Rocky River High School Band
Poms, Flags, and Instrumentalists

Due to the current size of the Band, a minimum of twelve (12) volunteer chaperones will be required for each game and marching band event. Chaperones are responsible for finding their replacements should there be a scheduling conflict. This year there will be three buses, for away games and festivals. Therefore will need four (4) chaperones on each bus. Bus assignments will take place prior to boarding. Chaperones will need to space themselves on the bus (front, middle, and rear) Please be ready to board the bus prior to the students, so you may select your seats.

Some events (i.e. IX Christmas Connection and the Yacht Club (Jazz Band performances) may not require chaperones. These events are not assigned at this time.

For Homecoming, the Chaperones will meet at the Band Wing at 5:45p.m. It is not required to march with the Band. The equipment and supplies will be need to be transported to the stands. The Band will step off at 6:15 from the St. Chris parking lot. I will advise you of any special instructions, as the Jr. High band join ours at this event and the stands will need more attention on this night. We will need to make sure that we have the yellow roping to cordon off the stands.

The Midpark and Brush Band Festivals will require us to meet at the High School at 5:15pm.

RESPONSIBILITIES

COLLECT all items listed below from the band wing. There will be a reminder sheet posted outside of the uniform room. For home games all items will be transported over in my van. For away games all items will be loaded onto the equipment truck. We have 2 dollies and a new cart to transport some of the heavier or awkward items.

After each event make sure equipment is returned and note if new supplies will be needed.

Other than the ladder, the above items should be placed in the first row of
stands. We may or may not use the yellow roping at away games, but it
should be packed along with the rest of the supplies

STEP-OFF

For home games, step off is usually around 6:50 p.m. Chaperones should place themselves on the sidewalk side of the band as they march down Wagar and then onto Detroit, accompanying the Band to the field.
Please space yourselves so that there are chaperones from the front of the line to the back. This will discourage other students from hassling the poms, flags and instrumentalists.

At away games, follow the same procedure, but walk on both sides of the band, if possible. When you reach the stadium, the band will either proceed to the field for their opening show or they will go directly into the stands. In either case, we will proceed to the band seating section in the stands with the equipment.

SEATING

The first few rows are to be used for the water jug and other supplies,
followed by band members. Poms and flags are to sit immediately behind
the instrumentalists. Chaperones should sit in aisle seats next to the band, perhaps 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up. Please do not sit together in a group. We should be flexible depending on where the band is seated.

Chaperones are asked to enforce the following rules for safety reasons:

No one is allowed to sit with the band. Chaperones must ask non-band
members to leave the band seating area immediately. They cannot sit in the aisle, but they can sit across the aisle. The aisles must be kept clear.

When the band leaves the stands for its half time performance, chaperones are to cordon off the stands with the yellow roping (if needed) so that the band can pass without interference from fans coming down the aisle. It should stretch from the top of the stands to the exit onto the field. At home games use your discretion, should adults, especially the parents of band members, wish to sit in the band section to watch the half-time show when other seating is not available. Remember that no food or drink can be permitted into this section, as the band members will leave their gig bags in the stands while they perform.

Several adults should remain with the instruments during the 3rd quarter
when the band members attend the hospitality break. To protect the instruments from damage, no one other than band members, should be in or walking through the band area during this time. Use of the roping should work (if needed). The cording should remain in place until the band members return from hospitality break.

If any of the band members need to leave the stands during the game, (other than during the 3rd quarter) they must be accompanied by a chaperone - for their safety. For example: bathroom break. The bathroom breaks should be limited to emergency only and go in limited numbers.

To protect their uniforms, band members are not permitted to eat or drink in the stands. A reminder may occasionally be in order, but the students are aware of this rule.

If a minor medical emergency arises, we can help with our first-aid supplies which should be in the medical bag near the front row. In all cases, contact the Band Director or the Assistant Director. Depending upon the severity of the injury, the team paramedic or team physician (on the sidelines), or EMS squad (usually stationed at the entrance to the field), may also be contacted. An adult must remain with the injured student until he/she is accompanied by his/her own parent.

RAINCOATS

Chaperones are welcome to sign out a raincoat if needed for the evening.
NOTE: Please remember to return the raincoat to the uniform room.

PLUMES

2 chaperones (1 for each plume box) should be stationed at the bands
exit onto the field at half time. Be sure to count prior to distribution and again upon all returns.

Each plume box has two sides that open, one for "in" and one for "out."
The plumes should be pulled out and later inserted moving in the designated direction to ensure that the delicate feathers are not damaged. Distribute as band members file past out of the stands for their half time performance. Some of the newer band members may need a reminder to take one or assistance securing them to their hats.

The same two (2) Chaperones should prepare to retrieve the plumes immediately after the show as they file back into the stands. It helps to have several chaperones assisting with this procedure because it has to be done so quickly. Any plumes not returned must be located and returned to the box.

BUS RULES

On the bus, chaperones should space yourselves in the front, middle, and rear (there will be four (4) chaperones per bus and possibly one (1) faculty member on each bus.) This year we will be counting the students on each bus prior to leaving the school and again prior to our return. Remind students that they must return on the same bus on which they arrived.

For obvious reasons, the following are the Bus Rules:

NO TALKING AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS
NO STANDING WHILE THE BUS IS IN MOTION
NO FOOD or DRINK ON THE BUS

It has been explained to the students that eating/drinking on the bus
could cause choking, which has happened in another local school district, which could result in death. They also understand that they are not to sit
backward or in a slouched position with their feet on the back of the seat in front of them, since a sudden stop could seriously injure their backs or necks. To protect their uniforms, students should remain in uniform, except for their jackets, while riding on the bus. They have also been told that they are responsible for insuring that the buses are left free of all litter or other debris, however, some students may forget and may need a reminder from you. They should also be reminded to check their space for other personal items and band attire, (for example, gloves).

As chaperones, you have been given the right to correct student behavior, whether it is in the stands or on the bus.

Thanks again for your support of our Students!