Thank you for your interest in joining the squad, and I look forward to seeing you at the cheer clinic. Good luck to you all. Go Panthers!

NOTE:   Please read this packet in its entirety to understand exactly what is expected of you to try out.  Once you have read the information, and you still have questions, contact me at: icornish@houstonisd.org. 

Do I need any cheerleading experience to try out?  No. Although, having experience may help, it is not required.  You must be a committed, hardworking individual who wants to be a part of a team, develop confidence and more importantly, acquire leadership skills.  If you do not have cheer experience, look for videos online about cheerleading, arm motions, jump techniques, and how to engage the crowd.  The more you practice, the better.

What do I have to do to tryout?  You must attend the cheer clinic all three days.  At the clinic, you will learn crowd engagement, a cheer, a chant, required jumps, and a dance.  On the day of the mock tryout, you will perform as you would on the date of the tryouts.  On the day of tryouts, you will be performing crowd engagement, a cheer, a chant, the dance, and the required jumps by yourself, in front of a panel of independent judges. You must show enthusiasm, remain respectful, pay close attention, listen carefully, and learn as much as you can during the clinic.  No horseplay is allowed.  You may be asked to leave and not be able to try out.  Remember, this is your time to learn, and the time for you to perfect your skills, so that you will be ready to perform in front of the judges.  Teacher recommendations/input will be considered part of your scoresheet. 

What do I need to wear to FBMS tryout clinic? Every day at the clinic, you must wear an FBMS t-shirt, school uniform T shirt, or plain white T-shirt. (please do not wear any t shirts representing any school other than Frank Black MS), black shorts, athletic shoes, hair in a ponytail, a coordinating bow, if you have one.  During the clinic no jewelry, no food and no gum during the clinic. On all three days, you are required to dress appropriately.    

What days am I required to attend to try out? The following dates are required for you to be eligible to try out. At the start time, you must already be in the appropriate attire when entering the gym. You must come to learn and no sidebars or horseplay.  All candidates are to be picked up promptly at 6:15 p.m. every day. 

• Day 1: Tuesday, April 1, 2025; 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM, FBMS Gym - Cheer Clinic
  • You will be taught crowd engagement, motion techniques and a cheer.
  • Closed practice
  • No filming or cell phones will be allowed in the clinic.  **Any use of cell phones, you will be asked to leave and not be allowed to try out. 
• Day 2: Wednesday, April 2, 2025; 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM, FBMS Gym - Cheer Clinic (Closed)
  • You will be taught a dance and 2 different jumps.
  • Closed practice
  • No filming or cell phones will be allowed in the clinic.  **Any use of cell phones, you will be asked to leave and not be allowed to try out. 
• Day 3: Thursday, April 3, 2025; 4:15 PM - 6:150M, FBMS Gym - Mock Tryouts/Interviews
  • You will be refining material you have learned during the clinic and going through the actual tryout procedures.  This is not the official tryouts, but you should perform everything you have learned as though it is. You may be ‘interviewed’ during this clinic. 
  • Closed practice
  • No filming or cell phones will be allowed in the clinic.  **Any use of cell phones, you will be asked to leave and not be allowed to try out. 

• Day 4, Friday, April 4, 2025; 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM, FBMS Gym - Cheer/*Mascot Tryouts

• • Official tryout day!
  • Closed tryouts
  • No filming or cell phones will be allowed in the clinic.  **Any use of cell phones, you will be asked to leave and not be allowed to try out. 

How many cheerleaders will there be on the squad?  I am going to choose a squad of 16 cheerleaders and one or two mascots.  This number is also contingent on the number of candidates.  Do not let this number stop you from trying out, nor, let the number of participants at the clinic intimidate you. All current FBMS cheerleaders must tryout again and qualify based on their previous performance to be on next year’s squad.  I will be looking for the most enthusiastic, coachable leaders.   

Do my past grades matter? Your grades are crucial to the process, and it shows that you are responsible.  Teacher recommendations will be reviewed as well.  Once the 2025-2026 school year begins, per UIL, HISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct, your grades will be monitored and do affect your eligibility to remain on the squad.  More information regarding this will be given if you make the squad.

How much money does it cost?  The cost will be approximately $750, which includes the cost for cheer camp, basic cheer package (shell skirt, bows, cheer shoes, backpack, etc.), as well as practice wear.  Please know that is it your family’s responsibility to pay for you to be on the squad.   Fundraising opportunities will be held to purchase additional items. 

How much time outside of school is required to be a part of this incredible team? There is a mandatory time commitment to be a part of the Frank Black Cheer Squad.  While joining other organizations and sports is acceptable, it is necessary that you balance your schedule wisely and do not miss out on any of the cheer activities. ***Any organization/sport outside of FBMS will not be an excuse to miss any FBMS Cheer activities (practices, games, events, etc.).   When you make the squad, more details will be provided.  You will also be required to attend all scheduled community events, school events, football games, and boys’ and girls’ basketball games.

Am I required to go to cheer camp during the summer, and when and where is it?  Yes. As a member of the FBMS Cheer Squad, you are required to attend the overnight summer camp.  Failure to attend camp automatically dismisses you from the team.  Cheer camp will be from June 16, through June 18, 2025.  More details regarding the camp will be given when you make the squad. 

Who do I contact if I have any questions?  Coach Cornish.  Contact me with any questions or you can call the school (713.613.2505).  Email is best.  icornish@houstonisd.org

Thank you for your interest in wanting to become a member of the FBMS Cheer squad, and I look forward to seeing you at the cheer clinic.  Good luck!  Go Panthers!    

Coach I.L. Cornish                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Keep your grades up – schoolwork comes first and is a good indicator of your work ethic.
• Practice good rapport with your teachers and peers. Cheerleaders are role models in their communities.
• Introduce yourself to the coaches, this will help them get to know you.
• In the months leading up to tryouts, stretch and start training your technical skills. Work with private coaches or senior cheerleaders for helpful critiques.
• When the score sheets become available, be sure to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you practice and prepare for the big day.
• During the clinic: pay attention, have a positive attitude, cheer full-out and ask questions.
• Remember the coaches and administrators are always watching. Behave appropriately and be courteous to other candidates.
• If the coach allows, record the cheers on your cell phone so you can practice at home.
• Stretch after each clinic session and drink plenty of water to avoid sore muscles.
• Practice your tryout material full-out in front of your parents and friends to calm your nerves.
• On tryout day arrive early, eat a good meal, take a deep breath, relax and have fun!
• Keep in mind that being a member of the cheerleading team may come with financial obligation. Seek out the details of what will be required so you can be prepared.

GOOD LUCK!