Rockwall-Heath Mighty Hawk Band
Information for High School Band Enrollment 2021
8th Grade Band Students and Parents:
We would like to answer some questions you may have in order to make the process of joining high school band as easy as possible!
How Do I Sign Up for High School Band at RHHS?
Step 1: Fill Out Your Course Selection Form (due February !7th)
Click Here to Access Course Selection Google Form
Forms are Due by Wednesday February 17th
** Please Note that High School Band is a double block class and will take up two elective credits. Students will have two more elective credits to fill.
**High School Band fills your students requirement for PE Credit. Your student will not need to take a PE elective for this graduation requirement.
Step 2: Mark Your Calendar for the Following Important Dates:
Monday, May 3rd 7:00 PM
Incoming 9th Grade Parent Meeting
Zoom Link will Be Sent Out prior to event.
MHB Registration and Supply Day
Appointments will be made via Sign-Up Genius prior to event.
Monday May10th-Friday May 14th:
MHB Auditions @ Cain and Utley Middle School (during band classes)
Students will be provided audition materials in April.
Tuesday June 1st-Friday June 4th:
MHB Kick-Off Camp
9th grade students will officially be new members of the Mighty Hawk Band.
Step 3: Get Ready For High School Band!
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, July 26th and will continue until the 1st Day of school. Please make sure to arrange to be back from any summer vacation activities in time for the start of Summer Band Camp. All members of the Mighty Hawk Band will be required to be in attendance.
Varsity Football Games
You can plan to have performances on at Varsity Games on Friday nights beginning August 27th, and continuing until Mid-November (or later when the Hawks make the play-offs!). There will be some Thursday night games. Full schedule will be released when available.
Competition Dates
The following dates should be reserved for Marching Band competition days:
Saturday, October 2nd: Invitational Marching Contest
Saturday, October 9th: Invitational Marching Contest
Saturday, October 16th: Invitational Marching Contest
Wednesday, October 20th: UIL Region Marching Contest
Saturday, October 30th: UIL Area Marching Contest
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join High School Band and Participate in other Activities?
We have many students who participate in other activities around campus. The key is planning all 4 years of your high school career to fit in all of your graduation requirements while participating in the electives of your choice.
One thing to consider would be waiting to fulfill your foreign language requirements, or taking classes at the Gene Burton Center your Junior or Senior year. This will allow you to have extra room to participate in group extra curricular activities as a 9th grade student. (These credits can always be added later in your high school career!)
What is the difference between High School Band and Middle School Band?
The main difference is the Marching Band experience. Many students find the marching band component to be their favorite part of their band experience! Our students perform at all of the football games, attend multiple marching contests, and get to perform in front of large audiences on an almost weekly basis! More performances means MORE FUN!!!
The extra performances associated with the high school band means extra time spent with the friends you have made in middle school band, as well as the friends you will make when you meet the other students in the Mighty Hawk Band!
What is the rehearsal schedule for High School Band?
During the Fall Marching Band season, students attend after school practice 3 days a week (typically Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) from 4:30-7:00 PM. (This schedule only lasts for August, September, and October.). If you are participating in another school event (i.e. Football) we will make a custom schedule for you that allows you to fulfill your responsibilities for the team as well as participate in marching band.
Our Marching Band schedule is arranged to allow for students to attend tutorial times before and after school, as well as having a day off in the middle of the week to allow them to rest and stay caught up on their school work.
During the Spring Concert Band season, students are typically responsible for one after school rehearsal a week. Days and times are published with advanced notice to allow for students to make transportation arrangements.
How do I know what concert ensemble I will be in when I get to High School?
Members of the Mighty Hawk Band Staff will visit your student at their middle school campus to audition them. Students will be placed in the ensemble where they are most likely to experience successful and positive performance opportunities based on their ability level. Results will be released prior to the end of the school year.
What about Jazz Band???
Jazz I is our competitive Jazz Ensemble. Membership in Jazz I is by audition only, and the class meets 8th period daily. Students must be able to be enrolled in the Jazz I class in order to participate. (Enrollment in Jazz I will require an additional available elective period.)
Jazz II is our non-competitive Jazz Ensemble. This ensemble meets after school, and is open to any student who performs on a Jazz instrument that would like to gain experience in Jazz repertoire. (Auditions are held when necessary for instrumentation.)
Christopher Loyd, Director of Bands
Email: christopher.loyd@rockwallisd.org
Website: www.mightyhawkband.org
Location: 801 Laurence Drive, Heath, TX, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RHHSMightyHawkBand/