Bellevue High School Band Summer Rehearsals 2026 

 

Welcome to the BHS Band program!  If you are registered for band class at BHS, then you are part of our exciting Band program, which includes marching band (football games & parades), pep band (basketball games & pep assemblies), and Concert Band/Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble/Percussion Ensemble (concerts & festivals throughout the year). Jazz Band auditions will happen after school begins.   

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New band families seem to have the most questions about marching band because it is so different from middle school. We would like to answer some common questions about the Band and our summer rehearsals schedule.   

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Why are there band rehearsals in the summer?  

High school band is not only a great way to hone and develop musical skills, it is also a great social group of kids from 9th-12th grade. We start rehearsing in the summer (before fall sports and other conflicts may start) to give kids an opportunity to meet one another, feel more comfortable around campus, learn music, and practice marching. Our first marching band performances happen early in the school year, and rehearsing in the summer helps us to sound and look great from the get-go!  

 

When and where are summer rehearsals? 

This year we will hold BHS Marching Band summer rehearsals the week of August 24-28. They will take place at BHS, in our stadium, band room, and PAC. Specific times will be available before July and will be posted on the band website: www.bellevuehighband.com  

 

Note: this is a week later than we normally hold summer rehearsals, and all fall sports will also start holding practices.  It is possible for students to fully participate in fall sports. We will aim to have practices at different times of the day to accommodate as many students as possible.  

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Please contact the directors if you: 

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• need a school instrument. (let us know which one)  

• will be out of town for summer rehearsals.  

• have ANY questions about Bellevue Band. 

 

The best way to contact us is to email both directors at georgee@bsd405.org and harveyw@bsd405.org  

Please include your name, BSD student number and instrument(s) you play and an email address you check over the summer. 

 

Final Reminders for Band Summer Rehearsals: 

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• Practices start in the band room or PAC then we usually spend some time outside in the stadium.   

• Please bring your instrument and wear athletic shoes (no flip flops, sandals or slides). 

• There will also be a need for parent volunteers helping assign uniforms to students during these summer rehearsals.  Parents, please let us know if you would like to help! 

 

We are excited to have you as part of the Bellevue Band!  Feel free to contact us with any questions. 

—Edd George & Will Harvey  

 

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Here is what students are saying about Summer Marching Rehearsals: 

Summer rehearsals are one of the best ways to meet people in high school before school starts, and make the transition to high school less scary. – Jackson  

 

It's a great time to see friends who you haven't seen all summer, meet upperclassmen who can help you out, and get to know the school before you're thrown in on the first day. Plus, the music and marching is like nothing you've ever done before, and it’s super exciting to get to play pep songs. Also, get pumped for the not-so-secret surprise water balloon fight and cinnamon roll hug!! – Elizabeth  

 

Summer rehearsals are a great way for the freshmen to meet upperclassmen before school even starts! It makes high school less intimidating, more fun, and well, you start school with new friends! The hard work during summer rehearsals pays off later in the year through both football game half-time shows as well as later on in the spring band trip. It is an overall amazing experience so don't miss it! – Grace  

 

It's a great time to connect with everyone in the band. The rehearsals are really fun AND we get a lot of work done which is the best combination! Marching is new for most, if not all, of the freshman and having the upperclassmen to help makes the process that much easier and less intimidating. My advice for the new folks: bring water, wear comfortable clothes, and talk to new people (at the appropriate times). – Keita  

 

Important Fall Dates – put these on your calendars! 

Home Football Games: Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 30 

UW Husky Band Day: Sept 12 

Leavenworth Parade: Sept 26 

BHS Band Parent Social: Sept 18 in the evening (band parents/guardians only) 

Check the calendar on www.bellevuehighband.com for more calendar details. (scroll down on the main page for the calendar)