Frequently Asked Questions - Marching Band

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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 performance days, 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 professionally cleaned periodically during the marching season.

The marching band season starts late July and goes through early November. 

All students are provided bus transportation through Rockwall ISD. Contact Mr. Loyd to request alternate transportation for specific events.

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. 9th Grade students will be dismissed directly from the main campus.

Everyone is welcome to attend all the performance shows such as the Preview Show, football half-time shows (Aug-Nov), and marching band contest (Oct). Please check the event page for more information. Tickets are required for football games and contests except for those who choose to volunteer with the band. Parent volunteers will always be able to watch their students perform.

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

This is the term that is used for students who do not have a varsity spot in the competition show. Varsity positions assignments are based on demonstrated music and visual proficiency, attendance records, and academic eligibility requirements.

JV/Alternate performers serve a vital role in the marching band. Responsibilities Include:

● Participation in all fundamentals of movement

● Demonstrate increased proficiency in marching technique over the course of the season.

● Performances at football games in the stands and for the drill team on the field.

● Learning an assigned drill position as an alternate performer.

● Visual logistical support during competition show performances.

Should a varsity performer sustain an injury, lose eligibility, or fail to fulfill their obligations to the

Mighty Hawk Band, the band staff reserves the right to replace any varsity performer with an acceptable member of the JV/Alternate Performer roster.

The Student Leadership Team 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 Student Leadership Team comprises of instructional and logistical positions. Instructional positions include Drum Major, Captain, and Section Leader. Logistical positions include Logistics Crew, Uniform Crew, Librarians, and Social Media Managers.

All students participating in the Mighty Hawk Band will be assessed annual activity fees. These fees are utilized to offset the costs associated with the band program that are not supplied by Rockwall ISD. Fees will be assessed at Registration, and payments will be made in monthly installments until the balance is paid in full. Fees that are not paid in full by the end of the current school year will be carried forward into subsequent years, and must be paid in full prior to your student’s graduation date.

It is our sincere belief that all students deserve a high-quality music education. No student will be denied participation due to financial hardship. Financial aid is available through the MHB Band Boosters, and families may apply at the time of registration.. 

 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. Letter jackets are provided by the Band boosters to eligible members, and customization is paid for by individual students and parents.

Please refer to the Organization Guidelines for further details.

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. 

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. Students should make every effort to attend tutoring in the afternoons when there is no rehearsal.

Yes, this helps prepare their embouchure for the long rehearsals of Summer Band Camp.  Students can continue working on fundamental packets, show music, and All-Region Etudes once they are released.

Students should come to rehearsal prepared to handle the heat.  Rehearsal dress includes shorts, light colored t-shirt, hat, sun glasses, 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.  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!