Introduction Welcome to the BMHS Marching Band and Silver Jade Color Guard season. We have compiled this booklet as a guideline for this season's activities. This booklet is intended to give you information that is available at this point in time. Any changes that occur will be communicated as soon as they become available. Every effort has been made to present correct information. The director has the right to modify any part of the information contained in this booklet, by either written or verbal communication, at any time. Please ask if you are unsure of the intent of anything found in this handbook or if you have questions that are not covered in the handbook. The Director will answer any questions pertaining to school issues and the BFoM President will be responsible for questions regarding the Billerica Friends of Music involvement. Parents and students are expected to abide by the rules outlined in this handout. Please note: Once the student reports to a rehearsal or event, the student becomes the responsibility of the DIRECTOR. Parents and friends MUST NOT interfere with students who are following the Director's instructions. Medical Information Certified emergency medical technicians are supplied by the home site at all football games, parades, and competitions. When available, a volunteer nurse travels to competitions with the students. A medical form must be completely filled out, signed and returned to the Director. The form should note any special circumstances, history, and/or medications needed. If any change in medical information occurs during the season, please advise the director and submit a revised form. Student Transportation Unless otherwise notified, students, staff, and chaperones will be bused as a group to and from all events. Bussing will originate and return to the student parking lot on Good St. It is the responsibility of the student, along with their parents, to provide transportation to the parking lot as well as pick up when the buses arrive back after an event. Report times will be given out prior to an event along with estimated return times. Please be prompt in picking up students, upon their return to the High School after events. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, all return times given are estimates. School Policy All Marching Band & Color Guard activities are considered school activities. This means that school policies, along with disciplinary policies, will be in affect. Return to Top of page Attendance Policy IIn addition to the Music Department Attendance Policy, students are expected to adhere to the following. All rehearsals or performances announced at least two weeks ahead of time, are considered MANDATORY. This includes 2 week Band Camp. If a student is absent from a mandatory rehearsal or performance without the Director's permission, they will jeopardize their band awards and final grade. Rehearsals begin at the times designated in the schedule. Arrive early enough to allow time for personal warm-up or to prepare equipment. If students are not IN the band room with their equipment at the designated starting time, they will be marked late and will be required to make up the missed time during lunch or at the end of the practice. To have an absence or late arrival approved, students must have a note from a parent or guardian. The note must be given to the Director PRIOR to the date of the event to be missed, and the Director will decide if it qualifies for an excused absence. Remember, absences affect grades and awards. Absences or late arrivals may be excused at the discretion of the Director for the reasons listed below. Be sure to communicate directly with the director (NO ONE ELSE) for absences and tardiness. o If you are absent or dismissed from school with a note. o An illness or a death in the family. o A family conflict. o A school related activity, including extra help, detention, a guidance appointment, or another conflict. Return to Top of page After School Help (part of School Policy) While every student at BMHS is urged to participate in after-school activities, the responsibility to maintain good standing in the classroom should be the primary concern of the high school community. Therefore, when a student desires or needs after-school extra assistance with coursework, all other activities will assume a secondary and supportive role. Teachers are encouraged to exhort students to stay for extra help whenever they perceive the student as needing such support for their academic well-being. Coaches and other co-curricular and extra-curricular advisors will not assess any penalty to the student who stays for extra help as long as the student has informed the coach or advisor of his/her intention to remain for extra help prior to the event. Upon return to the activity, the student will also have a pass from the teacher or tutor with whom the student studied. Students who believe that they were unfairly penalized because of their staying for extra help may bring their concerns to their assistant