We’re looking ahead to the 2026–27 school year and have an important HHS Band Parents Board position we need to fill — Video Coordinator.
​
This role is responsible for capturing and sharing the story of our band throughout the year by filming band events that are meaningful and fun for our students, including:

• Marching band competitions
• Halftime performances, stand tunes, and rehearsals
• Concerts and special events

​​
The Video Coordinator helps record, create, and upload videos to our HHS Band YouTube channel, preserving memories for our students and families while showcasing our program to the community.

This is a great opportunity to get involved, be creative, and document everything our students work so hard to achieve. If you already have video equipment and love capturing moments, we’d love to have you — or think of this as a great excuse to finally get the camera you’ve always wanted. No professional experience required, just a willingness to help and learn.
​
If you’re interested or have any questions, please reach out to
[email protected]

What a great legacy to be part of such a historic school. One that continues to build on decades of excellence and a tradition our program proudly carries forward today! Let’s take a trip back to 1954. Here’s a photo and article about the auditorium at the 'new' Huntsville High School. More interesting history and facts here.

Monday:  MLK Day.  No School
Tuesday: Wind Ensemble 4-5:30.  Varsity W Guard 4-5, JV W Guard 5-6
Wednesday:  JV Winter Guard 4-6.  Varsity Winter Guard 6-8:30 pm.
Thursday: Off.  No Wind Ensemble. (Directors at the state music conference). UAH Honor Band
Friday:  Off. UAH Honor Band
Saturday:  UAH Honor Band

Scheduling Changes at Huntsville HS and for Band
Teachers were informed earlier this month that both Huntsville HS and Grissom HS are being required to move to traditional block scheduling for the 26-27 school year.  According to our principal this is a done deal and there will not be any community input allowed.  I have been told it has been announced to the community.   Currently Lee, Columbia, and Jemison are on traditional block schedule, while Huntsville and Grissom are on alternating block scheduling because it was better for the students at that school.  Traditional block means you will take 4 classes in the Fall every day and the class ends in December.  You will take 4 different classes in the spring every day that ends in May.     This is a challenging schedule for students doing multiple activities as well as dealing with class conflicts of classes that meet at the same time.  

Because of the nature of traditional block schedule, some of how the band program will set up will be different.   We are working through that now and hopefully will talk to students about it soon.  Although all academic classes will only last a semester, band will continue to be a year-round program for ALL band students (concert only students, color guard, marching band, percussion).  Students who do concert-only and color guard will need to have 2 blocks available for band (1 class for fall and 1 class for spring). I have already spoken to many athletes in band and we will work with you on this.    For marching band members who are already in 2 blocks of band, it will not be that different as far as registering for classes.   We will discuss this more soon!  I wanted to give everyone a heads up that changes will be coming.

Stuart Tankesley  
 
Music Performance Assessment (MPA)
Students in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble (all studnents in the band program except color guard) are performing at MPA at James Clemens.  MPA takes place on February 24, 25, and 26.  We will perform one of these days.  We have been asking students since last week for MAJOR EVENT conflicts for these days that we may need to schedule around.   Please let us know if there are events we need to try to work around.  We can REQUEST dates and times of day (morning/afternoon).    

We are already aware of the HHS soccer conflicts on Feb 24 and 26.

UAH Honor Band
Congratulations to the following students for being selected to the UAH Honor Band:

Oliver Sieja, Gray Gaba, Emily Raburn, Rhylan Flamm, Shelby O'Linger, Logan Eley, Cate Patterson, Abriel Acray, Aidan McDavid, Carsten Pass, and Maddison Enix.  

Your names were sent to the school for your absence this coming Friday to be excused as a school activity.  All students are expected to attend this event in FULL. Every rehearsal and performance!  Please check out your schedule provided by UAH!

ADULT AND STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
 Once again Huntsville High School Band is providing a huge service to our band community by hosting the Alabama Bandmasters Association's District 1 all state and honor band auditions, which will take place after school / evening on Friday, January 30th and morning/afternoon of Saturday, January 31st.  We usually have 700-800 middle and high school band students from Madison, Morgan, and Limestone attend over these two days.  We are one of the largest districts in Alabama.

All band students will be required to serve a shift of time and will sign up in the band room soon.

Positions for adults at the registration table have been posted on cuttime!  If you are unable to access, you can email [email protected]

Pizza will be provided around meal times for those volunteering.

Spring Trip   (hotel update and Medication information 1/18)
Our hotel is Drury Inn  (7301 West Sand Lake Road).

Students who do not have parents on the trip, must follow the following procedures and deadlines regarding medication:
Orlando Trip - Nurse parent letter
School Medication Prescriber/ Parent Authorization Form

We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.

Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]

HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA
​
Winter Camp 2026
Our annual concert band camp will take place Thursday evening, February 12th; all day on Friday, February 13th; and Saturday morning, February 14th.  It will conclude with a "work in progress" concert at noon on Saturday that we invite parents to come to!  Detailed information will be sent out as we get closer.

It is a required event for all band students (excluding color guard). 

Our guest clinicians this year are:
Dr. Albert Nyugen, Director of Bands University of Memphis
Dr. Craig Aarhus, Assistant Director of Bands, Mississippi State University
Mr. Patrick Dailey, Director of Bands at Arab High School
The University of North Alabama Instrumental Music Faculty.

Winter Guard 
 Please look at the winter guard schedule here.

We would love to have some color guard student volunteers serve as ushers at the winter concert on Monday night.  Be here by 6:15 pm!

Winter Guard is looking for a parent or parent(s) to tow our band trailer to our competitions this year.  Please email Mrs. Morales (Rizzardi) if you can commit to any of these dates.  annabelle.morales@hsv-k12.org

January 31 - Mortimer Jordan HS (Bham area)
Feb 7 - Hoover HS
February 21 - Bob Jones HS
March 7 - Columbia Central - Columbia, Tennessee
March 28 and 29 - Western Kentucky University.  Bowling Green Kentucky.  

