The Patriot Marching Band

Band Camp

WHEN: Camp is July 28 - August 6, 2025

WHERE: Independence High School

HOW: Complete the online registration process for Band Camp. You must be registered Band Camp in order to attend. You can register for Band and Band Camp here: Independence Band Registration Form

Band Camp is open to all Independence students interested in participating in Marching Band. While not a strict requirement for participating in Marching Band, it is a highly valuable resource for not only learning marching and playing, but gaining early experience in a high school setting, and making lifelong friendship. Knowing that the financial burden is difficult for some families, the Independence Band Boosters provides scholarships for Independence students for marching band tuition based on need. If payments of any kind ever become difficult, we strongly encourage band families to speak confidentially to the Director of Bands. To submit a scholarship application, go to the Band Camp Scholarship Application form (coming soon).

HEALTH FORMS:

All students participating in marching band are required to submit a completed Health Form. Click this link to access the registration form and have your doctor fill it out. Completed forms should be sent directly to the band director.

MORE INFORMATION

  • Coming Soon

 

 If you do not see the answer to your questions, please contact adam1.collins@cms.k12.nc.us 

 

ABOUT CAMP

Starting in the last week of July and ending in the first week of August, the marching band meets for two weeks of rehearsals and fun. Students spend their time brushing up their marching fundamentals, both musically and physically, and learning what will eventually come to be our competitive field show. Sectional rehearsals occur, as well as physical training and even dedicated time to focus and be present in the moment.

One of the highlights of camp is our Friday showcase, where students demonstrate their fundamentals and every bit of the field show that we’ve gotten on the field. This is a great way for students to have early access to getting to know other students and making lifelong friendships in a safe and creative environment!

Band Camp also brings in dedicated staff and alumni to help out at the camp. These individuals are chosen specifically for their knowledge of music and marching, as well as their commitment to the growth and development of the program at Independence. Thus, parents are assured that the students are given personal attention when needed, and will have a lot of fun at camp.

For the duration of camp, dinner will be provided to the students, thanks to our amazing boosters. Lunch will be each students’ responsibility, whether that is walking to a nearby location to buy food, or by bringing lunch with them each day.

 

DRUM MAJOR and ASSISTANT DRUM MAJOR

These two positions are held by a Senior and Junior student in the bands. These students represent the epitome of what it means to be a dedicated member of the Band of the Patriots. Because of the added responsibilities on these students, membership in at least one of the concert classes is required during the school day.

The Assistant Drum Major is selected through an election process that involves both the students as well as the staff. Once they have been chosen as a Junior, that student will then move into the Drum Major position during their Senior Year, when we will select a new Assistant Drum Major.

Selecting a drum major is a significant decision, as this student leader will represent the band, assist with instruction, and set the tone for the entire group. It's important to assess a candidate's leadership qualities, communication skills, musicality, and dedication. Here are some criteria to consider when deciding whether or not to audition to be drum major:

Criteria for Selection

  1. Leadership Skills: Ability to inspire, guide, and command respect from peers.

  2. Musical Proficiency: Strong understanding of marching band music and technique.

  3. Communication: Clear and effective verbal and nonverbal communication.

  4. Responsibility and Commitment: Dedication to the band, punctuality, and follow-through on commitments.

  5. Positive Attitude: Serves as a role model with a supportive and motivational demeanor.

  6. Adaptability: Can handle pressure, unexpected challenges, and diverse situations.

  7. Vision and Initiative: Ideas for improving the band or leading it in new directions.

Round 1

Essay Submission:

As the drum major of our marching band, you will take on the important role of being a leader, motivator, and representative of our group. This position requires strong leadership skills, a positive attitude, and a deep commitment to the success of the band as a whole.

In a well-organized essay (300-500 words), please address the following prompts:

  1. Leadership Vision

    • What does being a leader mean to you, and how do you envision fulfilling the role of drum major?

    • How would you inspire and motivate your peers, both during rehearsals and performances?

  2. Band Commitment and Growth

    • Describe how your experience as a member of the marching band has prepared you to take on this responsibility.

    • Share one specific goal you have for the marching band and how you would work to achieve it as drum major.

  3. Problem-Solving and Collaboration

    • Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge as part of a team. How did you address it, and what was the outcome?

    • How would you approach conflict or challenges within the band?

Be sure to include specific examples from your personal experiences and explain why you are passionate about becoming the drum major. Your essay should reflect your personality, leadership qualities, and vision for the band.

Round 2

Interviews

Be ready to answer questions from the following list:

  1. Leadership and Responsibility

    • What does being a leader mean to you, and how would you apply that as a drum major?

    • Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership in a challenging situation. What did you learn from that experience?

  2. Vision and Initiative

    • What are your goals for the marching band, and how would you work to achieve them as drum major?

    • If you could improve one aspect of our marching band, what would it be and why?

  3. Musical and Marching Proficiency

    • How has your experience in the band prepared you to take on the role of drum major?

    • Describe a piece of music or drill move that challenged you and how you overcame that challenge.

  4. Interpersonal Skills

    • How would you handle a situation where a band member is not following directions or is causing a disruption?

    • Describe how you would motivate and support your peers during a tough rehearsal or performance.

  5. Adaptability and Problem-Solving

    • How would you approach a situation where weather disrupts a performance plan at the last minute?

    • What would you do if there is a disagreement among band members during a rehearsal?

  6. Personal Reflection

    • Why do you want to be the drum major, and what unique qualities do you bring to the role?

    • What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from being in the marching band, and how would you apply that as a drum major?

Round 3

Conducting

You will be conducting the marching band in 2 selections, chosen by the interview committee. This rehearsal will take place in March, and the marching band will also be involved in selecting the next drum major and assistant drum major.

While all students will have a say in who their next drum major is, the final say will ultimately be at the discretion of the director and relevant staff members. Drum Majors will be announced before Spring Break.

COST: 

$350. This is broken up into three payments which are due on May 12th ($50), June 16th ($150), and July 14th ($150).

HOW TO PAY: 

Payment can be made in cash, check, or via our paypal link (above). If you have any questions, please contact our treasurer at andobrich@gmail.com

Who we are:

The Marching Band at Independence High School represents the epitome of the model student and classmate in Charlotte. Acting as ambassadors to the school, the band is often the first group seen, and certainly the first group heard when visitors come to our campus. The Marching Band has a history of pride and excellence, including quality musicianship, relentless passion, and un-yielding determination in the pursuit of perfection. The Patriot Marching Band is an integral part of the community in Mint Hill, performing at pep-rallies, parades, games, and other events throughout the school year.

As director of the band program, it is my responsibility to make sure the students are not only knowledgeable of the music and drill, but that they are provided with the opportunity to succeed as positively contributing members of both the community, and society as a whole. I am tasked with the responsibility to push these students to reach their musical potential, all while maintaining an environment that is supportive and allows them to creatively go beyond where before they may have stopped. Each member of the band program is valued and respected for the talents and abilities that they bring to the classroom, and I am here to help guide those individuals to success. At the end of the day, I make no sound in the performance - that is entirely the product of the students. My job is to guide and shape these young, talented minds so that they have a place where they feel they belong, and can become the best human beings they are capable of being.

- Adam Collins, director