Weekly Schedule 
Monday - Symphonic Band Rehearsal 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Tuesday - Wind Ensemble 4:00 - 5:30 pm.  
Wednesday - Off.  
Thursday - Wind Ensemble 4:00 - 5:30 with Dr. Ragsdale
Friday  -  Off.  

Special Announcement

Prior to Thanksgiving Break, Mrs. Connell announced that she will be taking a head band director job and she will be leaving us after the 1st semester.  We are really excited for this opportunity for her and know she will do some great things with her new program just as she has done with our program here.  Make sure you wish her the best before she leaves us!

Mr. King and I are working to hire a new assistant director to begin in January.  We are in the middle of that process and will be excited to announce that person when the time is right.

Christmas Concert 
Tuesday, December 6th 7:00 pm
Huntsville High Auditorium
Free Admission

Schedule
6:15 pm Call time
6:30 pm Symphonic band on stage, wind ensemble in band room.
7:00 pm Concert Begins - Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble
~8:30 pm - Concert should conclude.

Dress
Tuxedo/Concert Dresses with holiday accessories.

Wind Ensemble Upcoming Schedule
As we approach our big performance at AMEA on Friday, January 20th I want to make sure everyone in Wind Ensemble knows the schedule leading up to this event.  There have been a couple of additional rehearsals to our normal Tuesday/Thursday rehearsal schedule.

Thursday, December 1 - special rehearsal with Dr. Ragsdale after school 4:00-5:30 pm

Thursday, December 8 - special rehearsal with Mr. Denton (during class AND after school from 4-5:30)

During Exam week - We will rehearse during the time scheduled for our regular A3 exam.

Monday, January 16th (MLK Day - no school) 2:00-5:00 pm - Special rehearsal with Gus Arnold, Huntsville HS Alumnus and saxophone soloist.

Tuesday, January 17th - AMEA Preview Concert with UAB Wind Ensemble.  Huntsville High Auditorium 7:00 pm.

Friday, January 20th - AMEA Performance in Birmingham.  We are planning to depart before lunch and return in the evening.

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023

Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Students involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!​​

Group Photo Rescheduling

We are looking to reschedule the group photo from Veterans Day sometime before we leave for Christmas Break.  More info soon.

All State / District Honor Band Auditions

We are hosting this event!!   All students will be required to serve 1 shift on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th.  We need 30 students present at any 1 time.  It's a big undertaking and a service to our area.  

Old Band Uniforms
At the WINTER CONCERT on December 6th, you will have the opportunity to get an old HHS Band Uniform.  Seniors will be able to get one as a gift from the HHS Band (you must get it at the winter concert).  All other uniforms will be sold for a donation of $10 each to the band.

If you would like your specific uniform, please email Kelly Parrish in advance of the concert at [email protected].  Otherwise, you will be given a uniform at random. 

Any uniforms not purchased will be properly removed over Christmas Break.  

Senior New York Trip
The next payment of $500 per traveler is due to the travel website by December 12th.

Payment #3 of $500 per traveler is due to the travel website by January 23rd.
Our rooming list is due by January 23rd.  Please be thinking about your room mate for this trip.  
Our flight manifest is due by January 27th to Southwest Airlines.  This will include the official names to the airlines for our flight. We will be collecting this information soon.

The remaining balance is due February 1st.  

London Connection!
Next Payment

Thursday, January 5 (as soon as we return from break) - $400

What do I need to do right now?

 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

Volunteer
We are in search of some parent assistance for London.  We will need some logistical help collecting copies of passports and developing a detailed manifest (for insurance and accountability) of every piece of equipment that will be shipped.  This is not immediate work, but may begin late Spring or early Fall. 

It is our wish that we have as many or ALL students go on this trip regardless of any financial situation.  There are many schools in this country (and at least 1 in Tennessee and North Alabama) that have gone on similar trips and had the backing of local community businesses, leaders, and individuals to have most or all of the student's trip paid for ALL students.  If this is something you feel passion about, we need you on our London Fundraising Committee who will seek 4, 5, and 6 digit donations from our community.

London Fundraising Committee

Seeking a small group of parents (3-5) for the good of all band students.  This committee's primary responsibility will be to seek out corporate donations to help ensure all band students go on this trip and do what we can to defer cost.

Qualifications for this committee:

• Passion for helping the entire group get to London and those that may need financial assistance going to London.  Money generated will be used both for those in financial need and split among all STUDENTS going on the trip.  
•  Motivated to approach community and business leaders by phone, email, or in person meetings asking for 5 digit or more donations.
• Be motivated to search for financial outlets with business leaders and community leaders in our community/area with persistence and patience
• Most of this can be done on your own time.  However, you may have to work around the schedule of those you contact.  An occasional meeting with directors or booster board may be needed.
• Work will begin ASAP and last 1 year.  
• Previous connections to business or community leaders is a plus, but not required.
• Be a positive representative of the band program and be able to articulate the importance of allowing all students to go on this once in a life time trip.

The scope of this committee is not to determine how these funds will be used - a separate committee exists for that purpose.  The money used from this committee will be given to students in need (through a committee selected to address this confidential issue - there will be a process for anyone interested).  The remaining funds will be split among all students going on the trip.  