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
June 30 - July 2 Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)
Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).


Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
THURSDAY, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders
 
College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  
​
UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 
UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB BandsUniversity of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
January 28th - 8th grade band day (all 8th band grade students coming to visit us)
January 30-31 - All State / District Honor Band Auditions at Huntsville High (we will need lots of student and adult volunteers!!)
January 31 - Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Varsity and JV)
February 7 - Winter Guard Competition at Hoover HS (varsity and JV)
February 12-14   Winter Camp (all band students required excluding color guard)

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - [email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Morales at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions 

SAVE THE DATE - ONE DAY ONLY!

The Huntsville High School Band is hosting our 9th Annual Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, March 28!

Try more the 30 brand-new mattresses right here at the school. All fresh from the manufacturer and backed by full factory warranties.

Prices start at $199

• Up to 40% off retail
• Adjustable bases, pillow, and protectors available
• Financing and delivery options offered

Location: HHS Freshman Academy Cafetria
Time: 10:00AM-5:00PM
Every purchase supports the students of the HHS Band.
​
Spread the word to help support the band!
Share on Facebook 

Monday:  Symphonic Band 4-5:30 pm.  Winter Guard:  JV Practice 4-6, V Practice 6-8:30
Tuesday: Wind Ensemble Woodwinds only 4-5:30 pm
Wednesday:  Winter Guard:  JV Practice 4-6, V Practice 6-8:30
Thursday: Wind Ensemble Brass/Percussion only 4:00-5:30 pm.
Friday:  Off

ADULT AND STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
 Once again Huntsville High School Band is providing a huge service to our band community by hosting the Alabama Bandmasters Association's District 1 all state and honor band auditions, which will take place after school / evening on Friday, January 30th and morning/afternoon of Saturday, January 31st.  We usually have 700-800 middle and high school band students from Madison, Morgan, and Limestone attend over these two days.  We are one of the largest districts in Alabama.

All band students will be required to serve a shift of time and will sign up in the band room soon.

Positions for adults at the registration table have been posted on cuttime!  If you are unable to access, you can email [email protected]

Pizza will be provided around meal times for those volunteering.

Spring Trip  (Rooming list - Updates)
On Monday, January 12th we will post rooming lists for students in the band room!  Please plan ahead for a room of 4 students - make sure everyone in your room is committed to the room then sign up.  If 3 people sign up for a room, there is a high probability a 4th person will be added to your room.
ADULTS - if you are paying as a single room, you are set.  All other adults will be 2 to a room - if adults have a room mate request with another adult chaperone attending please email Tawnita Cheek, our booster club trip coordinator at [email protected]  Family members (husband/wife/younger siblings) will automatically be placed together in a family room, so no need to send us that request.  
​
We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.

 Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]
  
HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA

Winter Camp 2026

Our annual concert band camp will take place Thursday evening, February 12th; all day on Friday, February 13th; and Saturday morning, February 14th.  It will conclude with a "work in progress" concert at noon on Saturday that we invite parents to come to!  Detailed information will be sent out as we get closer.

It is a required event for all band students (excluding color guard). 

Our guest clinicians this year are:
Dr. Albert Nyugen, Director of Bands University of Memphis
Dr. Craig Aarhus, Assistant Director of Bands, Mississippi State University
Mr. Patrick Dailey, Director of Bands at Arab High School
The University of North Alabama Instrumental Music Faculty.

Winter Guard 
 Please look at the winter guard schedule here.

We would love to have some color guard student volunteers serve as ushers at the winter concert on Monday night.  Be here by 6:15 pm!

Winter Guard is looking for a parent or parent(s) to tow our band trailer to our competitions this year.  Please email Mrs. Morales (Rizzardi) if you can commit to any of these dates.  annabelle.morales@hsv-k12.org

January 31 - Mortimer Jordan HS (Bham area)
Feb 7 - Hoover HS
February 21 - Bob Jones HS
March 7 - Columbia Central - Columbia, Tennessee
March 28 and 29 - Western Kentucky University.  Bowling Green Kentucky.  

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
June 30 - July 2 Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)

Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).

Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
THURSDAY, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders

College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  
​
UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 
UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
January 28th - 8th grade band day (all 8th band grade students coming to visit us)
January 30-31 - All State / District Honor Band Auditions at Huntsville High (we will need lots of student and adult volunteers!!)
January 31 - Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Varsity and JV)
February 7 - Winter Guard Competition at Hoover HS (varsity and JV)
February 12-14   Winter Camp (all band students required excluding color guard)

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - [email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Morales at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions 

Section Spotlight:  Our flute section brings bright sound, great teamwork, and upbeat energy to every performance! Follow them on Instagram @hhs_flutes7

Monday:  No School!
Tuesday: First Day of 2nd semester.  Wind Ensemble 4-5:30 pm.  JV Guard 4-6:00  Varsity Guard 6-8:30 pm.  
Wednesday:  Varsity Guard 4-5 pm.  JV Guard 5-6 pm.
Thursday: Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30 pm.
Friday:  Volunteer Pep Band for Men's and Women's Huntsville vs. Grissom Basketball Game.  5:30 pm - 9:00 pm.  Sign up in the band room!

**HHS is hosting the Alabama Orchestra Association North Region Honor Orchestra this weekend in the auditorium and band room!**


ADULT AND STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
Once again Huntsville High School Band is providing a huge service to our band community by hosting the Alabama Bandmasters Association's District 1 all state and honor band auditions, which will take place after school / evening on Friday, January 30th and morning/afternoon of Saturday, January 31st.  We usually have 700-800 middle and high school band students from Madison, Morgan, and Limestone attend over these two days.  We are one of the largest districts in Alabama.

All band students will be required to serve a shift of time and will sign up in the band room soon.

We also need approximately 12 adults running registration and a few adults helping with hospitality.  In the coming newsletters, information will be available to sign up.  

