Lockport Bands

For any students interested in joining the Lockport Township High School Band Program please contact the band office at (815)588-8494. We will be happy to put you in contact with the appropriate counselor for immediate enrollment, if possible. In the following paragraphs below you can find our most frequently asked questions, and general information about the program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Band

Are all Freshman students in Marching Band?
No, Freshman Band is a curricular band meeting during the school day. Marching Band is a volunteer co-curricular band that meets three days a week after school and competes on Saturdays during the fall. Enrollment in Marching Band is not required, but is strongly encouraged to promote friendships and a better connection to the Band Department.

Where does the Marching Band perform?
The Marching Band performs at all home football games, local parades, and usually four to five competitions.

What is a Marching Band competition?
Marching Band competitions provide an opportunity to perform for a panel of judges, who compare the band’s musical and marching performance with set standards of excellence and with performances of other bands. On the day of a competition (usually Saturdays) the band will rehearse for a few hours at Lockport, and then travel to the competition site. Here, the band warms up and performs their field show. Parents are invited to attend the performance (the ticket cost is usually about $6-$10). At the end of the competition, scores and awards are announced. It is fun and exciting to see how the bands compare to each other. Kept in proper perspective, marching competition is a healthy, enriching experience.

How much time does Band take?
Band is a class during the school day and takes up that class period. There are four home concerts a year and any additional practice time. Practice time varies student to students, but there is an expectation that each student is able to perform the literature provided at the highest level of their ability. Marching Band does take extra time, but for the quality experiences that it generates, it is well worth some sacrifices. Summer practices consist of two weeks prior to school starting (this year beginning in July). During the marching season, there are three after school rehearsals each week, Saturday camp practices, and Saturday competitions. Once the season ends, there are only practices two weeks prior to the parades at Thanksgiving and Canal Days in June.

Can you be in a sport and in Band?
Yes! Approximately 7/8 of the band is involved in sports and other activities at Lockport Township High School. This participation is encouraged by the band director through his willingness to work out conflicts. There are many students who participate in other events during the marching season. If there are any specific questions, please contact Mr. Covey by phone or email.

How is the Band funded?
Even though the school provides a generous budget for the band, it is necessary for the Band Boosters to subsidize expenses during the marching season. Without funds contributed by the Boosters for travel, equipment, drill charts, music, and extra instructors, the band would be hard pressed to compete. All parents are invited to join the boosters and help the band meet expenses.

What happens when students fund raise money?
Each student has a separate account set aside for him/her.When he/she participates in a fund raising activity, a portion of the profit is entered into that account. The student may then use that money to pay for band travel expenses.

What major trips does the Band take?
Every other year, the Band Program will take a major trip. Some of the more recent trips have been to San Francisco, Dallas, and New York. Even though these trips are voluntary, most students participate because they are educationally rewarding and enjoyable with their friends.

Is it any fun?
Band is fun! The trips, the music, the work, the relationships, the accomplishments; all of these add up to an extremely satisfying experience. Over the years, many students and parents have expressed their appreciation for having been a part of this organization.