Welcome to the Cougar Band.  We are excited you are here and are ready to partner with you to take you and your student's first steps into high school.  Whether this is your first or last child through high school we are sure you are both excited and nervous for these steps into a new school year.  

We have listed a few Frequently Asked Questions to help you navigate this time.  

For the Most Up-to-Date Calendar, you can visit the Charms Calendar.
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Frequently Asked Questions

MARCHING BAND
 
What is the Marching Band?
The Marching Band is an award-winning musical ensemble consisting of students from grades 9 - 12. The marching performs frequently in the community, at football games, marching contests, shows, pep rallies, and parades.  It is the most active and visible group on campus.
 
Participation in the Marching Band is a requirement for the Band class.
 
What is Band Prep Day?
This is a MANDATORY event held in the band hall the day before summer band camp begins.  Students and/or parents turn in all required documentation (this can be filled out on your phone), order marching shoes, and optional gear (wind breakers, polo shirts, patches) and pay band and district fees.
 
Band Prep Day - Thursday, July 21st from 2-5pm in the Band Hall.
 
This is different than school Prep-Day.  We will make arrangements to get the students through Clark Prep Day during band camp.  Usually, we will take them through first thing in the morning on a designated day. 
 
What is Band Camp?
Band Camp at Clark is the time when all the members, old and new, of the band get together to learn how to march, play, and perform the music for the upcoming season’s marching show.
 
At camp, students meet new friends, learn marching and playing fundamentals, start learning the show, and have a concentrated time for music, with no outside distractions.  The students form friendships with each other, at all grade levels, making them feel welcome before summer ends and high school starts.
 
Students go home at the end of each day.
 
Do I need a physical?
Yes, band and athletics need physicals every other year.  Get one beginning of the Freshman and Junior Year.  Make several copies to distribute to the campus trainers and band. 
 
Why a white T-Shirt?
White T-shirts serve two purposes in a marching rehearsal.
1) It allows the director to see the form easier as everyone is in the same color.
2) It is just cooler in the sun.
 
Do you have to know how to march to be in the band?
NO! Marching experience is not required prior to coming to Clark.  We understand that there is no marching in middle school.  We train you on marching technique at band camp.
 
How long is the marching season?
The marching band will perform until the end of the competitive marching season, the end of October, or the end of football season.  Whichever comes first.
 
How much of the student’s time does it take?
Students will be very busy during marching season.  However, students learn time management and are kept on a rigorous schedule.  Marching season is limited to 8 hours of rehearsal outside of the school day per week.  We do a combination of before and after school rehearsals to put together football games and marching productions.

What does the student need beside an instrument?
A positive attitude and willingness to learn are always welcome.  Larger and specialized instruments and equipment are provided by the band.  The marching uniform is also provided.

• Tennis Shoes
• Baseball Cap
• Sunglasses
• Sun Screen
• Plain White Shirts
• Water Jug (Comes with Band Fees)
• Basic Instrument Paraphernalia (Reeds, Oils, etc.)
• Marching Lyre / Flip Folder
• Solid Black Knee High Socks
• Black Shorts
• Knee Pads
• Marching Shoes for games and competitions.  Required shoes: Super Drillmaster Black
  

What competitions and events do they participate in?
The Clark Band plays at the all of the Varsity Football games, 3-4 marching shows, UIL Marching Assessment, and the UIL Area Marching Contest at the end of October. 
 
We also perform on campus for pep rallies and as other events arise.
 
What is a typical competition day like?
A typical competition day begins in the morning.  Call times are adjusted based on performance times given to us about a week before the event.  You can usually count on the full day being used for a Prelims and Finals contest.  All members meet at the school in the AM.  The truck and busses are loaded, and the caravan heads to the competition destination.  Once at the competition site, the truck and busses are unloaded and last-minute preparations take place.  After the performance, students change out of uniform, relax, eat food and attend the awards ceremony.
 
Parents, families, and friends are encouraged to attend these events to support and cheer on the students.
 
What does being in Marching Band mean to the students?
For many, band becomes a second family, where there is a support system in place to help students deal with the stresses of high school life.  Younger students receive help and wisdom from older members.  Older members receive the opportunity to mentor a younger student, offering guidance and support.  Students find a niche and a safe place to belong.
 
Band Fee Questions
 
How much does band Cost?

Wind Students: $450
Instrument Usage Fee (if using a school owned instrument) - $30
 
Percussion Students: $500
Includes NISD Instrument Rental Fee and Marching Percussion Stick/Mallet Fee. 
 
**There could be some other incidentals that occur, but this is the bulk of the cost of Band. 
 
What are BAND FEES?
Band Fees help provide the necessary funds to maintain and develop an equitable and contemporary band experience above and beyond what the district resources can do.  Each student is required to pay the above amounts to cover additional expenses.
 
When are FEES DUE?
All fees are due by Band Prep Day and are payable to Clark Band Boosters.  Cash, Check, Credit Card and PayPal are accepted.
 
What if we can’t pay the expenses all at once?
The Band Boosters make every effort to assist families in meeting this financial commitment.  Please speak with Director Justin Murphy before, or at, Prep Day if you have questions or concerns.  We can’t help if we don’t know.  Money should not be a limiting factor for participation in the band.  There are ways you can earn funds toward band fees; including participating in fundraisers, RaiseRight/Scrip fundraising program and/or working Band Assigned NISD concession events.
 
What does the Band Fee Cover?
The band Fee is $450 per wind student and $500 for percussionists.  This comes at a tremendous value.  Other bands in the area have their fees set at $700 - $2000 a year!  Here is a short list of some, but not all, of the goods and services you receive. 

• Clark Cougar Band Shirt
• Marching Under Shirt (1 Per 4 Years)
• Water Jug (1 Per 4 years)
• 2 Pairs of Gloves
• Meals & snacks before each contest.
  • Meals before games are sold separately.
• Master classes on instruments in the Fall.
• Custom Music for the Marching Show
• Custom Drill for the Marching Show
• Props
• Waters
• Additional Sound Equipment
• Entry Fees
• Marching Sticks/Mallets(Percussion)

 
Northside ISD is very generous in funding of band programs.  However, additional funds need to be generated to bridge the gap so the Clark Band can continue to compete at a high level.  A typical Contemporary 6A Marching Season in Texas can cost $70,000 - $100,000.
 
General Band Questions
 
Where do band parents get information about upcoming events?
A weekly informational email is sent through Charms.  We send an email with upcoming events every week.  You can also subscribe to the Charms Calendar or www.Cougarband.org that will populate right into your phones calendar app. 
 
Band class scheduling
Freshman are placed in 3rd period Band.  This allows students to be acclimated to high school culture.  Class changes are occasionally made in the 2nd semester. 
 
Is there an audition required to join the Band?
No one is turned away from band as we welcome everyone!  You must have previous experience playing an instrument as we do not have a class for beginners. 
 
A placement audition is held for the percussion section to place them on their marching instrument.
 
What are the Band Boosters?
As an organized booster club, the parents in the Cougar Band Boosters serve as responsible adults on band trips, plan and implement concert setup and logistics, distribute uniforms, and provide much-needed financial assistance for music and equipment purchase, just to name a few duties. The Band Parents Organization provides support for the entire band program at Clark High School.
 
What about schedule conflicts?
Early communication with the Band Director (Specifically Mr. Murphy) is essential to work out possible schedule conflicts.  Students in the past have been able to participate in both band and outside activities such as scouts, outside bands, drum corps, and sports such as soccer, freshmen football, pep, swimming, track and field, basketball, cross country, etc.