How to Survive Band & Guard

A Manual for New Parents

This manual comes with the promise that you will survive and that there are other parents who will help you along the way!

General Information About Union Bands

General Information About Renegade Regiment

Contact Information for the Staff/Faculty

The Union Band Parents Club, Inc. (UBPC) is the booster organization for Union Bands. The bylaws are available for download at www.UnionBands.com. UBPC is a 501c3 organization sanctioned through the Union Public School system. The purpose of the UBPC is to support the Union Band program by assisting with uniforms, fundraising, food, merchandise, special events coordination, and financial support for the more than 1,100 band students as well as the Union Bands Staff.

Membership Information

Volunteer Information

Contact Information for UBPC

There are 7 primary forms of communication in the Band/Guard World.

Website

• Regular Updates: Visit www.UnionBands.com for event information, schedules, and announcements.

• Google Calendar: Follow the tutorial on adding the Band/Guard Google calendar: Watch Video.

BAND APP

Small Group Communication: Invites are sent throughout the year to facilitate specific group communications.

Section Parent Groups: Each section will have a group for parents to receive information, ask questions and support their student’s section.

• Etiquette:

• Use the heart emoji to acknowledge messages.

• Direct questions to the appropriate individuals instead of the whole group.

PRESTO

Track Student Accounts: Access via UnionBands.com/PRESTO or Presto Assistant.

• Login: Use the organization code "unionband".

• Tutorials: For help with accessing your account, refer to the Welcome Email.

• Support: Contact Michelle Warren at cfo@unionbands.com for assistance.

Weekly Beat

Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter to keep up to date on the most recent events/opportunities.

Social Media

• Follow us on Twitter: @UnionBands

• Follow us on Instagram: @UnionBands

• Follow us on our Facebook pages: 

  • Union Bands & Renegade Regiment: The Union High School Marching Band

  • Union High School Band Parents

GroupMe

Small Group Communication: Used by students to communicate with their sections.

Canvas

Canvas is used mostly for information coming directly from the band/guard teaching staff to students. Here is a how-to sheet for parents to sign up to observe in Canvas:

Payments: Details available at Student Accounts.

• Payment Methods: Pay online via Presto Assistant, or use cash, check, or money order. When paying in person, use provided payment envelopes and include all relevant documentation.

Basic Information

• Year-Round Fundraisers: Information available at Fundraising.

• Order Deadlines: Submit orders online or contact fundraising@unionbands.com for assistance.

Turning in Orders and Money

• Preparation:

• Turn in orders by (or before) the deadline. This is necessary to ensure your sales are included in the items ordered from the vendor.

• Ensure all money is counted before submission.

• Label submissions with the student’s full name, grade, amount enclosed and fees or fundraiser to be paid.

• Tips: Group like bills, avoid sealing envelopes until counted, and separate checks from cash.

Get Involved

• Ideas & Assistance: If you have fundraising ideas or want to help, email fundraising@unionbands.com.

Raise Right

• Rebates for Shopping: Sign up at Raise Right to earn rebates for your student’s account. It’s an easy way to make $15, $30 , $100 or more into your account.

• E-Gift Cards: Purchase and use e-gift cards anytime to earn rebates. NOTE: Physical cards are not available for order through UBPC.

Offsite Work Opportunities

• Drillers/Roughnecks: Details available at OneOK Field.

• Tuttle Concessions: For more information, visit Concessions.

July/August Band Camp

• Schedule: Begins in July; details available in the band calendar.

• Arrival Time: Arrive between 6:30-6:40 am for a 7 am start.

• Supplies:

• Required and Provided: Dot book and nail pouch.

• Recommended:

• Pencil

• Athletic shoes

• hat

• light colored clothing

• large water bottle

• snacks

• lunch money

• rescue inhaler

• hair ties

• handkerchief or bandana

• sunscreen

Rehearsals Once School Starts

• Morning & Evening Sessions: Monday to Friday at 7 am, and Thursday evenings from 4-8 pm.

• Sectionals: Held on various days and times.

• Guard  | Mondays, 4:30-6:30pm | exception: Tues. Sept. 3,  4:30-6:30pm

• Percussion  | Mondays, 4-6:30pm | exception: Tues. Sept. 3, 4-6:30pM

• Brasses & Woodwinds  | Tuesdays, 4-6pm | exception: Thurs. Aug. 29, 4-6pm & Thurs. Oct. 31 4-6pm 

• Required Items: Rehearsal clothes, water, instrument, dot book, nail pouch, pencil, and sunscreen.

