| Instrument Purchase Guidelines AHS Band Parents and Students! The band directors would like to offer some assistance regarding the purchase of new instruments. There are only a few brands and models that we truly recommend for each instrument (see below). If you are ever in the position of considering a new instrument that is NOT from the list below, PLEASE come talk to one of us. Contrary to what some music store representatives, and even private teachers and band directors might say, “there is actually a huge difference between different brands and models. THERE ARE IMITATIONS and COPIES everywhere. Sometimes people find a good price on a brand that is not listed below. We would like to check the instrument out, play it, etc. before you invest in it. Bring it up to the band office. *** Our recommendation: If you cannot afford the recommended model, then you might should wait until later to buy. Also, check the Star Telegram and Dallas Morning News want ads for used instruments. *** Check-out the mail-order companies. They are less expensive, and you don’t have to pay tax. Flute Yamaha 500 ; & Yamaha 481(all silver) Clarinet Buffet R13 Alto Sax Yamaha 62-Mark 2 Trumpet Bach Stradivarius (silver) French Horn Conn 8-D Trombone Bach 42B; Conn 88H Insure Your Personal Instruments You are encouraged to have insurance for your personal musical instrument. The premiums are very low for theft/loss coverage. Music Agency Inc. (1-800- 421-1283) insures instruments for students. The website is www.musicagencyinc.com. |
| The Azle ISD Choral and Instrumental Music Programs All AISD students in grades K through grade six attend music classes, which are taught by full-time specialists. This is the foundation for the junior high school choral and instrumental music departments, which offer a wide variety of enrichment and performance opportunities. The Junior High Band Programs In Azle, band begins in the sixth grade. Five members of the band staff divide their instructional time between the two intermediate school campuses, and will be teaching over 200 beginners in the fall of 2008. In beginning band, each student receives instruction in like-instrument classes every day. Careful and repeated attention is given to the most basic fundamentals of individual tone production, embouchure and music reading. Beginning band students perform together twice during their first year - a Christmas concert and a spring concert in May. Each beginning band student also learns a solo and has the opportunity to participate in a solo contest at the end of the first year. Students are placed in an appropriate level band class at their junior high campuses based on an audition in May. Each junior high school includes two bands, which perform at several concerts, pep rallies, a solo and ensemble festival, and a spring band contest. The High School Band Program The Azle High School Band consists of three concert bands, the jazz band, jazz combo, and the marching band. Recently, the bands have earned Best in Class and Grand Champion Awards at Festivals in Corpus Christi, Denton, Orlando and Breckenridge Colorado. Each year over 100 students earn superior ratings on their UIL solos and ensembles, and qualify for the State Contest. This is more than any other 4A or 5A school in the region. Many students have distinguished themselves by earning All-Region and All-Area honors, and two students made the Texas All-State Band in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and three students made All-State in 2007 and 2008.. The Azle Band Drum Line consistently earns superior ratings at several fall contests, and performs a popular “Percussion Bash” Concert each spring. The Azle Colorguard has also earned superior ratings in Fall Competitions. In the spring, the Azle Winterguard is a dance activity, which competes on a gym floor, to recorded music. The AHS Marching Band will field a record number 270 musicians in the fall of 2008, featuring its’ competition show: “The Color of Victory – a tale of war, valor, humor and love”. The entire Azle ISD Band Program will include over 800 students in 2008. The Azle Band Program has produced many fine musicians. However, that is not the program’s primary goal. Hundreds of Azle students have completed high school with experiences that have enriched their lives through music. It is hoped that the discipline, work ethic, team spirit, and relationships that are formed all help to mold good citizens for a global community. |
| ~ General Information ~ 2009 - 2010 Azle High School Band 1. How will Band Classes work in 2009-10? There are four band classes for brass and woodwind players: Honors Band - This is the first band, mostly juniors and seniors (approx. 55) Wind Ensemble - This is the second band, mostly sophomores and juniors (approx. 65) Symphonic Band – This is the third band, grades 9-12 (approx. 60) Concert Band – This is the fourth band, grades 9-12 (approx. 60) 2. In which band classes should my child enroll? In May all 8th graders will perform a short tryout, recorded in a practice room, during their regular junior high band class period. The high school directors will also ask for input from all junior high band directors. 8th graders should not select a specific band class, unless they are in percussion. The high school directors will assign their band classes in late May. Most 9th graders will be in the third or fourth band. About ten 9th graders will be in the 2nd band, and usually 2 or 3 are in the 1st band. 3. 