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Freshman Band Parent Handbook

Welcome to the
Foster High School
Falcon Band

By allowing your child to join the very remarkable Falcon Band, you have already made a commitment to supporting music education at its finest! The hard work, self discipline and many diverse experiences encountered will provide a lifetime of great memories for both your child and you. 
For the rest of this school year and the beginning of next year, you will most likely have many questions about the Falcon Band. While this booklet will hopefully answer many of your questions, we know there are some we missed. We encourage you to call any of the high school band directors listed later in this book when any questions arise.

Our Mission Statement

 The Falcon Band is and educational art program dedicated to providing the youth of our high school and community with the means of develop life skills, build character and foster teamwork while cultivating the talents of tomorrow’s leaders.

Falcon Band Boosters
 The Falcon Band Booster organization is a parent group recognized by the school district to represent the band. This booster group is one of the largest parent organizations at Foster High School. Our purpose is to support the students involved in the Falcon Band program and to facilitate activities of support to the band in a variety of ways for student equipment and trips.

 As a parent of a band member you have the opportunity to become a member of the Falcon Band Boosters. This organization depends upon the involvement of every parent with a student in the band. Although committee work is not a requirement for membership, we encourage everyone to get involved and experience the fun and satisfaction of supporting our students and the band.

 What you are willing to offer of your time and talents will make all the difference to the band students. We really do need your help to whatever extent you can offer!

 Opportunities to become involved include helping with a number of fundraisers throughout the year which provide band members with much needed equipment, extra instructors, trip funds, marching shows, music and supplies. Several events such as our spring banquet and senior night are held to honor our band students. The Band’s web page at www.fhsband.net, emails and monthly meetings are designed to keep everyone informed and up to date. Supporting the band at football games, contests and chaperoning during many band events are a few more ways to become involved.

 The Falcon Band Boosters meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 in the Band Hall at Foster High School. Our monthly meetings are the best way to stay in touch with everything that is band related.

 The Falcon Band Boosters also maintain the band website which contains up-to-date information about the band as well as downloads for various forms.

 In the meantime, should you have any questions that this handbook does not cover, please feel free to contact any of the High School Band Directors.

2008-2009 Marching Band Staff

Director of Bands: Dave Terrall
Assistant Band Director: Daren Jordan
Color Guard:Danielle Shapiro

Joining the Falcon Band

Q: Will my son or daughter need to audition to be a member of the Falcon Band?
A. Yes!!! Auditions will not be used to eliminate anyone from band but your child must audition so we may place them in a Band. Auditions will take place in May and in December.  These auditions are for Band placement.

Q: Will my son or daughter need to try out to be a member of the color guard?
A. Yes. There will be a week long guard camp tryout in April.  No prior experience required.

Q: When are Auditions scheduled?
A. The HS Band staff will audition all the 8th grade Band Students at the end of April to the first part of May.  At this time they will play their major scales, a chromatic scale,  and a prepared piece of music.  This will be one of the factors in Band placement for the next semester.  

Q: How does my child sign up for band?
A. Make sure you sign up with your counselor, Junior High Band Directors or one of the High School Band Directors.

Q: Is there a specific music class that my child should register for the 9th grade?
A. The High School Band Directors will give all band assignments to the counselors so your student needs do nothing to make schedule changes into their Band.

Q: Do I get PE credit for being in Marching Band?
A. Yes, if you participate in the Band program you will not only get elective credit but also PE credit.

Q; Can I participate in Band and in other school activities?
A. Yes, we have members from every organization on campus.  Not only sports but academic as well.  We will work out an individual rehearsal/practice schedule for each student so they may participate in more than one activity.  Remember, being in more than one activity involves dedication.  We don’t expect any less from our students that are involved in other groups.

Q: What is the cost of being a Falcon Band member?
A. This is list of the 2007-2008 Band expenses:

    Uniform/Drink Fee   $30
    Band Shirt    $20
    Band Shoes    $35
    Percussion Maintenance Fee  $50
    Gloves     $5
    Flip Folder    $5
    Lyre for Instrument   $5-$15

Your Band student may already have some of the items needed, those will not have to be purchased again.
   