principals or to the principal. Return to Top of page Dismissal Policy At both rehearsals and performances, students must remain with the band and color guard at all times. If a parent wants to have a student leave the group prior to the normal dismissal time you must: (1) Have submitted a written notice to the Director at least one day ahead of the event, (2) Be picked up by a parent or designated adult, and (3) Report to the Director (no one else) immediately before departing with an adult. No one will be dismissed unless all three conditions are met. Return to Top of page Rehearsals Unless specified otherwise, rehearsals are closed sessions. Only Band, Color Guard & Staff are to be in attendance. After school rehearsals are scheduled as follows: o Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from close of school to 4:30 PM. Please arrive after 4:15 when picking up students at the student parking lot on Good St. Do not drive into the parking lot until practice is over. The parking lot is our practice field. You may park on Good Street while you wait. It is distracting to the students to have cars or people arriving early, and may delay dismissal of the students. o Rehearsals end at 4:30 PM due to the lack of available natural light. Ending at 4:30 also allows working students enough time to report to their jobs by 5:00 PM. No one will be allowed to leave early for work reasons. Make transportation and work arrangements accordingly. o Saturdays that there is no football game or competition scheduled, there will be a rehearsal at the High School from 9 am to 2:00 PM. o Extra rehearsals may be called by the Director depending on the group's readiness for a performance. These rehearsals will be scheduled at the director's discretion. Return to Top of page Appearance & Conduct When dressed in uniform, the student represents the entire group and community. The following rules apply to both males & females: o No visible jewelry (earrings, chains, watches, rings). o Hair that is longer than the uniform collar, must be pinned up securely under the hat. o No gum chewing. o No smoking. o No profane language or gestures. o All males must be clean shaving. o All activities are school activities and, as such, all school conduct policies will be in affect. Return to Top of page About Saturdays Eat a full breakfast before reporting. Lunch breaks are not usually before noon. Bring your lunch! Students will not be permitted to leave the school grounds. Soda and juice machines are available in the cafeteria. Students are allowed to eat in the cafeteria or outdoors near the practice area. If these areas are not kept clean, eating will be limited to the Band Room only. Use the trash containers supplied. When we travel, bring snacks as well as lunch and supper. Sports activities are not permitted during lunch and rest breaks. These breaks are given for rest purposes. Public telephones are available in the cafeteria, and the Director's phone can be used if needed. Return to Top of page Uniforms Our uniform is a unique symbol of our Band & Color Guard. You are expected to treat it with dignity and respect. Keep it neat, clean, and complete. We pride ourselves in our neat uniform appearance--- a clean, neat appearance will separate us from other performing groups. Scuffed footwear, dirty pants, wrinkled shirts, or missing sashes reflects on the entire group in the wrong manner. Immediately below are the guidelines for everyone. o You will be instructed as to which parts of the uniform are to be kept in the garment bag supplied for traveling. The garment bag will be labeled with your name. o Your uniform must be clean and neat in appearance for each performance. Dry-clean your uniform (including your Band Jacket, which is part of the uniform) as often as needed, in addition to the mandatory cleanings that will be called by the Director. Your footwear must be CLEAN and POLISHED before each performance. o In cold weather, it is recommended that you wear thermal underwear under the uniform. Color and type of thermals will be discussed at the pre-season meeting. o Keep track of your uniform! Changing clothes on the bus can be hectic and confusing. Make sure ALL uniform pieces are in the garment bag BEFORE the day of a performance AND AFTER changing into street clothes at the conclusion of a performance. o If you misplace or lose a uniform piece (gloves included), you will be charged for the lost piece(s), and you may have to perform without the article. o Any uniform piece found on the buses after an event may be picked up in the Director's office. If you have left any piece of your uniform on the bus more than once, you will owe the Director five minutes time during lunch break or at the end of rehearsal. o Should any part of your uniform need repair, please contact the Director. The exceptions to this are hems and buttons. Hems should be lengthened, shortened, and repaired by you or a family member. Buttons should be repaired or replaced by you or a family member. Return to Top of page Marching