Frequently Asked Questions

Can I balance band and academics?

Yes! We have members who are ranked at or near the top of each grade. Our rehearsal schedule leaves multiple afternoons each week to focus on academics. Being a well-rounded, multi-dimensional student is highly valued by college admissions officers. We believe that involvement in band combined with academic success will ultimately help students achieve their future goals.

Can I balance band and athletics?

Yes! We have members who participate in various activities, including football, baseball, volleyball, and wrestling. We can work with your schedule to ensure you can participate fully in both activities!

 What does a band class schedule look like?

Band is a double-blocked class. Most freshmen will take their four core classes, band, a foreign language, and an elective. Band can also count as your PE credit! Click below for a sample course plan that will fit your schedule! Both samples have more credits than are needed for graduation - there is room to accommodate band and any other courses you want, including CTE and dual credit!

4 Year Course Plan for Students

4 Year Course Plan for Band and Athletics

What is the time commitment?

We rehearse a maximum of 8 hours/week outside of school from the beginning of school until the end of October. For the rest of the year (November-May), we rehearse ~1-2 hours each week (sectionals). Most time is focused in the morning so you have afternoons free. We also have one day without rehearsal to focus on family and academics!

Am I good enough?

Yes! After your time in middle school, you are ready for high school band! We offer three ability-based groups to support wherever you are in your growth as a musician!

I don’t know how to march - is that OK?

Yes! We expect our new members to be beginner marchers. Our staff and student leaders will teach you everything you need to know about marching!

What will I get out of being in Band?

  • A great set of friends!

  • Positive self esteem in achieving awards and recognitions

  • Potential college scholarships, leadership opportunities, and things to set you apart on college applications

  • An appreciation of music and development of important life skills that will serve you well after high school

Are there opportunities to be recognized for doing well?

Yes! There are All-Region, Area, All-State, Solo & Ensemble competitions. All-State musicians typically receive large scholarships to college. There are also student leadership positions, such as squad leaders, section leaders, and drum majors. These leadership opportunities look great on a college application!

Is high school Band fun?

YES!! In addition to getting to hang out and play music with your friends, we have social events and a banquet to party together! We also go on a trip every spring (in Texas and outside Texas once every four years)!

FINANCIAL QUESTIONS

Is band expensive?

Band does have equipment and apparel costs. We are proud to offer a first-class experience that is among the most affordable in Frisco. However, we never want finances to be a barrier to our students’ musical growth. We offer financial aid (scholarships) to help defray the cost, and payment plans to ease the burden of paying a lump sum.

What do band fees cover?

  • Uniform fees (items that must be purchased):

    • Marching uniform (practice shirt/shorts/shoes)
      (The marching bib/jacket are provided.)

    • Concert uniform (shirt/tie/cummerbund). (Concert tux/dress are provided.)

    • Water jug/sleeve (required for all students)

  • Meal fees

    • Meals for each game day and meals/snacks for each competition day

  • Band operational fees cover the following areas to support marching season and to help our students excel musically:

    • Props/elements for marching show

    • Clinicians for instrument groups

    • Master class instructors

    • Sheet music

    • Scholarships for fees/private lessons

Marching Season Questions

When is Marching Season?

Marching season begins when students start the school year in Summer Band. Marching season ends after UIL competitions (UIL Region, Area, State) and the Memorial football season end.

What is Summer Band?

It is important for the band to begin practicing as early as possible to be ready for games and competitions in the fall. Students begin practicing in late July. Practices typically run 7:30-4. They start early and move indoors after lunch to limit time outdoors in warmer weather. These practices are mandatory to build a strong foundation to start the year.

What is Bandtober?

Band parents affectionately refer to the crazy month of juggling game nights and competition Saturdays as ‘Bandtober’. It is an intense few weeks of non-stop activity! But it is also a time of fun and camaraderie for students, staff, and parents alike!

What is a marching competition?

In addition to performing our marching show at Memorial football games, Warrior Band participates in competitions on Saturdays in September and October. During competitions, each band is judged based on the quality of their musical performance, marching, percussion, colorguard, and overall visual effect. The bands are ranked within their class (4A, 5A, 6A) based on their scores. The top bands across all classes advance to the final round and perform again to be ranked to determine their final competition placement.

What are UIL Region, UIL Area, and UIL State?

Earlier competitions prepare the band for the UIL 5A Region Marching Competition. At UIL Region, all Class 5A bands in our region (Region 24) perform one time for judging. Bands that achieve a score of 1 advance to UIL Area (usually the following Saturday). UIL Area competition follows the Preliminary/Finals structure, with the top 10 bands advancing to finals. After finals, the top 4 bands advance to UIL State 5A competition.

What is the schedule like on competition days?

Competitions are all-day events. Students typically arrive early morning and return late evening (later, if we advance to finals). The following shows a typical schedule, with advancement to finals (which is always our goal). Meals are provided throughout the day, but the timing will vary based on performance times.

  • Arrive at the school and rehearse

  • Load the trucks

  • Gather uniform, instrument, and meal/snack and load the buses

  • Unload at the competition site and change into uniforms

  • Warm up before preliminaries

  • Perform in the preliminary round

  • Return to designated location between rounds (debrief, meal/snack, watch other performances)

  • Gather in stands for preliminary results

  • Warm up before finals (if advancing)

  • Perform in the final round

  • Load trucks

  • Gather in stands for final results

  • Return home

  • Unload buses and trucks

What is the schedule like on game days?

Games occur on Thursday or Friday, but will follow the same general schedule:

  • Report to band hall after school

  • Eat dinner (provided by Memorial Band Parents Association)

  • Load trucks

  • Dress in uniform

  • Gather instruments and load buses

  • Unload trucks/buses at game site

  • Perform in stands (before and after half-time)

  • Perform at half-time

  • Load trucks/buses

  • Return to school (Director will notify parents via Remind on student pickup time)

Can parents attend games and competitions?

Yes! Parents are STRONGLY encouraged to attend games and competitions! It is important to see the hard work our students put into their performance, and to cheer their efforts! Parents who come as spectators must purchase tickets to events. However, volunteers are ALWAYS needed to support the band! From chaperones to food crew to loading/prop/field crew, there are many roles to help the band succeed! Volunteers typically receive free admission to games, and may receive admission to competitions (varies by competition).