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, December 6th - Christmas Concert 

Tuesday, January 17 - AMEA Preview Concert (wind ensemble and UAB)
Friday, January 20 - Wind Ensemble AMEA Performance
Friday and Saturday, January 17-28.  All State / District honor band auditions - hosted by us!  Students will be required to serve 1 time slot at this event.  We will also need parent volunteers!
February 2-4 - Winter Camp for ALL Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble!

Each section of the band does a great job of promoting our program!  Check out our Color Guard!  Great job! Be sure to like the Instagram Account and show them some love!

Monday - Symphonic Band Rehearsal 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Tuesday - Wind Ensemble 4:00 - 5:30 pm.  
Wednesday - Off.  
Thursday - Wind Ensemble 4:00 - 5:30.   
Friday  -  Off.  all state/district honor band audition money due to band box. Happy Thanksgiving!

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023

Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!​​

VBC!  Want to earn megabucks for the upcoming London Trip?  Send email to Stacee Young, and she will get you "plugged in" to the system to work at the VBC!  This is the fastest, easiest and most beneficial way for you to fundraise for the Band.  [email protected]

New York Trip for Band Seniors - Spring Break.

An email was sent to seniors regarding payments and commitment to this trip.  The first deposit is past due. 

All State / District Honor Band Auditions
We are hosting this event!!   All students will be required to serve 1 shift on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th.  We need 30 students present at any 1 time.  It's a big undertaking and a service to our area.  

Students interested in auditioning for All State and District honor band, should submit a $25 check to HHS Band to the band box in an envelope with your name and "All state auditions" on the envelope.  The deadline to register with us to audition is Friday, November 18th (day before Thanksgiving)

Auditions will take place Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28th at Huntsville High School!
District Honor Band is February 17-18, 2023 at Grissom High School.
All State Band is April 27-29, 2023 at the VBC in HUNTSVILLE!!!  Note that the concert on Saturday the 29th should conclude by 5:00 pm in time to attend prom later that evening if that applies to you.  

Old Band Uniforms
At the WINTER CONCERT on December 6th, you will have the opportunity to get an old HHS Band Uniform.  Seniors will be able to get one as a gift from the HHS Band (you must get it at the winter concert).  All other uniforms will be sold for a donation of $10 each to the band.

If you would like your specific uniform, please email Kelly Parrish in advance of the concert at [email protected].  Otherwise, you will be given a uniform at random. 

Any uniforms not purchased will be properly removed over Christmas Break.  

London Connection!
We had close to 160 people that have paid their first deposit and are going to London.  The next payment of $400 is due January 5th.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!!  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

Volunteer
We are in search of some parent assistance for London.  We will need some logistical help collecting copies of passports and developing a detailed manifest (for insurance and accountability) of every piece of equipment that will be shipped.  This is not immediate work, but may begin late Spring or early Fall. 

It is our wish that we have as many or ALL students go on this trip regardless of any financial situation.  There are many schools in this country (and at least 1 in Tennessee and North Alabama) that have gone on similar trips and had the backing of local community businesses, leaders, and individuals to have most or all of the student's trip paid for ALL students.  If this is something you feel passion about, we need you on our London Fundraising Committee who will seek 4, 5, and 6 digit donations from our community.

London Fundraising Committee

Seeking a small group of parents (3-5) for the good of all band students.  This committee's primary responsibility will be to seek out corporate donations to help ensure all band students go on this trip and do what we can to defer cost.

Qualifications for this committee:

• Passion for helping the entire group get to London and those that may need financial assistance going to London.  Money generated will be used both for those in financial need and split among all STUDENTS going on the trip.  
•  Motivated to approach community and business leaders by phone, email, or in person meetings asking for 5 digit or more donations.
• Be motivated to search for financial outlets with business leaders and community leaders in our community/area with persistence and patience
• Most of this can be done on your own time.  However, you may have to work around the schedule of those you contact.  An occasional meeting with directors or booster board may be needed.
• Work will begin ASAP and last 1 year.  
• Previous connections to business or community leaders is a plus, but not required.
• Be a positive representative of the band program and be able to articulate the importance of allowing all students to go on this once in a life time trip.

The scope of this committee is not to determine how these funds will be used - a separate committee exists for that purpose.  The money used from this committee will be given to students in need (through a committee selected to address this confidential issue - there will be a process for anyone interested).  The remaining funds will be split among all students going on the trip.  

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, December 6th - Christmas Concert 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE
If you are interested in serving in a Board capacity next year, we need you!  Please contact [email protected].  We need your talents and expertise!  Here are the broad committees that operate the band:
Finance, Fundraising, Fleet, Trip Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Media, Seniors, Color Guard & Hospitality... basically the Board functions as a "point person" for the various tasks.  If you are interested in serving on these committees, please let us know as well.  Example:  You have a truck or SUV with a hitch, maybe you'd like to pull our trailer to a game.  Let us hear from you!  Thanks for all of your support!  

Weekly Schedule 
Monday - Off.  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic.  No rehearsal.
Tuesday - Wind Ensemble 4:00 - 5:30 pm.  
Wednesday - Off.  The Bandies (optional but fun Student-organized awards ceremony for marching band) from 4 - 4:30 pm
Thursday - Wind Ensemble 4:00 - 5:30.   
Friday  -  Veteran's Day (no school).  Veteran's Day Parade in Downtown Huntsville - see info below.

Pictures and Veteran's Day Parade Schedule

Schedule:
THURSDAY AFTER SCHOOL - Take your marching instrument home or load it on the truck/trailer.

Friday:
8:30 AM - Meet at Big Spring Park by the Art Museum in full uniform with equipment/instruments for picture.  We will be taking a couple of large group and section pictures in the Big Spring Park and Downtown areas.  Darlene Hall will be taking professional photographs, but you are more than welcome to join us as well for photos.  We recommend leaving cases in your car unless there is a chance of rain!!
9:45 AM - Wrap up at the park and walk/move to our parade station location
10:15 AM - Meet at our parade meeting location, which is typically in the parking lot across from the post office on Clinton Ave.
11:11 AM - Parade Steps Off
1:00 PM - Parade ends and dismiss
             As of the time of this email I don't have our official meeting spot or order             in the parade.  This will impact what time we are done.

Parade Route
See the attached photo of the parade route.  The parade begins and ends at the same location.  The photo indicates our TYPICAL meeting point although we have not had this confirmed yet.  

Other information

Bring water bottles to stay hydrated during pictures and before the parade.

Only bring items you will need to the parade warm up site.  All water bottles, cases, and other belongings can be put on the truck/trailer but there is limited space.  

Uniform

Full band uniform (we will be using plumes and shakos)
Color Guard - Black shirt, black tights, jacket, white shoes.  

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023

Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!​​

New York Trip for Band Seniors - Spring Break.

An email was sent to seniors regarding payments and commitment to this trip.  The first deposit is due now.

All State / District Honor Band Auditions

We are hosting this event!!   All students will be required to serve 1 shift on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th.  We need 30 students present at any 1 time.  It's a big undertaking and a service to our area.  

Students interested in auditioning for All State and District honor band, should submit a $25 check to HHS Band to the band box in an envelope with your name and "All state auditions" on the envelope.  The deadline to register with us to audition is Friday, November 18th (day before Thanksgiving)

Auditions will take place Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28th at Huntsville High School!
District Honor Band is February 17-18, 2023 at Grissom High School.
All State Band is April 27-29, 2023 at the VBC in HUNTSVILLE!!!  Note that the concert on Saturday the 29th should conclude by 5:00 pm in time to attend prom later that evening if that applies to you.  

Old Band Uniforms
At the WINTER CONCERT on December 6th, you will have the opportunity to get an old HHS Band Uniform.  Seniors will be able to get one as a gift from the HHS Band (you must get it at the winter concert).  All other uniforms will be sold for a donation of $10 each to the band.

If you would like your specific uniform, please email Kelly Parrish in advance of the concert at [email protected].  Otherwise, you will be given a uniform at random. 

Any uniforms not purchased will be properly removed over Christmas Break.  

London Connection!
We had close to 160 people that have paid their first deposit and are going to London.  The next payment of $400 is due January 5th. Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!!  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

Volunteer
We are in search of some parent assistance for London.  We will need some logistical help collecting copies of passports and developing a detailed manifest (for insurance and accountability) of every piece of equipment that will be shipped.  This is not immediate work, but may begin late Spring or early Fall. 

It is our wish that we have as many or ALL students go on this trip regardless of any financial situation.  There are many schools in this country (and at least 1 in Tennessee and North Alabama) that have gone on similar trips and had the backing of local community businesses, leaders, and individuals to have most or all of the student's trip paid for ALL students.  If this is something you feel passion about, we need you on our London Fundraising Committee who will seek 4, 5, and 6 digit donations from our community.

London Fundraising Committee

Seeking a small group of parents (3-5) for the good of all band students.  This committee's primary responsibility will be to seek out corporate donations to help ensure all band students go on this trip and do what we can to defer cost.

Qualifications for this committee:

• Passion for helping the entire group get to London and those that may need financial assistance going to London.  Money generated will be used both for those in financial need and split among all STUDENTS going on the trip.  
•  Motivated to approach community and business leaders by phone, email, or in person meetings asking for 5 digit or more donations.
• Be motivated to search for financial outlets with business leaders and community leaders in our community/area with persistence and patience
• Most of this can be done on your own time.  However, you may have to work around the schedule of those you contact.  An occasional meeting with directors or booster board may be needed.
• Work will begin ASAP and last 1 year.  
• Previous connections to business or community leaders is a plus, but not required.
• Be a positive representative of the band program and be able to articulate the importance of allowing all students to go on this once in a life time trip.

The scope of this committee is not to determine how these funds will be used - a separate committee exists for that purpose.  The money used from this committee will be given to students in need (through a committee selected to address this confidential issue - there will be a process for anyone interested).  The remaining funds will be split among all students going on the trip.  

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, December 6th - Christmas Concert ​