Learn about The Dragon Band
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Fall Semester
Auditions for the fall semester take place in May of the previous school year and that is when students learn in which marching ensemble and preliminarily, which concert ensemble they’ll perform in.
Summer Band begins in late July and all band students will take part in one of two marching bands - the Varsity Marching Band or the Junior Varsity Marching Band. Both bands will perform at home and away Varsity football games as well as various marching competitions.
The Varsity Marching Band will generally travel and compete often, meaning more outside of school rehearsal time is required.
The Junior Varsity Marching Band will compete less often and will rehearse almost entirely during their class time each day.
Viewing our Calendar will give you a good indication of our outside of school rehearsal dates and various performances.
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Spring Semester
Starting in mid November, at the end of marching season, the marching bands will transition into concert ensembles.
Students will audition again at the end of marching season, generally in December, for placement in the concert ensembles. This is often, but not always, the band class they’re already in. Schedule changes may take place from one semester to the next.
The concert ensembles will perform roughly one concert per month from December through May.
Wind Ensemble is our top group, Wind Symphony is our second band, Symphonic Band is our third band and Concert Band 1 and Concert Band 2 are our fourth and fifth bands.
Students will also participate in individual TMEA Region, Area and State activities, and of course our Young Artist Competition.
Students in Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony have the opportunity to perform with one of our two full orchestras in January and February.
“There is no better feeling than stepping off the field after Finals at Grand Nationals, knowing that the last 4 months of hard work had been leading up to those 9 minutes of performance. The comradery and community that is built over those months is something that is unparalleled by any other extracurricular activity at Round Rock High School”
“Band teaches you so many valuable life skills like teamwork, dedication, and confidence”
“You will never feel more accomplished than pouring your soul into band and being proud of your effort”
“Come for the music, stay for the friends”
“Marching band allows someone to better know oneself and to establish meaningful connections with others, which fosters growth and passion, as well as instilling insightful life lessons to guide one to prosperity on the road of life.”
“Band is a huge commitment but the reward is highly satisfying and fulfilling”
“Band is where I made amazing memories with friends whom I’ll never forget, cherish every moment of the experience like it’s your last, because it will be gone faster than you know.”
“Do good not bad! (trombone motto)”
“Band is a community and it can be a family or a burden it’s truly what you make of it. Marching season is the best part even though it’s hard, but keep persevering because you learn a lot of life lessons. Enjoy it while you can because before you know it, it will be over.”
“The band hall is my second home. It’s the place I want to be in before and after school, and I love spending time in there.”
A Few Basics
Round Rock High School operates on a block schedule. “A” days start with period 1 at 9:00am, then 2nd, 3rd and ending with 4th. “B” days start with period 5 at 9:00am, then 6th, 7th and ending with 8th.
The A and B days simply alternate through the year so one week may have A days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and B days on Tuesday and Thursday and the next week would be the opposite.
Band students are “double blocked” so they will take a band class on A days and also on the corresponding B day period.
Some other courses besides band are double blocked but most academic courses are single blocked so they will take that class every other day.
Varsity Marching Band is made up of three concert ensembles
Wind Ensemble, our top band meets every day during the first block, periods 1 (A days) and 5 (B days)
Wind Symphony, our second band meets every day during the second block, periods 2 (A days) and 6 (B days)
Symphonic Band, our third band meets every day during the third block, periods 3 (A days) and 7 (B days)
Junior Varsity Marching band is made up of two concert ensembles
Concert Band 1, our fourth band meets every day during the fourth block, periods 4 (A days) and 8 (B days)
Concert Band 2, our fifth band meets every day during the fourth block, period 4 (A days) and 8 (B days)
Important Upcoming Spring 2025 Dates
Thursday, January 23rd - Rock Drums (percussion) camps begin on Thursdays from 6:30-9:00pm
Tuesday, March 25th - Incoming Parent Meeting @ 6:30pm in the RRHS Band Hall
Monday, April 7th - Audition materials released for woodwind and brass students
Week of Monday, April 28th - Auditions
Monday, April 28th starting at 4:30pm - Incoming (8th grade or new) students, schedule TBD
Tuesday, April 29th starting at 4:30pm - Incoming (8th grade or new) students, schedule TBD
Thursday, May 1st starting at 4:30pm - Makeups
Friday, May 2nd - Audition results released
Week of Monday, May 12th - Everything Day, after school times assigned by section, TBD
Wednesday, July 23rd - Summer Band begins, required of all students
Friday, August 8th - Parent Preview
Saturday, August 9th - Band A Thon fundraiser
Wednesday, August 13th - First day of school
Football games are generally every Friday evening, all students are required to attend. Football game dates will be added to the calendar as dates become available.
