Items needed for Game Time

The list below is what you need for Game Day:

• Black String Bag or Backpack (also known as your GO Bag) If there is a mainstream logo, it must be a Nike logo due to the school's contract with company. See a director if you're not sure about your bag.

• Summer Uniform - Arrive at the HS wearing the Blue "Blue" Shirt and the Black "Blue" Shorts, Plain black crew length socks and Dinkles

• Plain Black Crew Length Socks -  Plain black, no logos, up to your calves

• Bleached White Gloves- Make sure they are not stained. 

• Shako IN the Hat Box- Bring the Hat Box with your Shako in it.

• All piercings must be studs (no danglies or hoops).

• WATER JUG - Bring a big water bottle.  You must stay hydrated.

• Instrument - Make sure it is always in good working order.

• Flip-folio and Lyre - Make sure all of your stand tunes are ready to go in your flip-folio

The Night Before

Rehearsal During the School Day

We will always go outside and do a run through on Game Day.  We will run pregame and that night's show.  You are expected to have all field music memorized.  

Away game and TRUCKIES

When Students arrive at MHS to prepare for an away game, the FIRST THING THEY MUST DO is take their instrument outside and place it on the sidewalk by the BLUE BUS.  Please keep in mind the YOU are responsible for YOUR stuff.  Do not ask or rely on anyone to get your instrument and harness out to the truck.  If it is raining, we will put all instruments inside at the APR doors.

Truckies

We have a standing crew of truckies to load and unload the Blue Bus at each away event. There will be 2 truckie coordinators who will be recruiting volunteers to be on that crew.

Game Time

1. Arrive (with all of your items in your Go Bag and hat box) to the band room at the time stated in the Google Calendar (the "Doors Open" time, even if a director is in the band room, it does not mean the it will be open).

2. For Away Games, go straight in and get only YOUR instrument and put it on the sidewalk.

3. Find YOUR Uniform bag, go to the proper changing area and change into your Uniform (remember, wear your Summer Uniform underneath!).

4. When changing put all of your stuff you are not wearing in your Uniform Bag so nothing will get mixed up (and remember, don't leave anything valuable).

5. Once your Uniform is on, get your instrument (woodwinds may have to carry their cases based on the weather) and its required parts.

6. For home games, we meet in front of Kubuski and you are expected to be tuned and in parade block at call time.

7. For away games, we meet in front of the JROTC doors and you are expected to be ready to load the bus at call time.

Football Games

Entering the Stadium and Pre-Game

1. The band will assemble outside in parade block and proceed to perform the necessary warm-ups.  Students will go to parade rest directly after.

2. The field commanders, band officers, and section leaders will inspect the band before departure for the stadium.  

3. The band will march to the stadium in block formation.  Spectators should not be allowed to break ranks or files.

4. The band will stop in front of the home stands to play the fight song then proceed to the band stands to set up for pregame.

5. Extra equipment such as blankets, music, parkas should be carried into the stadium in Go Bags.

Stadium seating

1. Students are to sit in their instrument sections and constantly be ready to perform.

2. Directors will coordinate seating based on the venue. Students must stay in their instrument section.

3. Hats may be removed and placed with the top up.  Gloves may be taken off as well.  Jackets can be taken off once, but must be ready to be put back on quickly.

4. Students are permitted to be spectators and enjoy the game.  However, they should be ready to play at any moment.

5. Non-band members or parents are not allowed within the band section unless serving as a chaperone or roadie. There may be exceptions for special guests.

6. Band members are not permitted to visit the concession stand except during the 3rd quarter break. 

7. Students will be allowed to go to the restroom during the game.  However, no more than two students may be gone at one time. The director reserves the right to restrict bathroom breaks during the 2nd quarter.

8. Student conduct should be professional throughout the time spent in the stadium. Individual playing, “noodling”, or beating of drums is not permitted. Students should be attentive to the field commanders and directors and be ready to get the music up rapidly.

9. Band members should treat other band directors and guests courteously. If something good cannot be said about the visiting band, team, or fans, don’t say anything!

10. Poor sportsmanship of any form will not be tolerated.

Halftime and Post-Game

1. Band members should file from the stands in an orderly manner.  Running up and down stadium steps or seats should be avoided.

2. The band should move quickly to form the proper line-up behind the stands to warm-up and tune.

3. Once half-time begins, the band will move quickly into the end zone for their performance. The band will remain in the parade rest position until the field commanders whistle to command for attention.

