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How Will My Child Have Time? TIME MANAGEMENT
How will my student have the time to go to rehearsals after school, perform at Friday night football games, and participate in numerous parades and special events? How will he/she have the time to do all of this, within a three-month period, and keep up their grades?? TIME MANAGEMENT will be the most important tool that your student will acquire when they become members of the Rocket Band program. The students quickly learn that they must use their time wisely. At any given time you will find students in the band room, out in the hallway or in any other space available doing homework. This is taught to them when they first join the program and it is expected of them.
Your student will learn how to keep a schedule, how to be punctual, and how to set priorities. The schedule for next school year is posted and lists every rehearsal, football game, and event your student will be required to attend during the marching season. You can view this schedule on the Band’s website at http://srhsrocketband.weebly.com/ More details are added as events approach. They will be taught the meaning of the phrase...
Early is on time,
On time is late,
Late is unacceptable!
Finally, your child will learn how to set priorities. No longer will they be able to sit staring mindlessly at the television, playing PS3, Xbox or computer games for hours on end. Band rehearsals and homework will fill their free time (If only the band program could teach them to make time to take out the garbage without being reminded 100 times!!!)
What About The Pre-Season Marching Band Rehearsals?
Students that are in town for the regular rehearsals are expected to attend. BAND CAMP IS MANDATORY! There have been times when students and families did not realize that there was a summer rehearsal schedule, aka “band camp”, and it is required. They are not allowed to leave campus during the sessions. Band Camp August 7th – 11th and August 14th – 17th are mandatory for those students who want a performing spot in the halftime show. Your student must attend ALL sessions without interruption. Please arrange family vacations, doctor’s visits, jobs and family time at a time other than during these rehearsals.
Band is the ultimate group activity, and if one member is missing, it has an effect on the entire group. We count on your student to be there and to do their best.
What About Rehearsals? DOES MY STUDENT REALLY HAVE TO BE THERE?
Rehearsals during Marching Band season are mandatory. This is not like a sports team where the student practices six days a weekand if they don't show up they just don't play. The band practices occur only twice a week and every practice has a goal. One absent member will disrupt the rehearsal for all members of the band. To be able to put the best possible musical product on the field, the staff and director need all members of the band to be present during all scheduled rehearsals. Your student’s membership depends on consistent participation. Management of a band this size is a monumental task and it becomes next to impossible if members of the band are absent. Please help your student make every effort to be there.
How Do Parents Get Involved? PARENT INVOLVEMENT = A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM
Getting involved in the band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last four years of their education. These years go so fast and are rarely enjoyed by parents. Your child might say they’d rather not have you around, but most parents actually learn that in reality they appreciate your involvement and will thank you in the future. The band parents are needed to support the director, and help with the details of fundraising, transporting, feeding and watering an organization this size. The band needs parents to be able to function; it is for this reason that we urge you to get involved. Join one of the many committees; we need your help. Grandparents, siblings, or any member of your family can get involved and make a difference. Come to band parent meetings and sign-up to volunteer; it is a great way to meet the parents and the kids your student will be spending much of their time with for the next few months and years. Don’t just sit in the car; get out and ask, “How can I help?” It is fun, and you meet the other parents with the same interests as yours.
How Do We Keep Informed?
This public portal is a place that you will want to visit often not only to keep informed, but also to view the most recent pictures of the band’s activities. It is here that you will find the latest information on all upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. We could also use your input to help make our web page as informative and useful as possible.
How Do We Pay For This?
The Rock ‘N-Ettes have considerable uniform investments due to the nature of the activity but we try to keep it at a minimum. That information is shared at tryouts with payments due throughout the summer. The instrumentalists need to purchase a specialized shoe that costs approximately $35 and many sections require gloves at$2 a pair. Fittings occur at band camp. Band trips have a considerable cost but participation is optional. The band boosters provide numerous opportunities to raise the necessary funds. All students are given their first member t-shirt free of charge and must pay for additional as needed. This shirt must not be customized. Students are required to acquire a pair of black nylon shorts that are worn under the uniform to make it easier to change on the bus and they double for use as a summer uniform.
What should members wear for summer practice?
Wear comfortable, closed toe sneakers, and no flip-flops. A light colored t-shirt and shorts are appropriate. Students may want an extra t-shirt in case of a sudden rain shower. A hat and sunscreen are also a necessity. For the parent preview show, they usually wear their band t-shirt, shorts and their marching shoes and on occasion, they have worn the uniforms. For bus, students need to wear their band t- shirt and shorts to wear under their uniform & street clothes. They may also bring a pillow, blanket, snacks, and homework.
