Heard County High School

Band

Parent Meeting

2025 Season

May 11, 2026

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Housekeeping

• Please make sure you pick up an informational packet. This has tons of useful information in it.
• If I don’t address something in this meeting, chances are that it’s in the packet!
• Ask Questions. This is the day to get Answers!
• See Mrs. Hurd before you leave if you’re ready to pay dues or if you have any questions about financial obligations.
• This presentation can be found on the homepage of the band website www.hcomusic.org

Band Staff

• Johnny Hurd, Band Director
• Monee Garza, Color Guard Instructor
• Maggi Hines, CES/EES Music Teacher
• Coleman Ryan, HES Music Teacher
• Cayden Bingham, UWG Music Major, Cavaliers
• Eli Caldwell, HHS Chorus/Drama Teacher
• Jaime Barnard, HMS Band Director
• Tyler Clevenger, Audio Engineer
• Jason Mathena, Percussion
• Several Former Band Students!

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2026 Show Design Team

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• Wind Score and Sound Design by Michael Miller
• Percussion Score by Evan Hinds
• Drill Design by Steve Lyons
• Visuals by David Haven
• Program Coordination by Shane Gwaltney

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2026 Show Title…

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TBA

Uniforms

• Early Season Games

-Summer Uniform

Shorts and Shirts (same shirt and shorts)

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• Special Games and Parades
• Heard County Uniform

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• Competitions and Fall Games
• We have a custom top for winds/percussion and a full custom uniform for the guard and drum major. *5/11: Uniforms are still in design process.

Student Leadership

Band Captain:

• Madden Karamesic

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Band Co-Captain:

• Katelyn Kitchens

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Drum Major:

• Ethan Penados-Johnson

Student Leadership

�Publicity Officers: Grayson Joiner, Abby Ledford

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Property Officer: Hunter Barnhill, Anthony McDonald, Gauge Ritter, Luke Hutchins, Troy Chandler

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Uniform Officers: Allie Brown, Jacob Duncan, Hunter Hendricks

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Student Leadership

�Band Secretary: Helen Butzon

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Librarian: Anna McCoy, Emily Skinner

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Freshman Representative: Carter Howland

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Bus Captains: Madelyn Thompson, KeNyah Price, Cedrick Harris

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Student Leadership

Flute SL: Annsleigh Tucker

Clarinet SL: Katelyn Kitchens

Alto Saxophone SL: Abigail Garrison

Low Reeds: KeAsia Price

Trumpet SL: Molly Lancaster

Low Brass SL: TaMarcus Harris

Battery: Colton Barnhill

Front Ensemble: Allie Brown

Band Boosters

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• Mary Davis, Treasurer
• mary.davis@heard.k12.ga.us

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• TBD, Meals Coordinator

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• TBD, Transportation Coordinator

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CONCESSIONS

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We run the Visitor Concessions for Varsity Games:

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-Becky Brazil (678) 850-5705 is the “Game Day” Coordinator. She buys all of the food and manages operations.

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-Jessica Gentry (762) 323-7066 is the

Concessions Staffing Coordinator

• All families must have a representative to work AT LEAST one game. **We use Sign Up Genius.**

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Concession Stand Volunteer Protocol

Each Family Works at least one game.

1. Sign-Up Genius Link sent on Sunday
2. Report to Pass Gate and Then Visitor Concessions by Field House
3. Sign In on Clip Board at Concession Stand
4. Volunteer Meeting Before Each Game

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Sign Up Genius Info

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We will send out a link via Remind and Facebook each week.

Summer Dates

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Mr. Hurd will post his weekly schedule via “Week at a Glance” on Sunday Evenings.

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All Summer Dates are Mandatory

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Any Conflicts Must Be Addressed with Mr. Hurd.

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Students Must Attend Summer Band Camp

*Guard and Percussion Must Attend Additional Camp June 15-19*

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Summer Schedule June

• HCOMUSIC.ORG/EVENTS
• Note that 2027 Camp Dates are already on the calendar!
• June 15-19
• Percussion Camp (9am-4pm) HHS Band Room
• Guard Camp (9am-4pm) HHS Cafeteria
• Lunch Served at the Perc and Guard Camp

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• Section Leaders will coordinate practice times
• Any students attending music camps, let Mr. Hurd know when those are.

