Blackstone-Millville Regional High School

Chargers Marching Band

Handbook

2015

2015 Show title:

Forbidden Love

Director, Todd Shafer

Assistant Director/Show Design, Brian Murphy

Assistant Director/Percussion Director, Chris Vale

Guard Director, Alexia Hutchins

Music Staff: Mickey Ireland, Kevin Martins, Matt Hogan, Nathan Kim

Visual Staff: Samantha Hackenson, Randy Smith

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Welcome to Blackstone-Millville Regional Band Department

Home of the Chargers Marching Band

We are very excited that your family has chosen to participate with one of the most successful band programs in New England. The Chargers Marching Band has a successful tradition of excellence spanning over 30 years. This will be a unique and rewarding experience for both you and your student.

This handbook has been put together to assist both the student and parent. The band and guard programs provide many great opportunities for your student. As with all great programs, there is a lot of preparation and support required to make everything work. We know each year many questions will arise. This handbook has been designed to help answer those. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please contact Mr. Shafer.

Have a great season!

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Table of Contents:

Marching Band Fees...........................................................................................................................................4

Fees for 2015 Season.....................................................................................................................................4

Blackstone-Millville Regional High School Music Department Code of Conduct...............................................6

Rules, Guidelines and Policies for the Chargers Band........................................................................................7

Attendance Policy..........................................................................................................................................7

School Attendance and Tardiness..................................................................................................................7

Bus Carry-On Policy........................................................................................................................................7

Performance Guidelines for Students:...........................................................................................................7

Rehearsal Clothing Guidelines.......................................................................................................................8

Rehearsal Guidelines For Students:...............................................................................................................8

Trip Guidelines...............................................................................................................................................8

Uniform Guidelines............................................................................................................................................9

Band Members...............................................................................................................................................9

Band Members Uniform Information – Care & Maintenance........................................................................9

Band Uniform Washing Instructions............................................................................................................10

Guard Members...........................................................................................................................................10

Guard Members Uniform Information – Care & Maintenance....................................................................10

Guard Uniform Washing Instructions...........................................................................................................11

Top 13 Things Band Students Should Know – Veteran Band Members Share Wisdom and Survival Tips.......12

Helpful Information for Parents.......................................................................................................................13

The Top Eight Things You Should Know as a Band Parent............................................................................13

Hot Fun in the Summer Time: Summer Practice Begins!.............................................................................14

BMMA: Getting Involved & Ways to Help Out.............................................................................................15

Other Things You Should Know....................................................................................................................16

Where to go for additional information or if you have a question...............................................................18

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Music Department Handbook......................................................................19

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Marching Band Fees

This is going to be an event packed season for the Chargers! Along with our usual practices and competitions we are also marching in the tercentennial parade in Hopkinton, competing in UsBands’ National Championship at Metlife Stadium and, of course, heading to Florida to participate in the events surrounding the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl!

In order to help you prepare financially for this season, below you will find a breakdown of the costs along with the payment schedule. Please note that your profit sharing can be applied to any of these payments EXCEPT the user fees payable to the school district. Please take advantage of the opportunity to earn profit sharing by signing up for events at Gillette. The current schedule is posted on the BMMA website along with information on how to sign up. We will use Facebook and email in addition to our website to keep you informed of any additional profit sharing opportunities.

Fees for 2015 Season

Marching Band User Fee for 2015-2016: $140This fee is paid directly to the school and is usually due around the second week of September. The user fee can be paid online or by handing a check made payable to “BMRSD” to the Assistant Principal at the student’s school.*Please note: Students receiving free or reduced lunch have their user fee waived but still need to submit the paperwork.

Band Camp Fee: $80.00 This fee, due on July 7 th , covers the cost of feeding meals to the student, the marching band t-shirt, and a pair of marching band shoes that the student will then own.*

*New to this season

National Championships/Metlife Stadium performance: ~ $110 This covers the cost of bussing, hotel for one evening, and all meals while on the weekend trip.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Festival Trip: ~ $1000-1400 More information forthcoming regarding the details of the trip and final cost.

Payment schedule: Subject to change based on final airfare rates, fundraising and deposit due dates.

June 2 nd : $150 This is the deposit for Gator Bowl trip.

