Question 1

Q: What is BoW?

Accepted Answer

A: BoW stands for Band of Warriors — it’s the nickname for the Pieper High School Band program. When you hear "BoW," we’re talking about the entire band family: winds, percussion, color guard, and all the amazing students and staff. Whether it's marching on the field, performing on stage, or representing Pieper at competitions, BoW is all about excellence, pride, and community.

Question 2

Q: What is BoWPA?

Accepted Answer

A: BoWPA stands for the Band of Warriors Parent Association. It’s the volunteer booster organization that supports the Pieper Band of Warriors. BoWPA helps with everything from fundraising and feeding the band, to building props and chaperoning trips. We work hand-in-hand with the directors to make sure our students have the best experience possible—on and off the field.

If your student is in band or guard, you’re already part of the BoWPA family—and there are so many ways to get involved! Whether you have a little time or a lot, we’d love to have your help. Just visit the Volunteer page or come to our next BoWPA meeting to learn more!

Question 3

Q: Why should I join the Band of Warriors?

Accepted Answer

A: If you’re looking for a place to belong, to grow, and to be part of something amazing—Band of Warriors is it. You’ll learn how to perform, how to lead, and how to push yourself to do things you didn’t think you could.

But here’s the cool part: studies show that students in band tend to do better in school, are more organized, and develop stronger leadership and social skills. Music has also been proven to boost brain power—yep, music actually makes you smarter.

You’ll make real friends, travel to competitions, perform in front of packed stadiums, and be part of a team that works hard and has a blast doing it. BoW is waiting for YOU. Come be part of something amazing!

Question 4

Q: What is the time commitment?

Accepted Answer

A: Let’s be real—this isn’t your average high school band. The Band of Warriors is a competitive program, and that’s a big reason why we’re ranked among the best in San Antonio and across the state of Texas.

💪 Yes, it’s a big commitment—but it’s worth every minute.

🗓️ August is where we put in the most time, with daily rehearsals during Summer Band Camp to learn the marching production, music, and visuals that set us apart.

Once school begins, we follow the UIL 8-hour rule, which means our rehearsals are limited to 8 hours per week outside the school day. That time is used wisely to refine and perfect our show.

📚 Being part of this program teaches students time management, responsibility, and discipline—skills that will benefit them for life. And the payoff? Performing in packed stadiums, traveling with your band family, and consistently competing in the finals at every contest we enter.

We work hard, we rise to the challenge—and we do it together.

Question 5

Q: What is the Weekly Sheet?

Accepted Answer

A: The Weekly Sheet is your go-to guide for everything happening in the Band of Warriors world—it’s the single most important communication tool we use each week!

It’s sent out by the directors (usually on Sunday or Monday) and includes:
✅ Rehearsal schedules
✅ Call times for games or events
✅ What to wear (uniforms, spirit gear, etc.)
✅ Meal plans
✅ Special announcements
✅ Upcoming deadlines or events
✅ Any changes from the norm

We recommend students and parents read it together each week so nothing gets missed. It’s also a good idea to set reminders, print it out to post at home, or text a link to your kids phone so that parents and kids have it at their fingertips.

📬 Where to find it:
The Weekly Sheet is usually texted and/or emailed out by the directors or booster club. If you don’t see it, just ask!

Question 6

Q: Is band just in the Fall?

Accepted Answer

A: Nope—Band is a year-round experience, and that’s one of the things that makes it so special!

While marching season is what most people think of first (football games, competitions, halftime shows, pep rallies), that’s only the first half of the year. Once marching season wraps up in late fall, we transition into the concert season, where students perform in a variety of ensembles and activities, such as:

🎼 Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and Concert Band
🎷 Jazz Band
🥁 Percussion Ensembles
🎺 Solo & Ensemble Contest
🎶 UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluations
🎭 Spring Concerts, Trips, and Festivals

We also have Winter Guard, Spring Camps, leadership training, and a ton of fun events to keep students involved and growing throughout the school year.

So while the Fall is fast-paced and exciting, the Spring is where musicianship takes center stage, and students continue to grow, perform, and bond with their band family.

Question 7

Q: Is marching required when joining the Band of Warriors?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes, marching is a core part of the BoW experience, but we also understand that every student’s situation is unique—and we’re here to work with you.

Here’s how it breaks down:

🎭 Dual Commitments (Football, Dance, ROTC):
 If you’re also involved in football, the dance team, or ROTC, you can absolutely still be part of the band. In many cases, you may be excused from certain parts of the football game, and the directors will work with you to create a customized schedule that makes it all work.

🩺 Medical Exemptions:
 If you have a medical condition that prevents you from marching, we understand. In most cases, there are alternate ways to participate in the fall production that don’t require marching but still keep you engaged in the band family.

