Naugatuck High School. Marching Band. Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Naugatuck High School Marching Band Parent Handbook

2 The NHS Greyhound Band Association Welcomes You! We hope that you will find this booklet of information helpful, and that it will spark both your enthusiasm and involvement in this exciting and educational activity. We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions, however we are sure you will have some questions of your own. Please feel free to contact us if we can help you in any way. We look forward to hearing from you! Welcome to our Band Family! Contact Information: Robert Hughes, Jr. Director of Bands Greyhound Band Association

3 What is a Competitive Marching Band? Welcome to Marching Band Competitive marching bands perform one show that is continually refined throughout a season. The show is practiced throughout the summer and completed before the fall competition season at band camp. Once the competitive season begins, members of the musical conference, which the host school belongs to, judge the bands. The scores are recorded and awards are presented at the end of each competition. The judges also provide the band director and his/her staff with a critique of the show. The band will then tweak their show based on the judges feedback thus performing a slightly modified show at each subsequent performance throughout the season. What is the history of the NHS Marching Band program? The Naugatuck High School Marching Band first competed in Each season, the band prepares several musical numbers around a theme. The music is set to motion. The Color Guard accompanies the music with various flags and equipment routines that enhance the visual aspect of the show. It was a modest beginning of only one competition that first year, to the extensive, respected program it is today. The Marching Greyhounds have earned the respect of audiences across the state. The numerous first place trophies that have been awarded in recent years are a testimony to the hard work and commitment of the students. The Band has earned past accolades in Florida, Europe, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Who decides what the band plays and when they compete? The Band Director and his staff select the music (with suggestions from the students), design the visual program, and teach all of the elements of the marching show. The local circuit we belong to, the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), with the help of member band directors, set the musical and visual criteria students will be evaluated by. MAC compiles the slate of judges, schedules the shows, and determines the format for the field shows. The Band Director sets the NHS practice and competitive schedule in late spring for the upcoming fall season. The Board of Education has the final say in all the activities the Band undergoes and all activities must go through an approval process.

4 How are the marching bands judged? Welcome to Marching Band (cont.) The bands are judged on their musicianship and marching skills, as well as the general effect created by the show s design and performance. The number of members in the program determines the class size. The band competes against groups in their own classification. Drum Majors and Color Guard play a vital role in the overall scoring of the band. Naugatuck High School is currently a member of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC) in which marching bands from CT, NY, NJ, and MA compete. The NHS band has also competed in the Easter Marching Band Association (EMBA) and the US Scholastic Band Association (USSBA). Does the Marching Band travel? The Marching Band plans a variety of trips, with larger trips planned approximately every 3-4 years. In the past, they have traveled to Orlando, Florida, in the month of April to participate in a music festival and attend a music clinic at Epcot. They have proudly performed in Epcot and also marched in the Electric Parade in the Magic Kingdom. Years in between trips there may also be a medium trip planned to such locations as Virginia or Canada. Smaller trips may also be planned on the off years to such places as Pennsylvania or Massachusetts. All trips are planned by the Band Director and usually treated as separate events or at times in conjunction with the Choir. The Band Director must obtain Board of Education approval for all trips. What else goes on in the fall? In addition to competitions and rehearsals, the band performs at home football games on various Friday nights, the Thanksgiving Day football game in Naugatuck or Ansonia, and the Veteran s Day Parade. After Marching Band season, the students prepare as the symphonic band for their Winter Concert at the High School. Many students choose to join our national award winning Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard, or Jazz Band as the fall season ends and the winter season begins.

5 Marching Band Season When does marching band begin, and how long does it last? Marching band season begins in June with two rehearsals, which include eighth graders and other new students to introduce them to the program. The students receive their show music for practicing at home at these rehearsals. Summer weekly evening rehearsals begin in July on Tuesday nights and continue through August. Two weeks before school starts Band Camp begins. During this time, band members attend all day and evening practices to learn correct marching techniques, memorize the drill and music, and learn to set the whole show in motion. There are many water breaks throughout the day, and snacks are provided in the morning and evening. In addition, the students have a one-hour lunch break and a two-hour dinner break. Band Camp provides the foundation for work that continues throughout the entire marching band season with Tuesday and Thursday night rehearsals as well as Saturday rehearsals prior to shows or all day on non-show Saturdays. Weekend competitions start in September and last through November. The Marching Band season culminates in a Championship competition, which takes place in mid-november. The NHS band performs their fall show for the final time at the Thanksgiving Day football game. 3

