Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I visit with my child or get him/her something to drink or eat at football games?
No food or drinks, other than water, are allowed to be consumed while the students are wearing their uniforms. The chaperones are great at keeping the students well stocked with water. As for visiting with your student during the game, well…watch the first game and note how a band director expects the students to give their undivided attention to the game, the directors, and the marching show. Interaction between parents and students is discouraged during the game. It is best to contact them after the game.

2. Can I talk to a band director at the games about a problem with my student?
a band director’s primary focus is the band during the games. There are multiple activities in preparation for the Band Show and it is not an opportunity to discuss concerns regarding your student. It is better to make an appointment to talk with a band director.

3. Do I have to pick-up my child from band practice if it is raining?
No! During times of inclement weather, the students will go indoors when practicing at the high school. When practicing at the FAAC, the students will move into the tunnels at the stadium.

4. How can I become more involved with the band?
There are many ways to become involved based upon your desire and time. You may volunteer to be a chaperone, distribute water at games, wash uniforms, help at the Birdville Marching Contest, regularly check the website for updates/upcoming activities and attend board meetings the first Tuesday of each month.

Freshman parents are the future leaders of the organization and your involvement is welcomed and encouraged!

5. What happens if my child has special medical needs or is injured during a trip?
One to two nurses will accompany the students on all trips and performances. They can also coordinate the special medical needs of the students. 

6. How can I chaperone a trip?
You may contact Jaye Biles jayebiles@sbcglobal.net Chaperone Coordinator, and indicate your interest in volunteering as a chaperone. Look under Contacts.

7. How do I know the stadium locations for away games and other special events?
The RABB web team place directions on the Internet site at www.richlandbands.com 

8. How do I know if my student made varsity band or not?
If your child wants to march and be in varsity band, then a band director will try very hard for that to happen. He tries to work every student in to the show that really wants to be in it. Sometimes for different reasons, it is not possible. So if your child has been told that he won't be marching, then they are in the junior varsity band.

9. How many hours a week can the ColorGuard/WinterGuard practice?
WinterGuard is not restricted with a maximum hours of practice as it is not part of the UIL.

10. I parked in the parking lot to watch my child during practice and someone made me move. Why?
The practice marching field is painted in red on the west parking lot next to the band hall. The students need this to practice marching their show. Even the edges of it of the parking lot.

11. It seems like there are a lot of band expenses. Why?
There are many costs associated with supporting a band and color guard of over 200 students. Uniform cleanings, private lessons, entrance fees, transportation costs, music, etc are necessary costs. To defray some of the costs, students will have the opportunity to participate in fundraising activities with funds deposited directly into the student’s account. The dollars deposited into each students account are deducted from the students costs related to entrance fees, uniform cleaning, etc.

12. My child said that he had to take his uniform off in the band hall in front of the other kids. Why?
The students have to put their uniforms back on the racks in the band hall before they go home. Students are told to wear t-shirt and some kind of shorts under uniform so they will be modest.

13. When is the best time to talk to a band director about my child?
If you have questions about your child progress within the band program, treat it like any other student teacher conference and call a band director at the band hall. He\She will be happy to discuss your student’s progress.

14. When the kids get back to the band hall, why does it take them so long to get out of the band hall?
The students may be: (1) getting out of their uniforms and hanging them up (a teenage anomaly): (2) putting their instruments away; (3) discussing the stand, or halftime, performance with a band director; (4) meeting with band officers or with their section; (5) visiting with other students.

15. Why can't I take my student home after the game? Why do they have to ride the bus back to the school?
School district requirements indicate that all students traveling to school sanctioned activities return on the school bus. This policy ensures that everyone that came on the bus is returning on the bus and that no one is left behind. Outside of the school requirements, the bus ride provides an opportunity for the students to talk about the performance. Back at the band hall, a band director may talk with the students. It also ensures that the entire uniform is returned to the school.

16. Why is the area where the band sits taped off at football games?
It is taped off so people will not go into that area. During the marching show, cases, purses, and other items are left in the area. Please assist the chaperones in preventing traffic from passing through. FYI – many of the RHS Band fans sit in the general admission section next to the band at the football games – look for the blue shirts.