2015 NHS Parent handbook - Naugatuck High School Marching Band

Naugatuck High School
Marching Band
Parent Handbook
The NHS Greyhound Band Association
Welcomes You!
We hope that you will find this booklet of information helpful, and that it will spark both your
enthusiasm and involvement in this exciting and educational activity.
We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions, however we are sure you will
have some questions of your own. Please feel free to contact us if we can help you in any
way. We look forward to hearing from you!
Welcome to our Band Family!
Contact Information:
Robert Hughes, Jr. – Director of Bands
203-720-5653
[email protected]
Greyhound Band Association
[email protected]
Welcome to Marching Band
What is a Competitive Marching Band?
Competitive marching bands perform one show that is continually refined throughout a
season. The show is practiced throughout the summer and completed before the fall
competition season at band camp. Once the competitive season begins, members of the
musical conference, which the host school belongs to, judge the bands. The scores are
recorded and awards are presented at the end of each competition. The judges also
provide the band director and his/her staff with a critique of the show. The band will then
tweak their show based on the judges’ feedback thus performing a slightly modified show at
each subsequent performance throughout the season.
What is the history of the NHS Marching Band program?
The Naugatuck High School Marching Band first competed in 1986. Each season, the band
prepares several musical numbers around a theme. The music is set to motion. The Color
Guard accompanies the music with various flags and equipment routines that enhance the
visual aspect of the show. It was a modest beginning of only one competition that first year,
to the extensive, respected program it is today. The Marching Greyhounds have earned the
respect of audiences across the state. The numerous first place trophies that have been
awarded in recent years are a testimony to the hard work and commitment of the students.
The Band has earned past accolades in Florida, Europe, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Who decides what the band plays and when they compete?
The Band Director and his staff select the music (with suggestions from the students),
design the visual program, and teach all of the elements of the marching show. The local
circuit we belong to, the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), with the help of member band
directors, set the musical and visual criteria students will be evaluated by. MAC compiles
the slate of judges, schedules the shows, and determines the format for the field shows.
The Band Director sets the NHS practice and competitive schedule in late spring for the
upcoming fall season. The Board of Education has the final say in all the activities the Band
undergoes and all activities must go through an approval process.
Welcome to Marching Band (cont.)
How are the marching bands judged?
The bands are judged on their musicianship and marching skills, as well as the general
effect created by the show’s design and performance. The number of members in the
program determines the class size. The band competes against groups in their own
classification. Drum Majors and Color Guard play a vital role in the overall scoring of the
band. Naugatuck High School is currently a member of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC)
in which marching bands from CT, NY, NJ, and MA compete. The NHS band has also
competed in the Easter Marching Band Association (EMBA) and the US Scholastic Band
Association (USSBA).
Does the Marching Band travel?
The Marching Band plans a variety of trips, with larger trips planned approximately every 34 years. In the past, they have traveled to Orlando, Florida, in the month of April to
participate in a music festival and attend a music clinic at Epcot. They have proudly
performed in Epcot and also marched in the Electric Parade in the Magic Kingdom. Years
in between trips there may also be a medium trip planned to such locations as Virginia or
Canada. Smaller trips may also be planned on the off years to such places as
Pennsylvania or Massachusetts. All trips are planned by the Band Director and usually
treated as separate events or at times in conjunction with the Choir. The Band Director
must obtain Board of Education approval for all trips.
What else goes on in the fall?
In addition to competitions and rehearsals, the band performs at home football games on
various Friday nights, the Thanksgiving Day football game in Naugatuck or Ansonia, and the
Veteran’s Day Parade. After Marching Band season, the students prepare as the
symphonic band for their Winter Concert at the High School. Many students choose to join
our national award winning Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard, or Jazz Band as the fall
season ends and the winter season begins.
Marching Band Season When does marching band begin, and how long does it last?
