Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who make the Trojan Band possible! Your participation, support, encouragement, and love are the magic touches that push our students to the next level. Thank you for all you do!

Last week, we had an outstanding Spring Concert and a chance to celebrate our seniors one last time before Graduation. We also had our leadership interviews. Drum Majors submit their conducting videos tomorrow afternoon, be looking for audition and leadership results sometime next week. This Friday is the night our seniors have been looking forward to for a very long time! They will graduate in Grisham Stadium and celebrate their accomplishments thus far while celebrating the commencement of their future endeavors.

There is something special about watching a group of students grow up together through band. Over the past four years, this senior class has shared bus rides, football games, long rehearsals, early mornings, late nights, victories, disappointments, laughter, and moments that very few people outside this activity will ever fully understand. Somewhere along the way, these students stopped simply being members of the band and became part of the heartbeat of our program. Their presence shaped the culture of our rehearsals, the energy of our performances, and the relationships that make this program feel like home.

This class understood that excellence is rarely found in one big moment. Instead, they embraced the value of steady growth: choosing every day to become a little more disciplined, a little more focused, a little more selfless, and a little more connected to one another. They showed up when they were tired. They kept working after difficult rehearsals. They learned to accept correction, trust the process, and take pride in the small improvements that eventually led to meaningful accomplishments. Some led from the front, while others led quietly through consistency, encouragement, humility, and dependability. Together, they helped guide our program through one of the most successful and meaningful chapters in our history, including unforgettable performances, outstanding musical achievements, and moments that brought pride to our entire community.

What I will remember most, though, is not a score, trophy, or standing ovation. I will remember the way this class cared for one another. I will remember the conversations after rehearsals, the laughter during trips, the traditions they protected, and the way they welcomed younger students into this family. They understood that the strength of a band is not measured only by how well it performs, but by how well its people care for each other when nobody is watching. They made this program better not simply because of what they achieved, but because of who they became along the way.

As graduation approaches, it is difficult to imagine these halls, rehearsals, and performances without them. Their fingerprints are all over this program, and their absence will be felt deeply. At the same time, there is tremendous pride in knowing they are leaving prepared for whatever comes next. The lessons they learned here, patience, resilience, accountability, teamwork, and the pursuit of continual growth, will serve them in the pursuit of any of their chosen endeavors. Although we will continue as new students step into these spaces, this senior class will always hold a meaningful place in the story of the Carrollton Trojan Band.

This Week (5/11 – 5/15) at a Glance • CHS School Announcements

NEXT WEEK Preview (5/18-5/22)

• Monday: Final 3 Days of School
  • New Member Camp 4:00PM – 6:00PM | Band Room
• Tuesday: Finals 1st and 2nd Block| Early Release @ 12:30 PM
  • New Member Camp 4:00PM – 6:00PM| Band Room
• Wednesday: Finals 3rd and 4th Block | Early Release @ 12:30 PM | Final Day of SY25-26
• Thursday: Post Planning – No School | Happy Summer!
• Friday: Post Planning – No School | Happy Summer!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Senior parents or students, please fill out the following form to help us celebrate our seniors! Senior Spotlight Form

Did you miss the 2026 – 2027 Kick-Off Meeting?

Our annual kick-off meeting was on April 28, and we had a great time! Thank you so much to our veteran parents who helped our new parents feel welcomed! Special shout-out and thank you to our board members who have served our band so selflessly and are rolling off: James and Lindy Moore, presidents; Matt and Amie Clotfetler, vice presidents; and Jennifer Engelbird, treasurer. Your leadership has been impactful, and we appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to our program. The membership elected the following executive board members at the meeting: President: Jennifer Rowell; Vice President – Iakesha Releford; Treasurer – Yvonne Haley; and Financial Secretary – Colleen Brown. We are very thankful for the parents willing to lead our booster club. We have a very active band program and couldn’t do it without your willingness to help out. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

FALL 2026 SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT

Important Info from the meeting:

2026 – 2027 Band Handbook • Be sure to read this. It has important dates, how to stay connected, and our fee schedule

UPCOMING 9th GRADERS – Info on the Health Class

Marching Band participation is required to be eligible to take the health class online. Students who finish their online health and participate in the marching band will receive their required credit for Health and PE.

CALENDAR

CALENDAR • Please check www.chstrojanband.com/calendar regularly for updates. We highly recommend syncing the calendar to your phone.

Percussion Camps: June 4, 11, 18 • Snares/Tenors/Flubs/Marimba 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Bass Drums 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Vibraphones 2:00 PM – 5:30 | June 25 • All Percussion, 8:00 AM – 12:00; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Guard Camps: May 5, 7, 12, 14 • 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | May 19, 21, 26, and 28 • 1:00 – 5:00 PM |May 28• Guard BBQ 5 PM -7 PM |June 1 – 4 • Summer Spin Clinic/Rookie Camp 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. 

4th of July Parade Practice: July 3, 2026 • 9:00AM – 12:00PM • Parade is on July 4 • 10:00AM* Register by May 24, 2026. 

Band Camp Week 1: July 13 – 17, 2026 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Required for all members
We will be joined by extra staff members so that students have an opportunity to learn from specialists on their instruments.  Students will not be permitted to leave campus.  Breakfast is available through our school, and we will provide lunch as well.  

Band Camp Week 2: July 20 – 24, 2026 • 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM • Required for all members
Members will be outside for most of the day.  Plan for hot weather and be sure to wear sunscreen and dress appropriately to battle the sun.   Camp will culminate in a parent preview performance on Friday evening.

