Start times listed for events are usually for spectators. Students are expected to arrive early to set up instruments, move equipment, change into uniforms, etc. How early depends on what the Director has specified (usually told verbally, available on Remind, and/or through Google Classroom) and what your student's specific duties are. If you are ever in doubt, see the contact page to email your director.

See our Community page for a list of local resources.

At this time, dates have not been announced. However, mid-July is when it usually starts.

Marching Band season is a busy time! It is a time filled with band camp, practices, field trips, and the annual banquet. Students perform at all home and away varsity football games, as well as several competitions around the state. They also participate in local events, such as the fair's Band-o-Rama and parades. Additionally, the band travels every four years to destinations like DisneyWorld and Dollywood.

Yes, but you will need to sign out your student at the end of the competition or game with Ms. Calvin. If she isn't available, find another director. They must be informed that you are taking your student home. If your student is supposed to go home with someone else, you must fill out the form available on the Marching Band Google Classroom and give it to a director ahead of time.

Yes, attendance is taken at band camp and practices. Please email Ms. Calvin to let her know if your child needs to miss a day.

• Each host band sets up their schedule differently. The directors will send this out ahead of time with directions for parking (if necessary). 

• We compete as a class B band. Classes are based on student enrollment. The smallest class is C and largest is AA.

• Each band has an allotted time to set up, warm up, and perform their show. Points can be deducted for exceeding these limits.

• There are multiple judges in charge of awarding points in various categories: Music, Visual, General Effect, Percussion, & Auxiliary

• Audience reaction is part of the score! Cheer and applaud at big moments and solos.

• There are 5 outcomes for our band's overall rating: poor (5), fair (4), good (3), excellent (2), and superior (1). A superior rating earns a place at the State Marching Band Finals.

• There can also be various other awards given, such as best in a category, or Grand Champion.

• Performances of Indian Valley shows are not allowed to be shared publicly, due to music copyright laws.

• There is an expected etiquette at competitions. To be respectful of the performers and people watching them, entering the stands during a show is not allowed. 

For more in-depth details, please see these Notes on Competitions..

Each marching band member should have:

• bibbers, jacket, and gauntlets

• hat

• garment bag and hat box

• marching shoes (theirs to keep, replaced at additional cost)

• red polo shirt and blue shorts

• black crew socks (you provide these)

 Color guard members should have:

• school uniform

• shoes

• gloves

• competition uniform (returned at the end of the season)

The music boosters will provide each student with a competition t-shirt at no extra charge. 

Music boosters handle the cleaning of the marching band uniforms. They are cleaned between each season and periodically through the season. If the uniform gets wet, it is a good idea to hang it to dry fully before storing.

Color guard uniforms are the responsibility of the color guard member, using the instructions on the garment. 

Yes, each student will have fees to pay each season. The costs fluctuate, depending on if you are a new marcher or if you need replacement uniform items. All fees go toward uniform costs (repair, replacement, and cleaning). Fees are due by the end of the school year and can be paid by check. Make the check out to Indian Valley Music Boosters and have your student deposit it in the mailbox in the band room OR mail it to:

Indian Valley Music Boosters 

P.O. Box 507 

Gnadenhutten, Ohio 44629