Marching band season begins in June with two rehearsals, which include eighth graders
and other new students to introduce them to the program. The students receive their show
music for practicing at home at these rehearsals. Summer weekly evening rehearsals begin
in July on Tuesday nights and continue through August. Two weeks before school starts
Band Camp begins. During this time, band members attend all day and evening practices
to learn correct marching techniques, memorize the drill and music, and learn to set the
whole show in motion. There are many water breaks throughout the day, and snacks are
provided in the morning and evening. In addition, the students have a one-hour lunch break
and a two-hour dinner break. Band Camp provides the foundation for work that continues
throughout the entire marching band season with Tuesday and Thursday night rehearsals
as well as Saturday rehearsals prior to shows or all day on non-show Saturdays. Weekend
competitions start in September and last through November. The Marching Band season
culminates in a Championship competition, which takes place in mid-November. The NHS
band performs their fall show for the final time at the Thanksgiving Day football game.
3 Rehearsals
What is the rehearsal schedule when school starts?
Once school begins, rehearsals are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday evening from
6:00pm until 9:00pm, and on Saturdays (before competition or all day if no competition).
The Saturday times are scheduled based on our performance time and is given to the
students the week of the show once MAC has posted the schedule. Students designated
as Section Leaders will call for Section rehearsals usually one day per week for one hour
prior to the start of rehearsals. It is essential that students attend these rehearsals and that
they arrive on time. Students are expected to be on the field and ready to play five minutes
before each rehearsal begins. This means they need to get to school about 10 minutes
before rehearsal starts to give them time to get into the band room, get their instruments out
of the cases, return their cases, get their music and pencils set, and be on the field or in
their chairs ready to begin to rehearse. As the weather grows cooler, it is important to dress
for outdoor practice. In addition, all students should bring a water bottle to all rehearsals
regardless of outdoor temperature.
Practices are held at Naugatuck High School, either in the band room, on the lighted football
field, on the practice field, or in the parking lot opposite the band room. During the season,
students are asked to take turns moving the “Pit” equipment on and off the field before and
after rehearsals. There is a rotating schedule posted in the band room and students are
expected to know when it is their turn. This work involves a few minutes of extra time
before and after rehearsals. Parents are encouraged to help and be involved with this too.
Many hands make light work! 4 Rehearsals (cont.)
Why school day rehearsals and evening rehearsals?
Marching Band is a credited and graded course. The music is practiced during the school
day during the scheduled band period. The additional time spent in evening rehearsals is
needed to learn the marching portion of the field show, and to further advance the playing
skills of the musician while putting the music to motion. Students will receive academic
credit for rehearsals and class. All rehearsals and performances contribute to the student’s
grade. It is critical to the success of the overall program for students to be enrolled in the
daytime class as opposed to just participating in evening and Saturday rehearsals and
competitions. However, students from other area high schools that do not offer a band
program may join the NHS band and participate in the evening and Saturday rehearsals and
competitions.
When do they find time to do their homework?
Marching Band members are students first! Homework must be done and students are
expected to plan ahead! It is necessary for students to organize their time so homework is
completed on time. It is not unusual to see students sitting outside the band room on nice
days completing homework before rehearsals begin. We have found that most students
actually have better grades during the marching season when they cannot procrastinate,
knowing their work needs to be done timely due to the strict rehearsal and performance
schedule.
5 Student Handbook, Commitment Form, Grading,
Attendance & Behavior Policy
The NHS Marching Band Student Handbook is distributed to all perspective students on the
first rehearsal in June. This book provides students with an orientation to the program,
uniform information, student leadership opportunities, as well as grading, attendance, and
behavior policies.
Contained in the Student Handbook is a Commitment Form that both the parent/guardian
and the student must sign, stating they have completely read the Student Handbook and will
abide by all policies and expectations of the program as well as confirming commitment to
all rehearsals and performances for the school year.
Please be sure to carefully review the handbook with the student and sign and return the
commitment form.
Marching Band Competition Schedule
The current schedule for the marching season is posted on the band web site
www.naugatuckmarchingband.com. The full calendar is provided to ensure that students
and parents are aware of the time commitment and provide them the ability to verify there
are no major conflicts prior to signing the commitment form for the year.