July 7 th : $300 Two separate payments, $80 for Band Camp Fee and $220 towards Gator Bowl.

August 18 th : $200This will be applied to Gator Bowl trip.

September 15 th : $440 Two separate payments, $140 to the school district and $300 towards Gator Bowl

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October 20 th : $200This will be applied to Gator Bowl trip.

November 10 th : TBDThis will be the final payment for the Gator Bowl trip.

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Blackstone-Millville Regional High School Music Department Code of Conduct

Blackstone-Millville Regional High School provides students an extensive and diverse offering of extra-curricular programs such as clubs, performing arts, student government, and more. Each co- and extra-curricular activity has its own code of conduct detailing the expectations of student behavior in addition to those set forth in the “Student Expectations and Discipline” section of the student handbook. Higher standards of behavior are in place for students in this activity to promote good citizenship as these students represent Blackstone-Millville Regional High School through local, state, and national competitions, and performances. Students who fail to meet expectations will have consequences assessed by the Music Director, which may be in addition to consequences levied by school administration. Continued failure to meet these expectations may result in removal from the program.

The following apply specifically to the students in the Marching Band Program

1. Use and/or possession of Alcohol will not be tolerated. a. 1st Offense: Removal from two performances/25% of the competitions as stated by MIAAb. 2nd Offense: Removal from the program for the remainder of the school year.

2. Use and/or possession of Drugs will not be tolerated. a. 1st Offense: Removal from two performances/25% of the competitions as stated by MIAAb. 2nd Offense: Removal from the program for the remainder of the school year.

3. Use and/or possession of Tobacco will not be tolerated. a. 1st Offense: Suspension from two performances/25% of the competitions as stated by MIAAb. 2nd Offense: Removal from the band for no less than 90 days and up to one calendar year.

Reinstatement to the program will take place only at the Director and Administrator approval.

4. Inappropriate use of Social Media a. 1st Offense: Removal from two performances.b. 2nd Offense: Removal from program for the remainder of the school year.

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Rules, Guidelines and Policies for the Chargers Band

Attendance PolicyAttendance is mandatory at all band performances! Any problems will be dealt with on an individual basis. Any absences from all or part of a rehearsal, summer, fall or winter, spring will require a written excuse (email is fine) from parents or a doctor giving an explanation or reason for the absence. Vacation absences should be passed on to Mr. Shafer as soon as dates are available. Excuses should be turned in, in advance of the absence when possible. Students with jobs will be expected to be at all rehearsals; inform your employer accordingly. If the student has one unexcused or two excused absences from rehearsal within a one week period, they will not be allowed to march that weekend. (Per the discretion of the staff)

School Attendance and TardinessBlackstone-Millville Regional band members must meet the requirements for good school and team citizenship. They are as follows: come to school every day, be on time for school and classes, attend all classes, do your homework, and behave at all times in a mature manner. The abuse of any of these citizenship requirements could result in suspension or dismissal from the marching band.

Marching band members all eligible to participate in a department activity on a given day provided they are in school by 11:00am or have an excused absence/tardiness.

Bus Carry-On PolicyNO GLASS CONTAINERS! You may have:

1. Bottled water: must be sealed before loading bus.2. Jacket or sweatshirt and pants for cool late nights3. Necessary band items and personal items4. HOWEVER - NO BAGS ALLOWED IN FRONT OF EMERGENCY DOORS OR IN THE AISLE OF THE BUS.5. No Bluetooth speakers or portable sound systems are allowed6. No food can be brought onto the bus by a student. Food/snacks will be provided by

chaperones/BMMA

Please Note: On competition Saturdays, and occasionally Sundays, there is a dinner break before we leave to head to the competition. This means that students must have a bagged dinner. Please make sure your child is prepared to make their day a success.

Performance Guidelines for Students:1. Make sure all of your uniform parts are clean and fitted properly. Improper uniform care will not be

tolerated. You MUST wear your “show t-shirt” under your jacket. (Shirt is distributed last day of band camp.)

2. You will be required to wear close fitting shorts under the uniform pants. Basketball shorts that could fit two of you is not acceptable.

3. Make sure your instrument is in good repair so that you can perform to the best of your ability.4. When in uniform:

a. No eating.b. No swearing

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c. No running (unless told to do so by a Director or staff member).5. Everyone should be professional while in a performance setting. Unprofessional behavior may be

cause for dismissal from the band program.

