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McKinney Boyd HS Band
McKinney, Texas
| McKINNEY BOYD BAND AUDITIONS |
| Join the McKinney Boyd High School Band |
Frequently Asked Questions about high school band.....
1. 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 a
great 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!
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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 who
participate with Fall semester sports that directly conflict with the band schedule. We will work with you!
5. 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:
6. 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.
7. 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 nominal band 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 $75 per year ($100 for
two). Many expenses associated with supplies and uniform accessories will be one time purchases.
8. Can we raise money for fees or band trips?
In order to offset your band fees, we do offer a few fund-raisers throughout the year that can be applied to
your band trip or fees.
9. 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 parents
about all band activities. Please make sure to utilize our web site www.boydband.org
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Who should I contact if I have questions?
Start with Mr. Nuñez at jnunez@mckinneyisd.net
13. So what do we do now?
1. 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 a
great 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!
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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 who
participate with Fall semester sports that directly conflict with the band schedule. We will work with you!
5. 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.org for more information on times and dates as the season progresses!
6. 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.
7. 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 nominal band 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 $75 per year ($100 for
two). Many expenses associated with supplies and uniform accessories will be one time purchases.
8. Can we raise money for fees or band trips?
In order to offset your band fees, we do offer a few fund-raisers throughout the year that can be applied to
your band trip or fees.
9. 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 parents
about all band activities. Please make sure to utilize our web site www.boydband.org
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Who should I contact if I have questions?
Start with Mr. Nuñez at jnunez@mckinneyisd.net
13. So what do we do now?
- Watch the practices when you get a chance.
- Support your child.
- Participate in our fund-raisers!
- Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Boyd HS Band parent!
The McKinney Boyd Bronco Band will be one of the largest organizationson the MBHS campus in the
coming school year! The Bronco Band is already an award winning band program and is among the very
best band programs in Texas. Students must be currently enrolled in band at the middle school level to be
considered for high school band.
coming school year! The Bronco Band is already an award winning band program and is among the very
best band programs in Texas. Students must be currently enrolled in band at the middle school level to be
considered for high school band.
Concert Bands
Students will audition for concert band placement at the end of eachsemester to be placed into one of
three ability-based bands, Symphonic Band II, Symphonic Band I, or Honors Band. The concert bands give
a variety of concert and contest performances each year performing in many wonderful concert halls. The
concert bands also travel each spring on a three to four night contest trip to a different destination each
year. Future destinations to be selected from: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, Orlando, Chicago
and New York City.
Marching Band
Everyone in the band program is automatically a member of the marching band and will have the
opportunity to earn a spot in next year’s show! The marching band performs at all varsity football games
and takes part in three to four marching band contests each season.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is open to students who are currently enrolled in a band at the middle school or high school
level. Placement in the jazz band is by audition and is in addition to Concert and Marching Band.
Color Guard
Our award winning Color Guard is made up of musicians and non-musicians. Membership to the color
guard is by audition only and is open to non-band members only. The purpose of color guard is to provide
visual and musical color along with overall general effect to marching shows in the marching band. During
the fall, the color guard performs with the High School Marching Band during halftime in football games
and various competitions around the State of Texas. The color guard are the dancers on the field, the
gorgeous color in the show, and the essence of visual beauty. The guard uses many types of equipment,
including flags, sabers, and props. The ladies also wear elaborate costumes for the shows the band
performs. The guard is heavily dance oriented and uses several varieties of dance, including ballet, jazz,
and modern styles. Go to www.boydguard.org for more information about auditions.
Students will audition for concert band placement at the end of eachsemester to be placed into one of
three ability-based bands, Symphonic Band II, Symphonic Band I, or Honors Band. The concert bands give
a variety of concert and contest performances each year performing in many wonderful concert halls. The
concert bands also travel each spring on a three to four night contest trip to a different destination each
year. Future destinations to be selected from: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, Orlando, Chicago
and New York City.
Marching Band
Everyone in the band program is automatically a member of the marching band and will have the
opportunity to earn a spot in next year’s show! The marching band performs at all varsity football games
and takes part in three to four marching band contests each season.
- You earn a grade as well as Fine Arts, PE and elective credits for participation.
- You can also earn your Varsity Letter Jacket in band!
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is open to students who are currently enrolled in a band at the middle school or high school
level. Placement in the jazz band is by audition and is in addition to Concert and Marching Band.
