Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: I’m completely new to the area and don’t know anyone.
A: Get involved! That’s the best way to learn about the band program and make new friends. Check out our current Volunteer Opportunities.
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Q: Is there a fee to be in Band?
A: The KPark Band requires a yearly fee of $426.75 to cover basic operating costs. It's due in full by December 1st, but fundraising opportunities are available to help cover the cost. Incoming freshmen need to submit a $45 deposit by June 1st. More details on fees and payment options are discussed during the first parent meeting of the year. For further information, feel free to contact the Booster President at kparkbbpresident@gmail.com.
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Q: I have a financial concern regarding my child's band fees. Who do I contact?
A: Please contact the Booster Treasurer Jen Osterholt at kparkbbtreasurer@gmail.com for any financial concerns related to band. There is a procedure in place to address your need and protect your privacy.
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Q: What can I expect once school begins?
A: When school begins, rehearsals occur 2-3 days a week, lasting 2-4 hours each. They take place in the band room and outside on the parking lot, starting typically 40 minutes after school ends. Attendance is crucial, as the marching show is taught in segments, with new additions each week and will be performed at football games and competitions. Missing a practice affects both the student and the entire band's progress.
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Q: I have lots of questions about band – how do I know where to direct my questions?
A: Use our “Ask a Booster” button above. Your question will be directed accordingly and someone in Booster Leadership will get back with you ASAP.
Marching Band
Q: Practice times and call times – what does this all mean?
A: A "practice time" at 3:30 p.m. doesn't mean arriving at 3:30 p.m. It means being on the dot, instrument/equipment in hand, and ready to start promptly at 3:30.
"Call time" is when students should arrive fully prepared for practice. In band, the saying goes: "If you're on time, you're late. Early is always better."
FYI--Practice ending at 8:00 doesn't mean your student can leave right at 8:00. They'll stay until practice concludes, attend section announcements, return to the band hall to put away their instrument/equipment, gather belongings, and then exit the building to leave for home.
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Q: Are Marching Band rehearsals mandatory?
A: At KPark, marching band is a co-curricular class that receives academic credit. Attendance falls under the same guidelines as all other KPark courses. If you have an issue, please use the Absence Notification Form.
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Q: What if my child can’t attend a practice or rehearsal?
A: Student participation is vital for the success of our programs, both on and off the field. Frequent absences hinder effective practice. While we understand occasional unavoidable absences due to illness or unforeseen events, we request refraining from scheduling appointments or activities during practice or rehearsal times. Our complete attendance policy can be found on the Marching Band Rehearsal Guidelines and in the handbook.
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Q: What can I expect during the fall with the KPark Panther Marching Band?
A: During the Fall, the Marching Band performs at all KPHS varsity football games, starting in the first weeks of school. They do a "pre-game show" with the national anthem and school song, play "stand tunes" during the game, and perform a field show at halftime. By October, the field show is nearly complete, and the band participates in regional UIL competitions, where their hard work pays off with graded performances. Marching season is often the students' favorite part of the Fall Semester.
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Q: Can I bring home or pickup my child from a football game, competition, event, etc.?
A: Although we strongly believe that students should travel to and from Band events as a group, we will honor parent requests related to schedule conflicts and emergencies for other transportation.
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It is mandatory that an Independent Travel Form be filled out and turned in at a minimum of 24 hours before any trip for a student to travel to or from a Band function with a parent after a performance.
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Students are responsible for arranging to transport their instrument and other belongings to or from events.
Parents: When making last-minute decisions regarding personal travel arrangements, please consider the challenges involved in planning and traveling with all the Band students. Keeping track of them is our highest priority and requires detailed organization as part of our trip planning. To help us ensure better organization for the students, please provide advance notice of any travel arrangements.
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Q: Can I videotape the marching band performances?
A: You may record video; however, you are NOT allowed to post the video online (e.g., YouTube, social media) due to music copyright laws.
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Q: Do I have to wash my student's uniform?
A: No, but you are responsible for washing your student's polo shirts, t-shirts, khaki shorts, etc.
