Green Grass Field

Band Parent's Guide

Band Parent's Guide

2023 - 2024

2023 - 2024

2023-2024 Season

PARENT INFORMATION MEETING

Monday, May 22nd, 6:00 PM

Permian Band Hall

The MOJO Band offers a variety of enriching experiences including music education and incredible performance opportunities. Our band also provides students with important life skills like working together as a team, managing their time effectively, and understanding the value of serving others - whether it's their fellow bandmates, the school, or the wider community.

History

The Permian Band was founded in 1959 by J.R. McEntyre and has since grown to include a marching band, four concert bands, two jazz bands, full orchestra, multiple chamber ensembles, drumline, majorettes, colorguard, and winterguard. The band has earned a national reputation for excellence, with the MOJO Marching Band named a finalist for five consecutive seasons at Bands of America Regional Contests and winning the State Marching Band contest in 1982. The band has also performed for professional teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, LA Rams, and Chicago White Sox.


The Permian Symphonic Band has twice been named "Texas Honor Band" and has performed at prestigious events such as the Texas Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, and Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Most recently, the Symphonic Band was a Featured Performer at the 2019 Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Symphonic Band has earned superior ratings at every contest they have participated in since the opening of Permian High School. In 2021 and 2022, the concert bands brought home four UIL Sweepstakes Awards, despite the pandemic. The Permian Band was awarded The Sudler Flag of Honor, an international award for demonstrating significant high standards of excellence in concert activities.

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SUMMER BAND SCHEDULE

During Summer Band Camp, your child will not only learn the music and marching show, but they'll also have the opportunity to form new friendships and a strong sense of unity with their bandmates. This camaraderie and team spirit are essential for a great band experience, and will provide a strong foundation for your child's musical journey.


You can rest assured that your child is in good hands at Summer Band Camp, and will come away with not just new musical skills, but also a sense of belonging and pride in being a part of such a wonderful organization. So get ready to be amazed by the growth and development of your child as they embark on this incredible musical adventure!

DATE

MORNING

AFTERNOON

July 24 - 28

8:00 - 11:45

1:15 - 4:15

July 29

8:00 - 11:30

no rehearsal

July 31 - Aug 4

8:00 - 11:45

1:15 - 4:15

August 5

8:00 - 11:30

no rehearsal

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SUMMER BAND SUPPLIES

Shoes: Athletic shoes with laces, worn with socks. Please, no oversized shoes, slip-on shoes, boots or flip-flops. These types of shoes are not made to hold up to the marching band activity and will not allow the student to move effectively.


Warm weather clothing: shorts, t-shirt, and sunglasses. The lighter the clothing and the lighter the color, the cooler they are in the sun. All students wear white t-shirts when we practice outside. Indoors students can wear any appropriate t-shirt.


Sunscreen & Hat: Preferably at least SPF 20. While tans are popular, burns are not, and hats will help keep the body cool by blocking the sun.


Water Jug: Students must bring a large water jug (1 liter or larger)


Flip Folder: All woodwinds and brass players must have their own flip folder. The flip folder holds music so the student can see it while standing on the field or in the stands. These items are available at the local music stores.


All Instruments and Equipment: including mouthpiece and reeds, if needed.

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule

When school begins, the marching band rehearses every school day at 7:00 am on the parking lot at Permian. In addition, students will have one sectional after school each week.


Before School

7am - 8:20am

After School

4:20 - 5:40

Monday

Marching Band Rehearsal

Pit Percussion Sectional

Tuesday

Marching Band Rehearsal

Brass Sectional

Wednesday

Marching Band Rehearsal

Woodwind Sectional

Thursday

Marching Band Rehearsal

Battery Percussion Sectional

Friday

Marching Band Rehearsal


RATLIFF Rehearsal Schedule

As we approach competitions, the band will be rehearsing at Ratliff Stadium on certain Monday evenings. During these weeks, no sectionals will be scheduled. At the end of these rehearsals, we invite parents to come and watch the band perform the show. We hope to see you there!


