A -Z Glossary of Band Terms
All-Region Band / Jazz Band / Orchestra – Students audition with TMEA preselected etudes against others in the region. High-ranking students can advance to All-Area and ultimately All-State organizations. The same etudes are used for both All-Region Band and Orchestra auditions (See also Etudes).
All-Region Freshmen Band – This audition is available to all ninth-grade students. Participants are required to play specific sections of the All-Region Band etudes (refer to the TMEA website at www.tmea.org).
All-State Band – Refer to Region Band and TMEA.
Band Fees (Fair Share Fee) – Mandatory fees are collected from every band member (winds, percussion, guard). These fees cover expenses such as meals, band attire, seasonal staff hires, travel, bus rentals, competition entry fees, summer master classes, and clinicians. The current fair share fee is $550 for all marching band and guard members. There is a small discount for siblings. The full payment of the fair share fee is due by October 1, 2025. A payment schedule can be arranged, if necessary, with specific deadlines for each installment. Please contact Mr. Vela or the booster club treasurer for more details. Additionally, the Winter Guard and Winter Percussion will have separate fees for equipment and costumes. The directors and booster board work year-round to keep these fees as low as possible through negotiations with vendors and organizing fundraising and sponsorships.
Band Hall – This is the main band room on campus. It contains the directors’ offices, band lockers, guard room, and booster mailbox. It serves as the home base and classroom for the band. Booster meetings take place here.
Band Lot / Grid – This is the parking lot behind the band hall where the marching band practices, identifiable by the band tower. You can watch practice quietly and without interruptions. Note that we share this space with the MHS Navy JROTC. For safety, NO vehicles are allowed on the band lot/grid.
Band Tower – The tall metal structure located in the parking lot, used by the directors to observe the band from above during marching practice.
Bands of America (BOA) – Operated by Music for All, BOA is a national level, privately organized marching competition. Our band participates in these contests during the fall season. Although both are marching competitions, BOA and UIL (see UIL) are entirely distinct from one another. Additional information about BOA can be found at www.musicforall.org.
Banquet – This is a ticketed event organized by the booster club at the end of the school year. The event honors graduating seniors, reviews the band’s accomplishments, and summarizes the year. Ticket information will be provided as the event approaches. Attendance is open to all current band families.
Battery – Refers to the Drumline or Field Ensemble. These percussionists march.
Bibbers / Bibs — Marching band overall-type pants worn under a jacket
BOA – Refer to Bands of America.
Booster Board – The Booster Board comprises adult volunteers who are elected to assist in the operation of the Band Booster organization. You will receive emails from various divisions of the Board; please ensure you read these communications thoroughly and retain them for future reference. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact a Board member. They are prepared to assist you with all matters related to the band and guard.
Booster Club and Meetings: The Magnolia High School Band Booster Club (MHSBBC) supports the band through parent volunteers. Monthly meetings are typically held on the third Monday in the band hall. Please refer to the band calendar for updates. Booster Board members and Mr. Vela will provide updates and address any questions you may have.
Brass- Sousaphones, baritones, trombones, mellophone, trumpets.
Camps: For more information, please refer to Guard Camps and Percussion Camps.
Carnival and Parent Preview – At the end of August, there will be a parent preview performance for students to demonstrate what they have learned. This event will be held in the evening, typically on the football field. Following the preview, a carnival will take place on our band grid. Each instrument section will organize a booth (e.g., karaoke, water balloons, etc.). Food trucks will be present and purchased spirit wear will be distributed. Tickets for the carnival booths will be available for purchase closer to the date.
Christmas Parade – When the schedule permits, the MHS Band will participate in the Magnolia Christmas Parade. This event will be required of all students.
Clear Bag Policy – A clear bag policy is enforced for all competitions and football games. Check the BAND app for stadium-specific details.
Color Guard—See Guard
Communication – Throughout the year, the directors and booster board will share various pieces of information. Please ensure you read all emails. Additionally, ensure that all students and parents are using our BAND app. There is a monthly booster meeting where you can ask questions about band issues. Information is also available on our Magnolia HS Band website (www.magnoliahsband.org).
