Splendora High School Band 2023-2024 Info

Welcome to the Splendora High School Band Information Page! This is where we will post important calendar dates, information on events, any changes to times or events, and announcements for our program. You will also have access to pertinent forms or volunteer opportunities from this page.

Official Band Communication Channels to stay "In the know"

• Remind - We use the Remind text messaging system to send out important information throughout the week. Text the code "wcbrass23", "wcww23", "wcdrums23", or "shswccg23" to 81010 to sign up!
• The Website - Our boosters are kind enough to host a website containing all band information and calendars. We also post weekly announcements and have a director blog.
• This page - This page is updated live and will have any necessary information you may need.

VOLUNTEERING

HOW DO I VOLUNTEER FOR THE BAND PROGRAM TO SUPPORT MY CHILD?

Current Announcements

1. We NEED help for this season to go smoothly! If you can volunteer at any event, please do so!
2. Students are submitting recording assignments- make sure they are CORRECT before submitting. Have a high standard and hold yourself to it!

List of Fall Marching Band Performances/Contests

• Preview Show- SHS
• Homecoming Bonfire- SHS
• USBands 9/23- Goose Creek ISD
• Galena Park Invitational 9/30- Galena Park ISD
• Lone Star Preview 10/14- The Woodlands
• UIL Region 10/17- The Woodlands
• UIL Area 10/28- Lindale, TX
• UIL State 11/1- San Antonio, TX

REQUIRED FORMS FOR ALL STUDENTS

The link above will take you to an online system called Rank One. The webpage will explain how to create a parent account to fill out the online medical forms. Forms must be filled out in the Rank One system this year and we will not be collecting hard copies of these (except for the Physical Form). Forms include the Physical Form (which you need to print), required medical forms, travel forms, and a band handbook agreement.

MARCHING BAND INFORMATION

STARTER VS ALTERNATE

• Due to the "no pass, no play" rule in Texas, we have to have an alternate group of students in addition to the starter positions to cover any students that become ineligible.
• At times in the season we may have injuries, someone move away, someone quit, etc. So this alternate block is very important.
• Students who make alternate still participate in all rehearsals, games, performances. The only difference is they don't play their instruments at the marching contests only. They are part of an auxiliary group that assists the band with props and other items during the performance.
• Students who make alternate still have the opportunity to get into a starter spot throughout the season through hard work, passing classes, and showing their efforts to improve throughout the season.
• Every student performs at games and all students will have the opportunity to perform at least once at a contest.
• Think of this like any other sport. There are multiple quarterbacks, point guards, goalies, and pitchers on any team and all of them need to be at the game to make it work.
• DO NOT get discouraged. Mr. Meadows was an alternate once and he turned out just fine (we think).

VOLUNTEERING

Please click the link below to go to the SISD approved volunteer system for 2023-2024. You must get approved through this system to volunteer at SHS in any capacity. The process can take up to a week to get approved so please fill out the online form in plenty of time to volunteer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our school colors are Red, White, and Gray - why are they wearing (insert color here)?

• The Wildcat Marching Band competes at the highest level and part of that includes designing a cohesive marching band show. Think of it like a movie/play where the actors wear a costume for their character. We try as hard as we can to include our official colors as often as possible but sometimes the show requires a specific color scheme to make it work. Don't worry, we are still the most School Spirited program on campus!

If rehearsal ends at 6:45pm, why does my kid get to the car so late?

• Students are all required to help bring equipment inside, carry props, put up instruments, etc. That will take a little time to pack everything up and go inside. Some students are also asking questions to leaders or directors. Talk to your student about your expectations for how fast they should move. The band hall closes no later than 30 minutes after each rehearsal.

I thought you were only allowed to rehearse 8 hours per the UIL 8-hour Rule? Why do you have 9 or 10 hours on some weeks?

• First, the 8-hour rule only applies to weekly rehearsals once school begins in most cases, so summer band doesn't apply.
• Second, each organization gets 1 extra hour of rehearsal per each performance of the week. So on Friday we get another hour for the football game, and on Saturdays we get more time for each performance at a competition.

I'm concerned about the heat during the summer and my child being outside so much. What precautions do you take?

• We are overly concerned about the heat as well. We follow all UIL and SISD guidelines for heat related concerns, and we supply extra water and shade time for students.
• Most students get ill because they don't hydrate enough or eat a healthy meal in the morning (no milk or milk products). Educate your child on the best way to take care of their bodies.
• WATER, WATER, H2O!

Is marching band optional?

• No. Marching band is part of the required curriculum in the state of Texas and SISD. All band students receive a PE credit for marching band. Health issues that may impair participation should be communication to Mr. Meadows.

Excused vs. Unexcused absences

• We understand that band takes a lot of time, but please know that we are very strict about our attendance policy. The reason is because we have 100+ students and we rely on everyone being in their drill spot in order to rehearse successfully. We implement a strict attendance policy because of the amount of people and our need to be fair to everyone in the organization. If we allowed everyone to miss for a doctor's check-up, dentist appointment, boy scout meeting, etc, then we would ALWAYS have a ton of students missing.
• Excused absences - Death in family, medical emergency/being sick, close family members wedding, other approved absences by a director.
• Unexcused absences - after school club meeting, dentist appointments, doctor's appointments (this does not include if a kid is sick - just a basic check up), outside of school club meetings, youth groups, driver's tests, etc.
• This doesn't mean that we NEVER approve absences. We are always willing to work with students that need to attend tutorials or other important life events. What we ask is that you communicate in a timely manner and get it approved by Mr. Meadows.
• If a student misses three times for unexcused absences, they will be removed from their primary spot, potentially moved out of an ensemble, or removed from the program.
• All absence related issues should be communicated to Mr. Meadows through the absence request form.