While there is a possibility of slight adjustments to the calendar due to unforeseen
competition or performance changes and/or field availability/conflicts, changes will only be
made if absolutely necessary and in the best interest of the students and the band. The
Band Director works very hard to ensure the schedule doesn’t change unless absolutely
necessary.
The band activity is different than most other competitive activities. We do not have any
subs to put in when one student is missing. Even one student missing at rehearsal affects
the entire band.
New music and drill, as well as changes to existing music and drill take place EVERY
SINGLE rehearsal. It is imperative not only to the success of your individual student, but
the success of the program that all students are present at all scheduled rehearsals and
performances. As the students will hear . . . HOLES HURT!
6
Competitions
When is the first competition?
Competitions are held on Saturday’s beginning in early September. The competition
season culminates in a Championship competition held in mid-November. The competition
schedule is regularly updated on the band web site at www.naugatuckmarchingband.com.
What is a competition like?
Competitions are great fun for both the students and spectators! Each band performs their
7 – 10 minute field show for the judges as well as the spectators. Several bands in different
classes compete at each show, and on occasion college, military, or other bands will
perform in exhibition. There is an admission fee for spectators of $10 for adults and $7 for
seniors/children. These prices are set by MAC. Band members, staff, parent volunteers
riding with the students, and Pit Crew volunteers do not pay admission. Program books are
sold at most shows and normally list the performance schedule. Each show schedule is
also available on the MAC website at www.musicalartsconference.com, however the
performance times have been known to change right up to the start of the show. “Air
Grams” are messages you may send to your student while they are on the field waiting to
begin their show. The cost is approximately $2 - $3 each. These good luck messages are
read over the loudspeaker just prior to the band’s performance.
As the weather grows colder, sitting in the stands can become quite cold. A tote bag with
the following items will ensure your comfort on these colder evenings: blankets, hats,
gloves, scarves, and hand/foot warmers. Dress in layers, wear warm shoes and socks
(wool blend) and bring a large thermos of hot chocolate or coffee and you will make it
through the entire competition! For added comfort, you may also want to bring seat
cushions and umbrellas (the shows will go on during moderate precipitation).
Parents/guardians of NHS students have been known to be a formidable voice among the
crowd as they cheer on their band. Look for the NHS group around the 50-yard line and join
us! Food and drink are always available at the competitions.
7
Competitions (cont.)
Where are competitions held and how do they get there?
Competitions are held at various high schools throughout CT, NY, NJ, and MA. Naugatuck
attends approximately eight competitions per year, primarily in CT. A schedule is posted on
the band web site www.naugatuckmarchingband.com. Directions are available on the
MAC web site www.musicalartsconference.com and in the band room. Competitions are
held outdoors unless the weather is exceptionally inclement. When this happens, an indoor
show may be held and the students play “standstill” performances for the judges of just the
music. Arrangements are made with the local bus company for the students to be
transported to and from the shows.
What do they eat?
The band buses frequently leave the High School in mid-afternoon on competition days.
Students should bring a bag lunch, or have lunch dropped off in time for their lunch break.
Students are not allowed to leave the campus to purchase food in between rehearsal and
boarding the bus for the show. It is very important that students eat a good breakfast at
home as well as a nutritious lunch before they leave for competition. It is also critical that
they bring a water bottle to every rehearsal. It takes a great deal of energy to perform a
marching show and students do not perform their best when they are hungry or dehydrated.
The students may purchase food at the competitions after they perform and change into
their Class B uniforms, however this is a late meal and depending on their slot in the
competition, time may not permit. Typical fare includes hot dogs, hamburgers, soup, chili,
soda, hot drinks, and snacks. Prices usually run $10 for a complete meal. Although
students are not permitted to eat any food in their Class A uniform, a few snacks in their
travel bag for the ride home are always a good idea (extra bottle of water, granola bars,
etc.).
8
Competitions (cont.)
Are there chaperones on the buses and at the shows?
The Band Director assigns chaperones to the buses, which help supervise the students
throughout the evening along with the staff. In addition to the bus parents, there is a “Pit
Crew” (group of adult volunteers who help move equipment on and off the field) that assists
the Band Director.