Freshman Transportation

• District Shuttle Bus:

• Available for transportation to the 9th-grade center after 1st hour.

• Provided for all after-school rehearsals.

Marching Season Commitments (Late July - Late November)

• Schedule of Events:

• All rehearsals, performances and events can be found at RRSchedule

• Band Performances:

• Required at all home football games.

• Pep Band:

• Attends away games unless the full band is traveling (refer to the calendar).

• Saturday Rehearsals/Competitions:

• Frequent Saturday rehearsals or competitions.

• Travel by bus to other cities for competitions; late returns expected (check the calendar).

• 10-minute warning given when returning to notify parents for pick-up.

• Students must assist in unloading buses and trucks post-competition.

End of Rehearsal

• Additional Time:

• Plan for an extra 15-20 minutes after rehearsal ends for packing up, small section meetings, and gathering belongings.

PICK UP / DROP OFF

• TIMING

  • Generally speaking, the UHS Band Building is open approximately 30 minutes prior to a scheduled rehearsal, event, or class period.

  • Students should be picked up from campus no later than 30 minutes following the scheduled conclusion of a rehearsal, concert, performance, or other event, including following return from off-campus travel.

• LOCATIONS

  • UHS Bus Loop

    • Use of the UHS Bus Loop for Picking-Up and/or Dropping-Off a student when buses are occupying / entering / exiting the loop is prohibited.

    • Leaving a vehicle unattended on the Bus Loop during Pick Up times is prohibited.

    • The left lane of the Bus Loop should always remain clear for passing traffic; please do not park in the left lane.

  • Planning a pre-designated meeting place on campus with your child OTHER THAN the bus loop is a good practice. The South Drive of UHS, located just west of the Stadium main entrance, is recommended.

Hydration

• Daily Intake:

• Drink at least 4 liters of water daily.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks during band camp; reduce caffeine to one per day beforehand.

• Set daily reminders to drink water (e.g., 16 oz at 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm).

Nutrition

• Diet Tips:

• Avoid excessive sugary and fatty foods.

• Focus on proteins for muscle strength and complex carbohydrates for energy.

• Balance diet with fruits and vegetables.

Rest

• Sleep Requirements:

• Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep nightly.

• Optimal sleep duration is 8 hours and 15 minutes for better refreshment and readiness.

• Avoid waking up too early to prevent grogginess and disorientation.

• Ensure good sleep before the marching season and school year start.

• Rest Day:

• Day 7 of any workout plan should be a rest day. Avoid heavy lifting or intensive sports.

• Listen to your body and back off in intensity if injured.

HYGIENE

• Daily bathing

• Use of Antiperspirant / Deodarant

See our other information and resources about Hydration, Nutrition, Rest, and Hygiene HERE

Uniform Coordinators

• Role: Part of the elected UBPC Board of Directors.

• Volunteers: No previous experience required, just a desire to help.

How Parents Can Help with Uniforms

• Fittings:

• Over 300 instrumental students need concert and marching uniforms.

• 30+ guard members need fall and winter costumes.

• Member Gear Distribution:

• Distribute shirts, shorts, shoes, gloves, hoodies, juguzzis, sling bags, & duffels.

• Help needed for around 1,000 pieces.

• Football Games:

• Before: Move uniform carts, help students dress & tape gloves, assist with forgotten items, load/unload carts.

• During: Help with plumes during halftime (2nd to 3rd quarter).

• After: Help hang uniforms, tidy up, verify all items are stored correctly.

• Competitions:

• Similar tasks as football games, often done twice in one day.

• Washing Uniforms:

• Volunteers needed to wash uniforms multiple times during the season.

• Uniform Returns:

• Help students return concert uniforms after the last concert.

Fittings: Over the summer. Volunteer by emailing uniforms@unionbands.com.

• Attire for Fittings:

• Easily changeable clothes and sliders (compression shorts).

• Girls: cami or fitted t-shirt, no bulky clothes.

• Hair: same style as during performances; long hair in a bun.

Marching Uniform Details

• Provided by Union High School: Uniform jacket, bib pants, gauntlets.

• Gloves: One pair for wind instrument players, an extra pair for Renegade Regiment.

