Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the WALL O' SOUND
What types of band are offered at East Central?
The East Central band program consists of the following groups:
- The WALL O' SOUND Marching Band, which meets only in the fall.
- The ECCC Concert Band, which meets only in the spring.
- The ECCC Jazz Band, which meets only in the spring.
- The ECCC Percussion Ensemble, which meets only in the spring.
- The ECCC Collegians, the school rock band, which meets both semesters.
- The WALL O' SOUND Marching Band, which meets only in the fall.
- The ECCC Concert Band, which meets only in the spring.
- The ECCC Jazz Band, which meets only in the spring.
- The ECCC Percussion Ensemble, which meets only in the spring.
- The ECCC Collegians, the school rock band, which meets both semesters.
How do I become a member of the band program?
To become a member of the WALL O' SOUND horn line or concert band, senior band students from the East Central District (Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Scott, and Winston counties) are accepted on the recommendation of their directors without a formal audition. Any student outside of the East Central district will need to set up an audition with Mr. Corhern or Mr. Girling.
If you are interested in an auxiliary group in the WALL O' SOUND (Drum Major, Color Guard, Centralette, or Drum line/ Front ensemble), there will be audition dates for each group during the spring semester. Dates are posted on the main site.
Centralette auditions are open to band students or other students with a dance or performance background. This includes cheerleaders and dance teams.
The Collegians hold auditions at the beginning of the fall semester for the year. You must be an enrolled student at ECCC to audition as a member of the Collegians.
If you are interested in an auxiliary group in the WALL O' SOUND (Drum Major, Color Guard, Centralette, or Drum line/ Front ensemble), there will be audition dates for each group during the spring semester. Dates are posted on the main site.
Centralette auditions are open to band students or other students with a dance or performance background. This includes cheerleaders and dance teams.
The Collegians hold auditions at the beginning of the fall semester for the year. You must be an enrolled student at ECCC to audition as a member of the Collegians.
Does East Central offer band scholarships?
All members of the band program receive a scholarship for their participation at East Central on the condition that they be a
full-time student (completing twelve hours each semester) in good standing.
For Marching Band, Concert Band, and Collegian members, students receive a tuition scholarship ($940 for the 2012-2013 school year) each semester.
For students only participating in the fall semester, they will receive one semester of scholarship.
Students who only wish to participate in Concert band will not receive a band scholarship.
In addition, students who serve as auxiliary leaders (Drum Major, Guard/ Drum Line Captain) receive an additional half tuition scholarship for the fall semester ($470 for the 2012-2013 school year). Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble members also receive a half tuition scholarship in the spring.
Any student who makes 1st chair, 1st band at the ECCC Band Clinic will receive a half tuition scholarship along with their full tuition band scholarship each semester they are enrolled in band at East Central.
Any student who is a member of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band will receive tuition and housing each semester they are enrolled in band at East Central.
full-time student (completing twelve hours each semester) in good standing.
For Marching Band, Concert Band, and Collegian members, students receive a tuition scholarship ($940 for the 2012-2013 school year) each semester.
For students only participating in the fall semester, they will receive one semester of scholarship.
Students who only wish to participate in Concert band will not receive a band scholarship.
In addition, students who serve as auxiliary leaders (Drum Major, Guard/ Drum Line Captain) receive an additional half tuition scholarship for the fall semester ($470 for the 2012-2013 school year). Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble members also receive a half tuition scholarship in the spring.
Any student who makes 1st chair, 1st band at the ECCC Band Clinic will receive a half tuition scholarship along with their full tuition band scholarship each semester they are enrolled in band at East Central.
Any student who is a member of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band will receive tuition and housing each semester they are enrolled in band at East Central.
Am I allowed to receive other scholarships or grants?
Students may receive additional scholarships or grants as long as the total amount in scholarship does not exceed the published cost of tuition, room and board, and textbooks. Please contact Student Services if you have further questions on scholarships at 601-635-6204.
Will I be able to participate in the WALL O' SOUND and in my vocational program at the same time?