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Summer Schedule July

• Uniform Fitting for Winds and Percussion
• Will take place during band camp
• July 20st-24th
• Band Camp (All Members)
• 8:00am-9:00pm (ends at 5:30 on Wednesday)

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Dress Up Days Info Coming Soon

Summer Schedule

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• Thursday, July 30th
• OPEN HOUSE 11am-5pm
• 9th-11th School Photos
• 12th PowerSchool Photos
• Schedules, Parking Passes, Yearbook, etc.

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• Thursday, August 6th (yes…1st week of school!)
• SCRIMMAGE game (Away) versus LaGrange HS
• We WILL play at this game (stands only this week)
• Gameday schedule will be released August 3
• ALL rehearsals/games/contests at hcomusic.org/events

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Summer Expectations

Go Outside!

Practice!

Hydrate!

Get Some Rest!

Stay up to date!

Follow through on your commitment!

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Band Camp Boot Camp

What to Bring to Camp

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• School will provide
• Water (bring a thermos labeled with student name), snacks, lunch and dinner
• Guard Flags/Rifles, Percussion Equipment
• Large Instruments
• Any student needing a School Owned Instrument should contact Mr. Hurd so that we can make sure it is ready for camp!
• Student Will Provide: Water Jug (at least ½ gallon)
• Don’t show up with a 16oz water bottle and assume you’re good to go.

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What to Bring to Camp

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• Instrument
• 3 Ring Binder with Clear Plastic Sheet Protectors
• This keeps your music from tearing or getting wet in the rain.
• Athletic Clothes
• shorts, t shirt, socks, tennis shoes.
• Extra Socks
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ This isn’t the beach! We’re not here to get a tan.
• HAT! You need a hat. Seriously.
• Good Attitude!

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What to Wear to Camp

(Yes, I’ll Say it Again)

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• Comfortable, Breathable Clothing
• Athletic Attire
• Dry-Fit Shirt and Shorts
• No Jeans or Joggers
• Extra Socks
• Athletic/Running/Tennis/Training Shoes
• No Boots, Crocs, etc.
• Change of Shoes or Flip-Flops for Sectional time
• Deodorant
• Hat and Sunscreen

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Contest Schedule

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• September 19: Saturday Pre-Contest Rehearsal (Super Saturday)

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• October 17: Sound of the County Invitational (Harris County)

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• November 7: Old Southeasten Contest (Newnan HS)

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All Contest Dates are Mandatory for All Students. These are long, fun days for the band. These events are why kids do band in high school.

Playoffs/Parades

We will practice on Thursdays 3:30-5:00 once we get to playoffs. Once the football season concludes, we will no longer practice…until…

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• December 3rd
• Christmas Parade Rehearsal
• Drum Major Auditions
• December 5th (Parades)
• Centralhathee (10am), Ephesus, (2pm), Franklin (6pm)

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Tickets to Events

• Admission to regular season Home Games is $10 per person (Cash or GoFan) Parking is Free

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• Season Passes are available from Lori Cabe (Athletic Secretary) and include admission to JV games as well ($80 each)

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• Reserved Seat / Season Pass
• $125.00 each person (check availability with Lori Cabe)

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• Season Pass/Reserved Seats available at Open House

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Band Competition Entry Fees Vary Depending on Event $10-15

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All Student Expectations

• Be On Time
• Be Kind to Your Peers
• Be Polite to Adults
• Always Offer Help
• Have all of Your Materials
• Work Hard
• Never Give Up
• Do Everything With Pride!

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The Marching Braves are Ambassadors of Heard High. We are highly visible wherever we go. Make your community proud!

Policies

• Drug Screening Compliance
• Form to Sign before Student can Practice
• Attendance
• Student may be kept out of performance if attendance becomes an issue
• 3 unexcused absences=dismissal from program
• Must attend the last Rehearsal before a Performance in order to Take the Field
• Behavior
• ISS = no practice until complete
• Behavior issues are quickest way home

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Policies

• All Medications should be checked in with the Band Director, Color Guard Instructor, or Band Booster on Duty.
• We keep a stocked First Aid Kit with us at all times.
• All students ride to games and contests on the bus. They may ride home with Parents if a signed note or email is sent to Mr. Hurd the day before the game. Please do not ask me at the game!

Parent Expectations

• Be supportive of the program
• VOLUNTEER TO HELP! Lots of opportunities!
• We are a Family
• Create an atmosphere in the stands of appreciation for the effort your child and the other kids are putting in. Be proud of your kid for doing something difficult and demanding
• Communicate directly with Mr. Hurd if there are issues that must be addressed

• Enjoy the process
• The Show and the Sound will evolve as the year progresses
• Help your child embrace the hard work and role they play in the product
• You can drive the ship in a positive way or negative way (either intentionally or unintentionally)

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• Make it a priority for your child to be at all rehearsals and events. We can work out a carpool to help alleviate any transportation issues.
• I will post arrival times via Remind and Facebook after games and contests to avoid late pick-ups.