Pizza will be provided around meal times for those volunteering.

Winter Camp 2026
Our annual concert band camp will take place Thursday evening, February 12th; all day on Friday, February 13th; and Saturday morning, February 14th.  It will conclude with a "work in progress" concert at noon on Saturday that we invite parents to come to!  Detailed information will be sent out as we get closer.

It is a required event for all band students (excluding color guard). 

Our guest clinicians this year are:
Dr. Albert Nyugen, Director of Bands University of Memphis
Dr. Craig Aarhus, Assistant Director of Bands, Mississippi State University
Mr. Patrick Dailey, Director of Bands at Arab High School
The University of North Alabama Instrumental Music Faculty.

Winter Guard 
 Please look at the winter guard schedule here.

We would love to have some color guard student volunteers serve as ushers at the winter concert on Monday night.  Be here by 6:15 pm!

Winter Guard is looking for a parent or parent(s) to tow our band trailer to our competitions this year.  Please email Mrs. Morales (Rizzardi) if you can commit to any of these dates.  [email protected]

January 31 - Mortimer Jordan HS (Bham area)
Feb 7 - Hoover HS
February 21 - Bob Jones HS
March 7 - Columbia Central - Columbia, Tennessee
March 28 and 29 - Western Kentucky University.  Bowling Green Kentucky.  

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
June 30 - July 2 Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)
Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).

Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
THURSDAY, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders

 Spring Trip  (Rooming list - Updates)
On Monday, January 12th we will post rooming lists for students in the band room!  Please plan ahead for a room of 4 students - make sure everyone in your room is committed to the room then sign up.  If 3 people sign up for a room, there is a high probability a 4th person will be added to your room.
ADULTS - if you are paying as a single room, you are set.  All other adults will be 2 to a room - if adults have a room mate request with another adult chaperone attending please email Tawnita Cheek, our booster club trip coordinator at [email protected] 

Family members (husband/wife/younger siblings) will automatically be placed together in a family room, so no need to send us that request.  

We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.

Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.  If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]
  
HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA


College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  

UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 
UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
January 28th - 8th grade band day (all 8th band grade students coming to visit us)
January 30-31 - All State / District Honor Band Auditions at Huntsville High (we will need lots of student and adult volunteers!!)
January 31 - Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Varsity and JV)
February 7 - Winter Guard Competition at Hoover HS (varsity and JV)
February 12-14   Winter Camp (all band students required excluding color guard)

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - [email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Rizzardi at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions ​

What a night! Our three bands put on an amazing show Monday—everything from Sleigh Ride and It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to the stunning O Magnum Mysterium and the crowd-favorite You Better Sleigh. Check out more ​​​Christmas Concert photos here and ​video here 

March along with our band in the 2025 Homecoming parade!

A special honor for the Huntsville High School Band. Aubrey and Shelby represented our program at the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter holiday party, where the HHS Band was recognized for winning the band category in this year’s WAFF 48 News Veterans Day Parade. 

It’s great to see the HHS Tubas and Euphoniums represented at Tuba Christmas. 

Monday:  Off
Tuesday: Exams. Off
Wednesday:  Exams. Off  
Thursday: Exams.  Off
Friday:  Exams.  Off

Semester Exams (December 16-19)
Students are not required to come to their band exams in December.  Band exams consist of your Winter Concert and Audition. We encourage students to use this time to study for their other exams.   

The band directors will be out of town at a conference, but there will be a substitute here.  Any student who is ON CAMPUS during their band exam, must still be in the band room (not in another room, roaming around campus, etc).  Bring something to study or do!

Spring Exams for A Day Band Classes and B1 Band Class are required to rehearse for Graduation.  

After School Rehearsals
After school rehearsals will resume when we return.  Symphonic Band will meet on Monday, January 12th; Wind Ensemble on Tuesday 1/6 and Thursday 1/8; and Winter Guard rehearsals will begin on Monday, January 5th.  

All State/District Honor Band Auditions:
The following students have registered for auditions.  This list was posted in class all day Friday for students to verify.  This is the last call for anyone to audition.  Email me before 10 am on Monday for any additions - [email protected]

Winter Guard 
 Please look at the winter guard schedule here.

We would love to have some color guard student volunteers serve as ushers at the winter concert on Monday night.  Be here by 6:15 pm!

Winter Guard is looking for a parent or parent(s) to tow our band trailer to our competitions this year.  Please email Mrs. Morales (Rizzardi) if you can commit to any of these dates.  [email protected]

January 31 - Mortimer Jordan HS (Bham area)
Feb 7 - Hoover HS
February 21 - Bob Jones HS
March 7 - Columbia Central - Columbia, Tennessee
March 28 and 29 - Western Kentucky University.  Bowling Green Kentucky.  

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
June 30 - July 2 Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)
Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).

Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
THURSDAY, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders

Spring Trip 
We will be having students sign up for their room when we return in January.  There will be 4 students per room.

We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.

 Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]

HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA

College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  

UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 
UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
January 28th - 8th grade band day (all 8th band grade students coming to visit us)
January 30-31 - All State / District Honor Band Auditions at Huntsville High (we will need lots of student and adult volunteers!!)
January 31 - Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Varsity and JV)
February 7 - Winter Guard Competition at Hoover HS (varsity and JV)
February 12-14   Winter Camp (all band students required excluding color guard)

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - [email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Rizzardi at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions 

Alumni Spotlight: We loved seeing these HHS alumni at Iron Bowl 2025!

Monday:  Winter Concert!  7:00 pm
Tuesday: Auditions in Class.  Off
Wednesday:  Auditions in Class.  Off  Deadline to sign up for all state/district honor band auditions.
Thursday: Auditions in Class.  Band Christmas Party 4-5 pm - all students invited!   Homecoming Parade - Meet at 5:15 pm.  Parade starts at 6:00 pm.
Friday:  Auditions in Class.  Off

Winter Concert 2026 - Monday, December 8th
Our Concert is MONDAY, December 8th!  
7:00 pm in the Auditorium.   The concert is free and open to the public.

