+ ADVISORY PERIOD

Advisory Period is every day from 12:20-12:50 PM. Students are only allowed in the band hall during advisory for active practicing (in a practice room); scheduled sectionals, rehearsals, or meetings; and private lessons (when applicable). Students are not permitted to hang out in the band hall during Advisory.

+ ALL-REGION BAND AND ORCHESTRA

ALL students are expected to prepare their audition for the TMEA All-Region band in the fall semester. Each student is given a copy of the audition etudes (also available in the Current Members section of the website) and instructions as well as personal coaching from their private lesson teacher (if the student is taking lessons) and master class coach.

Auditions consist of three (3) prepared etudes and will be performed anonymously for five (5) judges late in the fall (typically after Thanksgiving). Each student is rank based on their performance and only the top 25% will make the All-Region Band. Of that 25%, only the top 2 or 3 will make the All-Region Orchestra.

More information can be found by reading "How to ... All-Region Band."

+ All-REGION JAZZ BAND

The process for All-Region Jazz Band is the same as it is for the All-Region Band (listed above), yet will be limited to students who are actively participating in the Liberty HS Jazz Band OR are currently taking private lessons with the intent of auditioning for the All-Region Jazz Band.

+ AREA BAND

As part of the All-Region Band audition process, the top 5% of players will advance to the "Area Round" of the All-State Band audition process. Students will continue to work on their three (3) prepared etudes and will audition early in the spring smester (typically the first weekend of January) against players from 3-4 other regions. The top players at the Area audition will advance to the TMEA All-State Band.

+ ALL-STATE BAND (TMEA)

Band members who advance to the TMEA All-State Band through the Region and Area audition process will travel to San Antonio in February to attend the Texas Music Educators' Association (TMEA) Convention.

Here, they will take place in daily rehearsals (similar to All-Region Band) with other members from around the state culminating in a concert performance on Saturday.

Membership in the Texas All-State Band is one of the most prestigious honors a student can earn in the country.

+ ATTENDANCE

The #1 most important aspect of development as a musician and band member is PRESENCE. Attendance is of the utmost importance in band not only because physical development is a crucial aspect of development, but because each person's role in the band is simbiotic with the other members in the band. Absences make it extremely difficult for everyone and should be avoided at all costs. Think of it like cheerleaders building a human pyramid - if the base is absent, the pyramid becomes imposible.

This includes classtime, too. While conventional wisdom implies not to miss core class time - information missed during core class time can easily be received during Advisory period without sacrificing others' progress.

Exceptions are made for emergencies and ALL absences should be reported in accordance to the Conflict Form that can be found on the website HERE.

+ BAND BLITZ (FUNDRAISER)

Each fall, the main fundraiser held by the band is the BandBlitz. The BandBlitz is a 21st century "telethon" in which students are making contact with family and friends and asking for financial support. In all, 80% of the band's operating budget is derived from money raised during the BandBlitz so participation from ALL members is imperative.

+ BANQUET

At the end of the school year, the band holds its annual awards banquet for ALL members and their families. Information for the banquet can be found on the banquet portion of the website.

+ BLT (BAND LEADERSHIP TEAM)

Each spring, band members are encouraged to participate in auditions to become a member of the Band Leadership Team (BLT). Leadership positions include: Drum Major, Section Leader, Visual Captain, and Executive Team (President, Vice-President, etc.)

More information regarding the audition process and expectatinos can be found by reading through the BLT Audition Application found HERE on the website.

+ BRACES (ORTHODONTIA)

For teenagers, the idea of getting braces is a realistic possibility. The timing of when to get braces for a musician is a critical consideration. Before scheduling any orthodontia, please contact a director to discuss the "best time for dental work" that won't interfere with your child's ability to participate.

+ CALENDAR

The only OFFICIAL band calendar is the one found on the band website. Events are usually added one-year in advance. Please always consult the calendar before scheduling appointment, vacations, or making other plans.
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL BAND CALENDAR

+ CHAPERONING

Chaperones are an essential part of the band program. Without chaperones, we wouldn't be able to do nearly the amount of activities we do. Our Volunteer Coordinator will certainly be requesting everyone's help at some point throughout the year. All volunteers are subject to the district-mandated background check (see Volunteer section for the link).

