Fruitland High School Band & Color Guard

Grizzly Marching Band & Color Guard

Known as “The Pride of Western Idaho”, the Grizzly Band & Color Guard is one of the most visible parts of the Fruitland School District.
The band and guard begin the season August 11 - 15 with a weeklong band camp held at Fruitland High School.  The camp runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM with an hour for lunch.  This is the time you learn music fundamentals, marching fundamentals and start to learn the music and guard work for the show.  This camp is required for all members.

The Grizzly Band & Color Guard rehearses during regular class time and on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9: 00 PM.  They perform at all home varsity football games and support the football team during State Football Playoff games as well. 

Each fall the band travels regionally to a marching band competition.  We have performed in California, Nevada, Oregon, Hawaii and Washington.

The Grizzlies also compete locally at Caldwell High, Ontario High and Boise State University.  All of these competitions are in October.

At Fruitland High School, students are encouraged to be involved in activities.  Band members are also in FFA, sports, broadcasting, BPA, cheerleading and other activities.  When conflicts arise, students will need to be good communicators.  Coaches and band directors attempt to work around all conflicts.  While most conflicts can be avoided or worked around, some will require students to make difficult choices.

This musical tour through the southern states includes: the Tennessee Waltz, Oh Suzanna!, Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone, and Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

    The show has a beautiful design and we are pleased to announce the return of Jeff Cates to head out drill design staff.  Carly Strough returns to head our percussion caption and Jake Fortin to head up our marching techniques.

    This year holds some very exciting possibilities for our organization including travel to the Pacific Northwest.

    Our local schedule includes competitions in Caldwell, Ontario, Vallivue and Boise and the excitement of performing at FHS home football games!

    As a member of the Grizzly Band & Color Guard it is important to keep in mind the following three points:

1.  You are an ambassador for Fruitland High School and the Community of Fruitland.

2.  You are a part of the 50 plus year history of excellence, dedication and integrity.

3.  All concerned parties (Band, School and Community) have high expectations for our group.

    Through your involvement in the Grizzly Band & Color Guard you will learn to be a responsible team member. You also will learn several useful employability skills along the way, such as:

1.  Show up on time

2.  Wear the right stuff

3.  Cover your part

4.  Respect others

    Being a part of a school sponsored organization will enrich your high school experience and help you grow as a person in an activity of interest to you.

    Winners work hard to be successful there is very little luck involved in success.

    Bring your best effort to each rehearsal or performance and expect the same from others. In doing so we will find 2008 – 2009 to be a most rewarding school year.

    Welcome to “ The Pride of Western Idaho.”

    Joel A. Williams, Director