Band Basics

How can my students join the East View Patriot Band?

There are several ways to join the EVHSBand program:

Join as an GISD 8th Grader. Simply choose Band on your elective choice sheet, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Join as a Non-GISD Student, New to EVHS

Step 1: Enroll Contact the East View High School Counseling Services Office and ask to enroll in band! 

They will temporarily place you in one of our three band classes until we, as your directors, make a final placement.

Step 2: Email us! 

Email Mr. Poindexter and he’ll get you all the information you’ll need to transition into the East View High School Patriot Band!

Join As a Non-Musician. Learn an Instrument - If you did not play an instrument in Middle School, it is not too late for you to join the band as a musician. To do so you will need to take private lessons. Students can take private lessons for a summer, a semester, or a year before joining! This is not for everyone as it requires much motivation and self-discipline. All students interested in this pathway to band membership need to set up a parent/student/ teacher conference with Mr. Poindexter to determine if this is a feasible option for your family before enrolling in private lessons. 

Join our Color Guard! Students who do not currently play an instrument and want to join the Patriot Band can explore the wonderful world of Color Guard! Interested? Email Mr. Poindexter today!

Can I do sports/advanced classes and high school band?

YES! Many of our top students are either involved in athletics or AP/Advanced classes! We encourage students to remain well rounded academically and athletically, as learning that time-management can be a huge skill to becoming the best YOU possible. 

Do I have to audition for high school band?

Yes, but! You are AUTOMATICALLY in high school band. However, we want to ensure that your student is successful. This means we use auditions to place them in the correct level ensemble. The audition music is handed out at the beginning of March to ALL students. New students to the program will play for the directors at their respective middle school or - if moving in to the program - will need to schedule other arrangements with the directors. 

How can band parents stay connected?

Sign up for Booster Hub

Directors post a weekly newsletter each Sunday on BoosterHub. Our Boosters also send out an email using BoosterHub once a week. Please ensure that both you and your student are using a non-school district email address when signing up for this service. 

Check the Band Calendar

The band calendar has the most up-to-date information about events and activities. Make sure to click on the actual activity to see additional information. We have created a link to make subscribing to our calendar a breeze.

Attend the Parent Booster Meetings

Booster club meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the Band Hall. These meetings are a great way to stay informed!

Read the Weekly Newsletters

Each week the booster club sends out a newsletter highlighting important information and dates. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please update your email address with GISD via the Registrar or Counselor at EVHS. .

Call or Email Your Band Buddy

In the beginning, you will have many questions! Don’t hesitate to contact your Band Buddy and ask them anything you don’t understand. If you don't have a Band Buddy, contact the Booster Club President to sign up for one.

Do I need my own instrument?

Most instruments do need to be privately owned/rented and maintained by the student.  There are a few instruments (e.g. tuba, euphonium, mellophones, etc) that are school owned and rented to students.  If you are unsure whether or not you need to purchase/rent your own instrument, please email one of the directors.

What is the time commitment for band?

Per Texas State (UIL) Law, before/after school activities are only allowed to practice for 8 hours per week once school has begun. During the summer, we have a Band Camp that runs during the weeks leading into the school year. These weeks are more intensive to prepare us for the marching season. 

When school starts, the band will practice before or after school.  During the marching season, there are Friday night football game commitments (performances) and Saturday Contests (competitions) throughout the Fall Semester. The marching season finishes during the first part of November, and then the Band will only play at football games.

In addition, post-football and marching season, students will also participate in Concert Season activities, as well as Winter and Spring school concerts, an (optional) spring trip, and an End of the Year Banquet. Wind Ensemble students begin Concert Season in October.

What are the uniform requirements?

Uniforms are provided by the band.  All alterations will be made at the direction of the Booster Club. In addition to their issued uniform, students will need:  a band shirt (3), band shorts, and marching shoes for marching band and a few items, listed elsewhere, for concert season. These items can be "purchased" at Registration or from a uniform crew member.

It is also very important that your student has a pair of good athletic shoes for practice, sunglasses, and a hat. A good pair of athletic shoes is very important in keeping your student in good marching condition on the blacktop. The sunglasses and hat are necessary because our field faces west. 

Are there any uniform restrictions during marching season?

In order to give our band a cohesive appearance we do have guidelines for student's appearances while they are on the field:

Students will not wear makeup while in uniform (unless otherwise specified). 

Jewelry, hair ribbons & nail polish are not allowed while in uniform.

Hair must be its natural color.

Hair must not touch the collar of the jacket and must be above the top of the ear or pulled behind it. No visible hair on forehead.

Students must be clean shaven while in uniform.

What is the “call time”?

Call time is the designated time that the students must be ready (dressed, full water bottle, instrument, etc.) and in the EVHS Band Hall or other assigned area.

How can students earn their letter jacket?

If your student would like to earn their Letter Jacket before their Senior year, they need to meet the criteria set out in the Student Hand Book. Please visit the Handbook for those requirements.

If your child has participated in the band program for 3 continuous years and plans to continue their Senior year, they are eligible to apply for a Letter Jacket.

What is the “No Pass/No Play” policy?

The Texas Education Agency defines the band as a performing art, and concert & marching performances are an extension of class time. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required and is a part of the band grade.

A student will be suspended from participating in any extracurricular activity (marching band activities, pep rallies, parades, UIL solo and ensemble, and other competitions) after a six-week grading period in which a student receives a grade below a 70. The student will remain eligible and responsible for band and technique class requirements including sectionals and performances.

Interim progress reports are issued in the middle of each six-week period to students who are borderline or failing a class. Students can ‘regain’ eligibility at this time if he/she is passing.

AP Classes are exempt from this rule and students in an Advanced class can use a waiver if within 15 points or higher of a 70.  

What is BoosterHub?

BoosterHub is an online program that the band utilizes to maintain student records, contact information, and many other important aspects of the band program. It’s the digital hub behind the scenes holding the band machine together!

Ensuring your current contact information in this database system is extremely important and will help keep you in the loop!

I'm a parent and want to volunteer. What should I do?

Thank you! We love when our parents want to get more involved in their child's band experience. Whether you want to chaperone a trip, volunteer for pit crew, or just help out in any way possible, check out our Guide for Involved Parents that some of our band booster parents put together.