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 a separate colorguard clasds during the fall semester only, in addition to their regular band class. Colorguard members who do not play in the band enroll in colorguard class only. Band students who wish to drop out of band and enroll in colorguard only, are not eligible to participate in CG until the end of the 9th grade. (This is an AISD policy.) Colorguard basically has the same before school marching band rehearsal schedule as the rest of the Marching Band, with one more rehearsal one day after school. There are additional fees above the regular band cost. Colorguard is a great organization here in Azle, and is taught by Mrs. Debra Oldroyd. It provides an outstanding opportunity for girls to continue development of dance skills, be introduced to creative equipment techniques, and to participate in wonderful performances. The Colorguard members who are band musicians enroll in their regular band classes in the spring. Colorguard members travel with the band to all contests and football games. They are also eligible to earn letter jackets, and to participate in the spring band trip. New Colorguard positions are open to band students who play woodwind instruments, and are also open to AHS students from outside the band. 4. What about (what is) Winterguard? Winterguard is a performance activity which involves approximately 20 students in a select dance group. The auditions are in November. Winterguard rehearses a few times per week after school, and on some evenings, beginning in November. Windterguard members are encouraged to enroll in the Spring Winterguard Class. The performance season runs from January through the end of March with participation in approximately four competitions. Competitions are held on Saturdays. Membership is by audition, and is open to all AHS students. Cost is approximately $100. Questions about the Guard programs may be directed to Mrs. Debra Oldroyd at 817-270-1748, ext 5078. 5. What about Drumline? In the fall all percussionists will enroll in DRUMLINE CLASS. In the spring, ALL percussion students remain in the drumline class, and work on solos, ensembles, and on the concert band music. They ALL participate in the band concerts, solos, ensembles, the Drum-a-thon, and the annual Percussion Bash. Since our drumline is so large and strong, we rarely invite oboists, bassoonists, etc. into drumline. 6. What does my child do in marching band if he/she doesn’t play a “marching” instrument? Oboists and bassoonists 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). The girls can also audition for colorguard. Usually baritone sax and bass clarinet players either play alto sax or the regular clarinet, or they march with another instrument. Bass clarinets and baritone saxes are easily damaged. 7. When is summer band? Rehearsals start at the beginning of August. Exact dates are always posted on the web-site: www.azlemgp.org. Rehearsals are basically from 8:00 AM until noon, Monday - Friday until school begins. We usually march from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM, then we come inside before it gets hot. Students with unusual medical conditions can still participate by marching intermittently, and rehearsing inside the rest of the time. There will be one or two evening rehearsals during the summer band, depending upon AISD’s teacher in-service schedule. Drumline and Colorguard usually have a different schedule from the brass and woodwinds, often due to facility needs. 8. 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. 9. What is the marching band rehearsal schedule once school starts? Monday - Friday 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM YES, this is early! The up-side is that it conflicts with very few other activities. :) (Percussion and Colorguard have section rehearsals one afternoon each week.) 10. What about Jazz Band? Two Jazz Bands will usually begin rehearsing immediately following the marching season. They will meet once each week, before 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 yourself as a player, and perform. Students must be enrolled in a band class in order to participate in jazz band. 11. 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 (advanced placement) Courses. If they make a 59 or lower, then they are ineligible. Pre-AP courses receive NO CUSHION – students must make a 70 or higher. 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 FIVE 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 250 marching band members, only 15 failed the first six-weeks. Students may regain eligibility after 4 weeks. They must be passing in EVERY class at the 6 weeks mid-point (3-weeks). Occasionally students are allowed to study their academics during their band class. 12. What does the band do at football games??? At home games 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 usually 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. 13. 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. 14. 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. 15. 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. 16. What is the cost? $50 This annual fee is ONLY for students who use school-owned instruments. Drumline also pays this fee. $80 This fee is for various costs that band students incur throughout the school year, such as solo contest fees, drinks that are provided throughout the year, etc. $90 This approximately covers marching shoes, a band t-shirt, uniform fee, 2 pairs of marching gloves, and a band picture-board photo. ? This is an estimate of what next year’s spring trip will cost. The band usually takes a “big” trip every four years, and a smaller trip on the other three years. While the trip is not required, it is usually a competitive band event, held in Breckenridge - Colorado, Corpus Christi, or Orlando. Therefore, the trip is highly encouraged, and is attended by approximately 90% of the band. 