Uniforms – What Do They Wear?
The uniform is the single most important thing you will put on. Treat it that way!
Uniform parts:
➢ Black marching band shoes – These are special marching band shoes that clean up well with shoe polish. Look for passed down shoes (during uniform issue) or pay about $35 for new. All students must wear the same shoes, as it is part of the uniform. Band shoes are ordered from the band.
➢ Band Show Shirt – show shirt that is specific to the current year’s show
➢ Black socks. We suggest having several pairs exactly alike. (Dryers love to eat socks.)
➢ Pants (just touching the top of the shoes) We do not want economic factors to keep any student from participating in band.
Tips to remember while in uniform:
✓ No hair on the collar, boys this means you too
✓ No jewelry or odd hair accessories
✓ No nail polish
✓ No makeup (Guard is the exception, it is part of the uniform)
✓ No food, colored drinks, condiments, etc. are to be consumed while in uniform.
✓ CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY.
Are There Really Inspections? Inspections are held before games in the warm-up arc. Students should be in place no later than the time they were told to report. Your student and their instrument (even the inside of the instrument) will be inspected as they stand at attention by sections. Students should be sure to not have jewelry and have the proper hairstyle. No make up should be worn when in uniform. Failing inspections are not good.
What is the activity bus?
We are lucky in Slippery Rock that the school provides a limited bus route for students involved in afterschool activities to get closer to their house. Students in the band must sign up for the activity bus at the end of every rehearsal. Students involved in athletics will receive a bus pass. Band students will be on a list given to the drivers. Students will sign up for the Northern route or Southern route. There are two southern busses normally but only one sign up. Students need to communicate with drivers to make sure they get on the correct bus. Routes are published on the school website and outside Mr. Fine’s office. It is your responsibility to get them from the drop off point home.
What is the chain of command?
This is the order of command from your child’s perspective and where they can go for answers. There are many veterans that have been doing this for many years and probably have the answer. If they don’t get an answer they need there is a student section leader, section captain, drum major, instructor, assistant director, finally, the director. Mr. Fine is willing to answer all your questions but he has over 100 students with all their concerns and parents. He has the ultimate responsibility of getting a large group of students to perform a quality product on a football field and parade route along with the paperwork and decisions that are required of a group such as this. The chain of command is in place to disseminate information and get your questions answered.
Helpful Hints to Save You Time and Grief:
➢ Make your child responsible for being prepared. The first time they forget something will be the last!!! Let your child fail and take advantage of the learning experience. They learn to be resourceful when they have to be.
➢ At the end of each practice session there are announcements – listen up. This is your best opportunity to find out who, what, where, and when things are going on.
➢ Network – This is how parents meet each other.
➢ Carpool students to and from rehearsals. There are many parents who are willing to help get your student to and from rehearsals/games and I’m sure they could use your help occasionally too.
➢ Be prepared to cheer! The band loves it when they have their own cheering section.
➢ Don’t put uniform items away in the closet or drawers when cleaned. Keep all items (socks, shoes, band shirt, gloves, etc.) in a bag. These tips will save time spent hunting for them each time they are needed.
➢Make sure we have your correct email address for rapid notification.
➢ Visit the band web site to stay informed.
Special Band Terms and Phrases
• “Where is your music and dot book?” These are small booklets that students wear around their necks during band camp and rehearsals that tell them exactly where they stand for each different set during the show.
• “ Where’s my dot?”or “Do we line up on the hash? ”This does not refer to insects or food. These terms indicate how the practice field is marked off. Students use their coordinate cards to answer these questions.
• “Play to the box!”This means that instruments should be directed toward the press box.
• After inspection (see more under uniforms), the band will warm up in an arc. When it is time, the band will march into the stadium. No food or drinks are allowed while in dress uniform, except for water. When they are marching in, they are not allowed to move anything except their feet, not even a smile, so don’t distract them!
• “Are you working the Pit?” The pit is not something bad. It’s a group of percussion instruments that are stationary during performances. Parents in the Pit Crew work feverishly to set up and take down the pit in record time, before and after a performance (and you think race pit crews are fast!!)
• “Last Time” This can mean one more time, a few more times, it can mean you’re beginning to approach the road to the last time, or it can mean we’ll keep doing it until you get it right!
If you run into questions that are not covered here but you think should be ask Mr. Fine to include it. In many cases you may find the answer in the band handbook.
