How to encourage your student.
AT HOME
1. Show an interest in the music study of your child.
2. Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.
3. Find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption.
4. Help them with their practice as much as possible by counting, studying, music texts, etc.
5. Help the student keep a daily record of their practice for accountability.
6. Give them a safe place to keep their instrument.
7. Make sure you help your student get the necessary accessories for his instrument such as reeds, mutes, oil, and slide grease. All students should have a metronome and tuner.
8. Be very careful with instruments. The cost of repairs is very high.
9. Help your child to be prepared and on time for each rehearsal and lesson. Even though private study is not required, it is strongly recommended as an extension of the classroom.
10. Make faithful attendance at all activities important.
11. Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity arises, in the home, at school, church and in the community.
12. Read your email daily and make sure your information is updated in Charms.
13. When picking your student up at band practice or from a performance, do not park off of Billie Watkins Street. This is a major safety issue. Park in a parking spot and wait for your student to come to you or join us in the band room.
14. Work with your student on how to manage their time between band and school work.
AT SCHOOL
1. Keep a record of the students various musical activities.
2. Notify the teacher in advance if the student is to be absent or tardy at lessons, rehearsals, etc., and explain why.
3. See that they take their instrument and music to school.
4. Teach them to be punctual at lessons and rehearsals.
5. See that your child keeps up with classroom studies and makes up work they missed.
6. Visit rehearsals and lessons occasionally.
7. Discuss with your music teachers anything that will help them to better understand your child.
8. Attend concerts and other performances whenever possible.
9. Join and Attend Band Booster meetings whenever possible.
10. Volunteer to help through the band parent association.
11. Purchase band spirit wear and wear items to all band functions.
1. Show an interest in the music study of your child.
2. Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.
3. Find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption.
4. Help them with their practice as much as possible by counting, studying, music texts, etc.
5. Help the student keep a daily record of their practice for accountability.
6. Give them a safe place to keep their instrument.
7. Make sure you help your student get the necessary accessories for his instrument such as reeds, mutes, oil, and slide grease. All students should have a metronome and tuner.
8. Be very careful with instruments. The cost of repairs is very high.
9. Help your child to be prepared and on time for each rehearsal and lesson. Even though private study is not required, it is strongly recommended as an extension of the classroom.
10. Make faithful attendance at all activities important.
11. Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity arises, in the home, at school, church and in the community.
12. Read your email daily and make sure your information is updated in Charms.
13. When picking your student up at band practice or from a performance, do not park off of Billie Watkins Street. This is a major safety issue. Park in a parking spot and wait for your student to come to you or join us in the band room.
14. Work with your student on how to manage their time between band and school work.
AT SCHOOL
1. Keep a record of the students various musical activities.
2. Notify the teacher in advance if the student is to be absent or tardy at lessons, rehearsals, etc., and explain why.
3. See that they take their instrument and music to school.
4. Teach them to be punctual at lessons and rehearsals.
5. See that your child keeps up with classroom studies and makes up work they missed.
6. Visit rehearsals and lessons occasionally.
7. Discuss with your music teachers anything that will help them to better understand your child.
8. Attend concerts and other performances whenever possible.
9. Join and Attend Band Booster meetings whenever possible.
10. Volunteer to help through the band parent association.
11. Purchase band spirit wear and wear items to all band functions.
Glossary of band terms
Band Box: A white locked box located on the wall next to the window of the director's office. This is where you place forms and money. Fundraising is also turned into this box unless instructions are given otherwise.
Band Camp: A concentrated time where students learn the stand music and marching routine for competition and football halftime shows. It is held each year during the summer for about two weeks. Band Camp is conducted by the Band Directors, their assistants, special instructors for each instrument, and an alumni student staff selected by the Directors. The students are supervised by a host of parents who chaperone and attend to their needs. Refer to the Band Camp section on the General Info page for details.
Band (rehearsal) Field: The field the band practices everyday for their half time show. When the band is not practicing, you may see some soccer players on it sometimes.