6 Rehearsals What is the rehearsal schedule when school starts? Once school begins, rehearsals are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, and on Saturdays (before competition or all day if no competition). The Saturday times are scheduled based on our performance time and is given to the students the week of the show once MAC has posted the schedule. Students designated as Section Leaders will call for Section rehearsals usually one day per week for one hour prior to the start of rehearsals. It is essential that students attend these rehearsals and that they arrive on time. Students are expected to be on the field and ready to play five minutes before each rehearsal begins. This means they need to get to school about 10 minutes before rehearsal starts to give them time to get into the band room, get their instruments out of the cases, return their cases, get their music and pencils set, and be on the field or in their chairs ready to begin to rehearse. As the weather grows cooler, it is important to dress for outdoor practice. In addition, all students should bring a water bottle to all rehearsals regardless of outdoor temperature. Practices are held at Naugatuck High School, either in the band room, on the lighted football field, on the practice field, or in the parking lot opposite the band room. During the season, students are asked to take turns moving the Pit equipment on and off the field before and after rehearsals. There is a rotating schedule posted in the band room and students are expected to know when it is their turn. This work involves a few minutes of extra time before and after rehearsals. Parents are encouraged to help and be involved with this too. Many hands make light work! 4

7 Rehearsals (cont.) Why school day rehearsals and evening rehearsals? Marching Band is a credited and graded course. The music is practiced during the school day during the scheduled band period. The additional time spent in evening rehearsals is needed to learn the marching portion of the field show, and to further advance the playing skills of the musician while putting the music to motion. Students will receive academic credit for rehearsals and class. All rehearsals and performances contribute to the student s grade. It is critical to the success of the overall program for students to be enrolled in the daytime class as opposed to just participating in evening and Saturday rehearsals and competitions. However, students from other area high schools that do not offer a band program may join the NHS band and participate in the evening and Saturday rehearsals and competitions. When do they find time to do their homework? Marching Band members are students first! Homework must be done and students are expected to plan ahead! It is necessary for students to organize their time so homework is completed on time. It is not unusual to see students sitting outside the band room on nice days completing homework before rehearsals begin. We have found that most students actually have better grades during the marching season when they cannot procrastinate, knowing their work needs to be done timely due to the strict rehearsal and performance schedule. 5

8 Student Handbook, Commitment Form, Grading, Attendance & Behavior Policy The NHS Marching Band Student Handbook is distributed to all perspective students on the first rehearsal in June. This book provides students with an orientation to the program, uniform information, student leadership opportunities, as well as grading, attendance, and behavior policies. Contained in the Student Handbook is a Commitment Form that both the parent/guardian and the student must sign, stating they have completely read the Student Handbook and will abide by all policies and expectations of the program as well as confirming commitment to all rehearsals and performances for the school year. Please be sure to carefully review the handbook with the student and sign and return the commitment form. Marching Band Competition Schedule The current schedule for the marching season is posted on the band web site The full calendar is provided to ensure that students and parents are aware of the time commitment and provide them the ability to verify there are no major conflicts prior to signing the commitment form for the year. While there is a possibility of slight adjustments to the calendar due to unforeseen competition or performance changes and/or field availability/conflicts, changes will only be made if absolutely necessary and in the best interest of the students and the band. The Band Director works very hard to ensure the schedule doesn t change unless absolutely necessary. The band activity is different than most other competitive activities. We do not have any subs to put in when one student is missing. Even one student missing at rehearsal affects the entire band. New music and drill, as well as changes to existing music and drill take place EVERY SINGLE rehearsal. It is imperative not only to the success of your individual student, but the success of the program that all students are present at all scheduled rehearsals and performances. As the students will hear... HOLES HURT! 6

