Rookie Page

Rookie Page

Welcome to all of the new marchers for the 2001 season! I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you. Before we get started I want you all to know how proud I am of you. Marching band is a big commitment and a big step in your musical life. For those of you unfamiliar with what is involved with marching band, here is an overview.

BAND CAMP - Band Camp is where we teach the drill for the show and work intensely on the music. Attendance at band camp is MANDITORY. We can't teach you drill if you aren't there, can we? This year band camp is at BHS, July 30th - August 3rd, from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm. You must be there every day and don't be late, we need every minute of our time with you. Please schedule any doctor's appointments, vacations, or other things around this week. The cost for band camp is $90.00. This covers your food, instruction and your band t-shirt.

BALL GAMES - The Marching Blue Devils perform at every BHS football game, home and away. This is our most public of public relations opportunities and the main reason why we get our operating budget. Therefore attendance at EVERY game is manditory. Please schedule any family get aways or youth trips around the football schedule. Sometimes it gets a little cold but the vets will let you know what to bring to make yourself comfortable. All away games are extremely well chaperoned, the drivers are trained professionals with the safety of the students foremost in their minds, and each bus is well maintained and provided with a cell phone in case of emergency. All students are required to ride to the games on the bus (board policy) but may ride home with parents if a signed note is provided in advance. Students may NOT leave the games early.

COMPETITIONS - The Marching Blue Devils compete in three marching band competitions each year. I go to a lot of trouble to select competitions that are as close to home as possible and appropriate for the group. These competitions are on Saturdays during the marching season. This year, one will be on Oct. 6th and another will be on Oct. 20th. The locations will be announced later. Football games are fun, but competitions are why we work so hard to make the show great. Attendance at these events is MANDITORY.