Band Captain: Highest ranking wind and percussion leadership member. Section Leaders and band members in the wind and percussion section must follow their commands. This position is selected by the band directors.
Battery: Battery Percussion consists of bass, snare, and tenor drums.
Band Parent Association (BPA) Board: A group of volunteers who oversee the Huntsville High School Band Parent Association. These positions are elected at a board meeting in the spring for the following year. They meet monthly to discuss booster activities.
BPA Meeting: Meeting that typically occurs every other month in the band room. The Board and executive committee chairs present reports and updates on events going on. You can find out how to volunteer or be an active part of the band at these meetings. You can also find out about current and future events.
CutTime: A web-based software program that we use to communicate with those in the band. It is very important that you keep your information up to date, and you know the dates on the calendar. Students and Parents can access Announcements, Calendar of Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and finances.
Color Guard: They perform using their equipment (flag, rifle, prop, etc.), and emotional connections (facial expressions and dance and sometimes voice) to the audience to enhance the meaning and feeling of the show. The uniform is different, but they are an integral section of the marching band.
Competition Band: The Competition Marching Band is the fall semester’s competitive ensemble and will compete in 2-3 marching competitions, in addition to performing at all football games, parades, and other marching band events. The competition band will consist of all selected auxiliary members, and wind and percussion members who are in a “B” day band class. The competition marching band performs the half time show at all football games. Students are required to attend all band camp rehearsals and after school rehearsals. Competition band members receive Life PE credit.
Concert Band: The 3rd large ensemble at HHS that meets during class on “A” days. This group is determined by audition.
Committee: A group of parent volunteers assigned to a certain task by the booster board or director..
Directors: They have total control and supervision of the band program. Please note that certain sections also require specialists, such as Percussion and Color Guard. These specialists work with the Director(s) and are under their supervision.
Drill: Refers to the placement of the performers on the performance field. Each performer uses ‘X’ and ‘Y’ coordinates to find their position on the field (grid).
Drill book / dot book: The book (or piece of paper) that has an individuals drill spots for the half time show. There are typically 60-70 different “dots” a performer must know during a full halftime show.
Drum Major: Highest ranking band leadership member that is in charge of all students on the marching band field. All Section Leaders and all band members must follow their commands. Drum majors conduct the half time show. Drum Major(s) is chosen through an audition in late Spring. You must have at least 1 year experience in the Huntsville High competition marching band to audition.
Football Band: Students who are in marching band, but are not in a “B” day band class and do not march in the halftime show. Students in football band typically go to all football games, perform at all parades, perform a pregame show prior to home football games, and attend a limited amount of rehearsals. Football band students are required to go to the first week of band camp only. Football band does not receive Life PE credit.
Fundraiser: A term which needs no definition. Because no money comes to our program from the school system, we are mostly self-funding. Because of this, students are involved in several fund-raisers each year. It is not enough that the student earns money; we must also involve parents in all aspects of fund-raising.
Gauntlet: The part of the marching uniform for percussionists that covers the wrist area. These are extra uniform pieces that the students will receive at the game from the uniform moms. They will return these immediately after the game or sometimes immediately after halftime.
Marching Competition: During marching season, the band traditionally attends two or three marching competitions where the band is judged as a whole and individual sections of the band on their marching, precision, musical ability, general effect, etc. Parents are encouraged to attend, even though they may be held in neighboring states or cities. These typically occur on Saturdays in October, but can sometimes occur in late September or early November. If a student cannot go to a marching competition, they cannot be in competition band.
Marching Season: The part of the school year lasting through November, unless the Director(s) accept an invitation for the band to attend some other function after that time. You would be given ample notice of any extra activities. Marching season typically ends after the last football game.
MPA: Acronym for Music Performance Assessment. The Alabama State concert band festival that the Huntsville High School Band (wind ensemble and symphonic band) attends yearly.
