Harris County High School offers several opportunities for students to participate in instrumental music and related performing ensembles. Programs may include:

Concert bands – Students participate in curricular concert ensembles during the school day and receive academic credit. Ensemble placement may be based on grade level, instrumentation, director recommendation, or audition.

Marching band – The Sound of the County Marching Tiger Band is an extracurricular ensemble that rehearses after school and performs at football games, community events, exhibitions, and marching competitions during the fall.

Colorguard – Colorguard is the visual section of the marching band. Members use flags, dance, movement, and other visual equipment to bring the marching production to life.

Percussion – Percussion students may participate in the marching battery, front ensemble, concert percussion, and other percussion activities.

Indoor percussion – Indoor percussion is a competitive winter/spring activity that combines percussion performance, movement, staging, and theatrical design.

Additional opportunities may be offered based on student interest, staffing, and the school-year schedule.

Participation requirements are established by the HCHS band directors. It is generally required that marching band students participate in band-related coursework in both the fall and spring semesters. Families should review the current band handbook or contact the directors regarding enrollment requirements and any exceptions that may apply.

Credit and waiver requirements are determined by Harris County High School and the Harris County School District. Families should consult their student’s counselor and the current band handbook for applicable requirements.

Marching band members are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals, performances, football games, competitions, and band camp. Because each student has an individual role in the production, an absence affects the entire ensemble.

Families should communicate known conflicts to the directors as early as possible. Excused and unexcused absences are determined under the attendance policy published in the current band handbook.

Examples of circumstances that may qualify as excused include:

• Student illness or an absence from school
• A death or emergency in the family
• A religious observance
• A school-sponsored conflict approved by the directors in advance

Examples of circumstances that are generally avoidable include:

• Routine appointments scheduled during rehearsal
• Work conflicts
• Homework or lack of preparation
• Social events, concerts, or recreational activities
• Vacations that were not communicated in advance
• Lack of transportation without first asking for assistance

Important: Students and parents should always contact the directors rather than assume an absence will be excused.

Yes. Band camp is a critical part of the marching season and is required for all marching band and colorguard members. Students learn music, marching fundamentals, choreography, drill, rehearsal procedures, and the opening portions of the competitive production.

The dates, location, daily schedule, meal arrangements, and required supplies are communicated before camp. Band camp is generally held during the final two weeks of July.

The band typically holds an end-of-year celebration recognizing student achievement, graduating seniors, volunteers, staff, and the accomplishments of the program. Details are announced through the band calendar and parent communications.

Band activities move quickly, especially during marching season. Families should regularly monitor the communication channels used by the directors and the High Note Club Boosters, including:

• Band booster website
• Remind: Remind has been used, but is being phased out at the district level. Please do not depend on Remind as your sole source of communication.
• The online band calendar
• Director and booster email communications
• Membership Toolkit announcements
• Approved text-message or group communication services
• Instagram: @hchsga.bands
• Facebook: Harris County High School Bands
• Booster meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:15 p.m. in the band room
• Section-specific parent communications, when applicable

Families should make sure their contact information is current and check the calendar frequently.

The Harris County High Note Club Boosters is the parent and community organization that supports the HCHS band program. The organization assists the directors with volunteers, student meals, uniforms, equipment, transportation support, fundraising, events, chaperones, communications, and other operational needs.

Attend booster meetings, come to performances, participate in fundraising activities, and volunteer. Parents do not need musical experience to make a meaningful contribution.

The best way to begin is to select one activity that matches your interests, schedule, or professional skills.

• Chaperoning students at football games, competitions, parades, and other events
• Serving student meals
• Assisting with uniforms and minor alterations
• Moving equipment and props
• Helping with concessions
• Supporting fundraisers
• Assisting with hospitality
• Photographing or documenting events
• Helping with band camp
• Supporting football games and competitions
• Working at the Sound of the County Invitational
• Serving on a booster committee
• Helping with administrative or communication projects

Background check required: Any volunteer opportunity involving direct interaction with band students requires a school-district background check.

Volunteers make the band program possible. Parent involvement helps the organization provide meals, uniforms, equipment, transportation support, events, and a safe, positive experience for students.

Volunteering also gives families an opportunity to meet other parents, better understand the program, support their student’s interests, and become part of the Sound of the County community. The high-school years pass quickly, and volunteering is one of the best ways to share in the experience.

Yes. The High Note Club is run by volunteers and supports the band directors with all aspects of the program. Without enough volunteers, the quality of the student experience can be negatively affected. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.”

• Meet great people and become part of the band-family network.
• Take part in an activity your child is passionate about.
• Interact with the students your child spends so much time with.
• Work alongside other parents and gain useful perspective on the high-school experience.

Regardless of the formal minimum, every family is encouraged to contribute in some way.

We ask each family to volunteer at least 20 hours during the July-to-June school and booster fiscal year.

For perspective, the Sound of the County Invitational marching competition held in October is approximately a 12-hour commitment. Add a shift serving band dinner, a snack shift during band camp, or chaperoning a home game, and the annual commitment can be fulfilled.

Volunteer requests may be distributed through Membership Toolkit, weekly band newsletters, email, the band website, booster meetings, or online sign-up forms. Parents should register early because some assignments have limited space or require advance approval.

Contact the High Note Club Secretary or the committee chair listed for the activity. General volunteer questions may also be submitted through the booster website.

School funding alone does not cover all costs associated with operating a comprehensive band program. Fundraising helps pay for:

• Instruments and equipment
• Music and licensing
• Clinicians and instructional staff
• Uniforms and performance attire
• Props and visual materials
• Student meals and hydration
• Transportation and travel support
• Competition expenses
• Repairs and maintenance
• Scholarships and student assistance

Successful fundraising helps the booster organization support the program while limiting the amount families must pay directly.

The Sound of the County Invitational, commonly called SOTCI, is the marching-band competition hosted by the HCHS band program. It is held each year on the third Saturday of October. The event welcomes more than 20 marching bands from across Georgia and Alabama and serves approximately 5,000 students, staff members, and spectators during the day.

SOTCI is the organization’s largest annual event and requires extensive advance planning. Volunteer needs may include concessions, parking, ticketing, hospitality, warm-up areas, equipment assistance, awards, facility support, and cleanup.

All band families are required to have at least one adult family member work the event.

• Sponsorships from local businesses and community partners
• Concessions
• Spirit wear and merchandise sales
• Donation campaigns
• Special events
• Seasonal product sales
• Online fundraising activities
• The Sound of the County Invitational

Current fundraising opportunities and participation instructions are announced through the booster website and regular band communications.

Businesses and community organizations may support the band through annual sponsorship opportunities. Recognition benefits vary by sponsorship level and may include website recognition, event signage, social-media recognition, program advertisements, public announcements, or other promotional benefits.

Sponsorship information is available through the High Note Club Boosters at HNCBoosters@gmail.com or HighNoteSec@gmail.com.

• Review the band calendar as a family.
• Arrange transportation in advance.
• Make sure students arrive on time with required materials.
• Encourage regular individual practice.
• Help students balance schoolwork and rehearsals.
• Read director communications.
• Support attendance expectations.
• Volunteer when possible.
• Ask questions before a concern becomes urgent.

Band teaches responsibility, teamwork, time management, discipline, and leadership. Consistent support at home helps students benefit fully from the experience.

Questions involving instruction, attendance, auditions, student placement, rehearsal expectations, or performance requirements should be directed to the band directors.

Questions involving fundraising, volunteering, booster operations, sponsorships, concessions, or parent activities may be directed to the appropriate High Note Club officer or committee chairperson.