PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 

2025-2026

• About the Elkins Band, Director Contacts, Ways You Can Support the Band
• Important Dates to Remember
• About the Elkins Band Booster Club, Board, Meeting Schedule, Volunteer Background Check
• Booster Club Organization Chart
• Volunteer Opportunities and Guidelines
• Band Parent Handbook 
• Band Terms & Definitions
• Sample Football Game and Contest Schedules 
• Student Tips for Summer Band

About the Elkins High School Band and Guard

Website: elkinsband.org Follow on: Facebook, Instagram

The Elkins High School Band and Guard program is made up of approximately 200 students. 

The band program has two seasons: marching and concert. Marching season starts with May Marching Camp and includes summer camps, football games and competitions in the fall through November. Concert season starts in the fall with the All-State audition process that includes region and area auditions. There is also a winter concert in December. In the spring, there is Solo & Ensemble, Pre-UIL and UIL competitions, and a spring concert.

Our marching band, concert bands, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and color guard have received many prestigious awards due to the dedication and hard work of the students and our directors over the last several decades. These include being named Mark of Excellence ensembles and numerous UIL Sweepstakes Awards, which recognize bands with Superior ratings in performances and sight-reading contests. The band also made it to the Texas UIL State Marching Band Championships, while numerous students have earned spots in All-State bands at TMEA.

The band’s motto is “Excellence is in the Details.” Our commitment is to help your child develop life skills through the art of music, including leadership, discipline, citizenship, and responsibility. Thank you for letting us share in the growth of your child! 

Band Director Contacts

Mr. Chen, Director of Bands

joseph.chen@fortbendisd.gov

Hannah Scott, Assoc. Dir.

Email TBD

Mr. Dial, Assoc. Dir./Percussion

christopher.dial@fortbendisd.gov

Ms. J, Color Guard Instructor

jalissa.facundo@fortbendisd.gov

Ways to Support the Band

Kroger Rewards - https://www.kroger.com/account/communityrewards/ - Search for Elkins Band and Elite Booster Club. Organization number BA516.

Family Sponsorship - Become a family sponsor and get a number of perks throughout the year, including reserved seats at concerts and your name on the travel band banner. More details on the Elkins Booster website.

Corporate sponsorship - Do you own a company or your company supports local schools? Become a corporate sponsor! More details on the Elkins Booster website.

Corporate matches - The Elkins Band Booster Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so when you make a personal donation, your company can match it! Tax EIN: 11-3754323

Important Dates to Remember 

(dates and times may change - always check Google Calendar for updates at elkinsband.org)

How to add the Google Calendar to your calendar

May Marching Camp

May 9 and 10 - Elkins HS

Summer Dates

July 14 - 25 - Percussion Camp, 8 AM - 5 PM  

July 21 - 28 - Color Guard Camp, 8 AM - 5 PM

July 27 - BAND REGISTRATION DAY

Auditorium and Commons

• Pay fees and buy supplies (gloves, shoes, meals, fan shirts).
• Volunteer and family sponsorship sign-up.
• Meet the booster board and other band parents.
• Registration times:
• 12-1 PM Percussion & Guard
• 1-2 PM Leadership & Seniors
• 2-3 PM Juniors & Sophomores
• 3-4:30 PM Freshmen & New Winds

July 28 - Freshman Camp, 7 AM - 6 PM 

July 28 - Band Parent 101: Ask The Board Anything, 7 - 9 PM; Video call link or dial: ‪828-565-2852‬ PIN: ‪415 252 333‬# 

July 29 - Aug. 11 - Full Band Camp 

August 12 - First Day of School

August 16 - Donuts & Coffee and Parent Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m.

After-school Marching Practices 

(most weeks, times are approximate always check Google Calendar for updates) 

Monday: 6 - 8 PM Percussion/Guard 

Tuesday: 6 - 8 PM Brass/Woodwind 

Wednesday: 4 - 6 PM Full Band

Thursday: 4 - 6 PM Full Band 

Football Games: Thursday, Friday, or Saturday - 3 PM - Late (Tailgate meals or bring food from home by 4 PM)

Football Game Schedule

vs. Heights (Home) - Saturday, August 30: Hall Stadium, (map)*

vs. Dawson (Away) - Friday, Sept. 5:

Vs. Hastings (Away) - Thursday, Sept. 11: LeRoy Crump (map)

vs. Ridge Point (Home) - Saturday, Sept. 20: Hall Stadium, (map)*

vs. Austin (Away) - Friday, Sept. 26: Mercer Stadium, (map)**

vs. Travis (Away) - Thursday, Oct. 2: Mercer Stadium, (map)**

vs. Bush (Home) - Friday, Oct. 10: Mercer Stadium, (map)**

vs. Dulles (Away) - Thursday, Oct. 23: Hall Stadium, (map)*

vs. Clements (Homecoming) - Thursday, Oct. 30: Hall Stadium, (map)*

vs. Hightower (Away) - Senior Night - Thursday, Nov. 6: Hall Stadium, (map)*

*Hall - Home side enter on Hurricane Lane, Away side enter on Trammel Fresno.

**Mercer - Home side enter on Austin Parkway, Away side enter on Lexington Blvd..

Marching Contests 

(Most Saturdays, tickets are required for entry)

September 30: Pre-UIL/FBISD Band Night, Hall Stadium, (map)

October 4: BOA South Houston, Freedom Field, (map)

October 11: Channelview Marching Contest and UIL Region Marching Contest, Hall Stadium (map)

October 25: UIL Area, Freedom Field, (map)

November 3-4: UIL State, San Antonio, (map)

About the Elkins Band Booster Club 

Mailing address: 6140 Highway 6 #94, Missouri City, TX 77459 

The Elkins Band Booster Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, includes volunteers who serve as officers and chairpersons for activities, functions, and fundraisers in support of the band and guard. Parents who pay band fees are voting members of the booster club.

Each year, the booster club provides THOUSANDS of volunteer hours and more than $200,000 in direct financial support to make nearly everything the band does possible. We pay clinicians, purchase uniforms, show music, instruments, props, and sets. We provide food for students during camps, events, game days, and competitions. For overnight trips, organize housing for students. Booster club members work with students to maintain and clean uniforms, we serve as chaperones, we prepare and serve food, we build, we maintain, we transport, and we help place on the field props and sets, move instruments, organize and operate the band store, organize and arrange photographs of band students, and "get done" whatever the band staff needs.

The booster club is a vital part of the success of the Knights Band and an excellent opportunity for you to be involved in your child’s high school experience. Even if you don’t think so, your child enjoys having your support at games, competitions, and concerts.

Each week, especially in the fall, it takes between 50 and 60 parents to make our program go. Therefore, we need as many parent volunteers as we can get! We encourage you to take positions that align with their talents. interests, and skills. If you’re interested in serving on the board or volunteering for a specific position, please contact us! We look forward to having you as a Band Booster Volunteer!

2025-2026 EXECUTIVE BOARD AND OFFICERS

President – Christine Hall (Pate) - president@elkinsband.org

Vice-President – Lyra Gulfo - vicepresident@elkinsband.org

Secretary – Zia Anklesaria- secretary@elkinsband.org

Treasurers – Daphne Davis (Accounts Receivable) - treasurer2@elkinsband.org 

and Rachel Zetino (Accounts Payable) - treasurer@elkinsband.org

Guard Liaison – Natalie Nichols - colorguard@elkinsband.org

Percussion Liaison – Polly Nirvath. Paula Parikh and L. Michael Scott - percussion@elkinsband.org

BOOSTER CLUB MEETING SCHEDULE

The executive board, officers, and committee chairs meet monthly. These meetings take place in the evenings in the band hall and are usually 2 hours.

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

Volunteer Background Check - renews each year on July 1

All volunteers must have a current FBISD background check on file with the district. All volunteers are required to do this through the district’s Taleo program. Please click here to update your background check for this school year.

This process is not intuitive - click here for a walkthrough that will help if this is your first time. It’s much easier the second year you complete the Taleo form. 

When you receive approval to volunteer, forward that email to the booster club’s vice president at vicepresident@elkinsband.org. You will not be able to volunteer until we receive proof that you are cleared.

Volunteer Opportunities

Below is a summary of the primary responsibilities of each committee. This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, as other functions may be necessary throughout the year.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES - Evenings or Saturdays during rehearsals - usually about 2 hours in the evenings and 4 hours on Saturdays. Starts in May, June, or July.

• Prop Engineering/Construction – build and maintain props.
• Carpenter/Engineer/Mechanics – fix props and electronics, repair instruments.
• Uniforms – iron uniforms, measure students, and fit them for uniforms.
• Summer events – assist at band registration, band camp, and Summer Knights.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS - Committee chairs attend monthly meetings to update on committee activities. All of these chair positions can be more than one person or even a couple.