Rehearsal Clothing Guidelines1. Marching Band Students should wear comfortable, modest, weather appropriate clothing to all

rehearsals.a. Shirts (required for all rehearsals and band camp) shorts, sweats, loose fitting pants, socks

and good tennis shoes are the most acceptable attire. b. Please listen to weather reports in the morning or evening and plan your attire accordingly.

2. Students in the color guard should check with their director for the appropriate dress style but clothing should still be comfortable, modest and weather appropriate.

Rehearsal Guidelines For Students:1. Each student is expected to be on time, if not early, to all rehearsal/performance functions, with

instruments and ready to begin. If you are on time, you are late!2. The student is expected to have both their instrument and music ready prior to starting for all

rehearsals and performances.3. Students should have a pencil ready to mark rehearsal suggestions (No ink pens!).4. Students should behave considerately to whomever is on the podium, whether it be the director,

drum major or a guest of the band.5. Students should treat school owned instruments like their own. Any loss or damage of the

instrument will be the student’s liability and will be assessed accordingly.6. There are four (4) places your instrument should be (school owned or privately owned)

a. In your handsb. Lined up in a sectionc. Lined up in the casesd. In your band locker

7. Cell phones are NOT ALLOWED during rehearsal. They may be in your car, locker, backpack or purse. If you need to contact your child for an emergency, you may call Mr. Shafer (339)364-0254

Trip Guidelines1. All luggage (including carry-on) must be brought to school the evening before the trip. Toiletries

and medication can be brought the morning of the trip, but must be brought in a clear, plastic bag. ALL LUGGAGE WILL BE SEARCHED by district employees/head chaperone only, the evening before the trip.

2. Students are encouraged to observe weather reports for the area we are traveling to and pack ONLY what is necessary.

3. Students must remain with the group at all times, except when permission is granted from the director. In the event the band splits up (i.e. going to a mall for lunch, theme park, etc.), all high school and middle school students must remain in groups of 3 at all times.

4. Hospitalization/Incarceration: In the event of a hospitalization/incarceration on a trip, it is the responsibility of that child’s PARENT to travel to the location and tend to their child; not the director, staff, chaperones or nurse. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the parent. The hospitalization/incarceration will immediately be reported to District Administration.

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Uniform Guidelines

Band MembersIn June/July, uniforms will be fitted and assigned by the Uniform Team.

1. Each member will be given a pair of white gloves (first pair is included in your band fee). 2. Each member will be fitted for shoes. There is a charge of $35.00 for any child requiring shoes,

either for the first time or due to growth. (*Note: for 2015, every band member is being assessed this fee as the shoe style has changed).

3. Band members are required to wear band “show shirts” and dark colored close-fitting shorts under their uniforms, and wear mid-calf or higher black socks for ALL performances.

4. All pieces of each uniform are numbered and assigned to a student. If you are unsure if a jacket/pants belong to you please confirm with someone from the Uniform Team.

Band Members Uniform Information – Care & MaintenanceThe following procedures are to be followed by each band member.

1. All uniforms are kept in the uniform room or on the uniform racks (stored in garment bags).2. Each student is responsible for hanging his/her own uniform back on the hanger properly and

returning it to the correct uniform rack after the performance.a. Proper hanging of band member uniform includes

i. Pants must be placed on the hanger first, fold so creases are lined up and then placed through hanger. They only get folded once.

ii. Jacket goes over that, zipped onto hanger. iii. FAILURE TO HANG UP YOUR UNIFORM WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING APPOINTED AS

A “HELPER” TO CLEAN THE BUSES AFTER THE NEXT SHOW. This is non-negotiable. b. Your gloves are white again this year. Let’s try to keep them that way. Gloves are to be

turned inside out if they are going in the bottom of the bag with your shoes.i. Do your absolute best to keep them clean. If necessary they can be brought home

and washed but must be returned by the next practice.ii. Lost gloves will be replaced, at a cost. The price for a new pair of gloves is $4. Your

parents would appreciate you keeping track of your gloves. iii. If deemed appropriate by the Uniform Team, gloves that are that are beyond

washing may be replaced at no cost.3. When you put your uniform away put it in numerical order on the same rack it came from with the

hangers all going the same way!4. If something is wrong with your uniform notify a chaperone so they can mark your bag to be

checked by the Uniform Team.5. Students are not permitted to eat while in uniform, unless otherwise instructed by the directors.6. The proper way to wear the uniform is with the jacket all the way on (hooked and zipped), or with

the jacket off and carried, folded over the arm. a. When wearing the uniform, please look before you sit (even on the bus) to be sure you do

not sit in something that will stain the uniform.

