Dear E. C. Glass Band Students and Band Boosters,

Welcome to the award-winning E. C. Glass High School Band family. Since the inception of the Virginia Music Educators Association in 1945, the Glass Symphonic Bands have been named a Virginia Honor Band more than 20 times. The Marching Band has held a national reputation for thirty-five years and the Glass Wind Ensemble (Symphonic Band) has played at numerous state and national music conventions. The Marching Band has performed at the 1996 Lord Mayor of London’s New Years Day Parade, and most recently the 2001 Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl Game and Parade, in Atlanta Georgia.

The 2003-2004 school year gives us all the opportunity to carry on the outstanding tradition of excellence that is the trademark of the E. C. Glass Band program. Congratulations on your decision to be a part of one of the finest organizations in the country. The E. C. Glass Band provides musical activities that encompass a wide scope and allows everyone a chance to reach their highest possible level of excellence.

The fall season emphasizes the excellence of our outstanding Marching Band. Our performances will include home football games as well as several marching competitions. These competitions will include festivals held in Virginia and North Carolina and our own competition, the Lynchburg Classic.

Hard-working students, dedicated staff members, involved and active parents, and a supportive administration and community all combine to make it possible for the E. C. Glass Band program to offer an outstanding array of musical opportunities. Our students are expected to set and reach high goals for themselves and their program. The rewards of meeting those expectations are immeasurable in the development of our students as well-rounded human beings. Members of the E. C. Glass Band will develop musically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically during their time in the program.

This handbook is intended to be used by students, parents, administrators, staff, and directors as a convenient source of information regarding the varied aspects of the E. C. Glass Marching Band program. We have tried to cover as thoroughly as possible every facet of the program. Students and parents must read this handbook carefully and sign and return the agreement forms located at the end of this handbook. These forms along with other necessary information must be turned in as soon as possible. Band members will be expected to understand and abide by all rules and regulations set forth in this handbook. Remember, to have a great band, we must all maintain a strong commitment to excellence!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Larry Seipp, Director
Mr. Russell Pawlas, Associate Director

Introduction

The E.C. Glass High School Marching Band is one of the finest marching bands in Virginia. As one of the oldest marching bands in the state, it has a long and proud tradition of excellence. The “Pride of the Old Dominion” has performed at local, regional and international events. As a member of the marching band you will be a part of one of the most recognizable organizations at E.C. Glass High School and it becomes your responsibility to represent your school and community at the highest standard.

Membership

Membership is by permission of the band director. If you are a rising 9th grade student and have successfully completed the band program at Linkhorne or Dunbar Middle School, you are eligible. If you are a transfer student or have previously been a member of the Glass marching band, you are eligible. There is no formal tryout. The recommendation of your previous band director is usually sufficient. Mr. Seipp will get a list of eight grade students from each director and students will receive an invitation to join.

Band Camp

Attendance at band camp is mandatory. This is where, in two weeks, we learn the music and drill for the show. Students new to marching band should attend new-marcher camp just prior to Full Band Camp. Please note the dates for band camp on the schedule so that families can avoid conflicts with vacations, trips, camps, etc.

Band camp is an intense two weeks located at EC Glass High School. We learn marching basics, how to play while marching, and learn our spots on the field. It can be difficult, but you will make many new friends. Band camp is from 8 am until 12 pm, we break for lunch from 12 until 4 pm, followed by the afternoon practice from 4 pm until 8 pm. This should allow us to avoid the hottest part of the day. You will need cool clothes to practice in, a hat, sunglasses, and a cooler of water or Gatorade. You will probably want to bring a snack also. Breakfast before camp is very important and you should try to avoid soda’s.

Each member has their own special “spot” in the show. It is very difficult to learn drill with holes in the band. That is why it is very important that everyone be at camp. Each person is important and everyone is counting on you to do your part to make the show a success.

Uniform

Each instrumentalist will receive a uniform to wear during performances. Students will need a pair of black marching shoes, black socks, and have clean white gloves to complete the uniform (percussionists or color guard members do not wear gloves). We will have a special shoe day at camp when students may order shoes from a special vendor. We do this so the shoes are uniform and more economical. This also saves parents from shopping for shoes at various department stores. This cost is usually around $28.