Work-from-home opportunities:

• Sponsorship – Contact local businesses and work with parents to sponsor the band. (Starts in the Spring. 1-2 hours per week) For all funds raised in this manner, the committee shall be responsible for properly documenting and submitting funds to the Treasurer (Accounts Receivable) with receipts.
• Events – Plan and manage events throughout the year, including Summer Knights, Senior Night, band camp activities, and band banquet/silent auction. (3-4 hours for each event)
• Spirit Nights – Source vendors, organize, and communicate restaurant and retail Spirit Nights, grocery store, and shopping rewards. (1 hour per event throughout the year)
• Spirit Wear – Work with the merchandise company to order fan shirts or other spirit wear as needed. (Most of the work is in the summer/early fall - 1 hour per week)
• Spring Trip Planning – Organize and manage the Spring Trip. (Would start in the fall, about 1-2 hours per week while planning, more as the trip gets closer)
• Meal Distribution (formerly Tailgate) – Source food vendors, order, and distribute meals given to students prior to football games during marching season. May also coordinate meals for contests and other events as directed. Most games will require food pick-up around 3 p.m. (1-2 hours per week) 
• Webmaster – maintain the band website. (1 hour per week)

More hands-on opportunities:

• Uniforms – Work with student helpers to make sure uniforms are returned by students after games and concerts. Coordinate uniform measuring throughout the year. (1 hour per week)
• Guard Liaison – Color guard parent(s) to work with Ms. J on needs for the group and communicate information at/​from booster meetings. (1-2 hours per week)
• Percussion Liaison – Drumline or Front Ensemble parent(s) to work with Mr. Dial on needs for the group and communicate information at/​from booster meetings. (1-2 hours per week)
• Section Liaison - Work with parents in your student's instrument section. 
• Trailer and Props - Organize and manage the building of the marching props. Assist the students using the props during games and competitions. (1-2 hours per week, mostly summer)
• Historian/Photographer – Take and organize photos of all the action throughout the year. (1-2+ hours per game/competitions).

FALL OPPORTUNITIES – August through November - this is where we regularly need 50-60 volunteers, working in various capacities, at each football game and competition. Games are usually 3 hours, however, you don't have to go to the game - you can come just for half-time to help and see your student perform. Competitions are typically all day.

• Pre-game - fill coolers, fill snack bags, move coolers outside to trailers. (3 p.m. on game days, early on competition days. Takes about 30 minutes)
• Transportation Crew – Drive a truck/​​small trailer or a box truck with instruments and props. We are looking for a group of people to trade off with driving for each event. (Hours vary depending on event)
• Field & Stadium Help - Assist with moving props and percussion equipment or pick up flip folders during half-time of games and at competitions. (This is where we need the most help – 40-50 people)
• Roadie Crew – Assist with loading and unloading of equipment at games and competitions. (The students do most of the work, but we are there for back-up.)
• Hand out meals before football games and competitions - For a typical game, students eat around 4 p.m. For competition days, there is usually a combination of breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Bus chaperone for games/​​competitions - Two chaperones per bus. (6-7 hours each game)
• Game chaperone - Escort students to and from the bathroom, fill water jugs, hand out waters, etc.
• Half-time announcer – Read band announcements during each football game. (1 hour per game)
• Traffic monitors – Direct traffic for parents picking up students after football games. You get to wear a fun vest and carry a flashlight! (2 hours per game)

SPRING VOLUNTEER NEEDS - December through May - we help with Region band activities, including providing food during those events, concerts, middle school activities, uniform measuring, Spring Trip, May Marching Camp, and plan the year-end banquet. Time commitment: 1 hour week.

• Band Banquet Committee – help with planning, decorations, section basket items; day-of help, including decorating, and handing out tickets and wristbands. (Most of your time will be day-of banquet - 2-3 hours for setting up and 1-2 hours for taking down)
• Spring Trip Chaperone – Chaperone students going on the spring trip. The number of chaperones needed depends on the number of students going. 
• Hand out meals at various events - For example, Region Band clinic and middle school night. 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Audit Committee - a three-person team that audits the financial transactions made during the fiscal year. 
• Bylaws Committee - a three-person team that reviews the bylaws for any changes and then presents possible revisions and amendments for the board and general body to approve.
• Finance Committee - work with treasurers to make recommendations to the Board concerning financial matters.
• Nominating Committee - work with the board and band director to find suitable candidates for board positions each year.