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Band Uniform Washing InstructionsYou will be required to bring home your marching band uniforms several times during the season to be washed. You will be notified by one of the music instructors or the Uniform Team of when to bring it home and when it must be returned. Please following these steps to ensure the uniform is washed properly without sustaining any damage.

1. DO NOT USE BLEACH.2. Do not wash the sash. Please place it somewhere safe and reattach it once the jacket is dry.3. The uniform can be spot cleaned with regular laundry detergent. 4. Uniform jacks and pants may be machine washed in COLD water

a. Jackets should be zipped closed and turned inside out. b. Pants should be zipped and washed right side out. c. Please wash the garment bag also, just zip it closed.

5. All items must be air dried by folding over hangers. a. DO NOT PUT YOUR UNIFORM OR GARMENT BAG IN THE DRYERb. Don’t wait until the last minute to wash the uniform! Please be sure you allow enough time

for the uniform to dry before the scheduled return date. Damp uniforms placed in garment bags are going to smell foul and will NOT be pleasant to wear.

Guard MembersEach member of the guard will be measured and fitted for a new guard uniform. You will also be fitted for any accessories required as part of the uniform (gloves, shoes, headpieces, etc).

Guard Members Uniform Information – Care & MaintenanceThe following procedures are to be followed by each guard member.

1. All uniforms are kept in the uniform room or on the uniform racks (stored in garment bags).2. All pieces of each uniform are numbered/labeled and assigned to a student.3. Along with the issued uniform, the guard member is required to wear approved undergarments,

stockings/socks and footwear as determined by the guard instructor. 4. Each student is responsible for hanging his/her own uniform back on the hanger properly and

returning it to the correct uniform rack after the performance.a. You will receive further instructions from the Uniform Team on how your uniform is to be

stored in the garment bag.b. FAILURE TO HANG UP YOUR UNIFORM WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING APPOINTED AS A

“HELPER” TO CLEAN THE BUSES AFTER THE NEXT SHOW. This is non-negotiable. c. Gloves: The color of your gloves for this year has yet to be determined.

i. Regardless of color, do your absolute best to keep them clean and in good repair. If necessary they can be brought home and washed but must be returned by the next practice.

ii. Lost gloves will be replaced at full cost. Your parents would appreciate you keeping track of your gloves.

5. When you put your uniform away put it in alphabetical order on the same rack it came from with the hangers all going the same way!

6. If something is wrong with your uniform notify a chaperone so they can mark your bag to be checked by the Uniform Team.

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7. Students are not permitted to eat while in uniform, unless otherwise instructed by the directors.a. When wearing the uniform, please look before you sit (even on the bus) to be sure you do

not sit in something that will stain the uniform. 8. Guard may be required to wear their warmup jackets and pants over their uniforms when traveling.

Guard Uniform Washing InstructionsYou will be required to bring home your marching band uniforms several times during the season to be washed. You will be notified by one of the music instructors or the Uniform Team of when to bring it home and when it must be returned. Please following these steps to ensure the uniform is washed properly without sustaining any damage.

Your uniforms have not been chosen yet. You will receive uniform-specific information once they have been received/assigned. However, as a general guideline the following rules apply:

1. DO NOT USE BLEACH.2. The uniform can be spot cleaned with regular laundry detergent. 3. Uniforms must be hand washed in COLD water.4. Please wash the garment bag also, just zip it closed. 5. All items must be air dried by folding over hangers.

a. DO NOT PUT YOUR UNIFORM OR GARMENT BAG IN THE DRYERb. Don’t wait until the last minute to wash the uniform! Please be sure you allow enough time

for the uniform to dry before the scheduled return date. Damp uniforms placed in garment bags are going to smell foul and will NOT be pleasant to wear.

