Tomball HS Band Program
BAND STAFF
Joe Nuñez Director of Bands [email protected]
Muriel Hague Associate Director [email protected]
Joe MacMorran Percussion Director [email protected]
Jacoby Taylor Color Guard Director [email protected]
The Tomball High School Band Program is one of the largest organizations on the THS campus with approximately 250 members for the 2021-2022 school year! The Tomball Band Cougar Pride is an award-winning band program and is among the very best band programs in Texas. Students must be currently enrolled in band at the junior high school level to be considered for high school band. Students do not need to be currently enrolled in band or dance to be considered for high school color guard.
Concert Bands Students will audition for concert band placement at the end of each semester to be placed into one of four ability-based bands, Cadet Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony. The concert bands give a variety of concerts and contest performances each year performing in many wonderful concert halls. The concert bands also travel each spring on a three to four-night performance trip to a different destination each year. Future destinations will include San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Branson, Orlando, Dayton, Chicago and New York City. New York City has been selected as the 2021-2022 trip destination.
Marching Band Everyone in the band program is automatically a member of the marching band and will have the opportunity to earn a contest spot in next year’s show! The marching band performs at all varsity football games and takes part in three to five marching band contests each season.
● You earn a grade as well as Fine Arts and PE credit for participation. ● You can also earn your Varsity Letter Jacket in band!
Color Guard The color guard is open to double reed students enrolled in band as well as students outside the band program. The purpose of color guard is to provide visual and musical color along with overall general effect to marching shows in the marching with the use of dance and several different types of equipment that include flags, rifles, and sabers. The guard also performs in the spring semester which we call winter guard. The guard competes against other guards from around the area, state, and country. Placement in the color guard is by audition only.
Top Ten Reasons To Join the Tomball High School Band
10. Travel!
9. Help establish and build school spirit and pride.
8. Playing instrumental music is proven to make you smarter!
7. Those who play school owned instruments get to play high quality instruments.
6. Get to wear great uniforms!
5. A very excited staff.
4. Enthusiastic support for the band from our administration!
3. Compete in a wide variety of competitions each year.
2. Have an instant group of friends that will be some of the best and brightest at THS.
1. YOU!! Your energy, your ideas, your talents, and your personality will make the Tomball Cougar Pride THE BEST IT CAN BE!
Dear Parents:
I feel honored to be the Head Band Director for Tomball High School! The Tomball district is well known for excellence in education, and I know that parent support has been an essential ingredient of that excellence. In order for the THS Band to reach its full potential, parent volunteer support will be needed. There will be a variety of opportunities for you to become involved at whatever level you feel comfortable.
The most important reason for your son or daughter to participate in the high school band program is that the peer group will be very positive. The kids in the band program are from families, just like yours, in which the parents have an active role in the student’s development. The fact that parents will in some way be a part of every band activity means that somebody’s mom or dad will be on hand to encourage students to make good choices. The mere presence of parents tends to provide a tremendously positive influence on student behavior!
Some of the areas where parent help will always be needed are the following:
Uniforms – organizing, measuring students, and issuing uniforms Fundraising – ideas and mobilization of fundraising events Chaperones – parent supervision of events off campus Hospitality – help with the serving and organization of meals for various events Equipment – help with the moving and loading of equipment for various performances. Publicity – take pictures, videos, help create archives to document the start up process and our progress Additional committees may be needed, but these are among the most crucial.
The continued success of the Tomball Band depends not only on your support but also on the unity of purpose between staff and the parent volunteers. The potential for success seems tremendous, and the opportunity ahead of us should provide great friendships and experiences we can cherish for a lifetime! I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you in the near future.
Sincerely, Joe Nuñez
APPROVED STEP-UP INSTRUMENT LIST
Below is a list of recommended advanced instruments. While there are several brands and models of advanced instruments, those listed are our recommendations:
Flute – Mizazawa 95SR, Miyazawa (Lyric 2 model), Yamaha models 584 or 684 -H, Haynes AF800BOF Eastman 900
Clarinet – Buffet R-13
Alto Saxophone – Selmer SA-80 Series 2, Yamaha YAS875EXII, Yamaha AS82ZII
Trumpet – Bach Stradivarius LT180S37, Eastman ETR821S, Yamaha Xeno
Trombone – Edwards, Getzen Custom 3047 AFR, Conn 88H, Bach 42BO, Bach 42 T, Eastman ETB634G,
Always consult a director prior to any purchase. Remember, many music stores will only repair instruments that they themselves sell. Beware of instruments sold from stores not specializing in the repair, sale or rental of instruments.
