The East Haven Co-op Marching Band is the premier instrumental ensemble for the fall semester. East Haven is a member of USBands, a 14 time State Champion, and a 6 time National Champion. The band performs at all home football games as well as the Thanksgiving Day football game, and local community functions; however the primary focus is on field show competition. Students will develop fundamental technique for their section of the marching ensemble, learn a 9 minute “field show” written specifically for that year’s band, and work through the competitive season to improve and develop that show.
Sections of the Band
Hornline
Drumline
Front Ensemble
Color Guard
Typically the season schedule runs as follows:
- May – Tuesday Evenings to prep for Fall
- June & July – Optional Summer Sectionals
- August – Mandatory 2 Week Every-Day Intensive Preseason Rehearsals (Band Camp)
- September & October – Competition Season! Tues/Thurs rehearsals. Competitions all-day on saturday. Some football game performances.
- Early November – State and National Championships (end of season)
- December through April – Optional Winter Season Ensembles (color guard & percussion)
While most of the rehearsals and performances take place outside of the school day, marching band is still a class. Students can earn a full credit if they complete all the requirements to earn it, including meeting all attendance requirements and participation in a winter ensemble.
- BandApp – Members and families are required to set up accounts in the “BandApp” and join the group for the Marching Band (contact Mr. Wolf for the code). This is the primary source of info and communication during the season.
- Fees – There is a $50 membership fee each year to cover the cost of shirt, gloves, and few other things. Also, students are required to one-time purchase a “band jacket” for approx $130 that will be used for all 4 years.
- Instruments – The band will provide most performance instruments and equipment. Students are expected to have their own instrument to practice at home.
- Uniform – All uniform and performance costumes will be provided by the band.
- Band Parents – It’s expected that parents/family of all members will attend a couple of informational meetings, and (at least occasionally) help with logistics for events. See the Parents page for more info.
- Football Games – All members are required to attend the home football games when the band is performing.
- Winter Ensembles – In December through April, the “Winter Guard” and “Winter Percussion” ensembles learn new shows and compete in their own individual competitions. These aren’t required to be part of the marching band, but it’s HIGHLY recommended for all color guard and percussion students, and they’re open to any non guard/percussion students that would like to learn.