Frequently Asked Questions about high school band.....

 

1. Can my child handle marching band and academics?

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Yes. Marching season builds not only a great work ethic but great time management skills.

• We have had valedictorians of the senior class be able to attend prestigious colleges because of their high academic achievement and extracurricular activities while still performing in the top ensembles of our program. (One Student is in Band, NHS, All AP Classes, Choir, Student Council, and work. 

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2. Can I do band and athletics/cheer/drill team?

 

Yes. The coaches, sponsors and band staff work very well together to accommodate students and most school activities. 

• The key is to know your schedule and confirm with directors, coaches, and/or sponsors on your week-to-week schedule in advance. We will be glad to help and assist along with our student leaders that have done this as well. They are your veterans.

 

3. Is marching band physically challenging?

 

Yes. Marching band is physically challenging and you will sweat.

• However, you need no prior experience to learn. The act of learning to march can be physically awkward in the beginning but becomes a more natural physical activity over time.

• Remember…every ninth grader will be starting with the same level of experience and knowledge. They will have the same reservations that you do. We are in this together and we will work with you and be your support. We have senior drum majors that once began in our alternate line. Trust us when we say...it gets better!

 

4. Does my student have to be in marching band?

 

Yes. Our district recognizes band to be a full-year activity.

• While it is a front-loaded schedule in the fall. It is for 3.5 months. 

• Once we get to November, the schedule reduces immensely to maybe 1 rehearsal a week and one game based on the playoff schedule.

 

5. What kind of commitment is my student making for marching band?

 

In order to march in the fall show (“show” is the term the band uses for the performance at half-time on Friday night), a student must participate in the following:

 

• June Kickoff camp/Instrument pick upheld at Rowlett High School

• July/August band/colorguard/percussion camps held at Rowlett High School

• Marching band practice after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. No Wednesday rehearsals (Reserve Wednesdays for tutorials! This is your opportunity to make doctor appointments, get all assignments completed. The goal is to be at every after-school rehearsal as it is a class for each and every student in the program. Remember you're always auditioning!

•  Show effort!

• We also compete at 3 to 4 contests or invitationals each year to show how we do things here in the ROWLETT HIGH SCHOOL MIGHTY EEEEAAAAAAGGGLLLEEE BAAANNNDD!

 

6. Can parents volunteer to help the band?

 

Absolutely! If we have too many volunteers then we will still ask for more.

• We want parent volunteers for all events in the fall from games to contests. We see parents helping every front ensemble member to soloist mics and stands and even the keyboards.

• You will be quickly welcomed into the position and you get to build and grow into the MEB family because we truly are a family. Ask those that have been in the program for 13+ years! they have 100s of kids that they know and honestly care for and you become a family member for life!

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7. How much money does it cost to be in the band?

 

Yes, it does come with band enrichment fees.

• Please understand that the fees that we collect are based on all supplies needed and required to be successful in the program. 

• The majority of the fees collected are a complete wash for the program. This means we collect to get the supplies for your student(s).

• We do fundraisers to raise money to further your student's growth within their musical skill set by granting masterclasses in our summer band schedule and bring in well-known band clinicians that help us become who we are today. Please know it all goes back to the students because your child is a vital piece of our Mighty Eagle  Band successes.  

• There is a fee to cover expenses not paid for by GISD. We are conscientious of your money and keep our costs down as much as possible.

• You must also purchase or rent a quality instrument to play in the band. Some instruments like the euphonium, tuba, french horn, oboe, bassoon, tenor sax, and baritone sax are rented from the school for $75 per year ($100 for the second instrument/Percussion). Many expenses associated with supplies and uniform accessories will be one-time purchases.

 

8. Are students required to attend all events?

 

Yes. Students are required to attend all events on the band calendar that pertain to them.

• Academic eligibility is vital to have the opportunity to be a fully committed member in the program.  

• We make every effort to inform parents about all band activities. Please make sure to utilize our web site

 

9. Does my student need to audition to be in band?

 

Yes. By auditioning they are agreeing to commit for the full year. 

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10. Who should I contact if I have questions?

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• Mr. Lira, Director of Bands - RALira@garlandisd.net

• Mrs. Gott, Associate Director - egott@garlandisd.net​

• TBA, Associate Director/Percussion 

• Mr. Seltzer, Percussion Assistant - jseltzerpercussion@gmail.com

• TBA, Guard Director 

 

So what do we do now?

• Watch the practices when you get a chance.

• Support your child.

• Participate in our fund-raisers!

• Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Rowlett HS Band parent!

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Oh? And do you like to travel?

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The Rowlett High School Band travels to places

like Hollywood, Orlando, and New York City!

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