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Q: If I'm not able to attend the football game, how will I know when my student will be back at the school and ready to be picked up?
A: Be sure to sign up for the Remind 101 service. The directors will send a mass text advising on the ETA of the buses after each event.
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9th Grade: Text @KPbandY to 81010
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10th Grade: Text @KPbandS to 81010
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11th Grade: Text @KPbandJ to 81010
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12th grade: Text @KPbandE to 81010
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Color Guard: Text @KPHScgp to 81010
Academics
Q: The band practices so much, will my student have time to study?
A: Your student will not only have time to study but also a ready-made group to study with. The band family ensures success. During marching season, they'll learn valuable time management skills, possibly leading to late nights.
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Q: Will my student be able to participate in other activities?
A: Yes. Band students are active in a variety of activities including athletics, theater, ROTC, student government, and special interest clubs.
Q: Will band interfere with AP or Honors courses that I want to take?
A: Definitely not. Band students are highly involved in the AP program at KPark and are some of the best and brightest students here.
Color Guard
Q: How do I join Color Guard?
A: Auditions for color guard are held in the Spring Semester. Information will be posted on this website and in the Student Announcements at both KPark and KMS.
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Q: Is there a fee to be in Color Guard?
A: The Color Guard requires a fee of $589 to cover basic operating costs, but fundraising opportunities are available to help cover the cost. Incoming freshmen need to submit a $45 deposit by June 1st. More details on fees and payment options are discussed during the first parent meeting of the year. For further information, feel free to contact the Booster President at kparkbbpresident@gmail.com.
Volunteering
Volunteers in Humble ISD must complete and pass a background check annually. The form is available on the district website through this link and takes just a few minutes to complete. Please submit it today!
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Q: Is parent volunteering required?
A: Each band member is required to have a designated volunteer representative who commits to completing a MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS of volunteering during the fall season. Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with props, concessions, Holidays at the Park, and other related tasks.In lieu of committing to 10 volunteer hours, you can:
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Secure a sponsor offering a value of $500 or more
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Contribute a silent auction item valued at $500 or more
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Make a donation to the KPark Band for $500 or more
Details and sign-ups are available on the Volunteering page, and parents, family members, alumni, and friends are welcome to participate. Volunteers also receive free admission!
Q: How do I know when to volunteer? I missed the chance to sign up for concessions/prop crew/chaperones/etc.
A: The Band sends out communications throughout the year calling for volunteers. Volunteers will register via the SignUpGenius website. Links to the events will be provided in the communication. If you have specific questions, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at kparkbbvolunteers@gmail.com.
Q: I signed up to volunteer for xxxx but can no longer meet my commitment for the event. Do I need to tell anyone?
A: First, please make an effort to find a replacement for your shift. If you're unable to fulfill it, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at kparkbbvolunteers@gmail.com to inform her so she can find a replacement and notify the lead for the volunteer activity of the change. Additionally, remember to cancel via SignUpGenius.
KPark Band Boosters
Q: Are parents involved in the band?
A: YES! The Band Boosters play a significant role in supporting the band, assisting both students and directors. Click HERE to see the current KPBB Officers and Committee Chairs.
Q: How can a parent join the Boosters, and how can I help?
A: You are automatically enrolled in the Boosters when you pay your fair share fees. KMS parents can join either by sending in a check to Mr. Fennell or Mr. Hess for $30 payable to the KPBB or by paying online here. Click HERE to explore various ways to participate!
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Q: When/where are Booster meetings?
A: Booster meetings are typically held the second Monday of each month in the KPark band room at 6:00 pm. If there is a date/time change, we will notify you via social media.
Q: Who is the Props Crew and what do they do?
A: The Props Crew is a parent volunteer team responsible for transporting everything the Band needs, including large instruments, front ensemble instruments, sound equipment, show props, color guard equipment, drum major podium/ladders, and snacks/water for all members. They help with loading/unloading the semi-trailer and moving equipment between warmup locations and on/off the field during games, contests, and performances.​