Band practice to start Monday
By Kathy Thomson
A rule recently adopted by the University Interscholastic League requiring marching band members to have completed a pre-participation physical exam and a medical history form goes into effect today, Aug. 1, and local school district officials are working to make sure that any band members who have not already completed the requirements do so ASAP.
“Principal (Edward) Morales is going to try to get the students on our list, those who have not already taken a physical exam for sports, lined up for an exam,” said new band director Richard Murrow.
As of press time on Tuesday, Morales said that he was “currently working out the details.”
UIL rules do not demand separate exams for sports and band, so band members who had a physical exam done at the high school last May or over the summer in order to participate in athletics this year have already completed the requirement.
Additionally, as the new rule is being phased in, band students in eighth, 10th, or 12th grades who had a pre-participation physical exam done last year do not need to have one repeated this year for marching band, although they will still need one every year if they also participate in athletics.
Junior high and high school marching band students in all grade levels must have a medical history form signed by both the student and a parent or guardian prior to participating in any physical activities associated with marching band practice and performance.
Band members who do not pass the physical may still be able to play in the band, depending upon their medical condition.
“A student with any physical limitations or special needs accommodations may be permitted by the authorized medical professional to participate with the marching band in a modified or specific role,” according to the UIL. “For example, if a student is unable to march, the medical professional would designate on the form ‘Not cleared for: Marching’.”
Band Practice
The first meeting of the eighth through 12th grade band will be next Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the band hall.
“Students should bring their instruments,” reminded Murrow.
The eighth through 12th grade band will have practice at 6:30 p.m. every weeknight from Aug. 5 through Aug. 9.
Murrow was not yet sure of practice times the following week, Aug. 12 through 16, because of possible conflicts. Those will be announced at the initial rehearsals next week.
Murrow, who just completed two weeks of military reserve training in Alaska this past Sunday, has not yet scheduled a band parents meeting.
He added that parents are welcome to come meet him at the beginning of any of the upcoming practices.
“Band members can text 81010 to @albanyra to get in the remind text group for the band,” added Murrow. “They can also use that text group to ask questions.”
