Lincoln High School

New Bandparents

Survival Guide

2018 Season

Introduction BeinganewLincolnHighSchoolbandparentcanfeeloverwhelming.TheLHSPatriotMarchingBandnotonlydoeshalftimeshowsandtheoccasionalparade,butcompetesonthe�ieldagainstbandsfromMinnesota,Iowa,Nebraska,andmanyotherstates.Puttingontop-qualityperformancesrequirestime,travel,andeffortfrombothstudentsandparents.Thehardworkpaysoff,though.Inrecentyearsthebandhasstartedtogainnationalrecognition,buildingonatraditionofexcellencethathascontinuedforover40years.ThishandbookispresentedtoguideyouthrougheventsandopportunitiesforyouandyourchildintheLincolnPatriotMarchingBand.Afterastatementofthebandphilosophy,theguidewill�irsttakeyouthroughthescheduleofatypicalmarchingbandseason.Oncetheseasongetsstartedeventscomeupatastartlingpace;theschedulewillnotonlyletyouknowwhattoexpect,butwillalsohelpdrawattentiontoimportantinformationforeachevent.

Educational Philosophy Oneprincipleguidestheband:ourstudentsarecapableofgreatthings.Thestaffworkto�indaplaceforeverystudentwhowantstoparticipate.Inband,studentsnotonlyimprovetheirmusicianship,butlearnthevalueofself-discipline,perseverance,teamwork,andmanyotherimportantlifeskills. Theresultisalevelofprofessionalism(eveninfreshmen)thatisawe-inspiring.

Band Parents Weekly Newsletter ThecurrentpresidentoftheBandparentsAssociation--thenon-pro�itgroupthathelpstosupporttheband--sendsoutanewslettereveryweekwithimportantinformation.(Youcanalso�indthisinformationontheLHSBandwebsite,http://lincolnband.org/).Duringthemarchingbandseason,especially,thisnewslettermaycontainsomuchinformationthatthephrase“drinkingfroma�irehose”comestomind.Typically,though,articlesinthenewslettercoverthreebasictopics.First,thenewsletterprovidesinstructionsforupcomingshowsandcompetitions,includingtransportationdetails(suchasdrop-offandpick-uptimes),requireduniforms,showtimes,andmealschedules.Second,itlistsvolunteeropportunitiesfromthehostofcommitteesinthebandparentsorganization.Finally,itincludesinformationaboutstudentfundraisers:whenupcomingfundraisingsaleswillstart,whentheywillend(andhowtoturninorderforms),andhowfundraiserproductswillbedistributed.Thisguideshouldhelp“decode”thewealthofinformationyouwillseeinthenewsletter.

The Marching Band Season Themarchingbandseasonextendsalmosthalfayearfromdistributionofmusicinthespringthroughthethickofcompetitionseasoninthefall.Everyfouryearsthebandtakesamajortrip;pastexamplesincludetheMacy’sThanksgivingDayParadeinNewYorkCity,theTournamentofRosesParadeinPasadena,California,andmostrecentlytheHollywoodChristmasParadeinHollywood,California.

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A Note on Dropping Off StudentsThroughoutthebandseasonstudentswillneedtoarriveatDoorJ(theBand Door )forpracticesandperformances.Thisdoorfacesthepractice�ieldbehindthehighschoolontheeastside.Youcandropoffandpickupyourstudentintheeastsideparkinglotbetweentheschoolandthepractice�ield.Please approach this lot from the south side of the school. Forcompetitions,youmaywanttoparkbrie�lyduringtheeveningorweekendwhileyouunloadyourstudentorwaitforthebusestoreturn.Inthesecases,itisbesttoparkinthesouthparkinglot.Anycarparkedintheeastlotwill getblockedinbybuses.

Student Recruitment Meetings InMarch,8thgradeandhighschoolstudentswhoarethinkingaboutjoiningthebandmeettolearnabouttheshowandbandexpectations.(Returning,alsocalledveteran,studentshavetheirownmeetingsaroundthesametime.)Themostimportantpiecetocomeoutofthismeetingisthestudentcontract.Studentsandparentsshouldreviewthecontract;iftheyarewillingtojointheband,thecontractshouldbesignedandreturnedtothedirectors.When the student signs the contract, he or she commits to participate next season. Eachstudenthasauniqueplaceintheyear’supcomingshow.Astudentwhodropsoutleavesa“hole”onthe�ield,whichnegativelyimpactstheentiregroup.ManyoftheschoolsagainstwhichLincolncompetesonlytakestudentswhopassanaudition.Incontrast,theLincolnbandtakesanyonewillingtoputinthetimeandeffort,basedsolelyonthepromiseofcommitment.

