FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Huntsville Hornet Military Marching Band:

Q:        Is there time to be in the Huntsville Hornet Military Marching Band and maintain high academic standards?

A:         Yes!  Some of the best and brightest students of Huntsville High School are members of the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND.  We enjoy the distinction of having many of the top 10% of each graduating senior class and many Walker County Scholars; recently the class Valedictorian was a member of the HMB!.

Q:        How much time does being a member of the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND take?

A:         One class per day and 6 hours of after school rehearsal each week.  During the fall semester, the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND rehearses only three days after school each week:  Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:45-5:45pm.  During the spring semester, band members rehearse an average of only one hour per week after school.  Being a member of the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND teaches and requires good time management skills as evidenced by the high academic standards maintained by its members.

Q:        Is the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND offered for academic credit?

A:         Yes.  Students receive ½ credit of PE for each fall semester of marching band.  The spring semesters count toward your fine arts credits and electives.

Q:        How do I become a member of the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND?

A:         You will have the opportunity to have your playing ability evaluated by the Band Director so that you are placed in the appropriate concert ensemble.  These evaluations take place at the end of the current school year and are over music that will be played by the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND the following year.

Q:        What if I play Oboe, Bassoon, or French Horn?

A:         These three instruments are unique because they are not used in the marching band on the field.  Generally, oboes and bassoons can play saxophone based on the needs of the band and the student’s preference.  French Horns generally play either Trumpet, Baritone or Tuba for marching season.  All marching instrument changes must be approved by the directors.

Q:        What are the costs of membership in the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND?

A:         Negligible.  Band members are provided with uniforms, large instruments, music, and all football travel costs (except meals).  The band members will need to purchase shirts, shoes, and some instrument supplies that equal approximately $100 at the beginning of their freshmen year.  The shirts and shoes will not need to be repurchased each year unless the student grows out of them or wears them out!!  There is a $25 fee per semester for use of school owned instruments.

Q:        Does the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND travel?

A:         Yes.  Each year the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND travels to all football games and all UIL/TMEA contests.  Additionally, the band takes a trip every other year to participate in a national concert competition.  We give the students and parents opportunities to earn the trip money through fundraisers.  The band has traveled to Orlando, FL; Winter Park, CO; and Washington D.C.

Q:        Are there band scholarships available?

A:         Yes—there are three types of scholarships available to band students.  Current band students may apply for Private Lessons Scholarships to help defray the cost of private lessons throughout the school year.  Current students may also apply for Band Camp Scholarships to be used during the summer at a recognized university band camp.  Finally, graduating seniors may apply for Band Booster Scholarships to be used at the college of their choice.  The band has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships over the past five years and we are working to increase that amount.

Q:        What performance opportunities are available to me as a member of the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND?

A:         You will perform at football games, marching contests, pep rallies, parades, Christmas Concerts, All-Region try-outs, Solo & Ensemble contest, Pre-UIL Concert, UIL Concert & Sight Reading contest, Spring Concert, graduation, and other community events throughout the year!

Q:        What other organizations are sponsored by the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND?

A:         There are three additional classes that a member of the HUNTSVILLE HORNET MILITARY MARCHING BAND can become involved with.  Students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and/or rhythm section can become members of the Huntsville High School Swingin’ Stingers Jazz Band.  We also offer an advanced class for upperclassmen only called Applied Band for Winds which allows students who want extra time and help on their horns to prepare for All-State Auditions and Solo & Ensemble Contest.  Finally, the Huntsville herald trumpet team is composed of Trumpet players who perform on traditional Herald trumpets playing fanfares and other ceremonial music for events.