Competitions / Contests – The marching band and individual concert bands participate in various levels of competition (See also Bands of America, US Bands, TMEA, UIL, All-Region Band / Jazz / Orchestra). The guard and percussion sections take part in the marching band competitions in the fall, as well as guard and percussion contests during the winter and spring.
Concert Bands / Season – Magnolia High School has three concert bands: Wind Ensemble, directed by Mr. Vela; Symphonic Band, directed by Mr. Woodard; and Concert Band directed by Mr. Vowell.
It is the goal of the Magnolia HS band program for every concert band to prepare for and compete at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation in April.
Corporate Donations / Sponsorship – The MHS Band Booster Club (MHSBBC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that actively seeks corporate donations to help offset the expenses of the band program. Contributions made to our booster program are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Additionally, your company may offer matching funds as well as volunteer hour matching. If you or your company are interested in making a donation to support the band, please contact our Booster President at magnoliahighschoolbandboosters@gmail.com.
Drum Corps International (DCI) – Drum Corps International is a non-profit organization that hosts summer drum corps competitions. While our MHS band does not participate in their events, our students have successfully auditioned for and secured positions in these esteemed drum corps. Typically, members spend approximately two and a half months during the summer training, traveling, performing, and competing. These ensembles consist exclusively of bell-front brass, percussion, and guard; woodwinds are not included. Participants are between the ages of 15 and 21. For more information about DCI, please visit http://www.dci.org.
Directors:
- Albert Vela (Director of Bands) – avela@magnoliaisd.org
- Adrian Woodard (Associate Director) – awoodard@magnoliaisd.org
- Andrew Woodard (Assistant Director) – avowell@magnoliaisd.org
- Veronica Easton (Guard Director) – veaston@magnoliaisd.org
Drill – This refers to the complete competitive marching show. Sets of dots collectively make up a set, and multiple sets form the drill (See also Ultimate Drill Book).
Drumline – Also known as the Battery or Field Ensemble, these are percussionists who march.
Drum Majors – Student conductors/leaders for the marching band when they are on the field. Drum Major auditions are held in the spring. Drum Majors must be incoming sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
Etudes – An etude is a short piece of music designed to demonstrate skill and fundamentals. The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) selects three etudes each summer for All-Region Band / Jazz / Orchestra and All-State auditions. For more information and etude selection in late July, visit www.tmea.org.
Fees – Refer to Band Fees.
Football and Football Games – The band is responsible for supporting the Bulldog sports teams. This includes performing at pep rallies and varsity football games from August through the playoffs in November. The band performs stand tunes, a marching show at halftime, and plays for the Magnolia HS Texas Star Dance Team’s halftime performance.
Football Game Day Schedule – On game days, students must bring all necessary items (dry fit clothes, water jug, instrument, etc.) with them to school. Students do not go home between school and football games. A detailed schedule for game days is provided before each game. All students are responsible for their required materials, which will be checked by their section leaders.
Forms and Documents – Ensure all required forms are completed and submitted on time, including physical, contact, consent, and indemnification forms. Please contact a director if you need a form.
Fundraising – Fundraising is essential to cover band costs like fees, competitions, travel, seasonal hires, and operations. We host various fundraisers throughout the year (e.g., mulch, mattress). Please support our efforts.
Gauntlets: These are components of the marching band uniform, placed at the end of the uniform sleeve.
Guard / Color Guard: This group consists of dancers and flag/equipment performers who play an essential and integral role in our marching band. During the marching season, the guard is always included when we refer to the “band.” Post-marching season, the guard operates on their own schedule with Winter Guard-specific events.
Guard Attire – During guard camp in June, members are measured for costumes and required attire/equipment is ordered. Basic attire/equipment may include jazz pants, jazz shoes, gloves, equipment bag, rifle, member shirt. The Winter Guard costume will be ordered and paid for in January. There is a required dress code for both rehearsals and performances that will be communicated to students in advance.