Before School

7am - 8:20am

After School

6pm - 8:40pm

Monday

Marching Band Rehearsal

Ratliff Stadium Rehearsal

Tuesday

(no AM rehearsal)


Wednesday

Marching Band Rehearsal


Thursday

Marching Band Rehearsal


Friday

Marching Band Rehearsal


Football & Stadium Lights

Game Day Schedule

Game Day Schedule

Here is a typical schedule for football games 7 00 AM Rehearsal on Turf Field 8 35 AM School Begins 3 10 PM Students Dismissed for Pep Rally 3 30 PM Pep Rally in the Field House 4 00 PM MOJO Meal dinner 4 30 PM Run Through on the Turf Field 5 15 PM Change into Uniforms Load Buses 6 30 PM Pre Game Show 7 00 PM Kickoff 9 45 PM Game Ends approximate time After the game students will ride school buses back to Permian Students are dismissed after they put away their instruments and check in their uniforms
The band does not travel to out of town games until district games begin This upcoming fall all of our football games will be at Ratliff or Astound Stadium Midland until football playoffs begin in November We will post itineraries for playoff games on the Band App

FALL CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Fall Semester

  • Football Games
    • Friday, Aug 1 - Home
    • Friday, Sep 8 - Home
    • Saturday, Sep 23 - Special Performance
    • Friday, Oct 6 - Permian vs. OHS Game
    • Friday, Oct 13 - Away (Midland)
    • Friday, Oct 20 - Home
    • Friday, Oct 27 - Home
    • Friday, Nov 3 - Away (Midland)
  • Marching Competitions
    • Bands of America West Texas Regional
    • UIL Region, UIL Area, UIL State
  • Christmas Tree Lot (Boosters)
  • Odessa Christmas Parade - Dec. 2
  • Region Band Auditions - December

SPRING CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Find the calendar at www.permianband.org/calendar

Spring Semester

  • All-State Band Auditions (for qualifying students)
  • Region Band Concert
  • Cabaret Concert
  • Winterguard Competitions
  • UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest
  • Auditions for Drum Major, Drumline, Majorettes, Colorguard
  • Leadership Applications
  • Spring Concert
  • Band Banquet (optional)
  • Student Recital (optional)
  • Graduation Performance
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VIEW THE CALENDAR

BAND APP

We use the Band App to communicate important information to students and parents. Be sure you are signed up and have your notifications turned on.


We will post weekly reminders, itineraries, fundraising opportunities and more. This is also a place where you can ask questions. The Band App also syncs with our official band calendar.

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JOIN THE BAND APP

FORMS

There are several required forms for band:

  • Band Handbook Agreement Form (online)
  • ECISD Medical Form (online)
  • ECISD Travel Form (online)
  • Band Fees & Tees Form (online)
  • UIL Medical History or UIL Physical Form (Paper)


We will post links to the forms as soon as they are available.

PhySICALS

Students entering their 9th and 11th grade year of school will need to have a physical by a medical professional and submit both the Medical History Form and the Physical Examination form. For students entering grades 10 and 12 AND who had a physical done prior to the start of their 9th/11th grade year, these students only need to turn in the Medical History Form.

CHARMS

CHARMS is the online accounting system used for all band student fees and fundraisers. The finances section allows you to view what your student owes and what has been paid. Please add CHARMS to your Internet favorites/bookmarks. You can use the web or download the CHARMS app to your phone.


Student accounts need to be created before they can be accessed. Account creation will happen at band registration.

CUTTIME

CHARMS is evolving into a new version called CutTime. Some elements of our program will be run through this software.

STUDENT LEADERSHP

Band provides a wide variety of student leadership opportunities. Marching leadership includes drum majors, section leaders, captains, loading crew, and band council.


Students apply for leadership positions in the spring. Students must have at least 1 year of band experience before signing up.


By taking on leadership roles, students learn valuable skills such as responsibility, decision-making, and teamwork. It also helps them build confidence and prepares them for future leadership roles in their careers and personal lives.

PARENT LEADERSHIP

PARENT LEADERSHIP

BOOSTER OFFICERS

Our parent leaders play a vital role in ensuring the success of the program. They help with logistical support, fundraising, and organizing events. Their involvement not only lightens the load on the band directors but also strengthens the sense of community and support within the program. Moreover, parent leaders provide an excellent opportunity for parents to be more involved in their children's education and musical journey.

Booster President

Spencer McBurney

Vice President

Brett Hazenstab

Secretary

Crystal Sanchez

Treasurer

Kelly McBurney

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Frequently Asked Questions

why DO WE HAVE band fees?

Though the ECISD provides all band programs with some amount of operational funds, these funds are limited and fall short of the needs of a successful competitive band program. Additional funds are needed to purchase equipment, uniforms, and to pay for costs associated with some of the Band Contests and trips that our Band takes. Our booster club works hard behind the scenes to keep these fees reasonable.

DO YOU HAVE FUNDRAISERS OR A PAYMENT PLAN FOR THE BAND FEES?