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Top 13 Things Band Students Should Know – Veteran Band Members Share Wisdom and Survival Tips

Do the veteran band members know everything about marching band? Of course not, but they have been through it before and have learned some valuable lessons along the way.

1. ALWAYS be on time, which really means 10-15 minutes early.2. When in doubt, stop talking.3. Show respect to everyone and listen to what ‘veterans’ have to say. They’re probably right.4. Don’t expect to know everything the first day. Even people who have marched before still have

things to learn5. We can be excellent at what we do ONLY if we can focus when we need to.6. Stay well rested, fed, and hydrated. 7. Always have all your materials on you or close enough that you can get them quickly.8. Know how to work, but also know how to relax. Know that the two NEVER occur at the same time,

EVER.9. Keep up on your schoolwork. Take every opportunity to do your homework. On the bus, extra time

in class, at appointments — do whatever it takes. Be as productive as possible.10. You will be called out eventually. Don’t be afraid. When it happens, just speak up and don’t worry

about being wrong.11. Always trust the instructors. Especially when you think they aren’t right. They are rarely wrong.12. You may want to quit. But DON’T!

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Helpful Information for Parents

The Top Eight Things You Should Know as a Band Parent

#8 Your student is probably more capable than you realize. Even if you have all the time in the world, you will start to feel like a personal servant if you don’t ask your kids to take some responsibility for their own stuff. Water jugs, lunches, props, laundry -- it never ends. Your student can make a sandwich, fill up a water jug, and set out their ‘stuff’. If you are inclined, help them create checklists so that they remember everything they need to bring. It will be a lot of stuff, so be ready.

#7 Get out of the car and come join us. Adults can enter the band room without ill effect! Be respectful of practices going on, but come on in and see what is happening. Frequently, there are parents working on projects or hanging around. It is a great time to make introductions and let people know you are new to the band program and would like to get involved…more on that later.Park the car and come over to the parking lot. The last 15-20 minutes of practice will typically be a run through of what the kids have learned so far. Watching the evolution of the band and the kids is really inspiring. Speaking of parking: DO NOT PARK IN THE FIRELANE. You may have become accustomed to dropping off your student in front of the band room but for all of the students safety, do not park along the curb. When the kids come off of the practice field, many of them have instruments they have to push up to the band room through the parking lots. Also, when the buses leave for competitions and return, they need to park by the curb. Leave that space free to make the process run smoothly. Join the welcoming crowd outside and come on in to see what all the excitement is about! The kids love the encouragement.

#6 Learn to manage your time and teach your student how to manage theirs. You WILL be busy -- especially from August until the middle of November. You will receive calendars in emails, but you MUST find a way to keep track of everything. More importantly, your student will have to balance band and school work. Many of the band kids are honor students, and the time management skills they learn will help them throughout their life.

#5 Bring cash, warm clothes and something to sit on when you go to competitions. Most school functions require that you bring cash. All competitions we attend charge admission, anywhere from $5 to $10 per person for local events, more for “Finals” or “Championships”. You MUST bring cash. Concessions are cash only, as are some souvenir vendors.

#4 Marching band requires dedication and discipline from your student. The job of the staff is to help your student excel in in the marching band program. Staff members, especially Mr. Shafer, speak loudly and pointedly. When mistakes are made, especially due to inattention or lack of effort, there are consequences. Try to relax and allow the process to work. Encourage your student to do their best, listen, and work hard. Everyone wants your child to be successful. You will learn this as you move through the season

#3 We can’t do it without you—volunteer and come to the Music Association meetings. You will be asked to commit time, energy, donations and the band fees to the band program. Like many sports programs, the Blackstone-Millville Music Department must have parent volunteers for the programs to run smoothly, and it is the best way to get to know others. Plan to attend as many BMMA

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meetings as you can. They are only once a month for about an hour. Mr. Shafer usually addresses the parents with updates on the show and will answer parent questions. It is time well spent.About volunteering … no experience necessary. No, REALLY! There are tasks that require specific skills, but most opportunities do not. If you can pull a soda from a cooler, take tickets at a gate, use scissors, sew or build props - you have all the skills you need. Better yet, there is so much to do, you are bound to find something you actually enjoy doing. Trust us, we’ve been there, every single band parent was once a first time band parent. We know it can seem difficult to try to integrate yourself into what is perceived as such a tight knit group but please don't feel intimidated! We are thrilled to add more parents and volunteers to our various circles and would be happy to show you the ropes.