Guard Camps – Summer camps are held for the guard. Please check the calendar on our website and BAND app for exact dates and plan your summer activities accordingly.
Guard Equipment – The approximate equipment required includes flags, rifles, and sabers. Guard members are responsible for transporting their own equipment to events using an equipment bag. Purchases should be made in June.
Handbook – An online copy of the band handbook is available on our band website. It is strongly recommended that all parents and students read the handbook and refer to it throughout the year.
“Ironman” Shirt – This shirt is a dry-fit garment provided to students each year. All marching band members are required to wear this under their uniform for every football game, pep rally, Christmas Parade, and other specified events.
Jazz Ensemble – Membership in this ensemble is determined by audition. The traditional seating arrangement includes five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and vocal. Performances and rehearsals outside of regular class hours will be scheduled. This ensemble constitutes a separate class period and is directed by Mr. Woodard.
Kroger Cards – Kroger cards can be linked to support the MHS band. Kroger will contribute a portion of sales to the band program. More information is available on the band’s website.
Letter Jackets – The criteria for earning a letter jacket in band are provided in the band handbook available on our website.
Loading Crew – This group consists of students who volunteer to load and unload the band trailer before and after away games, competitions, and other events.
Marching Band – The marching band consists of all individuals in the band and color guard. Participation in the marching band is mandatory for every student enrolled in the band program.
Marching Spots – The drill writer must follow specific parameters for each section to ensure that the drill routines are performed accurately and musically. In most cases, there are more students than available spots. Factors that influence each student’s role in the competition show include attendance, ability, experience, and participation during summer band. Some spots will be shared between two students, referred to as shadows. Shadows learn the drill and alternate marching during games and contests. Allocation of spots may be adjusted based on attendance, attitude, ability, academic eligibility, or injury.
Marching Techs (Seasonal Hires) – These are typically part-time teachers employed to assist during summer band, marching season, and indoor season.
Meals – Food is provided to students before every football game and competition as part of the band fees. Parents are welcome to send food with their child or bring them a meal. Students are not permitted to leave campus during mealtimes. On game days, students rehearse after school, eat dinner, and change into their uniform. Pit Crew and Loading Crew then load the trailer. Students board the buses and depart for away games or competitions. For home games, students will march to the stadium as a group. Students are only allowed to drink water while in uniform. It is essential to inform us in advance about any allergies or dietary restrictions your student may have.
Medication / Medical – Please also refer to the Band Handbook for Prescription Medication guidelines. If your child requires prescription medication while traveling with the band, it must be submitted to the directors’ office no later than one day prior to the event. The medication should be in its labeled prescription bottle, containing only the amount necessary for the travel days. A parent or guardian must sign in the medication. Pharmacies can provide a separate bottle with the required amount for the trip upon request. While the band endeavors to accommodate every student who needs medication, we must adhere to legal parameters and district policies. All school rules apply during travel. Students are not permitted to carry any medication, whether prescription or over the counter, with them.
Merchandise: Magnolia High School band and guard merchandise is available through our Spirit Store. Please refer to the BAND App, website, and social media platforms for information regarding store openings.
Music for All: Refer to Bands of America for more details.
Percussion Camp: The percussion section will be conducting a summer camp for all percussionists prior to the commencement of the full summer band. Please consult the calendar for specific dates and plan your summer activities accordingly.
Physical Examinations: In accordance with MISD policy, all band and guard members are required to undergo an annual sports physical. The necessary form will be available from both Magnolia High School and the band staff in late April or early May. The entire process is completed online. Completed forms must be uploaded before the start of summer band to participate. It is recommended that you retain a copy of this form for your records. Magnolia High School will host a sports physical night on campus for a nominal fee, or you may visit your own physician. The cost of the physical (approximately $20 on campus) is the responsibility of the band member.
