2. Band Directors and Staff:
Gregory Dick – Director of Bands
Aaron Brown – Assistant Band Director
Julio Sanchez – Assistant Band Director
Ron Barnett – Color Guard Director
3. Friendswood Marching Band Program
Marching Band (August –November)
The marching band is one group composed of students from concert bands, drum line
and color guard
Marching Band is required for all members of the band program unless an FHS sport that
practices at the same time conflicts
P.E. and Fine Arts credit is awarded
Includes Summer Camps in June and August
Rehearsals: Mornings and Evenings
Some weeks may include a Saturday rehearsal
Schedule will vary according to school calendar
Rehearsals during the calendar week do not exceed 8 hours a week as per UIL extra-
curricular guidelines. This „rule‟ usually begins the first week of school and will be noted
on the band calendar. On performance days, UIL allows a one hour “run through” above
the 8 hours a week. (A detailed rehearsal schedule was available when you came in)
4. Percussion and Color Guard Programs
Percussion – Julio Sanchez, Director
Percussion meet as a class during the fall semester
Percussionists will participate in one of the concert bands during the spring semester
which does mean their class schedule will change slightly
Percussionists have mandatory summer camps – May 30-June 1 & June 3 – June 7
Tryouts for marching positions will take place in May
Color Guard/Winter Guard – Ron Barnett, Instructor
The „Guard‟ incorporates dance, body, and equipment work to complement the field
production outdoors, and performs as an entity called the „Winter guard‟ January-April
Color guard meets in three different class periods during the year
Color guard includes mandatory summer Camps – May 30 – June 1
Mr. Barnett will have additional information for guard parents
5. Friendswood Concert Band Program
Concert Bands (August –May):
Ensembles include: Wind Ensemble (1st band) – Mr. Dick
Symphonic Band (2nd band) – Mr. Brown
Concert Band I (3rd band) – Mr. Sanchez
Concert Band II (4th band) – Mr. Dick
Concert Band III (5th band) – Mr. Brown
All ensembles form the marching band in fall semester
Ensembles perform at co-curricular concerts
Some ensembles participate in competitive festivals in the spring
Fall Band assignments will be posted before school is out and are based on the audition
in May.
Band is a „full-year‟ course; marching and concert participation is required within a
school year.
All students are highly encouraged to take private lessons. The quality of the individual
playing in our program is directly related to studying privately. Over 90% take lessons.
6. Other Band Fees during the year:
• Freshman Region Band fee - $15
• Region Band entry fee - $15
• Region Orchestra fee - $15
• Solo & Ensemble entry fees - $8 for each
• Solo accompanist fee - $30-40 paid directly to the accompanist
• Ladies will need black flats with closed toe for concert season
• Gentlemen will need a tux shirt, bow tie, and black shoes for concert season
• FISD instrument/percussion rental fee - $50 per semester per instrument, $25 summer
7. 2013 Marching Summer Camps
For all camps, students must provide their own transportation
and meals
Brass/WW/Percussion/Camp – May 30 – June 1, 2013
June Percussion Camp – June 3 – June 7
June Color Guard Camp – May 30 – June 1
Summer Band Marching Camp starts Monday, August 5
Morning rehearsals are used for marching instruction outdoors
Afternoons are usually held indoors; evenings are outdoor marching
Participation is mandatory in all camps
Absences hinder the instructional progress of the band.
8. Marching Summer Band Camps cont.
Band camp activities are held at Friendswood HS.
Drumline and colorguard members should expect additional rehearsals.
For safety reasons, students must bring plenty of water, use sunscreen, and
eat healthy meals before and during band camp sessions.
Students are required to wear white t-shirts, shorts, flexible tennis shoes,
sun glasses, and a ball cap at all outside marching rehearsals.
Water Bottles–All students should have a water bottle labeled with their
name at every outdoor practice –insulated water bottles are highly
recommended. For health reasons, students should not share water
bottles. Large bottles are recommended.
