Band Contest Tips and FAQs

CLICK HERE for Contest-Specific Information

· Please DO NOT publicly share any video recordings of our music or show! We love for fans to capture our performances and recognize our hard work, but please keep all videos “in the family.” Share with your friends and family, but please ask them to keep those private until the end of our season.

· Not every venue accepts cash or credit cards. Come prepared for both, as some students may want to purchase souvenirs or visit the concession stand.

· Triple-check that your student has black socks, marching shoes, and extra deodorant (We suggest marking their name in the blue area on the inside of shoes with a Sharpie.)

· Students are expected to ride to and from the contest with the band and stay with the band, directors, and chaperones for the entire duration of each contest. Band members may not leave without pre-arranged permission from Mr. Ortiz.

· If a parent wishes to check out a student after a competition, the Early Check-Out form must be completed before the Finals Awards. Please note check-out instructions located on this form.

· Consider sending a portable charger for phones and other electronic devices as students tend to run their battery down on the bus.

· Students are fed at contests but are free to bring additional snacks if they like.

· DO make tons of noise when our band goes onto the field. Spectators are encouraged to cheer and clap during the show.

· DO NOT enter or leave the bleachers during performances; only move before/after each band performs. This is marching contest etiquette and will be enforced at most contests.

· DO NOT talk when a band is performing on the field. Please be respectful of the hard work each band has put in.

· DO clap for all of the bands; we’re here to support everyone!

· Wear your show shirt and bring your rally towel or other flair; we want to see you!

· Many band families try to sit together during the contest and/or move closer to the front during our performance times. If you see someone with a show shirt, sit by them!

Show Hair Instructions

This year's show hair will be a low, slicked back bun with middle part. You can use a hair mask or gel to get it slicked back, but you may need additional bobby pins to keep down the fly-aways.

All hair long enough to be pulled back MUST have show hair for contests! It is now a part of your uniform. If your hair is long but not quite long enough for the low bun, you can do a medium bun or just slick it back. Below is a tutorial for reference. You don't have to follow the tutorial directly, but you do need to have a finished product that looks the same.

Hair Tutorial