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. 17. What if my class schedule becomes too packed? There are several courses that are commonly taken by correspondence. Most junior and senior band members schedules are not AT ALL crowded. Be patient, and by the time you are an upper-classman, you will find that you have plenty of time in your schedule. This year the band had 25 students enrolled as "band aides" or "band independent study", because they had so much extra time in their schedules. These students served as musical & academic tutors throughout the year. Here are courses that are offered in summer in Azle: World History Keyboarding Health Government & Economics BCIS Here are courses that AHS kids frequently take at the local colleges: Senior English (both semesters) Government/Economics U.S. History 18. 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. Some of the fund-raisers are specifically for each student's trip and fees. Other fund-raisers are specifically for overall band costs. Of the many fund-raisers we offer, most parents and kids participate in two or three of them. One of the neatest things about our program is the parent involvement. Lots of parents actually enjoy this stuff - Honest! 19. 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! 20. 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 817-270-1748, ext 5075. |
| What is it like to play in a College Band? It is so easy for the high school graduate to decide not to play in the college band. Common thoughts among high school seniors include: “I might not be good enough”, “They might not want me”, “It might take too much time away from my studies”, “It might be expensive”, and “I might not like it – it probably won’ t be like my high school band”. However, those fears are unfounded. Here’s the truth. College Marching Band Most college bands would LOVE to have you in their marching bands. Usually the MAJORITY of the college marching band consists of non-music majors – students who just enjoy marching band, playing their instruments, and football games/trips. Most college marching bands take EVERY STUDENT, and auditions are simply for part placement and to give them a chance to meet you. College marching band usually involves about six hours per week – total. Compare that to high school, which is 5 classes + up to 8 hours outside of school, for a total of 13 to 15 hours. Rehearsals are usually more relaxed than high school, because there are no contests, and college students learn their music and marching much, much faster than high school bands. Things move along quickly. College Bowl Games are great! Band members are usually not required to participate, but everyone wants to. Again, free transportation, hotel and meals, with lots of free time to have fun mixed with the excitement of collegiate playoffs. Maybe you’ll see yourself on TV! It gives you a chance to make new friends with people that you already have a lot in common. Band members get to move into the dorms a few days early, before the mad rush of the entire school. Most college bands have very few fees, involve NO FUND-RAISING, and when you travel, you take charter buses and your meals are paid. Some college bands award scholarships to non-music majors. Getting in the marching band as a freshman gets your foot in the door to check-out the other musical groups: concert bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and basketball band. By being in marching band, the teachers get to know you, and then anything can happen. College Concert Band Most college bands would LOVE to have you in their concert bands. Some colleges have one or more concert bands for both semesters, and one or more concert bands in the spring only. Concert bands usually rehearse between 4 and 6 hours each week, usually with no section rehearsals. College concert bands usually learn their music quickly, and perform once every 4 weeks! There are usually no “tape-recorded assignments” or chair tests. Many college concert bands take tours, perform at state and national conventions, and even travel abroad. Again, all trip costs are usually paid by the university. College Basketball Band This is something that is fun, usually involves many non-music majors, and often times you are paid to play! If you have a conflict with a game, you are allowed to send a substitute musician. Most college basketball bands supply uniforms, provide free food, and pay your way to all post-season tournaments! A typical NCAA Basketball Band trip usually involves arriving a day early and sight-seeing, “all-night bowling”, then having free time the next day until a late afternoon or evening game. If the team wins, you may have another entire day off until the 2nd round game takes place. Recent TCU basketball trips (for men’s and ladies’ teams) have included Seattle, Cincinatti, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Hartford. College Jazz Band Most high schools are not able to offer a jazz band more than as a once-a-week after school activity. Most colleges have jazz ensembles that outplay nearly all high school jazz groups. College jazz bands usually rehearse about 3 hours each week, and perform on campus, in the community, and take trips – sometimes even to Europe. NO, you do NOT have to be an “improviser” to be in a college jazz ensemble. Many colleges have two (or more) jazz ensembles, so that students who have NEVER EVEN PLAYED IN A JAZZ GROUP, can check it out at their own pace. College Orchestra Most colleges have an orchestra. Usually the brass, woodwind and percussion players are a select group. However, they are not always music majors. Check it out! Orchestras usually rehearse about 5 hours each week. They, too, give concerts and often go on tours and trips. This fall (2005) the TCU Orchestra is taking a trip to Brazil! How do I prepare for playing in a college group? 