Color Guard
Our award winning Color Guard is made up of musicians and non-musicians. Membership to the color
guard is by audition only and is open to non-band members only. The purpose of color guard is to provide
visual and musical color along with overall general effect to marching shows in the marching band. During
the fall, the color guard performs with the High School Marching Band during halftime in football games
and various competitions around the State of Texas. The color guard are the dancers on the field, the
gorgeous color in the show, and the essence of visual beauty. The guard uses many types of equipment,
including flags, sabers, and props. The ladies also wear elaborate costumes for the shows the band
performs. The guard is heavily dance oriented and uses several varieties of dance, including ballet, jazz,
and modern styles. Go to www.boydguard.org for more information about auditions.
Top Ten Reasons To Join the McKinney Boyd High School Band
10. Travel!
9. Help establish school spirit and pride.
8. Great facilities.
7. Those who play school owned instruments get to play new instruments.
6. Get to wear new uniforms.
5. A very excited staff.
4. Enthusiastic support for the band from our principal, Mr. Rick McDaniel.
3. Compete for the Texas State Championship.
2. Have an instant group of friends that will be some of the best and brightest at MBHS.
1. YOU!! Your energy, your ideas, your talents, and your
personality will make the Bronco Band
THE BEST IT CAN BE!
10. Travel!
9. Help establish school spirit and pride.
8. Great facilities.
7. Those who play school owned instruments get to play new instruments.
6. Get to wear new uniforms.
5. A very excited staff.
4. Enthusiastic support for the band from our principal, Mr. Rick McDaniel.
3. Compete for the Texas State Championship.
2. Have an instant group of friends that will be some of the best and brightest at MBHS.
1. YOU!! Your energy, your ideas, your talents, and your
personality will make the Bronco Band
THE BEST IT CAN BE!
Letter to Parents
Dear Parents:
I feel honored to be the Head Band Director for McKinney Boyd High School! The McKinney district is well
known for excellence in education, and I know that parent support has been an essential ingredient of that
excellence. In order for the MBHS Band to reach its full potential, parent volunteer support will be needed.
There will be a variety of opportunities for you to become involved at whatever level you feel comfortable.
The most important reason for your son or daughter to participate in the high school band program is that
the peer group will be very positive. The kids in the band program are from families, just like yours, in which
the parents have an active role in the student’s development. The fact that parents will in some way be a part
of every band activity means that somebody’s mom or dad will be on hand to encourage students to make
good choices. The mere presence of parents tends to provide a tremendously positive influence on student
behavior!
Some of the areas where parent help will always be needed will be the following:
Additional committees may be needed, but these are among to most crucial. The continued success of the
McKinney Boyd Band depends not only on your support but also on the unity of purpose between staff and
the parent volunteers. The potential for success seems tremendous, and the opportunity ahead of us should
provide great friendships and experiences we can cherish for a lifetime! I look forward to meeting and getting
to know each of you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Joe Nuñez
Dear Parents:
I feel honored to be the Head Band Director for McKinney Boyd High School! The McKinney district is well
known for excellence in education, and I know that parent support has been an essential ingredient of that
excellence. In order for the MBHS Band to reach its full potential, parent volunteer support will be needed.
There will be a variety of opportunities for you to become involved at whatever level you feel comfortable.
The most important reason for your son or daughter to participate in the high school band program is that
the peer group will be very positive. The kids in the band program are from families, just like yours, in which
the parents have an active role in the student’s development. The fact that parents will in some way be a part
of every band activity means that somebody’s mom or dad will be on hand to encourage students to make
good choices. The mere presence of parents tends to provide a tremendously positive influence on student
behavior!
Some of the areas where parent help will always be needed will be the following:
- Uniforms – organizing, measuring students, and issuing uniforms
- Fundraising – ideas and mobilization of fundraising events
- Chaperones – parent supervision of events off campus
- Hospitality – help with the serving and organization of meals for various events
- Equipment – help with the moving and loading of equipment for various performances. This means you
Dads! - Fund Raising – selecting events and organizing implementation
- Publicity – take pictures, videos, help create archives to document the start upprocess and our
progress
Additional committees may be needed, but these are among to most crucial. The continued success of the
McKinney Boyd Band depends not only on your support but also on the unity of purpose between staff and
the parent volunteers. The potential for success seems tremendous, and the opportunity ahead of us should
provide great friendships and experiences we can cherish for a lifetime! I look forward to meeting and getting
to know each of you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Joe Nuñez
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