Marching competitions are generally on Saturdays and will be added to the schedule as dates become available.
“Band has helped me through panic attacks and social anxiety. It gave me a place to go to in High School where I felt safe and had lots of friends. The amazing memories from football games, rehearsals, competitions, etc. seem impossible to make in any other activity”
“I was nervous going into high school as a freshmen, because RRHS is so big. However, because of summer band, I was able to make so many new friends and have them in my classes. And, I met so many upperclassmen who helped my transition into high school go smoothly. Band is a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships!”
“In band I get to do what I love with all the people I love, and I get to grow as both a leader and a person in the process.”
“The Dragon Band is an unforgettable group of amazing directors, talented musicians, and extraordinary supporters. The band hall, with its special culture and uplifting peers, has been my second home all throughout high school. Through this program, I have had so many learning opportunities and incredible memories that I would never have experienced without band.”
How the band year progresses
In late January, Next Year’s students and parents will get an email describing and listing important events and dates for band activities. All of this information will be for returning and new students and will be in preparation for auditions and the fall.
In March or April, audition materials will be released for students to prepare for auditions
High School directors will audition all of the band students live for placement in V or JV marching band and 1 of 5 concert ensembles. These auditions usually take place in late April.
A google folder will hold important documents and materials for the upcoming marching season and school year. Students will go here for audition music, marching show music and other materials.
In May we’ll hold what we call Everything Day, where documents and approvals are signed, fees are paid and items are purchased or ordered. Parents and their student must attend.
Summer Band will begin in late July and all students are required to attend. The students will learn how to march, play their fall music and get to know one another.
School begins in mid August. Outside of school rehearsals begin for V and JV. Varsity will rehearse during band class, usually two days per week after school and game day mornings; Junior Varsity will rehearse on game day mornings as well as during band class.
The marching season continues until early to mid November. After this, students will prepare a Holiday Concert in December, audition for TMEA region band, and audition for placement for the Spring semester band class.
Starting in January, the students will prepare a Winter Concert for February, then prepare their UIL programs for a Pre UIL Concert in March and the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation in April, then finally, prepare for a Spring Concert and Graduation in May.
During the spring, each concert ensemble will have sectionals one day per week either before or after school and possibly an additional full ensemble rehearsal in preparation for big events or concerts.
Students will also have the opportunity to perform in our own Young Artist Competition during the spring months.
Student Leadership
Students in the 10th-12th grades can apply for a leadership role. Each section has 1-2 Section Leaders and depending on the size of the section anywhere from 2-7 Squad Leaders. Students interested in these role must be good band students, make good grades and have excellent attendance. An application and an interview will take place around the same time in April as band auditions.
Drum Majors are tasked with leading the whole band. They conduct the marching show, assist running rehearsals, help with teaching during Summer Band, physically prepare for and tear down for every rehearsal and are excellent motivators for the group.
Section Leaders take care of their whole section and keep everyone informed and motivated. Section Leaders also take care of a squad of students of their own.
Squad Leaders are in charge of a smaller group of students, usually 3-5, within their section. They do a good deal of hands on teaching during Summer Band in addition to assisting the Section Leaders.
The Percussion and Color Guard sections also includes their own leadership structure and this can vary from year to year in structure. There is typically a Drum or Guard Captain, a Front Ensemble Captain and there can be various Section or Line Leaders in the ensemble.
Band Officers are not selected by the directors through an application. They choose to run a small campaign and encourage their peers to vote for them. Students can run for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian and Historian.
