Do I have to know how to play
an instrument to be in band?
Yes, we do not have beginner classes at NGHS. On VERY
rare occasions, we will start someone out new, but only
after an extensive interview and the determination that
they are capable of catching up quickly. It is not uncommon,
however, for a student to switch instruments because of
a shortage/overabundance in particular sections.
(back)
Do I have to practice at home?
YES! Practice is essential. We do not use practice
records like you may have in middle school, but we can
tell. Please see the Pactice Helps
section on this website. (back)
How much does band cost?
We try to keep band as affordable as possible, but
quality costs. Incoming students pay more up front, because
we have to buy shoes, shirts, ponchos, etc... that will
last from year to year. Returning students have most of
these items and only need to pay annual costs. This year,
an incoming freshman paid $150 up front at registration
in the summer. Upper classmen paid $100. Other optional
costs include, but are not limited to: Private lessons
at $14.50 per week, the annual trip ($375 this year),
composite pictures ranging from $26 - $38. All of these
costs can be paid with fundraising. Students have lots
of opportunities to make money through hard work. No one
cannot afford band. (back)
What instruments does the school
provide?
We provide Percussion Equipment, Tuba, Sousaphone,
Baritone, French Horn, Tenor and Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet,
Bassoon, Oboe and Piccolo. Use of school equipment costs
students an annual $50 fee. This fee is used for the general
upkeep and yearly cleaning. Students who accidentally
damage an instrument need to pay for the repair as if
the instrument were their own. (back)
How do the directors decide
who goes into what band?
Every semester there are auditions. The spring audition
consists of a short piece of music and major scales. For
the past few years, the fall audition has consisted of
all 12 major scales, or all 12 major scales and sightreading.
Students are recorded and all three directors listen and
judge independently. The scores are combined and students
are ranked. After ranking, factors such as eligibility
and maturity are considered. Students are then placed
in a band that best suits their talent+eligibility+maturity.
The top two bands compete at UIL and students MUST be
eligible to participate. (back)
Do I have to fundraise?
No, but there are plenty of opportunities
and we need every penny we can get. The more students
that participate, the more we can afford. It takes approximately
4 times our annual budget to get through the year and
that money has to come from somewhere. (back)
What is a "band account"?
When a child joins the band program, we set up a file
that tracks every check, fundraiser, trip payment, etc..
Basically, we do everything in our power to keep good
records. Through specific fundraising, a band student
can accrue credits to their account to help defray the
cost of the trip, banquet, lessons, etc.. The account
stays open for the students tenure in the band and closes
at graduation. Fundraised money that is left over goes
to fund scholarships. (back)
Do band students get "real
grades"?
Yes they do. During marching season, the students
will acumulate between 15 and 20 grades per 6 weeks cycle.
Every performance is graded on quality and adherence to
our procedure. Practices are graded the same way and also
include regular playing and marching evaluations. Because
of the procedural nature of most grades, the average band
student will make A's. If a students grade falls below
90, it is usually because of a failure to follow guidelines
concerning performance or rehearsal procedures. It is
possible to fail band. Students who skip practices or
performances can expect to fail and eventually lose the
priviledge of being in band. (back)
How does block scheduling work
with band?
Block scheduling is a complicated process
and demands discipline and attention from freshman year
on. Band students are signed up for band classes on "A"
days and instrumental ensemble classes on "B"
days. With the MST or AP curriculum, there is very little
flexibility and so a student must decide early that they
are not going to take fluff classes or explore options
that will waste credits. Band students with AP or MST
curriculum and varsity athletes may experience conflicts.
We have a great set of counselors and they will help all
of us find the best schedule for each band student. (back)
Who goes on the annual trip?
Every band student is who maintains eligiblity is
encouraged to go on our trip. We take two performing groups.
Honors band members are expected to go and compete as
a unit, while the Symphonic and Concert bands combine
to perform as one. On years when we compete overnight
at a fall marching festival, the entire Raider Band is
expected to attend. (back)
How do I try out for the All-Region
Band?
Students are encouraged to try out for the All-Region
Band. The auditions are the first weekend in December
and music is available in August at the beginning of Summer
Band. Students who wish to make a good showing at the
All-Region auditions should work weekly with a private
teacher and start practicing the tryout music in August.
