- Uniform Hat (With a hatbox) - Two (2) Gauntlets - Blue/Black Plume * - Long Black Socks (A pair of long black socks are the responsibility of the student) - Black Marching Shoes (We use Super DrillMasters. The shoes are bought by the student through the school to ensure uniformity and get the best price) - Uniform Bag with correct Hangars (the hangars that came with the uniform must stay with the uniform. Do NOT lose the hangars!) * Plumes are a part of the uniform that are only worn during performance. Plumes should NEVER be stored in a hatbox and should always be placed back in the plume storage box immediately after each use. Students will take a from the plume storage box prior to a performance and will return the plume to the storage box immediately after the performance. Plumes will not be checked out to a student, as they will likely pull a different plume every time. Behavior While In Uniform It is critical that you realize that when you are wearing our band uniform, or any part of our band uniform (3rd Quarter without the jacket, for instance), you are representing the Elkhart BIG RED Band, Elkhart High School and the community of Elkhart itself. It is unacceptable to behave in a way that brings negative views to our organization. This includes your speech as well as your actions. There is NO PDA of any type while in uniform. Please control your actions. People are watching, and people form opinions of the Elkhart BIG RED Band based on your individual choices. Make the right choice. On a side note, the same concept applies while in your band shirt, whether at a performance or on your own time. Instruments School-Owned Instruments School-owned instruments will be checked out on a needs-only basis. Please understand that the school district has invested a large amount of money to supply quality instruments to our band program. It is our responsibility to treat each instrument with care and respect. This is not only a responsibility issue, but an issue of pride. Please have pride in the instrument that you've been supplied. The school will pay to have the instrument serviced as well as any normal maintenance that may be required. Normal wear-and-tear issues
The band takes a "fun trip" every year. This is an extra expense, but this expense can be offset by our annual Cookie Dough fundraiser. Trip cost will vary from ~$25-30 for a group-rate Six Flags over Texas ticket (we do Six Flags every other year), to $500+ for a Disney World Trip to Orlando (every 4 years), and can land anywhere in between depending on location. Our past trip destinations have been: 2003 – Six Flags over Texas 2004 – Disney in Orlando, FL 2005 – Six Flags over Texas 2006 – Nashville, TN (Country Music Hall-of Fame/Hermitage/Graceland) 2007 – Six Flags over Texas 2008 – Disney World in Orlando, FL 2009 – Six Flags over Texas 2010 – San Antonio, TX (Schlitterbahn/Sea World/Alamo) 2011 – Six Flags over Texas 2012 – Disney World in Orlando, FL 2013 – Medieval Times in Dallas 2014 – San Antonio, TX (Schlitterbahn/Sea World/Alamo) 2015 – Medieval in Dallas 2016 – Disney World in Orlando, FL 2017 – Medieval Times in Dallas Our future trip destinations are as follows: 2018 – Branson, MO 2019 – Medieval Times in Dallas 2020 – Disney in Orlando, FL 2021 – Medieval Times in Dallas …on a 4 year rotation… Duties of the Band Member - Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is completely unacceptable!!! - Upon entering the rehearsal setting, get your instrument and other equipment, and go directly to your seat. - Make sure you have all of your materials with you at all This includes a pencil. - When the director or member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking and playing should immediately cease. - Come to the rehearsal with a good attitude. - should be no excess playing (e.g., making ugly sounds on your instrument), only good, solid material. Practice the way you perform! - Make a real effort to improve on a basis, and establish a good practice routine. Have pride in yourself and your band. - At the end of the rehearsal, put all of your materials in their proper place and