+ COLOR GUARD

The Liberty Color Guard is the most visual element of the marching band program using flags, rifles, sabres, and dance to bring the marching band show to life like a Broadway musical. More information can be found on the Color Guard area of the website.

+ COLOR GUARD REFERRAL REBATE

For every new guard member (non-band student) that someone refers to color guard, the referring student can receive a $50 rebate on band or guard fees (up to $250). To register correctly, the new student should fill out the audition information form on the color guard website and enter the referring stduent's name in the final field ("How did you hear about Guard?").

+ COMMUNICATIONS

While the plan is to distribute a monthlty newsletter keeping families as informed as possible about upcoming events, please also make sure your contact information is up to date in CutTime so we know you are getting timely informtion. Many parents also join the different Remind groups we have extablished for the students as well as adding each of our social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)

+ CONCERTS

The band performs in numerous concerts throughout the school year: December, February, March (Pre-UIL), UIL Concert and Sighteading, and the Spring Concert as well as other performance opportunities that may present themselves in time. Students are required to be present for the duration of the concert (even when their group isn't performing) and parents are encouraged to attend the entire duration of the concert to support the program as a whole.

+ CONFLICT FORM

Any time a student is absent from an activity (other than normal class), they should first come talk to the directors and then submit the official conflict form. Click here - CONFLICT FORM

+ CORE VALUES

The Band Leadership Team (BLT) of 2012-2013 developed the following six core values of the Liberty High School Band. We continue to aspire toward these ideals in the way we function and operate and continue to teach lessons regarding each of these core values on a regular basis:

Accountability, Attitude, Character, Dedication, Integrity, and Professionalism

+ DOUBLE-BLOCKING

"Double-blocking" refers to a student having band class every school day. Because band is such a physically demanding activity, every day classes are the most advantageous for proper growth and development as a musician. Taking a day off from band is like taking a week off from exercising at the gym - progress will decline rapidly.

Band students who place in the top two bands are expected to double block their band class. Any exceptions to this must be discussed on an individual basis with the director of bands and permission must be given in writing before a student can opt-out of the double-blocked schedule. Freshman should sign up for a single block of band and will be changed to double block if they place in the top two bands.

+ DOUBLE REEDS IN MARCHING BAND

If Oboe and Bassoon players choose NOT to do Color Guard, they will be assigned to Alto Sax (for oboe players) or Tenor Sax (for bassoon players) during marching season (instrument provided by school). Double Reed players will still have Master Classes throughout the fall.

+ "FITCLUB"

Fitclub are fun activity-based get togethers during the summer vacaction that allows for students to begin acclimating to physical activity as well as socially engage and bond with other members of the band program. Fitclub is not required, but is highly encouraged and provides numerous social, emotional, and physical benefits.

+ FITNESSGRAM

Because marching band recieves P.E. credit, members of the marching band must participate in the FitnessGram at the end of the season. The FitnessGram is administered during class and contains a series of simple movement activites such as push-ups, curl-ups, trunk lifts, and a 1-mile run.

+ FLIGHT SCHOOL

Flight School is a freshman and new student orientation that happens in August before school starts. An official schedule of events will be provided from the counselors during the summer. The band typically plays a pseudo pep rally as part of the festivities.

+ FOOTBALL GAMES

How To ... Football Game
HOW TO PARK AND PICK UP AFTER GAMES AND CONTESTS

Tickets for Football Games

+ FULL ORCHESTRA

See Symphony Orchestra below.

+ GRADES

For detailed information on how grades work, please download a copy of the Band Handbook listed below.

+ GROUPME

Each section of the band has a "GroupMe" chat channel for the students to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate. Each GroupMe is monitored by the directors and is used often to dissiminate information to the band in a timely manner using the BLT as a "chain of command."

+ HANDBOOK

The 2022-2023 Band Handbook is in the process of being updated to include the latest information regarding grading, etc.

Band Handbook

+ INSTRUMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Like sporting equipment, instruments are designed for different levels of participation. Beginner instruments are rarely adequate for participation in high school band the same way a middle school football helmet would fail to properly protect a high school player. The instrument recommendation chart below has been designed to help studens know which instrument is their best option for participation at the high school level. Click the link below for more information and then speak with a band director or private lesson teacher for more guidance.