9 Competitions When is the first competition? Competitions are held on Saturday s beginning in early September. The competition season culminates in a Championship competition held in mid-november. The competition schedule is regularly updated on the band web site at What is a competition like? Competitions are great fun for both the students and spectators! Each band performs their 7 10 minute field show for the judges as well as the spectators. Several bands in different classes compete at each show, and on occasion college, military, or other bands will perform in exhibition. There is an admission fee for spectators of $10 for adults and $7 for seniors/children. These prices are set by MAC. Band members, staff, parent volunteers riding with the students, and Pit Crew volunteers do not pay admission. Program books are sold at most shows and normally list the performance schedule. Each show schedule is also available on the MAC website at however the performance times have been known to change right up to the start of the show. Air Grams are messages you may send to your student while they are on the field waiting to begin their show. The cost is approximately $2 - $3 each. These good luck messages are read over the loudspeaker just prior to the band s performance. As the weather grows colder, sitting in the stands can become quite cold. A tote bag with the following items will ensure your comfort on these colder evenings: blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, and hand/foot warmers. Dress in layers, wear warm shoes and socks (wool blend) and bring a large thermos of hot chocolate or coffee and you will make it through the entire competition! For added comfort, you may also want to bring seat cushions and umbrellas (the shows will go on during moderate precipitation). Parents/guardians of NHS students have been known to be a formidable voice among the crowd as they cheer on their band. Look for the NHS group around the 50-yard line and join us! Food and drink are always available at the competitions. 7

10 Competitions (cont.) Where are competitions held and how do they get there? Competitions are held at various high schools throughout CT, NY, NJ, and MA. Naugatuck attends approximately eight competitions per year, primarily in CT. A schedule is posted on the band web site Directions are available on the MAC web site and in the band room. Competitions are held outdoors unless the weather is exceptionally inclement. When this happens, an indoor show may be held and the students play standstill performances for the judges of just the music. Arrangements are made with the local bus company for the students to be transported to and from the shows. What do they eat? The band buses frequently leave the High School in mid-afternoon on competition days. Students should bring a bag lunch, or have lunch dropped off in time for their lunch break. Students are not allowed to leave the campus to purchase food in between rehearsal and boarding the bus for the show. It is very important that students eat a good breakfast at home as well as a nutritious lunch before they leave for competition. It is also critical that they bring a water bottle to every rehearsal. It takes a great deal of energy to perform a marching show and students do not perform their best when they are hungry or dehydrated. The students may purchase food at the competitions after they perform and change into their Class B uniforms, however this is a late meal and depending on their slot in the competition, time may not permit. Typical fare includes hot dogs, hamburgers, soup, chili, soda, hot drinks, and snacks. Prices usually run $10 for a complete meal. Although students are not permitted to eat any food in their Class A uniform, a few snacks in their travel bag for the ride home are always a good idea (extra bottle of water, granola bars, etc.). 8

11 Competitions (cont.) Are there chaperones on the buses and at the shows? The Band Director assigns chaperones to the buses, which help supervise the students throughout the evening along with the staff. In addition to the bus parents, there is a Pit Crew (group of adult volunteers who help move equipment on and off the field) that assists the Band Director. How long are the competitions? Competitions usually begin between 4 and 6pm, depending on the number of bands competing. The bands perform by random drawing within their class. A performance time is assigned prior to the competition and announced to the students as the information is available. What you do not see from the stands... as the bands arrive, they are escorted by the host school to the first of several stations where they warm up prior to taking the field. To keep the show running smoothly, each station is timed and the bands are escorted to the next station on their way to the field. The bus chaperones accompany the students along the way to the field and then watch the students perform from the sidelines. They then accompany the students back to the buses to change into their Class B uniforms and then back to the stands to watch the remainder of the competition and awards. There may be an intermission approximately half way through the show as the number of bands can vary greatly from show to show. At the end of the competition portion of the show, the host band will usually take the field in exhibition. The host band is judged, but their score is not counted in the overall placement of the other bands. After all bands have competed and exhibition bands have performed, Drum Majors, Guard Captains, and Drum Sergeants march onto the field to accept their accolades typically between 9:30 and 10:30pm. The students then return to the buses while the Band Director and his Staff meets with the Judges to critique their show. While this is a long day and night for students and can be a long evening for parents, we strongly encourage you to come out and see their performances! Even if you cannot stay for the entire show each time, the students really appreciate having us there cheering them on and watching them perform. They are a talented group and make us all very proud. 9