• Shako: Assigned to Renegade Regiment (except front ensemble percussion and Tubas).

• Not Included:

• Sliders: Black compression shorts.

• Socks: Black, halfway up the calf.

• Shoes: Black marching shoes (approximately $40/pair).

Care Instructions

• Marching Uniform: Stored on carts in the uniform room. Report lost items to a uniform director (uniforms@unionbands.com).

Concert Band Uniform Information

• Provided:

• Males: Tuxedo jacket, pants, bow tie, cummerbund.

• Females: Concert top, pants.

• Garment Bags: Based on availability.

• Not Included:

• Shoes: Black dress shoes.

• Socks/Stockings: Black dress socks or black/nude stockings.

• Tuxedo Shirt: White tuxedo shirt (available at J.C. Penney, Al's Formal Wear, etc.).

• Cummerbund Pleats: Wear pleats down.

Care Instructions

• Concert Uniform: Stored at home, preferably in a closet. Report lost items to a uniform director. Tuxedos are dry-clean only.

Color Guard Uniforms/Costumes

• Included: Costumes for each production.

• Storage: Fall season costumes stored with marching band uniforms; winter guard costumes have designated storage.

• Not Included: Additional items like body tights communicated by the guard director.

• Care: Do not wash at home; guard moms will wash as needed.

• Ownership: Fall uniforms are UBPC property and must be returned.

What is Member Gear?

• Description: Essential items for all high school band & guard students.

• Investment: Generally one-time unless replacements are needed.

Ordering Member Gear

• New Members: Need all gear.

• Returning Members: Only order if items are outgrown, need replacement, or want additional items.

Forgot Socks or Shoes?

• Socks: Available for $5/pair, billed through the Presto store.

• Shoes: Available to borrow by trading an item (e.g., street shoes or student ID).

• Limit: Borrowing shoes is limited to twice per season.

• Other Items: Shirts, shorts, juguzzis, & cinch bags must be purchased.

Supporting the Renegade Regiment

• Presence: Attend football games, competitive performances, and end-of-rehearsal run-throughs.

• Cheering: Clap, cheer, and whistle (before and after performances only).

Sportsmanship

• No Jeering: Do not shout rudely at other bands.

• Applaud Competitors: Display excellent sportsmanship.

Social Media

• Conduct: Avoid posting negative comments or anything other than sportsmanship and humility.

• Parents: Expected to follow the same guidelines.

• Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, don't post.

General Travel Tips

• Hygiene Bag: Pack an extra toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush, and feminine hygiene products.

• Extra Items: Pack extra underwear, socks, a hoodie, and flip-flops/slides.

• Chargers: Bring your charger and a portable charger for long trips.

Bus Travel

• Food: Snacks and screw-top drinks are allowed. Keep the bus clean.

• Entertainment:

• Movies (PG-13 or lower) at the Director's discretion.

• Coloring books, reading, and homework (for eligibility).

• Staying Connected:

• Electrical outlets and Wi-Fi (not always reliable).

• Portable chargers and data plan top-ups recommended.

• Sleeping:

• Blankets and pillows allowed, but no sharing.

• Boys sit with boys, girls with girls, no couples together in the dark.

Band and Guard have their own lingo. Here’s your crash course!

8 to 5 - 8 to 5 describes the perfect step distance to achieve 8 steps per 5 yards on the marching field.  Also, one hour longer than Dolly Parton’s work hours.

Banquet - Held annually in late April or early May, Band Banquet is an evening of food, awards, coronation, memories, and dancing.  While the event is for the students, parents are welcome and invited to join us for this wonderful evening.

Battery - The battery is the percussion of a marching band that is on the football field proper.  Also sometimes called Drum Line, the battery is comprised of snare drums, quad drums, flub drums, and bass drums. 

Box 5 - A commonly-used term in the Drum Corps and Marching Band communities used to describe things as very, very good.  Derived from the judging sheets of marching competitions in which the fifth box is the highest score for a specific section.

Bibs - Marching Bibs are black pants that are like ski bibs.  They have straps that go over the shoulder and zip in the front.

BOA - BOA stands for Bands of America and is a program of Music for All.  Super Regionals Championships and Grand Nationals in Indianapolis are hosted by BOA.