How Will My Child Have Time? TIME MANAGEMENT
How will my student have the time to go to rehearsals after school, perform at Friday night football games, and participate in numerous parades and special events? How will he/she have the time to do all of this, within a three-month period, and keep up their grades?? TIME MANAGEMENT will be the most important tool that your student will acquire when they become members of the Rocket Band program. The students quickly learn that they must use their time wisely. At any given time you will find students in the band room, out in the hallway or in any other space available doing homework. This is taught to them when they first join the program and it is expected of them.
Your student will learn how to keep a schedule, how to be punctual, and how to set priorities. The schedule for next school year is posted and lists every rehearsal, football game, and event your student will be required to attend during the marching season. You can view this schedule on the Band’s website at http://srhsrocketband.weebly.com/ More details are added as events approach. They will be taught the meaning of the phrase...
Early is on time,
On time is late,
Late is unacceptable!
Finally, your child will learn how to set priorities. No longer will they be able to sit staring mindlessly at the television, playing PS3, Xbox or computer games for hours on end. Band rehearsals and homework will fill their free time (If only the band program could teach them to make time to take out the garbage without being reminded 100 times!!!)
What About The Pre-Season Marching Band Rehearsals?
Students that are in town for the regular rehearsals are expected to attend. BAND CAMP IS MANDATORY! There have been times when students and families did not realize that there was a summer rehearsal schedule, aka “band camp”, and it is required. They are not allowed to leave campus during the sessions. Band Camp August 7th – 11th and August 14th – 17th are mandatory for those students who want a performing spot in the halftime show. Your student must attend ALL sessions without interruption. Please arrange family vacations, doctor’s visits, jobs and family time at a time other than during these rehearsals.
Band is the ultimate group activity, and if one member is missing, it has an effect on the entire group. We count on your student to be there and to do their best.
What About Rehearsals? DOES MY STUDENT REALLY HAVE TO BE THERE?
Rehearsals during Marching Band season are mandatory. This is not like a sports team where the student practices six days a weekand if they don't show up they just don't play. The band practices occur only twice a week and every practice has a goal. One absent member will disrupt the rehearsal for all members of the band. To be able to put the best possible musical product on the field, the staff and director need all members of the band to be present during all scheduled rehearsals. Your student’s membership depends on consistent participation. Management of a band this size is a monumental task and it becomes next to impossible if members of the band are absent. Please help your student make every effort to be there.
How Do Parents Get Involved? PARENT INVOLVEMENT = A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM
Getting involved in the band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last four years of their education. These years go so fast and are rarely enjoyed by parents. Your child might say they’d rather not have you around, but most parents actually learn that in reality they appreciate your involvement and will thank you in the future. The band parents are needed to support the director, and help with the details of fundraising, transporting, feeding and watering an organization this size. The band needs parents to be able to function; it is for this reason that we urge you to get involved. Join one of the many committees; we need your help. Grandparents, siblings, or any member of your family can get involved and make a difference. Come to band parent meetings and sign-up to volunteer; it is a great way to meet the parents and the kids your student will be spending much of their time with for the next few months and years. Don’t just sit in the car; get out and ask, “How can I help?” It is fun, and you meet the other parents with the same interests as yours.
How Do We Keep Informed?
This public portal is a place that you will want to visit often not only to keep informed, but also to view the most recent pictures of the band’s activities. It is here that you will find the latest information on all upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. We could also use your input to help make our web page as informative and useful as possible.
How Do We Pay For This?
The Rock ‘N-Ettes have considerable uniform investments due to the nature of the activity but we try to keep it at a minimum. That information is shared at tryouts with payments due throughout the summer. The instrumentalists need to purchase a specialized shoe that costs approximately $35 and many sections require gloves at$2 a pair. Fittings occur at band camp. Band trips have a considerable cost but participation is optional. The band boosters provide numerous opportunities to raise the necessary funds. All students are given their first member t-shirt free of charge and must pay for additional as needed. This shirt must not be customized. Students are required to acquire a pair of black nylon shorts that are worn under the uniform to make it easier to change on the bus and they double for use as a summer uniform.
What should members wear for summer practice?
Wear comfortable, closed toe sneakers, and no flip-flops. A light colored t-shirt and shorts are appropriate. Students may want an extra t-shirt in case of a sudden rain shower. A hat and sunscreen are also a necessity. For the parent preview show, they usually wear their band t-shirt, shorts and their marching shoes and on occasion, they have worn the uniforms. For bus, students need to wear their band t- shirt and shorts to wear under their uniform & street clothes. They may also bring a pillow, blanket, snacks, and homework.
