Band Descriptions
There are different options for participating in band ranging from concert only to competition marching band.
Competition Marching Band - The majority of students participate at this level. This is the band that performs half time at football games and travels to approximately two competitions per year, as well as parades and other marching events. You are required to attend both weeks of band camp and be enrolled in "A" day and "B" day band classes. After school rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Thursdays until 5:45 p.m. There are no auditions for this band but students must demonstrate proficiency in marching and playing the music to earn a spot.
Football Marching Band - This band attends football games and performs in the stands only and pregame, as well as parades. Some of these students choose to help on the sidelines for the show. You are to be enrolled in "A" day only band class and participate in after school rehearsal one day per week for home games.
Concert Ensembles - The concert ensembles include Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Bands, as well as Jazz Band and chamber groups. Students are placed into the appropriate concert ensemble through an audition process. Jazz band begins at the end of marching season and rehearses Wednesdays after school and Thursday mornings, and occasionally during "Power Hour".
It is possible to participate in concert band only, though to be in marching band you must also participate in concert band. This is the foundation of your learning music and considered your "primary" band class on the school schedule.
Competition Marching Band - The majority of students participate at this level. This is the band that performs half time at football games and travels to approximately two competitions per year, as well as parades and other marching events. You are required to attend both weeks of band camp and be enrolled in "A" day and "B" day band classes. After school rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Thursdays until 5:45 p.m. There are no auditions for this band but students must demonstrate proficiency in marching and playing the music to earn a spot.
Football Marching Band - This band attends football games and performs in the stands only and pregame, as well as parades. Some of these students choose to help on the sidelines for the show. You are to be enrolled in "A" day only band class and participate in after school rehearsal one day per week for home games.
Concert Ensembles - The concert ensembles include Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Bands, as well as Jazz Band and chamber groups. Students are placed into the appropriate concert ensemble through an audition process. Jazz band begins at the end of marching season and rehearses Wednesdays after school and Thursday mornings, and occasionally during "Power Hour".
It is possible to participate in concert band only, though to be in marching band you must also participate in concert band. This is the foundation of your learning music and considered your "primary" band class on the school schedule.
Time Commitment
Band is a time consuming activity. Please refer to the attendance policy in the handbook (located on the Forms and Handbook page). All after school rehearsals are required. On the rare occasions you run into an unavoidable conflict, please contact the directors as soon as you are aware of it and before the rehearsal. All absences must be approved prior to the rehearsal except for sickness (not at school that day or you checked out) or an emergency situation.
Below are estimated times for rehearsals and performances.
Competition marching band: After school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:45; Games are typically from 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm on Friday nights but plan for a couple of Thursday games. (Refer to the Band Calendar). There may also be special rehearsals called, i.e. during homecoming week for the special half time presentation.
Football marching band: Required to attend some, but not all after school rehearsals. These rehearsals will be announced in advance. Typically, these rehearsals are the Thursday before a home game for 30-45 minutes. There may also be special rehearsals called, i.e. during homecoming week for the special half time presentation.
Percussion and color guard/majorettes have additional rehearsal times.
Concert Ensembles: Wind Ensemble 4:00 pm – 5:30 on Tuesday and Thursdays.
Symphonic Band: Monday from 4:00-5:30
**Sometimes concert band students are invited to be a part of the symphonic band.
While band is time consuming we understand that our students tend to be the leaders of the school and participate in other activities and AP classes. To accomplish this it sometimes takes creative scheduling. Consider taking summer school courses such as health and driver's ed. Students who are involved with school-related athletics or activities that interfere with band rehearsals or performances should contact the directors. These are discussed on an individual basis.
Below are estimated times for rehearsals and performances.
Competition marching band: After school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:45; Games are typically from 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm on Friday nights but plan for a couple of Thursday games. (Refer to the Band Calendar). There may also be special rehearsals called, i.e. during homecoming week for the special half time presentation.