How long are the competitions?
Competitions usually begin between 4 and 6pm, depending on the number of bands
competing. The bands perform by random drawing within their class. A performance time
is assigned prior to the competition and announced to the students as the information is
available.
What you do not see from the stands . . . as the bands arrive, they are escorted by the host
school to the first of several “stations” where they warm up prior to taking the field. To keep
the show running smoothly, each station is timed and the bands are escorted to the next
station on their way to the field. The bus chaperones accompany the students along the
way to the field and then watch the students perform from the sidelines. They then
accompany the students back to the buses to change into their Class B uniforms and then
back to the stands to watch the remainder of the competition and awards.
There may be an intermission approximately half way through the show as the number of
bands can vary greatly from show to show. At the end of the competition portion of the
show, the host band will usually take the field in exhibition. The host band is judged, but
their score is not counted in the overall placement of the other bands.
After all bands have competed and exhibition bands have performed, Drum Majors, Guard
Captains, and Drum Sergeants march onto the field to accept their accolades typically
between 9:30 and 10:30pm. The students then return to the buses while the Band Director
and his Staff meets with the Judges to critique their show.
While this is a long day and night for students and can be a long evening for parents, we
strongly encourage you to come out and see their performances! Even if you cannot stay
for the entire show each time, the students really appreciate having us there cheering them
on and watching them perform. They are a talented group and make us all very proud.
9
Competitions (cont.)
What about discipline?
Marching Band is not only an extracurricular activity, but also a credited and graded course.
All students are expected to follow the rules and regulations set by the school as they would
for any course. A detailed description of the behavior policy is stated in the Student
Handbook as well. The Band Director will speak in detail to the students regarding
expected behavior at performances, including a review of the school’s drug and alcohol
policies. Conduct during competitions and evening/weekend rehearsals are expected to be
the same as in a classroom setting. The students are representing Naugatuck High School
at all times and are expected to treat all others with respect and to behave appropriately at
all times. Questions regarding these matters should be directed to the Band Director.
What happens after a competition?
Late on any competition evening, tired but excited parents are often found waiting for the
buses in the parking lot while unloading the truck full of instruments and scenery. The
students are cold and tired, but they are the stars of the evening. The only difficulty is, as
many parents of teenagers know, the parents are ready for bed and the teenagers are not
necessarily ready for bed. Depending on the distance they must travel, buses usually arrive
around 11:00 – 11:30pm, but have been known to be as late as 1:00am. Car pooling and
cell phones can be helpful. Students are given an estimated time of arrival before they
leave for the competition, but are asked to call their parents on the way home to ensure they
are waiting in the parking lot when we return. No student is allowed to leave until the truck
is completely unloaded, their uniforms have been checked in, and the band room is reset.
Please feel free to help out while waiting for your student. Join the incredible group of
parents that begin unloading the truck before the students arrive back at NHS so we can all
go home! We welcome new and old faces alike to help make the work go quickly and
smoothly.
Please be considerate and aware of the time. The staff will not leave until the last student
has been picked up, but remember they have already worked 12 – 14 hours and greatly
appreciate your timeliness.
10
Dressing for Success . . . Students
What do the students wear to competitions and how much do the uniforms cost?
Instrumentalist Uniforms – “Class A” are worn for all marching band competitions, with a
white helmet, garnet plume, white marching shoes, and white gloves. The Class A band
uniforms are valued at $400 each and are owned by the Board of Education. Each student
is fitted for a uniform during band camp and is responsible for their assigned uniform,
including the garment bag. The uniforms are loaned to each student for the season. Great
care must be taken to make sure they stay in great shape, as they are required to last for
the next 10 years. The only cost to the students for the uniform pants and jacket is the onetime dry cleaning fee assessed each year. The Greyhound Band Association organizes the
uniforms and the cleaning of them. All uniforms are kept in the uniform room in the band
room and are handed out just before we leave for each performance and are returned
immediately when we return to the school. Students will receive training sessions on the
proper way to put the uniforms on and off, and how to hang them on the provided hangers.