Student Attire - Tuxedo/Concert Dresses.  Students may accessorize with Christmas decorations (santa hat, antlers, etc)

6:15 - Students should arrive 
6:30 pm - Warm up starts (stage/band room/choir room)
7:00 pm - Concert 

Thursday - Christmas Party and Homecoming Parade 
We will have our annual student-organized Christmas Party from 4-5 pm after school in the band room.  ALL BAND STUDENTS are invited!  Our Social chair, Layla Mumper has put lots of time into making this a fun event!  We will have some snacks to hold you over until after the parade.

Homecoming Parade (Marching Band)
Meet at 5:15 pm in the band room.
Parade Line up at 5:30 pm
Parade Starts at 6:00 pm
We should be finished by 7 pm.

We are wearing full marching uniforms (NO SHAKO!!).  Color Guard should wear school uniform.  You may wear antlers/santa hats.  Students can decorate instruments if they would like.

All State and District Honor Band Auditions
District and All State honor band auditions are January 30 and January 31st at Huntsville High School.  Most high school students will audition Friday.  High School Bb Clarinets (excluding bass clarinets), Flutes, and TRUMPETS (change from last year) will audition Saturday.  This is an optional, but encouraged event.  

The cost to audition is $30 per student.   You can pay on Venmo or pay through the band box at school.  When you pay make sure it is clear that it's for Honor Band auditions and the name of the student is included.  If you would like to use a credit, please contact Mrs. Tapia directly at [email protected].   The deadline is Wednesday, December 10th to pay.  Your payment is our indication you will audition and Mr. Tankesley will put your name on the school registration.

Students who audition must be able to play a minimum of 7 scales perfectly (as written out on your all state scale sheet) and spend time preparing the 2 etudes that have been given to you in class.  In addition, there is a sight reading part to the audition.  Percussion auditions vary slightly.  All students who audition must own the method book where your audition comes from.  That information was handed out in class with your etudes, but please let us know if we can help with this.

District Honor Band is February 20-21 at Lee High School.
All State Band is April 16-18 in downtown Mobile.
*At the audition, you will have the choice to audition for District Honor Band, All State Band, or both.  While most students choose to audition for both, please check your calendar to make sure you can honor your commitment if selected.  If selected to go to Mobile, you will be responsible for making transportation and hotel arrangements.**

Semester Exams (December 16-19)
Students are not required to come to their band exams.  Band exams consist of your Winter Concert and Audition. We encourage students to use this time to study for their other exams.   

The band directors will be out of town at a conference, but there will be a substitute here.  Any student who is ON CAMPUS during their band exam, must be in the band room (not in another room, roaming around campus, etc)

Spring Exams for A Day Band Classes and B1 Band Class are required to rehearse for Graduation.  

Winter Guard 
 Please look at the winter guard schedule here.

We would love to have some color guard student volunteers serve as ushers at the winter concert on Monday night.  Be here by 6:15 pm!

Winter Guard is looking for a parent or parent(s) to tow our band trailer to our competitions this year.  Please email Mrs. Morales (Rizzardi) if you can commit to any of these dates.  [email protected]

January 31 - Mortimer Jordan HS (Bham area)
Feb 7 - Hoover HS
February 21 - Bob Jones HS
March 7 - Columbia Central - Columbia, Tennessee
March 28 and 29 - Western Kentucky University.  Bowling Green Kentucky.  

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
June 30 - July 2 Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)

Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).

Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
THURSDAY, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders

Holiday Gifts
Do you ask your student what they want for Christmas and they tell you "I don't know."   Do you need a stocking stuffer?  We have solutions!  Instrument accessories and even upgraded instruments make great holiday gifts!    Most of the items below can be found locally at Gadsden Music or Hallman's Music or also on Amazon or you can order from the links provided.    

For Clarinets and Saxophones - a box of new reeds is always needed and can fit inside a stocking.  Students are supposed to be rotating between about 4-5 reeds at a time.  We recommend Van Doren 3 or 3.5 strength reeds.  The v21 model of reeds is even better!  You may need to ask your student what reed they like to play on as it varies and if they plan on getting a harder strength reed next time.  I was told by Vandoren that the cost of reeds may be going up significantly after Christmas due to tariffs.

Neck Strap (saxophones only).  You may have lost yours or want a more comfortable/upgraded one.  

For Trumpets, Trombones, and French Horns:  Mutes make great gifts.  All students should have a straight mute and all straight mutes are not equal.  Straight Humes and Berg stoneline mutes (the white and red ones) are cheapest but don't play in tune very well.  We recommend a metal mute.  Good brands include Tom Brown, Dennis Wick, and Jo-Ral.

If you are in wind ensemble and already have a good straight mute, a cup mute (any brand - even the red and white stoneliner) is a good optional purchase.  

Practice mutes are also valuable if your student plays at home and it's too loud!

Percussion:  Sticks, Mallets, practice pads, a new/upgraded stick bag, 

All Brass:   Tuning Slide grease, valve oil, trombone slide grease, and polishing clothes (there is a different cloth for SILVER instruments) make great stocking stuffers! 

Woodwinds - new Cleaning rod/cloth/swab, cork grease.

Color Guard- new gloves! black electrical tape for taping flags, cheer/jazz shoes (if yours are wearing out), your own rifle or equipment to practice at home, Novelty items like these

All Instruments:   Does your student own a metronome/tuner?  Many students like to use apps on their phone, but with our school policy of no cell phones and if your student gets their phone taken away from them, then having a metronome/tuner comes in very useful.  This is on the cheaper end of tuner/metronomes but would do great Tuners & Metronomes | Music & Arts.  There are more fancier ones if you want.  