The All-Region Band is a very select group and only students
prepared to demonstrate the best tone, technique and expressiveness
make the band. (back)
Can athletes and cheerleaders
be in band?
Yes. They are just very busy. Varsity football players
do not march, nor do band members on the mamselles drill
team. Everyone else has time in their schedules to be
involved in marching band. During the spring, there are
much fewer conflicts. (back)
Can I be in the work/early
release program?
Yes, but that doesn't release you from rehearsal and performance
responsibilities. All students are graded on the same
criteria, so work schedules must be set so that there
are no conflicts with rehearsals that occur either during
or after school. (back)
How does eligibility work?
The State of Texas mandates that students must pass
all classes in order to participate in extra-curricular
activities. Bands are uniquely effected because of our
co-curricular status. In short, UIL events like football
gamesand marching contests, plus performances where admission
is charged, are considered extra-curricular. Concerts
are considered co-curricular, so students can (and are
expected to) participate in them.
If a student fails any non MST or AP course for the
six weeks, then they are not eligible to perform with
the band the following six weeks. They are allowed to
practice with the band at the discretion of the director.
Now, here's where it can get confusing.
There is a one week grace period after the last day of
the six weeks, and a one week waiting period after passing
the next six weeks. In 1999, the legislature eased the
rule to include a 3 week progress notice that allows students
who have brought their grades up to participate, once
again, after a weeks waiting period. Click
here for the exact eligibility calendar for the 2003-2004
school year. (back)
Do I have to go to solo and
ensemble contest?
Yes, if you are eligible. UIL solo and ensemble
contest provides a unique performance experience for students.
They perform alone, with only piano accompaniment, before
a judge. The act of preparing and performing for such
a contest demands that a student view their playing honestly
and practice in a manner that increases their expressive
capabilities. Students who are studying privately may
select their solo with the help of their private teacher.
Those who are not taking lessons will select their solo
with the help of a their director.
It is a major performance grade. Students who are not
eligible perform their solo in class on the week of the
contest. (back)
Are private lessons required?
No, but they are strongly encouraged. Students
at all levels will benefit from the expert advice of a
prefessional player. 98% of the students who make the
All-Region Band have regular private instruction. Remember,
even Tiger Woods works with a coach. (back)
How do I sign up for private
lessons?
Go to the "Take Lessons"
page. There you will find teachers names and numbers,
as well as forms to print out and sign. Set up a schedule
with the teacher and Viola! you are taking lessons! (back)
How do I get into Jazz Band?
Jazz band is open to students who play the sax, trumpet,
trombone, piano, bass, or drumset. Students interested in
jazz band should contact Mr.
Toney. Jazz band meets during the school day and performs
between 12 and 20 times per year.
Students must stay eligible to be in jazz band. (back)
What is the Steel Drum Band?
We are the only school in Garland ISD that has a steel
drum band. The steel band is new to NGHS and is an all
volunteer program that meets once a week after school.
Students must commit to no absences and a strong work
ethic. We will set performances up as the bands get repertoire
ready. The main pupose of steel drums at North Garland
is to help pomote the school in a unique way that no other
school in GISD can. (back)
Can you recommend a summer
band camp?
Summer band camps are a great way to keep up your
skills, meet new friends, learn more about music, and
play pieces that we may never get to play in your regular
band class. Many of our students attend the Texas Tech
Band Camp, Stephen F Austin Band Camp, or Baylor Band
Camp. Camp usually costs around $400-$500 and provides
invaluable experience that students bring back to North
Garland. (back)
Marching Band
Answers
Do I have to march?
All students in the band program at NGHS
are required to participate in marching band. Some play
on the field, some play in the pit, some spin a flag,
but everyone participates.
The overwhelming majority of the band will tell you that
marching season is their favorite part of the year. (back)
When does band start?
Mandatory basic training for incoming freshmen is May
27 and 28, 2004, from 8am to 4pm. Lunch is provided. Students
will be introduced to music and marching fundamentals
that will help them practice efficiently through the summer.
At basic training, students will be given all forms, music
to memorize, instructional handouts and clear expectations.
Summer Band 2004 begins with leadership training for squad
leaders and elected officers from July 28-30. The rest
of the band will join us on August 2nd at 8am.