12 Competitions (cont.) What about discipline? Marching Band is not only an extracurricular activity, but also a credited and graded course. All students are expected to follow the rules and regulations set by the school as they would for any course. A detailed description of the behavior policy is stated in the Student Handbook as well. The Band Director will speak in detail to the students regarding expected behavior at performances, including a review of the school s drug and alcohol policies. Conduct during competitions and evening/weekend rehearsals are expected to be the same as in a classroom setting. The students are representing Naugatuck High School at all times and are expected to treat all others with respect and to behave appropriately at all times. Questions regarding these matters should be directed to the Band Director. What happens after a competition? Late on any competition evening, tired but excited parents are often found waiting for the buses in the parking lot while unloading the truck full of instruments and scenery. The students are cold and tired, but they are the stars of the evening. The only difficulty is, as many parents of teenagers know, the parents are ready for bed and the teenagers are not necessarily ready for bed. Depending on the distance they must travel, buses usually arrive around 11:00 11:30pm, but have been known to be as late as 1:00am. Car pooling and cell phones can be helpful. Students are given an estimated time of arrival before they leave for the competition, but are asked to call their parents on the way home to ensure they are waiting in the parking lot when we return. No student is allowed to leave until the truck is completely unloaded, their uniforms have been checked in, and the band room is reset. Please feel free to help out while waiting for your student. Join the incredible group of parents that begin unloading the truck before the students arrive back at NHS so we can all go home! We welcome new and old faces alike to help make the work go quickly and smoothly. Please be considerate and aware of the time. The staff will not leave until the last student has been picked up, but remember they have already worked hours and greatly appreciate your timeliness. 10

13 Dressing for Success... Students What do the students wear to competitions and how much do the uniforms cost? Instrumentalist Uniforms Class A are worn for all marching band competitions, with a white helmet, garnet plume, white marching shoes, and white gloves. The Class A band uniforms are valued at $400 each and are owned by the Board of Education. Each student is fitted for a uniform during band camp and is responsible for their assigned uniform, including the garment bag. The uniforms are loaned to each student for the season. Great care must be taken to make sure they stay in great shape, as they are required to last for the next 10 years. The only cost to the students for the uniform pants and jacket is the onetime dry cleaning fee assessed each year. The Greyhound Band Association organizes the uniforms and the cleaning of them. All uniforms are kept in the uniform room in the band room and are handed out just before we leave for each performance and are returned immediately when we return to the school. Students will receive training sessions on the proper way to put the uniforms on and off, and how to hang them on the provided hangers. Uniforms will be checked for proper storage by band parents after each competition before students are allowed to leave for the evening. Students are not permitted to eat any food whatsoever while in their Class A uniform. Each student is responsible for the cost of the accessories ( Whites ) that complete the uniform. This includes white marching band shoes, white gloves (both items are ordered through the Band Parents Association), white knee socks, white T-shirt, white shorts, and white long underwear (under armor) for colder weather. All undergarments must be pure white with no logos or grey heels/toes on socks. Colored under garments will not only show through the white uniform, they can also bleed and stain the uniforms. Tank/sleeveless tops are not permitted as underarm perspiration can cause staining of the uniform. No street clothes of any type are allowed to be worn under the Class A uniform as they will create friction and wearing and ruin the uniforms. 11

14 Dressing for Success... Students (cont.) Uniforms Color Guard consists of a theme outfit designed and color coordinated with the show each year. The uniforms are ordered specifically for the students in the Guard. Each participant s measurements are taken the end of June and orders are placed immediately in order to receive the uniforms in time of the beginning of the fall competitive season. The only cost incurred for this is the one-time dry cleaning fee assessed for the season. The Greyhound Band Association organizes the uniforms and cleaning of them. All uniforms are kept in school and are handed out just before we leave for each performance and returned immediately when we return to school. Color Guard members are responsible for the cost of their unitard, shoes, and gloves, which are ordered through the Greyhound Band Association. Uniforms Class B consists of a garnet-colored wind suit (pants and jacket) with NHS Band embroidered on the front and optional proper name embroidering (no nick names). The Class B is worn after all competitions, for performances at football games, and for special performances when we do not wear our Class A uniforms. The theme T-shirt must be worn under your Class B. Each student is responsible for the cost and care of his or her own wind suit. It is recommended that students put their initials on the tags to help identify it. When and where do the students change? The students will do a large percentage of their changing on the school bus on the way to the competitions. Often, students leave for competitions half dressed (white undergarments, Class A uniform pants, and shoes) and finish dressing (Class A uniform jackets, gloves, and helmets) on the bus on the way to competitions. This process is in place not only for the students comfort, but also to ensure the longevity of the Class A uniforms. After the students perform, they return to the buses and take turns (girls/boys) changing into their Class B uniform. It is important for their comfort that they bring extra layers to wear under their Class B uniform. All students should come to competition day rehearsal prepared with a travel bag containing their Class B uniform, show theme T-Shirt, hat, gloves, and other personal necessities. These bags will be checked by bus chaperones prior to departing the school for the competition. The band parents assigned to chaperone the buses supervises this changing process. 12