💵 Financial Hardships:
 If the cost of participation is a concern, please don’t let that stop you from joining. We never want finances to be the reason a student misses out on this incredible opportunity. Just talk to the directors ahead of time—we’re here to help and will find a solution.

In short: Marching is expected, but flexibility and support are always part of the BoW approach. Let’s work together to make it happen!

Question 8

Q: What does “No Pass, No Play” mean?

Accepted Answer

A: "No Pass, No Play" is a state rule in Texas (UIL) that says students must be academically eligible to participate in extracurricular activities—like marching band, performances, and contests.

Here’s what you need to know:

📝 To stay eligible, you must pass all of your classes (with a grade of 70 or higher) at each grading checkpoint—usually at the 6-week mark.
📉 If a student fails a class, they become ineligible to perform for a period of time (usually 3 weeks).
📈 If the grade is brought back up by the next checkpoint, the student regains eligibility and can return to performances.

🎶 You can still come to rehearsals! Even if a student is temporarily ineligible, they’re still expected to attend rehearsals, keep up with the music and drill, and stay ready to jump back in.

💬 Need help? Don’t wait! We encourage students to communicate early, attend tutorials, and ask for support. The BoW staff and leadership team are here to help you succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

Bottom line: We believe in building great musicians and even better students. Keep those grades up—we want you on the field with us!

Question 9

Q: What are Band Buddies?

Accepted Answer

A: Band Buddies is our way of making sure new members feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the very beginning.

Every incoming student—whether you're a freshman or new to the program—is paired with an experienced member of the Band of Warriors. This upperclassman becomes your go-to person for questions, encouragement, and guidance throughout the season.

Here’s what Band Buddies do:
👋 Help you learn the ropes (marching tips, schedules, gear, etc.)
🧊 Break the ice at events and social activities
📣 Cheer you on during rehearsals and performances
🎁 Exchange a small spirit gift on game days to build excitement and show support
❓ Answer questions like “Where do I go?” or “What should I bring?”
🫱 Be someone you can count on as you settle into the band family

Why it’s awesome:
Joining a high school band—especially one as active as BoW—can feel a little overwhelming at first. Your Band Buddy is there to make the transition smooth, fun, and way less stressful. Think of it like having a big brother or sister in band!

Question 10

Q: What are some of the tools of communication that the BoW uses?

Accepted Answer

A: We use several tools to make sure both students and parents stay informed and up to date throughout the season. Here’s a breakdown of the main ones:

📄 The Weekly Sheet
This is your must-read schedule every week! It includes all the details like rehearsal times, performance info, call times, locations, and reminders. The Weekly Sheet is texted and emailed directly to parents and students every Sunday—so keep an eye out for it in your inbox and messages!

📱 BandApp
Our main communication app for announcements, reminders, updates, and quick messages from directors, staff, board members and student leaders. Both students and parents should join their appropriate group(s) to stay in the loop. It’s especially helpful for last-minute updates or game day reminders.

💻 CutTime
This is our official band management system used to track student accounts, fees, uniforms, inventory, and contact info. Parents can log in to monitor payments and manage financial info related to band activities.

📆 Google Calendar
The live calendar on our website includes all events, rehearsals, performances, contests, and trips throughout the year. You can subscribe to it and sync it to your phone so you always know what’s coming up.

More info can be found on all four of these communication tools in Resources > Parent Portal.

Question 11

Q: How do I get set up with BandApp, CutTime, and the Google Calendar?

Accepted Answer

A: Great question! Getting connected early helps ensure you never miss an update, event, or deadline. Here’s how to get started with each tool:

📱 BandApp
Download the Band app from the App Store or Google Play.
Create a free account.
Use the invite link or QR code provided by the Band Directors or Booster Club to join your appropriate group (student, parent, guard, etc.).
Turn on notifications so you never miss an announcement!

💻 CutTime
You’ll receive an invitation via email or text to join CutTime once your student is officially enrolled in band.
Follow the link to set up your parent and/or student account.
Once in, you can view balances, invoices, uniform assignments, and more.
If you haven’t received an invite, contact a director or booster officer to request one.

📆 Google Calendar
Visit the calendar page on the Pieper Band of Warriors website.
Click the link or button to subscribe to the calendar.
Choose to sync it with your Google Calendar, iCal, or mobile device.
It will automatically update with any changes or additions throughout the year.

📩 Weekly Sheet
 No setup needed! The Weekly Sheet is automatically emailed and texted to all band parents and students every Sunday. Just make sure we have your correct contact info on file!

Question 12

Q: How much does it cost to be in band, and what is the fair-share fee?

