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  • What's a show-shirt?
    All students receive show-shirts. These are t-shirts with the show's name and logo on it. These t-shirts can also serve as "band apparel" during events when Mr. Massey calls for specific clothing.
  • How do I order band apparel / spirit wear?
    You have to be connected in the Band App to find out when the online store opens for official band apparel store. The store is generally open only for a short amount of time, so make sure you get your orders in quickly. Be sure to order your spirit wear during band camp. There will be some required items for students (be sure to monogram your hoodies – they all look alike!). You will also have the opportunity to order Palisades Bands gear for your whole family at this time.
  • How long do rehearsals go during the week?
    The color guard and the band may rehearse as late as 7pm.
  • Band App
    To be informed, find the schedule and itineraries for specific events, you need to be connected in the Band App. Look at your students welcome package for the links. The Band App is the most critical component for communication between the band leadership, parents, and students.
  • Is there any required spirit wear / band apparel?
    Yes. All students have to wear band apparel during specific settings. An example of this are band competitions. Band students are expected to wear at least a t-shirt or hoodie with the Palisades Band logo/name on it during these events. Show shirts count as band apparel.
  • What are the most important first tasks I should do once my student is in a band program?
    Provide Mr. Massey with allergy information. Fill out the forms Submit your payment to ensure your child’s participation Join the Band App and subscribe to every group you have access to. Register with CMS as a volunteer.
  • My child is in middle school- are there any opportunities for my child to participate?
    Yes, there are! Speak to Mr. Massey to find out more.
  • Uniform Fitting Day
    During band camp, students will be fitted with their uniforms. It is IMPORTANT to be there on this day This is also when individual photos are taken of each band student. Parents do not need to attend, but we do need lots of parent volunteers throughout the day.
  • When is summer band camp?
    It generally help 2-3 weeks prior to the start of school. Percussion and Color Guard start three weeks prior. The rest of the band joins them for the remaining two weeks.
  • Why is band camp mandatory? Why can’t I miss a week and still be a part of the marching band?
    Band Camp is mandatory so that all students learn not only their music, but also how to march together. Please plan vacations and doctor visits outside of these times if at all possible.
  • Who watches over my child when they are at school all day for camp?
    The instructors watch over the children while at band camp. When at a competition, the boosters will always ask for volunteers to serve as chaperones.
  • What does my child need to take to band camp?
    Key things to purchase – Flip Folder and Lyre: Needed for Pep Band Music. Most instruments need both a lyre and flip folder. Flutes will wear theirs to their arm. Sousaphones only need a flip folder. Percussionists and Color Guard don’t need one. Dot Book: Will be purchased for students, students are responsible for completing it per the deadlines announced AND bringing it to every rehearsal. Individual sized Coleman-style drink cooler for band camp! MARK YOUR COOLER WITH YOUR STUDENT’S NAME! You need it for every rehearsal! Sunscreen, breathable clothing, and cold water are a MUST. It’s hot on the pavement!! STUDENTS MUST WEAR SNEAKERS FOR ALL OUTDOOR REHEARSALS!
  • Competition Information FOR STUDENTS
    If you are a student, please read this: What are the general guidelines for competition? ● All students are required to ride the bus TO AND FROM the competition. ● When the announcement for a band begins, you need to either stay at the concession stand OR stay seated until that band has finished their performance. It is EXTREMELY rude to move and have conversation during a band’s performance (regardless of quality). ● We are there to learn as well as compete. If you see something that you like, cheer, but at the appropriate time. It is also distasteful to negatively comment on any band’s performance (keep those opinions to yourself). ● It is a LONG day. Have a good attitude and be ready to work hard and show your best self! Your audience knows what we’re doing very well AND YOUR BEHAVIOR DETERMINES OUR REPUTATION (so it needs to be perfect!). If a parent asks you to do something, you do it without talking back THE FIRST TIME. ● Once we arrive at the school we are competing at, stay seated until further notice. ● DO NOT BRING ANYTHING LARGER THAN A DRAWSTRING BAG TO KEEP UP WITH AFTER WE PERFORM. This competition has a clear bag policy. ● We sit as a band once we get into the stadium of the school we’re competing at. We also sit as a band during the awards ceremony.