Do you have a folding stand at home for practicing?  Not using a stand can create bad habits.   You can also invest in a real stand but they are more pricey ($50). folding stand results | Music & Arts

Instrument Upgrades  If you are playing on a beginning instrument that you played on in 6th grade, it's time for a new instrument.  If you plan to play on your instrument through college and beyond, it may also be time to invest in a professional level instrument that will remain with you as long as you want to play.  We can help!  If you plan on purchasing a new instrument whether at Christmas time or during the year, please consult with band directors and private teachers!  We will help find the right one for you - including buying a used one for a better price.  

While specialty/toy instruments are fun to own, upgrading your current instrument is always better.  There is often little use for a pocket trumpet, soprano trombone, etc in band other than playing it at your home.  

Novelty items (all instruments):  Lifestyle | Music & Arts

 Spring Trip - Important Update 10/26
We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.

This week we have enough travelers to add a third bus.  Thank you for those who have agreed to add to our trip!!!  If you are on the wait list, you should have received an invitation and should make a payment.
There are some families who are behind in payments.  Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]
  
HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA

College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  

UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 
UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
January 28th - 8th grade band day (all 8th band grade students coming to visit us)
January 30-31 - All State / District Honor Band Auditions at Huntsville High (we will need lots of student and adult volunteers!!)
January 31 - Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Varsity and JV)
February 7 - Winter Guard Competition at Hoover HS (varsity and JV)
February 12-14   Winter Camp (all band students required excluding color guard)

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - [email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Rizzardi at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions 

Monday:  Symphonic Band 4-5:30 pm
Tuesday: Wind Ensemble 4-5:30 pm
Wednesday:  Off
Thursday: Wind Ensemble 4-5:30
Friday:  Off

Winter Concert 2025 - Monday, December 8th
Our Concert is MONDAY, December 8th!  
7:00 pm in the Auditorium.   The concert is free and open to the public.

Student Attire - Tuxedo/Concert Dresses.  Students may accessorize with Christmas decorations (santa hat, antlers, etc)

6:15 - Students should arrive 
6:30 pm - Warm up starts (stage/band room/choir room)
7:00 pm - Concert 

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
June 30 - July 2 Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)

Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).

Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
THURSDAY, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders

Homecoming Parade - Marching Band
The homecoming parade is now scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 6:00 pm.   We will meet at 5:15 pm Full Uniform (color guard parade/school uniform).  Students can decorate your instrument with lights or decorations and wear santa hats/reindeer antlers.

All State and District Honor Band Auditions
District and All State honor band auditions are January 30 and January 31st at Huntsville High School.  Most high school students will audition Friday.  High School Bb Clarinets (excluding bass clarinets), Flutes, and TRUMPETS (change from last year) will audition Saturday.  This is an optional, but encouraged event.  

The cost to audition is $30 per student.   You can pay on Venmo or pay through the band box at school.  When you pay make sure it is clear that it's for Honor Band auditions and the name of the student is included.  If you would like to use a credit, please contact Mrs. Tapia directly at [email protected].   The deadline is Wednesday, December 10th to pay.  Your payment is our indication you will audition and Mr. Tankesley will put your name on the school registration.

Students who audition must be able to play a minimum of 7 scales perfectly (as written out on your all state scale sheet) and spend time preparing the 2 etudes that have been given to you in class.  In addition, there is a sight reading part to the audition.  Percussion auditions vary slightly.  All students who audition must own the method book where your audition comes from.  That information was handed out in class with your etudes, but please let us know if we can help with this.

District Honor Band is February 20-21 at Lee High School. All State Band is April 16-18 in downtown Mobile.
*At the audition, you will have the choice to audition for District Honor Band, All State Band, or both.  While most students choose to audition for both, please check your calendar to make sure you can honor your commitment if selected.  If selected to go to Mobile, you will be responsible for making transportation and hotel arrangements.**

Winter Guard 
This season, we will have a JV and Varsity team competing.  

Our practice and competition schedule has changed because we have been taken off the waitlist for competitions!  JV has updated their practice and competition schedule to include championships (11/14).   Yay! Please look at the new schedule here.

Holiday Gifts
Do you ask your student what they want for Christmas and they tell you "I don't know."   Do you need a stocking stuffer?  We have solutions!  Instrument accessories and even upgraded instruments make great holiday gifts!    Most of the items below can be found locally at Gadsden Music or Hallman's Music or also on Amazon or you can order from the links provided.    

For Clarinets and Saxophones - a box of new reeds is always needed and can fit inside a stocking.  Students are supposed to be rotating between about 4-5 reeds at a time.  We recommend Van Doren 3 or 3.5 strength reeds.  The v21 model of reeds is even better!  You may need to ask your student what reed they like to play on as it varies and if they plan on getting a harder strength reed next time.  I was told by Vandoren that the cost of reeds may be going up significantly after Christmas due to tariffs.

Neck Strap (saxophones only).  You may have lost yours or want a more comfortable/upgraded one.  

For Trumpets, Trombones, and French Horns:  Mutes make great gifts.  All students should have a straight mute and all straight mutes are not equal.  Straight Humes and Berg stoneline mutes (the white and red ones) are cheapest but don't play in tune very well.  We recommend a metal mute.  Good brands include Tom Brown, Dennis Wick, and Jo-Ral.

If you are in wind ensemble and already have a good straight mute, a cup mute (any brand - even the red and white stoneliner) is a good optional purchase.  

Practice mutes are also valuable if your student plays at home and it's too loud!

Percussion:  Sticks, Mallets, practice pads, a new/upgraded stick bag, 

All Brass:   Tuning Slide grease, valve oil, trombone slide grease, and polishing clothes (there is a different cloth for SILVER instruments) make great stocking stuffers! 

Woodwinds - new Cleaning rod/cloth/swab, cork grease.

