Marching Band

MARCHING BAND

Download a copy of C HS Band 2019-2020 Handbook.

Below find some information about Uniforms, Football Games, Competitions, MSBOA, Indoor Concerts & Parades.

Uniforms

The marching band uniform consists of a jacket with sash, bibbers (pants) and a shako with plume, all provided by CHS. Each marching band student needs to provide their own marching shoes and black gloves and black socks (not navy, not dark gray, but BLACK). What’s a Shako??...it’s the hat!.

All marching band students, including returning students with previously assigned uniforms, will be fitted or refitted for uniforms each new school year. Usually uniforms are fitted during pre-camp week in July. You will be informed of the fitting schedule in your band camp info pack. With so many students in marching band, it is important that you get fitted the day you’re assigned. Usually returning Seniors and Juniors are fitted on Monday, Sophomores on Tuesday and Freshman on Wednesday.

Bibbers & Jackets will be prepared for hemming. Volunteers who know how to hem are always needed to help with the alterations. No fee is charged for this service. On fitting day, each marching band student will need to know if shoes and gloves need to be ordered. There are a limited supply of used marching shoes available for half-price. Two pair of gloves are recommended. Percussion does not need gloves.

Uniforms and shakos will remain in the uniform room. Each band student is responsible for the storage of their marching shoes and BLACK socks. Marching shoes may not be stored at school. Each student will have a uniform bag in which to store their uniform. ONLY the uniform may be in the bag. Tuba players may store their gloves in their bags.

No student will be allowed in the uniform room without the permission of the Band Director.

When wearing the marching band uniform, remember...

No mustard!. . . and please be careful if consuming chocolate or anything with melted cheese.
No visible jewelry – it’s best to leave it home. Small post earrings okay. Dangly earrings, nose rings, bracelets are not permitted while in uniform. Other jewelry will need to be removed and there is no guaranteed safe place to store it at school or on busses at away performances.
All hair needs to be kept off collar. This includes both men & women. Get a supply of hair clips, hair bands, etc. and practice putting hair up so it will stay during performance. You may keep your ‘hair stuff’ in a plastic bag in your shako box. Men, you can use a black bandana to hold up hair.
Black socks and gloves. Don’t forget your black socks (mid calf or higher) – (gloves may be kept in shako box). If you stay at school on performance days, make sure to have your shoes and socks.
Bibbers can be worn over lightweight athletic type shorts. NO Cargo shorts, jeans shorts, jeans, sweatpants or bulky shorts/pants. In cold weather, long underwear or Under-armor brand is suggested.
Each band student will have a uniform inspection prior to leaving the band room for a performance. If the entire uniform, from plume to toes isn’t in place, the student won’t be able to march. Upon returning from a performance, a post-performance inspection will take place. Any repairs needed to the uniform like tears, broken snaps, stains, etc, will be noted.

If you have any questions or problems with any part of your uniform – like ripped hems or seams, stains, broken snaps, etc. bring it to the Uniform Room Committee or Mr Wellfare.

The uniform room will be opened approximately 45 minutes before call time. Call time is the time students need to be completely dressed in uniform with instrument ready to play.

Football Games

Football games typically begin the end of August or very early September. The students show up at school usually 1-1.5 hours before game time (call time). Call time is defined as the time the students need to be fully uniformed and ready to play their instrument. The marching band members change into their uniforms in the band room, so ensure that they wear lightweight (nothing bulky) shorts/ t-shirt under their uniform. Parents can park at the High School and walk the trail to the football field, or park at the regular field parking. Admission is approximately $5 per person. If you are a volunteer helping with band, you get in free! The band sits together towards the south end of the home bleachers. The area will be roped off for the band. Band parents usually sit surrounding the kids. The band will play pep band until half-time, perform the half time show, have time for snacks and friends during the 3rd quarter, and then return for 4th quarter pep band. The band must stay entirely uniformed with all buttons buttoned and sleeves rolled down throughout the entire game. After the game, they march together on the trail back to the High School. They must change clothes and hang their uniforms up before they can leave.

Competitions

The marching band attends at least 2 or 3 competitions per year. Call times are announced as soon as the director knows the schedule of the competition, usually the week of the competition. Depending on the time of day, a meal may be served by the Band Boosters before getting into uniform. The band members get in their uniforms, help load their instruments and equipment into the band trailer and board the buses to leave. They usually arrive at the competition an hour before their performance time so they can warm up. With many marching bands from around the area competing, competitions last most of the day. Come early, and enjoy the other bands! A nominal admission is charged (about $5) and concessions are available. Awards are given after each class of bands performs. Usually there are between 3-6 bands in a class. The band students then help re-load the band trailer and board their bus to return to Caledonia High School. They will then change out of their uniforms and check-in their uniforms before they can be dismissed. A return time is usually noted by the director so you’ll know approximately what time the marching band will be finished and dismissed.

Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA).

This is where the band goes to get a rating based upon their indivual performance. This is NOT a competition but a way to judge where the band is developmentally. This is still a performance where and audience is greatly appreciated and the band enjoys. This is usually either at Hastings or East Kentwood football fields. It is always on a Tuesday evening so those that work during the day can still make it to view the performance. Watch the calendar for the location and time.

Indoor Concert

In November, the Marching Band participates in an Indoor Concert with the Symphonic and Jazz Bands. The Marching Band performs their show not on the field, but in the confines of the basketball court. A not-to-be-missed concert!

Parades

The band marches in the Caledonia Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Christmas parades. To be ready for the 4th of July parade, they will meet at school a few days beforehand to practice. The day of the parade, they will meet at the determined call time for practice and to go to the parade route. The uniform for the parade will be determined and may be different for each parade. After the Memorial Day parade, the band marches to the cemetery and participates in the program there. Always refer to the calendar for specific call times and uniform requirements.