HHS BAND WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AUGUST 18 - 24, 2025

Section Spotlight

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.

Weekly Schedule

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

Big/Little Party

We invite all new members of our band (especially those only in concert bands!!) to attend a welcoming party for the school year on Wednesday after school from 4-5 pm.  All 9th graders have been assigned a big brother/big sister and they will also attend.  Many concert-only students have not been able to meet the whole band yet.  We encourage ALL 9th graders (and new members) to join us for fun and games to get to know EVERYONE in the band program, not just the marching band.  This terrific event is organized by our student social chair, Layla Mumper.  

Gameday Information

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!

Seniors - Senior Night for Marching Band Students

• 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

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

Spring Trip - GOOD NEWS!!!

We have officially been approved for the Orlando trip departing Wednesday evening March 11th and returning Monday morning, March 16th.  We will send out information about signing up for the trip NEXT WEEK!  Be looking for a message.  The approximate cost of the trip is $1400 based on 4 students to a room.  
From the student responses on our survey, we are planning 2 days at Disney (Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) and 2 Days at Universal (Epic and Island of Adventure/Universal park hopper).  
Read the details of the trip and inclusions.. The itinerary is just a draft and probably will change.

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.

Upcoming Dates

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!
September 12 - Game vs. James Clemens at Joe Davis

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 

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