Carrollton High School Winter Guard

Handbook 2014-2015

http://chstrojanband.com Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the 2015 Carrollton High School Winter Guard. This handbook provides information regarding requirements for membership, expectations, rehearsal schedules, as well as a contract to be signed and returned at the first rehearsal. Please take time to read through this information carefully with your parents and/or legal guardians. What is Winter Guard? Winter Guard is an indoor color guard activity. Unlike traditional color guard, winter guard is performed indoors, usually in a gymnasium or an indoor arena. Performances make use of recorded music rather than a live band or orchestra. Winter guard ensembles commonly perform at judged competitions officiated by local and regional associations using criteria developed by Winter Guard International. Cost/Eligibility:

Each student will be required to pay $450.00 for the 2014-2015 Winter Season. See payment breakdown below.

November 15 $100.00 December 15 $100.00 January 15 $100.00 February 15 $100.00 March 15 $50.00

WGI Pensacola: The trip this season will be to Pensacola FL. The cost will be $200 and will be covered by fundraising.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for every rehearsal. We expect 100% cooperation, participation and determination from everyone at all times. This is the only way we can achieve our goals as a competitive winter guard. Your responsibilities involve the following: • You must attend all rehearsals, camps, performances, and competitions. • You must be on time. • You must practice on your own as well as during rehearsals. • You must be able to accept constructive criticism. • You must believe in what you are doing. • You must have faith in each other as well as the guard staff. • You must discipline yourself to maintain your studies.

• You must maintain good grades to remain in this organization. We must have a reputation for the members of the winter guard to excel academically as well as creatively. Conduct: Winter guard members are expected to maintain a high level of commitment, have a positive attitude, a dedication to performance, and a desire to work hard, learn, and succeed. Everyone is expected to give 100% while at rehearsals and during performances. Members are also expected to follow all of the rules and regulations of the Carrollton Marching Band and Carrollton City Schools. Communication with each other should be respectful, constructive, and encouraging. When addressing any individual, instructor, director, parent, competitor, etc. you are expected to use appropriate language and tone. Treat other members as you would like to be treated. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from organization. Rules:

• We work as one big family for many hours. Therefore, do your absolute best to get along with all members. • We would like all members of the color guard to have an enjoyable season. We will utilize your talents where we feel you will be able to perform your best. Therefore, all members of the winter guard may not be in the entire production of the competitive show.

• All rehearsals and performances are mandatory. We plan our rehearsals assuming all members will be in attendance. Birthday parties, work, babysitting, concerts etc. are not acceptable excuses for missing rehearsals. • SAT and College visits must be done on free Saturdays. (see rehearsal calendar)

• Please remember if you miss a rehearsal, you may be written out of that section of the show. If you remain in that section of the show it is your responsibility to learn what you may have missed. The winter guard does not have time to go back and review/teach with an individual member if they miss rehearsal.

• If you must miss a rehearsal, you must submit a note two weeks in advance. A verbal notice is not acceptable. It is your responsibility to learn all missed material before the next rehearsal. • Always wear appropriate clothing to rehearsal. All long hair must be

pulled back into a ponytail. No jeans, jewelry or make-up. All pants should be appropriate length and not drag on the ground. • No chewing gum. • You are responsible for your own medical supplies. • If you have a pre-existing injury that needs to be wrapped, please do so before rehearsal.

• If you are taking medication not listed on your medical form, please inform a staff member before rehearsal. This is very important in the event you would need medical attention. • Always have a non-carbonated beverage with a lid for breaks.

• Please respect the equipment and uniforms used. Do not allow anyone other than yourself to handle your guard equipment. Any damages must be reported to the staff immediately.

• Please make sure all garbage is removed from the rehearsal facility at the end of each rehearsal. • Respect each other and the color guard staff. This will only help you to improve.

• Please be open to constructive criticism. You must be able to separate friendship from professionalism.

• Absolutely no cell phones on during rehearsals. Staff members will have their phones on in case of an emergency.

• All members are required to have their own rolls of black and white electrical tape for taping their equipment. All members are required to purchase the following items. The winter guard staff will give you details at a later date. 1. Show tape 2. Leotard (If needed) 3. Make-up 4. Hair Accessories 5. Uniform Accessories • Upon conclusion of the indoor season, all members must return all equipment

NO EXCEPTIONS! • When we prepare for competitions, all members must assist in loading and unloading the truck.

Rehearsal Schedule: All rehearsals are closed to the public. During the indoor season the winter guard will practice every Tuesday and Thursday at a location TBD from 1:00PM-5:30PM. Camp Week Drill camp will take place November 4-6, 2014 1-7. It is imperative that you are present at rehearsals. We will be designing a large portion of our show this week. Our drill writer will be present during this time for staging. If you can not attend any of these days you must have someone fill in for you. This person must have marching experience and be available all three days. Otherwise you may not be in all or part of the show. Winter camp will take place December 19-22, 2014. It is imperative that you are present at rehearsals. We will be writing the majority of our show this week. A choreographer will be flown in and we will be focusing on getting most of the show written and learned.

Performances/Competitions: Our competitive season will begin January 17, 2015 and will conclude at the end of March 2015. An itinerary will be distributed one week prior to the event. For more information please visit sapaonline.net and wgi.org January 17 SAPA February 21 SAPA March 7-8 WGI ATL March 13-15 WGI Pensacola FL March 21 SAPA March 29 SAPA Championships Inclement Weather: Please be prepared for all types of winter weather conditions. The indoor staff will make a decision based on guidelines set by Carroll City Schools. If rehearsal is canceled, students will be given a make-up rehearsal date at the next scheduled rehearsal. Parent Involvement:

Parent involvement and support is vital to the success of the winter program. The Carrolton guard parents and staff will work together to organize and structure the winter program to make things run as smoothly as possible. Additional help from other parents will be required. See examples below: -Drivers needed for equipment van -Dads needed to assist with tarp on competition days -Transferring equipment -Hair/ Make-up - Fundraising Contact Information:

Band Director: Mr. Christopher Carr, 770-834-0550 christopher.carr@carrolltoncityschools.net Color Guard: Krystal Cookie Shepherd, 770-834-0550

cookiespingirl@gmail.com Online    Band website http://chstrojanband.com Join us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carrolltoncityguard/

Carrollton High School Winter Guard Agreement 2014-15 Student Agreement: I have read and understand the information presented in the Carrollton High School Winter Guard Handbook. I agree to abide and uphold the guidelines listed. I acknowledge that by signing below, I am making a commitment, not only to myself, but also to the other members of the winter guard. My fellow members will depend on me to attend all rehearsals and performances, be prepared for rehearsals, and meet all the other obligations outlined in the handbook. I understand that if I am unable to adhere to the standards and expectations listed in the handbook, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken which may include dismissal from the organization. Student’s signature:_ Date: _ Parent/Guardian Agreement: I have read and understand the information presented in the Carrollton High School Winter Guard Handbook. I agree to support the guidelines listed. I acknowledge that if my student does not follow these guidelines he or she will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action that may include being removed from the team. I also understand that I am still responsible for payment of incurred fees to the Carrolton Band Boosters as outlined in the payment agreement. I acknowledge that parent involvement is required. Signature: _

Date: