Freshman Parents - Welcome!     Now, Read This Page!

This page is intended for those new to the Coppell High School Band Program either as incoming freshman parents or parents of transfer students. Please read these items carefully to set your expectations for your child's experience their first year. The tips here have been compiled by experienced parents.

The prices listed are for 2007-2008 and are subject to change.

Gearing Up For Band

There are many items that must be purchased by each new band student coming into the program. These are a part of the uniform and therefore are mandatory for each student. What's nice, is that there is no need to go running around town to get these things, because all of them are sold right in the band hall, and at the best possible prices. You can write one check for all your uniform-related needs. The checks should be made out to the CHS Band Boosters. There is no tax charged and you can get everything all at once. Here is a list of those items that you will need:

Marching Shoes - White, lace-up shoes.
These will usually last a few years, depending, of course on how quickly your student's foot grows! These are specially made for the kind of "roll" step that Coppell uses in their marching. Price: $35.

White Marching Gloves
All members, except percussion, must wear white gloves with their uniform. These gloves are $2.50/pair. We suggest buying more than one pair, give one pair to your student, and put another pair in your purse/backpack, etc. For some reason, these nearly always get misplaced!

Scrubs
All members must have white scrub pants to wear over their white marching uniform pants while sitting in the stands.  The scrubs are a great way to reduce the possibility of staining our uniform pants.  Price: $12.

Band Polo Shirt
This is the white polo with the CHS Band Logo embroidered. These can last a few seasons if cared for. They are worn in casual uniform with blue jeans or jean shorts. Price: $22.00.

Uniform Bag
Red vinyl bag with CHS logo to carry marching and concert uniform items to/from out-of-town games. Price $25.00

Sport Bag
A red sport bag is also sold. Your child does not have to have this particular bag, but they do need to have some type of bag (not a grocery sack or paper sack) to bring their marching band shoes, white shirt, white or light colored shorts, white socks, etc. to school on Friday morning. This same bag will then be used to bring home whatever clothes/shoes your child wore to school that day. Price $31

Letter Jackets
Letter jackets will also be available at the same time as the uniform items. Letter Jackets are optional, not mandatory. The jackets are red, with the students name embroidered on the jacket, along with his/her instrument. Students may earn a letter in Band as in any other group activity. Policies for earning letters are determined each year by the student leadership, and distributed to all students. Letters are handed out at the Spring Banquet. The letter jacket is a nice touch for putting the award patches for each contest or event in which the student participates. The letter jacket is NOT paid for through the Band Boosters. Price $100.00.

Other Fees And Services
In addition to the above items, it is important that you are aware of other band-associated fees and services that will come up during the first season. Below are a few expenditures to keep in mind as you look forward to the season:

Freshman Band Camp
This is held during the first week or so in June, to orient the new freshmen to marching. It lasts for one week.  Price $25

Summer Band Camp
This is held about one month prior to the beginning of the school year, lasts for 4 weeks, and involves the entire band. This is where the students begin to learn the music and drill for the upcoming show for the season. Professional marching and music instructors are hired for the tenure to help the students. Price $105

Uniform Cleaning Fee
The good news is that you don't have to worry about taking the uniform to the laundry each week, the Boosters do that. To offset that cost, each student must paid a non-refundable cleaning fee at the beginning of the year. This price is also set yearly, $75 for the entire season.

Friday Meal Deals
You can purchase a Friday Meal Deal option for the football season, which provides a meal to your student every Friday before the game. You may pay weekly or for the season. Price $5 per week.

Accompanist Fees
For those individuals that go to solo and ensemble contests, you will need to pay an accompanist. It's usually about $50 to $55, which includes a couple of rehearsals and the actual contest performance. If your student moves on to state, it may be more.

Video Tapes
You will have a chance to purchase video tapes of each marching competition. These run around $20 per tape, with some variations.

Patches
At each competition, marching and otherwise, there are usually patches for sale. The kids love to get these and put them on their letter jacket. Patches are usually around $6 a piece.