Volunteer Guidelines

All volunteers must follow Fort Bend Independent School District guidelines set forth regarding volunteers in public schools. This includes:

Criminal history background check: Completing a Criminal history background check before volunteering. Criminal history forms are valid for one year. All volunteers need to submit their approval email (even FBISD employees) to the booster board.

Completing volunteer form: Completion of a Booster Club designated volunteer form that expresses the different areas where volunteers are needed.

• Sign in: Volunteers must sign up on the designated sheet (for example, BoosterHub) for any event for which they want to volunteer.
• Badge: Wear the identification badge/sticker provided by the booster board at all times.
• Respect for authority: Treat all students, participants, staff, and fellow volunteers with respect and kindness. Address any concerns or suggestions in a respectful manner. Respect the authority of school staff and administration. It is the discretion of the band staff and booster board to remove a volunteer from duty at any time.
• Impartiality: Do not favor one side or party over another. 
• Professionalism: Volunteers should interact with students in a professional manner. Encourage positive interactions and set a good example for the students. Any and all student matters or discipline issues that arise with students shall be brought to the Band Director’s attention and appropriate consequences will be followed according to the Student Code of Conduct that is outlined yearly in the Student Handbook issued by Fort Bend Independent School District and as determined by the Band Director and school administrators.
• Timeliness: Be responsible for your scheduled times and notify the booster board if you are unable to attend.
• Process: Parent volunteers let students take the lead. Volunteers should not help load or unload percussion or other equipment unless specifically asked.
• Safety: Prioritize the safety and well-being of all children. Follow established safety protocols and report any concerns to program staff immediately.

Band Parent Handbook 

The first priority for every band parent is to attend band and guard events to recognize your child’s effort, provide unwavering support, and encourage them to succeed.  

The second is to get involved and volunteer time to our band program. We are blessed to have some of the best directors and support staff. However, it’s difficult to run a world-class band program without volunteer and financial support from parents. 

Helpful Hints to Save You Time, Gas, and Grief: 

• Put your student in charge of being prepared. The first time they forget something will be the last! They learn to be resourceful when they have to be. 
• Keep a bag of supplies in the car or by the door for last-minute needs. Include extra black socks, dri-fit shirts, gloves, Band-aids, safety pins, etc. 
• At the end of each practice session there are announcements. You can listen to them too! 
• You and your child will receive weekly updates via the Band App, including schedule, what to bring, and information on upcoming events/contests. 

BOOSTERHUB - Make Payments, Purchase Supplies, and Stay Involved: 

We are now using BoosterHub as our organizational system. Parents will be able to make any purchases for their student. They will also be able to see what purchases and payments they have made, as well as any outstanding payments and where you have volunteered. In addition, BoosterHub enables the booster club to offer online payment plans. 

Access the band’s BoosterHub account here: https://elkinsband.boosterhub.com/home/10320

We also communicate to students and parents on the Band App. Join the various Band App pages:

Download Band App - for OS and Android

• EHS Band and Guard 2025-2026 - directors and all parents and students join this.
• 2025-26 Parent Volunteers - for parent volunteers.
• Percussion - for percussion parents.
• Guard - for color guard parents.

“What does that mean?”:

• “Band practice is at 4 PM” - if you’re early, you’re on time, if you’re on time, you’re late. When you drop your child off at 3:30, there will be students already there, ready to play. At this point, the anxiety level for being late dramatically increases. Always allow extra time because tardiness is not accepted. 
• Where is your pencil? - Students should always have a pencil with them. 
• Practice field - The student parking lot. It’s marked with yard lines, tics and hashes. 
• Front Ensemble - The Front Ensemble are the students playing percussion instruments who don’t march and are situated at the front of the field during marching performances. We regularly need Front Ensemble and Drumline parents to help set up and take down the front ensemble in record time before and after a performance. 
• Marching Uniforms - All students are fitted for a uniform and the uniforms STAY in the uniform room in the band hall. The student uniform captain makes sure each uniform is returned after games and performances. Parents will have several opportunities throughout the marching season to wash uniforms, and instructions on how to do that will be sent home. The Booster Club helps with sizing and distribution. The fitted shirt that has the show theme is worn over the bibber. The show shirt or dri-fit is worn under the bibber. All students must provide their own long black socks, black marching gloves, and black marching shoes. 
• Dri-fit shirt (blue with band logo) and black shorts are worn initially as the marching uniform during the hot summer. 
• Uniform Show Shirt - Shirt worn with the marching uniform. 
• Concert Uniform - Tuxedos will be issued to boys and dresses to the girls for all students in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Bands. The Jazz Band will add a different color tie and other decor. Students that make Region Band/Orchestra or All-State will wear the concert uniform. These will be worn for concert competitions in the Spring. Boys should have black socks, black tie, and black shoes. Girls should have black shoes.

