Percussion: Week of Sept 27 - Oct 3

Written By Nathaniel Collins

Great job in your first band contest yesterday. Our show was well received. The biggest feedback is based on things we already have planned to “add” to our show.

This is a big, busy homecoming week. Please take note of everything below.

Cycle 1, Week 8, B Week, Sept 27 - Oct 3

  • Sunday

    • No rehearsals, free

  • Monday

    • A1 - We will stay indoors. Clean music!

    • A3 - Mr. Mehrafshan will lead class, focus on music.

    • After School rehearsal from 3:30 - 5:30 at Naaman Forest, Percussion plan to go outside.

  • Tuesday

  • Wednesday

    • A1 + A3 - Trailer will remain loaded, All-Region Day

    • Stadium Rehearsal from 4:30-7:30 at Williams Stadium

  • Thursday

    • B5 - Start at JV Stadium to run drill team routine, rehearse Someday, I’ll Wish in class

    • After School Rehearsal from 3:30-6:30 at Naaman Forest, including MS students from Webb and Sellers

  • Friday (B Day) - Pep Rally + PM Activity Schedule

  • Saturday

Looking Ahead

  • After School Rehearsals will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday Oct 5-9

  • Our 7th Football Game will be on Thursday, October 8 (Away game at Standridge stadium v Newman Smith)

  • USBands Burleson will be on Saturday, October 10. Call time is 7:30am.

Weekly Band Updates + Announcements

Make sure you keep up with the weekly announcements for the whole band. You can access announcements at the top of the page, or by clicking HERE.

You can access the weekly band update by clicking HERE.

Contest Detail - Hair

As we enter the contest season, we need to discuss expectations for hair styles during performances. We did a good job at the drumline contest, but see details for the differences in band contests.

  • Hair for contest performances should be up and completely out of our faces.

  • Our hair styles are a part of our identity, and it is understandable to want to maintain some level of individuality. However, marching band expects a high level of uniformity in performance.

  • Please take the week to experiment, discuss and find a hairstyle that keeps hair neat, off of shoulders, and out of the face.

  • Battery hair must fit under a shako (hat). Front Ensemble has permission to find a hair style that fits the expectations above, but fit the theme of our show.

All-Region/Semester Solo Project

Pass off 3 (Half of Timpani solo) is due by the end of the day on Friday, October 2.

Pass off 4 (Half of 4 Mallet etude) is due by the end of the day on Friday, October 9.

  • video recordings must have clear audio, with face, hands and playing surface in view.

  • videos should be uploaded to our band app chat thread or emailed to Mr. Collins if there are technical difficulties.

Drumline Jerseys

Drumline Jerseys are In! Students will be receiving their jersey on Monday. This year, they cost $59. If you ordered and are receiving a jersey this year, you will need to reimburse the band boosters for this purchase. Jerseys must be paid before Thanksgiving break. Paying in installments is acceptable, but please make at least 1 payment every month from September-November.

Click HERE for payment instructions.

3 of 10 have provided an initial payment.

For Your Reference: Flip Folder Selections

For this week’s game, you will need to make sure your flip folder includes the following selections:

  • Fight Song

  • Deep In the Heart of Texas (battery)

  • Cheer Riffs

  • Made You Look

  • College Favorite Time-outs 2

  • Hip Hop Stadium Blasters

  • Fireball

  • Seven Nation Army

  • You Belong With Me

  • September

  • Dance the Night

  • Bryant’s new song

Great job having music this week. Everyone needs an actual flip folder (the hard plastic part)

Reminders:

  • Mandatory Band events scheduled with at least 2 weeks are major grades

    • A parent must email Mr. Collins in advance of the event to have unavoidable conflicts be considered excused.

    • Points will be deducted for being late and/or not having necessary supplies.

  • Hats, proper shoes, athletic clothing appropriate from warm-weather, and a large, reusable water bottle are required for all rehearsals.

Weekly Supply Check:

  • Proper attire for our contest performances on Tuesday and Saturday - Minor Grade

Upcoming Performance Assignments:

  • All-Region Pass off 3 - 1st half of timpani solo - due October 2 - Minor Grade

  • All-Region Pass off 4 - 1st half of 4 mallet solo. - due October 9 - Minor Grade

  • All-Region Pass off 5 - 2nd half of Snare Solo - due October 30 - Minor Grade

  • All-Region Pass off 6 - 2nd half of 2 mallet solo + 2nd half of 4 mallet solo - due November 13 - Minor Grade

  • All-Region Pass off 7 - 2nd half of timpani + All Solos learned - due November 20 - Minor Grade

  • All-Region Pass off 8 - Recorded Performance of entire Snare Solo + 4 mallet solo - due December 1 - Major Grade

  • All-Region Pass off 9 - Recorded Performance of entire Timpani Solo + 2 mallet solo - Due December 4 - Major Grade

  • Fall Band Auditions - December 9 - Major Grade

Grades may be made up or improved. Late submissions/retakes may be made up for consideration of full credit if done within 1 week of the due date. Late submissions/retakes may be made up for consideration of 90% full credit if done within 2 weeks of due date. Late submissions/retakes may be made up for consideration of up to 70% full credit if done after 2 weeks of due date. It is the student’s responsibility to set up and communicate make up assignments with Mr. Collins

Stay Connected

Things happen, please stay in contact and communicate whenever necessary. You can always contact Mr. Collins via the Band App or through email (ncollins@garlandisd.net)

Class Calendar (Print Version)
Weekly Breakdown of Assignments and Performances
Fall 2026 Google Drive
Class Expectations
Nathaniel Collins
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Percussion: Week of Sept 20 - 26