Football marching band: Required to attend some, but not all after school rehearsals. These rehearsals will be announced in advance. Typically, these rehearsals are the Thursday before a home game for 30-45 minutes. There may also be special rehearsals called, i.e. during homecoming week for the special half time presentation.
Percussion and color guard/majorettes have additional rehearsal times.
Concert Ensembles: Wind Ensemble 4:00 pm – 5:30 on Tuesday and Thursdays.
Symphonic Band: Monday from 4:00-5:30
**Sometimes concert band students are invited to be a part of the symphonic band.
While band is time consuming we understand that our students tend to be the leaders of the school and participate in other activities and AP classes. To accomplish this it sometimes takes creative scheduling. Consider taking summer school courses such as health and driver's ed. Students who are involved with school-related athletics or activities that interfere with band rehearsals or performances should contact the directors. These are discussed on an individual basis.
Band Fees
Marching Band Students - $750
Color Guard - $750
Percussion Students Additional $100
Concert Season Only - $375
Sibling Fees- $375
Fees can be offset by participating in the many fundraising opportunities offered throughout the year. For some fundraisers the profits will go directly into the student account; others will directly benefit the band budget. Financial difficulties should not be an obstacle to students participating in the HHS Band Program. Financial assistance is available for those who demonstrate a true need. Those who actively participate in fundraising efforts, but are having difficulty meeting financial obligations or a payment schedule should contact the Band Director or the Band Booster President. In fairness to all involved, there will be no financial aid for any family who is not fully participating in available fundraising activities. Any student who is not current with their fees may forfeit their full membership in the band. Late payments may put the student’s performance opportunities in jeopardy.
Venmo - @HuntsvilleHS-BandParentAssoc
Color Guard - $750
Percussion Students Additional $100
Concert Season Only - $375
Sibling Fees- $375
Fees can be offset by participating in the many fundraising opportunities offered throughout the year. For some fundraisers the profits will go directly into the student account; others will directly benefit the band budget. Financial difficulties should not be an obstacle to students participating in the HHS Band Program. Financial assistance is available for those who demonstrate a true need. Those who actively participate in fundraising efforts, but are having difficulty meeting financial obligations or a payment schedule should contact the Band Director or the Band Booster President. In fairness to all involved, there will be no financial aid for any family who is not fully participating in available fundraising activities. Any student who is not current with their fees may forfeit their full membership in the band. Late payments may put the student’s performance opportunities in jeopardy.
Venmo - @HuntsvilleHS-BandParentAssoc
School Schedule
Most band students will register for two band classes. You will need to have an “A” Day band class and a “B” Day band class. Do not get caught up in the names of the classes on your registration form and online. You will earn a Life PE credit for band if you are enrolled in a "B" day band class. You will be placed in the correct class based on your instrument and audition. Color Guard and Majorettes will be placed in the correct class and register for one band class. All students who want to be in band must complete a contract, register for band classes, and complete a placement audition.
Band Camp
Band Camp is mandatory. The dates are announced early in the school year for planning your summer. Any student not attending band camp will not be in the competition marching band.
Band camp is typically held during July. Marching is strenuous and camp includes running and other calisthenic activities. Bring your large water jug and wear athletic shoes. Musicians also need to bring their wire music stand to camp. Efforts are made to hold clinics indoors during the hottest part of the day, but be prepared for the heat. Drink plenty of water leading up to camp and also spend time outdoors getting acclimated to the weather. This will be a tough couple of weeks but very rewarding!
Band camp is typically held during July. Marching is strenuous and camp includes running and other calisthenic activities. Bring your large water jug and wear athletic shoes. Musicians also need to bring their wire music stand to camp. Efforts are made to hold clinics indoors during the hottest part of the day, but be prepared for the heat. Drink plenty of water leading up to camp and also spend time outdoors getting acclimated to the weather. This will be a tough couple of weeks but very rewarding!