New Student Meetings InMayandJune,thebandwillholdseveralrequired meetingsfornewstudents.Studentswillreceiveandrunthroughthemusicfortheupcomingseason’sshow(to memorize before Spat Camp in the summer ).Theywillalsomeettheirsectionleadersandlearnsuchmarchingbasicsasstandingatattentionandparaderest.Finally,theywillreturnhomewithanorderformforblackbandT-shirtsandDrillmasters:integralpartsofthebanduniform.

Pre-Season Sectionals Allthroughthesummer,studentsmeetonceaweekintheirindividualsectionstoworkonmarchingbandbasics(drumlineandcolorguardmaymeetmorefrequently).Newstudentslearnmarchingbasics(andreturningstudentsreviewthem).Mostimportantly,studentsworkonmemorizingtheirmusicbeforetheseasonstartsinJuly.Students must have all of their music memorized by the beginning of spat camp!

Spat Camp Spatcampmarksthestartoftheof�icialmarchingbandseason,whenstudentslearntheshow.ItusuallystartsneartheendofJuly.Newmembershaveadayofpracticebythemselves,thenthewholebandstartsthenextMonday.SpatcampsessionstypicallyrunalldayonweekdaysandinthemorningonSaturdays.Students should always arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Also,remindyourchildtobringthefollowingitemseveryday.

● water(half-gallonjugsworkthebest)● tennisshoesandsocks(NOChacos)● sunscreen,sunglassesandhat● water

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● sacklunch(ormakearrangementsforstudentstoleaveforlunch)

● instrument● dotbook(onalanyard)andpencil

(Notethatrehearsaltimesandlocationsforthehornline,drumline,andcolorguardmaybedifferent.)Beginning on the first day of spat camp ,technicalstaffwillspotcheckstudentstoensurethattheyhavetheshowmusicmemorized.Pleaseencourageyourchildtogetreadyfortheirspotcheck;

Breakfast with the Band Afteracoupleofweeksofspatcamp,familyandfriendsgatheronaSaturdaymorningtoheartheshowmusicforthe�irsttime.TheBandparentsAssociationsellsdoughnutsandcoffeeasafundraiser;alsolookforspiritwearsales,formembershipsign-uptotheBandparentAssociation,andforvolunteersign-upsforvariouscommitteeswherehelpisneededfortheseason.Whileparentssignupforvolunteeractivitiesandsocializewithotherbandparents,thestudentshaveagrouppicturetaken.TheBandparentsAssociationwillsellthisphotoasaPosterPrintataslightlylaterdate.Marching band members will wear their black band shirt and tan shorts/pants; Colorguard will wear their colorguard shirt .

Uniform Distribution TowardstheendofSpatCamp,studentswillgetuniformsafterpractice:seniorsononeday,juniorsthenext,andsoon.Atuniformdistribution,students“checkin”andreceivealistofpiecestotheiruniformwhichtheywilltaketothevariousstationsfor�itting.Seniorsstarttheuniformprocessbecausetheuniformtheyworethepreviousyearmayverylikely�itthemtheirsenioryear.Juniorsarenext,SophomoresandthenFreshman.Studentsusuallywillwearshortsanda

T-shirtfortheir�itting.Willalsoreceiveagarmentbagaswellasahatboxwhichwillholdallelementsoftheuniform.Pleaseallowplentyoftimeifyouareafreshmanstudentora“new”upperclassmansotheuniform“�itters”can�indauniformthatwill�ityouwell.Afterthe�itting,studentswillsignupfortheirbusesandhotelroomsfortheentireseason.TheLHSBandtypicallytravelswithsevenbusestotalandsleepsfourstudentstoaroomonovernighttrips.Studentsshoulddiscussbusandhotelassignmentswiththeirfriendsaheadoftime;oncesignedup,studentsmaynotswitchassignments.Theuniformconsistsof:

● BlackLHSBandT-shirt(standardiscotton,butathleticfabricshort-andlong-sleevestylesmayalsobeavailable)

● Long ,plainblacksocks● Bibber(“pants”)● Jacket● Blackcottongloves● Shakohat● Gauntlets● Drillmasters

Be prepared to purchase Drillmasters (marching shoes), black band T-shirts, and black gloves. As early as New Member Day in May, you will receive an order form for Drillmaster Marching Shoes and two black band T-shirts. You will own these and can use them from season to season. Students also need long, plain black socks, which you will have to provide separately.Studentswillkeeponlyuniformpantsandjacketinthegarmentbag(NO Drillmasters );Gauntlets,gloves,andthelikewillgointothehatbox.StudentswilleitherweartheirDrillmastersorcarrythemseparately.Students may NOT eat or drink anything (except water) while wearing their uniform.

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ColorguardmembersreceivetheiruniformsseparatelyfromUniformDistributionnight/day;However,colorguard members do need to do the bus and hotel sign-up at their respective time slot.

