SPECIAL EVENTS
From time to time, special events may arise in addition to school ball games, contests, parades, concerts, and other such appearances. Participation in special events not previously scheduled will be at the discretion of the band director and school officials after conferring with the band regarding the feasibility of the event. The band is not able to accept all invitations for obvious reasons and is not able to do instant performances. It is the policy of the band to cooperate as much as possible with special requests for performances.
CHEROKEE BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL COLOR GUARD
The Color Guard is a performing unit of the Marching Band. It is an extracurricular activity. Auditions take place each Spring and are open to all students who will be enrolled at Cherokee Bluff HS for the following year. Once selected, Color Guard students are considered full members of the band program and are expected to abide by all rules and regulations. If a student plays an instrument in band, they are encouraged to continue as part of the regular school curriculum.
Color Guard is a physically demanding activity. Students should plan accordingly. Exercise and conditioning are crucial. You will be working outside in hot weather for much of the marching season. Your stamina will increase with repetition.
Color Guard members may earn a varsity letter by attending ALL rehearsals and performances of the marching band, beginning with the week prior to band camp. EXCUSED absences from school is the only acceptable reason to miss practice. Each Color Guard member will be allowed one absence for reasons not accepted by the school as “excused.” After this, any unexcused absence will result in the student being unable to earn a letter.
WINTER GUARD
The Winter Guard is an indoor performing group similar to the marching band color guard. The rehearsal and performance schedule begins in November and runs through April. It is a demanding activity from both a physical and time commitment standpoint. Students may earn a varsity letter using the same criteria as for the Fall Color Guard. Students participating in both activities will receive a special insert for the varsity letter.
Color Guard is a physically demanding activity. Students should plan accordingly. Exercise and conditioning are crucial. You will be working outside in hot weather for much of the marching season. Your stamina will increase with repetition.
Color Guard members may earn a varsity letter by attending ALL rehearsals and performances of the marching band, beginning with the week prior to band camp. EXCUSED absences from school is the only acceptable reason to miss practice. Each Color Guard member will be allowed one absence for reasons not accepted by the school as “excused.” After this, any unexcused absence will result in the student being unable to earn a letter.
WINTER GUARD
The Winter Guard is an indoor performing group similar to the marching band color guard. The rehearsal and performance schedule begins in November and runs through April. It is a demanding activity from both a physical and time commitment standpoint. Students may earn a varsity letter using the same criteria as for the Fall Color Guard. Students participating in both activities will receive a special insert for the varsity letter.
ALTERNATE MEMBERS FOR MARCHING BAND
A marching band show is a combination of musical and visual elements coming together. When individuals are absent, holes develop in the form of the show; holes that are both distracting to the audience/adjudicators and confusing to members of the band on the field. It is CRITICAL to “fill in” the spots with alternate members who are enthusiastic and willing to learn new material at a rapid pace.
The marching routine will be written for a set number of positions. Approximately 6 positions will be “alternate” positions. TWO members will learn these spots. Spot assignment will be made by the band director based on attendance, effort, and rehearsal attitude. One member will “shadow” the spot on the alternate run-throughs.
Alternates:
The marching routine will be written for a set number of positions. Approximately 6 positions will be “alternate” positions. TWO members will learn these spots. Spot assignment will be made by the band director based on attendance, effort, and rehearsal attitude. One member will “shadow” the spot on the alternate run-throughs.
Alternates:
- Are considered full members of the band. They attend ALL functions and receive ALL benefits.
- Will perform at two home and two away football games to be determined by the director.
- Will become a “permanent” member if any positions become vacant due to illness, absence, or behavior concerns (Unexcused).
- Will assist with equipment (Podium, percussion, props, field markers, etc.)
- Will march a position temporarily to fill in for excused absences.
- Will march all parades and perform at all “stand-still” functions.