Trojan Night: July 24, 2026 • 6:00 PM • Required for all members
Trojan Night is a preview performance of the marching show and a way for the students to show what they have learned during the band camps.  This is the beginning of the season family celebration, which includes great entertainment and a good meal.  Parent volunteers are needed for Trojan Night. Please let us know at booster meetings how you would like to participate.

*We will meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM the weeks of July 28 and Aug. 4 due to pre-planning.
Fall Weekly Rehearsal Schedule – Begins the week of July 29, 2025
Monday        3:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Tuesday        3:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Wednesday        No Practice
Thursday        6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Friday        Game

2026 – 2027 Marching Band Fees

2026 Marching Band Fees (for all woodwind, brass, and percussion students)  are crucial for our program to continue to function at the high level we have all come to expect. Fees pay for booster club membership, halftime show music, drill, band camp staff, seasonal staff, show shirts, meals at our 3 contests, exhibition, away games, and band camp lunches.  There may be special meals that have not been included, but most have.  Below is a list of other required items.  Most items can be reused from year to year as long as the students take care of their items.  

• $75 School-owned instrument rental (per year) – if applicable Due 8/10/2026
• $50 School-owned instrument rental (semester) – if applicable Due 1st Friday of each semester
• $100 Band Jacket – (ordered during band camp – order as a rookie and is part of the uniform) Due 7/14/2026
• $10 Garment Bag (ordered as a rookie) Due 7/14/2026
• $15 Marching Shorts (first pair free, ordered as needed) Due 7/14/2026
• $42 Marching Shoes (ordered as a rookie) Due 7/14/2026
• $10 Black band shirt (ordered as a rookie and is part of the uniform) Due 8/10/2026
• $10 White/Black Gloves (purchase as needed, part of the uniform) Due 8/10/2026
• $5 Long Black Socks – can be purchased anywhere. Due 8/10/2026

*All band fees should be turned in to Ms. Dothard, the high school band secretary, and she will write you a receipt. We accept cash or money orders; the school no longer accepts checks.  Please drop payments off at the band room instead of mailing them so that we can provide you with a receipt. Or to save you a trip, you can pay your band fees online through the following website, which was set up by our school: https://carrolltonhs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=33. 

$300 Annual Marching Band Fees ($50 off for multiple-member families) Due dates below:

• Friday, May 15, 2026 • Commitment Fee – $100.00 (Secures your spot in the halftime show) 
• Monday, June 15, 2026 • 2^nd installment due – $100.00 
• Monday, July 13, 2026 • Final installment due – $100.00 
• *A $25 late fee will be added for each month that a payment is past due.  

Colorguard Payment Schedule: $500.00 ($50 off for multiple-member families)• Due dates below:

• Friday, May 15, 2026 • Commitment Fee – $175.00 (Orders your uniform and secures a spot in the show) 
• Monday, June 15, 2026 • 2^nd installment due – $175.00 (Order your shoes and your equipment rental)
• Monday, July 13, 2026 • Final installment due – $150.00 (Final portion of band fees) 
• *A $25 late fee will be added for each month that a payment is past due. 

Additional Required Color Guard Items

• Order from https://store.hippvisualsolutions.com/collections/carrollton-hs • Order by 6/16/2026
  • Track Jacket $81.99 •  Backpack $61.99 • Tank $25.99 • Flag bag $60.00 | Other items on that site are optional
• Ordered through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/161RHMPOVH4QV?ref_=wl_share
  • Sweatpants $14.99, Shorts $17.99, Leggings $7.99, Tennis Shoes $30-50, and earrings $15.46. 
• Ordered through the school:
  • Body Suit TBD | Gloves TBD

*All band fees should be turned in to Ms. Dothard, the high school band secretary, and she will write you a receipt. We accept cash or money orders; the school no longer accepts checks.  Please drop payments off at the band room instead of mailing them so that we can provide you with a receipt. Or to save you a trip, you can pay your band fees online through the following website, which was set up by our school: https://carrolltonhs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=33.

Upcoming Events | Please Share

Trojan Band families — we need your help spreading the word!

We’ve created ready-to-share graphics for our upcoming events. A powerful way to support our students is to download them and share them on your social media. Please.

Every share helps celebrate your child, showcases their hard work, and builds pride and visibility for our program. Thank you for being our best ambassadors!

CALENDAR

Be sure to subscribe to the calendar • www.chstrojanband.com/calendar • Some calendar events stopped syncing after we transferred to CutTime. Be sure to subscribe to this Google Calendar — the CutTime calendar automatically syncs to this one. All you have to do is click the “Add to Google Calendar” at the bottom after visiting http://www.chstrojanband.com/calendar to subscribe. The photo below shows you where to find it.

May

• 11 • Baccalaureate • 7:30PM | Tabernacle Baptist Church
• 15 • Graduation • 7:00PM | Band Performs | Volunteer Here
• 18 • New Member Camp • 4:00PM – 6:00PM • Band Room
• 19 • Early Release 12:30PM
  • New Member Camp • 4:00PM – 6:00PM • Band Room
• 20 • Early Release 12:30PM | Last Day School

Thinking Ahead

• 2026 – 2027 School Calendar
• July 3, 2026 | 4th of July Parade Practice • July 4, 2026 | 4th of July Parade
• Band Camp Dates | Week 1 • July 13 – 17 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Week 2 • July 20 – 24 | 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Trojan Night • July 24