Band Uniform PROVIDED white jacket with braids bib pair of black pants cummerbund drop pair of black shoes pair of white gloves YOU MUST PROVIDE solid white T or white thermals pair of solid black socks Return to Top of page Color Guard Uniform PROVIDED Blouse/may vary from season to season black competition skirt/pants black cummerbund hair piece pair of gloves YOU MUST PROVIDE solid white or black T or thermals Return to Top of page Concert Band Uniform PROVIDED white jacket without braids bib cummerbund, no Drop black dress shoes solid black socks YOU MUST PROVIDE solid white T pair dress black pants black dress shoes mid calf length black skirt black stockings Anyone not dressed in appropriate attire for the event will not be permitted to perform and will lose credit. Use the Uniform Care Instructions (which follow) to maintain your uniform. Return to Top of page Uniform Care Instructions IMPORTANT: o Do not iron any part of the band uniform !!!! o Do not spot treat any part of the uniform !!!! o You are responsible for repair and maintenance of all parts of the uniform. If damage occurs due to improper care, you will be held responsible for the cost to replace damaged parts. Periodic Required Cleaning o There will be a minimum of four times during the year, TBD TBD after the Thanksgiving Day Game after Graduation that all Band Uniforms must be taken to be dry cleaned and Color Guard uniforms washed . You may take your uniform to a cleaner of your choice, but the cleaning slip must be given to the Director by the following Friday, to show that the uniform has been cleaned. The uniform should be taken to the cleaners, or washed in the case of Color Guard, other than the mandatory cleanings, as needed to insure that the uniform is maintained in good condition. There will be Uniform inspections every Friday night prior to boarding the buses to football games. Any uniform found to be in need of cleaning or repair will be required to have the uniform cleaned or repaired the following week. o Any student who's uniform has not been cleaned at the required time will not be permitted to perform at the next event. Jacket Care o This garment MUST be dry cleaned. You can avoid weekly dry cleaning through proper care of the garment. o Hang the jacket immediately after wearing to avoid wrinkling. o When jacket becomes wet, air dry on a hanger in an open area to avoid wrinkling and molding. o Do not dry the jacket in the dryer or try to blow dry with hair dryer. o Always return the jacket, immediately after wearing, to the garment bag to avoid soiling. o At no time should you iron the jacket, not even on the cool setting. o At no time should you spot treat any soiling with any type of item used at home. o It is your responsibility to maintain all buttons and trim on the jacket. If a sewn on button becomes loose, you must repair it. If a clipped on button or chain becomes lost or broken, you must purchase another through the Band Director. Return to Top of page DRY CLEANING o Before leaving the house, all buttons attached with a ring and washer, the closure chain, and the braids, should be removed and stored together in a safe location. o All ring attached buttons are located on the front of the jacket along the green trimmed opening. To remove the buttons attached with the ring turn the ring as you would to remove a key from a key chain. Next remove the washer and slip the button from the hole. When storing the button and parts, re-attach all to the ring for safe keeping. o To remove the chain just unhook the clasp at both ends and store with the buttons. o Sewn on buttons can not and should not be removed. o Carefully look over the jacket for stained or soiled areas. Also check the sewn on buttons to be sure they are firmly attached. You should bring to the attention of the cleaners any and all soiled areas. Have the cleaners mark these areas for extra attention. o Bring the jacket to the cleaners in the garment bag to avoid further soiling. Do not leave the garment bag at the cleaners. When you pick up the jacket check the areas that you had indicated special attention be given. If it isn't to your satisfaction ask that it be redone at no charge. o You are responsible for the care and maintenance of the garment bag as well. It is part of the uniform issue, It should be clean, dry and properly labeled at all times. o At no time should students perform in soiled jackets. Ruffled Bib Care o Ruffled bibs may be properly washed in the washing machine. o Bibs must be washed on the delicate cycle, using cold water and a mild detergent. o Do not use any form of a bleach. Wash separate from other clothing. o If bibs become stained or soiled, immediate washing will prevent stains from setting in. Avoid spot treatments. o To dry place bib in the dryer on the cool setting. Immediately remove bib when cycle is complete. Once removed, hold bib at neck and waist area. Gently pull bib outward as if to stretch bib. This will fluff up the ruffle. o Do not iron the ruffles. This will just flatten and