INSTRUMENT RECOMMENDATION CHART

+ ISM

Students participating in the Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) Program at Liberty High School should avoid scheduling mentor visits during any band class period or rehearsals. Students should work with their mentor and their ISM teacher for guidance in navigating the creation of an acceptable schedule.

+ JAZZ BAND

Participation in the Lberty High School Jazz Band is determined by an audition that happens during the fall semester. The number of jazz bands is determined by the number of auditionees and performances are determined by the jazz band director.

+ LETTER JACKETS

LETTER JACKET FORM
LETTER JACKET FORM - COLOR GUARD
Students interested in earning their letter jacket will need to accumulate points in accordance with the letter jacket form. Forms must be filled out and returned to the Director of Bands in the first of April. Letter jacket packets will be distributed to only those students who have their forms verified and ordering will take place in the cafeteria on the last Thursday of April each year.

+ LOCKERS

Instrument lockers and a combination lock will be issued to each student for the duration of their four years in band. Students should keep their lockers neat and clean, free of non-band related materials, and locked at all times to avoid theft. Broken or missing locks will incur a $20 charge at the end of the school year.

+ MARCHING BAND HEALTH

VIDEO: Heat Trauma Care
VIDEO: Protecting Your Skin from the Sun
Thank you to Arden Radford (Class of 2021) for preparing these videos as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Project.

+ MARCHING CONTESTS

How To ... Marching Contest

+ MASTER CLASSES

Each week during the fall (12 weeks beginning after Labor Day), students will have an in-class sectional with a professional on their instrument. The focus will be on the fundamentals of successful playing as well as detailed coaching on All-Region audition materials.

+ MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS

All students are required to have a Medical Release Form on file to particpate in band. This is addition to the UIL Physical Fitness form discussed below.

Medical Release Form

+ MUSICAL

Every other year (even years), the Liberty Fine Arts department combines to present a musical. Typically, the fall musical happens during the first weekend in December and band students are able to audition for positions in the "pit orchestra" (details are usually distributed in October).

+ NEWSLETTERS

Newsletters are scheduled to be distributed to all band families around the 20th of each month. Each issue should have information about upcoming events and acitivites so everyone knows what to expect.

+ NON-GPA OPTION

Students who are worried about their non-weighted band grade having an adverse affect on their GPA can schedule band as an "Non-GPA" class for their junior and senior years. Students should speak to their counselor to decide if this option is right for them.

+ PEP RALLIES

On a few occassions throughout the school year, students participate in school-wide "pep rallies" to support the athletic teams and to acknowledge other actitives happening in school. Students will be given specific instructions about what to wear and what tiem to report to the band hall for a pep rally during the weeks of those pep rallies.

+ PHYSICALS

The U.I.L. has mandated that ALL band students must have an annual physical to participate in band. Both pages of the physical must be completed and turned in no later than April 15th each year. Print a copy of the physical form and take it to your physician.

UIL Physical Exam Form

+ PRE-UIL CONCERT

In the latter part of March, all concert performing groups will present their UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest music for select adjudicators for comments and suggestions. These performances are all free and open to the public and families are encouraged to attend (especially the Sight Reading porition).

+ PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons are one-on-one coaching students receive from professional players on their instrument. While private lessons are not required, they are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED as curriculum and instruction at the high school level is focused considerably more on group playing and less on individual playing. Because of this, private lessons mayb be one of the few ways a student can excel at all of the indivdiual competencies and competitions they will encounter (like All-Region Band and Solo and Ensemble).

Visit the Private Lesson Staff page to contact a private lesson teacher and arrange a lesson time.

+ RECORDING

While parents are certainly welcome to record concerts, we also encourage you to "live in the moment" as we will have a professional recording company record the concerts for us.

At many of the marching contests, however, recording is a violation of certain copyright laws and is prohibited.

+ REGISTRATION DAY

At the onset of each school year, the Redhawk Band Boosters Association, Inc. hosts a Band Registration Day where all band students can turn in their required forms, pay their required fees, choose their contest meals, order any necessary materials, and buy spirit wear items. The registration process is required of all members and must be attended by at least one parent/guardian in addition to the student(s).