Preview Night (AKA Parents/Family Night) Augustconcludeswiththe�irstfullperformanceoftheseason’sshowbeforefamilyandfriends.Learnabouttheinspirationfortheshowfromthedirectors,watchthespectaclecometogether,andlistentoDoctorBeat.TheBandparentsAssociationsellsporksandwichesorhotdogmealsandsodabeforetheperformance.(YoumaysignuptohelpservethismealatBreakfastwiththeBandorthroughtheweeklynewsletter.)YoumaypurchasemealticketsaheadoftimeatBreakfastwiththeBandandduringHyVeeCardsalesonTuesdayNights. Students who eat at the Preview Night must purchase a meal ticket. Thestudentseat�irst,astheyimmediatelyputontheiruniformsaftersuppertotakeprofessionalphotosofeachsectionandtheentireensemble.Youmayorderthesephotosatthisperformance.Pleasefeelfreetoinvitefriendsandfamilytocomeandeatandthenenjoytheshow.

Competition Season FromearlySeptemberthroughmid-October,thebandwillspendmostFridayevenings(LHShalftimeshows)andweekends(competitions)performing.Watch the band schedule carefully for arrival times and locations. Weekdaypracticesstillcontinuethroughouttheseason:thetimesandplaceswilldependontheavailabilityofpracticevenues,whichissetinpartbytheSiouxFallsSchoolDistrict.PracticesalsorunonmanySaturdaymornings.

Halftime Performances TheMarchingPatriotsserveasthepepbandatLincolnfootballgames,aswellasperforming“competitiondressrehearsals”...errr,footballhalftimeshows.Ongamenights,thebandusuallymeetsatHowardWoodField(HWF);occasionallythestudentswillbebusedtoHWFfromthehighschool.Students should arrive for performances ready immediately to put on their uniforms, already in long black socks, Drillmasters, and black band T-shirts. Hornline,battery,andcolorguardstudentspark(oraredroppedoff)inthenorthlotofHWF,fromwheretheysplitofftowarmupassections.Frontensemblestudentsmeetearlyonthewestsideofthesouthparkinglottounloadtrailersandsetupforwarmup.Parentscangetticketsattheeastsideticketboothstowatchthehalftimeperformance(andthegame,too).Thebandstaysthroughthegame.

Presidents Bowl TheLincolnMarchingBandperformsatthePresidentsBowlinearlySeptemberalongsidebandsfromWashingtonandRoosevelt.FormanyyearsthebandsimplyperformedtheNationalAnthemalongsidethebandsfromRooseveltandWashingtonhighschools,althoughlastyeartheeachbandperformedtheirseason’sshow,instead.(Lincoln’swasunfortunatelyrainedout.)TheBandparentsAssociationreceivesaportionoftheticketproceedsfromthePresidentsBowl,alongwithotherboosterclubsacrosstheschools..

Competitions ThebandtravelstocompetitionsinSouthDakota,Minnesota,Iowa,andMissourithroughouttheseason.Studentsarebusedtothecompetitions;departuretimesfromLincolnvaryfromearlymorningtomid-afternoon,dependingonthetraveltime.Althoughsomevenueshavefoodforsale,

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students generally need to bring food for meals and snacks on these trips. Students must have full uniforms and instruments packed forthesetrips.Forday-longtrips,studentstypicallywearblackbandshirtsonthebus,andeitherwearorcarryonblacksocksandDrillmasters.Studentscanwearcomfortableclothesonthebusfortravel;somestudentalsobringblanketsandpillows. Note that Sioux Falls School District policy prohibits cell phone use for taking photos, texting/messaging, and calling while on the bus, except when explicitly allowed by a chaperone. Thedistrictpolicyissomethingofa“movingtarget,”sootherphoneusesmayormaynotbeallowed.Thedirectorsandchaperoneswillreviewcellphonepolicieswithstudentsoneachbustrip. Important :if you plan on bringing your child home after a bus trip (rather than having them ride the bus back to Lincoln), you MUST fill out a “Permission to Ride with Parent” form and turn it in the Thursday before the weekend trip. PickoneupfromMr.CarlsonorMr.Anderson,or�indthemintheResources->FormssectionoftheLincolnBandwebsite(http://lincolnband.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Permission-Form.pdf).Studentsmayonlyridewithparents/guardians,andmustbecheckedoutpersonallywiththeirbus’sleadchaperone.

Parent Tips for Competitions

ManyLincolnbandparentstraveltoweekendcompetitionsintheregion,oftenwith“roadbuddies.”Althoughmanycompetitionstakeplaceinlatesummerandearlyfall,keepinmindthatLincolnoftenperformsattheendoftheevening;temperaturesinthestandscangetchilly(especiallyinMarshall,MN).Youcangetthebestviewoftheshowsbetweenthe40-yardlines,butyouwillneedtogettothecompetitionattheopeningofthegatestogetthoseseats.Adayofmarchingband

competitionscangetlong,soyoumaywanttohaveaseatcushioninthecar,incasethestadiumhasmetalbenchseats(likeHowardWoodField).Makesuretowearyourspiritwear--especiallyshowshirts--tocreatea“seaofred”inthestandswithotherLincolnparents.WhenLincolntakesthe�ieldandmarchespastthestands,itisaparenttraditionNOTtoshoutoutchildren’snames.Ofcourse,regularperformanceetiquetteapplies:donottalkduringotherbands’performancesandapplaudthemheartilywhentheyaredone.Manybandsfeaturesoloperformancesduringtheirshows;unlikeaconcertperformance,theaudiencecommonlyapplaudsthesoloistsasthey�inish.

