Commonly asked questions about band in High School:
What if I am not sure if I want to do music in high school?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Music is the same way. You should sign up for music even if you are unsure. If at some point you decide that music is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when you decide you miss it.
How is music different in high school?
While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net that high school music provides is very different from junior high. From day one, your child will be musically and personally mentored by successful upperclassmen who have a vested interest in their success. They will have dozens of new and like-minded friends before school even begins and have experiences (Friday night football games and trips) that are unlike anything they have experienced in junior high.
Can I do music and sports?
YES. There might be occasional conflicts, but know that our faculty works hard to resolve as many conflicts as possible before they occur and to work collaboratively to solve them when they arise.
How much out-of-school time is required?
The many ensembles have different requirements for participation. Some ensembles require very little (less than standard homework) while other ensembles require more substantial commitment. Generally, the greater the level of commitment, the greater the reward and memories. Regardless of the ensemble, a year-long calendar will be provided well in advance to help you plan for these events.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with music depend on which ensembles your child participates in and what events they participate in. The music boosters and staff work together to provide fundraising opportunities for each and every child and ensure that no one is excluded due to financial issues.
What music should I register for?
All incoming students should register for Concert Band. We will come down to the school to hear your child play. If a schedule change is required based on their musical skill sets, we will make the change for you.
How do I procure an instrument?
We wish funds were available to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either rent or purchase their own instrument. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating. More information regarding instrument availability will be mailed as the new school year approaches.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program, it is difficult to contact us by phone. The best way for you to reach us is electronically at adam.morrell@evergreenps.org . This will allow us to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not. You may also visit our website at unionband.org
Union Band History
The Union High School Band Program is one of the finest in the Pacific Northwest, having garnered awards and honors with each of its instrumental ensembles over the short 10-year history of the school. The program serves around 200 students and performs throughout the year, hosting multiple concerts, performing at school and community events, and performing at local, regional, state and national band festivals and competitions! The athletic bands – performing at football games in the fall and both boys’ and girls’ basketball games in the winter – are known for their large numbers and enormous sound throughout the state. The Parade Band in May, performing at the Starlight Parade every year, has won the Sweepstakes two years in a row, surmounting over 100 other competing groups.
The Wind Ensemble has performed as a featured band at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival (nationals for concert bands) twice in its 10-year history – and you can only apply once every 4 years. Student-ran competitive ensembles regularly place at and win state championships every year, while Jazz Ensemble 1 (sweepstakes) and Jazz Ensemble 2 (3rd place) recently placed at the Music at the Parks festival competition at Coeur d’Alene. There is something for everyone in Union Band, and regardless of skill level or time commitment, all are sure to be pushed towards excellence and have a family of musicians waiting for them!
Ensembles at Union *Denotes year long class
Wind Ensemble*
Symphonic Band*
Concert Band*
Jazz Ensembles 1 & 2*
Percussion Ensemble and Drumline*
Football and Basketball Pep Bands
Parade Marching Band
Chamber Music Ensembles
Pit Orchestra Opportunities
Holiday Caroling Ensembles
Instrument Choirs
Jazz Combos
Various Student-Ran Competing and Non-Competing Ensembles
A variety of regional, state, and national honor bands
About Union High School Union High School (Camas, WA) is the second newest high school in the Evergreen Public School District (Vancouver, WA) having opened in the fall of 2007. Union has an enrollment of 2500 students, grades 9-12. Union is known throughout the Pacific Northwest for the excellence of its academic, athletic, and music programs, all of which rank near the top of the state of Washington. Union’s Music Department includes band, percussion, choir, and orchestra programs that involve around 500 UHS students.