Join the band
No audition to start, no cuts, ever. If you can show up and work hard, there is a seat for you at Hamilton.
for Concert Band, Concert Percussion, and the Marching Huskies.
Total beginners welcome. Staff of twelve specialists teaches every section.
Fully covered by an Arizona tax credit. No student is turned away for cost.
Marching rehearsals in the fall, every other Saturday, Friday football games.
How to sign up
Pick band in course selection
Freshman winds choose Concert Band (BND110). Percussionists choose Concert Percussion (BND180). Add Marching Huskies (BND100) for the fall season, and Color Guard (BND170) if you want to dance with flags and rifles.
Tell the directors
Email Mr. Werner and Mr. Bullock with your name, grade, and instrument (or "never played"). They will help with instrument choice and rentals.
Come to start-up camp
The marching season begins with a required camp at Hamilton in late May, then band camp the week before school. Dates go on the band calendar.
Move up when you're ready
From sophomore year, audition into Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Maroon, or Jazz Black. Auditions place you; they never cut you.
Where you can start
Questions families ask
Do you need experience to join the Hamilton High School band?
No. Concert Band, Concert Percussion, and the Marching Huskies take every student with no audition, including complete beginners. Hamilton never cuts anyone from the band program. Placement auditions only apply to upper-level groups (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, both jazz bands) and to drumline and color guard spots.
What band classes does Hamilton High School offer?
Nine: Marching Huskies (BND100), Concert Band (BND110), Wind Ensemble (BND120), Symphonic Band (BND130), Jazz Black (BND150), Jazz Maroon (BND160), Color/Winter Guard (BND170), Concert Percussion (BND180), and Winter Drumline HIPE (BND190). Freshmen usually start in Concert Band or Concert Percussion plus marching band.
How do auditions work for the upper ensembles?
Sign up for Concert Band first. Then contact Mr. Werner or Mr. Bullock to schedule a placement audition for Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Maroon, or Jazz Black. Auditions place you in the right group; they are not used to cut students.
Does marching band take time outside of school?
Yes. Once school starts, the Marching Huskies rehearse two evenings a week and every other Saturday, play Friday night football games, and compete on Saturdays in October and early November. The season opens with a required start-up camp in late May and band camp the week before school.
Can honors, AP, and dual-enrollment students do marching band?
Yes. Many Marching Huskies take multiple honors, AP, and DE classes and are also in NHS, student government, Link Crew, and other clubs. It takes time management, and that experience is valuable on its own. Band students consistently post some of the highest GPAs at Hamilton.
Can my student do marching band and a fall sport?
Yes. Students have done both over the years. It takes extra organization and communication with both the coach and the band directors, so talk to them early.
How much does marching band cost at Hamilton High School?
The Marching Band Fair Share Fee is $400, and it can be paid entirely with an Arizona public school tax credit, which returns 100% on your state taxes. Band camp has a separate fee, plus some transportation, marching shoes, and any overnight trips. No student is ever turned away for inability to pay.
More answers on the full FAQ.
Ready to play?
Email both directors in one message. They answer every family.
Email the directors