DVD Night Thebandrecordstheseason’sDVDonaweekdayeveninginearlyOctoberatHowardWoodField.Therecordingsessionrequiresatleasttworun-throughsoftheshow.Familyandfriendsareencouragedtocomecheerthestudents,butbepreparedforchillytemperaturesinthestands.

Festival of Bands ThethreeSiouxFallspublichighschoolsandO’GormanHighSchoolhosttheFestivalofBandscompetitionthe�irstSaturdayinOctober.Theday-longfestivalhastwoparts:astreetparadethroughdowntownSiouxFallsinthemorninganda�ieldcompetitionatHowardWoodFieldintheafternoon(preliminaryperformances)andevening(�inals).TheLincolnBandtraditionallymarchesattheendofthemorningparade.StudentsmeetatLincolnandridebusesdowntown,soparentscandropstudentsoffattheschoolthen�indaspotalongtheparaderoute.Asahostschool,Lincolndoesnotcompeteinthe�ieldshows,butwilldoanexhibitionperformanceeitheratthebeginningofthe�inalscompetitionorattheend.Parentscanwatchotherareabandsperformduringthecompetitionorcan

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volunteerforoneofthemany “hostschool”jobs(e.g.ticket-taker,bandmarshall,judges’helper,waterstationworkerjusttonameafew).

Bands of America Super Regional Since2014,theLincolnbandhasattendedtheBandsofAmerica(BoA)SuperRegionalCompetitioninSt.Louis,Missouri.ThetripitselfhasusuallyrunfromaThursdaythroughSundayattheendofOctober.Thisyear(2018)thebandwilltravelinsteadtotheIndianapolisSuperRegionaltoperformatLucasOilStadium.Ifyoucangetaway,attendanceattheSuperRegionaliswellworthit.NotonlycanyoucheeronLincolninthebiggestcompetitionoftheyear,butyoucanseeupto80fantasticbandsfromabroadswathofthecentralUnitedStates.YoucangetasenseofwhichbandsinparticulartocatchbycheckingouttheHornRankwebsite(http://www.hornrank.com),whichpreviewsandranksparticipatingbandsacrossthecountry.FortheseSuperRegionaltrips,theBandparentsAssociationtriestosecureablockofroomsthatparentsmayreserve;keepwatchinthenewsletterforinformationonhotel,cost,anddeadlineforsecuringoneoftheserooms.Ticketsforprelims(heldFridaymorningthroughSaturdayafternoon)aresoldseparatelyfromticketsfor�inalsonSaturdayevening.

Post-competition Season

Chicken Dinner, Indoor Marching Show, and Silent Auction TheChickenDinnerraisesfundsforboththeBandparentsAssociationandISA(IndividualStudentAccounts)accounts.AlthoughtheBandparentsAssociationcatersinthefooditself,bandparentvolunteersactuallysetup,serve,andcleanupafterthedinner.Twotothreethousandpeopleattendthedinnerandindoorshowovertwonights,sotheband

needslotsofhandsto�illallthejobs.YourstudentwillbringhometicketsfortheChickenDinnertowardstheendoftheseason;heorshemust return thoseticketsormoneyacoupleofweekslater.(IfyouseeannouncementsaboutChickenDinnerticketsinthenewsletter,remindyourchildtobringthemtoyou.)Students will need to purchase tickets for the Chicken Dinner in between Indoor Marching Show performances on those nights .TheIndoorShowisaspecialshowheldintheauditoriumonstageandintheaisles(ticketssoldseparatelyfromthedinner).Thebandreprisestheseason’sshow,performssomeadditionalentertainingpieces,andrecapstheseason.AhighlightistheSkipping with the Seniors portiontothemarch“OntheMall.”TheLHSMarchingBandhashelditsIndoorShowannuallyforover40years!Finally,theBandparentsAssociationholdsitsSilentAuctionfundraiseronthesameeveningsastheChickenDinner.Makesuretoarrivealittleearlyforthedinnertolookovertheitemsupforbid.

Uniform Return OnceALLperformancesoftheseasonaredone,studentswillreturnuniformpants , jackets , hats , and gauntlets .TheUniformCommitteesetsasideaspeci�icdayandtimeforstudentstoreturntheiruniforms.TheBandparentsAssociationwillhavethemdrycleanedoncestudentshavereturnedthem.Make sure that your student clears out all personal effects--including the season’s black socks and gloves--from their hat box and uniform bag.

