Band is a course and you must register for it to be involved.  8th graders should all sign up for Band 1.  We will place you in varsity or non varsity, don't sign up for those.  Transfer students, your counselor will help get you placed in the correct class by contacting us.

That's it, you sign up for the class and you're in.  We'll start getting you info ASAP and you're in!

Yes, there are auditions, but they are only for placement in the correct ability class.  All members in good standing are admitted into the band.  

All current 8th graders at Tippit Middle School and Wagner Middle School will be auditioned automatically for the EVPB.  EVHS directors will come to your classes to audition BRASS AND WOODWINDS in March or April.  Transfer students should email Mr. Poindexter ASAP to make schedule an audition.  Brass and Woodwind auditions will consist of a prepared piece.  

We have SEVERAL other fun classes.  ALL members are invited to take Instrumental Ensemble, which is a class that allows you to have practice time and special attention built right into your day.  

We offer a fun and competitive Jazz Band - by invitation.  If you're interested email Mr. Poindexter to inquire about the ensemble.  

Juniors and Seniors are invited to sign up for Music Theory.  If you're interested, email Mr. Poindexter to learn about the class and requirements.

We often have wind players who join our Color Guard section in the spring semester.  Contact Mr. Poindexter if you would like more information about those opportunities.

The EVPB follows the same standards and guidelines as all activities on campus, including all sports, fine arts organizations, and clubs. We are limited to 8-hours a week.  We always schedule within the rules and usually schedule less than we're even allowed!

Truth: if you want to do it, you can fit it in your schedule, easily.

The EVPB is made up of about 65% students who take PreAP/AP/Dual Credit Courses. We  provide regular time and attention for students to maintain great academic standing. A HUGE advantage of being in this program is that you have students that have experience in nearly every class in our school. Our passing rate during marching season (busiest time of year) is 90%. In fact in the past 8 years we have had the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of EVHS two and three times respectively. 

 Truth: band doesn't hurt your grades, it actually helps them.

Just like anything, marching band will be new, but we go VERY slow in the beginning to make sure all freshmen are on the same page as the other students. It's a long process, but the staff and student leaders are excellent teachers. Once they get the hang of it, many students prefer Marching Band to Concert Band.  We tailor the experience to the students' ability level. 

Truth: you'll be great!

Truth: we do 4 to 5 competitions on Saturdays from late September to early November. We  attend 10 Friday night football games during the fall, and if we're lucky the team makes the playoffs!  Other than those responsibilities, that is it for required weekends!

Truth: band works with every single activity on campus.  We have many athletes (tennis, track, football) that participate in marching band! They especially work well with freshmen sports, the coaches and directors will have your back.  

Well...  it just might if you let it, BUT you can choose your level of participation to a degree.  Many students are content to attend all of the require rehearsals and performances, do their assignments for band class, and that's it.  It takes the time listed above about rehearsals and weekends, but no more.

Other students want more.  They want an opportunity to push themselves to perform and compete against other HS students.  They want the opportunity to perform HS Varsity Band level music.  They want to lead and shape the future of the band.  They want to play in a jazz band, march a winter guard season, or learn percussion instruments. They want to build a resume of band accomplishments for college and scholarship applications.  They want to see their best friends everyday in the band hall.

Truth: Band is such a big family, there is room in it for kids who are ALL BAND ALL THE TIME and for kids who are also involved in other things!

Truth: everyone can afford band, even if you can't pay any money.

Band does cost money.  Our district is very supportive and helps with so much of the expense, but to achieve our goals and to have the experiences our students want, we need to pay for professional designers to create music, choreography, drill, and graphics; we have to feed our members to fuel them for games, contests and other events; we have to pay for transportation; we have to pay for uniforms, costumes, and equipment; and we have to pay for extra instructors.

We do have a fee for students to participate and it ranges from $500-$700 for new members depending upon what you play and the equipment you will need or want.  HOWEVER, no student will ever be denied participation based on their ability to pay fees.  There are scholarship opportunities that have been provided by our amazing booster organization to help with fees.

False!  We do have a Spring Camp to launch us into the summer and a Summer Camp to launch us into the school year, but they are only a small part of the summer.  Check out the dates below.  We have our camps to prepare for a very busy first month of school.  There isn't a Fine Arts group that performs in public as much literature as we do in August. In order to feel good about our performance, we must practice.  That feeling of performing in the stands and on the field is AMAZING!

Our Spring Camp is May 1st through 3rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.  More details are coming soon, but for now, block off those dates!

Our Summer Camp begins July 21th.  Our calendar has the exact days and times.