Pit / Front Ensemble – This section comprises percussionists who play keyboard, mallet, electronic, and impact percussion instruments positioned on the front sideline. These musicians do not march but are integral to the marching band’s overall performance.
Pit Crew – This team of parent volunteers is tasked with assisting students in loading and unloading the equipment trailers. They are responsible for ensuring that large equipment is transported efficiently to and from the field. Additionally, they support the construction and management of props and other items required for the marching show.
Plume — A feather adornment worn on the Shako for every marching performance. Parent volunteers apply these exclusively.
Private Lessons – These consist of individual instruction sessions for students with a professional musician specializing in the student’s instrument. While private lessons are highly encouraged, they are not mandatory. For further details, please refer to our band handbook available on our band website.
Region 9 – This refers to our UIL region. For further details, please refer to TMEA and UIL.
Scholarships – The Booster Club offers private lesson scholarships annually to all students. Applications are distributed during the marching season. These scholarships are designated for use towards private lessons or camps and cannot be applied to band fair share fees. Additionally, senior scholarships may be available through an application process in the spring.
School-Owned Instrument Fee – Magnolia ISD supplies marching brass, percussion, and large or expensive concert instruments to students for a fee of $100 per year. This fee contributes to the cost of summer repair and cleaning. Please note that if a student is assigned or plays more than one instrument (e.g., tuba and sousaphone), only one fee will be charged.
Section – A section consists of musicians playing the same instruments (e.g., flute section).
Section Leader – Section leaders are student leaders responsible for managing their sections. They ensure all members have their required uniform parts and materials before every performance. An audition is mandatory, and students must be incoming sophomores or older to hold this position.
Sectionals – Required rehearsals for specific sections. During concert season, ensemble bands will have weekly after-school full band rehearsals. The percussion section may also rehearse after school in the spring. Sectionals apply to Jazz Ensemble as well.
Sets – A set refers to the positioning of individual marching show participants. It is the collective picture the band forms at any given time in the show.
Shako — The marching band uniform hat. A Shako is required for all performances for winds and drumline percussion.
The Show – The marching competition show. The band hires a drill writer, a music arranger, and consults with choreographers and percussion arrangers throughout the season to refine the production. The show is performed at competitions and halftime performances. Please do not post any video of our performances on social media due to music copyright laws.
Show Shirt – A T-shirt featuring the name of our contest show. Each marching band and guard member receives a show shirt. The shirt may also be offered for sale to families.
Snapfish – Snapfish is the website utilized for all band photos. For further information, please refer to the band website.
Staff – Refers to the MHS band directors and hired personnel.
Stand Tunes – This refers to the music performed in the stands and at pep rallies. The music is distributed to students at the beginning of summer band and used throughout the marching season.
Student Leaders / Officers – These are individuals who provide leadership within the guard, band, and various sections of the band. Auditions for these roles, which include Drum Majors, President, Section Leaders, among others, are conducted in the spring for the upcoming year.
Summer Band – Participation in the Summer Band program is mandatory for all band members (winds, percussion, guard). The program typically commences at the end of July and continues until the beginning of the school year. This period is crucial for our marching and contest preparation season. While challenging, participation in Summer Band is also highly rewarding and enjoyable. For specific dates and times, please consult the calendar. Kindly schedule any summer appointments accordingly.
Texas Color Guard Circuit – Also known as TCGC (www.texascolorguardcircuit.org). The Winter Guard and Winter Percussion compete at the local and regional level in the spring.
TMEA – Texas Music Educators Association. This is the governing body for concert-level music. Magnolia HS is in Region 9, Area F. This is the route to All-State, which is a respected achievement in Texas. For more information, visit https://www.tmea.org.
Trailer/Truck –This is the dedicated 18-wheel truck and trailer for the Magnolia High School band. The truck transports instruments, equipment, electronics, props, and various other items to and from the school and multiple locations. Loading and unloading require a collaborative effort between our Pit Crew, Loading Crew, and students. Our trailer is customized to meet our specific needs both internally and externally.Sponsorship opportunities are available each season. Please contact magnoliahighschoolbandboosters@gmail.com if you or your business are interested in advertising on our trailer while supporting our band. This offers a valuable opportunity to highlight your company to tens of thousands of potential customers.
