Heard County High School

Band

Parent Meeting

2025 Season

May 12, 2025

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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
• Cayden Bingham, UWG
• Eli Caldwell, HHS Chorus/Drama Teacher
• Jaime Barnard, HMS Band Director
• Tyler Clevenger and Jason Mathena, Percussion
• Several Former Band Students!

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2025 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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2025 Show Title…

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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. *5/12: Uniforms are still in design process.

Student Leadership

Band Captain:

• Madison Gladney

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Band Co-Captain:

• Jorja Cain

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Drum Major:

• Molly Moreland

Student Leadership

�Publicity Officers: Aimee Layson, Molly Lancaster, Emily Skinner, Colton Barnhill

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Property Officer: Holden Newsome, Clayton Collier

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Uniform Officers: Kaydance Pike, Allie Brown

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Student Leadership

�Band Secretary: Troy Chandler

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Librarian: Lincoln Hunter

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Freshman Representative: Luke Hutchins

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Bus Captains: Waylon Camp, Lucy Parmer

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Student Leadership

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Percussion Captains:

• Madelyn Thompson (Batterie)
• Jonathan Ragsdale (Front Ensemble)

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Student Leadership

Flute SL: Annsleigh Tucker

Clarinet SL: Lincoln Hunter

Alto Saxophone SL: Abigail Garrison

Tenor Saxophone: KeNyah Price

Baritone Saxophones: Ethan Johnson

Bass Clarinets: Madison Benefield

Trumpet SL: Kaydance Pike

Mellophone SL: Holden Newsome

Low Brass: Madden Karamesic

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Band Boosters

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

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• Candice Collier, Meals Coordinator
• (678) 378-2194

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• Noel Forrester, Transportation Coordinator
• (706) 594-4662
• noel.forrester@heard.k12.ga.us

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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 next to 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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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 16-20*

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Summer Schedule June

• HCOMUSIC.ORG/EVENTS
• Note that 2026 Camp Dates are already on the calendar!
• June 16-20
• 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 21st-25th
• Band Camp (All Members)
• 8:00am-9:00pm (ends at 5:30 on Wednesday)
• July 26 DCI (optional) www.dci.org to buy tix

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Summer Schedule August

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• Thursday, July 31st
• OPEN HOUSE 11am-5pm
• 9th-11th School Photos
• 12th PowerSchool Photos
• Schedules, Parking Passes, Yearbook, etc.

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• Friday, August 1st (yes…before school starts!)
• SCRIMMAGE game (Away) versus Central Carroll HS
• We WILL play at this game (stands only this week)
• Gameday schedule will be released by band camp

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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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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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Varsity Football and Band Contest Schedule

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Aug 1, 2025 Scrimmage at Central (see above)

Aug 8, 2025 Scrimmage vs Trion

Aug 15, 2025 Game vs Clarkston

Aug 22, 2025 Game vs S Atlanta

Aug 29, 2025 Game vs Murphy, NC

Sept 5, 2025 OPEN (we will have Friday rehearsal)

Sept 12, 2025 Game vs Bowdon

Sept 19, 2025 OPEN (we will have Friday rehearsal)

Sept 20, 2025 Super Saturday Rehearsal

Sept 26, 2025 Game @ Haralson County

Sept 27, 2025 Potential Band Contest (Time/Location TBA)

Oct 3, 2025 Game @ Temple (no school, but we do perform)

Oct 6-10, 2025 Fall Break (no rehearsal, but we do perform 10/10)

Oct 10, 2025 Game vs Darlington

Oct 17, 2025 Game @ Bremen

Oct 18, 2025 Golden River Marching Competition

Oct 24, 2025 Game vs Model HS

Oct 25, 2025 HoCo Dance (No Contest)

Oct 31, 2025 Game vs Pepperell (Senior Night)

Nov 1, 2025 Old Southeastern Band Contest

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Contest Schedule

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• September 20: Saturday Pre-Contest Rehearsal (Super Saturday)

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• September 27: TBD (Oconee Classic OR Ring of Fire)

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• October 18: Golden River Marching Competition

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• November 1: Old South at 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 4th
• Christmas Parade Rehearsal
• Drum Major Auditions
• December 6th and 13th (Parades)
• 12/6 Centralhathee (10am), Ephesus, (2pm)
• 12/13 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 ($75 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
• 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 Instructors, 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 2019-2024)

• 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 (~$40)
• 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 Candice Collier at (678) 378-2194. 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 Rehearsals September 5th and 19th
• Saturday Rehearsal September 20th

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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 Candice Collier (678) 378-2194
• 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

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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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• We take a “Big” trip every other year.
• We will have 2 options (studen
• Option 1: Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure/Epic Universe
• Option 2: Disney World (Magic Kingdom/Epcot/Hollywood Studios
• Trip Date: April 22-26, 2026
• Pricing: $1,000-$1,300 depending on Parks
• Parents/Family Members Welcome
• More Info Posted Soon!!

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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