Rehearsals and Performances

All rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Marching band takes a serious commitment on your part. Every member must dedicate themselves to making the “Pride of the Old Dominion” the best it can be’ Rehearsals after school during the fall are on Monday through Friday from 2:45 pm until 5:00 pm. We also will not rehearse on Wednesdays unless we have a game that week…in which case, we will not rehearse the day of the game (Friday).

Costs

The “Pride of the Old Dominion” requires each student to pay a marching band fee totaling $225. This money is used to offset the cost of running a competitive marching band. This money is used to pay for a number of expenses.

For example: staff, music, drill, choreography, costumes, props, flags, transportation, hotel, fuel, percussion equipment such as one pair of sticks, Instrument repair, uniform cleaning, entry fees, 2004-2005 show t-shirt, and drinks.

Also, there is a payment schedule for you to use if you do want to pay for all of the fee at once. The payment schedule is as follows:

Payment #1: $75 Due May 27
Payment #2: $75 Due August 9
Payment #3: $75 Due September 3
School-owned instrument players will have a $25 rental/maintenance fee due by September 7.  Colorguard Members will have an additional uniform fee of $25 which will be due by October 1. 
(The $225 Balance (Regular Band Fee) must be paid in full by September 7 in order to perform.)

Everyone’s marching band fee must be paid in full by September 7.

If any student has a problem following this payment schedule or paying the fee, contact Mr. Seipp at once to discuss solutions to this problem. No student will be denied participation due to financial hardship, however~ everyone must meet their obligation in order to be fair to all the members. Most likely an alternate payment schedule will be worked out or additional fund-raisers will be offered to you. See Mr. Seipp before July 1 to be considered eligible.

Additional Expenses: Band shoes (usually $28), gloves ($4/pair), reeds, etc. Guard members also pay a $25 uniform fee. All students usually pay for their own meals on trips. 

Band Shoes
New students are expected to buy ‘rolled heel” marching shoes before the first football game. (Orders will be taken at band camp) These special shoes are a onetime fee of $28.00
(estimated).

Fund Raising
Money raised through fund-raising efforts may be used to pay for band trips, musical equipment, band banquet, or any other items deemed appropriate by the directors.

Financial Assistance
Students and parents who have financial difficulties will need to speak to the director, fund raisers and
payment plans will be available to ensure that ALL STUDENTS who wish to participate in the E. C. Glass
Band program will be given the opportunity to do so.

Band Trips and Expenses
All band trip expenses (buses and hotel) must be paid for at least two weeks prior to the trip, either through fund-raising or cash payment. The band will be notified of all trip costs as early in the season as possible, we hope to have all trip information and costs solidified by September. ~Note - If all student trip expenses are not taken care of by the two week deadline, the Directors reserve the right to cancel any band trip at that time.

Band Staff
Paid professionals, technical assistants, and guest artists are a vital part of the band program. Without their help, the ECGHS Band would not be able to achieve the standard to which we aspire. They must have the respect of all students and parents. Staff members are chosen by the Directors and are directly responsible to them. Students should give these staff members the same respect they would give any member of the ECGHS faculty. Any problems should be brought directly to the Directors, do not confront the staff member directly.

Procedures

All students will be inside the rehearsal area before the start of practice.

• Warm-up is a crucial time in each rehearsal. This is when we focus on the fundamentals of our playing so that we may improve both as a group and as individuals.

• Brass players should have all necessary mutes and valve oil ready. Reed players should have at least one spare reed at their seat during rehearsal. Ideally, you should have four to five “good’ reeds that you rotate from day to day. Your reeds will last longer and you will get better play from them if you do not use the same reed all the time.

• Percussionists should each have a pair of drum sticks or mallets. Make sure you have all of the required equipment needed to perform on your assigned instrument.

• Cases should be left in the instrument storage room, around the walls of the rehearsal hall, or on the sideline dunng rehearsal. They are unnecessary obstructions in the rehearsal area.