Schedule of Activities

Q: How do we keep up to date on the Falcon Band schedule, since our kids don’t tell us anything?
A. The best way to stay on top of Band’s activities is to attend the Falcon Band booster meetings and check the website:
www.fhsband.net

Q: How do I get into the Falcon Marching Band?
A.  All students in the FHS Band program participate in the Marching Band.  The Symphonic Band, the Concert Band, and the Cadet Bands make up the FHS Marching Band.  Everyone who participates in the Band program is in the Marching Band.

Q: When does the band practice?
A. Band practice starts around the first August from 8:00pm to 2:00pm. These rehearsals will take place during Summer Band.   Please consult the calendar for times. When school starts band practice will be from 4:15 to 5:45 Monday-Friday.

Q: When does the Falcon Band perform?
A. The band performs at all Foster HS football games both home and away. The band will also perform at 3 to 5 marching contests in October. Please observe the schedule carefully as all of these performances are required. Football games are usually Friday nights from September to November and marching contests usually occur on Saturdays in October. Please do not schedule family outings or trips that conflicts with this schedule as your student is a vital piece of the entire picture.

Q: Are all practices and performances mandatory?
A. Yes! Each Band member contributes a piece of the puzzle that is on display each week during our season. It is important to have all of the pieces of the puzzle at rehearsal. However, there are occasions that can’t be avoided (ie Illness or unavoidable academic or school- related conflict) and the band member may be excused by the Band Director with proper notification. The attendance policy is outlined in the Foster Band handbook.  The handbook will is also posted on the band webpage.

Q: Is the year end trip required?
A. The year end trip is the culmination activity for the season. The band will perform at a prestigious venue and the students receive both a positive learning experience and a reward for their hard work and effort. Participation is strongly encouraged. The cost of the trip is the students responsibility.

Q: Does attendance at games, contests and rehearsals affect my child’s Band grade?
A. Yes! Marching band is considered an extension of the classroom and will be graded. All rehearsals are considered a participation grade and all games and contests are performance grades. If your band student is going to be absent from any Band activity, please notify the Directors ASAP.

Q: Can parents attend rehearsals and performances?
A. Yes! Parents are encouraged to attend any and all band activities.

Q: How do the students get to various performances?
A. Keeping track of 200+ band members is a large and difficult task. For this reason we ask that your children travel to and from all events with the Band on school buses.  If you do have to pick up your band student early from a band function, we need to have a note 24hrs.early to get the proper LCISD signatures and approvals.  Remember, only a parent or guardian may pick up the student from a LCISD event (not older brother or sister or aunt or uncle).

Q: How does eligibility affect my student for rehearsals and performances?
A. If your child becomes ineligible due to grades they may not attend any games or contests. They are required to still attend rehearsals as part of their band grade.

Q: What is an alternate?
A. While every student is a member of the Falcon Band, not all students will march at contests. Due to changing numbers from ineligibility, illness and injury, we must have students in reserve to fill spots as they become open. The students are evaluated weekly on playing and marching abilities to determine who has a spot in the contest show. All members of the band will march at games. Alternates are required to attend all contests and fill other vital roles in the band at these contests. These roles will include helping with equipment, props and numerous other activities. Band is one of the few activities that freshman through seniors all compete at the varsity level. Sometimes it takes freshman a little longer to catch up on the demands of varsity competition. With hard work and individual practice you will see your freshman child grow into and accept the level of expectation required.

Chaperones

Q: How are chaperones assigned?
A. Chaperones are selected and assigned by the Band Booster Chairman in charge of Chaperones. Selection of chaperones is through the Band Booster Club.  There is a membership form on the webpage.  If you are interested in chaperoning a band function, please contact the BBC or come to a Booster meeting.

Q: What are the chaperones’ responsibilities?
A. Duties for chaperones vary from event to event and are discussed at the chaperone meeting before departure. Chaperones are expected to do the following: relay accurate information, do bus counts, assist with equipment, distribute water, escort students to the restrooms and help keep our band safe.

