FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are all region band auditions?

All Region Band Auditions take place in late November or early December. All students are strongly encouraged to prepare the music and scales for this audition.

Students from across our region participate in these auditions. The audition material consists of scales and two prepared pieces. Students are judged by a panel of three to five judges who sit behind a partition to listen to each student perform their music. This process protects student anonymity and the integrity of the audition process. The top students are selected from these auditions and receive the honor of participating in the All Region Band Clinic and Concert. The All Region Clinic and Concert will be held on a Friday (clinic) and Saturday (more clinic and then concert in the afternoon) in the several weeks following the audition. Selection to the All Region band is one of the highest honors a student can achieve. At Crockett High School, our philosophy emphasizes the improvement each student experiences as a result of participating in the All-Region Band process.

What is a clinic/after school rehearsal?

A clinic is a band rehearsal held outside of normal school hours. Clinics are usually held in conjunction with a band’s preparation to perform in the various contests and festivals it attends during the spring semester. Well-known, highly respected band directors are brought in to work with the band during a clinic rehearsal. This allows students to be exposed to some of the finest directors in the field, thus augmenting the students’ music education. Clinics also afford the band a more extended rehearsal period to supplement instructional class time during the day. Clinics are a very important part of our contest preparation and the musical growth of our students.

What is a concert?

A concert is a non-competitive performance given as part of our curriculum. There is no admission charge; however, supportive donations are always welcome. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend. Concerts are a state-mandated part of our curriculum and attendance is required of all students in the participating groups. UIL eligibility rules do not affect a student’s participation in free concerts! Concert etiquette is also part of our curriculum. For this reason, band members will be expected to be an attentive audience member for all other ensembles performing in the concert.

What is correct concert etiquette for a formal band concert or performance?

Audience manners are based on respect for performers and for others in the audience. By following these guidelines you can set a proper example for our students and will make the concert more enjoyable for all. Thank you for your assistance!

  1. Avoid entering or leaving the venue during a performance. If you find this necessary, move only between pieces. You will notice these points by when the conductor turns towards the audience and bows.
  2. Applause is welcomed, but whistling or cheering is considered inappropriate for a formal concert.
  3. Talking is inappropriate during a performance. Young children who are talking or crying must be escorted from the performance area.
  4. Attention should be directed to the performing group at all times.
  5. All cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices should be turned off. This can be very distracting and ruin a band’s performance and recording.
  6. In true formal concert etiquette, photography is strictly prohibited. In the school setting we understand parents would like to have pictures for their memoirs so we urge you to use the following guidelines. No flash photography during the band’s performance, flashes are distracting to the performing band members and to the audience. If you would like to use flash photography please do so well before or after the performance.

 

What is a contest or festival?

A contest is a competitive performance. All bands participate in several events during the spring semester. The most important of these is the UIL Concert and Sight-reading contest in the Spring.

What is solo and ensemble contest?

All Crockett High School Band students should participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest. All students are required to perform a solo and/or an ensemble piece. The student is judged on a scale of I (Superior), II (Excellent), III (Good), IV (Fair), V (Poor). Students that receive high marks are awarded a medal or ribbon.

What is CHARMS?

Charms music is a secure web-based program that will assist the band directors and booster club in communicating, financing, and organization of the Crockett High School Band program. Please try to keep student and parent/guardian information up-to-date on this program, so you will not miss important emails and announcements. The official band calendar will also be at this site. Our school code is: crocketthsband

Who should I contact if I have a question about ____________?

The chart below should serve to help you in determining which director will have an answer to your question. If you are unsure who to direct your question(s) towards, please email Mr. Sullivan or Mr. Gross.

  • Mr. Sullivan-robert.sullivan@austinisd.org
    • Brass Instrumental Skills
    • Calendar
    • Fees/Money
    • Wind Ensemble Questions
    • Trips/Itineraries
    • Uniforms
    • Volunteers
  • Mr. Gross –jacob.gross@austinisd.org
    • Charms Program
    • Inventory (including Locks/Lockers)
    • Private Lessons
    • Smart Music
    • Solo and Ensemble
    • Woodwind Instrumental Skills
    • Forms
  • Mr. Monroy -r.monroy@rhythmicforce.org
    • Anything Percussion

 

How much should my child be practicing on his/her own? What should he/she be working on?

