Code of Conduct, Expectations and General Guidelines

BNL Code of Conduct, Expectations & General Guidelines

Dear Students and Parents: The purpose of this correspondence is to make known the behavioral expectations and general etiquette expected of all marching band members at any time, whether we are in uniform or not. And really, good behavior and politeness are far more important than any contest score when it comes to what is really important. The Marching Band is in the public eye, and that requires each and every one of you to uphold and maintain the highest standards, not only in performance but off the field as well. It doesn’t matter if you’re bursting with pride at a competition, hoping for undivided attention and respect at a football game, eating lunch in the cafeteria, washing cars at Rural King, or communicating with friends on Facebook, etc. People will always form an opinion of you and our band based on your behavior, so let’s always keep it positive and wholesome. I’m sure you would agree that basic common sense would dictate proper behavior in any situation, but sometimes, specific instructions or expectations need to be emphasized. Here is my top-10 list. 

1. Be a class act. Smile, be friendly, courteous, respectful toward all, helpful, and humble.
2. No whining, no excuses, and no blaming someone/something else.
3. Honesty is the best policy. If you always tell the truth, you’ll never have to remember anything.
4. Remember the Golden Rule, and put it into practice.
5. Do not spread rumors.
6. If you can’t say something nice about someone else, then don’t say or write anything!
7. Discipline yourself so that no one else has to.
8. Be prepared and punctual. Don’t make your section or the entire group wait for you.
9. Be proud of your organization! You have worked very hard to achieve great things!!
10. You don’t have to have a title to be a positive leader. And remember, we can’t lead others until we lead ourselves. Leadership is for giving, but Leadership is also forgiving.

In this age of electronic communication/information devices, whether it be phones, social media or the internet, etc., messages sent/received can be retrieved and printed. In fact, school personnel and police can use obtained information to aid in the due process/disciplinary/legal measures in instances of bullying and other harmful acts. Be very careful in how you use these devices and what you say or write. It does not go away. ANY report of social or physical bullying toward any band member by other band members, whether on-line, in person, or in social settings, will be pursued and investigated to the fullest extent of the law and NLCS corporation policy.

Many times we get so caught up in a flurry of activity getting ready for football games and competitions, especially early in the season, that we fail to properly address some issues, such as the following:

With regard to home football game performances:

1. Treat your uniform with respect. The manner in which you care for the uniform is a direct reflection on you and your pride in the organization. You have the privilege of wearing these uniforms now due to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of students and parents before you. Proper care includes: folding the pants so that the creases match and hang properly over the hanger; hanging the coat properly and zipping it closed; inserting the plume in the tube, or pushing it out, one direction ONLY – toward the top; keeping your shoes clean and polished; wearing the proper t-shirt under the uniform, not only to adhere to dress code, but to protect the uniform. NEVER removing any part of the uniform without permission – this includes the Shako, coat, or shoulder straps on the trousers; ALWAYS returning the uniform, Shako, and plume to their respective storage areas after each wearing, and placing your collar liner in the laundry basket for washing. ALWAYS have BLACK SOCKS! Take them home and wash them after every wearing. All of the above applies to any performance or competition.
2. Remain seated in your section and assigned row in the bleachers. We must be ready to play at a moment’s notice. Enjoy the game with your section. Non-marching band persons are not allowed in our seating area other than parent chaperones/pit crew members. Get involved in the game and the cheers for which we are not playing, too. If we want people to watch and listen to our performances, we must return/initiate the favor to the team and cheerleaders.
3. Use the restroom before we leave the building for pre-game. If you must use the restroom during the game, always ask for permission first, and do not go alone.
4. Do not have someone bring concessions to you in the bleachers. We will have water/beverages served by the Music Boosters after halftime – sometimes after pre-game if it is unreasonably hot.
5. We will stay and play for the entire game. You do not have permission to leave the game early with parents or anyone else. Certain circumstances should be discussed with the directors in advance.
6. NEVER acknowledge, respond to, look at, or talk to anyone while we are marching to the stadium or returning to the building after a game. These few moments are for the utmost discipline and pride in the organization. Explain it to them afterword. This also applies to competitions.
7. Cell phones, tablets, i-pods, etc. – any types of electronic communication/listening devices are not permitted at any time during rehearsals, pre-game preparations, or at the stadium. They are not to be in your possession or “on” during the aforementioned times.
8. Be extremely careful with your shoes so that you do not make black marks on the floor. Our custodians work very hard to keep the music department clean. Let’s not make extra work for them.

With regard to marching band competitions:

1. Be prepared for all of the day’s activities. Read the itinerary carefully and plan ahead for everything that you will need. Plan your transportation to and from school ahead of time. The times on the itinerary are usually quite accurate, so if we anticipate any major changes, we will let you know ASAP.
2. Read and abide by the General Rules and Regulations. Keep a copy at home for yourself and your parents before turning in your season’s permission forms.
3. Always be a good audience when observing performances by other bands – no talking during their shows. Please refrain from negative comments about other bands – keep it to yourself. You can always see/hear the good.
4. Make sure that you thank all of our adult helpers – pit crew, uniform moms, hospitality crew, chaperones, and drivers – for their wonderful help and support. Always be courteous to everyone, especially on the buses.
5. Everyone needs to help unload the semi when we return, and take everything inside to its proper location. “Many hands make light work.”