Be a Marching Pioneer for a day!
Ever wanted to experience marching band for a day? Whether you are considering joining for the first time or returning as a seasoned veteran, Marching Band Open House is for everybody! Join us as you rehearse alongside 100+ current members of our ensemble, learn from our dedicated and passionate staff, and get a glimpse into what it means to be a Pioneer!
What is Open House?
Open House serves as the Pioneer Marching Band's first rehearsal of the season. Students who participate in Open House will get a chance to rehearse with the entire ensemble. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the people in your section, receive world class instruction from our instructors, and perform a small part of our 2026 show, OUTLAW, for families at the end of the night!
When/Where is Open House?
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Where
Somerville High School Gymnasium 222 Davenport Street Somerville, NJ When May 29th, 2026 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM |
Students and parents should enter through the Gym Entrance as seen in the images below. Parents should drop students off on Davenport Street. Don't worry, there will be someone out there to guide you! Parents, you are of course invited as well. Come hang with us and watch rehearsal! You can park in either the teacher or student parking lots.
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What is the schedule like?
5:00 PM: Doors Open
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Welcome message from the directors in the Gymnasium
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM: Sectionals – Winds in Band Room, Battery in Gym, Guard Outside/Aux Gym
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Music Ensemble in Gymnasium, New Parent Meeting outside the Gym
8:00 PM - 8:15 PM: Show and Tell – All parents are invited to watch!
8:15 PM - 8:30 PM: Final meeting / Clean / Dismissal
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Welcome message from the directors in the Gymnasium
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM: Sectionals – Winds in Band Room, Battery in Gym, Guard Outside/Aux Gym
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Music Ensemble in Gymnasium, New Parent Meeting outside the Gym
8:00 PM - 8:15 PM: Show and Tell – All parents are invited to watch!
8:15 PM - 8:30 PM: Final meeting / Clean / Dismissal
Who is invited to Open House?
Current Somerville High School students, 8th Grade Branchburg Central Middle School students, and 8th Grade Somerville Middle School are invited to attend. Yes, 8th graders – this is the BEST time to try out marching band! Don't worry, our high school students will make you feel welcome.
Parents, you are invited as well! Feel free to hang around and watch rehearsal. At 7:30 PM, our booster organization will hold a new parent meeting right outside the gymnasium. They will be happy to answer any and all questions about being a Ville Band parent! At 8:00 PM, we will have Show and Tell in the gymnasium. Students will be perform a chunk of the 2026 show!
Parents, you are invited as well! Feel free to hang around and watch rehearsal. At 7:30 PM, our booster organization will hold a new parent meeting right outside the gymnasium. They will be happy to answer any and all questions about being a Ville Band parent! At 8:00 PM, we will have Show and Tell in the gymnasium. Students will be perform a chunk of the 2026 show!
What do I bring to Open House?
Well it depends on your section. If you don't know what section you are part of, you can click here for more information.
As for music, we will be providing music. Want to get a head start on the music for open house? Click here for Movement I of our show.
Woodwinds
Brass
Percussion
Color Guard
As for music, we will be providing music. Want to get a head start on the music for open house? Click here for Movement I of our show.
Woodwinds
- If you play Flute, Clarinet, or Alto Saxophone, please bring this instrument to rehearsal.
- If you play (or want to play) Tenor Saxophone or Baritone Saxophone, please fill out this form and we can see if you can borrow one from the school for absolutely free. This is a limited supply!
- If you happen to play Oboe or Bassoon we typically do not march these instruments. Students who play these instrument normally switch to another woodwind instrument or sometimes learn a new instrument! Fill out this form for information.
- We will provide music for this section.
Brass
- If you play Trumpet or Trombone, please bring this instrument to rehearsal.
- If you play (or want to play) French Horn, Baritone/Euphonium, or Tuba, we have marching versions of all of these horns. Fill out this form for information.
- The Mellophone is specific to marching band. If you play horn or are an advanced trumpet player, we suggest considering this instrument. Here's what the instrument sounds like.
- We will provide music for this section.
Percussion
- No need to bring anything, we will provide you will an instrument and sticks! Fill out this form to let us know you want to play percussion for open house.
- We suggest string players, double reed players, and singers to consider percussion as their main instrument. Don't worry, many of our best players are originally NOT percussionists. They will help you get situated in the front ensemble or drumline.
- We will provide music for this section.
Color Guard
- No need to bring anything, just make sure you are wearing athletic gear so you can move more freely!
I have more questions!
Great, we will be happy to answer them!
Sean Ferguson
Director
[email protected]
Meghan Major
Assistant Director / Percussion Director
mmajor@somervilleschool.org
Breanna Ferenzi
Color Guard Director
bferenzi@somervilleschool.org
Sean Ferguson
Director
[email protected]
Meghan Major
Assistant Director / Percussion Director
mmajor@somervilleschool.org
Breanna Ferenzi
Color Guard Director
bferenzi@somervilleschool.org