Q: How do I volunteer to become a chaperone or to participate in any other Band Booster events?
A. At the booster meetings you can pick up a volunteer form.  You can also get a form on line. You may sign up for any activities that you feel comfortable with at this time. You can also call the Band Booster president.

Q: Do volunteers wear any special clothes?
A. You will have the opportunity to purchase a Falcon Band Booster shirt and hat at all Booster meetings. We ask that all volunteers wear these so you can be identified quickly.

Uniforms

Q: Are there any costs involved with the uniform?
A. The band uniform is issued by Foster High School. You will be required to have a specific pair of band shoes which can be purchased on uniform check out day for a cost of approx. $35.  Band shirts are worn by students at all band activities.  The alterations of the student’s uniform will be done through the Band Booster Club.  This cost is covered through the student’s Uniform/Drink fee ($30). The student must also have a pair of black socks.  This is a responsibility of the student.  I would suggest Wal-Mart.

Q: Where are the uniforms kept?
A. The uniforms will be kept in the uniform room in the band hall. The students need to pick up their uniforms before an event and return it after the event. Please arrive at all events early to facilitate checking out of uniforms. This applies only to uniform coat and pants and hats. Your child’s shoes, shirt and socks will be kept at home.

Q: What is worn under the uniform?
A. Lightweight shorts and the current band shirt for warmer weather. In cooler weather students may wear sweat pants or warm up pants and long sleeved shirts.  The student may not jeans under there uniform at any time.

Fundraising

Q: Who pays for the end of the year trip?
A. Students pay for the end of the year trip which can range from $200 to $350 depending on where we are going. One long trip is allowed every 4 years. This is not our big trip year.

Q: Does my student need to participate in all of the fundraisers?
A. Participation in fundraising is optional but strongly encouraged to help fund the large cost of contests, music and tech support as well as booster operating costs.

Q: How many fundraisers are held during the year?
A. Usually 2-3 fundraisers are available per year to participate in.

Q: What if my child can no go on the trip at the last minute?
A. A cancellation policy can be found on the Band webpage before the trip. The band boosters must make trip payments throughout the year and money may become non-refundable as we get closer to the trip.

Q: How are the Foster Band Boosters funded?
A. Funding comes from student fees and fundraising activities. The booster organization will host several events such as homecoming mums, a fun run, car washes, etc.

Q: What does the Booster group use its funds for?
A. Funds are used to: band equipment, transportation needs, music and drill for our marching show, tech fees, clinician fees, scholarships, etc.

Q:  Is there band fee for my child?
A. Please check the expenses for the 2007-2008 school year.  Your band student may have many items on the list already.

Game Day Procedures

Q: What does my band student need to bring to school on the day of a Football game?
A. Their Band Bag with their Black Marching Shoes, Black socks, and their shorts and band shirt for under their uniform.  If they do bring an mp3/CD type player, please read in the Band Handbook regarding these items.

Q: What do they do for food on a game day?
A. We encourage all the Band students to stay on campus before we leave for a Football game.  We have what is called ”tail gate dinners”.  Each student will have an opportunity to purchase their meal prior to Thursday the week of the game.  These meals will vary from pizza, Chick-fil-a, subway sandwiches, etc.  They will be delivered directly to the school.  The cost is approximately $5.00 per meal.  The Band Boosters will hand out meals.

Q: Is there a rehearsal prior to leaving for the game.
A. Is!  We have a run through at 4:00 after school.  Our schedule after school on the day of a game is very hectic.  School’s out, run through rehearsal, feed the Band, pack/load, get on the Buses, and go.  This is why we encourage each student to stay on campus after school.

Q: Does may band student need to ride the Bus to the game?
A. We encourage all the students to ride to and from all Band activities.  If you do need to pick your Band student early, please make sure we get the note 24 hours prior to the pick up date/time.  Please make sure only a parent or guardian picks up your student.  This is LCISD policy.  

I am sure this document does not answer all of your questions but I hope it goes a long way in giving you an overview of the Foster Band program. Please check the Band webpage on a regular basis.  This is where you will be able to keep up with our extremely busy schedule. If there are questions that are not answered in this document, I’m sure I’ve not answered all of them, please call the Band Hall at 823-223-3937 and talk to a Director.

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