FAQs

2.  What is drill”?  Drill is the marching positions laid out on a grid.

3.  What is Band Camp?  Band Camp is the summer practice that occurs for one week in the spring and two weeks prior to the start of school. Band Camp is mandatory. Students who miss all or part of Band Camp may start the marching season as an alternate.

4.  What should students bring and wear to the Band Camp?  Band Camp is HOT! Students need to bring a container of water (marked with their name), light clothing, suntan lotion and a hat. In addition they will need their instrument, a pencil and notepad.

5.  How does the Show progress and is it different every week?  As the students learn and rehearse the music and drill, the next portion of the Show is added.  The Show is performed in its entirety by the first marching competition (the beginning of October).  There are minor changes made throughout the season.

6.  Does the Band march at every football game?  Yes!

7.  What time do the kids get home after games?  It depends on the location and how long the game takes, but on average we arrive at school by 11:00 pm – 11:30 pm, which is followed by a short meeting with the band directors.

8.  What is Inspection?  This is the time prior to leaving school for an event when the Band and the Directors meet for an inspection and to review plans for the event. Section Leaders inspect each band member to make sure uniform standards are met and everyone has their music.  Emissaries give a motivational speech.  The Directors review the specifics for the event and last minute updates.  Inspections are mandatory and last for about 15-30 minutes.

9.  Who cleans the band uniforms?  Students leave their band uniforms at school. The band boosters uniform committee will arrange to have the uniforms cleaned. The cost of cleaning is included in the band fees paid at band registration.

10. Why so many rehearsals for marching band?  There is so much music and drill to learn, especially for freshmen.  It takes a lot of commitment to be the best and make it to State!

11.  Does my child need to practice outside of band rehearsals and class?  Absolutely!  Practice makes perfect!

12.  Can we come to watch the rehearsals?  Please do!  A lot of parents enjoy meeting at the Saturday rehearsals.  Bring water, an umbrella, sunscreen, etc.

13.  Can we watch the contests?  Yes, the more, the better!  The kids really enjoy having a large cheering crowd of red and black greet them as they enter the field.

14.  How does UIL competition work?  Bands are rated on a scale of “I to V” (one to five) at the Regional competition.  They must make a “I” (one) to advance to Area competition.  Depending on the number of schools in the area, two or more bands may advance to the State Marching Contest. State contests alternate every other year with Class 5A and 3A schools going to State in even numbered years and Class 4A, 2A and 1A schools in odd years.

15.  How do contests work?  Some contests such as Birdville, Duncanville, Bands of America, and the State Marching Contest have preliminary and final rounds of competition.  Usually the top 10 bands in the preliminary round advance to the final.  Other competitions such as Mesquite and UIL Region/Area only have one performance. Each competition provides its own criteria and guidelines for the judges to adjudicate the performing bands.

16.  What is BOA?  Bands of America is a national invitational competition with regional performances throughout the country. CHHS has traditionally competed in the San Antonio Regional. Starting in 2003, the San Antonio BOA became a Super-regional competition with more schools and a higher level of competition than regular BOA competitions. In November, BOA holds a National Competition in Indianapolis.

17.  How long is a competition day?  Starting time is determined by when we perform in preliminary competition.  We usually march in finals and stay for the awards ceremony that may end as late as 10:00 pm.

18.  What should students bring to the football games and competitions?  The kids should only bring what fits in their hatbox.  No valuables please! At football games we provide water before halftime performance and sodas during their 3^rd quarter break.  They are not allowed to eat in uniform.  At competitions, we provide water prior to the performance, and sodas and cookies after the performance.  At most contests, there is time to eat a meal at the stadium or at a local mall (transport on the buses) prior to awards or final performance.  Students need to bring money to buy food.  Itineraries and any special instructions are distributed to the kids a day or two before the event. 

19.  Where do we sit at games and contests?  At football games, sit in the section next to the Band.  At contests, look for other CHHS parents.  They try to congregate close to the 50-yard line in the stadium.

20.  What is the big deal with the pant length on the marching pants?  There are uniform standards for marching competitions.  Pant length is one of the areas where the Band could lose points if the pants are too long causing a break in the crease.

21.  What are the responsibilities of the Chaperones?  There are at least two chaperones assigned per bus to any event along with a Director or Coordinator.  They are responsible for assisting the Directors and Bus Captains (high-ranking Officer) if an emergency arises, such as a disciplinary problem, medical issue, or accident.  Chaperones are assigned duties by the Chairs during the event such as watering, distribution and pick up of shields and plumes, snacks and drinks, and keeping visitors out of the stands during football games.

22.  Who are the Pit Dads, what do they do and why are they “the Pits”?  The Pit “Parents” are responsible for organizing, transporting, and setting up the band equipment for performances throughout the school year.  Pit refers to the stationary percussion instruments that are located in front of the marching band on the field.  This does not necessarily refer to how they smell!

23.  How do I become involved as a CHHS Panther Band Parent?  It starts with asking your child every day questions like “what is new?” – “what did the Directors announce today?” – “how is the Show going?” – “what did you learn today, let me hear!”  There are so many volunteer opportunities for parental involvement from Concessions to Pit Dads to Uniforms to Chaperones.  But the most important one is – please come and watch the Band – they are awesome and they put on a great show, even in the stands!

24.  What is the “Extravaganza”?  This is the Bands largest fundraiser for the school year.  It consists of a dinner and silent auction event held in the CHHS Panther Den (cafeteria).  The Band also presents their first performance of the year in the Gym!