1. Tell your director that you are interested. Your director will show you how to contact the universities and get on their mailing lists. Contact the schools in the early spring of your senior year. If you are interested in auditioning for scholarship, then contact the college no later than December of your senior year. Most auditions are held from January – March. 2. Practice and learn your 12 major scales. Sometimes colleges ask for you to play these when you audition. 3. Learn a solo or all-region etude, and play that on your college audition. 4. If you do not own your own instrument, ask the college if they can let you rent one from them. They usually have the same types of instruments that high schools supply. Otherwise, then look for an instrument to purchase for your own. College performing groups can provide you with the highlight of your college years! It can also give you the opportunity to continue playing after college, in church orchestras, praise bands, community bands or even professionally. What you have learned is special, and it is a valuable gift! Continuing in music performance can be extremely personally rewarding. Check it out! I like band. Should I major in Music in College? Perhaps! If you think that you would enjoy doing what your band directors do, then you should consider major in music. Being a band director can be extremely fulfilling. You get to work with the same students for several years in a row, and work with them on a closer basis that many classroom teachers get to do. You are with these students in rehearsal, on the field, at football games, contests, and trips. Band students are in band because they want to be, so the experience can be quite positive. You get to watch kids grow and mature as young people and as young musicians. Teaching band can help keep you young, as well. Am I “good enough” to teach band? There are four basic qualities that comprise band directors. Look at these categories and give yourself a letter grade in each (A, B, C, D, F) 1. How well you play your instrument? 2. How strong are your musical instincts (your ear, ability to sight-read, hearing rhythms) 3. How strong an academic student you are? 4. Do you have the kind of personality that could make you a successful teacher? When most band directors were in high school themselves, they were pretty good at some of these categories, and not so good at others. Very few are outstanding at all four. If YOU are strong in some of these areas, and weaker in others, then you very likely could be successful in college music. Here are a few other “sub-categories” that could help your college music preparation: 1. Basic piano: If you haven’t had piano lessons (or can’t remember anything of what you once had), then take a few piano lessons. Get familiar with the piano keyboard, and with both the treble and bass clef. 2. Basic music theory/ear training: While you don’t have to know any of this stuff before college, it really helps to have a basic understanding of scales, intervals and maybe a few chords before college. Ask your band director about piano and theory. You may be able to take a music theory course at your high school. A friend could show you a little bit about piano. There are also several great software programs that teach music theory. (Alfred’s Music Theory, Musician, and Aurelia are a few.) Am I good enough to become a professional player on my instrument? The job market is much smaller for full-time professional musicians. Ask your director or private teacher what they think about your potential in this area. While you may not think that you are a “world class player” right now, remember that you have lots of time to develop and improve. Also keep in mind that there are many, many more opportunities to perform professionally on a part-time basis, while working at another job, such as music teacher, band director, working at a music store, private teacher, or at a “regular job” that is not related to music. |
| How to Use Practice Room Time When the band program provides practice time for you during class, it is intended to help make you a better player on your instrument. We want you to improve and develop five basic skills. These skills are all interrelated, and all lead to the #1 goal - improved TONE: Air stream (breathing): Improvement in your ability to take deeper breaths, and sometimes deep quick breaths, develops a fuller tone, better range, better tuning, and the ability to play longer phrases. Strive toward making deep, relaxed breaths an automatic habit. Many performers just take in enough air to "stay alive" (called "normal breathing"), as opposed to deep breaths (called "natural breathing"). Air stream exercises include anything that pushes you to play until every last ounce of air is out of your body (long tones, technique exercises that repeat as long as possible, etc.). Embouchure (face muscles): Stronger face muscles improves endurance, the ability to play very softly and very loudly, and improve tone and tuning. Tonguing: There are two main categories to develop - 1) Speed, and 2) Style - especially legato (smooth, connected) and staccato (short, light). Scales and technical exercises are great for this. Constant tonguing is very tiring, and tonguing exercises also build embouchure. Fingers: There are two main categories to develop - 1) Speed (and strength), and 2) Coordination - evenness and smoothness. Fingers and tonguing work together. Usually one is better than the other. Strive for both to improve. Practice Time Outline Warm-up (only if you haven't already done it in class): Play something that makes your muscles feel good and get ready to practice. All-Region Music: Play a short section, perhaps 8 measures - with metronome. Record yourself, if possible, and listen to the recording of that section. Play the section five more times, resting between each time. Move on to the next phrase and continue in the same format. On passages that are particularly difficult, practice over and over, more slowly, and just the measure by itself. When it is difficult to play two notes perfectly, just play those two notes, slowly, over and over. |
