What makes up a Marching Band?
The Band
Marching band is the ultimate masterclass in teamwork, discipline, and personal growth! Beyond the music, it challenges students to master the art of "multitasking at a high level"—blending physical athleticism with artistic precision. Members build unbreakable bonds while learning the value of persistence, time management, and leadership. Whether it’s the thrill of a perfect halftime show or the grit of a long rehearsal, marching band equips performers with a sense of pride and a community that feels like family.
The Drum Majors
The drum majors are the heartbeat and the command center of the entire ensemble! Serving as the ultimate bridge between the director and the performers, they provide the steady pulse and visual cues that keep all the moving parts in perfect synchronization. When the lights go up, it’s their energy and focus that steer the band toward a show-stopping performance!
The Guard
Color guard brings the music to life, transforming a marching band performance into a full-scale cinematic experience! By blending athletic dance, precision flag work, and theatrical flair, the guard provides the essential visual "storyline" that complements every note played on the field. They bridge the gap between sight and sound, adding the vibrant splashes of color and emotion that capture the audience's imagination and make the show truly unforgettable.
Perkins Marching Band
2026-2027 Student Parent Handbook
Are you looking for answers and have misplaced your handbook? Link coming soon.
OTC Medications
Band camp, rehearsals, and bus trips! There are a lot of things going on in band and sometimes OTC medications are needed. We are fortunate that we have a dedicated group of chaperones and staff who are available to take care of our students. They can handle minor aches and pains, headaches, motion sickness, coughs, allergies, indigestion, minor cuts and scrapes, sunburns, sunburn prevention, and more. Our chaperones and staff want to make sure that your student gets the care they need. In order to do that, every student needs to return a completed and signed OTC medical form. This form is available in the handbook.
Our Band in Action!
2025 Show "Pure Imagination" at the Springfield Band Showcase
Uniforms
We are thrilled to announce that the new uniforms are in and will be ready for the 2026 marching season!
On the topic of uniforms, did you know that shoes are an important part of the uniform? We use black Super Drillmasters shoes for marching band. These need to be in good condition to prevent injuries, provide comfort, and ensure consistent, precise performance on the field. While students might not need new shoes every year, they must be in good condition or they will need to be replaced. Rips, tears, and holes are not ok and while duct tape is a great quick fix for many things, marching shoes are not one of them. Order forms are in the handbook and shoes are ordered once a year during band camp. Every student needs to turn in a completed order form regardless of whether they order shoes or gloves.
Concert Band
Our Bands
While the marching band might be the most visible face of the the Perkins Band Program. Pride, Traditional, and Excellence are displayed by all our bands during concert season. We are lucky to have a robust lineup that includes:
- The PHS Wind Ensemble
- The PHS Symphonic Band
- The Perkins Jazz Ambassadors
- Briar Middle School 8th Grade Band
- Briar Middle School 7th Grade Band
- Briar Middle School 6th Grade Band
The Stage
While the final product is performed on the stage, the band directors and students know the hard work begins much sooner. What is heard at a performance is the product of months of hard work. Time is spent everyday in class learning new skills, putting in the hard work, and polishing the performance to produce a magical experience for the stage.
Program Design
The band directors at Perkins believe creativity and artistry should be embraced in all forms. They encourage students to design the concert programs giving students more ownership in their education as well as building confidence in their creative abilities.
Public Speaking
By giving students the opportunity to introduce the pieces of music they are playing, the band directors foster not only musical growth but provide the students opportunities to learn and practice practical skills such as public speaking.
Beyond Perkins
The band directors recognize that musicianship also grows outside the walls of Perkins Schools. They encourage the students to gain additional experience by participating in opportunities such as music camps, Kent State All-Star Band, and Solo & Ensemble.