• At the end of rehearsal, make sure you put all of your equipment away. Instruments should be put back into the instrument storage room until it is time to take them home for practice.

• Percussion equipment is to be put away at the conclusion of rehearsal unless another band class is to follow that uses the same equipment

• Problems of an individual nature (music missing, instrument problem, etc...) should not take rehearsal time. These issues should be dealt with either before school, after school, or just before class as a last resort.

• Talking during rehearsals should be kept to a minimum. Any necessary talking should be about the music we are studying and should never be a distraction to the conductor or other students. When the conductor is on the podium there is no talking, when the conductor steps off the podium you may talk quietly if at all necessary.

Rehearsal and Performance Attendance
Band practices and performances are mandatory. Any request for an exception must be submitted in writing and approved by the Directors two weeks in advance of the conflicting date, except in emergencies. Work is not an acceptable excuse for missing any band event, our schedule is always announced far enough in advance to avoid conflicts. Parents, please make every effort to schedule regular doctor’s appointments around the bands schedule whenever possible.

If a change of schedule is necessary, a minimum of two weeks notice will be given. (This rarely happens.)

Students are responsible for arriving at each rehearsal and performance on time and properly prepared
(properly dressed, instrument ready, music ready). Parents are urged to see that their children take this
responsibility seriously.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING PAGE FOR EXCUSABLE AND INEXCUSABLE ABSENCES FROM A PERFORMANCE OR REHEARSAL.

Excusable absences are:

• Sick from school

• Doctor’s appt. (If this is a check-up, try to schedule around rehearsal)

• Death in the family

• Important family engagement (Wedding, Vacation) Religious Holiday

Inexcusable absences are:

• Dentist/Orthodontist appt

• Driving Test

• Homework (You must learn to manage your time well)

• Attending a rock concert or sporting event

• Birthday

• Work

• Trips that aren’t given two weeks notice (For example, you know you are going to be at a wedding, and you don’t tell us until the day before you leave)

• Didn’t have a ride (Your section leader can help you find a carpool within the band)

Inspections
Uniform and instrument inspections will be held prior to each uniformed performance. These are run by the Drum Majors, Band Captain, and section leaders. All problems noted during inspection will be reported to the Directors, who will determine whether or not the student will be allowed to perform. If a student is not allowed to perform, however, the student will receive no credit for that performance and make-up will not be permitted. After the inspection, students may borrow or purchase items from the uniform room if they are available.

Instrument and Equipment Rental
Most band members are expected to provide their own instruments. In special cases such as percussion, color guard, low brass, or other larger instruments, school owned equipment may be available for rental; the Glass Band provides this at NO COST to the student. However, if equipment is misused or damaged as a result of horseplay, negligence, etc, the parent will be charged for repairs or replacement if deemed necessary.

Instrument and Equipment Care
School owned instruments and equipment become the responsibility of the student to whom they are assigned. Any damage other than normal wear and tear will need to be repaired at the students expense.

Individual instruments must always be maintained in top playing condition. Always show the director your instrument before taking it in for repairs.

Remember that horseplay can cause damage to instruments and equipment. Be careful with your own instrument, place it out of harm’s way if it is necessary for you to put it down, and never play around with or play on anyone else’s instrument.

Uniform Information
Marching band uniforms will be issued by the uniform moms. Guard uniforms and shoes will be handled by the guard moms. Uniform fitting will take place during the summer and at band camp beginning with seniors and returning marchers. “Rolled heel” marching shoes will be ordered at Band Camp for all new marchers, these shoes carry a lifetime guarantee and will be replaced by the company at no cost should they fail (normal wear and tear). A uniform rental contract will need to be signed by both student and parent assuming responsibility for the uniform. The uniforms will be kept at school in the uniform room. Uniforms are checked out prior to each performance and returned after each performance. Uniforms will be washed often and dry-cleaned two times during the season.

