UPDATED 2014 MARCHNG BAND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Dates on this schedule are an approximation. The exact performance calendar will not be confirmed until June with many of the festivals confirmed in July and/or August. Please reserve the dates below with the understanding that there may be a performance, and with the games, most likely a performance. At this point, these dates are the best estimation of what our performance/game calendar will be for the 2014-2015 season.

FOOTBALL GAMES

DatePerformance Time

September5th7:00pm

September 12th7:00pm

September19th7:00pm

September 26th7:00pm

October 3rd 7:00pm

October10th7:00pm

October 17th7:00pm

October 24th7:00pm

October 31st7:00pm

November 6th or 7thTBA

***Note: This game is during the week of the teacher’s convention. We do have a game. Everyone is required to be there. The exact game date will be chosen by the NJSIAA and will depend largely on the football team’s win/loss record.

POSSIBLE MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL DATES

(An updated calendar will be emailed to you in July or August with exact festival dates)

September 28th

October 4th

October 11th

October 18th

October 25th

Parades

We are scheduled to perform at the Montgomery Veteran’s Memorial during the weekend of Veteran’s Day in November. Exact performance details will come later.

Drop off/Pick-up

Please note that the times listed are start times (kick-off). The students must report much earlier. Each week, a band bulletin will go home giving specific drop off and pick up times. This band bulletin will be posted on the MHS marching band website. These will vary depending upon where the game/competition/parade is. All drop-offs and pick-ups are at Montgomery HS. We take school buses to get to and from our performance venues.

After School Rehearsals

All marching band rehearsals take place after school. Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory for participation in this activity. The schedule for rehearsals is as follows:

Mondays:2:45 – 5:00 p.m. for instrumentalists and color guard

Tuesdays:2:45 – 5:00 p.m. for instrumentalists and color guard

Wednesdays:2:45 – 5:00 p.m. for instrumentalists. 2:45 – 6:00 p.m. for color guard and

percussion

Thursdays:No rehearsal (please schedule doctors appointments, meetings, etc. on Thursdays)

Fridays:2:30 – dress rehearsal for entire band. At the conclusion of the dress rehearsal, students will be released depending upon the time. The schedules on Fridays will vary depending upon the game location and performances that weekend. This information will be listed in the weekly band bulletin.

Summer Commitment

In August there is a mandatory band camp that takes place at MontgomeryHigh School. At this camp, students learn advanced marching techniques, rehearse the music/routine, learn the half-time show, work on team-work and leadership, and spend time getting to know each other and bonding as a group.

Please understand that it is necessary to be present at all band camp rehearsals. We have our first performance on the first day of school which means we must learn the entire show during band camp.

Missing one day of camp is equivalent to missing over a week of rehearsals during the school year!

Daily CampSchedule

Band camp days will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. A couple notes about the daily schedule:

  • Rehearsals begin promptly at 9:00 a.m., so please arrive with enough time to be ready to start playing by 9:00 a.m. For most students, this means an arrival time no later than 8:50 a.m.
  • Rehearsals end at 6:00 p.m. Students will then need time to get inside and put away their equipment. Parents should expect that their kids will be ready to actually leave by 6:10 p.m.
  • Students will have a few breaks throughout the day, one of which will be long enough for lunch. Students should eat breakfast before arriving and plan on eating dinner after rehearsal. Having snacks with them would be appropriate for the shorter breaks.
  • Students with parental permission may leave campus during the lunch break. Please fill out the driving permission form at the end of this packet.

The 2013 Band Camp Dates

Summer Camp

August 14th – 15thThursday – Friday9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

August 18th – 22nd Monday – Friday9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

August 25th – 28thMonday – Thursday9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

September 2nd –3rd Tuesday- Wednesday3:00 – 8:00 p.m.____ September 5th Friday First football game__

Sectionals

  • Students will be receiving a schedule of sectional rehearsals that will take place throughout the summer. These sectionals will take place once every few weeks. All students are expected to attend these sectionals if they are in town (not at camp or on vacation).

Summer Rehearsal Policies and Guidelines

  • Attendance at band camp rehearsals is mandatory for participation in this activity.
  • Students should bring meals with them in a cooler. We do not have available refrigeration.
  • Students are REQUIRED to have ample sunscreen
  • MARCHING BAND IS A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY!! Students are REQUIRED to have large jugs of water for outdoor rehearsals. Soda is NOT allowed for rehearsals. Students may pack it for lunch and dinner, but should have water or a Gatorade type drink in jugs outside.
  • Students are REQUIRED to eat and drink well prior to and during rehearsal days. It will be very hot and humid, and unless students take the proper precautions, they will get sick. Students should drink at least one liter of water before the start of a summer rehearsal day. Students should also drink large amounts of water the night before, during the rehearsal day, and after the rehearsal day.
  • Students may not be excused to leave a rehearsal early without advance approval by a marching band staff member. Parents should provide a request in writing one day in advance of the date in question. Students will only be allowed to leave with the person the written note designates. Parents must come to the practice field to get the student. Please understand that this is for the safety of all students.
  • Hats and sunglasses are highly recommended

Marching Band Attendance Policy

Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Students who are present for school and absent from band will place their band membership in jeopardy.

