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| General Band Information |
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It's an adventure! - The HPISD band program
is designed to offer a greater variety of musical activities
as students progress through the program. That means that
the high school band offers all the activities that the middle
school offers-- concert band, jazz ensemble, drum corps,
and MORE!
Fine Arts Credit- All students are required
to take at least one year of a Fine Arts course for graduation.
Why not make use of the skills that you worked so hard to
develop in middle school?
Physical Education Credit - Students
enrolled in band currently earn an optional P.E. waiver for
their participation in the marching band. This option allows
students to fit additional electives into their schedule.
The waiver is not required and many students participate
in band and a variety of sports-- including varsity football.
Lots of activities - There's marching
band season (football games, parties, marching contests,
out-of-town games, the fun of Summer Band!!) which is followed
by concert band season (concerts, UIL contests-both band
and solos, more concerts, and the SPRING TRIP!).
Plus, we have the Highlander Jazz Ensemble,
Winterguard/Colorguard, Drum Line/Percussion Ensembles and
Bagpipers also. We have plenty of groups within the band
to peak your interest.
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Yes, the biggest difference is the level of competition.
The high school band competes on the local, state, and national
level, unlike the middle school, which competes on the local
and state level.
Our destinations are not limited to San Antonio and Dallas/Fort
Worth. In recent years, the Highlander Band has competed
in Orlando, FL, Winter Park, CO., and Panama City, FL.
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You'll make lots of friends in band, even kids from other
schools. We have Section Leaders and Officers and Drum Majors
that will guide you and introduce you. That's why they're
there. One day you, too, can be one of these leaders. In
our band, you quickly make friends for life!
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Yes-- everyone tries out, including the upperclassmen. It's
mostly so that Mr. Weisberg can get to know your playing ability
and it isn't anything to get upset about. The process is
much easier than trying out for the All-Region Band so relax.
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| About Auditions |
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We are expecting to have two bands next year and both groups
will be in the marching band. We need to know which band
you'll best fit into. If you don't make a higher band, you
can always advance up. Tryouts are also held during Summer
Band and at the end of EACH semester! Both bands combine
to make our Marching Band so we are always together.
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Like the All-Region audition, you will be asked to play 2
scales and the Chromatic Scale. You should know the concert
G, C, F, B-flat, Eb, Ab and Db (as many octaves as you can)
and the Chromatic Scale. You will also be asked to play two
brief etudes which will be distributed to your school in
April.
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Everyone gets nervous in auditions to a certain extent--
that just means you care. Just try to relax and remember
that all students who have successfully completed Honors
Band in middle school are qualified to join-- the audition
is for determining placement.
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Mr. Weisberg will come to your school during your band period
in May. You will be informed of your results after all of
the auditions are over.
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There will be auditions for both. Freshmen are encouraged
to try out. There will be Guard workshops before the audition
so that you can learn all of the required steps and movements.
Jazz audition music will be distributed in April. Our program
is growing and we expect to have two jazz bands next year.
Please be prepared since the audition will determine your
placement.
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| Marching Band |
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The marching band activity is what the band does during the
first part of the fall. Everyone in the band participates.
We are able to work with students and sponsors to avoid most
conflicts with other school activities. In the past, even
varsity football players have been able to participate.
Although some students may be daunted by the prospect of
performing for thousands of fans every Friday night, many
students find marching band to be their favorite part of
the band program. It's a positive experience that's easier
than you think because the whole student community will appreciate
your efforts in support of the SCOTS!
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Physical Education Credit - Students
enrolled in band currently earn an optional P.E. waiver for
their participation in the marching band. This option allows
students to fit additional electives into their schedule.
The waiver is not required and many students participate
in band and a variety of sports-- including varsity football.
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We'll teach you marching fundamentals at a workshop at the
end of May and we'll keep working with you at Summer Band.
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Summer band is extremely important to the success of the
marching band and the preparation of the first half-time
show. Students who think they have a potential conflict with
summer band should contact Mr. Weisberg in May.
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Summer Band will be held two weeks before school starts in August.
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The majority of reheasals take place during your band class.
We also rehearse three mornings a week until October. After
marching contest is over, the rehearsal schedule lightens
to once or twice a week.
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Marching band last until the end of football season, but
falls off in intensity after UIL Marching Contest in October.
After the marching contest there are usually only one or
two practices per week.
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Percussion workshops begin in April. Students with percussion
experience, piano players, and woodwind instruments are encouraged
to tryout. You will be taught the fundamentals of the snare
drum, tom-toms, bass drums, and xylophone. Students will
be informed of their acceptance into the drumline in May.
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Freshmen are encouraged to try out, especially woodwind players.
There will be Guard Workshops before the audition so that
you can learn all necessary flagwork.
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| Jazz Band |
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Any member of the Highlander Band may tryout. Prior jazz
experience is helpful, but not required. Members of the jazz
ensemble program are also expected to be full participants
in the marching and concert band program.
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Jazz band is a class so it meets during school hours.
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The jazz band performs at band concerts, jazz festivals,
UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest (as a medium ensemble) and
other community events.
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The tryout music is distributed each year in August. The
auditions are held at the end of September. Interested students
should talk to Mr. Weisberg.
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Anyone making the top All-Region Jazz Band will be invited
to submit a tape recorded audition to the state audition
committee. Selected students will perform at the Texas Music
Educators Association (TMEA) annual convention held each year in
San Antonio.
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Top Ten - Why be in band?
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Early dismissal for pep rallies.
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You can blow hot air and no one will mind.
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You always have a ride to away games and
playoff games.
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You can earn a letterman's jacket.
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All of the football games are FREE!
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Your significant other is in the band.
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You get to take a spring trip (Vail).
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Have really cool upperclassmen for friends.
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You can opt out of physical education.
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YOU CAN TOOT YOUR HORN IN CLASS AND
NOT GET IN TROUBLE!
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