#2 READ YOUR EMAIL!This could be said a thousand times and still not be said enough. As the season progresses, you will get multiple messages each day. READ THEM. CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY. You may not always completely understand the emails, but READ THEM. They will contain information about upcoming event, report times for practices/competitions, cancelation/changes/additions to practices, requests for assistance, ANYTHING/EVERYTHING related to the music program.If you are completely lost, you can ask Mr. Shafer or a BMMA Executive Board member for more info.

#1 Yes, it’s worth it!All of the rides, time, and effort that as a parent, you put into getting your child to practices are worth every second. You may not be able to appreciate that in the beginning. Your student may get discouraged at first. There is a lot of repetition, hot sweaty days, failures, and disappointments. Then the show starts to come together and everything changes. There is a new energy, a new excitement. – THIS is what they’ve been working for! This is the point where they will either LOVE band, or plan a different activity next year. Most of the kids LOVE band by the end of the season, so make them tough it out for the whole season. It will be worth it.

Hot Fun in the Summer Time: Summer Practice Begins!Summer practices, particularly band camp, are long and hot. Making sure that your child has the necessary supplies will make them MUCH more enjoyable. Band Camp is scheduled for August 11-16.

1. Your child will need a one-gallon thermos, sunscreen (lots and lots of sunscreen!), GOOD tennis shoes for marching, and gloves if they play a brass instrument. Make sure the shoes have good support and are in good repair.

2. Consider a hat, sunglasses and lip balm to protect them from the sun. They need to be prepared for all types of weather. We do practice in the rain, snow and sleet! Sweatshirts are a good idea to have on hand for evening practices.

3. Most kids are required to have a notebook with page protectors and a strap that they can put over their shoulder (messenger style). If you can find them, you can buy one. Otherwise you will have to adapt an existing notebook with a strap. Some kids use shoestrings wrapped around the binder. Some attach luggage straps. The point is it has to be sturdy because they will use it all season. It’s nice if they can zip the binder up so the pages don’t fall out.

4. The students will also need a small notebook made up of 3 by 5 cards. This is called a dot book. It will need a shoulder strap and, ideally, a waterproof cover. You can make a dot book with a hole punch, rings, and strap. Use an old page protector or cheap piece of plastic as a cover. You can buy a 3 by 5 binder already made (Wal-Mart) and attach a strap. Old purse straps, shoelaces, and cord make workable alternatives.

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5. A word of warning: Practice, especially the early days, can seem a lot like boot camp. Endurance training like running and push-ups help the kids get physically ready for some very long days ahead. For some children it is a very intense experience that can leave them feeling frustrated and off balance. How you handle this is likely based on your parenting style and your child’s personality. Try not to blow off your child’s concerns, but try to keep in mind there are some valuable life lessons to be learned about working with others. Talk to them, support them and encourage them to hang in there. Only you really know your child and whether this program is going to be too much. Before you make any final decisions, talk to the directors and maybe an experienced band parent. Perhaps they can offer insight and suggestions on how to get past this hurdle

6. Drop off times: On time is late. The band must be on the field (or their designated practice space) with their instruments, ready to go by the time practice starts. Please plan on having your child at the school at least 15 minutes before the start of practice. Earlier is even a bit better. Guard Seniors may be at the school at 5:30 p.m. on practice days and willing to help other members. Occasionally, a section will have an earlier than usual start. Your child should know about this in advance and keep you informed. It helps to keep checking in with your child because they get busy and they do forget.

7. Pick up times vary after practice and a lot depends on what your child plays in the band. If practice ends at 9:00 pm, the band still needs to put their instruments away. Some sections have a brief section meeting right after practice, and members of the pit need to move their equipment from the field to the band room and put it away. Do not be surprised if 9:00 is really 9:15. The pattern is pretty consistent throughout the season and rarely do practices end early.

