DOES BAND AND GUARD SATISFY PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR FINE ARTS REQUIREMENTS?

Yes. Being in Marching band or Color guard requires physical stamina and exertions.　 It is considered both a performing art and a sport.　 It is a competitive activity that satisfies the Fine Arts and Physical Education required credits for graduation.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE STUDENTS IN MARCHING BAND?

Freshmen are expected to attend a three day camp in early June (week after school gets out) to get them familiar with basic marching and get music so they have time to work on it before regular band camp starts. Students are expected to attend band camp before school starts to begin learning the drill and music and get ready for the first performance. Students are also expected to attend practices though occasional excused absences may be made for rehearsals. Memorization of music prior to band camp is highly encouraged and is expected as the season progresses and the music is modified to fit the program. Students are also expected to want to be at practices and strive to do their best at each practice and competition. Students are graded for attendance at all practices and performances.　 As with all extra curricular activities students must be passing their classes to participate in performances.　

HOW MUCH TIME IS SPENT PRACTICING?

Camp begins the first week of August.  After/Before school practices - Band and Color guard members are to attend daily throughout the marching season . Closely follow the schedule distributed at end of school as well as posted on the web site. Times are different each week.( Some in the early morning and some at night). Practices continue in the morning once school begins in the fall.

HOW EASY WILL IT BE TO GET TO KNOW OTHER BAND MEMBERS?

The students get to know each other very easily.　 Being in band they automatically have a common interest with their fellow students. The students (and parents) are willing to help each other out with transportation etc.　 The band ends up becoming a big family. Student Leaders and Drum Majors are chosen in May.  The Drum Majors and Students Leaders will be there to help each student with questions and concerns. 

WHAT KIND OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING DO I NEED TO MARCH IN BAND?

Marching is a difficult and physically strenuous activity, BUT it is possible for ALL students who are willing to make the effort to be a part of marching band. It is recommended that the student begin to do some exercise prior to band camp.　 At camp and during practices students learn to do stretches and at times run or jog to increase their physical endurance in preparation for the requirements of the show.   Be sure to get your physical before Summer band begins.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE UNIFORMS?

Marching Band:  

Fittings – Uniforms are fitted to the students each year. Uniform fittings begin with the seniors and continue through the freshmen. It is important that each student gets fitted each year for a uniform (sizes change for many kids). Fitting schedules and times will be announced.

Uniform Parts – The marching uniform consists of a long sleeve jacket, a pair of bib pants,, a pair of gauntlets, a hat and box, a plume, a pair of gloves, a pair of black marching shoes, garment bag and hangers.　 The students are also responsible for supplying their own, solid black over the calf socks black socks, lightweight shorts to wear under their uniforms. To be in uniform means to have on the proper undergarments not just the visible part of the uniform. The designated band shirt is worn under the uniform. Students often have to change in public areas and should plan undergarments accordingly! (hence the shorts and tee shirts).　 All uniform parts such as the plume and mirrored sash (except for personal items and shoes) are stored in the uniform room in the band hall.

How to wear uniforms – Students are taught proper care and respect of uniforms when they are fitted for a uniform. Uniform pants and jackets have snaps to shorten or lengthen. No sewing is required. Students MUST be responsible for returning ALL pieces of uniforms to the proper location between and after competitions and events.

Care and Cleaning – No food or drink is encouraged while in full uniform. If uniform becomes soiled, discuss with Band directors. Students are responsible for laundering gloves and personal items (socks and items worn under the uniform). If the uniform is soiled or damaged as a result of the student’s carelessness the student is responsible for cleaning and repairs. The newer uniforms are laundered instead of dry cleaned.

Concert Season:

Uniform Parts – The Wind Ensemble and Honors Band concert uniform consists of a black formal dress for the girls, black hose and black dress shoes.　 For the boys, black tuxedo coat and pants, bow tie, white dress shirt, black shoes and socks.　 Students must provide shoes hose/socks.Concert uniforms will be kept at home in the garment bag after uniform fitting day to be worn to the school immediately prior to concerts.　 The Ninth Grade Band will wear band uniforms for the UIL competition.  Band Directors will send home information regarding dress code for concerts. 

How to wear uniforms – Students should have uniform properly hemmed according to the directions sent home with the uniform on fitting day.　 Remember the uniforms should in no way be permanently altered, i.e. no cutting excess material or tight machine stitching.　 All of our uniforms must last several years so great care must be taken with them.
Care and Cleaning – Volunteers  will be needed to take and pick up tuxes and concert dresses to and from dry cleaning at the end of the school year.　 If additional cleaning is needed it is the responsibility of the student.　 Uniforms should be kept at home in the garment bag.　 Never leave the uniforms in car the heat and sun cause unnecessary wear on them.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMPETITIONS?

When attending a performance or competition be courteous of others. Spectators are asked by the judges to remain seated and out of aisles while bands are performing. Loud conversations are disruptive to those watching especially if you should be seated near the judging area.　

At many competitions the souvenir stand sells patches commemorating the contest.　 These patches can be sewn on to your child’s letter jacket when they receive it.

　　

CAN I TAKE PICTURES AT COMPETITIONS?

You can take pictures or video of the competitions but be aware of your surrounding.　 Do not block other spectators who are trying to enjoy the show as well.  Some competitions did not allow video last year.  Also, you are not allowed to take pictures of the group picture afterwards.

Miscellaneous Information:

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHERE THE BAND IS PERFORMING?

Come to Booster meetings, watch your child's itinerary, and check the marching band website as well as postings in the band hall.

WHERE CAN I GET ALL THOSE NEAT SOUVENIRS I SEE OTHERS HAVE?

Patches are sold at competitions.  Band Boosters will have yard signs, Eagle pins, and car decals for sale.  You may purchase at Meet The Eagles or at Band Booster meetings.

DOES THE BAND TAKE ANY TRIPS?

The band usually takes a trip every other school year.　 This gives the students longer time to raise money through fundraising to pay for their trip.　 The purpose of the trip is for the band to perform in a competition or a parade and have fun.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ROOKIE PARENTS?

Stay flexible and open to all possibilities.
Get involved!!!! The booster organization is filled with many wonderful and fun people and it is the only way to get input into your organization (after all the boosters are only the sum of its parts). When you get involved in the band boosters and start to get to know the students you will see how amazing our kids really are.　 You will be rewarded with hugs and unexpected thank yous and the satisfaction that you have made a difference in their lives just by showing an interest in them.　 Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we have all been there and understand how overwhelming it all can be especially if you are also coping with a child just starting high school. Booster parents love to give support to each other.　
Stay positive for the sake of your child and the other students in the band. Marching band is a difficult endeavor for many, if not all of the students. Students need parental encouragement to continue through the tough times. They (and you) will eventually be able to see the great rewards in marching band.　
Attend at least some of the early competitions and watch other bands besides. It will give you an idea of what is being asked of yourchild and what the band is being compared to.　
If you have a younger child or know of one who is thinking about marching band for the future, encourage them to attend some competitions. Many people remember marching band from their high school days but a lot has changed with marching bands over the years.

During the concert season, all four band will be performing, Wind Ensemble, Honors, Symphonic, and the Ninth Grade Band.  Band students are required to stay for all performances.  Parents are encouraged to watch and give support to each band.  You will be amazed at the performances of each band.  All bands and all students need the support and encouragement from all parents.

Your child will bring home more information when school begins in the fall prior to uniform fitting day.　 If you have any questions before then please feel free to contact any Band Booster officer through our website.