ruin the ruffle. Immediately removing the bib from the dryer and a quick pull will avoid wrinkles. o Once completed, return bib to the garment bag on a hanger. o At no time should students perform in soiled bibs. Cummerbund/Drop o Cummerbund and drop, if handled properly, do not need to be dry cleaned unless soiled. o Once used, the cummerbund should be hung on the hanger or carefully rolled up and placed in a plastic zip lock bag. o If the cummerbund becomes wet, hang to air dry. Do not place in a plastic bag if damp, be sure it is fully dry. o Cummerbund can not be washed in the washing machine. They must be dry cleaned only. Pant Care o Pants must be dry cleaned only. Do not iron. o You are responsible for a proper hem upon issuance of the uniform. This should be completed by the following performance. If necessary take the garment to a tailor. o At no time should you cut any material from the hem. o You are responsible for repairing any seams or holes in the garment. o Once used, pants should be properly hung and air dried in an open area. o If pants become wrinkled they must be dry cleaned to maintain the crisp look. o Check pants following each performance, games or competitions, for soiled areas. Especially to the bottom area. Have dry cleaned, if soiled, so that the stains will not set in. o If pants become spotted with mud, do not try to remove mud until it has fully dried. Once muddied area is dry, take a soft brush and brush off as much dry dirt as you can. Then take a damp cloth and gently pat over affected area. Once again allow the muddied area to fully dry and brush off as previously. If the second treatment does not fully clean the area the pants will need to be dry cleaned. o The suspenders must remain attached to the uniform at all times. o At no time should a student perform in wrinkled pants. Skirt Care o Hand wash with a mild detergent with cold water and drip dry only. o At no time should a student perform in a soiled or wrinkled garment. Blouse Care o Hand wash with a mild detergent and drip dry only. Do not iron sequins. o At no time should a student perform in a soiled or wrinkled garment. Band Shoe Care o You are responsible for the care and maintenance of band shoes. Proper care will allow further use of the shoes. o Upon each use, shoes should be wiped down with a damp rag. If soiled areas need further cleaning, try a small amount of dish washer liquid. o The band shoes are leather and need to be cared for accordingly. o Once clean and dry, shoes should be placed in a plastic bag to avoid further soiling. o If shoes become wet, place them in an open area and allow to air dry. o Shoes are not to be carried in the plastic garment bag with the uniform. o At no time should any student perform in soiled shoes. Gloves o Machine-wash the white gloves to keep them white. If necessary, use only a NON-CHLORINE bleach. Line dry. o Machine-wash the black gloves to keep them clean. Return to Top of page Instrument Care Guidelines All instruments provided to students by the Director are the property of the Billerica Public Schools. Students will be held responsible for, and are expected to maintain, store, and transport all instruments and equipment issued in such a way to prevent theft or damage to the equipment. Once issued to the student the student will be held responsible for payment (at the current new replacement cost) of any items lost, stolen or damaged. All instruments should be signed into the director at the end of the school year General When not in use, lock your instrument(s) in the band room or band storage area that has been designated. Never leave your instrument(s) unattended, on the ground or near feet. Do NOT attempt to fix any instrument as you will be held responsible for any damage that may result. Do not let another student use an instrument that has been issued to you. To do so will lead to a detention with the Director. Clean and polish your instrument before every performance. Return to Top of page Woodwind Instruments Carry two (2) new spare reeds at all times. Chipped, split or mushy, over-played reeds will affect tone quality and intonation. Swab out the instrument after each use with an appropriate cleaning swab. Then return the instrument to its case for proper storage. Clean all joints and grease all corks periodically. Use a soft cloth to wipe down all keys, pads, rods, and the outside of the instrument to remove dirt, oils, and finger prints. If necessary, use a damp cloth to remove dried materials or stubborn spots. DO NOT use any abrasives on the instrument. Bring to the Director's attention any loose screws, pads, felts, corks, or broken springs. The metals, these instruments are made of, bend and dent easily. Take special care not to bend any keys, rods, or posts----especially when putting the instrument together or placing it down. Wash out the mouthpiece(s) with warm soapy water to avoid mold and bacteria. DO NOT place the body of the instrument in water. Remove the reed from the mouthpiece at the end of each practice