A detailed summer schedule will be emailed to you.
Social activities will be planned for the August Band Camp. Attendance is
highly encouraged.
9. Marching Band Assignments
Months and months go into the planning of our competition show. Music is chosen and
written and the drill is written before school is out. There are only a certain number of
positions in each section of the Varsity Band due to many factors. Those factors include
eligibility, ability to play, ability to march, ability to march and play at the same time
and dependability.
All students march at football games, parades, and play in pep rallies, etc., but only the
Varsity Band marches at contests. The Junior Varsity assists at contests.
Marching auditions will be held in May and the first week of the August camp. Marching
assignments will be based on ability, eligibility, attendance, and the audition.
Attendance is mandatory to be considered.
The marching audition in August includes marching, marching while playing, and playing
the opener of the show by memory.
Students will be assigned to the Varsity or Junior Varsity Marching Band.
The initial assignment to a marching band is contingent on a student maintaining all of
the requirements to hold a position. Junior Varsity students should be ready at any time
to move up into the Varsity Band.
10. Marching Band Chain of Command
Head Band Director
Assistant Band Directors
Marching Techs, Color Guard Instructor
Drum Majors
Section Leaders
When students have questions or concerns, they
should start with their section leader and then work
their way up the leadership chain to get an answer.
11. Performances and Competitions
Attendance is mandatory for all band members and each performance is a
graded activity
The Marching Band performs at all home and away football games
All games are on Fridays until the playoffs begin
This year‟s first game is August 30
Competitions are held on Saturdays starting at the end of September
Check the band calendar before registering for the SAT or ACT
Bus transportation is provided for all away games
Students MUST be picked up within 30 minutes of our return from an event.
Game day itineraries will be done on a weekly basis & available through the
website.
Check the calendar on the band website for calendar for all events.
www.fiendswoodmustangband.org
12. What‟s Expected of Students
Consistent Attendance
Positive Attitude
Responsible Behavior
Active Participation
Individual Practice
Thoughtful Communication
Pass classes
Stay Informed –www.friendswoodmustangband.org
13. Common Student/Parent Concerns
Time commitment
Academic pursuits/ Eligibility
Marching Band physicality/ roles
Music Memorization/Marching Skills
14. What‟s Expected of Parents
Support your student in their musical endeavors
Keep your contact information up to date in Charms
Stay Informed –www.friendswoodmustangband.org
The band calendar is on the band website
Keep your student eligible
Contact your child‟s director if you have questions
15. Mustang Band Boosters
The booster club serves as a support organization for the students in the
Friendswood Band
The group furnishes financial support for supplemental instructional
assistance, band equipment, scholarships, meals, water, coolers, truck rentals,
mass communications, public relations, photographs, audio and video
recordings, social events, etc.
We need you to become involved with this wonderful team and volunteer your
time for the success of the kids.
Many different volunteer opportunities are available-most are „learn-as-you-go‟
activities
6500+ volunteer-hours are spent each year supporting the band program
That‟s nearly 24 hours for each student in the band!
Please be active with our boosters in supporting the band!
16. Other Informational Resources
Our Website – www.friendswoodmustangband.org
Includes calendar, contact information, booster information, photo
albums, maps, and directions
Band Member Handbook (online soon)
It includes grading procedures and other pertinent info
Charms – This is our database system for all communication,
finances, acquisition of forms, etc.
Parents are to keep their contact information current.
All forms needed for band registration must be obtained through Charms.
If you have any question about Charms, contact Mrs. Mary Austin-Cox
after this meeting.
17. Pertinent Contact Information
Friendswood High School Main #: 281-482-3413
Mr. Dick, ext. 155: gdick@fisdk12.net
Mr. Sanchez, ext. 135: jsanchez@fisdk12.net
Mr. Brown: rabrown@fisdk12.net
Mr. Barnett: rbarnett@fisdk12.net
Visit website for booster officers‟ contact information
