Sandalwood's band offers many performance opportunities for students. The core of our band program is the daily band class. Our band classes continue to develop skills on instruments, as well as prepare for both marching and concert band performances. Once enrolled in band, students also have many additional opportunities, such as All-State, All-District Honor Band, Solo and Ensemble, and Jazz Band.

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Are there multiple band classes?

Yes. Beginning Band (4th Period) is a class designed for students who have never taken band before, so that they can begin learning an instrument. Symphonic Band (3rd Period) is our intermediate band, designed for students with at least one year of band experience (including at the middle school level). After a year in Symphonic Band, students may audition to enter our Wind Ensemble (2nd Period) class, meant for advanced students. Both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble classes make up our Mighty Marching Saints along with the Percussion and Guard class. There is also the Jazz Ensemble (5th Period), which is our extra-curricular ensemble that specializes in jazz, swing, and other contemporary styles, giving students an opportunity to explore different genres and improve their improvisation and performance skills outside of the regular band classes. Student who are new to jazz or can't fit Jazz Ensemble in their class schedule have the opportunity to join Jazz Ensemble 2, which regularly meets after school on Wednesday from 2:00-4:15pm in the band room.

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What does the year look like for band students?

In mid-July, summer band camp begins, and prepares the band for marching season. From August through the first weekend in November, the band performs under the lights at Friday night football games. From November through the end of the school year, the band works through concert season culminating with a Winter Concert in December. The spring semester is capped with MPA's in March, and a Spring Concert in April. The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, closes the year with a performance at graduation.

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What about summer camp? How does that work?

By the middle of March, a schedule will be posted containing the dates and times for the marching band camp, including what students are required and when. If you can't make part of the camp, communicate with the band director so they can make sure and save you a spot in the fall halftime shows.

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How do I sign up for band? Is there an audition?

No audition is necessary! Simply sign up for Instrument Tech 1 in your course selection. Also, parents, email the band director with your student's information (name and instrument) along with any email addresses you would like added to our mailing list. Having your student's information allows for easier communication and placement of each student.

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Is there a band fee?

Yes. We ask $495 to help cover the costs of running the band. Most parents choose to pay this in installments of $50 a month, which covers all of it by the end of the year. This fee pays for transportation, food, concerts, uniforms, sheet music, and more. If this fee is a burden, please speak with the band director to work out a reduced the cost so that it is affordable for you.

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What do I need to bring to Band Camp? 

General Band Camp & After School Rehearsal Tips (More detailed information is located here).

Make sure to bring plenty of water! While we stay inside during the hottest parts of the day, it is still hot out in the early mornings. You will get plenty of water breaks, so please have water to drink during these! On that note, bring sunscreen, even if you don't think you need it. It's easy to get burned in the summer Florida sun, even if it's cloudy out. Eat a good breakfast. Without this, it can be easy to pass out in the middle of physical activity outside. Wear comfortable clothes. We will be outside engaging in a good deal of exercise. Wear something that is comfortable to move around in for long periods of time. This includes wearing closed-toe shoes!

You will need a flip folder and lyre to hold your music. These can be purchased at most music stores or online.

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Most importantly: Bring Water. I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated.

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What if I have to miss an afterschool rehearsal or performance?

Please fill out the Band Absence Form and reach out to Ms. Maltagliati at maltagliatis@duvalschools.org.

Because any performing arts class is considered “co-curricular” a portion of the class is held during the school day while the remainder of the class is held outside the traditional school day. The State of Florida Department of Education stipulates “this course generally requires students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.” As such a student’s grade is directly linked to attendance at these functions. Listed here is an explanation of students’ grading criteria for these performing arts classes in the Department of Bands. Each student will start each quarter with 100 points in the following Categories:

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Rehearsal (After school rehearsals)

Performances (MPA’s, School Concerts, Marching Contests/Festivals, Football Games, Parades, etc.)

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The following is a breakdown of point deductions for each infraction:

Unexcused absence from rehearsal 15 pts from the Rehearsals Grade

Unexcused absence from performance 50 pts from the Performances Grade

Tardy to rehearsal 5 pts from the Rehearsals Grade

Tardy to performance 10 pts from the Performances Grade

Unprepared for rehearsal (no instrument, music, etc) 5 pts from the Rehearsals Grade

Unprepared for class (no instruments, music, pencil, etc.) 5 pts from the Daily Grade

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Attendance at every rehearsal and performance is vitally important. The band often functions together as a unit and sometimes separately. Any time you are absent, it diminishes the results obtained by all other members. Just as each link of a chain is important to the strength of the whole chain, you too are important to your section and the whole band. Please use the yearly planning calendar that is published and distributed each Spring for the NEXT school year. Plan in advance! Check the monthly calendars for details and updates. Students NOT attending after-school rehearsals which are applicable to curriculum course work will receive a zero for that

assignment and receive an infraction to overall grade until a make-up assignment is completed. A make-up assignment will not be given if there was no notice for the absence, forfitting the opportunity to make the grade up.

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Students having conflicts with other school-sanctioned events or activities can be granted an “Excused” absence ONLY if the director is notified in writing at least one week in advance. A list of conflicting dates along with the name of the appropriate coach or sponsor must be submitted. Students may be expected to “split” the time between conflicting activities. Unexcused absences from rehearsals could result in suspension from a performance. We encourage students to continue participating in their activities outside of band but aim to teach how to effectively communicate and time manage.