JOHS Band--Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Band Membership

What are the benefits of being in the Overton Band?

There are several!  First and foremost is a well-rounded music education.  The students will not only progress on their instruments, but will also gain appreciation and understanding of all music types.  Second is the process of setting attainable goals and the hard work that it takes to attain them.  Third is the teamwork, camaraderie, and sense of family that the students achieve after many hours of hard work and the feeling of fulfillment which follows.

How can parents get involved with the band program?

Parents are an important part of the John Overton Band, and have a vital role to play.  Without the assistance and cooperation of the band parents, there would be no chance for the level of success we want the band to reach.  The best way to get involved is by filling out the parent volunteer sheet.  We have many committees that need your assistance and everyone can find a niche which suits them best:  chaperones, uniforms, transportation, equipment handling, sewing, meals, and publicity are just a few of the areas that are available for parent volunteers.

Who can be a Band Booster?

The Band Booster membership (as stated in Article I of the Bylaws of the John Overton High School Band Boosters Club of Nashville, Inc.) shall include any band member, alumni, parent, or other person interested in the progress and development of the John Overton High School Band program.  Parents of band members, upon payment of dues (included in band camp fee) shall automatically be voting members.  Band members shall automatically be non-voting members.  Alumni and other persons interested in the progress and development of the John Overton High School Band program shall be welcome as non-voting associate members.

How often does the band take a trip?  Where have the band trips been in the past?

The band takes a trip every other year.  Recently, we performed for the 60th and 65th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor during Thanksgiving week of 2001 and 2006.  In addition, the Overton Band has performed in the 1984 and 1992 Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, Arizona, the 1987 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, the 1990 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and in Nassau, Bahamas, at Disney World, Disneyland, EPCOT, and Universal Studios.  These trips are not required in order to be in the band.  These trips are a reward for the hard work of the students and are always an educational experience for the students.

Will I be able to keep my grades up and be in the marching/concert band?

Yes!  Band students are the top students in the school.  The students learn to budget their time and generally have higher grades especially during marching season.  Each year the Overton Band Seniors rank at the top of their class.  Some interesting facts:  ninety percent of students who participate in their high school band, orchestra, and/or chorus go on to college and complete their undergraduate degrees.  In a study of ACT and Achievement Test Takers, students with course work/experience in music performance scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 37 points higher on the math portion than students with no course work or experience in the arts.  Their scores average 89 points higher because they were in band.

How can I take all the academic classes I need and still take band?

Students have electives in their schedules each year.  Band is one of these electives.  During their sophomore and junior years, band students may receive P.E. credit for marching band, giving them another elective in place of P.E.  Band also provides an Arts credit, which most colleges and universities require for acceptance.  We can work most schedules out for the students and enable them to participate in A.P. courses and 4-year programs.

How much time is involved with Marching Band?

Currently, the marching band rehearses on Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 2:45-4:45 p.m. and Thursday nights 6:00-9:00 p.m.  (There are no rehearsal on Wednesday afternoons).  We perform at football games on Friday nights and the fourth Saturday in September through the last Saturday in October are contest days.  After the last contest and football game we do not rehearse after school.

How is the band transported to ballgames and contests?  Are they well-supervised when away from school?  What are the guidelines and rules for students in participating in band activities?

The band is transported to and from all events by school buses or charter buses.  They are always well chaperoned by the Band Parents.  We take an average of 1 chaperone per 8 students when away from school.  The students are under all rules of Metro Nashville Davidson County Schools, John Overton High School, and the John Overton Band as stated in the John Overton Band Handbook.

How much will it cost to be in the Overton Band?

The Metro Nashville School System allocates only a small amount of money for band programs.  We depend almost totally on the Band Boosters to fund the program.  The annual band budget is around $100,000.  The budget is divided by the number of students in the program and individual accounts are set up for each student.  The payments are divided into monthly installments for the first semester and one installment for the second semester.  These payments can be met through fundraisers or cash payments.  Camp and uniform fees are in addition to the regular budget but may be included in the monthly installment.  Band Camp fee is about $150.00, Red Band shirt is about $15.00, gloves are about $5.00, and band shoes are about $28.00.

How is this money used?

A yearly budget is presented at the Band Camp/Booster Meeting and voted on by the Band Boosters.  This meeting is usually in late July or early August depending on the start of school.  The budget includes all expenses which operate the band.  Some of these items include:  transportation, special staff, music, entry fees, show writing, new instruments, repair of instruments and equipment, insurance, supplies, scholarship, newsletter, postage, truck and trailer expenses.

Does Metro pay for anything pertaining to band expenses?

Metro Schools provides some school-owned instruments and some money for repair of school-owned instruments.  They purchase a portion of the high school band uniforms on a rotating basis.  We receive no other funding from the school system and depend totally on the Band Boosters to fund the program.

How can I earn this money?

The Overton Band Boosters sponsor several fundraisers throughout the year.  Many of these are projects that do not involve door-to-door selling (i.e., Central Parking and Kroger Care Gift Cards).  Some of our biggest selling projects include CitiPass Books, Smart Cards, Florida Citrus Fruit at Thanksgiving and Christmas, pizzas, and ads for the football program and marching contest program.  Many students earn their entire budget with these projects.

Can I be in band and still participate in sports?

Yes!  Most of the athletic teams do not conflict with band and vice versa.  Exceptions to this are girls' volleyball, girls' soccer, and football in the fall.  Many band students have participated in winter and spring sports such as wrestling, softball, boys' soccer, track, baseball, and basketball.

If you have any other questions that are not listed here, call the Overton Band Room at 331-8586 for an answer or email Ms. Hood at jhood10105@aol.com or Ms. Burton at dlburton98@aol.com.

Thanks!