Question: Why doesn’t everyone get to march?

Unfortunately, there are only so many primary marching positions available in a particular designed show. Students without a marching spot do participate in the show, moving props on and off the field and helping with equipment.  

Cheering, Screaming and Other Fun Stuff … 

An important job of the booster club is to make certain our parents and friends are familiar with some simple rules of etiquette for games, contests, and concerts. 

For safety reasons, parents who aren’t chaperones are not allowed to go into the student block at football games. This is a district mandate that the band follows. One of the board members would be happy to take a photo of your child, just ask!

Marching Events and Games 

• Wear your fan shirt so our kids can see you!
• Remember to applaud and recognize the hard work and skill of all bands. Don’t be afraid to stand up when a band deserves it, even when it’s not our kids. Please treat others in the same manner you would like your children to be treated when they perform away from home. When traveling to another school, remember that we are guests who want to be invited back. 
• During marching competitions, get to your seats early. When a band is on the field performing, please wait until the band is leaving the field before entering or exiting the stands. It is very distracting when people are wandering in and out. Also, remember that other parents may be photographing or videotaping their children. Please be considerate. 
• Cheer, clap, yell and wave signs BEFORE and AFTER your favorite band performs. Then sit down and enjoy the show once the music begins. Always stand and applaud your band when their program is done. It means so much to our students to know that we’re there to support them and that we’re proud of them, win or lose. 
• Clapping and cheering for the entire band during the show/after they do something well is great. Please wait for the soloists to finish to cheer for them.  
• Please dispose of your trash in marked waste containers as you leave the facility. It’s a small gesture that demonstrates your respect for schools and their facilities. It also sets a good example for our young people.

Video of Halftime or Contest Performances 

• Parents who video tape the band’s performances may NOT post those videos on social media. The band does not have copyright permission to post or distribute video recordings of any performance material, and any posting could cost the band up to a $150,000 fine. Thank you in advance for helping keep our program in compliance with the law. 

Student Pick-up After Football Games/Contests 

• Please park in the student lot away from the Band Hall. There will be parents directing traffic to the areas. We have specific parking areas because the semi-truck and other trucks/equipment will need access to the Band Hall to park and unload. Buses also need room to park and unload students.
• Do not park in areas other than those designated by the parent volunteers.
• If you see parents unloading, see what help you can provide. We usually need help unloading wagons and coolers. Also emptying coolers and returning them to the ice machine room.
• Students on loading crew and percussion will often take an extra 1-2 hours after games and competitions to put away equipment. This will give you time to help unload wagons and coolers!

Meals for Games and Contests 

• Parents can purchase meals for football game days and long rehearsal days.
• Meals are purchased during Registration. You can choose to purchase all days or a combination of days.
• If you choose not to order tailgate meals, your child will need to bring a meal with them to school that day that does not need to be heated or refrigerated. 
• All students are provided meals on contest days. Sometimes this is just breakfast or just lunch. Sometimes it is breakfast and lunch. And dinner.
• Please note any dietary needs on the registration sheet. 

Stage Concerts and Contests 

• Barking, whistling, hooting, and foot stamping are part of the fun at football games or marching competitions, but concerts and stage competitions are more formal. 
• Silence your phones and don’t talk during the performance. Performances are often recorded for evaluation and sometimes submitted to contest organizers. The microphones used are very sensitive and easily pick up voices and other background sounds, like shifting in seats.
• Wait until the end of the piece before leaving your seat or entering the auditorium and getting a seat. 
• Do not allow doors to slam during a performance.
• Watch the conductor closely. When a selection is finished, hold your applause until they step down from the platform. Some musical selections have several parts separated by a pause to allow the musicians to arrange their music or change instruments. Hold your applause until all of the parts of a selection are complete and the conductor steps down. 
• Applause and/or standing ovations at the end of a performance are appropriate. 
• If you want to record the concert, set up in the rear of the auditorium. No one behind you wants to watch the performance through your held up phone or camera.
• Please refrain from using electronic flash photography while a band is performing. Some auditoriums have restrictions on photography. Please honor their rules and always be considerate. 