15 Dressing for Success... Parents Remember Fashion statements have no place at a Marching Band Competition. It gets cold when the sun goes down and you will be there a long time! Essentials: Long underwear (under armor) tops & bottoms Wool socks (two pairs when it gets really cold) Warm shoes or boots (leather is best, canvas is worst) Layers: T-shirt, Turtle-neck, Sweatshirt, Fleece vest, Warm jacket with hood or hat, Scarf, Warm gloves and hand warmers, Warm pants jeans or lined wool or corduroys Other Stuff : Decorative buttons identifying you as a proud Naugatuck Parent Tote Bag/fanny pack for: chapstick, Kleenex, Tylenol, money Snacks/drinks thermos of hot chocolate or coffee Something to sit on (cushion or some extra blankets) the bleachers are hard and cold Blankets to wrap up in it gets really cold! Also good for saving seats. Noise Makers, good luck signs, etc. LOTS of enthusiasm! 13

16 Life Outside of Marching Band Can Marching Band students participate in other school activities? Students review the band schedule with other sports and activities to determine if it is feasible to participate fully. While this does take dedication and time management skills, many students have in past participated in other activities such as tennis, swimming, government clubs, etc. However, students must make the full commitment to the Band program and be present at all rehearsals and all competitions. We are proud to have so many students who excel not only in music, but also academically in the top 5% of their class and as members of the National Honor Society. What other music courses or groups are available for the students? Here are various other music related courses offered and taught by the Band Director during the school day. Guitar, Music Theory, Concert Band, and Music Production & Technology to compliment the students education in Symphonic/Marching Band. There is also a Jazz Band that begins in January and meets one day a week after school. In addition, there are two other opportunities to continue the competitive spirit: Winter Percussion Ensemble and Winter Guard. These two activities follow a similar schedule to the marching season with two rehearsals per week and Saturday rehearsals and competitions. 14

17 The Greyhound Band Association The Naugatuck High School Greyhound Band Association is a recognized civic group by the Chamber of Commerce and the Naugatuck Board of Education. The commitment and talent of the students and staff are key ingredients of our successful Marching Band, and the role of the parents is essential as well. A music program of this caliber cannot sustain itself without the commitment of parents. The students experience opportunities for teamwork, positive self-esteem, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime! Come out and join us and be part of those memories! What does the Greyhound Band Association support? The Greyhound Band Association provides student support with activities such as Championship Breakfast, musical clinics by sections, a pizza party, awards, scholarships, a banquet, and various other activities that reward and encourage the students. We are there to support the Band Director with logistical and administrative support so that he can spend his time teaching and nurturing our students. We also provide additional financial support to the program by providing many other necessary items that the Board of Education does not cover such as flags, Color Guard uniforms, equipment, props, and truck rentals for competitions. How does the Greyhound Band Association work? The Greyhound Band Association is comprised of parents/guardians of current students, alumni, and others within the community that are committed to supporting the arts and music programs in our schools, as well as our own children s talents and learning experiences. The Greyhound Band Association is comprised of an Executive Board and board members who coordinate the day-to-day administrative tasks that support the band program. These include fundraising, coordination of the home shows, the Championship Breakfast, the March-A-Thon, football game concessions, and much more. 15

18 How do I know what is going on? The Greyhound Band Association (cont.) All program related issues will be communicated to the students by the Band Director and his Staff either verbally or through written notices/newsletters. These written notices may be sent home with the students, mailed to the parents/guardians, and/or ed to the parents/guardians. If you have any questions about program related issues check with your student first, then check the band website, If you still can t find the answer you re looking for, feel free to contact the Band Director (contact info is located at the back of this handbook). All other issues will be communicated by the Greyhound Band Association primarily through . This is our most effective and quickest way to contact you, so it is critical that we have accurate information for at least one adult per student. Every effort is made to keep these s concise and informative. You can manage the number of s you receive from the Greyhound Band Association by replying to the initial on a particular subject with your response when one is requested. Every effort will be made to remove you from the mailing list on a particular topic once we receive a reply from you. In addition, the Greyhound Band Association will hold office hours during rehearsals in the Marching Band season. 16