The band boosters offer both fundraisers and a payment plan for the yearly band fee. Even though fundraisers are not required, many students fundraise more than their entire fee and apply the extra funding to the spring trip or other activites such as the WT Band Camp or to pay for private lessons. Fundraisers are on-going throughout the year. Boosters will post information on the Band App about fundraisers.

CAN MY STUDENT PARTICIPATE IN OTHER ACTIVITES WHILE BEING IN BAND?

As the largest student organization on campus, we have many students involved in other school activities. These include including Athletics, Choir, Orchestra, Theater, National Honors Society, and school clubs. Directors work with Permain coaches and directors to avoid conflicts. Occasionally students will participate in activities outside of Permian HS, and, while this is typically a non-issue, students are not allowed to miss rehearsals or performances for activities outside of Permian, such as club sports.

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will my student be able to keep up with their school work?

Educational research has shown (and parents agree) that the discipline and focus developed in marching band carries over into the classroom and into life in general. Not surprisingly, many Marching Band students are Honors, AP and/or Dual-Credit and receive numerous academic accolades and college scholarships. It is extremely common that there are multiple band students in the Top 10 of their graduating class. Additionally, a very large portion of the National Honor Society students in most schools are band members. Our student leadership team also schedules tutoring sessions to help band members. Also, UIL requires students to be passing their classes in order to participate in marching band, so we work together as a team to be sure that all of our band students are successful.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATES (B-Marchers)?

During Summer Band, students will have to audition for “spots” in the competition show. Students who successfully meet the musical and marching standards of the Permian Band will named an "A" Marcher. Students who do not earn a “spot” in the show are still a part of the band and are given a "B" marcher. They will still learn the show and music and be given opportunities to earn an "A" marcher position. All students must still attend all rehearsals and all performances. All students will perform at every performance and contest.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY STUDENT MISSES A PRACTICE?

Attendance will be checked and documented promptly at the start of every rehearsal. Absences will be excused at the discretion of the directors. Absence due to personal illness requiring medical attention, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances (approved by director) may be considered for excused status. Students who are continually ill may be required to provide a doctor’s note releasing them from participation to ensure the well-being of the child and to reduce concerns of the band directors. If in doubt, an absence should be checked with a director. An absence request form is provided on our band website: www.permianband.org and this form must be completed. Failure to complete a form will automatically make the absence unexcused. In order to have and maintain a high quality band program, attendance from all members is essential. Any unexcused absence will result in a student being moved to a "B" marcher position.

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WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?

The band directors will always have an indoor "rain-plan" in place. Rain or shine, scheduled rehearsals will still take place.

WHAT Is "BAND-TOBER"?

Most marching band competitions are generally held on Saturdays, many of them in October. Often, there is a football game the night before – thus the renaming of October to “Bandtober.” Students will meet in the band hall in the morning at a designated call time, and they will not return to the school until late in the evening. Students must ride the bus to and from the performance venue and stay with the band all day. Students will move through various stages of preparation before taking the field to perform in preliminary competition. There is sometimes quite a bit of time between preliminaries and finals. If the band qualifies for finals, the warm-up process begins again as the band prepares to compete once more. Finally, scores are announced, awards are presented, and then the band boards the bus to return to the school. Parents are encouraged to drive themselves to the competition venues to cheer on the band.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPIRIT SHOW AND COMPETITION SHOW?

The spirit show is both the early and late season half-time performance show. Like our Pre-Game show, it is based on the traditions of Permian High School This show will feature all members of the band. Everyone will have their own drill spots and responsibilities. The Spirit show is constantly rehearsed during the summer camp, and occasionally once the school year starts. After the competitive marching season is done, the band will retire the “contest show,” and go back to playing the spirit show for the remainder of the football season. The competition show is performed for the majority of the football games, and at all marching contests. All eligible students participate in the contest show, but will participate in different ways. Students can earn their own “spot” by competitive audition. Some students will be assigned to share a “spot” and will compete weekly to see who will perform that week.

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HOW DOES MY STUDENT EARN A LETTER JACKET?

Letter jackets are awarded to all senior band members. If a senior already has a jacket, they will receive an additional letter. Students can earn a letter jacket early by advancing to the Area Round of the TMEA audition process before their senior year. Band students will receive audition music for TMEA during summer band. Students are not required to audition. The audition process begins in December and students will compete with students from other area high schools.

WHAT ARE PRIVATE LESSONS?