Color Guard- new gloves! black electrical tape for taping flags, cheer/jazz shoes (if yours are wearing out), your own rifle or equipment to practice at home, Novelty items like these

All Instruments:   Does your student own a metronome/tuner?  Many students like to use apps on their phone, but with our school policy of no cell phones and if your student gets their phone taken away from them, then having a metronome/tuner comes in very useful.  This is on the cheaper end of tuner/metronomes but would do great Tuners & Metronomes | Music & Arts.  There are more fancier ones if you want.  

Do you have a folding stand at home for practicing?  Not using a stand can create bad habits.   You can also invest in a real stand but they are more pricey ($50). folding stand results | Music & Arts

Instrument Upgrades  If you are playing on a beginning instrument that you played on in 6th grade, it's time for a new instrument.  If you plan to play on your instrument through college and beyond, it may also be time to invest in a professional level instrument that will remain with you as long as you want to play.  We can help!  If you plan on purchasing a new instrument whether at Christmas time or during the year, please consult with band directors and private teachers!  We will help find the right one for you - including buying a used one for a better price.  

While specialty/toy instruments are fun to own, upgrading your current instrument is always better.  There is often little use for a pocket trumpet, soprano trombone, etc in band other than playing it at your home.  

Novelty items (all instruments):  Lifestyle | Music & Arts

Spring Trip - Important Update 10/26
We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.
This week we have enough travelers to add a third bus.  Thank you for those who have agreed to add to our trip!!!  If you are on the wait list, you should have received an invitation and should make a payment.
There are some families who are behind in payments.  Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]

HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA
​
College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  
​
UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 
UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
December 8 - Winter Concert
December 11 - Homecoming Parade

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - stuart[email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Rizzardi at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions 

It’s great to see our HHS band students performing with Auburn University’s 2025 Marching Honor Band! They took part in a pre-game rehearsal, played alongside the Auburn Marching Band in the stands, and performed during halftime.​

Monday:  Symphonic Band 4-5:30 pm
Tuesday: Off (leadership performs at HCES at 8:30 am!)
Wednesday:  No School
Thursday: No School - Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday:  No School

Summer Dates and Band Camp 2026
May 26-29 (Tues - Friday)  Color Guard Camp (Color Guard Only)
July 13-14 (Mon-Tues) 9th grade marching band students, leadership team, all percussion, all color guard.
Wednesday, July 15 - Monday, August 3 Band Camp - All Marching Band Students (excluding weekends)
**Friday, July 24th  Optional DCI Trip to Nashville (afternoon and evening)
Tuesday, August 4th - Parent Preview Performance (evening)
Wednesday, August 5th First Day of School (pending school board approval - this is not official yet).

Spring Training / Audition Dates for Spring 2026
Wednesday, January 28th - 8th grade band student day at Huntsville High (all 8th grade band students from HJHS and HCMS will come over during the morning.
Tuesday, February 17 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting for 8th grade students/parents
April 7-9 - Concert Band Auditions for 26-27 during class (8th grade after school).
Monday, April 20 - April 24 Color Guard Auditions
Tuesday, April 30 Spring Training -  4:00- 6:00 pm. Music! (all winds and percussion)
Monday, May 11th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm. Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders) and Percussion Placements (all marching percussion)
Tuesday, May 12th Percussion Placements 4-7 (all marching percussion)
Wednesday, May 13 Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm Marching Fundamental (leadership and 8th graders)
Monday, May 18th Spring Training 4:00-7:00 pm.  Marching Fundamentals (leadership and 8th graders

Homecoming Parade - Marching Band
The homecoming parade is now scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 6:00 pm.   We will meet at 5:15 pm Full Uniform (color guard parade/school uniform).  Students can decorate your instrument with lights or decorations and wear santa hats/reindeer antlers.

All State and District Honor Band Auditions
District and All State honor band auditions are January 30 and January 31st at Huntsville High School.  Most high school students will audition Friday.  High School Bb Clarinets (excluding bass clarinets), Flutes, and TRUMPETS (change from last year) will audition Saturday.  This is an optional, but encouraged event.  
The cost to audition is $30 per student.   You can pay on Venmo or pay through the band box at school.  When you pay make sure it is clear that it's for Honor Band auditions and the name of the student is included.  If you would like to use a credit, please contact Mrs. Tapia directly at [email protected].   The deadline is Wednesday, December 10th to pay.  Your payment is our indication you will audition and Mr. Tankesley will put your name on the school registration.

Students who audition must be able to play a minimum of 7 scales perfectly (as written out on your all state scale sheet) and spend time preparing the 2 etudes that have been given to you in class.  In addition, there is a sight reading part to the audition.  Percussion auditions vary slightly.  All students who audition must own the method book where your audition comes from.  That information was handed out in class with your etudes, but please let us know if we can help with this.

District Honor Band is February 20-21 at Lee High School.
All State Band is April 16-18 in downtown Mobile.
*At the audition, you will have the choice to audition for District Honor Band, All State Band, or both.  While most students choose to audition for both, please check your calendar to make sure you can honor your commitment if selected.  If selected to go to Mobile, you will be responsible for making transportation and hotel arrangements.**

Winter Guard 
This season, we will have a JV and Varsity team competing.  

Our practice and competition schedule has changed because we have been taken off the waitlist for competitions!  JV has updated their practice and competition schedule to include championships (11/14).   Yay! Please look at the new schedule here.

After School practice schedule
Symphonic Band will start after school rehearsals on Monday, November 10th.  (Every Monday until 5:30 pm).  They will rehearse after school Monday November 10,  November 17, November 24, and December 1st before taking a break until January.

Wind Ensemble will start after school rehearsals on Tuesday, November 18th (Every Tuesday/Thursday until 5:30). They will rehearse after school Nov 18, No 20, Dec 2, and Dec 4 before taking a break until January.

Holiday Gifts
Do you ask your student what they want for Christmas and they tell you "I don't know."   Do you need a stocking stuffer?  We have solutions!  Instrument accessories and even upgraded instruments make great holiday gifts!    Most of the items below can be found locally at Gadsden Music or Hallman's Music or also on Amazon or you can order from the links provided.    

