Trips and Travel

Band Trip Expectations - General

• Students are responsible for their own equipment and instruments.  Equipment should be placed near the equipment truck or buses.  The loading crew will load the equipment truck and buses.

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

• The complete uniform should be worn properly at all times when in public. The coat, hat, and gloves may be taken off while on the bus.

• 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.

• Upon arrival at a destination, students should remain seated until instructed to leave by the director.

• Students are expected to keep the bus clean and should stay while the bus is in motion.  Students should keep heads and arms inside the bus.

• Students may not change seats or buses without permission.  The roll will be checked on each bus before departure.

• Public displays of affection (PDA) are not acceptable at any time.

• All students must travel to and from performances on buses, not in personal cars. 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.

• Alcoholic beverages, smoking/vaping, and drug use are not permitted while in uniform or while attending a band function.

• When wearing uniforms, consume food and beverage carefully. With spills, come dry cleaning bills that you will be responsible for. 

• Profanity is strictly forbidden when in uniform or representing the band at ANY function. Any offense reflects on the WHOLE band and will be dealt with as a WHOLE band.

• Any illness or injury should be reported to the director immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.

• Conduct of students in public eating places or motels should be subdued and courteous.

• Always travel with a Buddy, never alone.

• The chaperones are in charge and are to be treated with courtesy and respect. They are volunteering their time to help you and the band. Any problems will be reported to the band director. Follow all of their instructions. If you do not understand—ask politely. If you have a problem with a request, see the band director at the appropriate time. In the meantime, follow all of their instructions.

• All prescription and non-prescription medications must be handled per the school’s medical policy. 

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

• All bus rules apply including no profanity, singing, chanting, horseplay or screaming. Any listening devices must be used with headphones on. 

• All band policies are in effect and must be followed on any band trip.

• 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 or controlled substances including tobacco and vapes are to be taken, bought or consumed. 

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

Band Trip Expectations - Overnight/Charter Bus

• All general rules apply.

• Students will receive an itinerary of activities for all major trips.  Students are responsible for knowing departure times and should be ready on time. 

• Be considerate of others and use charter bus restrooms as little as possible.

• If there are any concerns (including medical ones), contact the chaperone as soon as possible. Each bus will have a first aid kit and the chaperones can contact the directors if necessary.

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

• Students may not leave their rooms after curfew or room check.

• Students may not visit rooms occupied by the opposite gender. Period.

• Student may not change rooms without permission from the director.

• Do not leave your room unlocked.

• Know your chaperone and where their room is.

• You are responsible for the condition of your room and any possible damage.

• Take no souvenirs from your room or restaurants.

• You must be in your room and have lights out at the assigned times—you will need your rest.

• Don’t be foolish and stay up all night!  Use the phones only for serious calls and no long distance calls.