Accessory Prices

MS Clarinet Reeds (blue box) $2.00 each - $20.00 box
HS Clarinet Reeds (black box) $3.00 each - $30.00 box
Bass Clarinet Reeds (blue box) $3.00 each - $30.00 box
Alto Sax Reeds (blue box) $3.00 each - $30.00 box
Tenor Sax Reeds (blue box) $3.00 each - $15.00 box
Bari Sax Reeds (blue box) $6.00 each - $30.00 box

Summer Student Letter '09

Band Students:

It’s that time again—time to start thinking band! Whether you’re a returning member or new to marching band, this is going to be a unique and exciting marching season. Mr. Robinson and I anticipate a great year for all involved. We’ll try some new things and continue to build and refine our skills. We are excited about this year’s band, and hope that you will come back with that same excitement. Please return with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard, so that we can carry on the superior tradition of the Houston “Topper Pride.”

Guard & Percussion Practice
Tuesday, June 30
Thursday, July 2
Tuesday, July 7
Thursday, July 9
Tuesday, July 14
Thursday, July 16

*(All guard and percussionists are required to attend at least 4 out of these 6 practices. Practices will be held indoors from 2:00—4:00 PM. This time will be spent learning and building upon fundamental techniques. Utilizing this time will help us avoid scheduling after-school sectionals on Mondays during the fall.)

Horn Line Practice
Tuesday, July 7
Thursday, July 9
Tuesday, July 14
Thursday, July 16
Tuesday, July 21
Thursday, July 23

(All woodwind and brass players are required to attend at least 4 out of these 6 practices. Practices will be held indoors from 6:00—8:00 PM. This time will be spent building fundamental techniques and learning show music. Utilizing this time will help us avoid scheduling after-school sectionals on Tuesdays during the fall.)

Leadership Camp
Monday—Wednesday, July 13—15, 9:00 AM—12:00 Noon
For drum major and section leaders only.)

Guard & Percussion Camp
Monday—Thursday, July 20—23, 1:30—4:30 PM

Rookie Marching Camp
Thursday—Friday, July 23—24, 9:00 AM—12:00 Noon
(All new marchers are required to attend this practice session covering the fundamentals of marching. Returning members wishing to refresh their skills may also attend.)

Band Camp
Monday—Thursday, July 27—30, 8:00—11:30 AM and 1:00 PM—5:00 PM
Friday, July 31, 8:00—11:30 AM
March-off & Show Preview
Friday, July 31, 6:00 PM

Full Ensemble Rehearsals
Tuesday, August 4, 6:00—9:00 PM
Thursday, August 6, 6:00—9:00 PM
(We will take group and individual pictures with Torrance Studios during one of these night sessions.)

Camp will cover marching and playing fundamentals, and we’ll also take care of some administrative items. We’ll take time to go over curriculum, required materials, the course description and objectives, class and after-school attendance and tardies, grading criteria, band hall rules, performances and the course calendar. These 5 days, along with the summer practice sessions and rehearsals listed above, are required to participate in the program for the year. We’ll learn a lot, including the opener of the field show, so it’s highly recommended that you be there. We want you to be successful, and that plan for success hinges on everyone being there, working together. Arrange your work schedules NOW concerning summer practices and band camp. Work and vacations are not excuses to be absent. If you don’t drive, make sure you have a ride!

Topper Pride Band members should:
*BE RESPONSIBLE.
*TURN IN ALL FEES AND FORMS ON TIME. The Permission and Medical Release and *Booster Volunteer Forms are due on the 1st day of camp.
*$70.00 (band fee for the year, includes uniform cleaning) will be due on August 4. Make checks payable to “Houston High School Band.” Students who have not paid their fee, in full, by the 1st football game will not march at halftime.
*BE PREPARED FOR REHEARSALS DURING BAND CLASS. Bring a change of clothes with you to school including tennis shoes (no flip-flops), shorts and t-shirts. Students will be given time to change clothes before rehearsals.
*PAY ATTENTION TO DATES & TIMES!
*BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT, A FLIP FOLDER, AND A LYRE TO SCHOOL THE 1st DAY OF CAMP! (You may come early to one of the summer practices and buy flip folders and lyres from us.) Remember that Sousaphones don’t need lyres. Everyone should make sure the lyre fits on your instrument before you buy from anybody!
*Marching Band is ALWAYS hot.
*If you have been a couch potato all summer, you should prepare for band rehearsals by:
>Getting outside some during the day
>Running or walking—get some exercise
>BEING PREPARED TO SWEAT!
*BAND MEETS 6th and 7th PERIOD, SO IT’S VERY HOT OUTSIDE
*Drinking plenty of liquids—bring some water to marching band class and after-school rehearsals
*Making sure you eat breakfast and/or lunch every day before going outside!
*Being prepared to work together toward high goals
*Band Shoes
New students or students needing a larger size will need to be sized (wear socks!) and order a pair of band shoes from Burnham Enterprises on September 1. The cost for the shoes is approximately $38.00. Checks should be made out to HHS Band and must be received by that day. No order will be made without payment. Shoes will be delivered to the band hall the following week. YOU MUST BUY YOUR BAND SHOES THROUGH BURNHAM. DO NOT BUY THEM ANYWHERE ELSE. ALL BAND SHOES MUST BE EXACTLY ALIKE!

SPRING TRIP: Music in the Parks, Universal Studios, Orlando, FL
Thursday, April 15
depart for Orlando after school (travel overnight)
Friday, April 16
Universal Studios (1 meal included)
Music in the Parks adjudication
Saturday, April 17
Islands of Adventure (1 meal included)
Music in the Parks awards ceremony
return to Houston (travel overnight)
Price per chaperone (double occupancy): $285
Price per student (quad occupancy): $300
Listed prices have been approximated pending quote from the charter bus company; the total could go up or down slightly.
Student prices include adjudication fees.
Notes
This trip is still in the planning stages and must be approved by the school board.
A payment schedule will be set up once the exact cost per student is finalized.
All fundraising monies will go into students’ individual private accounts.

Band Booster Meeting

  • Boosters will meet Monday, November 3, 2008 in the Bandhall. Anyone interested please attend.