Q: I'm new here, what exactly is a Booster? A: Boosters are parents and guardians of students who are enrolled in the band program at Irving High School.
Q: What do Boosters do? A: Boosters support the band program at Irving High School and assist its directors in the tactical implementation (events, contests, programs, etc.) and long-term strategies of the program through volunteerism, fundraising, communications and advocacy. We promote cooperation between the bands, schools and community. We boost continuation of the IHS band program by collaborating with the band directors at the middle schools that feed into IHS to support activities aimed at transitioning 8th graders into the program.
Q: When/Where do you need my help? A: The short answer is now and everywhere. Supporting the band is an all-year commitment by the boosters, which is why we need our parent volunteers. Whether you volunteer all the time or only for an hour, any time you can offer is greatly appreciated and supports the band students. You can check out where we need help on the volunteer page or reach out to any officer or chair.
Q: Why do we do this? A: Supporting the Irving Band is necessary to help ensure its success. All funds raised go straight to supporting the band. Our volunteers provide a number of functions, from chaperoning the band on trips, contests and games, to morale-boosting events like pool parties and Homecoming tailgates, purchasing new instruments and equipment, and much more.
Q: Are there costs for my student to be in a band? A: Students pay a school activities fee and uniform rental fee to participate in the Irving Band. There is also a summer band uniform (dri-fit shirt and shorts) that is required and an annual show shirt that reflects the theme of the marching show. Also, if your student needs to purchase marching shoes, rent a school instrument or opts to purchase spirit wear, or the football season meal plan, there are additional charges.
Q: Can I have booster funds allocated directly to my student's account?A: No. Money cannot be donated to the boosters on an individual student basis. Donations must support the band. However, monetary donations may be stipulated that the money be used for a specific purchase that benefits the Irving Band.
Q: What is the 8 Hour Rule?A: The 8 Hour Rule is a specific set of guidelines for rehearsals outside the regular school day. Our directors are fully aware of the rule and work well within the guidelines. Here's a link to the UIL page explaining the rule: http://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band/eight-hour-marching-band-rule-qa
Q: Do we REALLY need all this fundraising? Where does the money go? A: Every year the Irving Band Boosters spends tens of thousands of dollars on the band program for things like instruments, part-time instructors, and props for our shows. Funds are also used for things like band travel expenses, trailer improvements and music costs.
Q: How will I know what is going on throughout the year? A: Right here on the website! Emails or TalkingPoints Messages sent via the Band Boosters and our Band Directors are distributed based on email addresses registered on Charms. We also have Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
Q: What is a Call Time? A: Call time is set by Mr. Anderson and is the time students need to report to the band hall on performance days and are usually announced via email the day or two before. Home games have call times closer to 4:30 so students have time to grab a quick dinner. Away games have much earlier call times (sometimes we even leave during school) and students should purchase a fall season game meal to cover dinner and after game snacks.
Q: Where exactly do I drop off and pick up my student? A: Students can be dropped off outside the band hall, which is on the front side of Irving High School. The curb running along the building is the bus lane. You may use the bus lane to drop off your student, please DO NOT park in the bus lane. It takes several buses to transport the band, and that is where they park to let the students off after the games. Please park in one of the parking spaces around the band hall.
Q: What can I expect on game nights? A: Report times will be different for home and away games, as will the return times. Students will meet at the Irving Band Hall regardless. Buses will transport the students to the stadium and the band performs throughout the game. The trips require parent volunteers to help with load crew, chaperoning and first aid. If you are interested,please sign up on the volunteer page. We need and appreciate the help!
Q: How will I know when to pick up my student after games or competitions? A: When report times are announced, the Band Directors will put an estimated time of return. Students will be asked to text their parents as we arrive in Irving on the return trip. Messages will also be sent out via TalkingPoints.
Q: What can I expect on competition days? A: Competitions usually occur on Saturdays usually during late September and October. Locations and times will be announced via email and itineraries. Students will meet at the band hall and buses will transport the band. Some competitions may have a preliminary and finals format, so they may be half-day or all-day events.
Q: Will students be provided food? A: The band boosters will provide food and drinks throughout marching season including games and contests. The costs for this are already included in the student’s band fee.
Q:What happens if my student forgets/loses a part of their uniform on game/competition day? A: The uniform crew will have “spares” for most uniform parts. The uniform crew is available at the uniform room in the band hall before each call time to get any forgotten piece of the uniform. We also carry extra shoes, socks, hats, hat wraps and gauntlets to competitions for emergency use. Lost items will need to be paid for if not found before uniforms are turned in for the season. Any found uniform pieces are turned in to the uniform crew, so students should check with them to see if the lost item has been found.