FAQ
Members/Potential Members
How often does the band/orchestra meet?
The band meets twice a week, 9-11 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in SSM 116. The orchestra meets once a week 8-10 PM on Wednesdays in ACS 109. The Big Band meet once a week, 6-9 PM on Fridays in ACS 120
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How do I join one of the ensembles?
All that is need to join any of the ensembles is to start attending rehearsals and pay club dues.
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Do I need to pay money to join?
To be a full member of the club, there are club dues. For the entire year, Band is $25, and Jazz or Orchestra and $20. To join multiple ensembles, the cost is $35. People can still attend rehearsals without being a full member, but they cannot participate in performances or rent school instruments.
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What if I want to join Late or for Spring Semester only?
Joining the club any time in the year is completely fine, and it is encouraged that potential members join when they have the time available.
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Do I need prior experience playing an instrument to join?
No prior experience is needed for any of the ensembles. We are very used to people that are new to playing music and we make sure to spend extra time helping people who want/need it.
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Do I need to bring my own instrument or does the band have instruments I can borrow?
The club owns several wind, percussion and string instruments that can be rented out to full members for the year. Prices range from $30 to $100, depending on the instrument. They are rented on a first-come first-serve basis.
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Who runs the band?
The Bobcat Band, Orchestra, and Big Band are all run by a group of 11 officers that are elected in the spring of each year. The club receives some funding from the school, but other than that is entirely student run.
FAQ
Outside Organizations/Groups
Can I request for one of the groups to perform?
Please visit our Contact Us page. We would love to talk about any opportunities for the group to perform.
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What types of music can the groups perform?
The Bobcat Band usually knows many pep tunes and pop songs, as well as some marches and in the spring some classical pieces. The Bobcat Orchestra plays many different classical orchestral pieces. The Big Band and Combo play many different types of music.
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Can I request for one of the groups to play one song in particular?
It is possible but unlikely, as the group will need to find sheet music for the song and most likely rehearse it for at least 1-2 weeks.
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How far are we willing to travel to perform?
Right now, none of the groups are able to travel further than Merced due to a lack of organized transportation for the group
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How can I support the group?
Please visit our Fundraising page to see what upcoming fundraisers we have, or if you would like to make a donation of money or instruments please contact us Here.