Boosters

Saugus Band & Color Guard
Helpful Hints
Here are some things that are easy to miss, or just not mentioned anywhere else.

Registration
Registration for Fall Classes for band and color guard members happens during band camp (see the "Registration" web page). They have their very own registration time they do as a group. Registration materials and information is mailed to each student in July.

Junior High Pre-Registration for Band
A note to Junior High Students: Pre-registration materials list several bands on the elective list. For fall registration you need only check "Marching Band" and "Symphonic Band." You must sign up for both. Also, it says that it requires a signature and your counselor may tell you that you cannot sign up for it. Well, your counselor doesn't know that you don't really need a signature and everything will be taken care of through the band orientation meeting (watch the calendar for date and time). So, if your counselor says to pick something else, like PE and art or whatever, just go ahead and go along with their advice--And don't worry about it because during the REAL registration (which happens during band camp) you will be signed up for band! If you do not go to the orientation meeting in the spring (before you finish 8th grade), it's important that you contact Mr. Gibson to arrange to get the orientation information. This is all kind of confusing and hopefully, someday, the registration people will fix it.

Junior High Pre-Registration for Color Guard
A note to Junior High Students: Pre-registration materials list Color Guard as "Flags and Banners" and requires a signature. You do not need a signature. If your counselor will not let you sign up for it, just sign up for something else. During the REAL registration during band camp you will be able to sign up for Color Guard. Be sure and attend the mandatory informational meeting in the spring (before you finish 8th grade) which will be the beginning of the try-out process. Watch the web site calendar for the date and time.

Spirit Wear
Spirit wear are articles you wear that show your band and color guard spirit. A t-shirt for each band member and one parent is provided in your spirit pack when you pay the fees to join the band. Additional t-shirts and other spirit wear is available at an additional cost. You can order your additional items on the last Friday of band camp. All items available for anyone who wants to buy them. Items include jackets, sweatshirts, hats, baseball style t-shirts and polo shirts. Orders will continue to be taken throughout the following week after band camp. Wear your spirit wear to all the band and color guard activities.

Sitting in the stands at Games and Competitions
Everyone who supports the band and color guard is invited to sit together at games and competitions. Look for the sea of spirit wear that's like yours near the 50 yard line.

Phone Calls
After performances, many late at night, members are allowed to use the band room phone to call for a ride home.

Sometimes you can sleep in
After most weekend performances, the next class meeting for band will begin at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. This is usually the case, but members must pay attention to announcements after performances to be aware of any specific instructions.

But the Semester's not over
When marching season ends usually at the end of November, the Jazz Band will begin rehearsals at 7:00 a.m. Other band members (which is now the concert band) will begin rehearsal at 8:00 a.m. even though it is not the end of the semester.

Permission Not to Ride the Bus
If parents need to give their student a ride to or from a performance, a travel release form must be turned into the school office 48 hours before the event. Students may obtain a form from the administrative office or print one out. click here for form Hint: Have at least one of these forms at home to have on hand.

Over the Summer
Sections (groups of students who play similar instruments) practice over the summer. Section leaders will call new and returning members with meeting times and places. Summer sectionals are highly recommended, but it is understandable that many people are on vacation.

What if I get sick?
First of all, don't get sick! If you happen to be deathly ill before a performance, please make sure the message gets to Mr. Gibson so everyone isn't waiting for you to show up. If you are ill or miss school for any reason the day of a performance, you may not participate, according to school policy.

Color Guard Tryouts
Color Guard Tryouts begin in the spring following an orientation meeting and clinics. Watch the web site calendar for dates and times.

Color Guard Practices
During the marching season, the color guard practices with the following schedule:
Mondays, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, no practice
Wednesdays, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., sectional 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (flags)
Thursdays, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., sectional 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (weapons)
Fridays, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
During the Winter Guard season a practice schedule is posted on the Winter Guard web page.

Additional Costs
On many performance trips, students are required to bring their own sack lunch or dinner or bring money to purchase one. At the end of the year, those wishing to go to the banquet must buy tickets (Seniors are free.) If we are invited to play at Marching Band Championships, the bus ride will cost extra.

Keep Your Music
Be sure and keep all music throughout the year. At the end of the year, it will be collected. If any of your music is missing you will be held financially responsible.

How does a parent join the boosters?
If you bought a Spirit Pack (required), you are a booster. Parents are highly encouraged to attend the monthly meetings.

Safety and Security on tour
Members can bring cell phones to keep in touch with their parents and chaperones. Students must stay in groups and check in regularly with their chaperone. There are strict rules to be followed. Parents are called to pick up their son/daughter if rules are not followed. Girls ride their own bus and the boys ride their own bus.

Graduation
Seniors do not perform with the band at the graduation performance.