We also have a Uniform Crew with a Uniform Crew Captain in charge of marching uniform storage, movement and upkeep. This student will select a team of their own to help with their duties.
Student Conductors are Junior Varsity Marching Band members who audition and are selected for the role of conductor for the JV marching band. These students will help set up and tear down for rehearsals, conduct the JV show and occasionally help run rehearsals.
Junior Leaders are students in our Junior Varsity Marching Band who have demonstrated good behavior, practice skills, cooperation, teamwork, attendance and have a good attitude. Around the end of Summer Band, the directors will explain the position to the JV members. Students can then express an interest in being a leader for their section and the directors will select 1-2 students per section to fill the role during the marching season.
Students often ask how to become a student leader and aside from the application and interview, students should consider their attendance, effort and participation during rehearsals, practice habits and motivations for wanting to become a leader. We’re always on the lookout for students who display a good attitude, who work hard and who have excellent attendance.
Parents - Get Involved
The Round Rock High School Dragon Band is supported by a robust booster group - Dragon Band Boosters. Learn more about the Band Boosters on their website here
There will be numerous opportunities for parents to get involved throughout the school year. From concessions to bingo to chaperoning to trucks, to loading and unloading, to props and uniforms and everything in between, there is a place for every parent of any skill level. All parents are highly encouraged to attend performances and are always welcome at rehearsals. Further, students whose parents are involved are better able to share their experiences with their families, creating stronger relationships through the high school years.
How many students are in the Dragon Band?
TBD
Section Totals
Flutes -
Oboes -
Bassoons -
Clarinets -
Bass Clarinets -
Saxophones -
Trumpets -
Horns -
Trombones -
Euphoniums -
Tubas -
Percussion -
Color Guard -
Total -
Marching Numbers
Varsity Marching Band - these are set numbers
Drum Majors - 4
Flutes - 24
Clarinets - 28
Bass Clarinets - 8
Alto Saxes - 24
Tenor Saxes - 2
Bari Saxes - 4
Trumpets - 24
Horns - 16
Trombones - 18
Euphoniums - 10
Tubas - 12
Percussion - approximately 36, will vary based on auditions
Color Guard - approximately 36, will vary based on auditions
Total - 246
Junior Varsity Marching Band - Numbers TBD
Flutes -
Clarinets -
Bass Clarinets -
Alto Saxes -
Tenor Saxes -
Bari Saxes -
Trumpets -
Horns -
Trombones -
Euphoniums -
Tubas -
Percussion - will vary based on auditions
Total - TBD
“My experience in the Dragon Band has taught me so much about leadership, perseverance, and determination. From being in one of the lowest bands to section leader, the family culture in band is irreplaceable. Because of this amazing program, it has helped me succeed in other parts of my life and has given amazing memories that will last me a lifetime”
“Band is awesome because Mr. Mobley got us a steak dinner at All-State; steak is awesome so band is awesome”
“The structure bands gives you stays with you throughout the rest of your life”
“The most important thing I’ve learned that’s been proven time and time again throughout my four years in the RRHS Dragon Band is that hard work pays off. If you put everything into band, you get everything out of it”
“I love being in band because it gives me an opportunity to make music, while also providing valuable lessons about time management and dedication. Band has equipped me with friends and a support group that I could not navigate high school without.”
“Band is a very pleasant experience and you can forge numerous cherished memories”
“Band is a fun experience but it requires hard work and dedication!”
“If there’s one thing band taught me it’s that hard work pays off””
Expectations for Dragon Band Members
Attendance
Arrive 5-10 minutes earlier than the posted start time
Be present at all required events
Be mentally and physically engaged at all required events
Follow all event procedures
Clean up and store items properly
Behavior
Abide by the RRISD Student Code of Conduct
Maintain passing grades
Listen carefully to instructions and explanations
Hold yourself to a high standard of excellence inside and outside of performance settings
Follow group procedures
Treat others the way you would like to be treated
Performance
Listen carefully to instructions
Listen carefully to feedback
Give your best effort at all events
Have patience with yourself as you learn new skills
“What you put into it is what you get out of it, and what you get out of it stays with you forever”
“The band here at Round Rock has truly inspired me to become my best, it’s my instant family, my home away from home. This band has seen me at my highest and at my lowest and I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling, happier, or more memorable band experience”
“Band has taught me so many life skills from teamwork to leadership to the importance of hard work and I’ve had the best time learning them with the best people!”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can do band and ____. We’ve had students participate in band and just about every other activity at RRHS. Some schedules are easier to manage than others depending on the activity’s primary season.
