Terms & Abbreviations

• Murray Tiger Band (MTB) - this term encompasses all band programs at both Murray High School and Murray Middle School. 
• Murray High School (MHS)
• Murray Middle School (MMS)
• Band groups
  • Winds - The non-percussion part of the band. This includes any instrument that is played by blowing air - this includes both brass and woodwinds.
  • Woodwinds - 
  • Brass - 
  • Percussion - 
  • Front Ensemble (marching band) - The front ensemble is the stationary percussion ensemble during marching band. For MTB, the ensemble is usually at the front of the football field, in front of the band. The front ensemble is generally made up of non-marching percussion instruments.
  • Battery (marching band) - The battery is the marching percussion ensemble usually made up of snare drums, bass drums, tenors, etc. 
  • Drumline (marching band) - The entire percussion section (front ensemble and battery).
  • Color Guard - This group includes the members of the band who use props (flags, rifles, sabers, etc) to add color, style, and more advanced visual elements to the performance.
• Tiger Beats
• Winter Guard (WG or WGCG) - 

• Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) - https://www.kmea.org/ - The mission of KMEA shall be to advance the cause of music education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky by encouraging the study and making of music by all of the population and by serving as a strong advocate for issues affecting the accomplishment of that mission. Many of the marching band competitions MTB participates in are sanctioned by KMEA. 
• Bands of America (BOA) - https://marching.musicforall.org/ - Music for All’s Bands of America (BOA) marching band championships are the premier events for marching band in the nation. BOA’s marching band shows offer positively life-changing experiences for the students, teachers, and parents of the bands who participate, as well as fans and spectators.
  • Grand Nationals (Grand Nats) - Music for All’s Bands of America Grand National Championships, presented by Yamaha, is America’s premiere national marching band event. First and foremost, Grand Nationals is an educational performance opportunity. Grand Nationals is also a spectacular music and pageantry event, one that band fans from across the nation and around the world travel to for exciting and creative performances. Grand Nationals takes place in the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN every November. MTB has won the Class 1A Grand Championship in 1977, 2021, and 2024!
• Classifications - In both KMEA and BOA, bands are put into “classes” (classifications) based on size. KMEA and BOA each have their own rules for classifications.
  • KMEA has a five-class system that is assigned based on a formula of school enrollment size and band size. Classifications are re-evaluated every few years. Currently, MTB is a KMEA Class AAA band.
  • BOA has a four-class system that is based on the Grades 10-12 enrolment levels of each school. Class A (600 or fewer), Class AA (601-1285), Class AAA (1286-1810), and Class AAAA (1811 or more). Currently, MTB is a BOA Class A band. https://marching.musicforall.org/faq/ 
• Ty Holland Stadium/Field - The Ty Holland Stadium was built in 1939 and is located on the Murray Middle School campus. All MHS football games are played at Ty Holland.
• State / State Week
  • Decorating the Hall/Lockers
• Festival of Champions (FoC) - 
• Final Run Through / Thursday Nights - On Thursday evenings near the end of the rehearsal, the Murray Tiger Band will do a “final run through” of the entire show (or as much as they have learned to this point). Band families are encouraged to come watch the final run through, and clap and cheer for the band. It’s a great way for MTB members to get used to performing in front of an audience. It’s also a great way for spectators to see the show up close!
• Caption awards - These are awards that marching bands may win at competitions. Each competition has different caption awards. Examples are Best Percussion, Best Brass, Best Woodwinds, Best Color Guard, Best Musical Effect, Best Visual Effect, Best General Effect, Best Overall Effect, etc.
• Bibs - Also “affectionately” called “bibbers” - 
• Shakos - 
• Plumes - 

The mission of the Murray Tiger Band (MTB) Boosters is to collaborate with the Murray Independent School District (MISD) Band Directors, Murray High School and Middle School officials, and MISD officials to promote the advancement of the Murray Tiger Bands' music and performance programs and to encourage the growth and development of exceptional music and marching arts programs that complement and expand the educational opportunities of MISD students.

The Murray Band Boosters, Inc. (Boosters) is a non-profit S0l(c) (3) organization which seeks to promote, support, and create interest and participation in the MISD band program and any subordinate groups and subdivisions through collaboration among students, parents, faculty, and the community at-large. We strive to achieve these goals by raising funds to be used for purchases to help provide a quality education program and to enable student participation in band-related programs. We exist at the pleasure of the MISD.

• Band Booster - every parent of a MHS or MMS band student is a band booster! 
• Hospitality - 
• Fundraising - 
• Concessions - 
• Pit - 
• Props - 

Concession Stands

• Ty Holland (Football field at MMS)

• La Noche de Esperar
• Solo & Ensemble
• Letterman Jackets
  • Patches, Bars, Pins
• Band Banquet
• BAND app
  • BAND app for Marching Band/High School - 
  • BAND app for Murray Middle School - 
• Concert Black