FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.
  1. What parts of the marching uniform do I have to buy?
  2. What kind of supplies do I need to march?
  3. What is the morning schedule?
  4. Will we stop to eat or for restroom breaks on long trips?
  5. What is benching?
  6. How do I become academically ineligible?
  7. If I lose eligibility, how long does it last?
  8. How do I regain eligibility?
  9. What happens if I pass at the 6 weeks, but not at the next 3 week period?
  10. What should I wear to a performance?
  11. I need to purchase an instrument. Where do I start?
  12. I have a new beginner. How do you choose instruments?
  13. What is the travel uniform?
  14. Why do we need a travel uniform?



What parts of the marching uniform do I have to buy?

T-Shirts ($10) will be ordered through the band office from 
Fireside. Marching Shoes ($36) will also be ordered through the
band office from Palombo or Style. Students do not need to
purchase a new pair of marching shoes each year. It is also
possible for students to acquire marching shoes from past members
or from the "extra shoes can" in the band hall.
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What kind of supplies do I need to march?

Everyone needs a flip folder ($8) and a lyre ($8-$19). The lyres 
are instrument specific and are available from any local music
store.
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What is the morning schedule?

All early practices begin at 7:30am.  That means that all 
students are to be in place on the field with their instruments,
music and drill charts (if needed).

Tuesday-Full band rehearsal
Thursday-Full band rehearsal
Friday-Called rehearsals/sectionals
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Will we stop to eat or for restroom breaks on long trips?

If the bus ride will be more than 2 1/2 hours, we will stop for a 
restroom break. Stops on the way home to eat will be rare
because of budget constraints, but students will have the
opportunity to eat during the 3rd quarter of football games.
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What is benching?

Benching is either a disciplinary consequence or a result of the 
student leeting the band grade drop below an 80. A student who
has been benched will participate in travel,stands, play
rehearsals, etc., but will not perform the half-time show or get
3rd quarter off. The band director has discretion in this matter.
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How do I become academically ineligible?

Students with an average of 69 or lower in any class on a report 
card are academically ineligible. That means the student
must attend all practices and take all tests satisfactorily, but
will not be allowed to travel or perform with the band until
eligibility has been regained.
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If I lose eligibility, how long does it last?

Every student has the chance to regain eligibility 3 weeks after 
report cards are issued. This means that at the very least, an
ineligible student will not be allowed to perform or travel with
the band for 3 weeks.
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How do I regain eligibility?

Eligibility is regained by passing all classes at the end of the 
3rd week of the new 6 weeks period. If any class is not passed,
the student remains ineligible for 3 more weeks and will have to
wait until the next report card is issued to have another chance
at regaining eligibility.
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What happens if I pass at the 6 weeks, but not at the next 3 week period?

Nothing.  The student remains eligible because of the passing 
report card.
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What should I wear to a performance?

All performances for all groups have a required "uniform".  The 
concerts will be played in dress clothes, marching shows and all
UIL competitions will be in the band uniform, etc. All required
clothing or uniforms will be announced well before the
performance.
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I need to purchase an instrument. Where do I start?

Look on this website under the "Parents" tab.  There is a great 
deal of information in the "First Instrument" link. You can also
talk to Mrs. Reynolds.
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I have a new beginner. How do you choose instruments?

Beginners are tested on each instrument during the last part of 
their 5th grade year. Students, parents and the band director
must come to an agreement that will both fit the student and the
band.
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What is the travel uniform?

The travel uniform consists of the band pants, black socks, 
marching shoes and the band t-shirt. It is to be worn when
travelling on buses.
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Why do we need a travel uniform?

A travel uniform distinguishes GEB members from other people and 
is a source of pride. It also guarantees that every student has
their whole uniform when we reach all destinations.
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