INFORMATION

FEES 

All members of the Marching Cougars are expected to pay fees each season. Fees cover uniform cleanings, home game dinner preparations, and a band t-shirt. New members must buy shoes, gloves, and a band t-shirt. After a students initial season they are not required to buy new shoes, gloves, or a new band shirt. However- if a students attire becomes dysfunctional then a student is responsible for replacing these items. 

Any uniform ruined due to improper care shall become the student’s financial obligation. Report any rips, etc. to a director or one of the boosters immediately.

BAND CAMP 

Band camp is our first meeting of the season! Over the course of band camp the students come together and learn the show! Along with learning the show, basic skills are revisited for returning members and learned for newcomers. There are also chances for team bonding as marching band is meant to be a family! This time is crucial for the band and is where a lot of band memories are made! Attendance to band camp is mandatory- unexcused absence may result in the removal from the marching band.  

FOOTBALL GAMES

During the marching season students will attend all home games, and some away games. We also perform at pep rallies within school hours prior to home games. Prior to home football games we have a CMS faculty member and parents providing food for our members. This cost is included in your band fees at the beginning of the season. Meals for away games differ from stopping on the way there or concessions while at the away games. Students are responsible for these costs. At football games ensemble members will be in the stands playing stand tunes, while guard members are on the track or ground in a roped off section performing dances to stand tunes. Students are permitted to have third quarter off as a break to get concessions and rest. Concessions are to be paid for by the student and are not provided for them. Any additional parents or guardians not assisting directly with the band will be expected to pay any entry fee to the games they attend. 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required at all rehearsals, performances, and events. Although this is not a class and you do not receive a grade, you have made a commitment to the ensemble. This commitment needs to be taken seriously, as you let the entire band down when you do not plan accordingly.  Signing a commitment form indicates that you are willing to have band be a priority in your life.  Since the schedule is provided months in advance, families are expected to plan their schedules, as best as they can, accordingly. 

Sending notice in with another student will NOT be considered an excused absence. You must reach out to us on TeamReach or by email stating the reason for absence or tardiness at least 2 hours before a rehearsal and 2 weeks prior to a performance. Performances including football games, playoff football games, competitions, and parades are mandatory. 

COMPETITIONS

The Marching Cougars attend around three competitions where they will compete against other similar sized bands. We also stay for award ceremonies and students are expected to not only support their own band, but also all others in attendance. Meals on competition days will vary. Schedules on competition days will also vary therefore, a schedule including meal information will be given out in the week leading up to a competition day. 

OTHER 

All other events that the marching band participates in will be communicated to the students in a timely manner. Schedules for parades and other events will be given the week prior to the event.