School-Owned Instruments 

FBISD supplies the very large or expensive instruments during marching and concert seasons, such as Sousaphone/tuba, baritones/euphoniums, percussion, oboe, bassoon, French horn, etc. There is an annual $80 fee that is paid to the school district, not the Booster Club.

Terms & Definitions 

• All-Region and All-State Band - Elite bands made of players from many schools selected by audition. These auditions begin in November. 
• Band App - the app the band and booster club uses to communicate with parents and students. You must join the band’s groups to get the communications.
• Band Banquet - End-of-school year event for band members and their families. 
• Band Fee - The band fee covers the fees for contests, marching show designers, sectional teachers and other band expenses. Freshmen will have additional fees for required items such as marching shoes and gloves. 
• Band Hall - Center of band activities in a school, also, your child’s second home. 
• Band Time - Arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time so rehearsals can start on time. 
• Band Booster Club - 1. All the band parents as a group, who help with the band program. 2. Your primary activity during marching and concert seasons. 
• Booster Club update - The Booster Club posts a weekly update in the Band App to communicate what is going on during the week. It is a compliment to the band director’s weekly communication.
• Color Guard - Students who spin flags, rifles, sabers and dance with the marching show and are usually outfitted in a special “show theme” costume. A very important part of the Marching Show. They provide “color” to the overall effect of the show by closely choreographed interpretative dance routines that match the drill design. 
• Concert Season - Roughly December through May, the band parents’ busiest time of year. 
• Concert Uniforms - Tuxedos for the boys and dress for the girls. Owned by the school. 
• Contest or Concerts - Competitions among concert bands playing music before a panel of judges.
• Contest, Marching - 1. Competitions among marching bands before a panel of judges, 2. The focus of life in the fall. 
• Drum Line - Marching percussion. Snare, tenor, bass drums and cymbals.
• Drum Majors - Conduct the marching band providing appropriate beat at exactly the right time. Any band member can try out to be a drum major at the end of the school year. 
• Eligibility - The condition of being able, under state rules, to participate in a band activity. Fear of this may inspire band members to study. 
• Email - The best way to contact the Band Directors or Booster board. 
• Fall - Marching Season. 
• Fan shirt - The T-shirt all of the parents and supporters wear. It has the theme of the show on the front, and you can get the back customized with your child’s name and their instrument(s).
• Finals Competition - The top 10 to 12 bands perform again to determine the Grand Champion.
• Football - A game played on a marching field to entertain the audience before the band performs. :) 
• Lyre - Device that is supposed to hold flip-folder on instrument while playing in the stands.
• Loading Crew - Organized group of students who load/unload the semi-truck and trailers. 
• Marching Practice - Band member’s principal activity from July through November. 
• Marching Season - Roughly July through November. 
• Payments - All payments are made to the Elkins Band Booster Club except the $80 instrument usage fee. Checks/money orders should be made out to the Elkins Band Booster Club and include the parent's phone number and student’s name. We accept payment by cash, credit card, and Zelle via elkinsbandzelle@gmail.com. Credit card processing fees are the responsibility of the payer. If students are submitting money in person, please make sure to put cash, check, or money order in an envelope labeled with your child’s name and what it’s for, and give to the directors.
• Pit Instruments and Equipment - Also called Front Ensemble. Large non-marchable instruments and equipment moved onto marching field sidelines by students and band parents. 
• Plume - The feather stick that goes in the shako hat. Must only be held while wearing gloves.
• Props - Large visuals used during marching season, moved by students and parents to enhance the visual effect of the show.
• The Rock - The giant rock formation prop.
• Section - A group of like instruments. 
• Shako Box - Carrying case for marching uniform hat that is often left behind in the band hall at the beginning of band trip or on band buses at end of band trip and sometimes in the stands. 
• Soloist - Band members who play by themselves in a performance. 
• Shoes, Marching - Shoes worn with marching band uniforms and suitable for no other purpose.
• Show, Marching - The music and choreography performed by a marching band and auxiliaries. 
• Show Shirts - Shirts designed to reflect the “theme” of the marching show. To be worn by students. 
• Sight-Reading - Playing music that one has never ever seen before.
• Socks, Band - Article of clothing for the feet (black in color) frequently forgotten by band members. 
• Spring - Concert Season. 
• Spring Trip - Mass transport of the band for the purpose of competing in concert competitions at a location so remote from the band hall that they must stay overnight at a hotel. 
• Tailgate fee - A meal fee that covers meals and water for football game days.
• UIL - University Interscholastic League - UIL rules govern Texas intrastate competitions in marching band and concerts. UIL requirements also govern athletic and scholastic competitions in the state. The Elkins Band competes in UIL Region 13 and Area E for marching band.
• Website, Band - elkinsband.org
• Winter Guard - The group of color guard members that compete in the Spring.

