Summer Band
Summer band typically starts the last week in July and goes until school starts. Students will be outside for marching the first block of time, have a lunch break, then be inside for music rehearsals the last block. Please be on time to rehearsals by arriving at least 15 minutes early so students are ready with their instruments and all necessary items at the start time.
Carpooling is a great way to help get your student to and from school in the event you cannot because of work or other responsibilities.
If your student cannot attend a practice please email Mr. Pair at npair@alvinisd.net.
Needed Items:
We recommend students pack everything they need the night before so all you have to do is grab and go in the morning!
Instruments and necessary accessories (mouthpiece, reeds, mouthpiece cover, etc.)
Lunch
Water Jug
We do provide water to refill jugs, but please arrive with a jug already filled with water and ice.
Hat and sunglasses
Athletic shoes and socks (No flip flops, crocks, converse, vans, ect, because they can cause injuries due to there lack of support.)
Athletic shorts
Light color short sleeve shirt
Sunscreen
AISD Physical form
Texas Heat
Students are required to bring their water jug filled with water only to rehearsal. We do provide water so students can refill if needed. Drink 16 oz of water before even going outside and drink water when you get home.
We recommend no dairy products before outside marching rehearsal as it tends to not sit well in the stomach.
Avoid drinking sugary drinks as they dehydrate the body.
Cooling towels are a great way to make the heat more bearable.
Students receive lots of water breaks during rehearsal and even some shade/AC breaks! It's important for students to drink water during these breaks.
Marching Uniform Fittings
During May Music Camp new members and returning members who need replacement items will be fitted for marching shoes, gloves, and the Fred J. Miller hot weather shirt. During the first week of camp students will get fitted for their marching uniforms during music rehearsal inside. Students need to wear athletic shorts and a t-shirt. Returning members need to wear their black marching shoes. We will provide sizers for new members or returning members whose shoes do not fit anymore. Our wonderful volunteer band parents make this process go smoothly. It is also a great way to get involved and meet the kids! If you would like to volunteer please contact Ms. Espinoza at eespinoza@alvinisd.net.
Photos
Usually during uniform fittings we will have a photographer out to take individuals pictures of students. Students can purchase their individual picture and/or purchase a composite of the whole band.
Varsity and JV/Marching Show Spot
Unfortunately, there are limited "spots" per section of the band. Those that receive a spot in the marching show are varsity marchers. JV marchers do have an opportunity to march at games and will help with props during contests. JV and Varsity both have rehearsals, go to football games and contests, and play in the stands during games. There will also be opportunities for JV marchers to be put in a varsity spot. Everybody is important!
The band program purchases subscriptions to the Ultimate Drillbook App for students to learn drill for the marching shop. We have the ability to also print out coordinate sheets for those without a phone.
Hang in there, Freshmen!
Marching band can be hard! It's hot, the instruments are heavy, there is so much music to learn, learning to march is challenging, but hang in there! Even by the first football game you will see you have made so much improvement! The friendships you make can last a lifetime and the skills you learn from being on a big team will stay with you beyond high school and college. Keep working, you will get it!