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EAST LAKE SILVER SOUND
Ensemble · Marching

Silver Sound
Marching Band

The Silver Sound Marching Band is the heartbeat of the East Lake band program — 200+ student musicians and color guard performers, on the field every Friday night and at five-plus competitions each season.

Class Period
Daily during school
After-School
Tue / Thu, 3:30–6:30 PM
Season
July (camp) – November (MPA)
Performance Home
East Lake Stadium

More than halftime. A musical performance ensemble.

The award-winning Silver Sound Marching Band combines student musicians and color guard performers into a single 200+ member ensemble. The season begins with band camp in July; from August through November, rehearsals run Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with occasional Friday-evening and Saturday calls leading into competitions and MPAs.

The Silver Sound performs the halftime program at every home football game and select away games. The first marching competition of the season is the Seminole Sound Spectacular at Seminole High School in late September; the band typically also competes at the Tarpon Springs Outdoor Music Festival in mid-October before closing the season at FBA District Marching MPA in early November.

"This is where the band program meets the wider East Lake community — Friday nights, big crowds, and 200+ students performing together." — Ian Black, Director of Bands
Handbook

Silver Sound Marching Band Handbook

Created by student leadership and staff to lay out expectations for every member. Members and parents are expected to review it. The signed last page is returned to Mr. Black at the start of band camp.

Download PDF →

What the year looks like.

JUL

Band Camp

Last 2 weeks of July at East Lake. New members coached by section leaders.

AUG

First Show

Football season begins. First game and halftime performance.

SEP

Seminole Sound

First marching competition at Seminole High School.

OCT

Tarpon Springs + Classic

Two-competition month: Outdoor Music Festival and East Lake Classic host band.

NOV

FBA District MPA

Season finale at FBA District Marching Music Performance Assessment.

WIN

Winter Guard

Indoor season begins. Color guard transitions to Winter Guard competition.

When we work.

Mon–Fri
During school

In-class daily rehearsal as part of band course.

Tue & Thu
3:30–6:30 PM

After-school full ensemble rehearsal. Mandatory attendance.

Fri & Sat
Game & competition

Occasional evening calls for games and Saturday all-day competitions.

Attendance at after-school rehearsals is part of the class grade. Conflicts must be communicated with Mr. Black in advance.

The students who run the show.

Each season's leadership is announced after spring auditions. The roles below are the foundation of the Silver Sound's organization.

Band Captain

Oversees overall ensemble morale and sectional communication. First point of contact for any band-wide issues.

Drum Major

Conducts the field show, sets musical pace, runs warm-ups, and represents the band on the field.

Band Sergeant

Manages attendance, ensures rehearsal punctuality, and enforces ensemble standards and conduct.

Guard Captain

Leads color guard with choreography input, manages guard logistics, and mentors performers.

Quartermaster

Oversees equipment management, uniforms, props, and travel logistics for competitions and games.

Librarian

Manages all music distribution, tracks parts, coordinates with arrangers, and maintains the music library.

Uniform Chair

Ensures uniforms fit, tracks alterations, manages laundry schedule, and coordinates dress-day logistics.

Six sections. One sound.

Within the marching band, students are organized into six sections, each led by an upperclassman. Section leaders run sectionals, model technique, and mentor underclassmen.

Upper Woodwinds

Lead flutes and clarinets through technique and musicality in the upper register.
Flutes · Clarinets

Saxophones

Mentor the saxophone section and maintain the cohesive sound of the woodwind blend.
Altos · Tenors · Baritones

High Brass

Lead trumpets and cornets through demanding passages and high-range technique.
Trumpets · Cornets

Low Brass

Ground the ensemble with strong foundational sound and bass line stability.
Trombones · Euphoniums · Tubas · Mellophones

Battery

Establish the pulse and rhythmic foundation of the marching show.
Snare · Tenor · Bass Drums · Cymbals

Front Ensemble

Manage mallets, timpani, and auxiliary percussion with precision timing.
Mallets · Timpani · Auxiliary Percussion

Want to join? Here's how.

01

Register online

Register your student through the band's online form, even if you're not sure yet. We'll add you to the email list and follow up.

02

Submit PCS paperwork

Pinellas County Schools paperwork including a sports physical is required for any band member. Drop it in Mr. Black's office or mail it in.

03

Show up to band camp

Band camp is the last two weeks of July at East Lake. New members are coached by section leaders and welcomed into the section culture from day one.

Questions? Email Mr. Black at BlackI@PCSB.org — he answers personally, usually within a day.

Five more ways to play.

Many marching band members are also enrolled in concert ensembles. Each ensemble has its own page, schedule, and audition path.

Friday nights, big crowds, and the people you'll know forever.

The Silver Sound starts in July. Register your student today and join the most active, visible, and rewarding program on campus.

New to band? Read the New Parents Guide →