| Uniform Care Tips Students are assigned uniforms and a garment bag to use the entire year. Garment bags have a number attached; keep the uniform in the same bag. Under the uniform, the student should wear band t-shirt and comfortable shorts (no blue jeans or blue jean shorts). Need to have their black marching shoes clean and ready for every ball game. Make sure the student has black socks for each game. It is helpful to keep several clean pairs of black socks in your locker for backup! The students will be given a time when the uniforms are to be checked out before each game. After each game, the student should take their uniform off and hang them in the garment bags properly. Parents and SECTION LEADERS will check the uniforms back in and will require them to be hung properly. *Don’t leave your flip-folder in your hat box. You WILL be given the opportunity to leave your shoes in your garment bag. Be sure your students check their uniform in rather than leave them in one of the equipment or practice rooms. Long hair has to be either pinned up or pony tails up under the hats. |
| Welcome! Welcome to the Azle High School Band program! You and your child are about to begin a very exciting four years. It’s hard to explain the energy and enthusiasm of this organization but as you start coming to events you will find parents and students from past years with the same excitement that you will be experiencing. This band has a wonderful winning tradition. Yes, winning is fun, but let’s not forget what is truly important—hard work, discipline, endurance, being gracious no matter how you score, developing musical appreciation and skills, and forging new friendships. These are far more important than any championships. You’ll find that these are the qualities our directors continue to stress everyday. It is our job as parents to reinforce these ideals to our children. Please remember it’s just as important for parents to show great sportsmanship and character as it is for our band to do so. Let’s be a part of this “first class operation” throughout the year. It can be overwhelming for parents at the beginning of the year, and this handbook (and our web-site) has been compiled to help orient you to the many different aspects of the band. This information is not intended to replace your attendance at band parent meetings. You will receive a calendar that you need to keep close at hand. Freshman band members sometimes have a tendency to “forget” to relate information to their parents. Feel free to call any student leader or band director for help, and remember to come to the meetings to get the latest information. So come and join the fun! You will see changes in your child that you only dreamed would happen some day. At first your band member(s) may act like they don’t want you any place near them, but trust all of us “old parents”— they will begin to look for you and cherish your attendance. Bring your family and friends to contests and concerts, and just see if your kids don’t get a sense of pride in all of the hard work they have done. Then you can really begin to sit back and enjoy, “live from Azle, Texas, The Marching Green Pride!” MISSION STATEMENT – AZLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND Facilitating Achievement... • Academic excellence is understood. From AP Classes to No Pass No Play, the academic achievement of each Band member is monitored and promoted. • Artistic achievement is the goal. Performance in Band demonstrates proper process for maximizing potential as an individual and as part of a group. This model is then applied to multiple facets of the life of the student. In this manner, musicianship, citizenship, and scholarship merge and develop. • Through helping students realize their potential in Band. PRIVATE LESSONS Private lessons can be an integral part of each student’s musical development. Lessons help the student achieve higher goals in music and improve study skills. Azle ISD has an outstanding faculty of private lesson teachers. Lessons are once a week for thirty minutes (or half of a class period) at a cost of $16 per lesson. The directors feel that every student can benefit from lessons. The private lesson program is an optional program to supplement the instruction received in band class. It has proven to be a most efficient and thorough method of developing the student's talent. The opportunity to study on an individual basis with an accomplished musician is an invaluable asset. This affords the opportunity for in-depth study of the student’s instrument. Please call or email any of the instructors listed on the PRIVATE LESSONS link to schedule an appointment. The AHS Band has its’ own website! You can be kept up to date with the most recent information by dialing up www.azlemgp.org. In addition to important information, you’ll find pictures after various events. Robin Evans maintains the site, so check it often all year long to find out what’s happening. FRESHMAN CAMP (Usually the 1st week of June) The main purpose of Freshman Camp is to introduce incoming students to marching techniques, and also to some of the high school