Azle HS Band FAQ...  

What are the band classes?

There are three band classes for brass and woodwind players:

Honors Band - This is the "top" band, mostly juniors and seniors (approx. 75)
Wind Symphony - This is the “second” band, mostly sophomores and juniors (approx. 85)
Symphonic Band - This is the “third” band, grades 9-12 (approx. 80)

Which band classes should my child enroll in?

In late February all 8th graders will play a short, tape-recorded tryout in a practice room, during their regular junior high band class period. The high school directors will listen to the recordings, and will ask for input from all junior high band directors. Then in late February/early March a list will be posted at each junior high school, placing each eighth grade student in one of the high school band classes.

What about Colorguard?

Yes, Colorguard is offered to 9th grade girls, and is a great way to “earn” a performance position in the Marching Green Pride (Colorguard members rarely serve as “alternates”). Girls who are selected for Colorguard enroll in SYMPHONIC BAND during the FALL SEMESTER ONLY (There is no Colorguard course during the spring). Sometimes they will play their instruments in the symphonic band class, and sometimes they will practice Colorguard. While in band class, they will usually play different music from marching music (such as All-Region music, or solos). Colorguard basically has the same after school marching band rehearsal schedule as the rest of the Marching Band. Cost is approximately $100 above the regular band cost. Colorguard is a great organization here in Azle, and is taught by Ms. Debra Oldroyd and Ms. Denise Stepp. It provides an outstanding opportunity for girls to continue development of dance skills, be introduced to creative techniques, and to participate in wonderful performances. The Colorguard members enroll in their regular band classes in the spring.

New Colorguard positions are open to band students who play woodwind instruments, and are also open to AHS students from outside the band.

What about (what is) Winterguard?

Winterguard is a dance/choreography activity which involves approximately 20 students in a performing group. Winterguard rehearses a few times per week, beginning at the end of marching season. Membership is by audition, and is open to all AHS students. Cost is approximately $100.

What about Drumline?

In the fall all percussionists will enroll in DRUMLINE CLASS.

In the spring, some percussionists will enroll in their regular band classes, while others will remain in percussion class. We try to incorporate all students into the concert band events. ALL percussion students participate in solos, ensembles, the Drum-a-thon, and the annual Percussion Bash.

Occasionally oboists, bassoonists, bass clarinetists, or other woodwind musicians gain permission to join the Drumline during the fall semester. Interested students must talk to Dr. Grant. If selected, they change their fall semester schedules to Drumline Class. They will still be assigned to play their regular instruments during the fall.

What does my child do in marching band if he/she doesn’t play a “marching” instrument?

Oboists, bassoonists and bass clarinetists sometimes march with another section of the band, such as trumpets, flutes, etc. The marching instrument is loaned to them. They don’t actually “play” these instruments (we hope!). During band class sometimes they work on different music during the fall semester (All-Region, solos, etc.).

When is summer band?

Summer Band begins with an organizational meeting/party on Friday evening, July 27 (2007). Rehearsals begin on Monday, August 1. Rehearsals are from 8:00 AM until noon, Monday - Friday until school begins. We usually march from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM, and then come inside before it gets very hot. Students with unusual medical conditions can still participate by marching “intermittently,” or by playing in the pit percussion section. There will be one or two evening rehearsals during the first week of August, depending upon A.I.S.D.’s teacher in-service schedule.

What if my child misses part of summer band due to a family trip?

The student’s grade is not affected, but he/she has an increased chance of being behind, and of being assigned an alternate position. Parents are advised to consider this as they make August plans.

What is the marching band rehearsal schedule once school starts?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurs., Fri. mornings - 6:30 AM - 7:55 AM
Monday afternoons - BRASS ONLY 3:35 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday afternoons - WOODWINDS ONLY 3:35 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday afternoons - COLORGUARD 3:35 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday afternoons - DRUMLINE 3:35 PM - 5:00 PM

What about Jazz Band?

One or two Jazz Bands will begin rehearsing immediately following the marching season. They will meet once each week, probably during the afternoon after school. Each Jazz Band usually includes about 5 trumpets, 5 trombones, 5 saxes, pianists, drummers, and guitarists. Jazz Band is a great opportunity to learn new musical styles, challenge you as a player, and perform.

How does No Pass/No Play affect High School Band participation?

All 9th graders are academically eligible until the “end of the week following the first 6 weeks." This means ALL band students are allowed (and required) to attend the football games in uniform, and sit with and perform with the band. After the end of the 6 weeks, if a student has a 69 or lower in ONE OR MORE classes, he/she will not be allowed to sit with or perform with the band at football games or contests. *Students have an additional 10-point cushion in AP & Pre-AP Courses. If they make a 59 or lower, then they are ineligible.

