Parent Information

A Message for Parents

For parents, I have put together four things that you can do to promote the success of your child in the Southwest Band Program.

1. Get Involved. We will need volunteers for various events, coordinating fundraisers, or just coming out to watch performances and show your support. If you are willing and able to help, please contact Mr. Yanni via email.

2. Encourage Practicing. Practicing is homework. Like math, a student that does not do their homework will come to class the next day lost and confused. Unlike math however, this student has not only let down themselves, but an entire ensemble of musicians. Please encourage practicing like you encourage other homework. This means providing them with a quiet place where they can focus, away from the TV, video games and other distractions.

3. Communicate. Please know that email is the best way to contact Mr. Yanni. If you know of scheduling conflicts, let the Director know as soon as possible. Something can always be worked out if adequate time is given. For example: If 10 students are going to miss a performance, I have many options, provided I have time to prepare the band for those absences. If the same 10 students tell me the day before, or worse, the day of the performance, not much can be done. Please consider your fellow band-mates - we all depend on each other.

4. Be Punctual. Getting your child to class, rehearsals, and events on time is one of the best things you can do all year. Because of the nature of some events, we do not know performance times for all of our events until the week of that event. If you are uncertain about an event's details, check the calendar – this is where all details (call time, attire, performance time, etc.) will be posted.

Performance Attire

Marching Eagles

The Marching Eagles have band uniforms that are to be worn at all home football games and parades. Every student will need to have a band shirt. The band shirt is to be worn under the marching band uniform if students wish to take off their coat in the stands of a football game.

The band uniform consists of black marching shoes and long black socks. In order to get their uniforms before an event, students must show the Quartermasters that their shoes have been properly cleaned and that they have a pair of long black sox. Students will not get their uniforms until their shoes have been cleaned. Students must also show the Quartermasters that they have hanged their uniforms properly on the hangers before they head home after an event. Students cannot leave until their uniform has been put away properly.

When the marching band performs at a school or community event other than a home football game or parade the performance attire will be the band shirt, jeans, and black shoes.

Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble

Unless otherwise stated by the conductor, the required attire for all formal concerts will be concert black.

For gentlemen concert black consists of:

- All black long sleeve dress shirt

- Black dress pants or slacks with a black belt. NO JEANS!

- Black socks and dress shoes

- A black suit coat and/or tie may be worn, but is not required.

For ladies concert black consists of:

- Solid black dress or

- Solid black blouse and skirt or dress pants. NO JEANS!

- Black shoes

- Tops must have sleeves and may NOT be low cut

- Skirts and dresses must be below the knee when sitting down.

Concert black does not need to be expensive. You will only wear these items about 5 times throughout the year. Try discount men’s or women’s fashion stores or even second hand stores. Don’t buy a suit your freshmen year - odds are you’ll outgrow it by the time you are a senior.