Following a consistent, daily practice schedule is essential to student progress. Parents: PLEASE encourage your child to adopt a schedule of 30 minutes per day, seven days per week. Past experience has shown us that students who are practicing and making noticeable progress on their instruments are more likely to enjoy band than those who do not practice. Keep the following guidelines in mind when establishing a practice routine:

  1. Practice for results, not just for the sake of “putting in time.”(NO TIMERS PLEASE)
  2. Keep distractions to a minimum: no radio or TV while practicing.
  3. Set up a daily schedule and stick to it.
  4. Since students are assessed based on their preparation and execution of musical material, practice should be regarded as part of your homework.
  5. Always use a metronome AND tap your toe! This greatly enhances your sense of pulse.
  6. Always use a music stand. This helps avoid the formation of bad habits.
  7. Try to follow a daily routine:
    1. Warm-up exercises used in class each day
      1. Fundamentals (such as long tones and scales)
      2. Review material covered in class that day
    2. Practice assigned material
      1. Work ahead in book or music to material not yet covered
      2. Practice private lesson material or other material assigned by the band director
  8. 30 minutes a day will be much more beneficial to the student than trying to catch up by doing longer chunks of time every few days.

 

What supplies/materials are required of my son or daughter in band?

The following items are recommended for ALL Crockett High School Band students. These items are integral to the instruction your child is receiving in class. Without these supplies, your child will have difficulty completing assignments and continuing his/her improvement. Most of these items will be used on a daily basis for home practice and school rehearsals. They are also likely to be used in sectionals and private lessons. If your child has lost these items, you will need to purchase them again. Also, several of these items are new requirements that are purchased by the band through your band fee. Your student owns these items once they are handed out and should keep up with them. If lost, these items will need to be replaced at your cost.

  1. Instrument in good working condition. Some instruments can be made available through the school.
  2. Reed players (oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone) must have 3 playable reeds in their possession at all times.
  3. Brass players must have a BERP on their instrument for all rehearsals and sectionals.
  4. KORG TM-40 with pick-up. This item can be bought from the music store.
  5. Band Binder (1’’ 3-ringed black binder with pockets)
  6. Pencils
  7. Portable Music Stand-This item should stay home and be used for student practice. The music stand will prevent the student from having to contort his/her body to see the music, thus forming bad habits. This item can be purchased from the music store.
  8. Brass Student Accessories – All brass students should have valve oil, cleaning snake, tuning slide grease, and a mouthpiece brush. In addition, trombone students should also have slide cream and a slide sprayer.
  9. Woodwind Student Accessories
    1. Flute players should have a cleaning rod, and handerchief swab
    2. Oboe players should have an oboe swab, reed case, and a reed soaker
    3. Clarinet players should have a silk handkerchief swab, reed guard, and cork grease
    4. Bassoon players should have a bassoon swab, reed case, reed soaker
    5. Saxophone players should have a pad saver, reed guard, and cork grease
  10. Percussion Student Supplies – supply list and information can be obtained by contacting Roberto Monroy, Percussion Instructor: r.monroy@rhythmicforce.org

 

What are sectionals?

Band members are required to attend a 60 minute sectional rehearsal once per week. It is during sectional time that playing tests and initial objective pass-offs are administered. Students will receive more individualized instruction on material covered in band and will be given specific information on how to improve their skills on their specific instrument. Think of band as a class of about 10 different classes – 10 different subjects at once because each instrument is very different – most of class time will be spent learning important ensemble skills and how to play together and be a team. Think of sectional rehearsals like a specialized class for just one subject or a lab for enrichment. Sectional rehearsals are the single most critical factor to the success of the bands, and attendance is very important. Please do not schedule appointments (i.e. orthodontia etc.) during section rehearsal time. The schedule will be posted during the first week of each semester or sooner. This schedule may change to help facilitate athletics and unexpected conflicts.