Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Bay Rocket Marching Band Members:
Greetings! We are looking forward to another great marching band season this year. I want to first make sure you have subscribed to emails on our Bay Music Boosters website. Please ensure we have an up-to-date email address for you, and that the current performing group(s) your student participates in are selected (i.e. marching band, concert band, jazz ensemble, etc.). We will send out important information throughout the year using the email address you provide.
On the Booster website, you can also find the instrumental music schedule, announcements, and music forms. It is a great place to go when you have a question about a date, time, or procedure.
Practice Schedule
Percussion Camp July 30-31, Aug. 4-6, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
All Freshmen (and any new Marching Band Members), Squad Leaders, and Field Commanders Aug. 5-6, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
All Marching Band Members Aug. 7-8, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Full Band Camp (All Marching Band Members) Aug. 11–14, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Aug. 15, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (PICTURE DAY for marching band)
Convocation Performance (All Marching Band Members) Aug. 18, 8:45 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Practices continue throughout August and into the fall season. Please make sure you follow the Band Calendar that is posted on the Boosters’ website.
Other important dates to note include:
Thursday, Aug. 7th, 6:30 p.m.—Marching band meeting/picnic for all parents
Saturday, Aug. 16th, 9:00 a.m.—Door-to-door fundraiser—everyone is required
Friday, Aug. 22, First football game—Away @ Ashland High School
Additional information about these dates and others will be distributed during the week of Band Camp. Please mark your calendars now. If you have a conflict, please let me know as soon as you know about it. One person missing leaves a hole in our performance. All these students made a commitment to this group, and work, birthdays, Guardians tickets, dinner conflicts, rock concerts, etc. are not acceptable excuses for missing practices or performances.
We will obtain your student’s Emergency Medical Form from Bay High School. You will receive a link to fill it out from the High School sometime over the summer. Please make sure you fill it out before Aug. 8th so we have it well before the first football game.
Please note that again this year, I am asking every marcher to have a binder with non-glare sleeves that they will use to put their music and drill charts in. This will help students hold onto their music throughout the marching band season. We will begin using the binders at our first rehearsal. Please also remember that shoes appropriate for marching are required at our practices (i.e. tennis shoes—no flip-flops or heels). Students with inappropriate footwear will be asked to get some before practicing. As always, it will be very hot, so use sunscreen, eat a good breakfast, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
I am looking forward to hearing this wonderful group of students, plus we have some great shows planned for this year! If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your support!
Musically Yours,
Darren Allen, Director of Bands