Uniforms – What Do They Wear?
The uniform is the single most important thing you will put on. Treat it that way!
Uniform parts:
➢ Black marching band shoes – These are special marching band shoes that clean up well with shoe polish. Look for passed down shoes (during uniform issue) or pay about $35 for new. All students must wear the same shoes, as it is part of the uniform. Band shoes are ordered from the band.
➢ Band Show Shirt – show shirt that is specific to the current year’s show
➢ Black socks. We suggest having several pairs exactly alike. (Dryers love to eat socks.)
➢ Pants (just touching the top of the shoes) We do not want economic factors to keep any student from participating in band.
Tips to remember while in uniform:
✓ No hair on the collar, boys this means you too
✓ No jewelry or odd hair accessories
✓ No nail polish
✓ No makeup (Guard is the exception, it is part of the uniform)
✓ No food, colored drinks, condiments, etc. are to be consumed while in uniform.
✓ CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY.
Are There Really Inspections? Inspections are held before games in the warm-up arc. Students should be in place no later than the time they were told to report. Your student and their instrument (even the inside of the instrument) will be inspected as they stand at attention by sections. Students should be sure to not have jewelry and have the proper hairstyle. No make up should be worn when in uniform. Failing inspections are not good.
What is the activity bus?
We are lucky in Slippery Rock that the school provides a limited bus route for students involved in afterschool activities to get closer to their house. Students in the band must sign up for the activity bus at the end of every rehearsal. Students involved in athletics will receive a bus pass. Band students will be on a list given to the drivers. Students will sign up for the Northern route or Southern route. There are two southern busses normally but only one sign up. Students need to communicate with drivers to make sure they get on the correct bus. Routes are published on the school website and outside Mr. Fine’s office. It is your responsibility to get them from the drop off point home.
What is the chain of command?
This is the order of command from your child’s perspective and where they can go for answers. There are many veterans that have been doing this for many years and probably have the answer. If they don’t get an answer they need there is a student section leader, section captain, drum major, instructor, assistant director, finally, the director. Mr. Fine is willing to answer all your questions but he has over 100 students with all their concerns and parents. He has the ultimate responsibility of getting a large group of students to perform a quality product on a football field and parade route along with the paperwork and decisions that are required of a group such as this. The chain of command is in place to disseminate information and get your questions answered.
Helpful Hints to Save You Time and Grief:
➢ Make your child responsible for being prepared. The first time they forget something will be the last!!! Let your child fail and take advantage of the learning experience. They learn to be resourceful when they have to be.
➢ At the end of each practice session there are announcements – listen up. This is your best opportunity to find out who, what, where, and when things are going on.
➢ Network – This is how parents meet each other.
➢ Carpool students to and from rehearsals. There are many parents who are willing to help get your student to and from rehearsals/games and I’m sure they could use your help occasionally too.
➢ Be prepared to cheer! The band loves it when they have their own cheering section.
➢ Don’t put uniform items away in the closet or drawers when cleaned. Keep all items (socks, shoes, band shirt, gloves, etc.) in a bag. These tips will save time spent hunting for them each time they are needed.
➢Make sure we have your correct email address for rapid notification.
➢ Visit the band web site to stay informed.
Special Band Terms and Phrases
• “Where is your music and dot book?” These are small booklets that students wear around their necks during band camp and rehearsals that tell them exactly where they stand for each different set during the show.
• “ Where’s my dot?”or “Do we line up on the hash? ”This does not refer to insects or food. These terms indicate how the practice field is marked off. Students use their coordinate cards to answer these questions.
• “Play to the box!”This means that instruments should be directed toward the press box.
• After inspection (see more under uniforms), the band will warm up in an arc. When it is time, the band will march into the stadium. No food or drinks are allowed while in dress uniform, except for water. When they are marching in, they are not allowed to move anything except their feet, not even a smile, so don’t distract them!
• “Are you working the Pit?” The pit is not something bad. It’s a group of percussion instruments that are stationary during performances. Parents in the Pit Crew work feverishly to set up and take down the pit in record time, before and after a performance (and you think race pit crews are fast!!)
• “Last Time” This can mean one more time, a few more times, it can mean you’re beginning to approach the road to the last time, or it can mean we’ll keep doing it until you get it right!
If you run into questions that are not covered here but you think should be ask Mr. Fine to include it. In many cases you may find the answer in the band handbook.