BMMA: Getting Involved & Ways to Help Out Parents and guardians are the lifeblood of the Blackstone Millville Music Association (BMMA). BMMA is a parent run volunteer group which supports the award-winning, extra-curricular music program at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, including Marching Band and Color Guard, Winter Percussion, Winter Guard and Jazz Band.

A nonprofit, federal tax exempt organization (#04-2701598), BMMA provides chaperones, crew and volunteers for the music program on a year-round basis, while also providing funds for staff salaries, uniforms, equipment, props and transportation.

Because costs for Marching Band continue to escalate, other local music programs are forced to charge as much as $1000 per student to participate. BMMA raises funds to offset rising operating costs, keeping participation affordable for local families, and offer financial assistance to students in need. BMMA also offers scholarships to enable students to perfect their skills at music camps, as well as to support outgoing seniors with their college educations.

If your child participates in our district's music programs, please consider pitching in. There are many opportunities to help, with varying levels of commitment. From chaperoning a bus trip, to hanging posters, to donating snacks for Band Camp, it take a village to raise a music program, and everyone's help is needed and appreciated. Many of the opportunities remain the same from fall to winter but most are short term commitments and we welcome ALL help...experienced or not, we will train you and come even if you can only stay a while:

1. Gillette – All Season: The BMMA concession booth at Gillette Stadium is our single, largest source of income, earning nearly 50% of BMMA's operating budget each year. Parents, Guardians, and adult friends and family may volunteer to staff a Gillette event, earning a contribution for each

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volunteer/event for the student's profit sharing account. Each year's Gillette calendar is established in March, and volunteer opportunities extend from April through January. All band families are asked to volunteer for at least two Gillette events to help meet our commitment and fund our music programs. This is how many of the bills get paid. Without this great opportunity our band fees would be much higher.

Please visit our website (www.blackstonemillvillemusic.org) or FaceBook page (BMR Band Announcements Parents Page) for information on how to signup for Gillette.

2. Uniform Team– It is the goal of the music program to be able to implement some sort of change to the uniforms every season. Last year we updated the shakos and changed the fit of the uniform, this year our goal is to update the sashes. EVERY year means new students joining, students growing…there are always adjustments/repairs needed. At just about every practice you will find the Uniform Team working on something. Sometimes it’s just auditing the garment bags before shows to make sure everything is there, other times it’s repairing shakos or sewing who-know-what. Please watch your emails for information and know that you need NO experience to come help...if you do sew though we will REALLY need you!!

3. Pit Crew: The Pit Crew parents help all year with whatever needs to be moved, fixed or built. During marching season, we need parents that will help move all the pit equipment on and off the field.

a. Some of our shows require props. We need volunteers that can saw, hammer, nail, glue and paint to build these props.

b. We also can use volunteers to help move props on/off the field at competitions.4. Chaperones: As various student groups participate in competitions and performances throughout

the year, chaperones are needed to accompany the groups. These events may vary in length of time, from just a few hours to overnight or several day events. We require a minimum of three chaperones per bus. One chaperone sits at the back, one in the middle and one at the front of the bus. For competitions a chaperone may get a hand stamp (free entry), but these are limited and not guaranteed. Please be prepared to pay for a ticket to get into each event, just in case.

5. Nurses/Medical Personnel: We have a need for medically trained parents to travel with the band to and from each competition. We generally have this covered well in advance, however, you never know when an emergency may arise and we need someone else to fill in. If you are able to fill this position, please contact Mr. Shafer and provide him with your contact information.

6. Donations: We are always looking for snacks and water for the kids in the marching band program. These kids are working hard to be able to put forth an amazing performance which means these bodies need fuel. We accept single-serve sized snack donations at any time and will send out notices when we’re looking for something specific for an event (ie: desserts & side dishes for the family cookout at the end of Band Camp).

Other Things You Should Know1. Cell phones are NOT ALLOWED during rehearsals. They must be in the car, locker, backpack or

purse. If you need to contact your child for an emergency, you may call Mr. Shafer (339)364-02542. Traveling to the Competitions

a. The parents/fans travel in their own vehicles to/from the competitions. Upon arrival in the stands we try to sit together as a group.

b. Be sure to wear your purple & gold! Your child may not be able to pick you out of the crowd from the field but they’ll definitely be able to recognize our fan section.