PARENTS: Students may not miss any rehearsals or performances. Please keep this in mind when scheduling appointments, travel, and family events. Only in some very rare circumstances are absences excused. Any lateness/early dismissal/absence requests must be communicated in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Kahalehoe in advance of the date in question. In the note, please provide as much information as possible regarding the request.

Please understand that this activity is 100% dependent upon teamwork. Due to the nature of how marching band drill and routines work, one person’s absence will have a large effect on the ability of all other students to properly practice their movements. Marching band drill is, very basically, a connect-the-dots that is in motion. When one person is gone, a dot is missing and the shape cannot be connected. This greatly hinders our rehearsal ability, creating a negative result for all students in the band.

Unexcused absences from a rehearsal may result in the removal of that student from the week’s performance. Multiple unexcused absences from rehearsal will result in removal from the band.

Unexcused absences from a performance may result in immediate removal from the band.

As a guideline, the following excuses are considered acceptable/unacceptable:

Acceptable excuses:

  • Illness of the student
  • Death in the family
  • Family weddings
  • Religious observances
  • Students may be excused from rehearsals for college visitations, but not performances.

Unacceptable excuses:

  • Job – give your marching band schedule to your boss WELL in advance
  • Studying/homework/group work and review sessions
  • Recreational travel (weekend at the shore, family trips, concerts, etc.)
  • Celebrations (birthday parties, anniversary parties, reunions, etc.)
  • Private lessons (students are highly encouraged to take private lessons but should work with their teacher to schedule the lessons outside of marching band rehearsals/performances).
  • Routine doctor appointments (checkups, dental cleanings, etc.). Please schedule these around marching band.
  • Membership in other activities with conflicting schedules

ACADEMIC HELP: Students may be late to rehearsal if staying after school for extra help with a teacher provided the student demonstrates he/she is having legitimate academic difficulties in the relevant class. The student should let Mr. Kahalehoe know 24 hours before the start of rehearsal, and bring a late-pass from the teacher he/she was with. Students will be asked to have teachers fill out academic progress reports periodically throughout the season to make sure students are living up to their academic responsibilities during the marching band season.

STUDENTS: Let marching band teach you how to manage your time. Learn to study in advance and pace your homework assignments. This will be an invaluable lesson for college!! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE WITH YOUR ASSIGNEMENTS!!

Missed Rehearsal Procedures

ABSENCES ARE ONLY APPROVED PRIOR TO THE MISSED REHEARSAL

  • If your name is on the absentee bulletin, you are excused automatically.
  • If you sign in late, you must be at rehearsal
  • If you sign out early, please have a parent or guardian call Mr. Kahalehoe’s office before 2:30. The number is 609-466-7602 x. 6124
  • If you have an academic or disciplinary conflict (make-up test, detention, etc.) it is your responsibility to let Mr. Kahalehoe know in advance of the date in question.
  • STUDENT OFFICERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO EXCUSE ANYONE AND MAY NOT BE USED TO COMMUNICATE ATTENDANCE ISSUES TO MR. KAHALEHOE.
  • Please notify Mr. Kahalehoe in writing at least 24 hours in advance of any predicted absences. While absences are usually not excused, we do understand that once in a while, situations arise that are not within your control. Communication is key!!
Mr. Kahalehoe’s contact information:

BAND OFFICE: 609-466-7602 x. 6124

EMAIL:

Discipline Policies

The Montgomery High School Marching Band is an extension of school. Therefore, school rules apply for all rehearsals and performances. Any violation of these rules could result in removal from the activity. The marching band staff will refer any violations of the student conduct policy to the proper school administration. At any point in time, if the marching band staff feels uncomfortable taking responsibility for a student based on his/her conduct, the student will be removed from the marching band.

RESPECT

Have respect for your peers

Have respect for your teachers

Have respect for yourselves

Have respect for the band

If you think about it, all rules and regulations regarding discipline, attendance, level of commitment, effort, and enthusiasm all boil down to how much respect you show and earn.

Being at every rehearsal shows respect to the band because you are working to make it better

Not being at rehearsals or performances shows disrespect to your peers because all of them are held back.