Private music lessons can help your child improve their skills and technique on their instrument, gain a deeper understanding of music theory, and develop their musicality and expression. With one-on-one instruction from a qualified teacher, your child can receive personalized attention and guidance to help them reach their full potential as a musician. Private lessons can also help students prepare for auditions, performances, and competitions, and can foster a lifelong love of music. Our private lesson teachers are highly qualified and have been vetted by the school district.

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THE BAND UNIFORM?

All students are fitted for a uniform and the uniforms STAY in the uniform room at the band hall. The uniform committee maintains and washes them on regular basis, does all sizing and distribution. The band shirt and black shorts are worn under the marching uniform. This allows modest changing on busses and in the band hall in mixed company. All students must provide their own crew all-black socks and band shoes. At the parent meeting we will explain which shoes to order as we all wear the same marching shoes.

TOP TEN WAYS TO HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

1

Help your student learn time management

Help your high-schooler to learn how to set priorities. Band rehearsals and homework will likely fill their free time. While this may seem daunting - your high-schoolers, as others have before them, will find time to make friends and excel in academics!

2

encourage your student

Encourage, remind and offer assistance, but do not do everything for your child. Taking responsibility is one of the most valuable life skills your child will learn though band. Inform your child ahead of time of the consequences of potential misjudgments and let them handle their schedule and situations.

3

BE PROMPT

It is important to your child’s development of self-discipline and it is important to the entire band program. Quite often, the tardiness of even one student will hold up an entire rehearsal.

4

attend booster meetings

This is the easiest way to stay up-to-date on band activities, learn of schedule changes, and meet other members of your ‘band family’

5

STAY INFORMED

​Read the ​band handbook​, ​Band App posts​ from the band directors and boosters carefully, and sync dates to your calendar. Refer to the band website and CHARMS​ frequently for dates, events, volunteer information, and other useful information.

6

COMMUNICATE

Communicate concerns or conflicts to the band directors so that they can be resolved. The best way to get in touch is through their school email.

7

VOLUNTEER

The band boosters need the involvement of every parent! This is also the best way to get to know other students and band parents. Your high-schooler will be aware of your support – just don’t expect him/her to acknowledge it! ;-)

8

PARTICIPATE

Participate​ in the band’s activities by cheering at competitions and half-time performances. It is hard to perform your best to an absent or silent audience. The band students will perform better with you cheering in the stands!

9

BE FLEXIBLE

In the band world, things can change in a minute!

10

STAY POSITIVE

Find things to compliment or praise. Remember that everything we do and say has an impact on the success of our students and the program. Band is fun!

2022-2023 BAND

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACTIVITIES


MOJO MARCHING BAND

UIL Region Marching Contest - Division 1

***UIL Area A CHAMPIONS***

UIL State marching contest - San Antionio

Bands of America Regional Finalist

Summer Band - Pep Rallies - Pre-Game Shows - Halftime Shows

PLAYOFF GAMES - Bonfire - christmas parade


MOJO CONCERT BANDS

Symphonic Band - Sweepstakes

Concert one - sweepstakes

concert two - sweepstakes

concert three - sweepstakes

The only school in region 6 to earn 4 sweepstakes awards

Cabaret concert - PRE-UIL CONCERT - spring concert

SPRING RECITAL - GRADUATION PERFORMANCE

TMEA All-Region/Area/State

The most students in region 6 to qualify to region

The most students in region 6 to qualify to area

TWO all-state qualifiers: Shaun Price, Cade Woolf


MOJO COLORGUARD

5th place - NTCA Alvarado Competition

2nd place - NTCA Rowlett Competition

1st place - NTCA Seguin Competition

1st place - NTCA Waxahachie Competition

Promotion from Regional A to Scholastic AA

(highest division in PHS Winterguard History)

5th Runner up - NTCA Championships


MOJO MAJORETTES

NBTA REGIONALS VARSITY: 2-1ST PLACE TEAM AWARDS, 2ND PLACE DUET

JV: 1ST PLACE TRIO, 1ST PLACE TEAM AWARD, INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

NBTA STATE VARSITY TWO 1ST PLACE TEAM EVENTS, ONE 1ST PLACE DUET

JV 2ND PLACE TEAM EVENT AND NUMEROUS INDIVIDUAL AWARDS FOR BOTH TEAMS

UIL SOLO & ENSEMBLE TEAM DIVISION 1, FIVE DIVISION 1 SOLOS

CHRISTMAS RECITAL, BONFIRE FIRE BATON ROUTINES, TWIRL EXTRAVAGANZA,

PANTHER PRIDE TWIRL CAMP, CHRISTMAS PARADE