Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child handle marching band and academics?
Yes. Marching season builds not only a great work ethic but great time management skills. Marching band is definitely a time commitment but the rewards and skills learned are many and life long. The average band student will maintain a higher grade point average during marching season than at any other time of the year. It is at the end of marching season when you must be very careful. Students suddenly end up with agreat deal of extra time on their hands and tend not to use it wisely. Seek out a parent of an older band student to gain valuable insight into the management of marching band, academics and time Remember…band students are among the highest academic achievers at McKinney Boyd High School!
Can I do band and athletics?
Yes. The coaching and band staffs work very well together to accommodate students and most school activities. There are a number of band students who are involved in athletic sports like figure skating volleyball, baseball, wrestling, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, softball, bowling, track and cross country. Coordination, communication and flexibility are necessary to make this work. Don’t forget that marching band does fulfill you P.E. credit!
Is marching band physically challenging?
Yes. Marching band is physically challenging and you will sweat. However you need no prior experience to learn. The act of learning to march can be physically awkward in the beginning but becomes a more natural physical activity over time. Remember…every ninth grader will be starting with the same level of experience and knowledge and will have the same reservations that you do.
Does my student have to be in marching band?
Yes. Our curriculum does not include a performing group for non-marchers in the Fall semester. All students will have the opportunity to participate at some level with the exception of some band students whoparticipate with Fall semester sports that directly conflict with the band schedule. We will work with you!
What kind of commitment is my student making for marching band?
In order to march in the fall show (“show” is the term the band uses for the performance at half-time on Friday night), a student must participate in the following:
August band camp held at Boyd High School
Marching band practice during school on Mondays 5:15 PM, Tuesdays 5:15 PM, Thursdays 5:15 PM and Fridays 7:00 AM during marching season.
Students must also be enrolled in band class during school. In addition to performing half-time at the football games, marching band members participate in at least 3 all day competitions each fall. Report times for band events vary and will be announced to the students as the season continues. Log on to www.boydband.com for more information on times and dates as the season progresses!
What kind of commitment am I making?
Boyd HS Band Boosters are ALWAYS in need of volunteers! If you have not registered on our website, please do so right now. The site also has lots of volunteer and contact information. You can contact any board member from our website and send them an e-mail.
How much money does it cost to be in the band?
That depends on the level of participation of your student. Each student is required to purchase band shoes, a band shirt, a flip folder and a few other supplies. There is a fee to cover expenses not paid for by MISD. We are conscientious of your money and keep our costs down as much as possible. You must also purchase or rent a quality instrument to play in the band. Some instruments like the euphonium, tuba, French Horn, oboe, bassoon, percussion and others are rented from the school for $100 per concert instrument and $50 per marching instrument, per year. Many expenses associated with supplies and uniform accessories will be one time purchases.
Can we raise money for fees or band trips?
In order to offset your band fees, we do offer a few fundraisers throughout the year that can be applied to your band trip or fees.
Are students required to attend all events?
Students are required to attend all events on the band calendar that pertain to them. In some instances academic eligibility will not allow students to attend some events. We make every effort to inform parentsabout all band activities. Please make sure to utilize our web site www.boydband.com.
Does my student need to audition to be in band?
Band members only need to sign up for band class on their class selection sheet to be “in”! Students will be placed in one of the 3 bands based on auditions with the high school band directors.
Who will help my freshman student?
Each section has a student section leader to help the section members learn. They will be on hand to work with your student and make them feel welcome. They will also be assigned an upper class mentor.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Start with Mr. Treadwell at ttreadwell@mckinneyisd.net.
So what do we do now?
Watch the practices when you get a chance.
Support your child.
Participate in our fundraisers!
Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Boyd HS Band parent!