Sample Football Game and Contest Schedules

VERY IMPORTANT -- What to bring to school in the morning: 

• Flip folder (with all music) 
• Lyre
• Instrument and mouthpiece 
• Water jug - Filled with ice and water before coming to school. Water and ice are provided for students while at games and competitions.
• Uniform Show Shirt or other designated shirt
• Form-fitting shorts
• Long black socks 
• Marching shoes

SAMPLE FOOTBALL GAME SCHEDULE 

• 3:00 PM - Rehearsal
• 4:00 - Eat/Load/Dress
• 5:00 - Inspection Block
• 5:15 - Depart
• 5:45 - Arrive at stadium (Home or Away side)
• 7:00 - Game begins
• 10:00 - Game ends
• 10:20 - Depart from stadium
• 10:40 - Arrive at Elkins - unload percussion instruments and equipment, put uniforms away

SAMPLE CONTEST SCHEDULE 

• 9:30 AM - Rehearsal
• 10:30 - Eat/Load/Dress
• 11:30 - Inspection Block
• 11:45 - Depart
• 12:30 PM - Arrive and Unload
• 1:30 - Warm Up
• 2:15 - Perform
• 3:00 - Change/Watch Other Bands
• 5:30 - Prelims Awards – Drum Major Retreat

If we advance to Finals:

• TBD - Finals Warm-Up & Performance (between 6:15 and 8:30)
• 9:00 - Finals Awards - Full Band Retreat
• 10:00 - Depart from Freedom Field
• 11:00 - Arrive at Elkins - unload percussion instruments and equipment, put uniforms away

If we do not advance to Finals:

• 6:00 - Load buses
• 6:15 - Depart from Freedom Field
• 7:15 - Arrive at Elkins - unload percussion instruments and equipment, put uniforms away

Summer Band Tips

Here are some things that you need to consider for your comfort and for your safety:

Sun Protection: 

• Sunscreen is highly recommended. 
• Lip balm with SPF protection is also highly recommended. 

Apparel:

• Students should wear shorts. Non-cotton shorts are the most comfortable in the heat. Athletic shorts work extremely well for marching band. 
• Students should wear short-sleeved T-shirts that are lighter in color and light-weight. 
• Tennis shoes are required for the marching band activity, as we will be spending a lot of time on our feet! Cross trainer/running-type shoes with good arch and heel support are best.
• Sunglasses and a hat are strongly encouraged. 

Nutrition: 

• Students are required to bring water to every marching rehearsal. That’s why we give them water jugs. This jug will be used for rehearsals and performances so we look uniformed. Students should fill up their jugs with water and ice at home prior to coming to rehearsal. Remind your student to bring their water jugs home everyday to get washed.
• Liquids other than water are prohibited. 
• Students should keep in mind, when making food choices, that they will be spending up to 3-4 hours outside during rehearsals. Milk and dairy products don’t tend to sit well on stomachs in the heat. 
• Breakfasts that are high in protein, like peanut butter toast or eggs, are great. 
• Sodas and some other sugary drinks are diuretics and tend to dehydrate. While it’s okay for students to drink sodas, it’s best to supplement with water on more occasions during the fall season. The more hydrated you are while indoors, the better you will fare outdoors. 
• Chips and a Coke are not an ideal lunch to get ready for afternoon rehearsals. Students should eat a good solid lunch for sustained energy during afternoon rehearsals. 

Safety and the health of our students is the top priority to the band staff: 

• Your student will get short water breaks when it’s hot. 
• It’s very important for your students to hydrate every water break.
• If your student does not feel well, they need to tell a director.