Question 1

My student is unsure if they want to do Marching Band. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Marching Band is an EXCELLENT way to get fully immersed in the SIMDE experience. Most students that elect for Marching Band say that the thing they love about it the most is the camaraderie and friendships that develop over the course of the season. This is an especially great way for incoming freshmen to meet their peers and develop lasting friendships that will carry through their entire high school experience. Advise your student to attend Try It Out's in the spring as a way for them to get a feel for what Marching Band is like. Please note that option school students, and 7th/8th grade students (zoned for Southridge) are welcome to join Marching Band as well!

Question 2

I'm not sure if I can afford the cost of having my student to do Marching Ensemble (band or Color Guard), Indoor Percussion or Winter Guard. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

We want all students that want to participate to be able to partcipate; SIMDE never turns away any student due to an inability to pay fees. If you have any concerns about the fees for your student(s) to participate in any of these programs, please email Cameron Jerde, Director of Bands at cameron_jerde@beaverton.k12.or.us so we can ensure your student can still participate.

Question 3

I have questions about some of these forms. Who can I reach out to?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to help! You can visit the Contacts page and email either Cameron Jerde, Director of Bands or Marne Oyen, SIMDE President. Either one would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Question 4

I've completed all of my forms for the upcoming year. Can I mail them to you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completed and signed forms can be mailed in with a check for fees. To turn in your forms and check by mail, please mail them to:
 
SIMDE
9625 SW 125th Ave
Beaverton, OR 97008
 
You may also elect to turn forms in by email. To do this, please scan them and email them to: secretary@simde.org. Please note that you will still need to either mail in a check for your fees or pay them via PayPal.

Question 5

What is Color Guard and how can I get more information about it?

Accepted Answer

The Southridge Color Guard and Dance Ensembles offer a unique and varied dance education to students. Competing as part of the Marching Band in the fall, the Color Guard is a major component of this ensemble. At the conclusion of the Marching Band season, the Color Guard has the ability to perform on its own during the Winter Guard season. In both instances, dance (modern, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, etc.), yoga, strength conditioning and Pilates are the foundation of these ensembles. For more information, please email Color Guard Director at abarei1551@gmail.com.

Question 6

What is Pit Orchestra?

Accepted Answer

Pit Orchestra is an audition ensemble that accompanies our theater department and provides and plays the music live for each performance during our spring musical each year. Students LOVE this aspect of the band program and we encourage all students to audition!

Question 7

What is the best way to know what is going on with the band program?

Accepted Answer

News and upcoming events will be listed on our website. You can also view the SIMDE calendar on our website. If you have specific questions, you can go to the Contacts page and reach out to our Band and Guard Directors, or any of our SIMDE board members. Lastly, your student will always be made aware of upcoming schedules, activities and rehearsals, so it's always a good idea to check in with them!

Question 8

I am interested in joining the board and/or volunteering to help SIMDE. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

We need any and all help we can get and would love to talk to you about volunteer opportunities! You can reach out to Cameron Jerde, Director of bands at cameron_jerde@beaverton.k12.or.us or Marne Oyen, SIMDE President at president@simde.org.

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