FAQ

What will my students be learning in band class?

Your student will be learning a variety of musical concepts, such as beat recognition & maintenance, rhythm reading, music literacy, instrumental pedagogy & maintenance, and more. More importantly, the band program is meant to teach students valuable life skills, such as punctuality, collaboration, communication, taking criticism, creating and following through on goals, critical thinking, developing and managing a positive self-image, and most importantly, develop a love for learning. 

Do I need prior musical experience to join band?

Absolutely not! We start fresh with every student to make sure everyone is receiving the same information. Students with prior musical knowledge do usually excel in band, so we would love to know if you have any prior musical education. 

Do I need to purchase my own instrument?

Depending the instrument you are assigned, you will have to purchase/rent your own instrument.Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone players will be responsible for purchasing their own instruments through the approved vendors. The band program does extras of these instruments in small amounts. Please contact the directors if this is affording an instrument is an issue. Low Reed, Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussionist will rent a school-owned instrument. These students are still responsible for purchasing accessories and supplies for the instrument as specified by the directors in their handbook/syllabus. 

Is there a fee to join band?

There is a fee when students join band that is calculated and published in the syllabus students receive on the first day of school. This fee primarily pays for their band uniform (band shirt) and necessary supplies needed for class. If affording the band fee is an issue, please contact the band directors. We want to make sure students are able to be in band regardless of financial standing. 

Can I participate in Band and other organizations?

Absolutely! We work closely with other organization's coaches/sponsors to guarantee that you can split your time fairly between band and the other organizations you wish to be a part of. We understand that it may be difficult or daunting to commit to all of the organizations that Sealy HS has to offer, but we want to help guide you a long the way.

What if I am not good at my instrument?

There is no such thing as good or bad at your instrument. Every single student progresses at different speeds, and understands topics at different rates. At Sealy ISD, we value continued growth over natural talent. We are willing to help you reach your skill ceiling no matter your level started at or currently are. 

How are students assigned to an ensemble?

Students are placed into an ensemble based on an audition. The audition material will be determined and passed out to all students before the audition. Students will then be placed in the appropriate ensemble based on their audition ranking as well as other factors such as rehearsal attendance & etiquette, history of eligibility, and behavior. Once students are placed in an ensemble, they can be removed due to lack of attendance, poor behavior, or struggling to keep up with the rest of the ensemble. We want to make sure that students are placed in the correct ensemble that suites their needs. 

What is the time commitment for concert band?

Students will be required to attend one afterschool rehearsal and one sectional a week. The schedule for those commitments will be made and published at the beginning of each semester. Note that high school marching band has a different time commitment.

What do I do if there is a rehearsal or performance conflict?

All rehearsals, sectionals & performances are required. It is expected that students and family avoid conflicts by consulting the band calendar before scheduling any appointments or events. If there is a conflict with any band event, please contact the director as soon as you are made aware of the conflict. The earlier the better.

Does Marching Band count as a PE credit?

Yes! Students receive 0.5 PE credits for the fall semester, and 0.5 fine art credits for the spring semester. 

Can I be in Band if I do not participate in the Marching Band

No. All high school students are required to participate in the marching band. Exceptions will be made to students will medical needs that prevent them from participating in an athletic organization. 

Is my student guaranteed a marching spot? 

Students have the opportunity to get a competitive marching spot during summer band camp. Competitive marching spots are decided by a variety of factors, including rehearsal attendance & etiquette, history of eligibility, marching and playing ability, and behavior. Student who do not make the competitive ensemble are assigned an alternate responsibility. This responsibilities are equally as important as performing a marching spot, and include a variety of things such as managing the props, managing the mixer and sound system, or assisting with effects for the show. Most students who do not get assigned a competitive marching spot will assigned a spot in the alternate block. The alternate block marches in their own form so that they can still develop their marching and playing skills. Students in the alternate block have the opportunity to get a marching spot during the marching season if they outwork or outperform a member currently holding a spot, or if a student in a competitive marching spot loses eligibility. 

How much time does marching band require?

We understand that now more than ever students are busy. For that reason, we front load most of the curriculum in the summer to guarantee students are not as stressed and busy during the school year. Additionally, we hold morning practice so students can go at a reasonable hour, or be able to participate in other extra-curricular activities. 

Is summer band camp required?

Yes. Students must attend summer band camp because this is where we learn/review most of the information we will be utilizing during the school year. This including marching, strength & conditioning, the marching band show, and most of the stand tunes we will perform during the football season. Students who do not attend summer band camp may be ineligible for a marching spot until the school year. If there is a conflict with summer band camp, please communicate that as soon as you become aware of the conflict. 

What is Colorguard/Winterguard?

The colorguard is a part of the band program that focused on the visual aspect of our activity, placing an emphasis on dance, choreography, and routines involving a variety of equipment. During the fall, the guard is a part of the marching band. They attend the football games, marching band competitions, and any trips the band participates in. In the winter, students participate in the winterguard, which is indoors and only consists of guard members. 

How do I join the Colorguard or Winterguard?

The group host auditions in the spring semester, and camps during the summer for the fall. lf you are at all interested in joining, please reach out to Ms. Gibson (hgibson@sealyisd.com) or Mr. T (gtheodoroulis@sealyisd.com). 

Is there a Colorguard class?

Yes! It meets during 8th period at the HS Band Hall. Students receive 0.5 PE credits for the fall semester, and 0.5 fine art credits for the spring semester. 

Is there a Colorguard fee?

There is an annual fee when students join the colorguards. This fee covers the student's uniforms, equipments, supplies, and other more. If you are struggling to pay the colorguard fee, please contact the directors. We want to make sure students are able to participate in colorguard regardless of their financial situation.