How Can I Join Marching Band?

Marching band is an extra-curricular opportunity that is offered as a summer school class at Leyden. To sign up, visit the summer school registration portal, MySchoolBucks. Registration is now open until June 1st, 2026!

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What Instruments Are in the Marching Band?

Our marching band features a wide variety of instruments, including:

• Woodwinds: Flute/piccolo, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone

• Brass: Trumpet, mellophone, trombone, baritone, sousaphone

• Percussion: Drumline (snare, bass, tenors, cymbals), front ensemble (mallets/auxillary)

• Colorguard: Flags

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What Is the Cost to Participate?

The tuition for marching band is $95 per student (due by June 2026). If you need assistance, we offer payment plans for those who request it. Payments will be processed through the school cashier at LHS. Contact Mr. Walker with any questions or concerns. 

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How Long Is the Marching Band Season?

The season includes several evening rehearsals throughout the summer, focusing on music and marching skills. We also hold a week-long band camp in late July or August to learn the pregame and halftime shows. Our performances include select school functions, daytime and overnight trips, marching festivals, parades and more. The season concludes in late October.

When Will I Know the Marching Band Schedule For the 2025 Season?

The 2025 Marching Band season schedule is now posted in the “2025 Leyden Marching Band” folder.

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I Will Need to Rent an Instrument. How Do I Do That?

Instrument check-out nights will be on Thursday, May 29th and Friday, May 30th from 4pm-6pm at WLHS. No appointments are needed. Students needing an instrument will need to stop in in order to receive their instrument. There is no cost to rent. This will only take about 10 minutes to complete.

Note: Equipment for sousaphone, drumline, front ensemble and colorguard will be provided, so these members do not need to submit the rental form. These students will not need to attend the instrument check-out night.

 

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Will I Have Enough Time to Participate?

Absolutely! Marching band students typically excel academically and manage their schedules well. While the schedule can sometimes be demanding, it provides valuable skills in time management, cooperation, and discipline. Most rehearsals take place after 5 pm to avoid conflicts with other activities, especially once the school year begins. If you have concerns about scheduling conflicts with sports or other commitments, talk to Mr. Walker for assistance. We have several football, volleyball, baseball, and tennis players who are in marching band. We will find a way to make it work for you!

 

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I Want To Be On the Drumline, Front Ensemble, or Colorguard…How Can I Participate?

The drumline, front ensemble, and colorguard will be hosting spring clinics for anyone interested in joining these sections! Each clinic will take place at West Leyden High School from 6:30-8:30pm. 

Updated schedule can be found HERE!

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I am interested in being in Concert or Symphonic Band…How Can I Participate?

Concert and Symphonic Band are elective classes offered during the school day. Symphonic Band is the highest level concert ensemble offered at LHS. Students entering their 9th grade year should enroll in Concert Band II, however any student that wishes to be considered for Symphonic Band placement should contact their director to receive audition materials. 

 

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I heard there are Jazz Bands At LHS?

Yes! We offer three extra-curricular Jazz Ensembles at LHS: Studio Jazz Ensemble (audition required), WLHS Jazz Ensemble (no audition), and ELHS Jazz Ensemble (no audition). The Jazz Ensembles begin rehearsing in November of each year, once a week after school. Studio Jazz Ensemble is the top jazz ensemble made up of students from both ELHS and WLHS and requires an audition to be admitted. Auditions will take place in October. WLHS and ELHS Jazz Ensembles do not require an audition. Sign-ups will take place in October. Instrumentation includes: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, piano, and drumset. 

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Does LHS Offer Any Other Music Opportunities?

Yes! We also offer the following extracurricular opportunities: Pep Band (performs at basketball games) and Percussion Club. Pep Band and Percussion Club both begin in November. No audition is required to participate. Leyden also offers Digital Music Production as a music elective. Contact Mr. Walker for further details!

 

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Additional Questions?

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Walker at jawalker@leyden212.org