BAND PLACEMENT Band placement is determined by audition, teacher recommendation, playing ability, experience and academic standing. We will be visiting each junior high school campus in late April/early May to begin auditioning students. The audition will consist of as many major scales as each student can play with the option to also perform arpeggios, many of which you already know.
TRAVEL One of the most exciting things to look forward to in high school band is our annual spring contest trip. The band travels out of state every two years. The band will travel to Branson, Missouri, this school year and will travel to New York City, to perform in Carnegie Hall in the 2021-2022 school year!
SUMMER MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE Below is the list of tentative dates for summer marching band rehearsals. Please note that the rehearsals are required for students who wish to be considered for a marching band spot. We will produce a confirmed list of summer dates after TISD adopts an academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. The dates below are still tentative.
th st ● Mini Marching Band Camp – Tuesday, May 17 – Friday, May 21 , Times: 4:00 - 7:00 PM - All Students nd ● Band Registration Day – Saturday, May 22 , Time: TBA th th ● Percussion Camp – Monday, July 12 thru Friday, July 16 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Battery and Front Ensemble th rd ● Color Guard June Camp – Monday, July 19 thru Friday, July 23 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM th ● Summer Band Begins – Monday, July 26 – All Students (Summer Band runs weekdays through the first day of school) 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM for the approximately two weeks. Once teacher staff-development begins, summer band practices will be weekdays 4:30 to 8:30 PM. The final calendar will be announced after TISD adopts a calendar for 2020 2021.
FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE
The following will be the fall marching rehearsal schedule on “normal” weeks. On occasion the schedule may change to accommodate short school weeks or inclement weather days.
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons/evenings for woodwinds, brass and color guard. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons/evening for percussion. Use days off for appointments such as dentist, orthodontist etc.
DO’S AND DON'TS DURING THE SUMMER vs. THE SCHOOL YEAR
1. DO take Driver’s Education during the summer. 2. DO NOT take Driver’s Education during the school year. 3. DO take care of non-emergency dental surgeries (i.e. wisdom teeth removal or adding or removing braces during the summer). 4. DO NOT have non-emergency dental surgeries (i.e. wisdom teeth removal or adding or removing braces during the school year).
FAQ’s
1. Can my child handle marching band and academics?
Yes. Marching season builds not only a great work ethic but great time management skills. Marching band is definitely a time commitment, but the rewards and skills learned are many and life long. The average band student will maintain a higher-grade point average during marching season than at any other time of the year. It is at the end of marching season when you must be very careful. Students suddenly end up with a great deal of extra time on their hands and tend not to use it wisely. Seek out a parent of an older band student to gain valuable insight into the management of marching band, academics and time. Remember…band students are among the highest academic achievers at Tomball High School.
2. Can I do band and athletics?
Yes. The coaching and band staff work very well together to accommodate students and most school activities. There are a number of band students who are involved in athletic sports like hockey, volleyball, baseball, wrestling, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, softball, bowling, track and cross country. Coordination, communication and flexibility are necessary to make this work. Don’t forget that marching band does fulfill your P.E. credit.
3. Is marching band physically challenging?
Yes. Marching band is physically challenging, and you will sweat. However, you need no prior experience to learn. The act of learning to march can be physically awkward in the beginning but becomes a more natural physical activity over time. Remember…every ninth grader will be starting with the same level of experience and knowledge and will have the same reservations that you do.
4. Does my student have to be in marching band?
Yes. Our curriculum does not include a performing group for non- marchers in the Fall semester. All students will have the opportunity to participate at some level with the exception of some band students who participate with Fall semester sports that directly conflict with the band schedule. We will work with you!
5. What kind of commitment is my student making for marching band?
In order to march in the fall show (“show” is the term the band uses for the performance at half-time on Friday night), a student must participate in the following:
A. August band camp held at Tomball High School B. Marching band practice which is held after school beginning at 3:30 PM during the marching season. C. Students must also be enrolled in band class during school.
