Marching Band Information & Spring Training Dates!

Posted Date: 04/17/26 (09:36 AM)

Dear Students and Families,

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Blue Regiment Marching Band is now officially open!

All students interested in being part of this award-winning organization—whether you are a returning member or joining us for the first time—should complete the registration form as soon as possible. All forms are due by Friday, May 1.

You can access the registration form here: 2026 Blue Regiment Commitment Form. All members, including winds (brass and woodwinds), percussion, and guard, should complete a commitment form in order to participate in marching band.

Participation in the Blue Regiment is a rewarding and memorable experience, and we look forward to another incredible season of music, performance, and teamwork.

Parent Meetings

We held a parent meeting for all new AND returning Blue Regiment members on Tuesday, April 14. We went over important information regarding the season schedule, expectations, fees, fundraising opportunities, and volunteer opportunities, so if you were unable to attend, please reach out to Mr. White and Mr. Rivero!

Percussion Auditions

While there is no formal audition to participate in the marching band percussion section, we do place students on instruments within the section through audition.

Audition materials can be found here: 2026 Blue Regiment Percussion Audition Packet

To help us better prepare for percussion auditions, please complete this brief audition information form.

Percussion audition camps will take place on the following dates, and will help prepare students for the audition and serve as a way to set the instrumentation of the marching band percussion section:

Monday, April 20
- Battery interest workshop / rehearsal - 4:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, April 21
- Front Ensemble interest workshop / rehearsal - 4:30-6:30pm
Wednesday, April 22
- Battery and Front Ensemble auditions 4:30-6:30pm

Color Guard Auditions

Participation in marching band color guard is open to all students who will be enrolled in grades 8-12 next school year. No previous experience is necessary as all required skills are taught during the audition process and ongoing throughout the season, so everyone is encouraged to audition. The color guard has a longstanding tradition of excellence, having won numerous first place and best in show awards in local and regional marching band competitions. This is an area of the marching band we are desperately trying to grow, so PLEASE share the word with friends who aren't in the band but may be interested in joining.

Auditions have already happened, however if a student is still interested in joining, please feel free come out to one of the rehearsals the next 4 Mondays from 5:00-7:30pm at HRHS. Students should wear comfortable attire and shoes that allows them to move easily and a water bottle. Everything else will be provided.

Spring Training Dates

All wind and percussion players will have spring rehearsals prior to the end of this school year. The purpose of the spring rehearsals is to distribute marching band instruments for those who need then, give out marching band music, and prepare for our first performances. It will also help us define the roster and have a better idea of our section and caption numbers before our drill is designed.

Spring training dates for all winds (brass and woodwinds) will be as follows:

Monday, April 20
- 2:30-3:30pm (returning members)
- 4:30-5:30pm (new members)
Monday, May 4
- 2:30-3:30pm (returning members)
- 4:30-5:30pm (new members)
Monday, May 11
- 2:30-3:30pm (returning members)
- 4:30-5:30pm (new members)

Spring training dates for all percussion will be as follows:

Monday, April 20
- 4:30-6:30pm (battery audition workshop)
Tuesday, April 21
- 4:30-6:30pm (front ensemble audition workshop)
Wednesday, April 22
- 4:30-6:30pm (percussion auditions)
Monday, May 4
- 4:30-5:30pm (all members)
Monday, May 11
- 4:30-5:30pm (all members)

Spring training dates for color guard will be communicated from the guard staff after auditions.

Marching band members at Hickory Ridge MS will meet in the band room directly after school to walk over to HRHS with the Blue Regiment Leadership Team.

Our first performance for all new, returning, and graduating members will be the Hickory Ridge Elementary School promotion celebration on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:00-7:00pm.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. White (christopher.white@cabarrus.k12.nc.us) or Mr. Rivero (david.rivero@cabarrus.k12.nc.us).

We are looking forward to an exciting 2026 season with the Blue Regiment!

Sincerely,
Chris White and David Rivero
Directors
Hickory Ridge High School Band