Awards Night AwardsNightclosesthemarchingbandseason.Awardsaregiventosectionsforoverallperformance,improvement,orpreparation(forexample,beingthe�irstsectiontohaveallspotcheckspassed).

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Seniorsalsoperformamedleyofpiecesfromtheirfouryearsofshows.

Fundraising Asabandparent,youwillprobablysometimesfeel(astheauthordid)thattheLincolnbandhasitshandinyourwalletandwon’tletgo.Keepinmindthatfundingforthebandcomesfromthreesources:theSioux Falls School District ,theBandparents Association ,andtheindividual students .TheSchoolDistrictpaysthesalariesofthedirectors,aportionofthetransportationcosts,competitionentryfeesandsomeequipmentrepair.TheBandparentsAssociationhelpswiththeadditionalcostoftravel,foodandlodging,equipment,andotherstaffsalaries.Students,throughtheirIndividualStudentAccounts(ISA)alsoshareinthecostoffood,transportationandhotelaccommodations.TheBandparentsAssociationorganizesandtracksthefundraisingfortheISAsthroughtheISATreasurer;themoney,however,isdepositeddirectlywiththeschooldistrictundereachstudent’sname.ThroughouttheyearyouwillseesalesandfundraisingopportunitiestohelptheBandparentsAssociationmeetitsbudget,andto�illyourchild’sISA.Severalwell-establishedfundraisersaredescribedbelow,butkeepinmindthattheBandparentsarealwayslookingfornewopportunities.

Bandparents Association Fundraising Tokeepthecoffers�illedenoughtocoverbandexpensesduringthemarchingseason,theBandparentsAssociationengagesinseveraldifferentfundraisingactivities.ParentscanalsopayduesdirectlytotheBandparentsAssociation.MostBandparentsfundraisingtakesplacethroughthesaleofband-relateditemsandthrougheventsrunbybandparentvolunteers.

Spiritwear, Poster and Picture Sales TheBandparentssellvariousformsofspiritwear,fromT-shirtsandshowpinstohatsandjacketsonlinethroughthelincolnband.orgwebsiteorin-personatmanyoftheband’sspecialperformancessuchasPreviewNight.Makesureespeciallytogettheseason’sshowshirts.Theseredshirtscarrythedesignfortheseason’sshow;bandparentsoftenweartheirshirtstoperformances,creatinga“seaofred”intheaudience.YoumayalsopurchaseaBandPoster--thatis,theBreakfastwiththeBandphotograph--aswellasthesectionphotosandgroupbandphotosintakenduringPreviewNight.Finally,don’tforgettheDVDoftheseason,whichincludesaperformanceoftheshow,awalk-throughwitheverybandmember,andinterviewswiththedirectors.Thepro�itfromthesesalesgoestotheBandparentsAssociation.

Preview Night Thepro�itfromthedinnerticketsatPreviewNightgoestotheBandparentsAssociation.TheBandparentsneedsvolunteerstosetupandservethemeal.

Presidents Bowl TheLincolnHighSchoolBoosterClub--theparentsorganizationthatraisesfundsforextracurricularactivities--helpstohostthePresidentsBowl(footballgamesbetweentheSiouxFallshighschools).ByworkingatthePresidentsBowl,theBandparentsreceiveaportionoftheticketproceedsfromtheLHSBoosters.

Festival of Bands AsoneofthehostingschoolsfortheFestivalofBands,theBandparentsAssociationreceivesaportionofthegatereceipts.The

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LincolnBandparentshosttheevening�inalscompetitionatHowardWoodField,whichrequiresdealingwiththebusiestcrowdsoftheday.NotonlydotheBandparentsworkwiththespectators,butalsoprovidesupport“backstage”forthevisitingbands.

Chicken Dinner and Silent Auction ChickenDinnerticketsalesandtheproceedsfromtheSilentAuctionmakeupthesinglelargestfundraiserfortheBandparentsAssociation.TheChickenDinnerorganizersalwaysneedvolunteerstohelpsetup,serve,andcleanup.TheSilentAuctioncommittee,likewise,canalwaysuseparentswhocancontributeitemsfortheauction,orwhoknowsomeonewhocancontribute.

Box Truck Fund TheBandparentsAssociationcurrentlyrunsaspecialfundraisingcampaigntopurchaseanewboxtrucktotransportinstruments,bothtoandfromHowardWoodFieldandoutoftown.Thetruckservesacrucialroleingettingtheshow“ontheroad,”butunfortunatelythecurrenttrucksufferstoomanymechanicalproblemstotakeoutoftown.Fundraisingsofarhasinvolveddirectdonationstotheboxtruckfund.

Student Fundraising Students(andtheirfamilies)canraisefundsfortheirISAsthroughouttheyearinvariousways.Youwillseemanyannouncementsaboutthesedifferentfundraisingcampaigns.

