In keeping with tradition, all high school band Rookies (9th Graders as well as other members who have not previously marched with The PRIDE) must have The Rookie Poem memorized @ the end of summer camp.
ROOKIE POEM
Although I’m a rookie in the Paragould Band,
I’ll march and I’ll play as hard as I can.
I’ll practice and I’ll practice from morning ‘til night.
I’ll work and I’ll strive ‘til I get it right.
Although I’m as green as a toad ‘tis true,
I’ll prove my worthiness by being True Blue.
I know if I strive we surely can rate
And be the best band in the whole darn state!
What state?
Darn state!
What toad?
Green toad!
In any high school curriculum, there is time to be involved in any number of activities without jeopardizing your academics or professional potential in the least. There are simply too many doctors, engineers, pharmacists, CPA’s, nurses, teachers, and lawyers who are band alumni to believe that band prevents one from being a successful scholar. Success in high school is simply a matter of how efficiently you use your time. This kind of discipline may be the most difficult thing about being a high school student.
Can you tell me about the band classes at PHS?
All students participate in marching band in the fall semester. This ends at the conclusion of football season (approximately 14 weeks). After marching season, The PRIDE divides into two groups for the concert season, the Symphonic Winds and Concert Winds. Both concert groups rehearse during fourth period and compete in the spring. The difference between the groups is the difficulty level of the music they perform. The division allows for more individualized instruction and keeps the students progressing at his or her own level. Jazz Band is also available to all members of The PRIDE.
Can I be in just Jazz Band and not Senior High Band?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Jazz Band class is only open to students enrolled in Senior High Band. Rare exceptions have been made in extreme cases of needed rhythm section players. These students must pass a music test to qualify for membership.
Can I get all the classes I need and still be in band?
Paragould’s seven-class schedule will allow you to take a maximum of 28 classes in your high school career. The credits earned in band all count toward the graduation requirement. PLEASE NOTE: You can be in band for four years in high school (including 9th grade) and get everything you need to graduate!
How much time does band take?
There is some extra time required for rehearsals and performances. However, it is not nearly the time commitment some people make it out to be. In fact, if you compare it to other band programs or other types of school activities, you will be surprised at how little extra time is actually required. Marching season generally runs 13-14 weeks out of the 36-week school year. A few extra rehearsals are called during concert season. Many band members continue private lessons outside of school time, but this is optional, although highly recommended. Band does require some extra commitment, but as with anything worthwhile, the more you invest, the more you get out of the program. Remember that anything done well takes an investment of time.
How much does the band perform?
The PRIDE will typically perform at all home football games, 2-4 away games, and at 4-5 competitions or other events. After marching season ends, concerts are presented during the second semester. Students have the opportunity to perform in honor bands such as All Region, All-State, and Solo and Ensemble Contest.
What can you tell me about the band competitions?
The PRIDE has rightfully earned a reputation for presenting outstanding performances. We do not compete to “win” because we know we cannot control the outcome of any contest. We can only control our performances and make every effort to make those performances be the very best we can do on that day. Competitions are intense times, yet some of the greatest memories created in your band career will come from those days because you will be with a group of people that are all giving their very best to succeed together.
What do I need to be successful in band?
Often, incoming 9th graders think they might not be able to succeed in high school band because of the high level of excellence in our performances. We understand how important it is to you not to fail. Regardless of your ability, be assured that you can be a real contributor to the success of the band program. The directors and the entire instructional staff, as well as the veteran band members, are all going to do everything possible to make your band experience both enjoyable and successful.
If I'm in band, does that mean I cannot be in other things?
We have students who are involved in every activity in the school. Obviously, band does not eliminate these activities. We post our schedule and our expectations on our band website. If a student is worried there may be a major conflict, they should check out the band schedule to make this determination prior to enrolling. If the sponsor or coach is willing to work with us (and most of them are), we will do everything we can within reason to make it work so the student does not have to give up something that they want to do. The directors would be happy to help you if you have any questions. If you really want to be in the band, we will work hard to make it work.
Can you be in band and play football?
That depends on the student. We have had students who have been successful doing both. We have also had students who had problems doing both. Obviously, you can’t be in two places at once. With that in mind, we will work with the coaches if a student wants to participate in both activities. If the coaches need you to play during the football game, we will allow you to miss the band activities during the game, but march at halftime. If the coaches do not need you during the game, we will expect you to play with us during the game and march at halftime. Most of the sophomores do not play at varsity games so there is no conflict during the sophomore year. We will work with students who truly desire to do both. A few years ago, we graduated one of the best trumpet players in the state who was also an All-State football starter and playmaker for the Paragould football team. By working with our football coaches, he was able to excel in both, was an asset to both groups, and was able to do what he wanted to do (band and football). It can work, depending on the student.
What's in it for me?
Being a member of The PRIDE is an experience that will provide you with memories you will treasure for the rest of your life. You will learn things about yourself that you couldn’t learn any other way – about your ability to work together as a team to achieve a common goal and to see a project through to its completion. You’ll have over 100 friends when school starts to make that transition to high school easier. You’ll have more fun than you could ever imagine. You’ll have the opportunity to go places and do things that other groups in school only dream about.