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c. Cell Phone Etiquette: If you have an emergency, leave the stands and make your calls. DO NOT TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE or carry on a loud conversation during any of the performances. It is disrespectful to the bands and to your ‘neighbors.’ Put down the phone and enjoy the experience; most matters can wait a while.

d. Etiquette: We follow a strict code of behavior at Blackstone-Millville Regional. It is designed to show appreciation for ALL of the bands that take the field. You will occasionally witness bad behavior from other spectators, but rarely will a BMR parent show poor sportsmanship. Part of participating in a top-notch program is demanding excellence not only on the field, but off the field as well.

i. After the band takes the field, the announcer will introduce the band and the crowd quiets. DO NOT yell out your child’s name or anything else during this quiet time. This is not a football game. The kids are nervous and trying to focus on the task at hand ... performing the show.

ii. Do not make derogatory comments about anyone. First of all, all of the participants have worked hard. If you have something you don’t like about a show, save it for the ride home. This is about respect. We have a reputation for being a class act. Help keep it that way. Besides, you have no idea who you are sitting by or with. Do you really want to take the chance that someone will be offended by your editorial comment?

iii. We give a standing ovation to EVERY band that performs. Get up and give the bands your enthusiastic applause. Other schools do notice and have commented on it. The kids appreciate it and you will feel good at the end of the competition.

3. Fundraising: In addition to Gillette, the BMMA offers a number of other fundraising opportunities - some are profit sharing, others are to add funding to the general funds.

a. GoFund Me. BMMA has launched a campaign to raise $75K for the Gator Bowl trip. All donations to this fund will be applied towards the trip to help reduce the overall cost per student. This is a GREAT opportunity for family and friends (particularly those out of state) to positively impact your child’s involvement in the marching band program. It takes very little effort on your part or their part, simply share our campaign link (http://www.gofundme.com/bmrchargers) and click “Donate Now”.

i. Your child’s section is in competition with the other sections in the band to raise the most money. The winning section will be rewarded with a pizza party. To make sure the donations are credited to the right section simply enter the child’s name or instrument in the Comment field when donating.

b. Sungfrog. BMMA is pleased to announce their own T-shirt line. 35% of sales will go to BMMA to support ALL of our music programs. New designs will be added every couple of weeks. If you've got an idea for a t-shirt message Cat Powers and we'll try to make it happen! All designs come in various colors, are available in men's and women's sizes and as a hoodie! Check them out at (http://www.sunfrogshirts.com/bmma?36266 ) or go to the BMMA website to click on the link.

i. We will be selling “show shirts” via this site once they are revealed at Band Camp.ii. Your child’s section will be designing their own shirts (per section) which will then

be on sale here. c. Restaurant Nights: BMMS holds a fundraiser at local restaurants approximately 4 times per

year. For the most part all you have to do is show-up and have a meal. Occasionally you 18

have to buy a ticket in advance or hand in a coupon when you pay but it’s really that simple, you eat and the band receives a portion of the sales.

d. Profit Sharing: BMMA holds multiple fundraising events, which enable students to earn money while raising funds for BMMA, such as our annual Calendar Raffle and Big Raffle. You will receive information via email when these events are ready to be launched annually. In addition, profit sharing dollars can be earned through our Gillette Program.

Where to go for additional information or if you have a question1. Marching Band information is posted on the following internet sites:

a. www.blackstonemillvillemusic.org b. FaceBook page (BMR Band Announcements Parents Page)

2. If you have not already done so, sign up for communication email (via the BMMA site). This is the best way to ensure you stay informed of upcoming events including competitions, fundraising opportunities, etc.

3. If you have a still question, you may:a. Contact Mr Shaferb. Contact BMMA (bmma@blackstonemillvillemusic.org) c. Attend a BMMA meeting (held monthly)d. Come to a practice and talk to a parent/instructor! We’d be happy to try to answer your

question. e.

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Acknowledgement of Receipt of Music Department Handbook

PLEASE RETURN TO MR. SHAFER

We have read the Music Department Handbook including the rules, regulations and policies as well as the Code of Conduct. We fully understand its meaning and consequences and support its enforcement by persons responsible.

Please sign and return to Mr. Shafer. This form will be kept on file in the Music Director's office. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Student Signature & Date Parent/Guardian Signature & Date

Student Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Name (please print)

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