High School Band

Frequently Asked Questions

Forms

2011-2012 Summit Band Handbook

Band Fees and Fundraisers Information

Photo Release Form

Hydration Pack Agreement

What are the components of the Marching Band?

Marching Instruments - Brass and Woodwind

Percussion - Drumline and Front Ensemble (aka Pit)

Battery - a subset of Drumline

Colorguard - Flags, Rifles, Sabres. The Guard is also known as auxiliary

Why is the Front Ensemble call the Pit?

Derived from the Orchestra Pit for shows - usually in front of the stage

What does the Marching Show consist of?

Three movements - The Opening, The Ballad and the Closing

What is the difference in UIL qualifying competitions and marching festivals?

Festivals involve rankings - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Overall Champions

UIL will qualify bands to move on to Area contests and State Competition. The bands are given ratings of 1 (Superior), 2 (Excellent) and 3 (Good). Bands that receive a rating of 1 will move on to the Area competition. The top 5-6 bands from the Area competition qualify for the State competition. The schools are in different divisions. Summit is currently ranked as a 4A school.

What is an off-site competition?

This is a separate performance and competition for Drumline and Colorguard. They can be held indoors, usually the same day as the general festival competition at different starting times. For the Guard it is called a Standing, or Standstill, performance. There is no marching and the performance is accompanied by a recording of the show music.

What are the competition categories?

General Effect, Marching Performance, Percussion, Brass, Woodwinds and Auxiliary. Awards are given for these individual categories and if you win several of these, especially General Effect, the result is usually the Overall Championship.

What is All-District and All-Region?

All-District, All-Region, All-Area and All-State are all governed by the TMEA and are not directly related to UIL. All students work on the same pre-determined Etudes for their instrument and audition individually. Judges listen to each audition and rate students for selection to the All-District and All-Region bands. Selected students will be awarded chair order for clinics and concerts that take place later in the school year. The top chairs in the All-District bands qualify for All-Region. Students for the All-State band are selected from the All-Region bands. Students from Summit are consistent members of the All-Region bands with several progressing to the All-State level.

What do students work on in their band class during the day?

Marching Show music, concert music and preparation for All-District and All-Region auditions. Periodically, there are Master Classes for each section. These Master Classes are taught by a variety of instrument specialists. Sections refine technique and blend. Colorguard focuses on equipment technique, show work and dance sectionals.

What do band members wear to football games?

The band usually wears the Formal Marching Uniform at football games. Students should arrive at the SHS Band Hall on game night for warm-up and rehearsal wearing their band t-shirts, marching pants and marching shoes. Colorguard will change into their uniform right before the halftime show and will wear their Guard shirts and wind suits in the stands. They will be changing at the stadium so they will need to have their supplies and accessories in their Summit duffle bags.

Each student should have the following items at every event:

Band - Gloves, Marching Shoes, Black Socks, Band Shirt, Instrument and Music

Guard - Make-up, Mirror, Hairspray or Gel, Bobby Pins, Hair Net (correct color), Brush or Comb, Safety Pins, Sewing Kit, Electrician’s Tape (white and black) and Fray Check

Where do parents sit at football games?

Chaperones will sit beside the band in the stands just beyond their block seating. Parents may sit anywhere outside the blocked seats and are encouraged to cheer as loud as they can in support of our students. They can definitely hear you while performing on the field.

Do the students get a break during the game?

Yes. Immediately following the halftime performance, they assemble in a designated area. Boosters will distribute snacks and drinks to the students. Students return to the stands when there are approximately 3:00 minutes remaining in the 3rd Quarter.