Fundraising Sales TheBandparentsAssociationFundraisingCommitteerunsmultiplesalesdrivesthroughouttheyear.PopularitemshaveincludedClassicCookiecookiedough,KrispyKremeDonuts,fruitsales,wreathsales,andJumpyMonkeyCoffee(tonamejustafew).A

percentageofeachsalegetsdepositedintoastudent’sISA.KeepaneyeontheBandparentsNewsletterforannouncementsonwhentheorderformswillbecominghomewithyourstudentandwhenyourstudentneedstoreturnthem.

Hy-Vee and Fareway Card Sales TheBandparentsAssociationsellHy-Veegiftcardsthroughouttheyear.YoucanuseacardforitsfullfacevalueatHy-Vee,and 4%ofthefacevaluewillbeaddedtoyourstudent’sISA..DesignatedbandparentssellthecardsattheBandRoom(DoorJontheeastsideofthehighschool)onaweeklybasis(e.g.onTuesdayeveningsfrom6:00to7:00p.m.),aswellasateventssuchasBreakfastwiththeBand,PreviewNightandconcertsthroughouttheyear.

Sanford Premier Center InthepastfewyearsstudentsandparentshavehadtheopportunitytoworkconcessionsattheEventCenterandnearbyvenues.Familieswillearnmoneyforeachevenworkedthatgoesdirectlyintotheirstudent’sISA.Theseeventscanbequitethefundraisingopportunity,andareverypopularwithbandfamilies.Lookforemailsannouncingupcomingevents,workwithotherbandfamilies,andhelp�illyourchild’sISA.

Scrip ThroughScriponline,youcanbuygiftcardsthroughvariousretailersforadiscountandgetakickbacktoyourstudents’ISA.Clothing,cruiselines,homeimprovementstores;ifyouhaveabigexpenditurecomingandwatchforaspecialoffer,youcouldfundaregularyearofISAwithjustafewtransactions.

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Volunteer Opportunities Parentsmaygetmoreinvolvedwithband(beyondsupportingone’sownchild)throughmanydifferentactivities.TheBandparentsAssociationcoordinatesalloftheseefforts.Youwillseemanyappealstovolunteereachweek.InanorganizationaslargeastheLincolnband,everylittlebithelps,sopleaseconsider“takingtheplunge”andsigningupforanevent.

Chaperoning Chaperoneshelpstudentspreparetoperformbyadding�inishingtouchestouniformsandmakingsurestudentshavewateravailable.Whenthebandtravelsoutoftown,adultchaperonesridethebuseswiththestudentsand,ifthebandisoutovernight,chaperonesstayinthehotelwiththestudents.Bewarned,outoftowntripscantakeawayfromone’ssleep:chaperonesinthehotel,forexample,takeshiftsovernighttopatrolcorridors,ensuringstudents’safetyandadherencetocurfew.Withoutchaperones,though,theschooldistrictwouldprohibitthebandfromtravelling.Andfrankly,bandkidsaresomeofthebestteenagersadultscouldeverworkwith.

Roadie-ing Roadiesconstructpropsfortheshowduringtheoff-season.Theyunloadandsetuppropsforshows,helppitmusiciansloadinstrumenttrailers,schlepparoundlowbrass,andmakesurecarts,lights,andotherequipmentalwaysfunction.Atperformancetime,theymoveinstrumentsandpodiumsonandoffthe�ield.Inaddition,aroadietowingcrew--de�inedinlargepartbyownershipoflargetow-capablepickups--haulsprops,instruments,anduniformstoallshowvenues.Youngersiblings

canhelpas“juniorroadies,”animportantfunctionatsomecompetitionsthatlimitthenumberofadults(butnotmiddle-schoolers)onthe�ield.

Distributing Uniforms TheUniformCommitteetakesresponsibilityforcheckinguniformpiecesouttostudentsatthebeginningoftheseasonandcheckingthepiecesinattheend.Theyalsotakecareofmaintainingandcleaningtheuniforms.Theyneedhelptrackingpiecesespeciallyatuniformdistributionandreturn.

Organizing Fundraisers for Individual Student Accounts

Manystudents/familiespayfortheirindividualcontribution,inpart,throughfundraisingactivities,whichtheBandparentsAssociationcoordinate.TheFundraisingandDistributionCommitteesworktogethertoorganizesalesofthingssuchascookiedoughorwreaths,thepro�itsofwhichgotoISAs.Thecommitteesalwaysneedvolunteerstohelpsortordersatdistributiontimeforstudent/parentpickup.LookformessagesfromtheFundraisingChairaboutupcomingfundraisers:whenorderformsshouldbecominghomeandwhencompletedformsshouldbereturned.LookalsoformessagesfromtheDistributionChairaboutdistributionpointneedsandorderpickuptimes.Infact,youmightevenconsiderspearheadingfundraisingoperationsasFundraising,Collection,orDistributionChairyourself.