Please clear your calendar. (back)
Does everyone
march?
Technically, yes. There are many parts of the marching
band. From the hornline to the pit, everyone is important.
Because of the size of the group and the competitve nature
of marching band, at contest we must put fewer students
on the field than we actually have in band. Students are
evaluated during summer band to determine who will go
on the field and who will stay in the reserve unit. It
is our policy that every eligible member marches at football
games for 2004-2005, unless absences, disciplinary action
or grades keep them off the field. Therefore, some students
may share spots, or we may choose to write a portion of
the show to include only fundamental marching skills.
(back)
How long is marching
season?
Marching season lasts from August 1 till the second week
of November, unless we make playoffs, then it could up
to or even past Thanksgiving. (back)
What is the "marching
band fee" used for?
The annual marching band fee provides for special music
arrangements, the design of the marching show, extra staff
and instruction from specialists and clinicians and truck
rental. These are costs not covered by our budget and
that benefit everyone. (back)
Do I have to memorize
music?
Yes. All school songs, drill team entrance and marching
contest music must be memorized. Memorization techniques
will be taught during spring basic training to those new
to marching band. It's easier than you think. (back)
When are after
school practices?
Starting the first week of school, after school practices
are Monday - Thursday from 3:30 - 5:15. On Mondays for
the past several years we have rehearsed at Williams Stadium.
We anticipate that will be the case again in 2004. (back)
What about tutorials?
During the first six weeks. Band students are required
to attend a mandatory tutorial on Tuesday and Wednesday
from 2:35- 3:15. Students meet in the band hall or auditorium
to study for 40 minutes prior to marching rehearsal. Students
may also attend a teacher tutorial after school with the
approval and a pass from the directors. Club meetings
are considered as approved tutorial time. (back)
Where do I get
my uniform?
Because of the Texas heat, the band marches in the labor
day parade and the first couple of games in "parade
dress". Students wear their black band shirt, Khaki
(St. John's Bay, from JC Penney) shorts (the exact type
will be specified for 2004 and beyond) white socks and
predominantly white sneakers. The formal marching uniform
is provided by the school and will be stored on campus.
It is checked out before performances and checked back
in afterward. Students supply their own black socks and
purcharse black shoes through us. (back)
Are all the performances
required?
Yes. We must be able to rely on all our band students
to commit to our rehearsal and performance schedule 100%.
Failure to do so results in failing grades, ineligibility
and eventually the loss of the priviledge of being in
band. (back)
I have to go
out of town for the weekend, what do I do?
The schedule of performances is set out months in advance.
During marching season, students are asked to be aware
that Friday nights are required. If there is a church
retreat, boy scout campout, etc... you may leave with
a parent after halftime. A director must be notified in
advance by the parent. (back)
How do I become
a student leader?
Student leadership is very important to the Raider Band.
During the spring, we hold elections for Band President,
Vice President, Historians and Class Representatives.
Directors select the Band Secretary, Uniform Captain,
Quartermaster and Librarians from applicants for those
positions.
Squad Leaders must apply for the position and demonstrate
good marching, teaching, and problem solving skills. Applications
for student leadership positions are available on the
Forms Page (back)
How
do you pick the drum majors?
Students interested in being drum major must first understand
the importance of the position. At North Garland, "drum
major" equals "student director". Drum
majors attend staff meetings, help with set up and tear
down, deal with basic discipline during marching rehearsals
and conduct on the field. Drum majors attend four training
sessions in the spring and audition for the directors
and at least one independent judge.
For thryout, they conduct the Honors band, perform a marching
routine, conduct a routine to recorded music, give vocal
commands, perform a short piece of music on their instrument
and interview with the judges.
Once selected, drum majors are required to attend the
Texas Tech Drum Major Camp in July. (back)
What is color
guard and who is in it?
The color guard is the dance and flag element
of the marching band. Made up of woodwind players and
a few members from outside the band, they practice A1
and after school with the marching band. Color guard members
pay a different fee that reflects the costume, makeup
and equipment requirements. (back)
How do I try
out for color guard?
Prospective color guard members attend training sessions
April 19-21 and audition on April 22. All sessions begin
at 4:30 and last 90 minutes. (back)