Accepted Answer

A: Great question! Like most high school band programs, Pieper Band of Warriors uses a fair-share fee model to help cover the many costs associated with running a successful, high-quality program.The fair-share fee, or band fee, is an annual fee (typically paid at the start of each fall season) that helps cover a portion of your student’s participation in the program. This includes but is not limited to things like:Show design and music licensingInstructional staffProp building materialsEquipment and prop transportationUniform maintenance and accessoriesContest registration and travelStudent meals for games and contestsStudent gearAnd much more!We call it “fair-share” because the total cost of the program is shared among all participants. However, this fee doesn’t cover everything, which is why fundraising is essential and strongly encouraged throughout the year to help keep fees as low as possible.All band fees are non-refundable. We never want cost to be a barrier to participation. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to the Band Directors confidentially. We have options available and are committed to making sure every student can be part of the BoW experience.

Question 13

Q: How can I help keep band fees low through fundraising?

Accepted Answer

A: Fundraising plays a huge role in keeping the Pieper Band of Warriors program affordable for all families. While each student pays a fair-share fee, that only covers a portion of what it takes to run a high-level, competitive program. Things like transportation, instructional staff, props, equipment, and contest entry fees can add up quickly—especially when we’re aiming for excellence on and off the field.

That’s where fundraising comes in. Every dollar raised helps bridge the gap between what the program needs and what families are asked to pay. The more successful our fundraisers are, the more we can keep fees low, provide extra opportunities for students, and support those facing financial hardship.

You can help by:
Participating in and promoting our fundraisers throughout the year
Volunteering to help organize or run events
Encouraging local businesses to sponsor or donate to the program
Spreading the word to friends, family, and neighbors—every small contribution adds up!

When we all pitch in, we not only support our amazing students, but we also help ensure that every kid who wants to be a part of BoW has the chance to do so.

Question 14

Q: What if my family is facing a financial hardship? Can my student still participate in band?

Accepted Answer

A: Absolutely. At the Pieper Band of Warriors, we believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to a student’s ability to participate in our program. We understand that families may experience financial challenges, and we are committed to working with you to find a solution.

If you're facing a hardship, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the band directors privately. We handle all financial conversations with the utmost discretion and respect. In many cases, payment plans, partial scholarships, or other options can be arranged to help lighten the load.

In addition, our fundraising efforts throughout the year help support these needs. When the BoW community comes together, we make it possible for every student to be part of something amazing—no matter their financial situation.

We encourage open communication—so please, if you're unsure about the costs, talk to us. We're here to help.

Question 15

Q: Should my student take private lessons? What are they and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

A: We highly encourage students to take private lessons if it’s available to them. Private lessons are one-on-one sessions with a specialist on your student’s specific instrument. These instructors help students improve their technique, build confidence, and get individual feedback they may not have time to receive in a full band setting.

Private lessons are especially valuable for students looking to:
Audition for region band or all-state
Perform solos or ensembles
Move up in their concert band placement
Strengthen fundamentals and grow faster on their instrument

Our directors maintain a list of trusted, approved private lesson teachers—many of whom come directly to the school during band class or after school to work with students. If cost is a concern, we encourage families to reach out to the directors—we’ll work with you to explore options. Private lessons are a powerful investment in your student’s musical journey!

Question 16

Q: Does BoW do anything fun outside of rehearsals and performances?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! The Band of Warriors isn’t just about music—it’s about community, friendship, and celebrating our journey together. Throughout the year, we host a number of fun and meaningful social events that help students unwind, bond with their peers, and create lasting memories.

Here are just a few of the events that make BoW special:
Band Olympics – A fun, team-building event filled with friendly competition and laughs
Meet the Band Night – A chance to kick off the season, connect with new and returning families, and introduce the band to the community
Trunk or Treat – A Halloween celebration where students and families get creative with decorated trunks and costumes
Winter Break Dinner – A relaxed and joyful gathering to celebrate the first half of the season with both students and parents—everyone’s welcome to join in!
Pancake Breakfast – A fundraiser where our amazing Winter Guard debuts their competition show in front of the Pieper community
Tailgating – A spirited pre-game tradition where families come together to eat, cheer, and support the band before home football games
Band Banquet – Our end-of-year celebration honoring student achievements and all the hard work throughout the season
Section Parties – Countless informal gatherings throughout the year where sections bond, support one another, and just have fun together

We encourage parents to get involved, especially during events like the Winter Break Dinner and Tailgating, where the sense of community really shines. Whether it’s helping out or just showing up to celebrate, your presence means the world to our students!

Pieper Band of Warriors

San Antonio, TX

Frequently Asked Questions