Incoming Student Guide

Welcome incoming Freshmen and transfer students to the most amazing band, The Woodlands High School Band!

This is an exciting time and opportunity in your life. Most students do not get the chance to be part of such a great organization. The Woodlands High School Band is top notch in everything they do. You are part of something HUGE!! Welcome Aboard!

I'm sure you're nervous, and I'm sure you have tons of questions. Perhaps we can help you with some of them. We look forward to seeing you for Summer Band!

Summer Band?

Summer Band usually begins around the end of July / 1st week of August. This is where you get to learn techniques for marching and become acquainted with your band. There is usually a day that is dedicated to Freshmen sometime in May. So make sure you check back here at the website or get the information from your current band directors.

A Healthy Band

To prepare for marching season you need to eat right, take your vitamins, and start drinking lots of water. Okay okay, relax, I know we sound like your parents, but its important ! You will be drinking lots of water during rehearsals. Its important to keep your body hydrated. So buy your 1/2 to 1 gallon jug now, and just start drinking water! Eating right will help you have the energy needed for marching band. Fruit, Peanut Butter, Eggs, and good proteins should be a part of your daily nutrition. So for a bit, relax on all that fast food. D3 vitamins will help your body stay healthy. It also helps to keep you healthy from those nasty germs when school gets back into session. Also flu shots might be a good idea. Wash your hands frequently (or use hand sanitizer).

Commitment

Band, as it has been in the past, is a commitment. As all your previous directors have emphasized, you need to maintain good grades, be respectful, and practice. We hear adults say all the time "These band kids are a great bunch of kids". Yes we are, and we want to stay that way!

Learn Time!

No no, we don't mean the time on your watch! We mean learning to walk with time. For years we have sat and played. Now its time to get up and start moving and playing. I know this is frightening for some, but its just teaching your body to move with the groove. Ways to prepare on your own is to take walks with your metronome. Your goal is to step with time at 180. 180?? Yes, 180. Start off slow, then gradually increase the time. You may feel awkward at first, but keep practicing.

Upperclassmen

Upperclassmen are your friends. They are here to show you the ropes. Throughout your 8th grade year you'll meet a few of the band's upperclassman. Always feel free to ask them questions. Everyone in the band works together. You will also be assigned to an upperclassman. You will be known as their fish. They are excited to have you. Don't be scared of them.

9th Grade Campus and Senior Campus

Band will be the 4th block on your schedule. You will be taking a bus from the 9th grade campus to the senior campus for band. Then you'll take the bus home at 2:30 from the senior campus if you do not have after school rehearsal.

Concert Season

Concert Season placement is different than it has been for you during intermediate and junior high. During Marching season you will have several auditions. This will show you and the band directors where you are in placement. If you're in the lower band to start off with, this will allow you the chance to work hard to move up in bands.

BOA

No, not a boa snake or a feather boa. It stands for B.O.A. - Bands of America. Bands of America is a National High School Marching Band Competition in which TWHS Band participates. There are 3 BOA Competitions throughout the year. Regionals in Pearland, then Super Regionals in San Antonio, and Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not every year does TWHS participate in the Grand Nationals, but we do participate in the Regional and Super Regional Championships.

4th of July Parade

Your very first event as part of TWHS Band! The 4th of July Parade. You will need black shorts and your green TWHS Band shirt (the standard casual uniform). Show up with your instrument and walk together in the parade. This isn't marching of any sorts. This is just a fun time to meet some more upperclassman and to have fun. Hope to see you there!

Your Parents

Keep your parents up to date on information. Make sure they are just as familiar with the schedule as you are. Also encourage them to volunteer and enjoy this experience with you. Remember, they may be feeling just as overwhelmed as you.

Rock-a-thon

YES !! Rock-a-thon in high school ! Rock-a-thon in high school is bigger, badder, and longer! We have loved doing Rock-a-thon in the past, but this time the money goes towards us ! No no, not in our wallets to buy that new video game, or pair of shoes, but towards our band fees. Our parents have to shell out a lot of money for us and this is our way to help them. So get your list of people that you're going to hit up for some money.

Don't Stress

Feeling overwhelmed, excited, and nervous is normal. We all feel it. Just follow what the band directors tell you, ask help from the upperclassmen, and work hard. The best time of your life, known as marching band, is about to start.