Who are the Lehman Band Boosters?
The boosters are the parents of the band members from Wallace MS and Lehman High School. Even if you are not a parent and would like to help support the band program you may become a member of the boosters.
Are there dues for being a Band Booster?
NO! All that is required is that you take an active roll in supporting the band program. This could be working fundraising opportunities, helping organize different functions such as dinners or booths or even as simple as coming to the booster meetings and supplying ideas and information. There is no reason for you not to be a band booster!
When are booster meetings?
The Band Booster meeting are held every second Tuesday of the month. They are at 7:00 PM and are in the Lehman Lobo Band Hall. Hope to see you there!
Do I have to practice at home?
YES! Practice is essential. We do not use practice records like you may have in middle school, but we can tell.
How much does band cost?
We try to keep band as affordable as possible, but quality costs. Incoming students pay more up front, because we have to buy shoes, shirts,, etc... that will last from year to year. Returning students have most of these items and only need to pay annual costs. All of these costs can be paid with fundraising. Students have lots of opportunities to make money through hard work. No one cannot afford band.
What instruments does the school provide?
We provide Percussion Equipment, Tuba, Sousaphone, Baritone, French Horn, Tenor and Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Oboe and Piccolo. Use of school equipment costs students an annual $50 fee. This fee is used for the general upkeep and yearly cleaning. Students who accidentally damage an instrument need to pay for the repair as if the instrument were their own.
How do the directors decide who goes into what band?
Every semester there are auditions where each student is given a score based upon their performance. The scores are combined and students are ranked. Ranking, factors are items such as performance score, eligibility and maturity are considered. Students are then placed in a band that best suits their talent+eligibility+maturity. The top two bands compete at UIL and students MUST be eligible to participate.
Do I have to fundraise?
No, but there are plenty of opportunities and this is the best way to pay for your trip and fees.
What is a "band account"?
When a child joins the band program, we set up a file that tracks every check, fundraiser, trip payment, etc.. Basically, we do everything in our power to keep good records. Through specific fundraising, a band student can accrue credits to their account to help defray the cost of the trip, lessons, fees, etc.. The account stays open for the student’s tenure in the band and closes at graduation. Fundraised money that is left over goes into the band general activity fund.
Do band students get "real grades"?
Yes they do. During marching season, the students will accumulate between 15 and 20 grades per 6 weeks cycle. Every performance is graded on quality and adherence to our procedure. Practices are graded the same way and also include regular playing and marching evaluations. Because of the procedural nature of most grades, the average band student will make A's. If a student’s grade falls below 90, it is usually because of a failure to follow guidelines concerning performance or rehearsal procedure or basic lack of effort. It is possible to fail band. Students who skip practices or performances or make no attempts to play-off memorized music can expect to fail and eventually lose the privilege of being in band.
Who goes on the annual trip?
Every band student and color-guard member who maintains eligibility is encouraged to go on our trip.
How do I try out for the All-Region Band?
All Wind Ensemble students are required to audition and all other students are encouraged to try out for the All-Region Band. The auditions are the first weekend in December and music is available in August at the beginning of Summer Band. Students who wish to make a good showing at the All-Region auditions should work weekly with a private teacher and start practicing the tryout music in August. The All-Region Band is a very select group and only students prepared to demonstrate the best tone, technique and expressiveness make the band.
Can athletes and cheerleaders be in band?
Yes. They are just very busy. During the spring, there are much fewer time consuming performances and rehearsals.
How does eligibility work?
The State of Texas mandates that students must pass all classes in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. Bands are uniquely effected because of our co-curricular status. In short, UIL events like football games and marching contests, plus performances where admission is charged, are considered extra-curricular. Concerts are considered co-curricular, so students can (and are expected to) participate in them. There is more information involving eligibility and anyone interested should feel free to contact one of the high school band directors, they will be able to explain it in detail and give you dates for each opportunity to regain eligibility.
Do I have to go to solo and ensemble contest?
Yes, if you are in Wind Ensemble and are eligible, all other band students are encouraged to attend as well. UIL solo and ensemble contest provides a unique performance experience for students. They perform alone, with only piano accompaniment, before a judge. The act of preparing and performing for such a contest demands that a student view their playing honestly and practice in a manner that increases their expressive capabilities. Students who are studying privately may select their solo with the help of their private teacher. Those who are not taking lessons will select their solo with the help of a director.
Are private lessons required?
No, but they are strongly encouraged. Students at all levels will benefit from the expert advice of a professional player. The majority of the students who make the All-Region Band have regular private instruction.
How do I sign up for private lessons?
Simply fill out the private lesson form you received at registration, if you did not receive on you may go to the forms section of this web page and print one out. Once you have completed this form turn it in to one of the directors and one of our professional performers/teachers will contact you to schedule your lesson.
How do I get into Jazz Band?