Brass - The brass, AKA brasses, are the non-woodwind wind players of the band.  Their instruments are made out of brass.  Examples: Trumpet, Tuba, Mellophone, Trombone, French Horn, etc.  Brass players love to toot their own horn.

Concert Attire

Guys: tuxedo jacket and pants, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks, white tuxedo shirt. 

Gals:  concert top and concert pants.  Both wear black dress shoes.

Concessions - Concessions refers to working Concessions at Union High School Tuttle Stadium during football games, soccer games and other activities held at Tuttle Stadium. 

Dot - If you were a pirate, then “x” would mark the spot.  If you are a marching band student, then the dot marks your spot.  There isn’t usually a real dot, but the dot is marked in your dot book.  There is also not a treasure at the dot.  Perhaps being a pirate would be more fun than band?

Dot Book - A book of dots showing the drill of a marching guard/band member. 

Drill - Drill refers to the movement of a band or guard member on the marching field.  When your student comes home and says, “We learned our drill for the ballad today”, you know that he/she knows where to go and when to get there.  Now all they have to do is play music or spin AND add movement and/or dance to it!  Voila!  A marching show is born.

Drillers - The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club.  When you hear band folks talk about Drillers (or working Drillers), they are referring to selling concessions at OneOK Field during a Drillers game for a donation to their band account. 

Drumline - The percussion section of the marching band.

Dut - “Dut” is a verbal subdivision said in preparation of releasing a toss of a rifle or sabre in colorguard, auxiliary marching band, or winterguard.  Also knowing as subdividing, "Dutting" serves as verbal checks that are especially useful for the drumline to keep time and help enter a phrase together.

FC Tulsa - FC Tulsa is Oklahoma's premier professional soccer club that plays in the USL Championship, the second division of U.S. Soccer. FC Tulsa was founded in 2015 as Tulsa Roughnecks FC, but was relaunched under its current name prior to the 2020 season. They often play their games at OneOK Field and we work concessions to raise money for our band accounts! #winwin

Front Ensemble - The Front Ensemble of the marching band is the portion of the percussion section at the front of the field.  Their instruments typically cannot be moved around during a marching show, so they serve like a small pit orchestra might for a musical.  AKA, “the Pit”.

Gauntlets - A dress glove extending above the wrists, although ours do not have the glove part. 

Gloves - Non-slip long-wristed gloves.  Band members typically wear black; drum majors wear white.  The color guard wears nude Ever-Dri gloves with padding to protect their hands when catching tosses and frequent spinning. 

Grand Nationals - The nation’s premier high school marching band championship held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This event is hosted by BOA and Music for All.  Union Bands doesn’t usually attend every year.

Guard Gloves - The color guard wears nude Ever-Dri gloves with padding to protect their hands when catching tosses and frequent spinning. 

Gulp and Go - During marching band rehearsal, when Mr. Cole says, “grab some water”, students run off the field, "Gulp and Go" right back to their dot to continue rehearsal. You do NOT want to be the last one back to your dot…it's like a sport, really.

Hash or hash mark - The small marks that denote a yard line on the football field. 

Indoor Percussion - Indoor Percussion is a group of students that perform on only percussion instruments and compete in the late winter/spring months.  Union typically only has an indoor percussion group compete every other year.  The next competition season for Indoor Percussion will begin in January,2020.

Indy - Indianapolis: the location of Super Regionals and Grand Nationals

Jazz shoes - Jazz shoes are worn by color guard performers during marching performances.  During winter guard, performances are usually done bare footed.

Marching Jacket - The Marching Jacket is a black jacket with long sleeves and a red split U on the front.  The jacket zips in the back.

Men in Back/Men in Black - The Men in Back are our incredible Prop Dads!  They build Broadway Musical-worthy props and make them movable.  They help set the field before marching shows, they load the trucks, they eat last, and they always do it with a smile.  They always welcome more hands, so contact the Property Manager to volunteer!

Music for All - Music for All is one of the largest and most influential national music education organizations in support of active music making. Music for All is unique in that it combines programming at a national level with arts education advocacy. Bands of America (BOA) and Orchestra America are programs of Music for All, first founded in 1975, with a heritage in providing spectacular educational experiences and performance events for instrumental music programs and students.

Nailed it - A phrase often proclaimed at a marching student when they, in fact, did not nail their dot.  Occasionally, this is not used sarcastically.  It is up to the hearer to determine if they are being cheered or dissed.  Sorry; it’s actually up to Mr. Cole to determine this. 

