Question 1

How can band parents stay informed?

Accepted Answer

1. Sign up for the Parent Remind: Directors will send out pertinent information with Remind texts. For parents of younger band students, we recommend that in addition to the Parent Remind you also sign up for the Student Remind so that you can help your student adjust to the responsibilities of High School Band. Sign up via the Remind 101 app or TEXT the below codes to 81010. For 2021-2022 school year, the Remind codes for Marching Band season is @jagsmarch and for Parents is @jagbandpts.
2. Charms emails: Charms emails are the band program's primary means of communication. See below to learn more about Charms.
 
3. Check the Band Calendar: The band calendar has the most up to date information about events and activities. Make sure to click on the actual activity to see additional information. We have created a link to make subscribing to our calendar a breeze.
4. Attend the Band Booster Meetings: Booster club meetings are held in the Band Hall and can be found on our calendar. These meetings are a great way to stay informed!
5. Read the Weekly Newsletters: Each week the booster club sends out a newsletter highlighting important information and dates. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please email our band secretary Tracye Mendez to ensure your email is included in our Charms database. 
6. Call or Email Your Band Buddy (students) or your Section Parent Lead: In the beginning you will have a lot of questions! Don’t hesitate to contact your Band Buddy or Section Parent Lead and ask them anything that you don’t understand.

Question 2

What is Presto?

Accepted Answer

Presto is an online program that the band utilizes to maintain student records, contact information, inventory, UIL contest registration, band calendar and many other important aspects of the band program. It’s basically the digital hub behind the scenes holding the band machine together!
Making sure your contact information is current in this database system is extremely important and will help keep you in the loop!

Question 3

What is the time commitment for band?

Accepted Answer

Per Texas State (UIL) Law, before/after school activities are only allowed to practice for 8 hours per week once school has begun. During the summer, we have a Band Camp that runs during the weeks leading into the school year. These weeks are more intensive to prepare us for the marching season. When school starts, the band will practice after school. During the marching season there are Friday night football game commitments (performances) as well as Saturday Contests (competition) throughout the Fall Semester. The marching season finishes during the first part of November, and then the Band will only play at football games.

Question 4

What are the uniform requirements?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 different uniforms for each band student.
 
COMPETITION UNIFORM - It has become increasingly common for high school marching bands to wear a show shirt (“performance top”) specifically designed to represent the show theme and add to the general effect of the show. These shirts are used primarily for competitions.
 
FORMAL UNIFORM - The marching uniform issued by the band and kept at the school consists of black overall-like pants, called “bibbers”, a band undershirt (2 options - director’s choice), jacket, gauntlets, and could include a shako hat with plume and decorative piece.  Students must purchase LONG black socks, black belt, and black compression shirt and shorts.
 
SUMMER UNIFORM - This uniform is covered by band fees and is provided by the band program for incoming band students. The uniform includes khaki shorts, black band polo, black cap, and black band shoes. Summer uniform items that must be purchased by families are black belt and SHORT black socks. Returning students will have the opportunity to purchase additional summer uniform items to account for growth spurts.
 
All students will be measured for their formal marching uniforms andl alterations will be made by the Booster Club. 
It is also very important that your student have a pair of good athletic shoes for practice. These shoes can be kept in their band locker for them to change into after school if they would like to wear other shoes to school; however, a good pair of athletic shoes is very important in keeping your student in good marching condition on the blacktop.

Question 5

Are there any uniform restrictions during marching season?

Accepted Answer

In order to give our band a cohesive appearance we do have guidelines for student's appearances while they are on the field:
     1. Band students will not wear makeup while in uniform, unless required for the performance.
     2. Jewelry, hair ribbons & nail polish are not allowed while in uniform.
     3. Hair must be its natural color.
     4. Hair must not touch the collar of the jacket and must be above the top of the ear or               pulled behind it. No visible hair on forehead.
     5. Students must be clean shaven while in uniform.
 
Color Guard may have additional uniform restrictions that will be communicated by the Color Guard Director. Please see the Color Guard FAQ's for more information.

Question 6

Who does "Winds", "Percussion", and "Guard" refer to?"

Accepted Answer

Sometimes our Directors refer to a specific subsection of the band with the terms winds, percussion and guard. 
 
Winds refers to any student who plays an wind instrument - something you blow air through.
 
Percussion refers to the students that play front ensemble and drum instruments.  Front ensemble refers to the students that play keyboards and auxiliary instruments. "Battery" refers to the students that play drums (snare, tenor, or bass). 
 
Guard (or sometimes JAGuard) refers to our color guard students.

Question 7

Does "Band" include Color Guard?"

Accepted Answer

At JHS, the term Johnson Jaguar Band emcompasses all band and color guard students. We are one unit and one family. In the fall marching season, any band activity includes both musicians and color guard and the term "band" refers to everyone. In the spring concert season, our musicians begin working as ensembles and our color guard begins competition in the winter guard season.

Question 8

What is "report time"?"

Accepted Answer

Report time is the designated time that the students must be ready (dressed, full water bottle, instrument ready, etc.) and in the JHS Band Hall or other assigned area and ready to practice, perform, etc.

Question 9

What is the "no pass, no play" policy?"

Accepted Answer

The Texas Education Agency defines band as a performing art and concert and marching performances are an extension of class time. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required and is a part of the band grade. A student will be suspended from participating in any extracurricular activity (marching band activities, pep rallies, parades, UIL solo and ensemble and other competitions) after a six week grading period in which a student receives a grade below a 70. The student will remain eligible and responsible for band and technique class requirements including sectionals and performances. Interim progress reports are issued in the middle of each six week period to students who are borderline or failing a class. Students can ‘regain’ eligibility at this time if he/she is passing.
 
AP students do have the opportunity to apply for a waiver to remain eligible. Please email your student's counselor for more information about this process.

Question 10

Are there additional fees and how do I pay them?

Accepted Answer

Students have an annual "Fair Share" fee that cover costs such as new member summer uniforms, performance top, drill designers, music writers, guest clinicians, marching techs, program designer, drivers, props, tarps, and flags. There may be additional fees for instrument rentals and color guard.  These fees are charged annually and invoices sent to families in the late spring/early summer that apply to the next school year.
 
Fees are paid via the Johnson Band site which can be found HERE.
 
Come to a booster meeting to see how your fees are spent!  Questions about fees? Contact Meredith Riechmann at treasurer@johnsonbands.com.

Question 11

What is required to pass inspection?

Accepted Answer

See the attached lists for what is required to pass inspection:

Question 12

What do new band members need to know?

Accepted Answer

Curious to learn more about the Moe and Gene Johnson Band? Check out our informational guidebook for new band members.

How To Band Guide

Frequently Asked Questions