Our leadership team had a great time at Sonnie Hereford Elementary’s PBIS Kickoff Superhero Pep Rally! We loved cheering with the students and teachers at one of our feeder schools—their energy and Panther spirit were awesome!

The wait is over — the HHS Band Boston Butt Fundraiser is back!
ChuckWagon BBQ is slow-cooking their famous Boston Butts, and you don’t want to miss out.
​
$60 for an 8–10 lb. Boston Butt
Order deadline: October 15, 2025
Pickup: Saturday, October 25, 12–2 PM @ HHS (Billie Watkins entrance)    

​Boston Butt Order Form Here

See all the great photos from Friday's HHS vs. Mae Jemison game here

​Monday:  No School - Labor Day  
Tuesday:   Marching Band 4-6  Color Guard Sectional 6-7
Wednesday: Off.   
Thursday: Marching Band 4-5:15 pm.  5:30-7:00 pm Dinner/Open House.  Be on practice field at the school at 7:00 pm for outdoor pep rally.
Friday:  Game vs. Grissom (visitors - Milton Frank)
Monday (Sept 8):  Game - HCMS vs. HJHS at Milton Frank 6:30 pm.  We perform halftime and in the stands at this game.

Schedule
5:30 pm - Meet in Northeast corner at Milton Frank.  This is on the north side like we always are, but on the visitor side.  Unload trailer and truck here. 
6:00 pm - Warm ups outside stadium
6:30 pm - Move inside stadium (visitor side-east side of the stadium).  
7:00 pm - Game Starts.  We will perform our halftime show to the home side.
~9:30 pm - Approximate end of game.  Pack and load Trucks!  Instruments (and cases) either go home with you or back on the truck/trailer.    Truck crew / percussion unloads truck at school.

Transportation
All students meet at Milton Frank.  We do not provide transportation for games at Joe Davis or Milton Frank. 
​
Uniform
Band Polos and khaki shorts for Wind and Percussion.  Athletic shoes.  Normal/ankle length socks (nothing that draws attention)
Guard - see guard section of newsletter
Hair should be pulled back off of your face.  No jewelry.

Things you need
Instrument or equipment (larger instruments loaded on trailer and brough to stadium - you are responsible for making sure YOUR instrument/equipment gets loaded or placed in the proper location to get loaded)
Flip Folder (winds)
Water jug
All accessories (sticks, guard poms, mouthpieces, reeds, etc)

Things everyone should know

• Only band students and approved chaperones should be in the band section.  Students are not allowed to leave band section without permission.  
• No food or drinks (other than water) permitted in the stands.  It is recommended students eat food before arriving.  Students are not allowed to go to the concession stand during the game.
• All students stay the whole game unless they have received permission in advance to leave early.
• Instruments should always be in a student's hands in the stands (to avoid any accidents/damage that could occur).  Students who are using the restroom can leave their instrument at the front of the band in a safe location.
• Students are expected to have good sportsmanship and use appropriate language while in the stands.  
• We hope all of our students and parents will not only support us, but all the other bands we see this season!

We plan to transition to FULL MARCHING UNIFORMS for the game against James Clemens on September 12th.

3:40 pm  School gets out.
5:45 pm  Meet at Milton Frank on the North home side area that we typically set up for a HOME game!  Unload trucks
6:30 pm Game Starts.  Perform in the endzone standing during the 1st half, perform our halftime show during halftime.  Students are allowed to perform with a middle school band in the stands during the second half.  After halftime we will reload the truck. 
8:30 pm - Game ends.
Uniform and additional details TBA in next newsletter

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.

Families may enroll STUDENTS ONLY by paying your initial deposit until September 15th by using the following link:   HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA
​
Adults are currently not able to register and should not register as a student in a room. Adults who want to chaperone should contact Kelly Parrish [email protected].  Once we have all the chaperones we need, we will open it up to everyone around September 15th.

September 8 - HCMS vs. HJHS Game at Milton Frank (6:30 pm is game). We perform halftime!
September 12 - Game vs. James Clemens at Joe Davis
September 19th - Game at Sparkman (school buses).
September 20th - Band Competition (all day) at Bob Jones
September 27th - Band Competition (all day) at Albertville
October 3 - Football Game vs. Austin  at Milton Frank

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

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 

Friday night marked our first home game of the season where we honored our outstanding seniors and their families before the kickoff. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and contributions to our marching band!