Uniforms will be checked for proper storage by band parents after each competition before
students are allowed to leave for the evening. Students are not permitted to eat any food
whatsoever while in their Class A uniform.
Each student is responsible for the cost of the accessories (“Whites”) that complete the
uniform. This includes white marching band shoes, white gloves (both items are ordered
through the Band Parents Association), white knee socks, white T-shirt, white shorts, and
white long underwear (under armor) for colder weather. All undergarments must be pure
white with no logos or grey heels/toes on socks. Colored under garments will not only show
through the white uniform, they can also bleed and stain the uniforms. Tank/sleeveless tops
are not permitted as underarm perspiration can cause staining of the uniform. No street
clothes of any type are allowed to be worn under the Class A uniform as they will create
friction and wearing and ruin the uniforms.
11
Dressing for Success . . . Students (cont.)
Uniforms – “Color Guard” consists of a theme outfit designed and color coordinated with
the show each year. The uniforms are ordered specifically for the students in the Guard.
Each participant’s measurements are taken the end of June and orders are placed
immediately in order to receive the uniforms in time of the beginning of the fall competitive
season. The only cost incurred for this is the one-time dry cleaning fee assessed for the
season. The Greyhound Band Association organizes the uniforms and cleaning of them.
All uniforms are kept in school and are handed out just before we leave for each
performance and returned immediately when we return to school. Color Guard members
are responsible for the cost of their unitard, shoes, and gloves, which are ordered through
the Greyhound Band Association.
Uniforms – “Class B” consists of a garnet-colored wind suit (pants and jacket) with NHS
Band embroidered on the front and optional proper name embroidering (no nick names).
The Class B is worn after all competitions, for performances at football games, and for
special performances when we do not wear our Class A uniforms. The theme T-shirt must
be worn under your Class B. Each student is responsible for the cost and care of his or her
own wind suit. It is recommended that students put their initials on the tags to help identify
it.
When and where do the students change?
The students will do a large percentage of their changing on the school bus on the way to
the competitions. Often, students leave for competitions “half dressed” (white
undergarments, Class A uniform pants, and shoes) and finish dressing (Class A uniform
jackets, gloves, and helmets) on the bus on the way to competitions. This process is in
place not only for the students’ comfort, but also to ensure the longevity of the Class A
uniforms.
After the students perform, they return to the buses and take turns (girls/boys) changing into
their Class B uniform. It is important for their comfort that they bring extra layers to wear
under their Class B uniform.
All students should come to competition day rehearsal prepared with a travel bag containing
their Class B uniform, show theme T-Shirt, hat, gloves, and other personal necessities.
These bags will be checked by bus chaperones prior to departing the school for the
competition.
The band parents assigned to chaperone the buses supervises this changing process.
12
Dressing for Success . . . Parents
Remember – Fashion statements have no place at a Marching Band Competition. It gets
cold when the sun goes down and you will be there a long time!
Essentials:
Long underwear (under armor) – tops & bottoms
Wool socks (two pairs when it gets really cold)
Warm shoes or boots (leather is best, canvas is worst)
Layers: T-shirt, Turtle-neck, Sweatshirt, Fleece vest, Warm jacket with hood or hat, Scarf,
Warm gloves and hand warmers, Warm pants – jeans or lined wool or corduroys
Other “Stuff”:
Decorative buttons identifying you as a proud Naugatuck Parent
Tote Bag/fanny pack for: chapstick, Kleenex, Tylenol, money
Snacks/drinks – thermos of hot chocolate or coffee
Something to sit on (cushion or some extra blankets) – the bleachers are hard and cold
Blankets to wrap up in – it gets really cold! Also good for saving seats.
Noise Makers, good luck signs, etc.
LOTS of enthusiasm!
13
Life Outside of Marching Band
Can Marching Band students participate in other school activities?
