Band Facts

Q: How many members are in the program? Is there a limit or audition process?

A: 300+. Currently there are 300+ members within the Mighty Bulldog Band program! There is no limit to the number of members and there is no audition process "to be in band", however there is an accountability system to ensure that those who show their due diligence through memorization, attendance, and execution are rewarded accordingly. Everyone plays a vital role to the success of the ensemble.

Q: Does John B. Alexander High School Band have morning rehearsals?

A: Yes. Due to the South Texas climate - in the interest of safety for our musicians and performers - we commit to morning rehearsals throughout the week. However, there is usually 1 evening rehearsal scheduled weekly to have our students acclimate to the performance requirements of their craft. 

Q: If I have never participated in Color Guard/Visual Ensemble, can I join?

A: Yes. No experience is necessary to join our Color Guard/Visual Ensemble. Any "non-instrumentalist" can join our Color Guard program. Instrumentalists wishing to join Color Guard have this opportunity during the Spring semester during Winter Guard, but must fulfill their duties to their instrument during the Fall semester.

Q: Does John B. Alexander High School Band allow students to do multiple organizations?

A: Yes. Members of the program are encouraged to explore other organizations if they are willing to dedicate their time equally to their organizations. We currently have members in Football, Swimming, Softball, Dazzlers, and many other amazing organizations on our campus. 

Q: Does John B. Alexander High School Band have a rehearsal/performance dress code?

A: Yes. In an effort to maximize our rehearsal environment's efficiency, as well as performances, all students are required to be in rehearsal attire dress code daily while at rehearsals. These items are available for purchase at the start of each Summer Band Session and through the months before school begins via our TMF Web Store.

Q: Can I just do Concert Band and not Marching Season or Marching Season and not Concert Season?

A: No. In an effort to ensure the success of all ensembles within the program all members are required to participate for the entirety of the year. 

Q: Does everyone participate in Marching Band?

A: Yes. Every person is given a "role" within the Marching Band production. No individual is just "standing" for the entire duration of our shows with no purpose during our productions. Every person is vital to the success of the ensemble.

Q: How many Concert Bands are at John B. Alexander High School?

A: Three. John B. Alexander High School is home to 3 collegiate level Concert Ensembles. These ensembles are the Honors Wind Ensemble (Varsity), Symphonic Winds (Non-Varsity), and Concert Winds (Sub Non-Varsity). All 3 ensembles perform Grade 5 literature.

Q: Does John B. Alexander High School require specific footwear for events within the program?

A: Yes. John B. Alexander High School Band requires 

• athletic shoes for Marching Season rehearsals

• marching band shoes for Marching Seasons performances

• assigned shoes for Indoor Auxiliary Ensembles (Avant Guard/Percussion Theater)

• dress shoes for Concert Band performances

Q: Does John B. Alexander High School require students to fundraise throughout the year?

A: Yes. John B. Alexander High School Band is home to an amazing Band Parent Association who oversees all of our fundraising efforts throughout the year. This is a standard practice (fundraising) of all successful band programs.

Q: Does John B. Alexander High School have "End of the Year" events?

A: Yes. These events can span from trips to Hawaii, New York, Florida as well as "End of the Year" BANDquette events where the students gather and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year.

Q: Can I do Band and Magnet or Band and Early College?

A: Yes. John B. Alexander High School's Administration are extremely supportive of the Fine Arts. Students are permitted and encouraged to be in both programs! You are able to work towards your college hours AND be a part of the Premiere Program of South Texas - what more else could one ask for?

Q: Can I do Band and Choir?

A: Yes. John B. Alexander High School's Fine Arts programs with cohesively and honor each other's demand for rigor and excellence. Note that students are not allowed to "quit" band for the sake of joining Choir nor vice-versa as both entities demand the same time, dedication, and excellence.

Q: Can I try a new instrument/join Color Guard when I get to High School?

A: Yes. During your 1st semester (Fall) you will remain on your assigned instrument from Middle School to ensure the smoothest of transitions. During the 2nd semester (Spring), after Director review, you are able to experiment with another instrument/join Winter Guard once cleared by your respective Director, while maintaining your current responsibilities.

Q: Do Oboe/Bassoon/Contra Clarinet musicians march during the Fall?

A: Yes. All double reed and contra musicians are provided the opportunity to transition to saxophone or clarinet during the Fall, so that they have the opportunity to participate within the production.