SmugMug is packed with awesome pics from Friday’s Huntsville vs. Hazel Green game, including senior recognition.  Find SmugMug photos here.

​Monday:  Off.  
Tuesday:   Marching Band 4-6  Color Guard Sectional 6-7
Wednesday: Off.   
Thursday: Marching Band 4-6.
Friday:  Half Day of School.  Leadership team plays at Sonny Hereford Elementary at 9:30 am (carpooling).  Game vs. Mae Jemison at Milton Frank (visiting side)

Schedule
5:30 pm - Meet in Northeast corner at Milton Frank.  This is on the north side like we always are, but on the visitor side.  Unload trailer and truck here. 
6:00 pm - Warm ups outside stadium
6:30 pm - Move inside stadium (visitor side-east side of the stadium).  
7:00 pm - Game Starts.  We will perform our halftime show to the home side.
~9:30 pm - Approximate end of game.  Pack and load Trucks!  Instruments (and cases) either go home with you or back on the truck/trailer.    Truck crew / percussion unloads truck at school.

Transportation
All students meet at Milton Frank.  We do not provide transportation for games at Joe Davis or Milton Frank. 

Uniform
Band Polos and khaki shorts for Wind and Percussion.  Athletic shoes.  Normal/ankle length socks (nothing that draws attention)
​Hair should be pulled back off of your face. 
​No jewelry.

Color Guard Uniform
Wear black shorts with a plain black tank top or shirt. For shoes, wear the white cheer shoes. Makeup and hair details are listed in the band app.

Things you need
Instrument or equipment (larger instruments loaded on trailer and brough to stadium - you are responsible for making sure YOUR instrument/equipment gets loaded or placed in the proper location to get loaded)
Flip Folder (winds)
Water jug
All accessories (sticks, guard poms, mouthpieces, reeds, etc)

Things everyone should know

• Only band students and approved chaperones should be in the band section.  Students are not allowed to leave band section without permission.  
• No food or drinks (other than water) permitted in the stands.  It is recommended students eat food before arriving.  Students are not allowed to go to the concession stand during the game.
• All students stay the whole game unless they have received permission in advance to leave early.
• Instruments should always be in a student's hands in the stands (to avoid any accidents/damage that could occur).  Students who are using the restroom can leave their instrument at the front of the band in a safe location.
• Students are expected to have good sportsmanship and use appropriate language while in the stands.  
• We hope all of our students and parents will not only support us, but all the other bands we see this season!

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.
Families may enroll STUDENTS ONLY by paying your initial deposit until September 15th by using the following link:   HUNTSVILLE HS BAND in Orlando, FL, USA
Adults are currently not able to register and should not register as a student in a room. Adults who want to chaperone should contact Kelly Parrish [email protected].  Once we have all the chaperones we need, we will open it up to everyone around September 15th.

Band students who take private lessons on their instrument will improve much quicker and be more successful long term.  Mr. Tankesley and Mr. Kirk can help you find the right person to teach your student.  

The Microwave Dave foundation offers scholarships for free music lessons for a year on any instrument.  Danny Hall Memorial Music Scholarship - Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation

The instrument you play on makes a huge difference in your success as a high school musician.  If you are playing the same instrument that you started on in 6th grade, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.   If you are planning to play at a high level (like our wind ensemble) or continuing on playing beyond high school, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.  

The directors are here to help and provide you the resources to find the right instrument for the right price.  We have resources for both new and used instruments.  Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

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 

Our drumline brings energy, rhythm, and excitement to every performance. Whether in the stands, on the field, or just hanging out together, they know how to keep the vibe alive. Follow them on Instagram @huntsvillehighdrumline.

Monday:  Off.  
Tuesday:   Marching Band 4-6  Color Guard Sectional 6-7
Wednesday: Off.   9th grade big/little party (see info below) 4-5.
Thursday: Marching Band 4-6.
Friday:  Game vs. Hazel Green at Joe Davis Stadium

Schedule
5:30 pm - Meet outside Gate 1 at Joe Davis Stadium/Wicks Field (gate on west side of stadium).  Unload trailer.  Truck goes to separate unloading area on Southeast side of stadium.  Percussion/props/sound will unload here. 
6:00 pm - Warm ups outside stadium
6:20 pm - Move inside stadium/find seats/watch and cheer for senior recognitions
6:50 pm - Play national anthem from stands (no pregame for senior night)
7:00 pm - Game Starts 
~9:30 pm - Approximate end of game.  Pack and load Trucks!  Instruments (and cases) either go home with you or back on the truck/trailer.    Truck crew / percussion unloads truck at school.

