Chaperone FAQ

The total time commitment as a Chaperone for a Marching Band, Winter Guard, Concert Band, or Indoor Percussion event depends on how far the team needs to travel, ranging from 4 hours to an overnight stay. 

Show up before the bus gets to the school. Make sure you have a contact information for the other Volunteers and the Directors whether through Remind, Band app, or phone number. When you get on the bus, exchange contact information with the bus driver.  Loudoun County bus drivers usually have a business card. Coach Drivers sometimes only communicate with the Directors, but sometimes share their contact information with you if there is a need. 

When the bus is loaded, count the students. The Directors will also count students before the buses leave. Make sure to remind the students to clean up after themselves. 

Enjoy the ride to the competition. Generally, IHS Band students are pretty well-behaved. If they get too noisy, or try to use flash photography when it's dark, or the driver indicates there is a problem, you may need to get the students' attention to correct the situation. 

At the competition venue: Don't release students from the bus until the Directors/Chaperone Lead indicates they are ready. Help escort students from the bus to the first gathering location. At this point, the Directors may indicate you are released from staying with the students; sometimes you may need to stay with the students until competition time. Chaperones may elect to go into the venue to watch the event, stay with the students, or volunteer with another group (Food Crew, Pit, Uniform, etc).

You are always on call as a Chaperone. You may be contacted to assist a student, or a student may directly ask for your help. For medical situations, contact the Directors, other Volunteers, or the student’s parents as needed and if appropriate to the situation. Most of the time all that is needed is a band-aid or water. Most competition venues also have an EMT unit or First-Aid tent.

When the bus is loaded at the end of the event, count the students. The Directors will also count students before the buses leave. Make sure to remind the students to clean up after themselves. The bus drivers will notify you if the bus requires cleaning and students will be expected to help clean up if such a situation occurs. Conduct a final sweep of the seats and storage under the bus -- it's common to find air pods, a phone, or some other expensive item that is easily left behind.

Supplies: You are welcome to bring a small First-Aid kit if you have one, or one will be provided to you. Large trash bags will be provided to help students keep the bus clean. Paper towels or handi-wipes are also useful if you have some to spare. The Lead Chaperone will have a small stash of supplies as needed for backup. If you have ideas for improvements or supplies, please let the Lead Chaperone know. Your help and ideas are important and valued.