Providing Spat Camp Treats SpatCamprequiresalotofenergyfromthestudents,sotheBandparentsAssociationprovidessnacksduringtheday-longpracticesthroughAugust.ThesetreatsendupbeingaveryimportantpartofSpatCamp.Ifyouareinterestedinprovidingand/ordistributing

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treatsforaday,lookforappealsattheendofJulyandbeginningofAugust.

Producing the Silent Auction TheSilentAuction,whichtakesplaceinconjunctionwiththeChickenDinnerandIndoorShow,providessomeofthebestfundraisingfortheband.TheSilentAuctionCommitteeworksatalowintensityyear-roundarrangingfordonationsfromindividualsandcompanies,thencollects,setsup,anddeliversitemsduringChickenDinnerweek.Drummingupdonationsisstraightforward:BusinessesareveryreceptiveandsupportiveoftheLHSband,andthereisanendlessnetworkofpresentandpastbandparentsandsupporterswhoaremorethanwillingtodonate.Typically,onephonecallandyouaredone.

Working at fundraising eventsTheBandparentsAssociationholdsseveraleventstobringinmoney.Allworkisentirelyvolunteer,soallpro�itfromtheseeventsgoestotheband.AtthestartofthebandseasonyouwillseerepeatedrequestsforworkersintheNewsletter;theeventChairswillalsohavesignuptablesateventsthroughouttheseason(especiallyBreakfastwiththeBandandPreviewNight).

● Preview Night :Thiseventcanuse20-25volunteerstohelpsetupandandservethemealbeforetheshowpreviewstarts.

● Festival of Bands :Thiseventneedsalmost90volunteers.Bandparentshelpwiththemanytasksthatthefestivalentails:sellingtickets,handingoutprograms,monitoringaisles,staf�ingwaterstationsinthebandsetupareas,andmarshallingbandsastheyenterandexitthe�ield.

● Chicken Dinner :ForthetwonightsofChickenDinner,theBandparentsworkinshiftssettingup,takingtickets,servingdessertanddrinks,bussingtables,andcleaningupafterthedinner.TheChickenDinneriseasilythelargestfundraisingeventforbandparentparticipation.

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Glossary Band Door :DoorJ,thebusiestdoorat

LincolnHighSchool(atleastduringmarchingbandseason).

Band Locker :individualcubbyinthebandroomtoholdinstrumentsandmusic.Manystudentsusetheirbandlockersinsteadoftheirregularlockerstoholdbooksandbinders,sincetheyspendsomuchtimeinthebandroomanyway.

Black Band T-shirt :ashort-orlong-sleevedt-shirtwornaspartoftheuniform,wornunderthejacketinfulluniform.Thedirectorswilloccasionallycallforstudentstoweartheirblackbandshirtsforrehearsalsaswell.

Battery (aka drumline ) :themovingpartofthepercussionsectionthatperformsonthe�ield;includessnares,quads,bassdrums,andcymbals.

Bibber :thepantsportionoftheuniformBlack Socks :anoften-overlookedbutcrucial

partoftheLincolnuniform.Socksshouldbeplainblackandshouldreachtomid-shin,atleast.Studentswillneedseveralpairs,astheytendtodisappearfromoneweekendtothenext,onlytoreappearcrustyandsmellywhenlockersarecleanedout.

BoA :BandsofAmerica,aprogramofMusicforAll(http://www.musicforall.org/),whichrunsregional,super-regional,andnationalhighschoolmarchingbandcompetitions.

Body Work :extramovementsperformedbyhornlineanddrumline,besidesmarchingandplaying.

Drumline :thepercussionsection,dividedintothebatteryandthefrontensemble.

Chaperones :adultswhotravelwiththeband.Colorguard :thegrouponthe�ieldthatspins

�lags,ri�les,andsabers(aswellasdances)foraddedvisualspectacle.

DCI :DrumCorpsInternational(http://www.dci.org/).Anorganizationofcollege-agemusiciansandcolorguardthatperforminmanycitiesduringthesummer.Adrumcorps(ordrum-and-buglecorps)includesonlyvalvedbrassinstrumentssuchastrumpets,mellophones,andtubas,andpercussion.ManyLincolndirectors,designers,andtechniciansparticipatedinDCIatsomepoint,and“corpsstyle”hasaclearimpactonLincolnshows.ManyLincolnstudents(andparents)attendthelivebroadcastoftheDCIWorldChampionshipsinalocaltheaterattheendofAugust.

Doctor Beat (aka “the met”) :ahighlyampli�iedmetronome,thesoundofwhichissuretoraisestudents’anxietyoncespatcampisover

Dot Book :abookof3x5pages--hungaroundtheneckfromalanyardwithanattachedpencil--thateachstudentusestode�inetheirownindividualmovementsandpositionswithintheshow,aswellasnotinganyspecialmovementsorpauses.Each student must have his or her dot book for each day of spat camp and rehearsal.

