Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different options in the North band program? 

Please look at the Our Program page to read about all the different ensembles at North.

Do I have to audition for the band? Will I be cut?​ 

The Blue Star Regiment has no formal audition to be included in the program, and all students are welcome to participate regardless of experience! There is a class for every student that will meet them where they are at and continue to build musicianship. We start brand new students on their instruments every year and they catch up in no time. 

For percussion and color guard, students will be considered for certain spots or roles in the ensemble during the spring, but every student receives a spot on the field. There are formal auditions for our Wind Symphony class, usually held in April of the prior year.

Does the band travel?

Yes! Throughout the BSR's history, the band has traveled to awesome destinations such as New York City, Hawaii, China, Japan, England, Spain, and Australia. There is a great chance that your student can be a part of one of these awesome trips during their time at North!

How can I keep up to date about North band activities? 

Link our Google Calendar to your phone and make sure you are receiving the weekly email from Mr. Schive. Your email should be added if your student is in a band class, but please email Mr. Schive at sschive@riversideunified.org if you are not receiving emails. 

Another option is follow us on social media!

What is the BSRIMA?

At 48 years old, the BSRIMA is North's oldest parent booster program.  The parents have supported the music and auxiliary programs since 1972.

The BSRIMA helps raise funds for the program.  Our annual budget ranges from $40,000 to over $100,000 based on the planned activities.  The BSRIMA members also donate time at events and help to make sure our students have the best experience possible! 

To learn more about the BSRIMA and getting involved, please visit our BSRIMA page and email the Board.

What does it cost to be in band?

Unlike many schools throughout the United States, participation in the North band program is completely free and we do not charge a yearly fee. We understand that families face all sorts of financial situations year to year, and we never want this to inhibit your student's participation in something that will make their high school experience so much richer.

To keep band free, we do ask that parents and students participate in yearly fundraising efforts to make sure that the band can compete with the best of the best in Southern California. Please reach out to the BSRIMA Board to ask how you can get involved, we would appreciate your help!

How do the students earn a Varsity letter in band? 

An application will be sent out to students each year around April for them to fill out for consideration for a Varsity letter. These are awarded yearly at the BSR Banquet.

Is there an end of year Banquet? 

Yes, we look forward to our BSR Banquet each year where students can be recognized for their achievements. Senior students are free and we do charge a nominal fee for other attendees to cover the cost of food and the event space.

How do I reach the Band Director? 

Email Mr. Schive at sschive@riversideunified.org. 

Do all students participate in marching band? 

We are proud at North High School that nearly every band student participates in the marching band. This allows our program to have such a rich history of excellence.

I've never played an instrument before. Is that a problem?

Absolutely not! There is a class for every student that will meet them where they are at and continue to build musicianship. We start brand new students on their instruments every year and they catch up in no time. 

Should I try out high school first then join the BSR my sophomore year? 

No! You only get four years!  You don’t want to miss being a part of the Blue Star Regiment. What could be better than starting high school with 100 friends on the first day?  And you’ll always have a lunch buddy!

Is there a cost to do marching band?

Nope! Participation with the BSR is completely free, and there are only a few items that we require students to purchase when the year begins. 

To keep band free, we do ask that parents and students participate in yearly fundraising efforts to make sure that the band can compete with the best of the best in Southern California. Please reach out to the BSRIMA Board to ask how you can get involved, we would appreciate your help!

Is there anything I need to purchase for my student for marching band? 

All members need a pair of marching band uniform shoes at $30 and the BSR water jug for $7. If students are careful with these items, they will can last them their entire four years with the BSR.

Additionally, we ask that each student has a pair of khaki-colored shorts to wear with their band shirt for a more "casual uniform" when the weather is warm.

What is the time commitment for marching band? 

Marching band is a time commitment for students, requiring their attendance at summer Band Camp, weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, home football games on Fridays, and field show competitions on Saturdays in September through November. We ask around the same of our students that high school sports programs would, and know that your student will consider their time well-spent as they march, play, and support their teams with their friends!

Every BSR event is published on the band calendar, which can be found on the Calendar page.

What time does practice end and what time do I need to pick up my student? 

Practice on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will end at 5:30pm, while Thursday rehearsal will end at 9:00pm. We recommend being there to pick up your student shortly before rehearsals end, and we will ensure that students communicate with you should there be any scheduling changes. 

Does Marching Band count for credit? What about PE credit? 

Yes it does. Taking two semesters of marching band will satisfy one credit of PE, waiving the graduation requirement.

Does Marching Band prevent students from participating in other school activities? 

No! It is so important for students to be as well-rounded as possible during their time at North, and we encourage members of the band program to get as involved in their school as possible. The band is better with your student in it and we only benefit from serving as many students as possible, so please ask questions if we can help you find a scheduling solution!

If students see any conflicts coming up with another school event, they need to communicate these with Mr. Schive as soon as possible so he can try and find a compromise. ​

Do I need to provide my own instrument for marching band? 

No! The BSR has instruments for students to check out, including larger instruments such as French horn, trombone, baritones, tuba, tenor and bari saxophones, and bass clarinets, but can include smaller instruments depending on inventory.

Are there summer commitments with the BSR? 

The BSR holds a few summer rehearsals prior to Band Camp from late May to July. These are mandatory if your student is in town, but please enjoy your summer with any vacation or family plans! These are really to keep students playing and excited about band.