Ultimate Drill Book – Also called the UDBapp. This is the program app used at MHS during marching season. It is a phone app required for all marching band and guard members, except for the Pit / Front Ensemble. Each marching band member brings their phone to every rehearsal and uses the app during practice.
Uniform Checkout / Registration – In July, all band students must visit the Magnolia HS band hall for uniform fitting, apparel pickup, fair share fee payments, and form completion. Mandatory items include:
■ Marching shoes: black DSI VIPER ($45 approx.)
■ Marching gloves (for Brass students only)
■ Black crew-length socks
■ Black compression/spandex shorts
Uniform Crew – This student group is responsible for managing all uniforms throughout the year. They oversee the distribution of uniforms on Uniform Checkout Day.
Uniforms – It is important to note that school-issued uniforms are school property; parents will be responsible for replacing any lost or damaged items. For further information, please consult our band handbook and website.
○ Marching Uniforms: These are provided by the school and fitted during uniform checkout. Marching uniforms remain at the school. Students will wash their uniforms (cold water / low heat) two to three times during the season as directed by the staff.
○ Concert Uniforms: At the end of the concert season, all tuxedos must be professionally dry cleaned and returned to the school in the dry-cleaning bag with the receipt attached. Ensure your student’s name is clearly written on the receipt. Girls are provided with a black concert dress. They must supply black hose and black shoes. Concert dresses may be washed at home using a gentle cycle. Boys are supplied with a black tuxedo coat and matching pants. They are required to provide a black button-down long sleeve shirt, a long black tie, black socks covering their calf, and black shoes.
UIL – The University Interscholastic League. This organization governs the Texas state level of music competition. More information can be found at https://www.uiltexas.org/music.
~ Marching: Each year, the Magnolia High School band competes at the UIL Region marching competition in October. Our aim is to advance through the Area level to compete at the State level. On the day of the Area competition, the band participates in the preliminary round, and if they achieve a high enough score, they progress to the finals round.
~ Concert: Our concert bands also participate in the UIL Concert and Sightreading evaluation in the spring. This process involves two parts. First, the bands perform three selections on the concert stage. Second, they perform a sightreading piece, which they have not seen before, within a stipulated time limit. Unlike other competitions, the concert UIL evaluates bands against an established standard of excellence as assessed by a panel of judges, rather than ranking them against other bands.
USBands – USBands is an organization that hosts marching band competitions nationwide. Our band participates in several USBands contests during the fall season. Additional information can be accessed at https://usbands.org.
Video – We kindly request that you refrain from posting any video footage of our MHS bands online due to copyright regulations.
Volunteering – We offer numerous rewarding opportunities for individuals to support our band. Please stay informed through email, Facebook, or BAND app posts. Our band’s success is attributed to the dedication of our volunteers. We would be delighted to have you join our community of volunteers. There are positions available that align with various schedules and skill sets. For more information on volunteering, please contact magnoliahighschoolbandboosters@gmail.com.
Water Jug – All members of the marching band are required to possess an insulated water jug (minimum capacity of 1/2 gallon) for every practice and competition performance. Ensure that the student’s name is clearly labeled on the jug.
WGI (Winter Guard International)– Premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions. WGI serves as the governing body for these activities.
Winds – Includes brass and woodwind members; excludes guard and percussion.
Winter Guard – Exclusively for guard students, runs from mid-November to mid-March. Auditions after marching season with rehearsals starting immediately. Costumes purchased by January. Practices 2-3 times a week, max 8 hours total. Members must enroll in the color guard class. Additional costs apply.
Winter / Indoor Percussion – Winter Percussion runs from mid-November through mid-March. The ensemble auditions at the end of the marching season, with students rehearsing 2-3 times per week under the direction of Mr.Vowell . This activity involves additional costs and competitions.
