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Coppell, Texas

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Freshman Parents

This page is intended for those new to Coppell High School Band program either as incoming freshman parents or parents of transfer students. .

This program can be overwhelming to both student and parent so please read these items carefully to set your expectations for your child's experience their first year. The tips here have been compiled by experienced parents. Please also visit the Saddle Up page for more invaluable information.

Note that the prices shown below may not be current and are subject to change.
Band Camp starts August 2 2010

Band camp begins on August 2rd and continues each weekday until August 20th. Times are 8:00 am to 12:30 daily and 6:00pm-8:30 each evening during the week except for Wednesday. No rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. We do not meet on Saturdays or Sundays for now. The rehearsals will take place at the high school. Note that another place you can always find information like this is our Calendar under the Information Tab.

Being "on time" means, a student has stopped by the band hall, unpacked or picked up instrument and walked over to the practice field (with water) and is ready for warm ups at 7:50 am or 5:50 pm....Students should drink LOTS of water prior to coming to band camp and on the afternoons and evenings during camp.

Students need correct clothes to march in (white tee, athletic shorts, tennis shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen), instrument and music, pencil, lots of water, sunscreen, and a snack for the breaks. If they have to miss any day of band camp, they need to email the band director at smason@coppellisd.com. It is not enough to just tell leadership. It is very important for the student to attend all rehearsals as marching spots will be decided considering attendance. Any questions, contact leadership.

Get on the Email List
Are you getting band related emails? If not its easy to join, please go to the Saddle Up page to sign up on iContact.
Gearing Up For Band
There is a lot of equipment that a band student needs to participate in a great band program.
Uniforms
The uniform itself is supplied by the school district but some of the uniform components must be purchased. These can be found on the uniform page. What's nice, is that there is no need to go running around town to get these things, because all of them are sold right in the band hall, at the same time that the student is measured for their uniform, and at the best possible prices. You can write one check (made out to the CHS Band Boosters) for all your uniform-related needs. There is no tax charged.
Letter Jackets
Letter jackets will also be available at the same time as the uniform items. Letter Jackets are optional, not mandatory. The jackets are red, with the students name embroidered on the jacket, along with his/her instrument. Students may earn a letter in Band as in any other group activity. Policies for earning letters are determined each year by the student leadership, and distributed to all students. Letters are handed out at the Spring Banquet. The letter jacket is a nice touch for putting the award patches for each contest or event in which the student participates. The letter jacket is NOT paid for through the Band Boosters. To order click here and download the order form.
Various Fees and Expenses
Freshman Band Camp Summer Band Camp
This is held during the first week or so in June, to orient the new freshmen to marching. The difference between the right and left foot is emphasized as well as several other marching fundamentals. It lasts for one week.  This is held about one month prior to the beginning of the school year, lasts for 4 weeks, and involves the entire band. This is where the students begin to learn the music and drill for the upcoming show for the season. Professional marching and music instructors are hired for the tenure to help the students.
Friday Meal Deals Accompanist Fees
You can purchase a Friday Meal Deal option for the football season, which provides a meal to your student every Friday before the game. For those individuals that go to solo and ensemble contests, you will need to pay an accompanist. It's usually about $50 to $55, which includes a couple of rehearsals and the actual contest performance. If your student moves on to state, it may be more.
DVD's Patches
You will usually have a chance to purchase DVD's of each marching competition. These run around $20 per DVD, with some variations, except for BOA competitions, which are priced much higher.

There will be patches available for various events and competitions throughout the year. Price $5-$8