session to allow the reed (and mouthpiece) to dry properly. If mold develops on the reed, discard it. DO NOT DROP the instrument. Don't trust a neck strap to hold the instrument, use your hands. Return to Top of page Brass Instruments Have a bottle of valve oil with you at all times. (purchase it at any local music store). After each use, empty instrument of spit and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Remove the mouthpiece and return the instrument to its case for storage. If a mouthpiece becomes stuck, DO NOT attempt to remove it. It is very easy to dent, bend or crush the lead pipe or break the support welds when trying to remove it. Bring the instrument to the Director, who will use a special tool designed to remove the mouthpiece without damaging the instrument. Clean and oil or grease all valves and slides to keep the free moving. Proper care will prevent tuning slides from sticking and vales from moving slowly. When setting the instrument down. Take care to avoid hitting it against another object. Brass is considered to be a soft metal and it dents easily. Never stand the instrument on its bell. It causes the instrument to be top heavy and can be easily knocked over. Proper care of the instrument will reduce the need to bathe the instrument, but at least once a month during heavy usage: o Remove all valves and slides, THEN...... o Bathe the instrument in warm water. Use a cleaning snake to brush out the piping and the mouthpiece. DO NOT use abrasive or heavy soap. After cleaning, turn the instrument back and forth gentle to remove water, then place it on a soft cloth to air dry. (It generally takes one or two nights to dry.) Remove water spots with a soft cloth. If you have questions about bathing an instrument, talk to the director. o Use a soft cloth or very soft brush to clean the valves. Dry, then you must oil or grease them before putting them back in the dry instrument. o Use a snake to clean out the pipes of the slides. Dry , then you must oil or grease them before putting them back on the dry instrument. Return to Top of page Percussion Instruments Clean your assigned instrument(s) before each performance. You must provide the appropriate cleaning solution (such as Windex or cymbal polish). Use proper playing technique at all times to avoid damage. If an instrument is damaged by carelessness or improper playing techniques, the student will be held responsible for the cost to repair or replace it. DO NOT adjust drum heads or strings at any time unless the Director or the drum instructor has asked you to do so. If the instrument gets wet, wipe it down with a soft cloth after bringing it inside. This will avoid water spots. Return the instrument(s) to the appropriate storage area(s) after each rehearsal. This includes mallets, sticks, and beaters. All mallets and sticks are School property. If lost, damaged, or improperly decorated the student will be held responsible for replacement costs. Return to Top of page Color Guard Equipment Guidelines It is your responsibility to make sure that your assigned flags, props, and other equipment is in performance condition at all times. Each piece of equipment will be numbered to help you keep track of it. When necessary pick up your assigned flags upon return to the High School. They are to be brought home, cleaned, hung on a hanger, labeled with your name on a piece paper attached to the hanger, and returned no later than 4:30 PM on the following Thursday unless the director instructs you differently. At no time should safety pins be used to secure flags to hangers. Return your flags as instructed so that they can be put back on the poles prior to departure for football games, competitions and parades. To keep flags in performance condition, they should be: o hand-washed in cool water using a mild detergent o drip dried o ironed with a cool iron o folded carefully over a hanger, to avoid wrinkles o If a flag needs repair, talk to Mrs. Burns or Director o Flags stuffed in a bag will not be accepted o Any flags returned after Thursday will not be ready for performance o At no time should safety pins be used to secure flags to hangers Return to Top of page Billerica Friends of Music Area of Responsibility The Billerica Friends of Music is a Non-Profit Organization that is set up to support the Music Directors of the Billerica Public School's Music Programs. It is made up of family and friends of students that are now, or have participated in one or more of the music programs offered. There is a small yearly fee to become a member, which entitles you to newsletters and voting rights pertaining to the organizations activities. The organization is primarily involved in fund-raising activities for the students. There are monthly Sub Sales & Bottle Drives, Candy Sales, Competition Ad Book Sales, and other activities geared to raise funds for the students. The organization also provides volunteer help for many activities such as transportation, constructing props, moving equipment, providing scholarships to graduating