Nail Pouch - Worn by marching members on the field during rehearsals, the nail pouches hold everything one might need including tissue, inhaler, dot book, pencil, sunscreen, etc.

Nationals - See Grand Nationals

NBDA - NBDA stands for Northeast Oklahoma Band Directors Association.  It is often used in reference to Spring Honor Band auditions, clinics, and concerts. 

OBA - OBA stands for Oklahoma Bandmasters Association.  OBA is frequently used to refer the State Championship Event of Oklahoma High School Marching Bands, and the 6A championship is often hosted at Union, Broken Arrow High School, or UCO in Edmond.

Offsite Work - Offsite Work refers to selling concessions at either Tulsa Expo (aka Expo) or the BOK Center for a donation to your band account.  AKA “Offsite”.

OMEA - OMEA stands for Oklahoma Music Educators Association.  OMEA’s annual convention is here in Tulsa at the Convention Center in January.  Students may audition for All-State groups for this convention.

OSSAA - OSSAA stands for Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association.  OSSAA is frequently used to refer to a state marching band ratings-only contest held on a Wednesday near the end of the marching band season.

Pancake Day - Occasionally used by the color guard, Pancake Day is a guard specialty that involves lying flat like a pancake for the remainder of the class period.  This is very useful when the color guard is too exhausted to rehearse anymore.

Pep Band - A pep band sits in the stands and leads songs and cheers for the team on the field/court; they are “peppy”!  Typically, Union Pep Bands that go to away games are smaller than the home Pep Bands as students are divided into three groups for ease of travel and to offer students a break in schedule.

Percussion - A percussion instrument is a musical instrument that is sounded by being struck or scraped by a beater (including attached or enclosed beaters or rattles); struck, scraped or rubbed by hand; or struck against another similar instrument. The percussion section of the band contains instruments such as timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle and tambourine, glockenspiel and xylophone.  The percussion section during marching season functions in two ways:  the battery and the Front Ensemble (see those words for more information).

Pit - See Front Ensemble

Plume - Just like Yankee Doodle, the plume is a feather you stick in your hat (which is called a Shako in marching band)

Presto- The Presto Assistant System is our organizational management software for all things band.  To login to the Presto system, visit unionband.com/presto.

Props - Props are anything on the marching field (or indoor percussion tarp or winter guard tarp) that is not a student or piece of equipment they spin or an instrument.  Some props are big; others are even bigger.  Many hands are often used to move these props.  See Men in Back for more information.

Regionals - Held in several location across the United States, Regional Championships are hosted by BOA.  The Renegade Regiment attends regionals sometime in October.

Renegade Regiment - The Renegade Regiment is the competitive marching band of Union Bands.  You’ll often hear parents cheer: “Go Regiment!” or simply “Regiment”!  You should cheer, too.  The kids love it!

Renegade Review - Renegade Review is the fall marching competition hosted by Union every October.  We need everyone’s help to keep this event high quality and successful!

Rifle - Rifles are wooden, rifle-shaped tools that a color guard spins.  While this particular version of a rifle can’t shoot bullets, landing one on your hand, foot, head, leg, or anywhere, frankly, hurts and bruises.  Color guard students often have “war wounds” from learning new things on their rifle.

RR - RR stands for Renegade Regiment!  See Renegade Regiment for more details.

Sabre - Sabres are long metal swords covered in tape that the color guard spins and tosses during a marching performance and during winter guard performances.  The sabre line is typically the top spinners in the guard. 

Section - The marching band has many sections.  Some of them are listed here to give you an idea:  flutes, color guard, percussion, tubas, clarinets, etc.

Section Leader - A section leader is a student that serves as a resource, mentor and leader of their section.  They are often asked to communicate information with the students in their section and often offer inspiration to their section before a performance.

Section Parent - A section parent is a volunteer that serves as a liaison between parents and students in a section.  They help with uniforms, dressing students at games/competitions, organizing snacks, and coordinating outside activities.  They often communicated important information to parents that pertains only to that particular section. 

Senior Night - Held during the fall marching season in late October or early November, Senior Night honors all the seniors at a Friday Night Football game.  Band seniors are usually honored on the field with their parents at half time.  A reception in the Grand Ball Room follows with cake and the Senior Posters being signed.

