All students in grade six are encouraged to try the band program, as students can only enter the program in later grades under special circumstances. There are no musical requirements to enter the program. Instruments are rented to grade six students at a nominal fee so that they may try them out for a year before parents invest in a band instrument. The band program continues through to senior four, where high school students receive credits toward graduation. Band students and their parents must make a commitment to the band program when they join, as it does involve time outside of school for individual practising and for various events. If your child begins the band in September, they must stay in it for the year. Students will not be able to drop out as it makes it difficult to timetable. Band students participate in concerts, festivals, clinics, honour bands, solos, ensemble groups, and, of course, in our fund-raising events. We also have an active Band Parents Association that supports the band program in many ways.