19 Volunteer Opportunities There are numerous occasions throughout the entire school year for parents/guardians to support the NHS Band program. Studies show that students whose parents/guardians are involved with their school activities tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more. Further, these studies indicate that students of involved parents/guardians earn higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior, adapt well to school, and graduate to go on to post-secondary education. Following is a list of opportunities for you to get involved and build friendships that will last well after your student graduates: Band Camp Picnic: The last day of band camp is marked with the first official performance of the fall show for the parents/guardians. After the performance, parents/guardians are invited to partake in a family cookout where they have the opportunity to socialize with other parents. This is an important night for the students because they are very proud to show off the success of all their hard work during the week of camp. Pit Crew: This great group of parents moves equipment on and off the field during both rehearsals and competitions. The Pit consists of those instruments, which do not march such as tympani s, vibes, gongs, etc. This is a great way to get to know some of the students and get some insight into the workings of the band. New parents are encouraged to join this friendly bunch! Thunder in the Valley: This is the NHS Band s home show. It s all hands on deck for this exciting day where we will host numerous local bands in competition and exhibition. We will need upwards of 100 volunteers for the show to be a success. In addition to strutting our stuff on our home turf and paying special recognition to our Seniors, this is the biggest fundraiser for the band. We need help with concessions, parking, security, logistics, hospitality, and so much more. So sign yourself up, sign your friends and family up, sign up your neighbors we need all the help we can get! Band Groupies: Students can always use an extra hand on competition day. Whether it s putting up hair, finding missing shoes and gloves, fixing a broken strap, or just keeping the students on schedule, they really appreciate seeing a familiar smiling face on show day. And there s always the uniform room that needs upkeep! 17

20 Volunteer Opportunities (cont.) Snacks/Drinks: Periodically throughout the year the Greyhound Band Association will request donations of snacks and drinks for the students rehearsal breaks. Donations include cookies, ice pops, fruit, hot chocolate, etc. Additional donations may be requested to supplement our concessions at our home shows and football games. Concessions: The Band Parents Association is given the opportunity to run the concession stand at several home football games on Friday nights. Put on your aprons and pitch in to serve hungry, thirsty fans and help the band raise funds! March-A-Thon: This student fund drive takes place in October. The students dress in their Class A and Color Guard uniforms and sweep the town requesting the local citizens support for their program. Advertising is done in advance and the police are notified so it is no surprise when the NHS Band and Color Guard show up at homes throughout town. Student s travel out in teams driven by parent volunteers and are provided with a route map and safety briefing prior to departing. Championship Breakfast: This is a special start to the day of the last competition. Students are treated to a sit-down breakfast cooked and served by their parents/guardians. They appreciate the breakfast and the attention they receive as they are served by their loved ones in bow ties and white shirts. Staff and student leaders give speeches of encouragement for the final competition, tears are shed, and plenty of photos are taken! It is another great opportunity for you to show your student how proud you are of them. Color of Thunder: Calling all hands once again for our winter (indoor) home show. This show features our Winter Guard and Percussion Ensemble in a two part show featuring as many as 20 other schools! This is a long day, but you are guaranteed to see plenty of spectacular performances throughout the day. This is another big fundraiser for the NHS Band program so put on your volunteer hat and on with the show! Greyhound Band Association: The scope of the NHS Band is greatly dependent on the funds raised to support the program. The opportunities available to our students can be tremendous: competition, recognition, leadership, personal responsibility, travel, scholarships, and on and on. Your participation in the Greyhound Band Association can ensure their ability to experience all this and more. 18

21 Volunteer Opportunities (cont.) Unloading the Truck: The equipment truck used for competitions arrives at the school in advance of the buses. Why not lend a hand unloading it while you wait for your student? Then everyone gets to go home a little earlier. Parents Meetings: The Greyhound Band Association holds several informational meetings throughout the year starting with Orientation in June. You will be notified via , mail, or flyers sent home with your students. The dates are also posted on the band calendar at These meetings are a great way to stay up to date with the band s activities and make some new friends. Fund Raising Ideas: Have you organized or bought from a good fundraiser in the past? Let the Greyhound Band Association know, we are always looking for new, unique ideas. Band Banquet: Every May, the band holds a banquet to recognize the students and their contribution to the Band program throughout the year. The staff and various parent volunteers are recognized as well. This is a great time to share in your student s success. Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope you will find time to join us for an activity or two. It s a great way to stay involved in your teenager s life and make some new friends for yourself! 19

22 Fundraiser Greyhound Band Associaiton holds a variety of fundraisers throughout the year in order to pay for various items including but not limited to uniform cleaning, snacks, etc. Students will be required to sell 10 raffle tickets this year. 20