Drill :the“choreography”oftheshow,de�iningthemovementsoftheensemblefromoneformtoanother

Drill Chart :asetofpages(usuallybetween100-120ofthem)showingdotformations(eachdotasinglemarcher)alongkeypointsintheshow

Drillmasters :blackmarchingshoesthatarepartoftheuniform.Drillmastersmustbepurchasedatthestartofmarchingbandseason,alongwithblackbandT-shirts.Thegoodnewsis,unlesstheshoesbecomesowornthattheseamstear,onepairshouldlastastudentallfouryearsofmarchingband.

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Drum Major :oneoffourstudentconductorsofthebandonthe�ield.Lincolndrummajorsstandonaluminumpodiumsininfrontofthebandandintheback�ieldsothateverymarchercanseeatleastone.DrumMajorsrepresentthehighestlevelofstudentleadershipinthemarchingband,settingtheprofessionaltoneofthebandfortherestofthestudents..

Front Ensemble (aka pit ) :thestationarypartofthepercussionsectionthatsetsupinfrontofthe�ield;includesmalletinstruments(marimba,vibraphone,etc.),keyboards,tympani,gongs,andauxiliarypercussioninstruments.Thepitdoesnotnormallymarchbuthasextraresponsibilitiesloadingandunloadingtheirinstruments.

Gauntlets :fancywristwearwornoverthestudent’sblackgloves.Gauntletscomeinleftandrightpairs,sostudentsshouldtakecaretokeeptheirgauntletstogether.

Hole :agapintheformbecauseofastudentabsence.

Horn Line :thebrassandwoodwindsectionsISA :IndividualStudentAccount.Thisisthe

moneyeachstudent/familypaysforparticipatingintheband.

Plume :the“featherduster”thingonthebandhats.Plumesaredelicate,pronetobendingandshedding,andgenerallyunsuitableforteenageresponsibilities.Chaperoneshandoutplumesrightbeforetheperformance,andcollectthemimmediatelyafterward.

Props :large“set”piecesonthe�ieldduringperformances.

Roadies :adults(andchildren)whohelpmovethebandanditsequipment.

Section Leader :ajuniororseniorstudentwholeadsaninstrumentsection(e.g.clarinet,trumpet,tuba,colorguard).Sectionleadersleadbyexample,helplessexperiencedstudentslearnthe

show,helpenforcediscipline,andencouragefunandparticipation.

Show Shirt :aspeciallydesignedshirtthatcapturesthespiritofeachyear’sshow.Mostparentsandstudentsgetoneforeachyearintheband.Moneyfromthepurchaseofshowshirts,aswithallspiritwearsales,goestotheBandparentsAssociation.

Spat Camp :thetrainingperiodrunningfromlateJulythroughAugust,duringwhichtimestudentslearntheseason’sshow.

Spot Checks : instructorchecksofeachstudent’smusicmemorization,beginning the first day of Spat Camp. AllmusicmustbememorizedbeforeSpatCampbegins.

Tear :whentwopartsofthebandoneithersideofthe�ieldareofftempo,orDoctorBeat,bybeingeithertooslowortoofast.ThisusuallydrivestheDirectorsinsane.

Technician : anadultexpert,besidesthebanddirectorsthemselves,whoinstructsstudentsinmusicormarching.

Turf Turds :bitsofblackplasticfromAstroturfthatstudents’shoespickupandtrackhome.No,youdon’thavemice.

YIM :YouthinMusic,acompetitioninMinneapolisshowcasingthebestbandsoftheupperMidwest.Tipfortravellingparents:stayoutbytheMallofAmericaandtakethedirectraillinedowntown.

Author’s Note ThankyoutothedirectorsandtoDebHeroldfortheirinvaluablefeedback.Allopinions,misrepresentations,andmistakesaremine.ThisSurvivalGuideissomethingofaworkinprogress.Ifyou�indanythingthatisincorrect,outdated,unclear,orsimplymissing,pleasecontacttheauthoratmartin.j.dennis@gmail.com.

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Bandparent Association Executive Board Callthesepeoplewithquestions.Presidents:Greg&JillLair

Gregcell:929-8460Jillcell:929-8465Vice-Presidents:TobeannouncedPast-Presidents:Gene&JuliePike

Genecell:376-0296Juliecell:376-0890Secretary:LoriMurphyTreasurer:RoseGrant988-4556ISATreasurer:RachelBailey608-852-6640

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Chad and Becky Olson

Colorguard Shutterflyhttps://siouxfallslincolncolorguard.shutterfly.com/#

CharmsCharms is where you keep track of the ISA

dues/balances by student ID #.

School code is: thelincolnband

https://www.charmsoffice.com/

ScripScrip - portion of gift card purchase go towards

ISA

There's a mobile app that's easy to use.

https://www.shopwithscrip.com/

I think those links will help you get started. :)