Consideration must be taken about the communication between all parties - parents, students, coaches and directors AND the student’s willingness and ability to manage time and multiple responsibilities.
We are not able to accommodate outside of school league sports schedules but can work with our coaches here at the high school.
Success in multiple activities is determined almost entirely by the student’s time management skills and the good news is that many students in our band have found this success. It is possible!
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Yes it does. Students in the Varsity group will pay between $600-$700, students in Junior Varsity will pay about $250. This number can vary year to year but is usually in that range.
The funds cover expenses related to the marching shows that all students “use” like drill, music and various equipment and also to purchase items they will keep, like gloves, marching shoes and other apparel.
Lastly, students will enter individual TMEA and YAC contests and there is an entry fee for these events.
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Band students learn how to manage their time in order to be successful in the classroom and during band. Many students in band are at or near the top of their class.
The Varsity Marching Band will rehearse 7-10 hours outside of the school day per week. The UIL allows for 8 hours per week which we will use - they allow an additional hour on days when there is a performance so when a given week has a football game and a marching contest we will use 10.
The Junior Varsity Marching Band will rehearse and hour to and hour and a half outside of the school day per week. Our primary rehearsal time with this group is during the class period.
During the spring semester, students will often have an hour sectional per week and possibly a practice for a chamber ensemble or private lesson outside of the school day.
Finally, students will need to practice individually, on their own, outside of school. This goes back to time management skills, particularly during marching season.
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Yes, Summer Band is absolutely required!! We previously held a camp in the spring months where students would learn how to march. We no longer hold this camp so all the marching skills are taught at Summer Band!
Students will also learn their marching show music as well as music we play at football games.
Mornings are generally outside and afternoons are generally indoors. Students will work individually and in groups both small and large. They become familiar with others in their section and the band as a whole.
We will also cover knowledge and skills like how to read marching drill, overall band procedures, uniform etiquette, timing on the field and other skills.
Finally, Summer Band is a major opportunity for kids to get in shape for the marching season. They do this in a variety of ways as they build relationships and friendships throughout the band.
Summer Band is critical!!
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The marching season is very busy. History has shown that students often perform better in their classes during marching season than they do in the spring. One, students want to remain eligible so they work to pass and do well in their classes. Two, the school year has just begun and students are more energetic about getting a fresh start and doing well. Three, the students are locked into a busy schedule so effort must be made to schedule activities, like schoolwork and reading and study, very carefully. The absence of busyness can sometimes lead to a more carefree attitude about keeping up with things.
HOW?
An organizer, either hand written or electronic or a combination of both, is absolutely essential.
Students must track assignments, projects, tests and MOST OF ALL, DUE DATES with utmost care. Those who do so have an easier time building those time management skills because they can easily see the tasks before them and undertake them one at a time.
Get help. Every student in band has taken and aced that course a student may be struggling in. Even a little asking will often yield several names of students who really know the material and how to do well in a given class!
Sit at or near the front in classes. Participate in class discussions and group work. Ask the teacher questions and also answer questions when asked of the class. Take notes diligently, keeping things organized in the process.
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The Varsity band started traveling every other year to Indianapolis in November of 2013 for a huge marching competition . The group has been 6 times with the next time slated for 2025. The group will go again pending a successful 2024 marching season.
Additionally, multiple chamber ensembles have traveled to Chicago in December for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, most recently in December of 2023.
The whole band marched in the New Year’s Day 2015 Tournament of Roses Parade and will likely apply again to perform in the future.
In March of 2023 the band travelled to Disneyworld to perform and enjoy a fun time together!
The band also traveled in June of 2024 to England for London Band Week! The Dragon Band was the first high school band to be invited! The group performed a short parade, concert performance, drumline battle and military tattoo as well as took in the sights in and around London!