Our yearly summer Band Camp is mandatory for all students, and generally happens the first week of August. It prepares students for the season and affirms that each student has a spot in the competitive field show. Our Band Camp ends with our annual potluck and student showcase performance. The students learn around 5 weeks of material during Band Camp, so their attendance is extremely important and they may fall behind or not be placed in the entire show if they are not in attendance. Please reach out to Mr. Schive with any scheduling questions.

What does my student wear to marching band? 

Students should wear comfortable, athletic clothing, and always have closed-toed shoes (preferably running or athletic shoes). If you wouldn’t be comfortable jogging around the neighborhood in it, it probably isn’t great for marching band! Color Guard should consult their staff for more specific requirements. 

What else should my student bring to rehearsals?

Your student needs these survival items for being outdoor in the sun: WATER (in a your BSR jug!!!), sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. During Band Camp, the Boosters do provide dinner each full day for students to opt in to for $25, but this is not required.

Wind players will need their instruments and necessary instrument accessories (valve oil, reeds, etc). Percussionists and Color Guard members should consult their staff for any additional items they need to bring.

Also, your most important thing to bring: a positive attitude! Marching band is tough, but your student is tougher!

Can a student participate in athletics and marching band? How about IB or AVID?

Plenty of students make both marching band and athletics work and both are very important activities that can make a student’s high school experience special. Mr. Schive is happy to speak with North coaches about sharing your student’s time and will try his best to make it work. 

Participation in scholastic programs like AVID and IB are a huge part of what makes the BSR so special! BSR graduates have been Valedictorians, attended Ivy League universities, and any school counselor will tell you that marching band is one of the best things to participate in for college admissions to notice your application!

Can my student miss a practice/football game/exhibition/competition? 

Please consult Mr. Schive as soon as possible if there are any reasons your student needs to miss a band event. 

Emergencies and major family events happen, and we will try our hardest to accommodate that, but marching band is the ultimate team sport and every members' success is determined by everyone being there. Imagine trying to spell a word on the field and you are missing a letter!

Do parents need to pay to get into the football game or competitions? 

Yes, each school is a bit different but cost is generally $6-$8. For all RUSD and North home games you can purchase tickets via the GoFan app. Look for an information email at the beginning of the year. Many schools have a clear bag policy for football games as well. 

For competitions, the cost is between $10-$15 for most competitions except championships which can be as much as $25. These prices are set by the show hosts and organizations running the events. 

A great way to save money on entry to the stadium is to volunteer to help the band push on and off the field. We are always looking for parents to help, admission to watch your student would be free!

Where do I sit at football games? 

For all home games we sit on the home side. Look for other band parents in their BSR gear and sit with them, as it is always awesome for our students to see the cheering squad of parents sitting together.

Where and when do I pick up my student after a football game/competition? 

Students will most often be excused from the band room after everything is put away after a football game or competition. Any changes or unusual dismissal circumstances will be communicated clearly to parents and students ahead of the event. A typical schedule will be posted on the band calendar as well. 

What is the etiquette for band concerts? 

Please silence your phones. Parents and guests are encouraged to clap and cheer for students when appropriate. We know band concerts can be long, but we encourage audience members to stay for the entire performance out of respect for all of our student performers. 

What does my student need to wear for concerts? 

Concert dress will be discussed per each performing group well in advance of concert date. If a student is unable to provide the appropriate clothing for concerts, directors must be notified in advance so other clothing arrangements can be made. Performing ensembles follow these general guidelines:

• Black Slacks/Knee-Length Skirt, 

• Black Shirt/Tie 

OR 

• Black Knee-Length Dresses

• Black Socks, Black Closed-Toed Shoes

Notes for all groups: NO jeans, NO T-shirts, NO sneakers, NO shorts. Students must remain in required dress for the entire concert.

​

Do the concert bands travel? 

The concert bands will travel for festival performances in the Spring, as well as any extra performances that may come up in the community. All of these events will be posted on the BSR calendar. 

Are concerts free? 

The BSRIMA does sell tickets for $5 for each concert, but please reach out to Mr. Schive if you are unable to attend due to an extenuating financial situation and we will make sure you can come see your student play!

What are indoor programs?

Our Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Winter Guard are pagentry activities similar to marching band that occur during the winter and spring months. Students perform modern shows inside high school gyms in competition with other schools from around Southern California.

When are auditions? 

Winter program auditions will be held in late November or early December. More information will be provided to students as the year progresses.

I didn't play a drum or spin flag in the BSR, can I still audition?

Certainly! Indoor season is the perfect time to try something new like percussion or color guard in addition to your participation in the concert band and jazz band classes, and we would love to have you audition.

Is there a cost to be in a winter group?

Nope! Participation with the indoor groups is completely free.

To keep band free, we do ask that parents and students participate in yearly fundraising efforts to make sure that the band can compete with the best of the best in Southern California. Please reach out to the BSRIMA Board to ask how you can get involved, we would appreciate your help!

Do parents need to pay to get into competitions? 

Yes, the cost ranges from $10-$15 for a normal competition and up to $25 for championships. These prices are set by the show hosts and organizations running the events.

A great way to save money on entry to the stadium is to volunteer to help the Indoor Percussion Ensemble push on and off the floor. We are always looking for parents to help, admission to watch your student would be free!

Please see our BSRIMA page for Frequently Asked Questions and more information about fundraising. We would love to have your help to make this program a great experience for students!