Jazz band is open to students who play the sax, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, or drum set. Students interested in jazz band should contact Mr. Housley. Jazz band meets in the spring semester during 3rd period and performs at numerous local events as well as scheduled contests. All wind players in the Jazz Band must also be enrolled in band classes. No student may drop band and be enrolled in the jazz band.
How do I get into Mariachi Band?
Mariachi band is open to students who play the trumpet, flute, or a stringed instrument. Mariachi meets year round during 8th period. Anyone interested should contact Mr. Ortiz at the High School. If you do not play an instrument and are interested in Mariachi please feel free to contact Mr. Ortiz as well.
Can you recommend a summer band camp?
Summer band camps are a great way to keep up your skills, meet new friends, learn more about music, and play pieces that we may never get to play in your regular band class. Many of our students attend the Texas Tech Band Camp, Stephen F Austin Band Camp, Baylor Band Camp, or Texas State Band Camp. Camps usually cost around $400-$500 and provide invaluable experience that students bring back to Lehman High School.
Marching Band Answers
Do I have to march?
All students grade 9 and above in the band program at LHS are required to participate in marching band. Some play on the field, some play in the pit, some spin a flag, but everyone participates. If you are in 8th grade at LHS and are in the Wind Ensemble then you must march in the marching band, it is optional for all other 8th grade band members.
The overwhelming majority of the band will tell you that marching season is their favorite part of the year.
When does band start?
Mandatory basic training for incoming freshmen is the first week after school is dismissed in the spring. A detailed schedule will be sent home to all members new to marching band. Students will be introduced to marching fundamentals that will help them practice efficiently through the summer.
Does everyone march?
Technically, yes. There are many parts of the marching band. From the horn-line to the pit, everyone is important. Because of the size of the group and the competitive nature of marching band, at contest we must put fewer students on the field than we actually have in band. Students are evaluated during summer band to determine who will go on the field and who will stay in the reserve unit. It is our policy that every eligible member marches at football games, unless absences, disciplinary action or grades keep them off the field. Therefore, some students may share spots (shadows), or we may choose to write a portion of the show to include only fundamental marching skills.
How long is marching season?
Marching season lasts from August 1 through the second week of November.
What is the "marching band fee" used for?
The annual marching band fee provides for special music arrangements, the design of the marching show, extra staff, instruction from specialists and clinicians.
Do I have to memorize music?
Yes. All school songs and marching contest music must be memorized. It's easier than you think.
When are outside of school practices?
Starting the first week of school, outside of school practices are Monday 6:15 to 8:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday from 7:15 to 8:15 AM.
What about tutorials?
There are no band practices on Monday morning or on any afternoon. All students are encouraged to attend tutorials during this time, there is also the opportunity for every student to attend tutorials each morning from 8:20 to 8:45 since rehearsal ends at 8:15 AM.
Where do I get my uniform?
Because of the Texas heat, the band marches in a summer uniform during the first part of the marching season. This summer uniform will also be worn at various events during the fall. All students will purchase the summer uniform during summer band, it is included in your band fees. The formal marching uniform is provided by the school and will be stored on campus. It is checked out before performances and checked back in afterward. Students supply their own black socks, black shoes and black gloves – these items are included in the band fees as well. If extras are needed they may be purchased through the band department.
Are all the performances required?
Yes. We must be able to rely on all our band students to commit to our rehearsal and performance schedule 100%. Failure to do so results in failing grades, ineligibility and eventually the loss of the privilege of being in band.
I have to go out of town for the weekend, what do I do?
The schedule of performances is set out months in advance. Remember the band follows the same absence policy as the High School when determining if an absence is excused. If you would not be excuse for missing a day of school then you will not be excused for missing a rehearsal or a performance. Unexcused absences equal loss of your marching spot and possibly the privilege of being part of the band program.
How do I become a student leader?
Student leadership is very important to the Lobo Band. During the Spring Semester we will begin the process of selecting student leaders.
How do you pick the drum majors?
Students interested in being drum major must first understand the importance of the position. At Lehman, "drum major" equals "student director". Drum majors attend staff meetings, help with set up and tear down, deal with basic discipline during marching rehearsals and conduct on the field. Drum majors attend four training sessions in the spring and audition for the directors and at least one independent judge. For more information on becoming a drum major please see one of the band directors.
What is color guard and who is in it?
The color guard is the dance and flag element of the marching band. Made up of band members as well as numerous students from outside the band, they practice during 1st period and at all regularly scheduled marching band practices. There is also a Winter Guard that meets during the spring semester and competes on the Texas Winter Guard Circuit. Color guard members pay a different fee that reflects the costume, makeup, instruction and equipment requirements.
How do I try out for color guard?
There are auditions for the Marching Band Colorguard in the month of May. This audition allows you to become a member of the group marching with the band in the fall season. Winter Guard tryouts are in November for the upcoming spring season. Please contact a Band Director of the Guard Instructor: Mr. Arredondo for more information.