In addition to performing half-time at the football games, marching band members participate in 3 to 5 all-day competitions each fall.
Report times for band events vary and will be announced to the students as the season continues.
6. What kind of commitment am I making?
The Tomball HS Band Boosters are ALWAYS in need of volunteers! Our website is under construction and will include lots of volunteer and contact information. You can contact any board member from our website and send them an email.
7. How much money does it cost to be in the band?
That depends on the level of participation of your student. Each student is required to purchase band shoes, band gloves, band shirts, a flip folder, water jug and a few other supplies. There is a nominal band fee to cover expenses not paid for by TISD. We are conscientious of your money and keep our costs down as much as possible. You must also purchase or rent a quality instrument to play in the band. Some instruments like the euphonium, tuba, French Horn, oboe, bassoon, percussion and others are rented from the school for $100 per year for a concert instrument and $50 for a marching instrument. Many expenses associated with supplies and uniform accessories will be one-time purchases.
8. Can we raise money for fees or band trips?
The band program and band boosters will hold fundraisers that go toward reducing the cost for the whole group. There is no individual fundraising for individual students accounts.
9. Are students required to attend all events?
Students are required to attend all events on the band calendar that pertain to them. In some instances, academic eligibility will not allow students to attend some events. We make every effort to inform parents about all band activities.
10. Does my student need to audition to be in a band?
Band members only need to sign up for band class on their class selection sheet to be “in”! Students will be placed in one of the 4 bands based on auditions with the high school band directors.
11. Who will help my freshman student?
Each section has a student section leader to help the section members learn. They will be on hand to work with your student and make them feel welcome. They will also be assigned an upper-class mentor.
12. Who should I contact if I have questions?
Start with Mr. Nuñez at [email protected]
13. So, what do we do now?
A. Watch the practices when you get a chance. B. Attend performances and cheer loudly! C. Support your child. D. Participate in our fundraisers. E. Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Tomball HS Band parent!
TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL BAND
Supplies and Marching Band Rehearsal Wear
SUPPLIES : 1. Insulated Red 1 Gallon Water Jug (Amazon is the best place order) 2. Flip Folder w/multiple pages (at least 20) 3. Lyre 4. Pencils 5. Assorted Highlighters (at least 4 colors) 6. Black 1” Three Ring Binder w/multiple page protectors (at least 20) 7. Pencil Bag 8. BERP – Brass Players Only
REHEARSAL WEAR: 1. Cap or Visor 2. Sunglasses 3. Sunscreen 4. Athletic Shorts 5. Red and White t-shirts – Rotation to be directed (Can include prints and logos, but must be predominately Red or White. You will need several of each as we will have Red Weeks and White Weeks and you probably don’t want to do laundry every day!) 6. Socks 7. Athletic Shoes (running or similar athletic shoe) 8. Sweat Towel 9. Hand Sanitizer 10. Face Mask 11. Face Shield (optional)
BAND REGISTRATION DAY th Saturday, May 16 – Time: TBA THS Cafeteria, Gym and Band Hall
This will be your opportunity to volunteer, turn in registration forms and pay fees for the upcoming year.
SUMMER MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE
Below is the list of tentative dates for summer marching band rehearsals. Please note that the rehearsals are required for students who wish to be considered for a marching band spot. We will produce a confirmed list of summer dates after TISD adopts an academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. The dates below are still tentative.
th ● Mini Marching Band Camp – Tuesday, May 12 – Friday, May 15th, Times: 4:00 - 7:00 PM - All Students th ● Band Registration Day – Saturday, May 16 , Time: TBA st nd ● Leadership Training Days – Monday, June 1 & Tuesday, June 2 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM th th ● Percussion Camp – Monday, July 13 thru Friday, July 17 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Battery and Front Ensemble th th ● Color Guard June Camp – Monday, July 13 thru Friday, July 17 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM th st ● Leadership Workshop Days – Monday, July 20th & Tuesday, July 21 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM th ● Summer Band Begins – Monday, July 27 – All Students (Summer Band runs weekdays through the first day of school) 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM for the approximately two weeks. Once teacher staff-development begins, summer band practices will be weekdays 4:30 to 8:30 PM. The final calendar will be announced after TISD adopts a calendar for 2020 2021.