1. Welcome to the
Friendswood Band
Program
“If it is worth doing, it’s worth doing right!"

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 the 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 for marching band and band participation
 Includes Summer Camps in June and August
 Rehearsals: Mornings and Evenings once school begins
 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 means their class schedule will change in the spring
 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 a Christmas Concert, Pre-UIL Concert, and Spring Concert
 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. The
band does not supply these items nor do we help you obtain them.
• 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
 Percussionists will be handed out a detailed schedule
 June Color Guard Camp – May 30 – June 1
 Summer Band Marching Camp starts Monday, August 5
 Morning rehearsals during summer band begin at 7:00 a.m.
 Morning rehearsals are used for marching instruction outdoors
 Afternoons are 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.
 Most band camp activities are held at Friendswood HS.
 Drumline and colorguard members should expect additional rehearsals.
 For safety reasons, students should dress properly, weara ball cap, bring
plenty of water, use sunscreen, and eat healthy meals before and during
band camp sessions.
 Students are required to wear white shirts, shorts, a ball cap, sun glasses,
and flexible tennis shoes at all 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.
 A detailed summer schedule will be emailed to you.
 Social activities will be planned for the August Band Camp.

9. Marching Band Assignments
 Marching auditions will be held the first week of the August camp. Marching assignments
will be based on ability and attendance. Attendance is mandatory to be considered.
 Students will be assigned to the Varsity or Junior Varsity Marching Band.
 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
dependability and attitude.
 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.
 The marching audition includes the playing audition in May, and the marching audition in
August.
 The marching audition in August includes marching, marching while playing, and
performing the opener of the showfrommemory.
 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 Organizational Structure
Student leaders
 Drum Majors
 Section Leaders
 Administrative Leaders (library, equipment, uniform,
spirit)
 It is recommended that students ask for additional
assistance from section leaders, then drum majors,
then directors/instructors during the marching season
to facilitate efficiency

11. Football Games 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 August30
 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 and contests
 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.friendswoodmustangband.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.
 Parent Volunteers are always welcomed & encouraged to become involved with
this wonderful team!
 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 booster‟s 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, see Mrs. Harlow 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
 Friendswood HS Band Boosters:
 Visit website for booster officers‟ contact information