This depends on the extent of the vocational program. We make every effort to accommodate our band students who are seeking vocational careers. However, students must attend all rehearsals to receive the band scholarship.
Check with your vocational counselor to see if the schedule will allow you to participate.
Check with your vocational counselor to see if the schedule will allow you to participate.
What is the time commitment for band?
All WALL O' SOUND band students must attend the WARRIOR BAND CAMP, which is usually the week before school starts.
This will be an all-day camp that runs from Sunday through Saturday.
Marching rehearsals run from 3:30 to 5:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There also may be an additional practice on Saturday mornings if there is a Saturday home game.
All dates for the year will be given out during the summer so that band members can make plans and work arrangements. Because you receive scholarship as a member of band, you should consider band a high priority.
Concert Band meets on Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
Jazz Band meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm.
Percussion Ensemble meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
The Collegians rehearse on Monday evening year-round
from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
This will be an all-day camp that runs from Sunday through Saturday.
Marching rehearsals run from 3:30 to 5:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There also may be an additional practice on Saturday mornings if there is a Saturday home game.
All dates for the year will be given out during the summer so that band members can make plans and work arrangements. Because you receive scholarship as a member of band, you should consider band a high priority.
Concert Band meets on Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
Jazz Band meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm.
Percussion Ensemble meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
The Collegians rehearse on Monday evening year-round
from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
How often does the WALL O' SOUND perform?
The WALL O' SOUND performs at all home football games at East Central as well as one away game each season. Most games will occur on Thursday evening though there may be Saturday performances as well. The WALL O' SOUND also will travel in pep bands to other away games.
The WALL O' SOUND also performs annually at the
Chunky River Marching Classic, the Decatur Christmas Parade,
and at other Christmas parades in the five-county district.
The WALL O' SOUND also performs annually at the
Chunky River Marching Classic, the Decatur Christmas Parade,
and at other Christmas parades in the five-county district.
What if I graduate from a school without a band or play a non-traditional band instrument? Can I still be in band?
If you have been in a band in the past but now attend a school without a band, we will need to meet with you personally to discuss your involvement and your ability level. You can ask your former band director to speak on your behalf as a performer.
If you play piano, you can earn a scholarship by participating in our front ensemble.
If you are a "rocker" (guitar, bass guitar, drum set), we have a limited option of involving you in our program. Please contact us directly and we will see how we can fit you in! The ability to read sheet music (not just tablature) is heavily preferred.
If you play piano, you can earn a scholarship by participating in our front ensemble.
If you are a "rocker" (guitar, bass guitar, drum set), we have a limited option of involving you in our program. Please contact us directly and we will see how we can fit you in! The ability to read sheet music (not just tablature) is heavily preferred.
Does the WALL O' SOUND compete in competitions?
Unlike high school bands, which typically perform in a competition setting, the WALL O' SOUND performs for entertainment purposes. Its members enjoy performing for the sake of fun and putting on a great show!
Is there a band fee?
As of today, there is no band fee for participating! Most supplies are provided for band students, including reeds, oils, gloves, and shirts. Students should expect to maintain any issued equipment, uniforms, or instruments as well as their own personal instruments for optimal performance.
Why should I be in the WALL O' SOUND?
The WALL O' SOUND is the largest student organization at ECCC.
Its members enjoy performing and working together as a team, entertaining and exciting the student body and fans at games,
pep rallies, and at other campus events. Besides playing great music, members get to make new friends and travel together. The bonds of friendship developed at East Central will carry with you long after you finish college! Who knows: you might just meet that special someone while performing with the WALL O' SOUND!
What better reason do you need?
Its members enjoy performing and working together as a team, entertaining and exciting the student body and fans at games,
pep rallies, and at other campus events. Besides playing great music, members get to make new friends and travel together. The bonds of friendship developed at East Central will carry with you long after you finish college! Who knows: you might just meet that special someone while performing with the WALL O' SOUND!
What better reason do you need?
