Welcome New Condors! 

Are you an incoming California High School Entertainment Unit parent and not quite sure what you’ve signed up for? Don’t worry the Boosters are here to help!

Marching band and color guard combine music, athleticism, performance, teamwork, and school spirit into an unforgettable experience. Students spend countless hours rehearsing, performing, traveling, competing, and creating memories that often become some of the most meaningful moments of their high school years. While the season can be demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding for both students and families. We are excited to welcome you to the California High School Entertainment Unit family!

Many of our students come from families with previous marching band or color guard experience, while others are completely new to the program. No matter your background, we know there can be a lot to learn at the beginning of the season. Our goal is to help make the transition easier by sharing important information, tips, and resources to help both students and families feel prepared and supported throughout the year.

A Commitment Worth Making

The California High School Entertainment Unit is more than just a class. It is a year-round commitment that becomes a second family for many of our students. Similar to club-level sports, marching band and color guard require dedication, teamwork, and consistent participation throughout the season. Students attend summer Band Camp, after-school rehearsals during the week, football games, competitions, parades, and various performances and events throughout the school year. While the season can be demanding from August through November, it is also an incredibly rewarding experience for both students and families.

We encourage all students to stay properly hydrated, maintain good nutrition, and begin preparing for outdoor rehearsals during the summer months. California temperatures can be intense during Band Camp and rehearsals, so getting accustomed to spending time outdoors beforehand can help students adjust more comfortably and safely before the season begins.

Important Dates

You’ll find the official California High School Entertainment Unit calendar on BoosterHub. The calendar is one of the most important tools for students and families throughout the season.

EU Information: Directors and boosters will keep the calendar updated with rehearsal schedules, performance dates and times, competition information, due dates, and other important program announcements.

Volunteer Opportunities: Boosters will also post volunteer opportunities, booster meeting information, fundraising events, and other updates geared toward parents and volunteers.

The calendar is connected to your BoosterHub app and will automatically update as events are added throughout the year. We highly encourage families to sync the calendar to their personal devices and check it regularly throughout the season.

Rehearsal End Times

When the calendar lists a rehearsal ending at a certain time, that means rehearsal instruction is scheduled to end at that time. Students will still need additional time afterward to return to the band room, put away instruments and equipment, assist with cleanup, and gather their belongings before being picked up. Depending on the student’s section or equipment, this process may take additional time.

There may also be occasions, especially leading up to performances or competitions, where rehearsals run a few minutes longer in order to finish a set or complete an important section. Directors always do their best to be respectful of everyone’s time, but we appreciate your patience and flexibility during the season.

Please also make a plan for student pick-up locations. All students are expected to help return equipment and clean up after rehearsals and events before leaving campus. On football game days and event days, please avoid parking in designated bus loading/unloading areas so students and equipment crews can safely unload.

The Seasons of the Entertainment Unit

Marching Season: All marching band and color guard students begin rehearsals during the summer in preparation for the fall season. The Entertainment Unit performs at football games, pep rallies, community events, parades, and marching band competitions throughout the season, which typically runs from summer through late fall.

Marching Eligibility: Students must have all required forms and paperwork completed and maintain academic eligibility in accordance with school and district policies. Students are also expected to attend rehearsals consistently and communicate both planned and unexpected absences with the directors as early as possible.

Concert Season: Students enrolled in the band program participate in one of the school’s concert ensembles throughout the academic year. During concert season, students prepare for and perform in multiple concerts and adjudicated performances that focus on musical growth, ensemble performance, and musicianship.

Color Guard/Winter Guard: Color Guard is the visual performance component of the Entertainment Unit and combines dance, movement, flags, rifles, sabres, and performance techniques to enhance the marching band production. During the winter and spring months, Winter Guard continues performing and competing in an indoor setting separate from the fall marching season.

Entertainment Unit Vocabulary

Wondering what your student is talking about after a few days of Band Camp? Here are some common terms you may start hearing throughout the season:

Auxiliary – Another term sometimes used for Color Guard or the visual performance elements of the ensemble.

Battery/Drumline – The percussion section that marches on the field carrying snare drums, tenor drums, or bass drums.

Bibbers – The uniform pants worn as part of the marching band uniform.

BoosterHub – The main communication platform used by the California High School Entertainment Unit. BoosterHub includes calendars, announcements, chats, forms, volunteer opportunities, payments, and the booster store.

Drill – The marching movements, sets, and formations performed on the field during a show.

Drum Major(s) – Student leaders and conductors who lead the band during performances and rehearsals.

Feature – A section of the show designed to highlight a specific section, performer, or visual moment.

Front Ensemble/Pit – The stationary percussion section located at the front of the field. Instruments may include marimbas, vibraphones, synthesizers, drum set, cymbals, and other percussion equipment.

Plume – The feather attachment worn on top of the marching band shako during performances.

Section Leader – A student leader responsible for helping guide and support a specific instrument section.

Sectional – A rehearsal focused on one specific section or group within the ensemble.

Shako – The marching band hat worn as part of the full uniform.

Show Shirt – The shirt worn underneath the marching uniform and often used during additional events and spirit days throughout the season.

Swing Flag – A smaller style of flag commonly used in Color Guard performances for one-handed movement and visual effects.

Hear another term you do not recognize? Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Band and guard have their own language, and our booster family is always happy to help new families learn along the way.