Transportation
All students meet at Joe Davis.  We do not provide transportation for games at Joe Davis or Milton Frank.  Park on West side of the stadium near Gate 1.  

Uniform 
Band Polos and khaki shorts for Wind and Percussion.  Athletic shoes.  Normal/ankle length socks (nothing that draws attention)
Seniors should wear their full uniform for senior recognition then change into band polos.
Hair should be pulled back off of your face.  No jewelry.

Uniform - Color Guard
Non-senior Color Guard — Wear a black tank top with black shorts and white cheer shoes.
Seniors — Wear your parade uniform with jazz shoes. Please make sure you have everything you need for that uniform.
Poms for the Game - Poms will be brought by Ms. Rizzardi. No student will take home poms. If your student has poms at home that were bought by the band, please bring them to the school.

Things you need
Instrument or equipment (larger instruments loaded on trailer and brough to stadium - you are responsible for making sure YOUR instrument/equipment gets loaded or placed in the proper location to get loaded)
Flip Folder (winds)
Water jug
All accessories (sticks, guard poms, mouthpieces, reeds, etc)

Things everyone should know

• Only band students and approved chaperones should be in the band section.  Students are not allowed to leave band section without permission.  
• No food or drinks (other than water) permitted in the stands.  It is recommended students eat food before arriving.  Students are not allowed to go to the concession stand during the game.
• All students stay the whole game unless they have received permission in advance to leave early.
• Instruments should always be in a student's hands in the stands (to avoid any accidents/damage that could occur).  Students who are using the restroom can leave their instrument at the front of the band in a safe location.
• Students are expected to have good sportsmanship and use appropriate language while in the stands.  
• We hope all of our students and parents will not only support us, but all the other bands we see this season!

• Senior Night Celebration will take place before the game, alongside the football, cheer, and dance seniors.
• Band seniors should wear full uniform for the recognition ceremony, then change into band polo and shorts for the remainder of the game.
• Senior Night is a full school event this year, mostly coordinated by the football boosters.

Photography
You have two opportunities for professional photos.  Waldrop Photography will be taking pictures before the game.  I have not been told, but I assume you will be sent these and will have the opportunity to purchase.

Our band photographer, Tony Parker, will also be taking pictures and posting them on social media and the band Smugmug account for all to have.  

Parent Information

• Arrival time: 5:15
• In the gate and line up: 530
• Contact: 256-975-1349 if running late or need last minute changes
• DRESS: Women- dress, nice pants. Men- khakis, button up
• You should receive additional information once you arrive

​​
Thank you, and we’re excited to celebrate our seniors! 

Band students who take private lessons on their instrument will improve much quicker and be more successful long term.  Mr. Tankesley and Mr. Kirk can help you find the right person to teach your student.  

The Microwave Dave foundation offers scholarships for free music lessons for a year on any instrument.  Danny Hall Memorial Music Scholarship - Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation

​The instrument you play on makes a huge difference in your success as a high school musician.  If you are playing the same instrument that you started on in 6th grade, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.   If you are planning to play at a high level (like our wind ensemble) or continuing on playing beyond high school, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.  

The directors are here to help and provide you the resources to find the right instrument for the right price.  We have resources for both new and used instruments.  Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

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:  Off.  Marching Band outside during classes
Tuesday:   Marching Band 4-6  Color Guard Sectional 6-7
Wednesday: Off.  Marching Band outside during classes
Thursday: Marching Band 4-6.
Friday:  Off.  Marching Band outside during classes.

Seniors - Senior Night for Marching Band StudentsAs a reminder, Senior Night will take place at our first football game of the year on Friday, August 22. We’ll share more details as we get closer, but here’s a general overview:

• Senior Night Celebration will take place before the game, alongside the football, cheer, and dance seniors.
• Band seniors should wear full uniform for the recognition ceremony, then change into band polo and shorts for the remainder of the game.