Set - Used during marching shows, a set is a particular visual location in the show.  Many sets compose the Drill of the marching show.  The students and directors know exactly where set 7 is.  It’s almost like they were born knowing it.

Shako - The marching band uniform hat worn by cool marching band students such as our own.

Sign Up Genius - SignUp Genius is a web-based place for geniuses, like us, to sign up for stuff!  To see opportunities for Union Bands, visit www.signupgenius.com and in the upper righthand corner, click “find a signup”.  Search for signup@unionbands.com and now you can sign up like a genius!

Spin - Color guard spins flags, rifles (no ammo, don’t worry), and sabres.  It sounds easier than it is and is prettier than wildly throwing something into the air and catching it should be. 

State or State Competition - See OSSAA

Track Field - The track field is NW of the high school (around the back).  This field is nicely renovated and has NFL hash marks, making it a great place for the band to rehearse, especially when prepping for Regionals or Grand Nationals.

UDL - UDL stands for Union Drum Line.  You will hear parents yell it.  Now you know what it means and you can yell it, too.

UDL is GHI! - UDL stands for Union Drum Line.  GHI is a secret.  Only percussion students REALLY know what it means.  Go ahead, ask one!  They won’t tell you.

UGuard - UGuard stands for Union Guard or Union Color Guard

Weapons - Weapons refer to the color guard’s sabres and rifles.  They aren’t real weapons unless you drop one on your head. 

WGI - WGI stands for Winter Guard International.  WGI Sport of the Arts is the world's premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and wind ensemble competitions.  As a non-profit youth organization, WGI serves as the leading governing body of the indoor winter guard, percussion and winds activities. It is called the Sport of the Arts because it brings music to life through performance in a competitive format. WGI Sport of the Arts provides a venue for young people to achieve the extraordinary through performance and competition.  We are pleased to say that we will be hosting a WGI Regional Championship again this spring!

WGPO - WGPO stands for Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma.  WGPO hosts most competitions held here in Oklahoma for Winter Guards and Indoor Percussion.

Winds - Winds refers to anyone who uses air to play an instrument.  It typically includes brass and woodwinds both.

Woodwinds - The woodwinds are the non-brass wind players of the band.  Examples include:  Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophones, Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, and Bagpipes (which Union Bands currently does not use on a regular basis, but if all the Scots and Irishmen among us unite and sign a petition, we could probably make it happen)

Yo - ‘Yo’ is sometimes used by an adult to gather students’ attention quickly. The kids love it.

• REHEARSAL-SPECIFIC

  • Apron (AKA nail pouch — provided by UBPC) OR Fanny pack

  • Dot book (provided by UBPC)

  • Pencil(s)

  • UBD (Ultimate Drill Book) App

  • Drawstring bag or backpack

  • Dots (Issued by Drum Majors)

• MUSICAL

  • Instrument

    • Valve oil/slide-cork grease/mouthpiece spray

    • Mouthpiece/reeds

    • Neckstrap (saxes & bass clarinets)

  • Print Music / Binder

• SUN PROTECTION

  • Chapstick

  • Hat and/or sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

    • Small bottle of facial sunscreen for re-application

• CLOTHING

  • Rehearsal clothes appropriate for the weather and for movement/marching

    • SUMMER/HOT: Loose-fitting, light colored, breathable garments

    • FALL/WINTER/COLD: Dress in layers

  • Hat / Cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Athletic shoes (cross-trainers recommended)

  • Hair ties or headbands as needed

  • A handkerchief or bandana for wiping sweat

  • OPTIONAL BUT SUGGESTED: Extra t-shirt for changing into halfway through summer rehearsals

  • OPTIONAL BUT SUGGESTED: Flip-flops, etc to wear during lunch break and post-rehearsal, to help cool down.

• NUTRITION

  • Water (Insulated jug preferred)

  • Gatorade/Powerade (Replenish electrolytes)

  • Snacks/food (the healthier, the better)

    • Avoid sugary/fatty foods

    • Prefer foods rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates

  • Lunch (bring in temp. regulated bag) if not leaving campus for lunch

    • Money for food if leaving campus to local restaurant

• MISCELLANEOUS

  • Rescue inhaler if necessary

  • Deodorant/perfume/body spray

  • Hand towel

  • Backpack exclusively for all-things band is recommended