+ REMIND TEXT ALERTS

Text the following codes to 81010 to be added to the text alert system:
Marching Band - @libmarband
Wind Ensemble - @libwindens
Symphonic Winds - @libsymwind
Symphonic Band - @libsymband
Concert Band - @libcrtband
Percussion - @lhspercens
Color Guard - @libguard

+ REPAIRS

If an instrument needs repaired, students should first have a band director or private lesson teacher inspect the instrument. Sometimes minor repairs can be made free of charge. In the event the repair is too complex for a director or lesson teacher, the instrument must be delivered to the repair shop (Williamson-Music 1st or Music and Arts) as soon as possible. All repair costs for school-owned instruments wil be charged to the student unless the damage is caused by normal wear-and-tear.

+ SECTIONALS

When marching season is over, students will have a once-per-week sectional (just like in middle school) either before or after school. Sectional times vary based on the ensemble so be sure to consult to calendar for detailed information.

+ SENIOR NIGHT (FALL)

At the last home football game of the season, we use halftime to recognize and celebrate our graduating class of seniors and their families with one more "walk across the field."

Each graduating senior (escorted by their familiy) will be announced and walk down the 50-yard line. Details for Senior Night will be available HERE beginning in October.

Parents and familiy members should plan ahead to attend Senior Night dressed in business attire for the evening.

+ SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP

RBBA Standing Rule Document HERE

+ SINGLE BLOCKING

"Single-blocking" refers to a student having band every other school day. Because band is such a physically demanding activity, every day classes are the most advantageous for proper growth and development as a musician. Taking a day off from band is like taking a week off from exercising at the gym - progress will decline rapidly.

Band students who place in the top two bands are expected to double block their band class. Any exceptions to this must be discussed on an individual basis with the director of bands and permission must be given in writing before a student can opt-out of the double-blocked schedule. Freshman should sign up for a single block of band and will be changed to double block if they place in the top two bands.

+ SOLO & ENSEMBLE

ALL members of the Liberty HS Band are required to participate in the UIL Solo & Ensemble contest help in the spring (typically February). More information can be found on the Solo page, and by reading How to ... Solo and Ensemble.

+ SPRING TRIP

Each year, the Liberty Band takes a spring trip. Information regarding the spring trip is typically distributed in the fall including information about the payment schedule for the trip.

Every FOUR years, high school band programs in FISD are permitted to travel "out-of-state."

+ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Each year, select members of the Wind Ensemble team up with members of the Camerata Orchestra as a full orchestra that competes at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest for Orchestras (typically in late February).

+ TMEA

Texas Music Educators' Association is the professional association that oversees the All-Region/Area/State process for students. If selected to the TMEA All-State Band, students will spend a week in February in San Antonio rehearsing and perfoming in an All-State concert at the end of the week.

+ TRANSPORTATION

Students will be required to travel via school bus as a group to and from all football games and marching contests throughout the season. Exceptions to this shall be considered ONLY during emergencies.

+ TRUNK R TREAT

TRUNK R TREAT SITE

+ UIL

UIL stands for University Scholastic League and is the governing body for ALL things competitive in Texas public schools. Each activity has an abundant Constitution and Contest Rules (C&CR) that describes all aspects of participation in UIL sponsored events such as UIL Marching Band Contest, UIL Solo and Ensemble, and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest.

+ UNIFORMS

There are three (3) uniforms for band members:

SUMMER UNIFORM
Red Band PoloBlack Uniform Shorts (Nike Uniform Pants for colder weather)Black BeltDark Ankle-height SocksAtheltic Shoes

MARCHING UNIFORM
Uniform distributed by the uniform team during summer band. Students will need to own a pair of knee-high black athletic socks to wear with the uniform as well as a pair of black compression shorts. All new students will be issued a black uniform compression shirt to wear under the uniform, but families may wish to buy extra uniform compression shirts for the season.

CONCERT UNIFORM
Tuxedo jackets will be issued, but each boy in band will need to order a pair of tuxedo pants, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, and black cummerbund as well as provide knee-high black socks and black dress shoes.

Ladies will order their uniform black dress through the uniform team during summer band and will need to provide their own flat, closed-toe black dress shoe.

+ VOLUNTEERING

The Liberty HS Band program needs a LOT of volunteers to run efficiently and successfully. If you are a parent, you should go ahead and fill out your criminal background information so it has already been done before your volunteer opportunity.

Once you've completed your background check, you can sign up on Charms. Learn more by reading "How to sign up to volunteer in Charms."