students, and many social events all in support of the Billerica Public Schools Music Programs. Individual Student Accounts are maintained for all Marching Band & Color Guard students. The account tracks all the money fund raised or paid by check by the student. Monthly statements are sent to parents as to the balance in the accounts. All fund raised money in student accounts belongs to the organization and can not be used for individual purposes. There is an associated cost, which is outside of the School Departments budget, in being a member of the Marching Band & Color Guard. This amount is budgeted by the Billerica Friends of Music at the beginning of the school year, at the first General Meeting. There are then assessments made to each student account based on the assessment schedule that was voted. Assessments are charged to each student account and parents are held responsible to maintain a positive balance in the account at all times by either Fund-raising efforts or payment by check. In the past this amount has been from $300 to $400 for the season. Volunteer As with any organization it seems that a few usually do the bulk of the work needed to support the organization. What many don't realize is the enjoyment and satisfaction you receive by contributing your time and effort to the common cause. Don't be left on the outskirts as a spectator, get involved, be a participant. Realize how it feels to help these students to achieve their goals. Volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to help with any of the activities of the Friends of Music please contact anyone on the Executive Board or the High School Steering Committee. There is a spot for you no matter how much or how little time you can give. BFOM General Meetings Come to the monthly meeting and find out what's coming up. Members of Billerica Friends Of Music can vote on important issues for the year. The Monthly General meeting is usually on the 2nd Tuesday night of the month at 7:30PM in the High School Lecture hall. The following dates were the proposed dates at the time this book was published. They may change, you will be notified if there is a change. Sept Budgets discussed , Oct Field Show ,Nov , Dec , Jan Scholarship Board , Feb, March, April Nominations Committee, May Elections Executive Board Chairperson Jim Bradley Recording Secretary Cathy Burns Treasurer Stacey Hubbard Corresponding Secretary Diane Douglas Members at Large Steve Burns Maureen Tainter Claire MacKenzie President High School President Middle School Kristyn Mitchell President Elementary. Donna Bunker Director of Music Stephen Correia BMHS, 35 River St. 978-436-9329 Return to Top of page Fund-Raising Ad Book This is a very successful fundraising opportunity available to those students in the High School Marching Band & Color Guard. The fund raiser yields a large profit with minimal effort on those participating. From Aug. 30, through Sept. 24, students are encouraged to sell advertising space for the Program/ Ad Book that is sold at the annual Billerica Invitational Field Show Instructions and rules regarding the sale of Advertisements for this book will be distributed at our beginning of the year meeting. Net sales to the student accounts range from $10 to $1,000 depending on the number of ads sold. Sale of the advertisements is very simple and you will find that many local businesses welcome the opportunity to support this effort. Sub Sale Our monthly Sub Sales This is another excellent way to raise money for your student account. Subs are sold monthly for $3.50 each. Students and parents gather at the High School Cafe on Friday night and Sat morning to assemble and distribute the Subs. Students can raise on average $1.20 for every sub sold. i.e. If you sell 35 subs per month for each of the 9 monthly sales your account will be credited with approximately = $378.00. Scheduled Fund- Raisers coordinators Car Wash (August) Ad Book (September) Monthly Sub Sale Fried Dough (Yankee Doodle) Little Ceasar's Pizza (October) Butter Braid Dough (November) Submitting Money All moneys submitted to the Billerica Friends of Music, either for payment to keep account totals positive or for payment of collection of a fund raiser event, must be in the form of a check or money order. The Billerica Friends of Music will not take responsibility for any payments made in cash. Your Canceled Check is your receipt. All checks should be made out to the Billerica Friends of Music and should have the students name along with reason for the check. ..i.e............Memo: (John Smith, Jan. Sub Sale) or (Jane Doe, Mar. Assessment) Return of uniforms and equipment policy All material and equipment, whether it be uniforms, instruments, or accessories, bought through the Friends of Music accounts must be returned to the Friends of Music at the end of the season or upon request. If a student acquires material or is required to purchase items with funds other than the funds in their account they are free to retain only such material. Return to Top of page | 