Students review the band schedule with other sports and activities to determine if it is
feasible to participate fully. While this does take dedication and time management skills,
many students have in past participated in other activities such as tennis, swimming,
government clubs, etc. However, students must make the full commitment to the Band
program and be present at all rehearsals and all competitions. We are proud to have so
many students who excel not only in music, but also academically in the top 5% of their
class and as members of the National Honor Society.
What other music courses or groups are available for the students?
Here are various other music related courses offered and taught by the Band Director
during the school day. Guitar, Music Theory, Concert Band, and Music Production &
Technology to compliment the students’ education in Symphonic/Marching Band. There is
also a Jazz Band that begins in January and meets one day a week after school. In
addition, there are two other opportunities to continue the competitive spirit: Winter
Percussion Ensemble and Winter Guard. These two activities follow a similar schedule to
the marching season with two rehearsals per week and Saturday rehearsals and
competitions.
14
The Greyhound Band Association
The Naugatuck High School Greyhound Band Association is a recognized civic group by the
Chamber of Commerce and the Naugatuck Board of Education. The commitment and
talent of the students and staff are key ingredients of our successful Marching Band, and
the role of the parents is essential as well. A music program of this caliber cannot sustain
itself without the commitment of parents. The students experience opportunities for
teamwork, positive self-esteem, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime! Come
out and join us and be part of those memories!
What does the Greyhound Band Association support?
The Greyhound Band Association provides student support with activities such as
Championship Breakfast, musical clinics by sections, a pizza party, awards, scholarships, a
banquet, and various other activities that reward and encourage the students. We are there
to support the Band Director with logistical and administrative support so that he can spend
his time teaching and nurturing our students. We also provide additional financial support to
the program by providing many other necessary items that the Board of Education does not
cover such as flags, Color Guard uniforms, equipment, props, and truck rentals for
competitions.
How does the Greyhound Band Association work?
The Greyhound Band Association is comprised of parents/guardians of current students,
alumni, and others within the community that are committed to supporting the arts and
music programs in our schools, as well as our own children’s talents and learning
experiences. The Greyhound Band Association is comprised of an Executive Board and
board members who coordinate the day-to-day administrative tasks that support the band
program. These include fundraising, coordination of the home shows, the Championship
Breakfast, the March-A-Thon, football game concessions, and much more.
15
The Greyhound Band Association (cont.)
How do I know what is going on?
All program related issues will be communicated to the students by the Band Director and
his Staff either verbally or through written notices/newsletters. These written notices may
be sent home with the students, mailed to the parents/guardians, and/or e-mailed to the
parents/guardians. If you have any questions about program related issues check with your
student first, then check the band website, www.naugatuckmarchingband.com. If you still
can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact the Band Director (contact info is
located at the back of this handbook).
All other issues will be communicated by the Greyhound Band Association primarily through
e-mail. This is our most effective and quickest way to contact you, so it is critical that we
have accurate e-mail information for at least one adult per student. Every effort is made to
keep these e-mails concise and informative. You can manage the number of e-mails you
receive from the Greyhound Band Association by replying to the initial e-mail on a particular
subject with your response when one is requested. Every effort will be made to remove you
from the mailing list on a particular topic once we receive a reply from you.
In addition, the Greyhound Band Association will hold office hours during rehearsals in the
Marching Band season.
16
Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous occasions throughout the entire school year for parents/guardians to
support the NHS Band program. Studies show that students whose parents/guardians are
involved with their school activities tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like
school more. Further, these studies indicate that students of involved parents/guardians
earn higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show
improved behavior, adapt well to school, and graduate to go on to post-secondary
education. Following is a list of opportunities for you to get involved and build friendships
that will last well after your student graduates:
Band Camp Picnic: The last day of band camp is marked with the first official performance
of the fall show for the parents/guardians. After the performance, parents/guardians are
invited to partake in a family cookout where they have the opportunity to socialize with other
parents. This is an important night for the students because they are very proud to show off
the success of all their hard work during the week of camp.
Pit Crew: This great group of parents moves equipment on and off the field during both
rehearsals and competitions. The Pit consists of those instruments, which do not march
such as tympani’s, vibes, gongs, etc. This is a great way to get to know some of the
students and get some insight into the workings of the band. New parents are encouraged
to join this friendly bunch!
