Frequently Asked Questions - Marching Band

---

Each student will be issued a uniform for marching band.  In addition, every member of the marching band will be required to purchase gloves, black marching shoes, and black socks.
All uniforms are stored at school and issued to students on game day.  On the day of performances students will be required to arrive at school in their band t-shirt, shorts, black socks and black shoes.  The uniform will be checked out immediately after school.  After the game, the uniform should be hung neatly and turned in to a Uniform Committee member.  
The marching uniforms will be cleaned periodically during the marching season.

The marching band season starts early August and goes through early November.

*schedules varies for student leadership

All students are provided bus transportation through the Rockwall I.S.D. Contact Mr. Loyd to request alternate transportation. 

Parents can park in the parking lot that faces the band hall. Please do not line up your car around the band hall as bus drivers and our equipment trailer driver need to pull into that area to park and unload.

Upon arrival students will return to the RHHS Band Hall to change out of their uniform and turn it in as well as to return for their belongings (backpack, etc). Students are not allowed to bring backpacks on the bus since maximum space is needed for uniform garment bags, hat cases and instruments. 

Everyone is welcome to attend all the performance shows such as the Band Showcase (Aug), football half-time shows (Aug-Nov), marching band competitions (Oct). Please check the event page for more information.

The marching band begins learning music, drils and formations during Summer Band Camp prior to school starting to prepare for the UIL Marching contest season as well as half-time performances.  UIL does not allow bands begin show preparation until August 1.

This is the term that is used for students who do not have a spot in the competition show.  Sometimes the student’s abilities do not meet the demands of the marching show. Alternate students still participate in every band activity and are very much a part of the group. These students usually get to perform on Friday nights.

The student leadership serves as the band council that represent the student voice to the directors and boosters.  They also lead the students under the guidance and supervision of the directors and serve as mentors to the younger students.

 The marching band fee ranges between $230-$350 depending on instrument rental. Each member is required to pay the band supplies in August during Band Supply Day. The directors and the boosters do their best to make the fee the most cost effective as possible. 

Marching Band Fees

• Summer Uniform Hat
• Summer Uniform Shirt
• Summer Uniform Shorts
• Show Shirt
• Game day meals 
• "H" Water Jug
• Instrument Rental (if needed)

*prices may vary each year 

We never want finances to be the reason a student does not participate, please e-mail the Director if financial assistance is needed. 

 Yes. There is a point system awarded to students on an individual achievement basis. In order to be eligible to receive a letter jacket from the band program a student must qualify by earning at least 100 “points” in one of two tracks: Instrumentalist or Color-guard. Each member may only earn one letter jacket. Points are to be awarded as follows: All Members:

• Membership in the Mighty Hawk Band Program:
  • Year 1 – 10 points
  • Year 2 – 15 points
  • Year 3 – 25 points
  • Year 4 – 50 points

  Instrumentalist Track:

• Earn membership and participate in one of the TMEA All State Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, or Orchestras (on a wind or percussion instrument)
  • TMEA All State Ensemble Member – 100 points
• Earn a first division rating on a Class 1 solo at UIL Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest
  • TSSEC Solo 1st Division – 100 points
• Earn membership and participate in one of the TMEA All Region Bands
  • 1st time membership – 20 points
  • 2nd time membership – 80 points
• Earn a first division rating on a Class 1 solo at UIL Region Solo & Ensemble Contest
  • 1st time award – 20 points
  • 2nd time award – 80 points

  Color-guard Track:

• Earn a first division rating (95 or higher) on solo performance at NTCA All Star Weekend
  • 1st year – 20 points
  • 2nd year – 80 points

Yes. There are several districts that host marching band competitions which gives the band an opportunity to prepare for the UIL marching contest. These invitational contests allow bands the opportunity to advance from prelims to finals. 

The UIL rating system is awarded as follows:
1-Superior
2-Excellent
3-Average
4-Below Average
5-Poor

On the even numbered years, Class 6A districts have the opportunity to advance to area and state marching contest.  During the odd numbered years we will compete in the region level regardless of our rating.

UIL restricts all marching bands to no more than 8 hours of extra rehearsal time outside of the school day.  This does not include performance days such as contest days.

Unlike other activities, all of the students in the marching band “guide” and “cue” off of other students in the presentation.  Having students missing can be detrimental to the group’s success.  Please try not to schedule doctor/dentist/ortho/etc appointments during rehearsals or other band activities.

Yes, this helps prepare their embouchure for the long rehearsals of Summer Band Camp.  

Students should come to rehearsal prepared to handle the heat.  Rehearsal dress includes shorts, light colored t-shirt, hat, sun glasses, low cut tennis shoes and socks.  For safety reasons, students will not be allowed to rehearse in any other footwear.  In addition, every student should have their own water jug labeled with their name and sunscreen.  Water breaks are given every fifteen minutes, but if a student chooses to wear their water bottle, they may have water at anytime.  As the temperature drops, water breaks will become less frequent.  Students are closely monitored and should sit down immediately if dizzy or faint.  A sure sign of dehydration is a lack of perspiration.  All students should consider their diet and water intake, especially during marching season!  Be sure to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.  Here’s a good rule of thumb:  every time you pass a water fountain, take a drink!