While the state DOES allow ineligible students to continue to rehearse after school with the band, the Azle Band directors usually assign these students to “go home and study” instead. THESE STUDENTS USUALLY MISS OUT ON ALL CONTESTS AND SIX FOOTBALL GAMES. It is very sad for everyone when a student becomes “cut-off” from band activities due to no pass/no play. The band is FULL of academically talented honors students. However, ineligibility can happen to ANYONE! We encourage students to inform their section leaders of school subjects in which they need help. Students frequently help each other with academics. So far this year the AHS Band has been very successful regarding eligibility - largely because the students WANT TO PARTICIPATE in band activities, so they STRIVE TO BE ACADEMICALLY SUCCESSFUL. Out of over 200 marching band members, only 12 failed the first six-weeks.

Students may regain eligibility after 3 weeks, but it is very difficult to achieve, since they must be passing in EVERY class at the 6 weeks mid-point. Teachers often do not schedule tests during the first part of the 6 weeks. Occasionally students are allowed to study their academics during their band class.

What does the band do at football games?

At home we “march in” at around 6:45 PM. The band plays songs during the first quarter, and spends part of the second quarter preparing for their half-time performance. Students who are “alternates” for that week come down to the field and help the parents with the pit percussion and colorguard equipment. Yes, alternates do come to the game and wear their uniform! All alternates perform the drill team songs at each half-time, too. We also try to “alternate” performances for students who are “paired” on a marching position. Criteria for determining which students earn their “own” marching spot are (in order of importance): How well they march, how well they play, attendance, rehearsal effort, seniority and their previous record of academic eligibility. All students have free time during a portion of the third quarter, and they play many songs during the fourth quarter. The band also has many chants and drum cadences that they have “way too much fun with!”

At away games we leave on buses between 5:00 and 5:45 PM, depending on the distance. We go to all varsity football games (Just think - free baby-sitting for ten or more straight Fridays!). Band members are allowed to order "Meal Deals" through the Boosters, so that a meal is brought to them at the band hall.

How are the band students graded in high school?

Grades are based upon four criteria: playing tests, attendance, class participation, and participation in special events (solos, all-region, etc.). The band staff believes that we must have a grading format that gives students a fair opportunity to make a very high grade. After all, most band students work very hard and spend much extra time at rehearsals and performances. Therefore, most band students tend to make very high grades. During marching season, when all band students are committing so many outside hours to marching band, most band students receive 100’s.

Can I get help with transportation to rehearsals?

YES! It is the responsibility of upper-classmen student leaders to help with the transportation needs of the younger students.

How much time does band take after marching season is over?

Our final marching practice usually takes place around October 31. We may spend one hour per week after that, if there are additional football games. After marching season, the student's after school time is generally limited to one 45-minute sectional per week, beginning around Thanksgiving. As you know, this is about the same as your junior high schedule demands.

What is the cost?

Please see the FEES - Info Page under the Information Menu.

There are a few other miscellaneous costs, most of which are optional. Solo accompanists, algebra tutors (you think I’m kidding!).
 

Please note that many of these expenses are “one time costs,” or don’t apply to all students.

What if my class schedule becomes too packed?

There are several courses that are commonly taken by correspondence. Health and History are examples. Summer School can also be used to take Government.

Will the Band Boosters Club solve all my financial needs with the snap of a finger?

Yes! Of course! Actually, there is a wide variety of fund raising opportunities (Notice how few of these involve door-to-door solicitation):
 

The fundraising schedule is shown on the Fundraisers page.
 

Most parents and kids participate in two or three of these activities. One of the neatest things about our program is the parent involvement. Lots of parents actually enjoy this stuff - Honest!

How can I get involved?

Volunteer! Come to Booster Club meetings, and be patient - especially regarding chaperoning. We like to always have a good number of “veteran adults" who are working with the kids. If you make yourself available enough times, you will soon become known as a dependable, valuable parent leader. If you volunteer yourself or your child for something, PLEASE DON’T CANCEL! This really makes it difficult for the parent who is organizing the event. It also reduces the likelihood of your being called back!

Why mess with band, anyway?

One of the most positive by-products of the high school band program is the student relationships that are formed within the group. In high school it is difficult to establish lasting friendships in the regular classroom, lunch time, etc. Involvement in the band gives kids the opportunity to nurture friendships with other quality young people for many years. The band is such a large and diverse organization, it provides many chances for different types of kids to make friends, find the “niche,” and get experience developing leadership skills. We look forward to seeing this SUPER 8th grade class join the high school band!

We hope this information has been helpful! If we have left out something important, please let us know. The high school band hall phone is 817-444-5555, ext. 5075.

 Ross Grant      rgrant[at]azle.esc11.net

Darrin Duff     dduff[at]azle.esc11.net

Bob Hayes      bhayes[at]azle.esc11.net

NOTE: Remember to remove the [at] and replace with the "at" symbol to email us!

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