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Pearland High students describe juggling varsity cheer, marching band and advanced coursework
Summary
On Pearland ISD's Building Blocks podcast, two students described daily schedules that start before school, include multiple practices and require tight time management and communication with coaches and directors.
Two Pearland High School students described how they balance varsity cheer, marching band and advanced academic coursework during a Pearland ISD Building Blocks podcast episode.
The students said intense summer conditioning and year-round practice schedules require strict time management and coach-to-coach communication. "I pretty much wake up pretty early. We have cheer practice first period in the morning. Normally start at 06:45, and then go to school," said Julia Frickin, a ninth grader at Pearland High School. She said after-school cheer practice often ends around 4:00 p.m., followed by two to three hours of band practice on some days.
Jackson Purking, a senior at Pearland High School, described the same need to concentrate in limited free time. "You really just have to focus with the time that you have because you don't have a lot of it," he said.
Why it matters: marching band and competitive cheer place heavy time demands on students, and district leaders highlighted the workload while discussing student engagement and well-being on the podcast. Pearland ISD Superintendent Mister Berger framed the conversation as an example of students who contribute to the district's culture while managing rigorous academic schedules.
Details from the episode: contestants and seasons - Marching band season begins in July and includes daily summer rehearsals, the students said. - One student described band practice sessions of two to three hours after school on some days and cheer practice both in the early morning and after school. - Superintendent Mister Berger noted the band's competitive record on the podcast, saying the program finished "seventh in the nation" at Bands of America Grand Nationals; the podcast also referenced a UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) title for the cheer program.
Student advice and supports Both students emphasized planning, communication and finding a support rhythm to manage stress. Jackson recommended focusing on short blocks of time for tasks; he also used a pop-culture motto for persistence, saying, "Keep swimming." Julia cited coordinated calendars and communication between coaches and band directors to avoid conflicts: when activities overlap, she said she emails both staff to find solutions.
Achievements and outlook Both students highlighted recent competitive successes. Jackson said he placed second in the state on tenor trombone; the podcast host cited the band's national placement at BOA Grand Nationals and the cheer squad's national competition experience. One student said she intends to remain involved in band after high school and may try out for college-level cheer or band programs.
The superintendent closed the episode by thanking the students and inviting listeners to the district website for future episodes and audience suggestions.