For Clarinets and Saxophones - a box of new reeds is always needed and can fit inside a stocking.  Students are supposed to be rotating between about 4-5 reeds at a time.  We recommend Van Doren 3 or 3.5 strength reeds.  The v21 model of reeds is even better!  You may need to ask your student what reed they like to play on as it varies and if they plan on getting a harder strength reed next time.  I was told by Vandoren that the cost of reeds may be going up significantly after Christmas due to tariffs.

Neck Strap (saxophones only).  You may have lost yours or want a more comfortable/upgraded one.  

For Trumpets, Trombones, and French Horns:  Mutes make great gifts.  All students should have a straight mute and all straight mutes are not equal.  Straight Humes and Berg stoneline mutes (the white and red ones) are cheapest but don't play in tune very well.  We recommend a metal mute.  Good brands include Tom Brown, Dennis Wick, and Jo-Ral.

If you are in wind ensemble and already have a good straight mute, a cup mute (any brand - even the red and white stoneliner) is a good optional purchase.  

Practice mutes are also valuable if your student plays at home and it's too loud!

Percussion:  Sticks, Mallets, practice pads, a new/upgraded stick bag, 

All Brass:   Tuning Slide grease, valve oil, trombone slide grease, and polishing clothes (there is a different cloth for SILVER instruments) make great stocking stuffers! 

Woodwinds - new Cleaning rod/cloth/swab, cork grease.

Color Guard- new gloves! black electrical tape for taping flags, cheer/jazz shoes (if yours are wearing out), your own rifle or equipment to practice at home, Novelty items like these

All Instruments:   Does your student own a metronome/tuner?  Many students like to use apps on their phone, but with our school policy of no cell phones and if your student gets their phone taken away from them, then having a metronome/tuner comes in very useful.  This is on the cheaper end of tuner/metronomes but would do great Tuners & Metronomes | Music & Arts.  There are more fancier ones if you want.  

Do you have a folding stand at home for practicing?  Not using a stand can create bad habits.   You can also invest in a real stand but they are more pricey ($50). folding stand results | Music & Arts

Instrument Upgrades  If you are playing on a beginning instrument that you played on in 6th grade, it's time for a new instrument.  If you plan to play on your instrument through college and beyond, it may also be time to invest in a professional level instrument that will remain with you as long as you want to play.  We can help!  If you plan on purchasing a new instrument whether at Christmas time or during the year, please consult with band directors and private teachers!  We will help find the right one for you - including buying a used one for a better price.  

While specialty/toy instruments are fun to own, upgrading your current instrument is always better.  There is often little use for a pocket trumpet, soprano trombone, etc in band other than playing it at your home.  

Novelty items (all instruments):  Lifestyle | Music & Arts

 Spring Trip - Important Update 10/26
We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.
This week we have enough travelers to add a third bus.  Thank you for those who have agreed to add to our trip!!!  If you are on the wait list, you should have received an invitation and should make a payment.
There are some families who are behind in payments.  Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]

HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA

College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  
UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 

UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn Marching Honor Band November 22nd Marching Honor Band - Honor Bands - Events - Auburn University Bands
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Band Day - UTC Band Day | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
December 8 - Winter Concert
December 11 - Homecoming Parade

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - [email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Rizzardi at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions 

Tuesday was a beautiful day for the Veterans Day Parade! The Crimson Panther Band had a fantastic time marching through downtown Huntsville and seeing so many friendly, familiar faces cheering along the route. We’re honored to have been named Best Marching Band this year — an incredible recognition for our talented students. Most of all, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice, especially the band parents who have served and continue to give their time and support every day.

Check out more parade photos here and a highlight video here.

Monday:  Symphonic Band 4-5:30 pm
Tuesday: Wind Ensemble 4-5:30
Wednesday:  Off
Thursday: Wind Ensemble 4-5:30.
Friday:  Winter Guard Camp 4-9

Homecoming Parade - Marching Band
The homecoming parade is now scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 6:00 pm.   We will meet at 5:15 pm Full Uniform (color guard parade/school uniform).  

All State and District Honor Band Auditions
District and All State honor band auditions are January 30 and January 31st at Huntsville High School.  Most high school students will audition Friday.  High School Bb Clarinets (excluding bass clarinets), Flutes, and TRUMPETS (change from last year) will audition Saturday.  This is an optional, but encouraged event.  

The cost to audition is $30 per student.   You can pay on Venmo or pay through the band box at school.  When you pay make sure it is clear that it's for Honor Band auditions and the name of the student is included.  If you would like to use a credit, please contact Mrs. Tapia directly at [email protected].   The deadline is Wednesday, December 10th to pay.  Your payment is our indication you will audition and Mr. Tankesley will put your name on the school registration.

Students who audition must be able to play a minimum of 7 scales perfectly (as written out on your all state scale sheet) and spend time preparing the 2 etudes that have been given to you in class.  In addition, there is a sight reading part to the audition.  Percussion auditions vary slightly.  All students who audition must own the method book where your audition comes from.  That information was handed out in class with your etudes, but please let us know if we can help with this.

District Honor Band is February 20-21 at Lee High School.
All State Band is April 16-18 in downtown Mobile.
*At the audition, you will have the choice to audition for District Honor Band, All State Band, or both.  While most students choose to audition for both, please check your calendar to make sure you can honor your commitment if selected.  If selected to go to Mobile, you will be responsible for making transportation and hotel arrangements.**

Winter Guard 
This season, we will have a JV and Varsity team competing.  

Our practice and competition schedule has changed because we have been taken off the waitlist for competitions!  JV has updated their practice and competition schedule to include championships (11/14).   Yay! Please look at the new schedule here.

After School practice schedule
Symphonic Band will start after school rehearsals on Monday, November 10th.  (Every Monday until 5:30 pm).  They will rehearse after school Monday November 10,  November 17, November 24, and December 1st before taking a break until January.

