also help offset the suggested contribution amount. All payments made to the students contribution may be tax deductible.

Why do I have to pay a transportation fee?

Transportation is done through RUHS Athletics Department and they order all of our buses for us. We must have funds in our account through Athletics to be able to order buses to transport us to and from competitions and festivals. This is separate from the Booster financial need. To access the school registration, please go to the following link: https://redondounion.8to18.com/

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, you can definitely donate by using a credit card.

What if I can't afford the entire contribution amount?

No one can be turned away for inability to pay. We offer many opportunities for all to help raise funds for our program.

What is Athletic Clearance and why do I have to comply?

The school considers Marching Band & Dance Guard a PE class and this requires students to complete the required consent forms and medical release form signed by a doctor. At the conclusion, there will be a place to pay for transportation fee.

Can parents go to competitions? Can parents ride on the buses?

Yes, we love when parents go to our competitions. There is always lots of help needed. Parents may volunteer as a bus chaperone.

How do I volunteer?

Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities at football games, competitions, and the Booster uses Sign-Up Genius (an online free enrollment volunteer sign program). You will be notified a couple of weeks in advance of an event as to what kind of volunteer help will be needed.

Where do I find more information?

Check out our website http:// www.redondobandandguard.org/. We also have a Facebook page RUHS Band and Dance Guard and Friends. You may also contact Ray Vizcarra, Band Director, at rvizcarra@rbusd.org or Cindy Frias, Guard Advisor, at ruhsdanceguarddirector@gmail.com or Lori Bailey, Band & Dance Guard Booster President, at ruhsbandguardboosterprez@gmail.com