4. In the last few minutes of the fourth quarter, all band members are to check their area for trash and pick it up even if it is not yours, or we don’t leave. The band should then move quickly to form the proper line-up behind the stands.

5. At the end of the game, the band will play the Alma Mater for the football team. If the team is victorious, all hats will be worn backwards.

6. The band will march in formation to the band room.  Students will be dismissed at that time.

7. Uniforms are to be taken off, hung properly, AND INSPECTED BY A CHAPERONE, then hung up in the closet.  Uniforms are not to be taken off any earlier than this.  STUDENTS WHO HANG THEIR UNIFORM WITHOUT INSPECTION WILL LOSE 3RD QUARTER.

8. Any students needing a ride to and from the game should contact a BLT member or make arrangements at the final rehearsal before a performance.

Remember:  While in uniform you represent yourself, your family, your school, your band, your community, and your director.

Rules for Away Performances

Be Ready

• Do not bring unnecessary, expensive valuables on the trip. The band is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Buses will be assigned by your sign up sheet and no changes are to be made without the permission of the band director. Clean up your bus area.

• All students must travel to and from performances on the bus. A student may leave only with a signed travel release form given to the director at least 2 days in advance. The parent or guardian must check in with the director or head chaperone when picking up the student.

Be Responsible

• Check Google Calendar for times.  Make sure and give yourself plenty of time to change into your uniform.

• Make sure and take your instrument (in a case) and put it out on the sidewalk for the Blue Bus.

• PARENTS, please be at the HS after any performance to pick up your child. STUDENTS, text your parents when we are leaving the host school so that they can figure out time when to be at MHS. The directors cannot leave until all students are gone.

• All school policies are in effect at all band functions including trips. Any problems will be referred to the administration as outlined in the policy. Band directors will enforce these policies at all band functions. No alcohol, controlled substances including tobacco/vapes are to be taken, bought or consumed. Public display of affection (PDA) is not acceptable.

• The bus driver has THE most important job of anyone involved in band trips: keeping all of you safe. All bus rules apply including no profanity, singing, chanting, horseplay or screaming. Any listening devices must be used with headphones on. Whatever they tell you goes, no questions asked. Any student who is written up on a band bus will not travel with us for the remainder of the year. This includes any and all trips that might be taken on a charter bus.

• Wait to board the bus until told when and how. Be quiet and helpful during roll calls.

• Remember that you are always representing the band and school.

• You may take your jacket and Shako off on the bus, but you must have everything on AND zipped before you step off the bus (except snares and tenors).

3rd quarter policy!!!

3rd quarter is considered the "Free Time" for the band. It is a privilege, not a right. Students must show through the week that they are living up to the expectations of the Band program. The Home Band Boosters typically supply a snack and water or pop for both bands at conference games. Take a buddy with you if you go into our fans' stands, the restroom, or concession stand. No one is to be wandering alone at any time, for any reason. You MUST be back to the band stands and ready to play with 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Before those who earned 3rd quarter are dismissed, the field commanders will announce what song we will be performing at the end of the 3rd.

Home Game

• • • Students are free to go wherever (with a buddy of course) but EVERYONE MUST BE BACK READY TO PLAY WITH 2 MINUTES LEFT IN THE 3RD QUARTER.

    • The Home Band will make a tunnel to the band barn to cheer on the Visiting Band.

    • ALL Members of the Visiting Band will get a 3rd quarter snack first.

    • YOU WILL SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

    • Treat the uniform with respect. Straps stay on the shoulders.

    • EVERYONE MUST BE BACK READY TO PLAY WITH 2 MINUTES LEFT IN THE 3RD QUARTER.

Away Game

• • • The Home Band may make a tunnel for us.

    • We get to run through and hi-five everyone.

    • We get snacks first!

    • It is the Home Booster Organization's choice to provide food for you. YOU WILL SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

    • If you go anywhere, you go with a buddy.

    • Treat the uniform with respect. Straps stay on the shoulders.

    • EVERYONE MUST BE BACK READY TO PLAY WITH 2 MINUTES LEFT IN THE 3RD QUARTER.

After the Game

Away Games

After students have loaded the truck and we are on our way home, students will contact their parents for rides home. Parents should be in the parking lot waiting for their child when our buses arrive home from the game.

After each game students will change back in to their street clothes and proceed to a parent volunteer to have their uniform inspected. It must be hung CORRECTLY or else you will be sent away to fix it. Students that skip this step will lose their 3rd quarter privileges.