music. The section leaders are a tremendous help with the teaching process while building camaraderie with the new band members. The camp is held on the days immediately following school dismissal to minimize disruptions in vacation plans. If you anticipate any problems with attendance, please contact one of the directors. AUGUST CAMP (SUMMER BAND) August is the beginning of our marching season. Attendance at this camp is very important, so please plan vacations accordingly. Feel free to speak to the directors with any concerns. Comfortable tennis shoes, light colored clothes, and a cap are the best type of attire. It also will be helpful to have a small water jug, sun screen, and sunglasses. Band members should check with their section leaders for other good advice. Some of the things happening at this camp include: 1. Marching fundamentals 2. Learning show music 3. Learning drill 4. Uniform distribution and payment of fees (Saturday, August 19) 5. Football program photos 6. Learning “stand tunes” (music for football games and pep rallies) 7. Purchasing gloves, shoes, t-shirts, and other items *Lots & lots of bonding between old and new band members. PEP RALLIES Pep rallies are held on Friday afternoons of home football games. Parents are invited to attend. Sometimes the band is featured. The approximate start time is 2:45 pm. You can call the school office for the exact time, but plan to arrive early especially if you are videotaping. AUGUST BOOSTER MEETING/PERFORMANCE This is the most important parent meeting of the year and the entire marching band will perform. Fund-raising opportunities will be discussed, as well as various ways for parents to get involved with various projects, chaperoning, etc. AZLE BAND NIGHT This is a “band pep rally” in the Azle Stadium, just before the contest season begins. The marching band participates in a special “stadium rehearsal” with a hired guest clinician. At the end of the rehearsal, parents and friends are invited to come watch a run-through of the show, and then the band moves up to the track for a band pep-rally. Each band member is recognized by name, the band performs pep tunes, and special friends of the band are recognized. *This is usually on a Tuesday evening in late September. SPIRITWEAR Spiritwear is available for parents and other family members. We have many different types of shirts, sweatshirts, caps, etc. that are available throughout the fall season. You will have opportunities to view the products for sale at the August Booster Meeting, and at the Saturday uniform check-out day, also in August. It is a great way to show your support for the band. UNIFORM CARE Uniforms are not to be taken home. Students put them on before each performance, and take them off before they go home. Each student pays a uniform cleaning fee, and uniforms are sent to the dry cleaners at certain times throughout the fall. You may turn up hems and hand-stitch them in place if needed, but do not cut any portion of the uniform. Proper care will help up to keep a good-looking band and be able to use the uniforms for a few more years. More detailed information about uniforms is in the Band Handbook. FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GAMES Football Game Fridays are exciting! The students will be given a scheduled meeting time to be at the band hall. Warm-ups and inspections will take place prior to boarding the buses for the game. The buses leave the stadium as soon as possible after each game. After away games, band students are allowed to ride home with their own parents. The parents must sign-out with the chaperones at the end of the game. COLORGUARD The colorguard is an auxiliary group that enhances the visual performance of the marching band. Selection is based on tryouts in the spring. The group has their own specially trained instructors, and they work with rifles and sabers as well as with flags. You’ll find many interesting guards at various contests and be amazed at some of the things they can do. The majority of the colorguard will proceed to winterguard at the conclusion of the marching season. CONCERT SEASON Because the marching band is so visible and performs so often publicly, concert season is sometimes “forgotten”. This is far from being true. Concert season is the time when the most musical training takes place and each band’s performance rating during the UIL concert contest is the basis for evaluating the entire band program. There are three concert bands. The Honors Band is comprised mostly of upper-classmen. The Wind Symphony is also comprised mostly of upperclassmen, and the Symphonic Band is comprised mostly of freshmen. All three bands have complete instrumentation and are fine performing groups. Two concerts are presented at the high school and are open to the public. A winter concert is presented in December and a spring concert is held in early May. These are wonderful, well-attended concerts and you will hear challenging music. This is a great time to invite the grandparents, aunts and uncles and let them hear “what else the Azle Bands can do”. SPRING TRYOUTS Tryouts for concert bands, drum majors, color guard and drumline are held during April and May each year. Selection of the section leaders and band officers also takes place. Your band member will be able to get information from the directors if they choose to tryout for any of these positions. THANKS! (from the directors) This band would not exist without the tremendous support and generous time given by our wonderful band parents. The directors thank every parent for understanding and embracing what is necessary in order for us all to experience success. |
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