Please complete this quick form to ensure we have the correct information for your senior. This is especially important because our usual announcer may not be the one reading names during the ceremony. Completing the form helps us make sure names are pronounced correctly and all information is accurate.
Senior Night Information Form
Thank you, and we’re excited to celebrate our seniors! 

Spring Trip
We are still working to confirm dates for Orlando with the school system.  Our first choice of date is leaving Wednesday night, March 11th and Returning Monday morning March 16th (overnight travel).  If this isn't available, it would most likely be the last week of April/first Day of May.  
We are looking for STUDENT input on our schedule - if you think you may go, please let us know your thoughts.  https://forms.gle/uQTzUaxsnEHQSqsK9 

Crimson Crew
Crimson Crew is designed for 8th grade band students (or middle school aged siblings of current HHS band students in band) to come and have a limited role in the Huntsville High School Band.    They sign up to attend the events they want to attend.  We give them a shirt and they hang out with our band and see what high school band is like.  They generally don't play their instruments although later in the season we may let them. 

Here is the application:  https://forms.gle/iV3Zvnc8upnE7b8t5. 
 The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 14th.  

Additional Dates
The following dates have been added to our schedule for marching band students:

Thursday, September 4th - Outdoor pep rally in the evening.  We will modify our rehearsal schedule this day when we have more information on the event from the school.

Monday, September 8th -  Huntsville Junior High vs. Hampton Cove Football Game at Milton Frank. Time TBA -evening.    We perform our halftime show and students get to play with their middle school band.  

Friday, October 17th (not a new date!  New information..) will be our middle school night.  We will invite all 8th grade band students to join us at this game at Milton Frank.  Pizza tailgate before the game.  

Marching Band Competition Locations 
Saturday, September 20th - Rocket City Marching Invitational at Madison City Stadium.

Saturday, September 27th - Northeast Alabama Marching Invitation at Albertville High School Stadium.

Saturday, October 18th - Tennessee Valley Invitational at Muscle Shoals High School. (please do not sign up for ACT on this date unless you are prepared to get to the competition on your own transportation)

All competitions are FULL DAY EVENTS and are the most important dates of the Fall for our marching band students!  These required dates were announced back in May and we are just providing locations to these dates in this announcement.  All competitions are open to the public and we encourage family and friends to attend either by chaperoning or attending the event!

Free Private Lessons
Band students who take private lessons on their instrument will improve much quicker and be more successful long term.  Mr. Tankesley and Mr. Kirk can help you find the right person to teach your student.  

The Microwave Dave foundation offers scholarships for free music lessons for a year on any instrument.  Danny Hall Memorial Music Scholarship - Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation

Instruments
The instrument you play on makes a huge difference in your success as a high school musician.  If you are playing the same instrument that you started on in 6th grade, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.   If you are planning to play at a high level (like our wind ensemble) or continuing on playing beyond high school, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.  

The directors are here to help and provide you the resources to find the right instrument for the right price.  We have resources for both new and used instruments.  Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

Marching Band 
Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion need to have khakis shorts to wear by the first game on August 22nd.
Woodwinds and Brass also need to have a flip folder with their music by this date.

Band Wish List:
We would love to have donations of any of the below items:

Copy Paper (8.5x11)  
Paper towels
Facial Tissue
Clorox wipes
Bandaids
AA or AAA Batteries

Upcoming Dates
August 22nd - First Game vs. Hazel Green (senior night) at Joe Davis
August 29th - Game vs. Mae Jemison at Milton Frank (we will sit on visitor side)
September 4 - Outdoor pep rally at HHS in the evening
September 5 - Game vs. Grissom at Milton Frank (we will sit on the visitor side)
September 8 - HCMS vs. HJHS Game at Milton Frank (6:30 pm is game). We perform halftime!

The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here.