Percussion Ensemble: Spring semester ensemble consisting of all percussion students. This is a concert (non-marching) ensemble.
Pit/Front Ensemble: Those students who play the stationary percussion instruments on the front sideline of the field. Students who play a non-marching instrument (oboe, bassoon) may choose to participate in marching band by playing in the pit.
Plume: The feather on top of the marching band hat (see Shako).
Section: Each instrument group or unit of the band. (i.e. Flutes, Trombones, Color Guard)
Section Leader: Appointed by the band directors to be in charge of his/her section of the band.
Sectional: A rehearsal called by the Student Leader of each section. All students in a section are expected to attend all Sectionals.
Shako: Marching band hat worn at all performances.
Symphonic Band: The 2nd concert band at Huntsville High School. Typically rehearses on “A” Days and Mondays from 4:00-5:30 pm after marching season. Selected by Audition.
Volunteer: No experience necessary; just bring hands. We will guide you as much as possible but, remember, we need fresh ideas – YOURS! Don’t be intimidated or shy – WE NEED YOU! You can volunteer anytime. Committee sign ups typically occur at the first booster meeting of the year.
Winter Band Camp (Symphonic Camp): All students participating in a concert band are expected to attend Winter Band Camp Winter Clinic is a 3 day (Thursday – Saturday) concert band camp typically in late January or early February. Often your students will work with guest clinicians and conductors.
Wind Ensemble: The advanced concert band. Wind Ensemble typically rehearses on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4-5:30 after marching season. Students are selected by Audition.
Winter Guard: An extension of the Color Guard activity, students participate in choreographed indoor performances that take place January-April. Taped music is used for these performances.
Winds: Any instrument that uses air to produce a sound. All Brass and Woodwind instruments are ‘winds.’ Do not confuse this term with “woodwinds.”
Band Camp: A concentrated time where students learn the stand music and marching routine for competition and football halftime shows. It is held each year during the summer for about two weeks. Band Camp is conducted by the Band Directors, their assistants, special instructors for each instrument, and an alumni student staff selected by the Directors. The students are supervised by a host of parents who chaperone and attend to their needs. Refer to the Band Camp section on the General Info page for details.
Band (rehearsal) Field: The field the band practices everyday for their half time show. When the band is not practicing, you may see some soccer players on it sometimes.
Band Captain: Highest ranking wind and percussion leadership member. Section Leaders and band members in the wind and percussion section must follow their commands. This position is selected by the band directors.
Battery: Battery Percussion consists of bass, snare, and tenor drums.
Band Parent Association (BPA) Board: A group of volunteers who oversee the Huntsville High School Band Parent Association. These positions are elected at a board meeting in the spring for the following year. They meet monthly to discuss booster activities.
BPA Meeting: Meeting that typically occurs every other month in the band room. The Board and executive committee chairs present reports and updates on events going on. You can find out how to volunteer or be an active part of the band at these meetings. You can also find out about current and future events.
CutTime: A web-based software program that we use to communicate with those in the band. It is very important that you keep your information up to date, and you know the dates on the calendar. Students and Parents can access Announcements, Calendar of Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and finances.
Color Guard: They perform using their equipment (flag, rifle, prop, etc.), and emotional connections (facial expressions and dance and sometimes voice) to the audience to enhance the meaning and feeling of the show. The uniform is different, but they are an integral section of the marching band.
Competition Band: The Competition Marching Band is the fall semester’s competitive ensemble and will compete in 2-3 marching competitions, in addition to performing at all football games, parades, and other marching band events. The competition band will consist of all selected auxiliary members, and wind and percussion members who are in a “B” day band class. The competition marching band performs the half time show at all football games. Students are required to attend all band camp rehearsals and after school rehearsals. Competition band members receive Life PE credit.
Concert Band: The 3rd large ensemble at HHS that meets during class on “A” days. This group is determined by audition.
Committee: A group of parent volunteers assigned to a certain task by the booster board or director..