Coming back from water and lunch breaks on time shows respect to your peers that are standing on the field waiting

Having a great rehearsal attitude and work ethic shows respect to the band, your peers, your teachers, and most importantly yourselves, because you are working to improve the experience for everyone.

There is nothing in life more valuable than respect. The more respect you show, the more respect you’ll earn. You only own one thing in life, and that is your name. Live and act in a manner that demands instant respect when people hear your name and you will always be rich.

Rehearsal Dress Code

Only sneakers or comfortable laced walking shoes are allowed. No open heels or toes are allowed.

Marching band members are required to practice in attire that fits appropriately for the activity. The most common problems are:

  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Pants that are too loose and fall down while marching
  • Pants that are too tight in the legs for proper marching
  • Skirts that are too short for marching
  • Pants that are too long and get tripped over/dragged in the mud.

The Montgomery High School Marching Band is an OUTDOOR ACTIVITY. The band will rehearse in inclement weather provided there is no lightning/danger to the students. The band will rehearse in very hot and very cold weather. Students are expected to monitor the weather reports and have appropriate attire daily.

All students should keep a pair of old sneakers and a raincoat in their locker throughout the marching band season. Good shoes and pants will not be good for long if worn during rehearsals. Students who tend to dress differently from the above dress code should keep a set of practice clothes in their locker.

Equipment Use

The students of the Montgomery Marching Band have the opportunity to use a lot of expensive equipment. Any damage that occurs to a piece of equipment that is more extensive than normal wear and tear will be charged to the individual who caused the damage.

Curricular Ensemble/Lessons

All instrumentalists in the marching band are required to register for an appropriate curricular music ensemble (concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, choir, or orchestra). Any student who has been granted an exception to this practice must take private lessons during the off-season.

Musicians’ Uniform Code

It is necessary for students to meet the following uniform code in order to be eligible to perform on any given performance day. Students will be inspected after getting dressed prior to the performance.

  • Black socks must be worn with your uniform at all times
  • A black or white T-shirt and a non-bulky pair of shorts must be worn under the uniform. The T-shirt must have half-sleeves and it must be low enough at the neckline to remain unseen at the jacket collar (most regular Hanes t-shirts meet this criteria).
  • White or black thermal underwear should be worn in cold weather. Sweat pants are not allowed, as they trap cold sweat against the skin.
  • Shoes are to be cleaned each week. Wipe them down with Vaseline and polish.
  • White cotton gloves will be worn with the uniform at all times. These gloves must be purchased from the uniform crew during band hours. They are $4.00 per pair. It is recommended you purchase at least 2 pairs. They MUST be clean.
  • No jewelry may be worn with uniforms. This includes rings, earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Please DO NOT get your ears pierced until after marching band is over.
  • Sunglasses may not be worn while in uniform accept while in the stands during a football game
  • Students are responsible for the maintenance of their uniform. Any lost parts, including the baldric, hat, or plume will be charged to the student. Uniforms MUST be stored at MontgomeryHigh School. Students may not take any part of their uniform home without approval.

Hair Policy

Females:

Hair must be in a bun on top of your head. Loose hair must be sprayed and pinned up with bobby pins or clips. No hair may be sticking out of your hat. Hair gel is very helpful.

Males:

Hair must not be seen through the front or sides of your hat. Males with long hair must also pin up their hair so none is sticking out of the hat. Hair gel is very helpful.

Color Guard Uniform Code

It is necessary for students to meet the following uniform code in order to be eligible to perform on any given performance day. Students will be inspected after getting dressed, prior to the performance.

  • Black socks must be worn with your uniform at all times
  • A white T-shirt with at least half-sleeves must be worn under the uniform jacket
  • Non-bulky shorts should be worn under the pants
  • Black or white thermal underwear is permitted in cold weather
  • Shoes are to be cleaned each week
  • Gloves will be purchased through the uniform crew. These gloves are designed specifically for color guard use. Gloves should have your name or initials on the inside.
  • No jewelry may be worn with uniforms. This includes rings, earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc. DO NOT GET YOUR EARS PIERCED UNTIL AFTER MARCHING BAND.
  • Sunglasses may not be worn while in uniform except while in the stands during a football game
  • Students are responsible for the maintenance of their uniform. Any lost parts will be charged to the student.
  • All uniforms MUST be stored at MontgomeryHigh School. Students may not take home their jacket or pants without prior approval.
  • Black stretch ski bands will be worn in extremely cold weather. These can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or large all-purpose stores (Target, Walmart, etc.)

Hair Policy

Females:

All honor guard members will wear a hat. They must have their hair pinned up in a bun so that no hair is sticking out from under the hat. All other female members of the guard will wear their hair in a braid. If your hair is too short for this, it will be pinned up or gelled so that it does not blow in your face while performing.