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 ​

There's just a few spots left for the next VBC wristband training on Monday, August 11.  Sign up link here.​​

If you need Marching Uniform pieces for this school year, this is your LAST CHANCE to order! The store will close on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11:59pm CDT — don’t miss out! All items will be shipped directly to HHS for distribution by our awesome Uniform Committee. The Concert Uniform Store will open at a later date.
🛒 Shop here: https://huntsvillehbandal2025secondstore.itemorder.com/shop/home/
📣 For anyone who did NOT place an order during the first store:
All marching students who still need uniform pieces should order the following:

• Vivace Bibber - If you unsure on sizing reach out to Mrs. Foster at  [email protected]
• Drillmasters (Black) Shoes - *Note that shoes run 1/2 size small so size  up!*

👟 If you already picked up your order this week, please try everything on!
If anything doesn’t fit or there’s an issue, let us know ASAP so we can help.
🎨 Reminder: All products should be ordered in BLACK.
🗓️ Estimated ship date: August 13, 2025

Monday:  Off.  First Day of School - Bring concert instrument!!
Tuesday:   Marching Band 4-6  Color Guard Sectional 6-7
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Marching Band 4-6.
Friday:  Off

Additional Dates
The following dates have been added to our schedule for marching band students:

Thursday, September 4th - Outdoor pep rally in the evening.  We will modify our rehearsal schedule this day when we have more information on the event from the school.

Monday, September 8th -  Huntsville Junior High vs. Hampton Cove Football Game at Milton Frank. Time TBA -evening.    We perform our halftime show and students get to play with their middle school band.  

Friday, October 17th (not a new date!  New information..) will be our middle school night.  We will invite all 8th grade band students to join us at this game at Milton Frank.  Pizza tailgate before the game.  

Marching Band Competition Locations 
Saturday, September 20th - Rocket City Marching Invitational at Madison City Stadium.

Saturday, September 27th - Northeast Alabama Marching Invitation at Albertville High School Stadium.

Saturday, October 18th - Tennessee Valley Invitational at Muscle Shoals High School. (please do not sign up for ACT on this date unless you are prepared to get to the competition on your own transportation)

All competitions are FULL DAY EVENTS and are the most important dates of the Fall for our marching band students!  These required dates were announced back in May and we are just providing locations to these dates in this announcement.  All competitions are open to the public and we encourage family and friends to attend either by chaperoning or attending the event!

Free Private Lessons
Band students who take private lessons on their instrument will improve much quicker and be more successful long term.  Mr. Tankesley and Mr. Kirk can help you find the right person to teach your student.  

The Microwave Dave foundation offers scholarships for free music lessons for a year on any instrument.  Danny Hall Memorial Music Scholarship - Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation

Instruments
The instrument you play on makes a huge difference in your success as a high school musician.  If you are playing the same instrument that you started on in 6th grade, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.   If you are planning to play at a high level (like our wind ensemble) or continuing on playing beyond high school, it may be time to upgrade your instrument.  

The directors are here to help and provide you the resources to find the right instrument for the right price.  We have resources for both new and used instruments.  Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

Marching Band 
Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion need to have khakis shorts to wear by the first game on August 22nd.

Woodwinds and Brass also need to have a flip folder with their music by this date.

First Week of School

All students need to bring their concert instruments on the first day, August 4th!

Marching Band classes on "B" Days will be inside this week.  However, "B" Day marching band classes will go outside starting in week 2 on some days.  Students are encouraged to have a change of clothes and shoes that you can keep in the band room.  Make sure you keep your water bottle from band camp at school!  Students will have time to change into and out of their PE clothes.

After school Marching Band rehearsals will start on Tuesday, August 5th.  We plan to be outside!  Please make sure you have appropriate clothes to change into for being outside in the heat and your water bottle!

Band Schedules
 To help you ensure your band classes are correct, see the below information:

Our Band Schedule is:

"A " Day
1st Block   Concert Band and 9th grade percussion.
2nd Block  Symphonic Band
3rd Block   Wind Ensemble
4th Block   Planning

"B" Day
1st Block  Marching Band Class for Brass and Woodwinds
2nd Block Planning
3rd Block Color Guard
4th Block  Marching Percussion

**Students in marching band (excluding color guard) should be in an "A" Day and "B" Day Class
**Students in Concert only should be in an "A" Day class only**

If you have any questions about your band schedule, please reach out to stuart[email protected].  The audition results were posted at each middle school and at the high school so your student should know what ensemble they are in.

Band Wish List:
We would love to have donations of any of the below items:

Copy Paper (8.5x11)  
Paper towels
Facial Tissue
Clorox wipes
Bandaids
AA or AAA Batteries

25-26 Band Schedule
The 25-26 Band Schedule can be found here.

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