Communication:
Communication is essential for success in any activity. Students will be given a great deal of
information and instructions by their band directors, marching staff, drum majors and section
leaders. Whenever possible, this information will be posted on the home page at www.nchsbands.info.
It is imperative that students keep their parents informed of relevant information so that problems
can be avoided whenever possible. All rehearsal and performance dates are posted on the Main
Calendar of the website; and updated information and instructions are also posted on the home page
of the website. Please make it a habit to check the website daily.
Attendance:
Band camp and all scheduled rehearsals and performances are mandatory. The only exception to this
rule is personal illness, a wedding (family), religious observance or family emergency. In the event
you must miss or be tardy to a scheduled rehearsal or performance, you must fill out an absence form.
Missing rehearsal for homework is not an acceptable excuse. Part of your commitment to the band is
being able to plan your study schedule around the band schedule.
While we strive for optimum attendance, we know that the average band member is a busy person. All
we ask is that you keep the lines of communication open and make sure you notify us of any conflicts.
This policy insures 100 percent attendance and gives the group the best chance of success! This
policy is also consistent with other school activities.
While we urge you to avoid any scheduling conflicts with our rehearsal and performance times;
however, we realize sometimes conflicts are unavoidable. We are flexible and willing to try to work
around any scheduling roadblocks. Please see Mr. Alstadt or Mr. Silder to discuss an arrangement
that can keep you involved!
Rehearsals:
Marching band rehearsals begin in early August, with band camp. Typically, band camp consists of
approximately one week at NCHS ("pre-camp") and one week at an out-of-town camp. Attendance is required at band camp. Further details about band camp will be explained at the band parent meeting in the
Spring. Once school begins, the marching band rehearses every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after
school. Additional rehearsals are held prior to home football games and all competitions days.
The following are some tips and guidelines with regard to rehearsals:
- Proper footwear must be worn at rehearsals. Sneakers, athletic shoes or marching shoes are the only
acceptable shoes to be worn at rehearsals. "Skate shoes," flip-flops and sandals are not
acceptable.
- Wear comfortable clothing such as t-shirts and sweats or shorts. Please dress for the weather, as we
will rehearse outside.
- Rehearsals will begin and end on time. To be "on time" is to be late!
- The staff makes a commitment toward using your time as efficiently as possible. We carefuly plan and
prepare each rehearsal so as not to waste your time. To that end, we ask the same of band members.
Talking during rehearsal must be limited to matters involving rehearsal and must not disrupt the
efforts of the instructors.
- The following items must be brought to every rehearsal: instrument (with proper equipment), dot book,
pencil, music stand (to be locked in band locker for outside rehearsals).
Travel / Trip Information:
The Marching Redhawks will travel to off-campus locations, including overnight trips, such as
parades at Walt Disney World, competitions, and other high visible functions.. In 2001, 2002 and
2003, the Marching Redhawks were invited to march in the nationally-televised Target Thanksgiving
Day Parade in Chicago. They were also invited to participate in the Dan Shanower Memorial Dedication
Ceremony in Naperville. In 2004, they were chosen to participate in the Nicolas Cage movie, "The
Weatherman" (listen to them playing the school song at the end of the movie while the credits run). Trips to Disney World occur every other year.
On such occasions, it is imperative that while having fun, we conduct ourselves as gracious guests
and make sure our actions do nothing to taint the fine reputation of Naperville Central High School.
Some guidelines for out-of-town trips follow:
- You will sign up in advance for the bus you will ride and for your rooms (overnight trips).
- Bus loading time will always be announced at rehearsals and posted on the bulletin board and the
website.
- Many people use the bus trip to sleep or study. Everyone on both buses must be mindful of this and
act accordingly. Everyone on all buses are bound by the rules as outlined in "Positive
Participation" and "special concerns" in the handbook.
- Absolutely NO flash photos are to be taken on the buses while they are moving. This is a danger to the bus driver.
- During the entire duration of the trip, every member of the Marching Redhawks is an official
representative of Naperville Central High School and is expected to act accordingly.
Performances:
Each year, the marching band performs at Naperville's Labor Day "Last Fling" Parade, all home
football games (including play-off games), marching band competitions, and the Naperville Memorial
Day Parade. From time to time, the Marching Redhawks are invited to participate in other performance
opportunities.
Please be aware that the Marching Redhawks sometimes perform in the rain (we provide raincoats). Please do not assume there is no performance due to weather. Always check with your section leader for information and instructions.
Uniform Guidelines
The uniforms of the Marching Redhawks are new and in great condition, and we hope to keep them
looking new for as long as possible. A significant amount of money has been invested not only in the
uniforms, but also in a uniform storage.
- Uniforms are to be neatly hung on the uniform racks in garment bags. Gauntlets and gloves are to be stored in the zipper pouch of the garment bag.
- You are not to eat while in uniform.
- Hats are to be stored upright in their boxes. Hats should never be placed down on their tops.
- Shoes, socks and black Under Armor shirts are to be taken home and cleaned after each performance. They are NEVER to be left in the garment bag or on the uniform racks.
- Shoes are to be clean and polished.
- Your entire uniform, including gauntlets, must be worn at all performances.
- Uniforms must look neat at all times. "Wrinkled" uniforms are not acceptable. You will NOT
be allowed to march if your uniform does not look anything less that perfect.
- Make sure the bottoms of the pants legs are hemmed and NOT dragging on the ground!! They should be
hemmed two inches from the floor, while wearing your marching shoes. Hems should be sewn, not pinned
or taped. There will be a "pants check" to ensure this is enforced! All pants must be hemmed
before the final day of band camp. If you do not know of anyone who can properly hem your pants,
arrangements can be made for you to have them done at very reasonable cost. If you need help, please
contact uniform coordinator, Mrs. Oliver.
- Socks are to be BLACK and MATCHING.
- Black shirts are REQUIRED to be worn under the uniform (we recommend Under Armor.)
- Jackets are always to be completely zipped and hooked - unless otherwise told.
- Hair is to be up in the hats - including "tails"; hair must be over the collar. Hair bands
and barrettes need to be neutral.
- No jewelry.
- No make up, unless in the Guard, as part of the 'costume.'
- No running, swearing, or disrespect in uniform...EVER!!!
- Sunglasses may not be worn during any performances.
- Options for short trips 1) Remove the coat and hat or 2) Wear the coat completely: snapped collar
and zipped up all the way. The simple basic rule is: If you have the coat on, wear it as a uniform
or take the coat completely off and carry it. One or the other - no middle ground - ever!
- Sometimes we may do a show in our band t-shirts, in this case everyone will wear the show t-shirt,
which you are required to purchase.
The Marching Redhawks uniform provided by NCHS consists of:
- Black "bib" pants
- Red jacket
- Gauntlets
(percussionists purchase their gauntlets)
- Black hat and plume
- Raincoat
In addition, each student must purchase the following:
- Black marching shoes
- Black socks
- Black Under Armour shirt (long and/or short sleeve)
- Black gloves
- Marching Band t-shirt
- Garment bag (purchased once and re-used from year to year)
Uniforms are dry cleaned before distribution to students. It is the student's responsibility to have
a complete clean, pressed uniform and polished shoes for all performances.
Uniform Collection:
After the Memorial Day Parade, uniforms will be collected by our team of uniform volunteers. Please
note that you will receive a bill for any missing, torn, stained, or otherwise damaged pieces of
your uniform. |