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Band Dues

$400

(This price is the same as 2019-2025)

• Please pay all dues ASAP (Bills become due in August)
• $~48,500 Annual Budget
• Dues cover just over half of our expenses
• The rest comes from Concessions, Donations, Fundraisers
• Band Camp Expenses are over $15K for design, staff, and equipment.
• Custom Uniforms, Flags, Props, and additional equipment needed for Contest Show is approximately $10K
• Basic Supplies, Bus Expenses, Instrument Maintenance, Entry Fees, other Annual Needs are approximately $7K
• We try to make 1 major purchase per year $5K-$10K
• We need $3K-$5K at the end of the season to cover Winter and Spring Fees
• Annual Budget is submitted and approved by Heard Administration.
• Any Financial Issues should be addressed with Mr. Hurd.

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Additional Expenses

• Band Shoes (~$50)
• Black Socks
• Show Shirt (~$20)
• Make-up (Color Guard)
• Instrument Repairs (personal instruments)
• Some meals (concessions/fast food stops)

Sponsorship Chances

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• Individual Sponsorship Form
• hcomusic.org/Documents
• Marching Band Sponsor Form

• Sponsor a Musician - $400.00 (or any amount)

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• Sponsor-a-Day Calendar

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• Pre-Game Meals - We ask for a $300.00 donation to be the sponsor of the meal. If you know of anyone, they need to contact Mr. Hurd. Donations of drinks/chips/snacks are welcome anytime.

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• Sponsor the Purchase of Equipment (various amounts)

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• We need a few Corporate Sponsorships ($5k+ each)

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Rehearsal Schedule

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• All rehearsal dates can be found on hcomusic.org/events

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• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 3:30-6:00pm
• Friday Rehearsal September 4th
• Saturday Rehearsal September 19th

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• Guard Sectionals are on Monday for an hour after rehearsal

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• Doctor Appointments should be made for non-practice days
• All known absences must be reported ahead of time to Section Leader, Band Secretary, and Band Director.
• Return to School with a Doctor Excuse

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• We have a very competitive season. It is imperative that all students make it to all rehearsals. Family trips and Learner’s Permit appointments are not excused absences.

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Donations Needed

• Small, Individually Wrapped healthy snacks
• We will be out in the heat
• Non-Carbonated Drinks
• Juice Boxes, Water, Gatorade
• Band Camp Meals
• Contact Mr. Hurd
• Sign-up sheet for camp and game days
• We serve Lunch and Dinner (except Wed. dinner)
• Money, Supplies for band meals
• We’d Love for you to provide a meal
• Allergy and Dietary Restrictions will be available

Class Schedule

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• 1st Semester and Second Semester
• First Block: Instrumental Ensemble (Percussion Class)
• Second Block: Band Class (Woodwinds and Brass)
• Exceptions made only due to scheduling conflicts
• Third Block: Band Class (Woodwind and Brass)
• Exceptions made only due to scheduling conflicts
• Fourth Block: Planning

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• All students should be enrolled in both semesters of Band Class unless there is an UNAVOIDABLE scheduling conflict.
• We can work out conflicts with Honors Classes
• Gifted Students receive Honors Credit for Band.

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Stay In The Loop

• I will send out a “Week at a Glance” on Sunday Afternoons

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• Remind APP: Text 810-10 and Text the Message: @heardband

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• Download the Heard County App to get Band Notifications

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• Facebook
• Heard County Marching Braves Information Group (closed)

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• Twitter/X @BravesHeard Heard County Marching Braves

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• Instagram @hcchsmarchingbraves (student run)

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• Band website hcomusic.org (This Calendar is THE Calendar)

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Google Drive Folder

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• We have a Student Shared Folder on Google Drive
• This is where all music and drill can be found
• I will Print Everything for the Students

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www.hcomusic.org

• Menu
• Members Area (in the About Us section)

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Spring Band Trip

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• This is an “off” year for travel.
• We typically travel in late April.
• We will travel again in Spring of 2028.
• Location TBD (usually Orlando theme parks)
• Monthly payments begin in August of trip year.
• Parents are welcome to attend.

Thank You

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Johnny Hurd

Cell (706) 594-2466

Email: johnny.hurd@heard.k12.ga.us

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Remind is the Best Form of Communication

Text @heardband to 801010

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