NCHS Band of Pride

Member and Parent Info

 

      Welcome to the first season of the NCHS Winterguard!  First let me just say how excited I am about the season already.  I can guarantee that this will be one of the most challenging and rewarding things you and your child will ever be a part of.  In this info packet, we will go over a few things you and your child will need to know to have a successful experience within the group.  Let me first tell you a little about myself so you get to know the person instructing your children.

      My name is Matthew Thomas, and I am twenty years old.  I am originally from Louisville, KY, but lived in NC for 7 years before returning to live in Bullitt County.  I have been participating in Colorguard and Winterguard for going on 8 years now.  I participated all 4 years in both marching band and Winterguard throughout high school, this past season I marched with an Independent Winterguard based out of Elizabethtown, and am proud to say I will also be marching this season with O2 (Onyx Open) Independent Winterguard based in Dayton, OH.  I just recently became the colorguard instructor at Nelson County High School and I feel we made HUGE leaps and bounds this marching season.  I am also currently attending school at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville, KY.

Fees

One of the main things that most parents and students ask about any extra-curricular activity is: How much does it cost??? I have tried my hardest to keep the cost down due to the recent problems with the economy and such and have managed to keep one of the lowest Winterguard fees in the country at the present time.  The fees for this season come to $175.00.  Here is what these fees will cover:

• Registration for all competitions
• Uniforms
• Any equipment (i.e. flags, rifles, etc.)
• Transportation

However, right now, this amount may still seem pretty steep.  There is a solution.  We will be holding numerous fundraising opportunities throughout the season to help raise money for such problems.  But, and I do understand the issues certain members may face with tuition, the first $100.00 of the fee must be turned in prior to the students’ release on Christmas break to ensure membership in the Winterguard.  Lastly, if for any reason your child decides to quit the team during the season, please understand that the fee must still be paid.  This is a commitment, and it is unfair to leave fellow members “high and dry”.

Possible Additional Fees

There may be a couple additional fees that may need to be paid for other things. These items include: A nude leotard to be worn underneath uniforms and gloves for those members selected to participate on the rifle line. Nude leotards run somewhere between the $10-$20 range, and Gloves are $13.

Attendance

All practices are MANDATORY unless a note from the parent of the child is provided or a doctor’s note is given.  Any unexcused absences from practice will NOT be taken lightly.  It is unfair and does not promote teamwork if a member misses practice when others are spending their time and money to work hard.  ESPECIALLY if we are learning show work and drill on a day that practice is missed, members who miss may not be included in that part of the show.  So, it is very important to attend each one promptly 15 minutes prior to start time.  I understand that there will be days when we are feeling under the weather; however, members must attempt to be productive at practice.  Even if that means sitting on the side just so they don’t miss what is learned that day.  Being a part of the 2010 cast of the NCHS Winterguard is a privilege and comes with certain responsibilities and must be the number one priority in after school activities.

Examples of excused absences:

• Deaths in the Family
• Violently ill
• Prior engagements planned brought to my attention in advance.

Examples of Unexcused absences:

• Other practices
• “Don’t feel well”
• “Forgot”
• Etc. etc. etc.

Furthermore, tardiness will not be tolerated either.  Certain disciplinary actions will be taken if members fail to report to practice on time.  This is like any other sport and attendance and punctuality are of utmost importance. Please understand that these rules are not put in place to hinder you or your child.  I am just trying to ensure that time and money are well spent.  We have a lot to do and not as much time as we would like to achieve it, and I am going to need the full support of both you and your child to make this dream a reality.

School

Above all other things, schoolwork and grades are of the utmost importance.  There is a certain goal that must be maintained throughout the season.  A grade average of C+ or better must be maintained as we progress through the year.  Failure to comply with this will result in suspension from after school activities.  Grades will be turned in to me and/or Mr. Monroe when released from teachers.  Why so much fuss about grades?  This team is just an after school activity, and these grades determine your child’s future.  By holding them responsible for such, we instill in the members that to excel in their careers they must maintain good reports.  Also, any disciplinary action set by the school on any members is unacceptable.  Such things as detention, suspension, etc. will not be tolerated.  Detentions will count as tardiness, and multiple problems may result in suspension from team activities to as much as expulsion from the team itself.  In the event of a suspension set upon a member by the school, the child’s membership will be revoked and the child may no longer participate with the group.  Not only does bad behavior affect the child’s reputation, but the group as well.  Being on good behavior will open many doors for the members as well as the group.

Competitions

I am very happy to say that we will be competing in the Tri State Circuit this season.  The Tri State Circuit is the competition circuit we will be participating in that handles most of the KY, IN, and Southern OH Winterguard groups.  Will we be participating in the Scholastic B class.  I know right now this sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo and you have no idea what I’m talking about, but if you would like more information regarding the circuit or the competitions you can visit www.tristatecircuit.com .  Here is the list of competitions we will be competing in this season:

• January 23^rd-  Preview Show @ George Rogers Clark HS
• February 13^th- Show @ Bryan Station HS
• February 20^th- Show @ Conner HS
• March 6^th- Show @ Butler Traditional HS
• March 13^th- Show @ Elizabethtown HS
• March 26^th- TSC Championships @ Ryle HS

Once competitions start, possible Friday practices will occur.  At which time all members will receive an itinerary for the following day.  All members are required to stay at a competition site unless a note is provided by the parent.  All competitions are mandatory.

Practices

Practice days will typically be on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  All members must arrive promptly 15 minutes prior to start time to stretch, unfold the tarp, etc.  As the season progresses, practices will be added when necessary.  If a practice is lengthened or added to the predetermined schedule, then it is to be considered MANDATORY.  There will be a few camp Saturdays where we will have all day practices and members will need to bring lunches, money for dinner, etc.  There will also be days when we will be painting the floor covering we will be using for the show (tarp) and those are also mandatory.

Attire

There will be certain practice attire required to be worn at all practices.  Starting next week, all members must wear all black, form fitting clothing to practice in.  This makes the group uniform and easy to distinguish.  Clothing with minimal to no print is suggested.

Examples of correct practice attire:

• Black formfitting t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
• Black shorts, tights, leggings, track pants, etc.
• Gloves (if applicable)
• Tennis shoes (in the event that we do running for our exercise)

Examples of INCORRECT practice attire:

• Baggy, non-black clothing
• Jeans
• Clothing that has profanity printed on it
• Clothing that is revealing

 

I look forward to interacting with you and your children during this whirlwind of events, and I am very excited to welcome you all to our close knit band/guard family.  I hope that I receive your full support in the topics discussed and we make this the best, FIRST Winterguard season ever.  Thank You very much!!!