Marching Band & Athletics participation We encourage participation in band and athletics. However, a high level of communication and understanding needs to be achieved by all involved. Below are a few examples of how we handle the dual responsibilities of band and athletics students. Any other situation can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Direct conflict sports (Varsity football and volleyball)
Marching band is considered by UIL to be a Varsity organization, therefore for students wishing to participate in both activities we leave it up to them to choose in the following way.
Varsity Football & Volleyball students are given the option to be exempt from marching band if they feel it would be too much for their schedule to handle.
Those that choose to march in the band will be carefully assigned spots that require less time at marching band since they will miss often for their sport.
Non-direct conflict sports (most all others school sports)
Those students will be expected to participate in marching band. The band staff will have discussions with those students to set a plan of action to share their time fairly and contribute to the band and to the sport at a high level. But please understand that most other sports do not conflict directly with marching band and we will prioritize your time with the band while we are in competition season (Mid September to late October)
Club and non-school sports
Those are not subject to any of our exemptions.
We cannot make exceptions for activities not part of the school.
Non-Negotiables
A percussionist will not be placed on a “battery” spot (snare, tenor, bass drum) if they share time with a sport, but will be able to contribute in other ways by playing in the front ensemble.
A wind player will not be given a solo or feature part in the show if they share time with sports. But they can contribute in other ways by playing a different part in the show.
A Drum Major will not be given any flexibility for sports. As the main student leader for the band program Drum Majors carry many extended duties and expectations that prevent them from sharing time with other activities for the duration of marching band season.
The reasoning for those 3 non-negotiables is we provide various levels of engagement in the program and certain positions require students to focus exclusively on this activity (for the duration of that season) and they can contribute highly in a different position. If we place students in these featured positions we create what I call a no-win scenario, and we always stay away from those anytime we can.
When the unexpected happens, as always, COMMUNICATE with Mr. P. In most cases, a compromise can be reached. We have a very good relationship with our coaching staff.
November through May
After marching season, the band schedule switches to what we call "concert season" and our time requirement after school is dramatically lowered, students are broken up by class and ensembles and each will practice a maximum of twice a week for no more than 4 hours. For this time of the year, we work out compromise with coaches on an individual basis to make sure everyone gets what they need and the student does not have to worry about letting anyone down.