Directors: They have total control and supervision of the band program. Please note that certain sections also require specialists, such as Percussion and Color Guard. These specialists work with the Director(s) and are under their supervision.
Drill: Refers to the placement of the performers on the performance field. Each performer uses ‘X’ and ‘Y’ coordinates to find their position on the field (grid).
Drill book / dot book: The book (or piece of paper) that has an individuals drill spots for the half time show. There are typically 60-70 different “dots” a performer must know during a full halftime show.
Drum Major: Highest ranking band leadership member that is in charge of all students on the marching band field. All Section Leaders and all band members must follow their commands. Drum majors conduct the half time show. Drum Major(s) is chosen through an audition in late Spring. You must have at least 1 year experience in the Huntsville High competition marching band to audition.
Football Band: Students who are in marching band, but are not in a “B” day band class and do not march in the halftime show. Students in football band typically go to all football games, perform at all parades, perform a pregame show prior to home football games, and attend a limited amount of rehearsals. Football band students are required to go to the first week of band camp only. Football band does not receive Life PE credit.
Fundraiser: A term which needs no definition. Because no money comes to our program from the school system, we are mostly self-funding. Because of this, students are involved in several fund-raisers each year. It is not enough that the student earns money; we must also involve parents in all aspects of fund-raising.
Gauntlet: The part of the marching uniform for percussionists that covers the wrist area. These are extra uniform pieces that the students will receive at the game from the uniform moms. They will return these immediately after the game or sometimes immediately after halftime.
Marching Competition: During marching season, the band traditionally attends two or three marching competitions where the band is judged as a whole and individual sections of the band on their marching, precision, musical ability, general effect, etc. Parents are encouraged to attend, even though they may be held in neighboring states or cities. These typically occur on Saturdays in October, but can sometimes occur in late September or early November. If a student cannot go to a marching competition, they cannot be in competition band.
Marching Season: The part of the school year lasting through November, unless the Director(s) accept an invitation for the band to attend some other function after that time. You would be given ample notice of any extra activities. Marching season typically ends after the last football game.
MPA: Acronym for Music Performance Assessment. The Alabama State concert band festival that the Huntsville High School Band (wind ensemble and symphonic band) attends yearly.
Percussion Ensemble: Spring semester ensemble consisting of all percussion students. This is a concert (non-marching) ensemble.
Pit/Front Ensemble: Those students who play the stationary percussion instruments on the front sideline of the field. Students who play a non-marching instrument (oboe, bassoon) may choose to participate in marching band by playing in the pit.
Plume: The feather on top of the marching band hat (see Shako).
Section: Each instrument group or unit of the band. (i.e. Flutes, Trombones, Color Guard)
Section Leader: Appointed by the band directors to be in charge of his/her section of the band.
Sectional: A rehearsal called by the Student Leader of each section. All students in a section are expected to attend all Sectionals.
Shako: Marching band hat worn at all performances.
Symphonic Band: The 2nd concert band at Huntsville High School. Typically rehearses on “A” Days and Mondays from 4:00-5:30 pm after marching season. Selected by Audition.
Volunteer: No experience necessary; just bring hands. We will guide you as much as possible but, remember, we need fresh ideas – YOURS! Don’t be intimidated or shy – WE NEED YOU! You can volunteer anytime. Committee sign ups typically occur at the first booster meeting of the year.
Winter Band Camp (Symphonic Camp): All students participating in a concert band are expected to attend Winter Band Camp Winter Clinic is a 3 day (Thursday – Saturday) concert band camp typically in late January or early February. Often your students will work with guest clinicians and conductors.
Wind Ensemble: The advanced concert band. Wind Ensemble typically rehearses on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4-5:30 after marching season. Students are selected by Audition.
Winter Guard: An extension of the Color Guard activity, students participate in choreographed indoor performances that take place January-April. Taped music is used for these performances.
Winds: Any instrument that uses air to produce a sound. All Brass and Woodwind instruments are ‘winds.’ Do not confuse this term with “woodwinds.”