About the Houston Concert Band

Chuck Throckmorton, Music Director

Originally from Florida, Chuck grew up in the Midwest earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Iowa.  Chuck also holds a Master of Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University, where he held an adjunct faculty position in the School of Music.  Chuck moved with his family to Houston in 1989 to become the Assistant Band Director for the Shepherd Independent School District.  After directing bands at both the St. Thomas and Episcopal High Schools in the Houston area, Chuck became Director of Bands at Rice University.  Chuck plays French Horn with The Houston Brass, as well as other professional ensembles in the area.  He has also served as the Principal Horn of the Pasadena Philharmonic.

2009 - 2010 Officers and Directors

Mike Hernandez, President
Stephanie Michaelis, Vice-president
Sherrie Throckmorton, Treasurer
Meredith Hernandez, Secretary
Kristen Fusco, Member at large
Geoffrey Miller, Member at large

Membership Requirements

HCB Members are expected to take seriously the responsibility of holding a position in the Band.  The following is a list of the requirements for becoming and remaining a member of the HCB.

 1.  Membership in HCB is by approval from your section leader and the Band Director.  Members are encouraged to recruit talented musicians for membership in the HCB. Before inviting a player to rehearsal, the member will discuss the recruit’s experience and ability with the appropriate section leader and the Band Director.

 2.  Members must be able to play their parts in such a way as to meet the overall performance goals of the band.  The seating within the section and parts assignments are decided by the Director and section leader.   These assignments are made to enhance the performance level and overall quality of the band.

 3.  Members must attend a majority of rehearsals. For members to participate in a concert, they must attend three of the last four rehearsals immediately prior to that performance. In addition, they must attend the final rehearsal before that performance. Only the Director can approve any exceptions to this policy.

 4.  Members must perform in a majority of the band’s concerts.

 5.  Members must pay their yearly dues by October 1st or within three weeks of the first rehearsal attended. Full-time students are not required to pay dues. The Board of Directors can waive dues in cases where the payment imposes an unreasonable burden on a member. Unless his or her dues have been waived by the Board of Directors, any member who refuses to pay dues will lose membership in the HCB and be denied rehearsal and performance privileges.  For the 2007-2008 season, dues are $40.

 6.  Each member is expected to notify his or her section leader in a timely fashion if unable to attend a rehearsal or performance.

 7.  All members are expected to assist with additional duties.  For example, all members are asked to help with the loading and unloading of equipment for performances.

 8.  Members are required to conform to the dress code for each concert.   For formal concerts, male members are required to have a black tuxedo. Female members are required to have long-sleeved black dresses or suits. For outdoor concerts, the uniform consists of short-sleeved white shirts and black slacks or skirts.

 9.  Band members who have a change of address or phone number should turn this information in to any board member.

10.  The number of positions in each section is limited.  In the event a member does not carry out the responsibilities listed here, the section leader will contact the member to discuss the situation. If the section leader and the Director determine that the member does not carry out the responsibilities listed herein, the member’s membership in the HCB may be terminated by written notice to the member. The former member may appeal that decision to the Board of Directors. The appeal must be made in writing and delivered to a Board member within 30 days. The decision of the Board shall be final.  Any former member not reinstated will receive a full refund of the dues he or she has paid for the then current band year.

11.  Any member requiring a leave of absence from the HCB should notify his or her section leader. Every attempt will be made to keep the member’ s position open until the member can resume regular attendance.

12.  For the sake of keeping our music library intact, members are not allowed to take the band’s sheet music for personal use.  If a member violates this rule and, in so doing, loses the band’s music, he or she must replace what has been lost.  This may require the member to purchase music for the entire band, as single parts are not often individually available.

These requirements were developed with our audience in mind.  They are intended to maintain and improve the quality of the band’s rehearsals and performances.

The HCB Board of Directors and the Director will decide any questions concerning the interpretation of these guidelines.

Copyright 2007 Houston Concert Band. All Rights Reserved

Bylaws of the Houston Concert Band

as revised September 1986
as transcribed by Greg Broer in July 2000