TWIB Notes: 2/24-3/2
UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest
AHS & LFC band students earned a total of 128 1st division solo ratings, and 31 students participated in ensembles that earned 1st division ratings at the UIL Region 25 Solo & Ensemble Contest on Saturday at Plano East Senior High School. Students can view their ratings at the link below. Adjudicator comment sheets and 1st division medals will be distributed in band classes this week. Congratulations to all who participated!
Orchestra Pre-UIL
Students participating in full orchestra at AHS and LFC will perform in Pre-UIL Orchestra concerts at the Allen PAC this week. Those involved should ensure they are familiar with all of the details of their performance as communicated by their directors. These performances are open to the public and free to attend.
- Tuesday, February 25, 8:15 PM - LFC Symphony Orchestra
- Wednesday, February 26, 8:15 PM - AHS Philharmonic Orchestra
- Thursday, February 27, 8:15 PM - AHS Symphony Orchestra
2025-2026 Audition Results
AHS Band and Jazz Band class placements for 2025-2026 can be viewed using the links below. These placements have been communicated to guidance counselors and will be placed in your schedule prior to arena scheduling. You will need to be signed in to your AISD Google account to access the files.
Please do not contact the band directors about any perceived schedule conflicts. Any unresolvable schedule conflicts will be communicated to the band directors by guidance counselors. If you have a concern about scheduling, please contact your counselor.
These lists include all wind players who both requested band in their schedule for 2025-2026 and completed an audition. If you are not on one of these lists and believe you fulfilled both of these requirements, please contact Dr. Knight (steven.knight@allenisd.org).
Medications for San Antonio Trip
There has been a change to the medication policy this school year. ALL over-the-counter medications must have a medication form signed by the doctor to be administered on the trip. Each medication needs to be on a separate form. Prescription meds do not have to have the signed form as the medication prescription label acts as the authorization. If students are cleared by their school to self-carry an inhaler, Epi-Pen or Insulin, they are allowed to carry it on the trip as well. Please let me know if your student falls into this category. You can contact me at kellie.koch@allenisd.org with any questions.
Tournament of Roses Theme
On Feb 4, 2025, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses newly installed President Mark Leavens, announced the 2026 theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.” The theme celebrates the sense of accomplishment in knowing that by working together, we can collectively achieve outcomes so much richer than we can ever experience as individuals.
The 2026 theme poster honors the organizations, agencies and community partners that make America’s New Year Celebration possible. Embroidered team patches from public safety partners, service organizations, and other parade participants reflect the teamwork demonstrated in working toward a common goal, to overcome challenges and produce amazing results. The poster embodies “The Magic in Teamwork”—not just in grand achievements, but in everyday moments of support, encouragement and shared success.
You can read more about the 2026 Theme here: https://tournamentofroses.com/2026-theme-announcement/
Winter Update Meeting
If you did not attend the Winter TOR Update Meeting on February 4, please see the NEW February newsletter below. Here are a few highlights from the meeting:
- Itinerary discussed with Dr. Obado and Perform America Texas
- Hotel and supervision systems discussed
- Chaperones have not been selected. The goal to select chaperones will be this week.
- Fundraising and sponsorships
- Friends & Family Q&A
NTCA - Wylie HS
The Allen Color Guard will perform at NTCA Wylie on Saturday, 3/1.
- JV Performance: 2:11pm
- Varsity Performance: 7:36pm
CLICK HERE for the NTCA Wylie Itinerary
Payments can be submitted through the following ways:
- Drop a check or cash in the AHS Band safe. (Checks made payable to Allen ISD, driver's license # in the memo)
- Mail a payment to: Allen High School Band; 300 Rivercrest Blvd, Allen, TX 75002 (attn: Susan Fulk)
- Credit Card or Debit Card payment through SchoolPay - link below (a fee will be included in the final payment)
Tournament of Roses Fundraising
100% of proceeds from fundraising for the Tournament of Roses trip will go to help offset the costs of the trip for students. We have 3 great options, but it will take effort from everyone:
- Corporate Sponsors: Visit www.allenband.com/torsponsors for information and to access the sponsor letter. Our goal is for every student to get at least one sponsor.
- Donations: Share our donation link that can be found at www.allenband.com/tor with friends, family, neighbors and other supporters. Our goal is $200 for every student.
- Spirit Wear: Show off your TOR pride with spirit wear. Anyone can purchase and we will ship. This makes a great keepsake. Order by February 28 for an end of March pick up.
The band staff is already preparing for the 2025 marching season. There will be one required movement camp and a required incoming freshman marching camp.
If you are interested in trying out for drum major or SLT, we will begin our training/workshops the week before Spring Break. They will be held on Mondays from 4:30pm-6pm in the AHS Band Hall or AHS Ensemble Room. The first 45 minutes will be general leadership/SLT training and the second 45 minutes will be specific training for drum majors. AHS & LFC Wind Ensembles (including seniors) will be required to attend the first 45 minutes of the SLT workshops as part of their Musicianship Class.
Required Movement Camp for all LFC/AHS Returning Students and Incoming Freshmen
- Wednesday, April 16 (5:00-6:30pm)
Incoming Freshman Marching Camp (Not Required for current LFC/AHS students)
- Thursday, April 24 (5:00-6:30pm)
SLT/Drum Major Workshops
- Mon, March 10: 4:30-6pm
- Mon, March 24: 4:30-6pm
- Mon, March 31: 4:30-6pm
- Mon, April 7 4:30-6pm
- Mon, April 14: 4:30-6pm
Drum Major Tryouts
- Mon, April 21 (Phase 1 - After School)
- Wed, April 23 (Phase 2 - After School)
SLT Tryouts
- Tues, April 29 (Woodwinds - After School)
- Wed, April 30 (Brass - After School)
- Guard & Percussion Tryouts will be scheduled by Mr. Camp/Mr. Locke