Wind Ensemble will start after school rehearsals on Tuesday, November 18th (Every Tuesday/Thursday until 5:30). They will rehearse after school Nov 18, No 20, Dec 2, and Dec 4 before taking a break until January.

Holiday Gifts
Do you ask your student what they want for Christmas and they tell you "I don't know."   Do you need a stocking stuffer?  We have solutions!  Instrument accessories and even upgraded instruments make great holiday gifts!    Most of the items below can be found locally at Gadsden Music or Hallman's Music or also on Amazon or you can order from the links provided.    

For Clarinets and Saxophones - a box of new reeds is always needed and can fit inside a stocking.  Students are supposed to be rotating between about 4-5 reeds at a time.  We recommend Van Doren 3 or 3.5 strength reeds.  The v21 model of reeds is even better!  You may need to ask your student what reed they like to play on as it varies and if they plan on getting a harder strength reed next time.  I was told by Vandoren that the cost of reeds may be going up significantly after Christmas due to tariffs.

Neck Strap (saxophones only).  You may have lost yours or want a more comfortable/upgraded one.  

For Trumpets, Trombones, and French Horns:  Mutes make great gifts.  All students should have a straight mute and all straight mutes are not equal.  Straight Humes and Berg stoneline mutes (the white and red ones) are cheapest but don't play in tune very well.  We recommend a metal mute.  Good brands include Tom Brown, Dennis Wick, and Jo-Ral.

If you are in wind ensemble and already have a good straight mute, a cup mute (any brand - even the red and white stoneliner) is a good optional purchase.  

Practice mutes are also valuable if your student plays at home and it's too loud!

Percussion:  Sticks, Mallets, practice pads, a new/upgraded stick bag, 

All Brass:   Tuning Slide grease, valve oil, trombone slide grease, and polishing clothes (there is a different cloth for SILVER instruments) make great stocking stuffers! 

Woodwinds - new Cleaning rod/cloth/swab, cork grease.

Color Guard- new gloves! black electrical tape for taping flags, cheer/jazz shoes (if yours are wearing out), your own rifle or equipment to practice at home, Novelty items like these

All Instruments:   Does your student own a metronome/tuner?  Many students like to use apps on their phone, but with our school policy of no cell phones and if your student gets their phone taken away from them, then having a metronome/tuner comes in very useful.  This is on the cheaper end of tuner/metronomes but would do great Tuners & Metronomes | Music & Arts.  There are more fancier ones if you want.  

Do you have a folding stand at home for practicing?  Not using a stand can create bad habits.   You can also invest in a real stand but they are more pricey ($50). folding stand results | Music & Arts

Instrument Upgrades  If you are playing on a beginning instrument that you played on in 6th grade, it's time for a new instrument.  If you plan to play on your instrument through college and beyond, it may also be time to invest in a professional level instrument that will remain with you as long as you want to play.  We can help!  If you plan on purchasing a new instrument whether at Christmas time or during the year, please consult with band directors and private teachers!  We will help find the right one for you - including buying a used one for a better price.  

While specialty/toy instruments are fun to own, upgrading your current instrument is always better.  There is often little use for a pocket trumpet, soprano trombone, etc in band other than playing it at your home.  

Novelty items (all instruments):  Lifestyle | Music & Arts

Spring Trip - Important Update 10/26
We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  Full information on this trip is found in Cut Time in an announcement/email message from August 19th.
This week we have enough travelers to add a third bus.  Thank you for those who have agreed to add to our trip!!!  If you are on the wait list, you should have received an invitation and should make a payment.
There are some families who are behind in payments.  Make sure you are making your scheduled payment directly to the travel company using the link below.  If you miss 2 payments in a row, it is the policy of the travel company to remove your name from the trip.   If you are waiting to pay due to fundraising credits, please make sure you let us know [email protected]

HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA

College Corner
Universities often offer marching band days, instrument days, and honor bands as a way to give high school students additional opportunities and recruit for their university.  If you are interested in doing one of these events, they are generally marked as an administrative absence or field trip (excused by the school).  I would be happy to do a form or recommendation to get anyone involved if you are interested.  I will attempt to post SOME of the events offered in our state and area, but there are many so not everything will get posted on here!  It's a great chance to meet new people, experience college music, and see a university you may be interested in attending in the future.  The vast majority of events are open to all high school students (grades 9-12).  
UAH Honor Band: January 22-24  https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/music/ensembles/honor-band 

UAB Honor Band December 11-13th  UAB High School Honor Band Festival - UAB Bands
University of Alabama Honor Band Feb 5-7   High School Honor Band – The University of Alabama Bands (application coming soon)
Auburn Marching Honor Band November 22nd Marching Honor Band - Honor Bands - Events - Auburn University Bands
Auburn University Honor Band Feb 27-March 1 Auburn University High School Symphonic Honor Band
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Band Day - UTC Band Day | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Tri-State Honor Band (University of Tennessee Chattanooga) - UTC Tri-States Honor Band | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UNA Honor Band:  April 24-26.... UNA Invitational Honor Band
Mississippi State Honor Band 2026 MSU Honor Band Clinic Audition Information | The Famous Maroon Band

Upcoming Dates
December 8 - Winter Concert
December 11 - Homecoming Parade

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here and on the Cut Time calendar.

Questions/Concerns?  Please contact the following:
Grades, missing rehearsals/absences, conflicts, instruments, general band questions - stuart[email protected] or [email protected]
For color guard, contact Annabelle Rizzardi at [email protected]
If you have any of the following issues, please direct your questions to [email protected]. They’ll be able to guide you to the appropriate point of contact.

• Band Student Account Balances, band fees
• Business or Individual Sponsorships
• Fundraising Questions 
• Volunteering/Chaperones 
• Cut Time, Band App, or Social Media Questions 
• Senior Night 
• Uniforms (except color guard uniforms)  
• Percussion 
• General Band Boosters Questions