  • How will my student get to the competition?
    In general, the boosters pay CMS for an activity bus. ALL students MUST ride together on the bus. This means both to the competition and home. In rare circumstances, Mr. Massey may make an exception to this rule. However, he should be asked well in advance. If a bus is not available or can't be sourced, then the boosters will organize a car pool. Be sure to watch the Band App for Sign-Up Genius posts.
  • Who watches over my child when they are at school all day for camp?
    The instructors watch over the children while at band camp. When at a competition, the boosters will always ask for volunteers to serve as chaperones.
  • Loading/Unloading
    The loading crew will assemble at the school at a designated time (using Sign up Genius) to load the truck(s). Once the vehicle(s) arrives at the venue, the same group will assemble to unload everything. During the competition, monitor your Band App (bandwidth permitting) to find out when the loading crew will assemble to load everything back on the truck. Once the truck arrives at the school, the same group (and students) help to unload the vehicle(s).
  • What should we expect on a competition day?
    Competition days often start early, as early as 4:30am. It all depends on where the band is traveling and performance times. When the band arrives, the students will get their instruments and start rehearsing. Generally students rehearse for more than an hour, prior to their performance. The boosters generally have snacks and water for the players. Once the band performs, student generally change out of their uniform. Band boosters will help load (in the morning or the night before) and unload the equipment at the site. Then help again to load the equipment at the site, and unload at the school. Students generally help as well, at least at the school. Be prepared for a long day. Band camp days can often be longer than 12 hours. Bring plenty of cash, snacks, and AN EXTERNAL PHONE BATTERY.
  • What should I make sure my child has when they go to a competition
    Make sure that they have a clear backpack. DO NOT BRING ANYTHING LARGER THAN A DRAWSTRING BAG TO KEEP UP WITH AFTER WE PERFORM. Most locations require this. They should bring plenty of money. Most locations accept digital transactions, but cash is always a good options. Most venues charge $5-6 for a burger and $2-3 for a drink. Every student should bring a portable battery charger for their phone. There are rarely outlets available. Bring sun screen on sunny and hot days. Bring a change of clothes. Bring snacks.
  • Where does the money I pay go? How is it used?
    Uniforms alone cost $600 per student. As the band grows, we need more uniforms. Some students grow out of their uniforms and need larger sizes. However, there are many costs beyond this. Below are listed a few of them, but not all: Additional educational staff Instruments Instrument repairs Rental trucks for equipment and instruments Purchase sound equipment Activity bus (CMS does not provide this for free) Competition registration MPA’s Drills for Marching Band show Music for entire program Props and much, much more
  • What happens on a Friday home game?
    Color guard and band students will be at the school day. After school is generally a rehearsal. Students will march together out to the football field.
  • Food on Football Nights
    The band boosters often provide food to the students on home game nights. However, the stadium also has concessions stands. The boosters generally also have a bake sale and sell band swag at these events.
  • What does the Pit Crew Do during games?
    The Pit Crew pushes the instruments and props onto the field for the students. As the students play, the Pit Crew stands by to remove said items, and return them to a designated spot on the field.
  • How much does it cost to join boosters?
    Nothing but heart work! We need boosters and our band needs volunteers! You get to spend the day with your kid and see your child/student/band program grow, thrive, compete, win, and make lasting memories with an amazing community. It's an incredible experience for everyone!
  • I have a talent/skill/opportunity that can benefit the band - who do I contact?
    You can contact Mr. Massey : myronl.massey@cms.k12.nc.us or email the boosters at: bandboosters@palisadesbandsnc.com
  • How can I help amplify booster and band activity?
    Share social handles- https://www.instagram.com/palisades_bands/ Share the website Ask your company for a corporate sponsorship Volunteer to help with upcoming events by signing up on Sign-Up Genius when the post goes out Be active on the Band App!
  • How can parents help specifically?
    The Boosters need your talent! We need help with pit crew, loading and unloading of the equipment, chaperoning, feeding the kids, and so much more! Look here for more information: https://www.palisadesbandsnc.com/being-a-band-parent

15221 York Road, Charlotte, NC 28278

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