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The Drum Line is a section of the Marching Band Techniques Class at Mclean. During a normal year, you can only be a member of the Drum Line if you participate in Marching Band.

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How often are band classes and what are the different sections/levels they are divided into? 

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How often are band classes and what are the different sections/levels they are divided into? 

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You will have band class either two or three times per week, depending on which day you have it (red or silver). It is split into three levels: symphonic band, wind ensemble, and concert band. There is a separate class for percussionists.

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The Jazz Band at Mclean is an additional class that you can enroll in for an actual grade. The Advanced Jazz Band (Jazz Ensemble) has classes twice a week on Tuesday Nights and Thursday Afternoons. The Intermediate Jazz Band, (Jazz Workshop) has class on Friday Afternoons.

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Can you do marching band if you aren't taking band class?

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Can you do marching band if you aren't taking band class?

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Yes. Marching Band is open to any students who wish to participate. If you play an instrument that is not part of the Marching Band, you can borrow a school instrument to participate. Some Orchestra members play a wind instrument in order to play in Marching Band.  If you do not play an instrument, you can also join the Color Guard, which performs with the Marching Band.

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At all FCPS schools, most instruments can be rented from the school at a significantly reduced cost. If you play a rare instrument, it is unlikely that you will be able to rent one directly from the school, but you might be able to get a discount from local music stores.

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It depends. Many groups, like the  Marching Band or Orchestra Program, go on multiple trips a year. Generally, the Band Program takes one trip a year, but sometimes will take two. The Band Program has been to Universal Studios, Disney World, Boston, and Chicago to name a few. Every other year, a select orchestral group will travel to Germany for a two-week exchange program. Clubs such as Quizbowl and It's Academic will often travel locally for regional competitions.

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Do you get any credits or benefits from extracurricular activities? Are any specific clubs good for a resume?

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Do you get any credits or benefits from extracurricular activities? Are any specific clubs good for a resume?

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This is a complicated question. There are so many different activities that are beneficial, it really depends what your goals are. If you are trying to show that you are an academic student, signing up for tutoring clubs is really good. For some extracurriculars, such as Marching Band, you can get a varsity letter for participating. If you hold a position of leadership within an activity, that can also be beneficial. Explore your options.

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If I want a club that isn't there, can I start one?

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If I want a club that isn't there, can I start one?

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Yes! To find more information on how to start a club, enter the code euwkxvv into google classroom to see forms and information. You will need to get a teacher to sponsor it, as well as signatures from students saying they would participate. You can find these instructions at the top of this page: https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/clubs-and-organizations

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Is band a lot harder at Mclean than at Longfellow?

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Is band a lot harder at Mclean than at Longfellow?

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In general, no. If you were in band at Longfellow and you excelled as a student, you will likely audition and be placed in one of the top two groups. The music will be a little more advanced, but you will be placed in a group where you are able to grow. Most people who did well in Longfellow Band eventually end up in the Symphonic Band (the most advanced group) by  sophomore or junior year.

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What clubs are available and where can I find them?

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What clubs are available and where can I find them?

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Information about after school clubs are prevalent on various platforms; social media accounts will most certainly be available for you to peruse and check out the different clubs in high school. In addition, teachers will also tend to promote certain clubs. Finally, to find a more consolidated overview of the after school clubs, please visit this website: https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/clubs-and-organizations

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You don't have to join clubs but if you are interested you should only join clubs you want to and you should try to not overwhelm yourself. 1-3 clubs would be a good range.

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You can ask teachers, look on Instagram, look at this list of clubs/activities (https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/clubs-and-organizations), and go to each clubs interest meeting.

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Do you have to do marching band if you are in band?

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Do you have to do marching band if you are in band?

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Marching band is only required for students in the top band (Symphonic), and for percussionists. For the rest of band students, marching band is completely optional.

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How am I supposed to know where to go if I get lost?

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How am I supposed to know where to go if I get lost?

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You will be provided a map of the school during your orientation that you can use to find where to go. The room numbers of all of your classes can be found in SIS on the schedule tab so you will know exactly where you should go to. You might get lost in the first week but teachers are lenient about that. Teachers and students can also help you in finding your way to your destination.

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No, whether you join clubs is  completely up to you. It is highly recommended, however, since if it is a club you are genuinely interested in, you will have fun and meet a whole lot of new people. When you are with people in a club, it's easier to make new friends since you have common interests. You can ask your friends to join a club with you so that it will be easier for you guys to have fun. Becoming president or some other type of leader of a club is also something that goes well on a resume for college.

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Is theater class different from the plays?

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Is theater class different from the plays?

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Yes. Theater is an elective that anyone can take, while the plays are after school activities that you need to audition for. If you are in theater class you aren't obligated to try out for the play, and you are not required to be in the theater class to try out for the play.

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This depends on the club you join. For example, some clubs might have meetings or events over the weekend, such as Science Olympiad or Model UN. These clubs will require commitment in order to be actively involved in the club's activities.

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How will extra curricular activities be different because of covid?

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How will extra curricular activities be different because of covid?

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Many clubs will be meeting virtually through Google Meets, Zoom, or BBCU. To find out the meeting information for each club, it is important to either follow the club's social media platforms or be enrolled in the club's Google Classroom. Here, the club sponsors and leaders will update members with all the information they will need to know to have the best experience in those clubs. You may also visit this website in order to learn more about after school clubs and how to participate: https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/clubs-and-organizations.

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It is entirely up to your preference. However, in order to get a taste of the clubs in high school, make sure to branch out and participate in new activities that you've never done before. This will let you judge whether or not a club is truly fun for you.