Welcome to the Ephrata High School Marching Unit
Welcome, parents, to the Ephrata High School Marching Unit (EHSMU)! This page is your go-to guide for everything you need to know, from understanding what a dinkle is to navigating our schedule. We’re here to ensure you have all the information you need to support your child’s journey with the EHSMU. Whether you’re new to the world of marching band or a seasoned veteran, we’re excited to partner with you in making this a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Marching Terms to Know
The People:
Band:
A group of musicians who play together.
Sections:
Students who play the same instruments, i.e. the trumpet section.
Sectional:
A practice or rehearsal by only a section of instruments
Woodwinds:
Instruments producing sound from blowing air across an opening or through a reed such as flutes, clarinets, and saxophones.
Brass:
Instruments creating sound through vibrations including trumpets, trombones, tubas, and mellophones
Battery:
Marching Band percussion section that carries drums and marches. Comprised of snare drums, bass drums, and quads or tenors.
Drumline:
The entire percussion section (battery and PIT).
Quads (Tenors):
Set of 4-6 connected drums played by a member of the Battery. Think of this as a drum set that you carry.
Percussion Instrument Team (PIT):
Percussion section of a Marching Band that does not march. They are staged at the front of the band during shows and competitions. Comprised of xylophones, electric pianos, gongs, timpani, etc.
VE:
Visual Ensemble, otherwise known as Auxiliary, Color Guard, or Guard. These students do not play an instrument but enhance the performance with flags, rifles, and other props
Band Captain:
Also called Drum major(s)
Student conductor(s) who direct the marching band as it plays. Must audition.
**EHSMU does not have drum majors, Mr. Goss encourages students to listen to one another and prefers to keep instrumentalists on the field as opposed to conducting.
The Uniform:
Uniforms:
General term used to describe the musicians full uniform. It can or cannot include the VE’s uniforms.
Dinkles:
Shoes worn by the musicians. Most notably the dinkles have a rounded heal of the soul to help with stepping smoothly and keeping the upper body still when marching.
Shako or Hat:
Part of the uniform worn by musicians on the field.
Plume:
The feather part of the hat.
VE Rifles:
Imitation rifles carried by the VE Guard to visually interpret the music.
Flags:
Flags/silks used by the VE Guard during a Marching Band show.
Sabers:
Imitation swords carried by the VE Guard to visually interpret the music.
Raincoats:
For all band members to keep dry and stay in uniform.
Band Shirt:
To be worn under the band uniform any time in uniform.
Equipment:
Band Trailer:
Used to transport drumline instruments, pit equipment, and Visual Ensemble (VE) props to and from all events.
VE Props:
Stage elements placed on the field during performances. These may include backdrops, frames, and other decorative or thematic pieces that enhance the visual impact of the show.
Tractor:
Used to move pit equipment onto and off the field efficiently during competitions and performances.
Golf Cart:
Primarily used at the home field to transport items as needed. It is also available for emergency response on the field.
The Performances:
Run through:
Practicing the entire Marching Band show at once.
Showcase:
A marching band performance from several different schools in one day.
Lyres:
A small, portable music (or phone) holder that attaches to a musician’s instrument or arm for reading music while marching.
Cadence:
The beat played by percussion during a parade to indicate the marching pace. Also played as the band marches off of the field after a show, rehearsal, or competition.
Band Camp:
Drill:
The steps and positions that make up the marching band show.
Drill chart:
Charts out the position of the entire band in different sets of the music.
**EHSMU now uses an APP, phones are required to be present and charged for Band Camp, if this is an issue, please talk to the director.
Dot sheet:
Sheet that gives your individual field positions. You will be given this in band camp and taught how to interpret it.
**EHSMU now uses an App for the Dots
Canning Lids:
The center of the top of a canning lid. These are used as drill markers or dots. They are reflective in the grass and students should initial them. They are used to mark several spots while learning drill.
Season Expectations
Practicing
-Weekly Practices Before Band Camp
-Band Camp
-After School Practices
-Practicing Before Home Games
Performing
-Football Games
-Showcases
-Parades
Volunteering
-Fundraisers: Chicken BBQ & Band Bucks
-Meal Setup & Cleanup Prior to Home Football Games
-Chaperones
-Pit Crew
-Ephrata Showcase
Practice Expectations
There will be a few practices prior to Band Camp. These are often weekly beginning after school lets out. Each section may have their own sectional practices as needed as well.
Band Camp
Band Camp is mandatory! Dates and times are subject to change, but in the past, the schedule has been Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM for two weeks at the beginning of August. These two weeks are crucial, as the band learns nearly the entire field show during this time. Students should come prepared each day with a packed dinner, approximately one gallon of water, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, and sunscreen. Staying fueled, hydrated, and protected from the sun is essential for a successful and safe camp experience.
Band Bucks Fundraiser
Band Bucks is the program’s most successful annual fundraiser and plays a vital role in supporting the Marching Unit. On the designated day, students, dressed in uniform, walk through neighborhoods within the Ephrata School District to collect donations or leave informational door hangers. These materials explain how contributions directly support the band, including transportation, uniforms, instruments, and performance needs. This event not only raises essential funds but also helps the community connect the faces of our students to the music they hear at games, parades, and competitions.
Parent involvement is key to making Band Bucks a success. Volunteers are needed to drive students to assigned neighborhoods and must have their clearances on file with the district. Students typically walk in small groups of three, introducing themselves and representing the program. Midday, all participants return for a lunch break provided by the band parents, followed by another round of neighborhood visits in the afternoon.
Apps
The BAND app is the primary communication tool used by both parents and students in the Marching Unit. It provides real-time updates on schedule changes, including early dismissals due to weather, as well as important announcements, volunteer opportunities, practice schedules, and photo sharing. All members of the program are strongly encouraged to join and regularly check the app to stay informed.
https://www.band.us/
The band members will also use different apps during rehearsals to access drill markers and during games to queue fight songs and other performance cues. It is essential that students bring a fully charged phone to all practices and football games. Keeping a charged device ensures that students can participate fully and stay connected throughout each event.