MHS Marching Band
About the Ensemble
What is the Mukwonago High School Marching Band?
​
Our Marching Band is a competitive performing ensemble and is a part of the MHS band program. Students enrolled full time in the Mukwonago Area School District (or through Course Options) can participate in the marching band - there is no audition process.
​
Marching Band is a graded class - students receive 0.5 credits. As a graded class, attendance is mandatory for participants.
​
The class meets during summer school or during evenings for rehearsals, and on weekends for performances. This class does NOT meet during the normal 7:30am-2:45pm school day.
​
Bus transportation is available for the "Summer Adventures" weeks of Summer School. More info (as well as a complete schedule) can be found on the Schedule/Calendar page.​
Meet the Ensemble ​
​
Our band is made up of several different sections. More information about each can be found below.
Hornline (Woodwinds & Brass)
Like a concert band, the "Hornline" is divided in Woodwind and Brass instruments. However, certain wind instruments do not hold up well in an outdoor marching setting (such as Oboe and Bassoon) - for these students, we are happy to provide some recommendations for which section to join. We have had many students learn a new instrument for marching band if they do not currently play an instrument that is used in the ensemble.
​
Woodwinds: Piccolos, Flutes, Alto/Tenor Saxes
​
Brass: Trumpets, Mellophones (marching French Horns), Trombones, Marching Baritones, and Sousaphones (marching Tubas)
​
​
Marching-specific instruments are rented to students through the school. All other instruments are student-provided. Exceptions may apply - please contact Mrs. Angoli if needed.
​
Colorguard Section ("Guard")
​
The Colorguard is the primary visual component to the program. This section helps "tell the story" utilizing Dance as well as spinning and tossing a variety of other implements including Flags, Rifles, and Sabers. No previous experience is necessary.
Flags, Rifles, and other equipment provided by the school. Students will be placed on equipment by instructors. Uniforms are show-specific and tailored to individual students. There is an additional cost associated with this section; students keep their uniform at the conclusion of the season.
Percussion Section ("Drumline")
In marching band, percussion is divided into two sections: Battery (marching percussion) and Front Ensemble (stationary percussion).​
Students in the percussion section are assigned by their instructors to their instrument/subsection via placement audition. Students with physical limitations that may prevent them from marching (i.e. foot injuries) are placed by default into the Front Ensemble, where they can often play while seated. The Front Ensemble is also a good landing spot for students with a piano background, as the keyboard percussion instruments have the same layout as piano keys.
All students will be placed on instruments by their instructors. Inexperienced students will not be placed into the battery. For students looking to get on specific percussion instruments, it is recommended that they participate in our winter drumline, Blue2 Indoor, and/or take private lessons.
​
Battery: Snares, Tenors, Bass Drum
​
Front Ensemble: Marimbas, Vibraphones, Xylophone, Bells, Synthesizer/Electric Piano, Rack Percussion (an assortment of concert instruments such as bass drum, cymbals, & tom-toms), Drumset, & more.
​
All sticks/mallets are provided, but students need to own an instructor-approved 12" practice pad (such as a Salyers 12” Double-Sided, Vic Firth Slim Pad, or Offworld Invader).
​
​
​
How do I register my student for Marching Band?
​
The final slide of the presentation below includes a link for registration.
​​​​​
Where can I find more information about the Marching Band?
The presentation below includes most of the information you will need to know about the program. However, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have - please contact Ms. Angoli by email (angolem@masd.k12.wi.us) if you need any additional clarification.
Communication Expectations​
​
-
The Band App will be our primary form of communication.
-
ALL parents and students need to sign up for the BAND App - see below for link/QR Code to sign up.
-
Please use your first and last name when signing up for the BAND App.
-
Do NOT use the BAND App for questions unrelated to Marching Band.
-
Contact Mrs. Angoli directly with questions (angolem@masd.k12.wi.us).
-
-
Check out MHS Bands on Facebook, Instagram and on our website (https://www.mukwonagobands.org/mb)
BAND App QR Code​​
-OR - BAND App Sign-Up Link​​
Commitment Expectations​
​
-
This is a team activity. However, unlike many sports, there is no bench. Everyone contributes to the musical and visual program. Absences make rehearsal less productive (missing notes, guide points missing in drill, partner work can’t be done).
-
Parents - Please do not let your students quit once they have committed to the ensemble. If a student cannot commit to the whole season, then this ensemble is not for them. More often than not, students who “stick it out” end up falling in love with the activity by the end of the season.
-
We strongly discourage students from quitting mid-season. This is an activity of delayed gratification - months of work are put in prior to the first performance. Any student who quits, leaves the other students in a tough position since drill will need to be re-written, musical adjustments will be made, and (in the event of partner work) another student may need to be left out of a segment. In short, it sets the group back and is very frustrating for the dedicated, remaining members. However, if a student decides to drop out of the MHS Marching Band, a request must be made in writing via an email to Mrs. Angoli no later than May 11th, 2026.
-
No refunds will be issued at any time due to the consumable nature of materials purchased.
-
If a written request to drop the class is received on or after May 11th, 2026, the student will receive an ‘F’ in the class.