Thunder in the Valley: This is the NHS Band’s home show. It’s all hands on deck for this
exciting day where we will host numerous local bands in competition and exhibition. We will
need upwards of 100 volunteers for the show to be a success. In addition to strutting our
stuff on our home turf and paying special recognition to our Seniors, this is the biggest
fundraiser for the band. We need help with concessions, parking, security, logistics,
hospitality, and so much more. So sign yourself up, sign your friends and family up, sign up
your neighbors – we need all the help we can get!
Band Groupies: Students can always use an extra hand on competition day. Whether it’s
putting up hair, finding missing shoes and gloves, fixing a broken strap, or just keeping the
students on schedule, they really appreciate seeing a familiar smiling face on show day.
And there’s always the uniform room that needs upkeep!
17 Volunteer Opportunities (cont.) Snacks/Drinks: Periodically throughout the year the Greyhound Band Association will
request donations of snacks and drinks for the students’ rehearsal breaks. Donations
include cookies, ice pops, fruit, hot chocolate, etc. Additional donations may be requested
to supplement our concessions at our home shows and football games.
Concessions: The Band Parents Association is given the opportunity to run the
concession stand at several home football games on Friday nights. Put on your aprons and
pitch in to serve hungry, thirsty fans and help the band raise funds!
March-A-Thon: This student fund drive takes place in October. The students dress in their
Class A and Color Guard uniforms and sweep the town requesting the local citizens’
support for their program. Advertising is done in advance and the police are notified so it is
no surprise when the NHS Band and Color Guard show up at homes throughout town.
Student’s travel out in teams driven by parent volunteers and are provided with a route map
and safety briefing prior to departing.
Championship Breakfast: This is a special start to the day of the last competition.
Students are treated to a sit-down breakfast cooked and served by their parents/guardians.
They appreciate the breakfast and the attention they receive as they are served by their
loved ones in bow ties and white shirts. Staff and student leaders give speeches of
encouragement for the final competition, tears are shed, and plenty of photos are taken! It
is another great opportunity for you to show your student how proud you are of them.
Color of Thunder: Calling all hands once again for our winter (indoor) home show. This
show features our Winter Guard and Percussion Ensemble in a two part show featuring as
many as 20 other schools! This is a long day, but you are guaranteed to see plenty of
spectacular performances throughout the day. This is another big fundraiser for the NHS
Band program so put on your volunteer hat and on with the show!
Greyhound Band Association: The scope of the NHS Band is greatly dependent on the
funds raised to support the program. The opportunities available to our students can be
tremendous: competition, recognition, leadership, personal responsibility, travel,
scholarships, and on and on. Your participation in the Greyhound Band Association can
ensure their ability to experience all this and more.
18 Volunteer Opportunities (cont.)
Unloading the Truck: The equipment truck used for competitions arrives at the school in
advance of the buses. Why not lend a hand unloading it while you wait for your student?
Then everyone gets to go home a little earlier.
Parents Meetings: The Greyhound Band Association holds several informational meetings
throughout the year starting with Orientation in June. You will be notified via e-mail, mail, or
flyers sent home with your students. The dates are also posted on the band calendar at
www.naugatuckmarchingband.com. These meetings are a great way to stay up to date with
the band’s activities and make some new friends.
Fund Raising Ideas: Have you organized or bought from a good fundraiser in the past?
Let the Greyhound Band Association know, we are always looking for new, unique ideas.
Band Banquet: Every May, the band holds a banquet to recognize the students and their
contribution to the Band program throughout the year. The staff and various parent
volunteers are recognized as well. This is a great time to share in your student’s success.
Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
We hope you will find time to join us for an activity or two. It’s a great way to stay involved
in your teenager’s life and make some new friends for yourself!
19 Fundraiser
Greyhound Band Associaiton holds a variety of fundraisers throughout the year in order to
pay for various items including but not limited to uniform cleaning, snacks, etc. Students will
be required to sell 10 raffle tickets this year.
20