Please read the following information carefully, as details and timeline have drastically changed from previous years. If you need a step-by-step guide on getting registered and what you need to know, visit the following link:
Get Registered for Band!
Registration for the 2025 marching season is open NOW!
Registration and deposit is due by May 17th. Students who do not register / pay the deposit or communicate with Mr. Simmons ahead of time about inability to do so will not have a performance spot in the field show.
Requirements for the Cobra Regiment
Here are the requirements to participate in marching band at Cactus HS.
Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the instrumental music handbook which can be found HERE. This details all of the expectations of the program.
Calendar
Please add the calendar to your own ASAP! It should be considered up to date at all times. We do not have a paper calendar - Click Here
ParentSquare/StudentSquare
ParentSquare (or StudentSquare for students) is a group app that we use to detail all announcements, volunteer registrations, itineraries, and more. Every student is required to be a part of it and parents are highly encouraged to join to have easy access to our information. Students will login through their PUSD emails while parents will create an account using the email the district has on file. If you signup and don’t have any PUSD pages populated on your page, you will need to contact the front office to solve this.
Registration
Students will need to complete their registration for band camp by May 17th! To get registered - Click Here
Fees
- PUSD Participation Fee - $100 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to pay via Tax Credit, as you get it back during tax season and it is guaranteed to go to our program instead of general district funds)
- To pay with Tax Credit - Click Here (Do not do until July 1st)
- School: Select “Cactus HS”
- Tax Credit: Select “Tax Credit Marching Band Participation Fee” (Choose this one EXACTLY, do not choose other similar options)
- Memo: Type your student’s FIRST and LAST name
- If you would like to make an additional Tax Credit donation to hit the $200 (single) / $400 (households) maximum - Click Here
- Fair Share Fee - $140
- Covers show shirt, uniform shirt, staffing, props, dry cleaning, and more to get the show on the field
- Paid in our store - Click Here
- Offered in multiple payment plans
- $20 registration deposit goes toward the Fair Share Fee
- Equipment Fee - $25 per semester using equipment (Will be assessed during Fall 2023 Semester)
- All percussionists
- Wind students who use Cactus instruments
- You should seriously consider Sweetwater.com rentals
- Especially Flutes, Clarinets, Trumpets, and Trombones as the the price is very managable.
- Paid through bookstore in-person or online - Click Here
Items Needed for the Season
All Members
Item | Purpose |
Band Shirt (provided) | This is our long-sleeved blue shirt that is used in conjunction with our uniforms. These will be used for all performances. ONE will be provided each year and you have the option to order more in our store. |
Show Shirt (provided) | This is a short-sleeved shirt themed around the season’s show and members. These are to be worn at competitions. ONE will be provided each year and you have the option to order more in our store. |
Water Bottle/Jug | It is HOT in AZ. Water is IMPERATIVE for all students and staff. Students should have at least a 32oz water bottle, but gallon jugs are highly encouraged. They should be brought to every rehearsal, game, and performance. |
Sports Physical | All members will need to complete a sports physical with a doctor prior to band camp. This is a PUSD and AIA requirement. |
Athletic Wear | All students need proper athletic attire for evening rehearsals, including, but not limited to, shirts, shorts, and shoes. Students who show up to rehearsals in jeans, flip flops, or other non-athletic clothing will be asked to sit out and will lose points for that rehearsal. |
Fanny Pack | All members will need a fanny pack or equivalent to hold items needed for marching rehearsal on person. |
Woodwinds/Brass ONLY
Blue Jeans | Jeans will be used alongside the Band Shirt for performances that do not utilize our full uniform. |
Instrument | Students will need an instrument for the season. We have a small selection at Cactus to use, but it is highly encouraged to bring your own or rent 3rd party if possible. Large instruments such as sousaphones or bari saxes should be used from Cactus. Email Mr. Simmons if you need to rent an instrument so he can prepare the inventory. |
Instrument Supplies | Students should have the proper cleaning supplies, oils, reeds, etc. to properly maintain and play their instrument. |
Marching Shoes | All members will need a pair of marching shoes for the marching season. You can purchase them at our store. Due by August 8th. |
Knee-High Black Socks (Recommend 2-3 pairs) | These socks are a part of our full uniform. |
Black 3-Ring Binder | A black binder is required for organization of warmups, chorales, music, and other handouts. It is colored black to match music stands. |
Pep Tune Music Reading | Students need the ability to read their stand tunes while playing their instrument. There are two different choices listed below: |
A. Phone Clip | We have a new app this year that will allow students to read their stand tunes off their phone, but it requires mounting phone to instrument. This is the more expensive option, but allows greater accessibility and speed of performance. Check out FlipFolderApp or Gripophone for options. Reed instrument options require a traditional lyre. There will also be a future $12 charge to use the app. |
B. Traditional Lyre/Flip Folder | This is the traditional method of getting a lyre to attach to an instrument that clips onto a flip folder with music to read. This is the more affordable option. Students who go this route will need to print their own pep tunes. |
Percussion ONLY
Blue Jeans | Jeans will be used alongside the Band Shirt for performances that do not utilize our full uniform. |
Sticks/Mallets | Please click this link for the implement expectations of your experience level. |
Marching Shoes | All members will need a pair of marching shoes for the marching season. You can purchase them at our store. Due by August 8th. |
Knee-High Black Socks (Recommend 2-3 pairs) | These socks are a part of our full uniform. |
Black 3-Ring Binder | A black binder is required for organization of warmups, cadences, music, and other handouts. It is colored black to match music stands. |
Color Guard ONLY
ALL TBD | Info for color guard will be sent out at a further date after we lock down the staff position and discuss needs |