General Band Rules

1. Athletic Shoes MUST BE worn at all marching rehearsals.

2. Chewing gum is NOT PERMITTED during any rehearsal.

3. NO food or drink is allowed inside the band room. Water is allowed.

4. A band member must RESPECT his/her uniform at all times.

5. There will be NO HAZING allowed.

6. Be in your seat, warmed up, and ready to begin ON TIME.

7. Insubordination WILL NOT be tolerated.

8. RESPECT other peoples’ property.

9. Public display of affection IS NOT allowed while on “band time.” Remember, this is a band function - not a date!

10. A band member will wear no jewelry, fingernail polish, or excessive make-up while in uniform. Leave expensive jewelry at home.

11. NEVER disrespect another band or its members, EVER!

12. Remember to always CHEER for the other bands.

13. Show RESPECT to all directors, administrators, teachers, band staff, parents at all times.

14. Keep your language CLEAN! You never know who might be listening.

15. Remember you are a CLASS ACT. Do not do anything that would have to be explained. Always conduct yourselves as ladies and gentlemen.

Travel
The E. C. Glass Band travels frequently during the year, in-city, out-of-city, and out-of state. Be aware that travel is very expensive; band members are never asked to contribute to the cost of travel to football games or local parades, but are expected to pay their fair share to all contests (bus, hotel, food). Typically the marching band will usually travel to one overnight destination each year and two or three other “day” trips.

In the event of an overnight trip, an itinerary will be prepared and distributed to all students and parents. Remember that all county, school, and band rules are in effect for the duration of the trip. We are representing the E. C. Glass Band, E. C. Glass High School, the City of Lynchburg, and the State of Virginia whenever and wherever we perform; we will all do our best to maintain these standards to the highest degree.

Band Traveling Rules

1. Drinking alcoholic beverages and taking non-prescription drugs will not be tolerated. Immediate dismissal from the band and administrative action will occur.

2. Smoking, chewing or dipping of tobacco will not be tolerated.

3. Band members are not permitted in any other room after hours. No unauthorized persons are allowed to visit.

4. Students are expected to behave at all times in the hotel. Anyone deemed guilty of gross misbehavior will be dealt with by the Directors and may be sent home.

5. Parents and students will be held responsible for any property damage and lost room keys.

6. Shirts and shoes are to be worn at all times.

7. Rooms are to be locked at all times.

8. Courtesy is expected in the dining facility. These facilities are used by other groups as well, don’t forget common courtesy.

9. No food, glasses, dishes, or signs are to be taken from any dining facility.

10. Please refrain from the playing of instruments in the room.

11. All school rules will be strictly enforced. Any infraction of these rules will be dealt with by the band department and school administration.

12. No one is allowed to leave the hotel premises without permission from the Directors. Any student found doing so will be dealt with severely.

13. Profanity snot a part of the E. C. Glass Band program. Make sure that your language is never offensive while with the band.

14. Follow all instructions of Directors and Chaperones at all times. If you don’t understand, ask.

REMEMBER: Young adults do not roughhouse or damage property.  As ECGHS Band members you reflect not only the values you learn at ECGHS, but those of your community as well.

BAND MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT—READY TO GO!!!

The Band Directors reserve the right to dismiss and send home any student who disobeys the rules and whose general conduct and attitude towards the trip and its participants is determined to be detrimental to the rest of the group.

Football Game Procedures

1.   Our football games will be played at the Lynchburg City Stadium

2.   All games begin at *7:30 with band report time posted for each game. (*Subject to change.)

3.   Students will check out their uniform for each performance.

4.   Band Raincoats will be taken into the stadium when there is a threat of rain.

5.   Plumes will be issued before a show and picked up after the performance.

6.   Percussionists, color guard, sousaphone and other large equipment need to be ready to load early for an away game.

7.   All band instruments and equipment must be sparkling and “ready to go” for inspection.

8.   No band member is permitted to leave the organization in advance of group dismissal at any time, unless excused by the directors. (A note from parents is needed.)

9.   While seated in the stands, only band members are allowed in the ranks. Alumni who may return from time to time are always welcome.

10.  While seated in the stands, the band will always sit in sections.

11.  Attention should be given to the Band Directors or Drum Majors when they are standing in front of the band.

12.  We will play only as a group while in the stands. Solo performance is strictly forbidden.

13.  No inappropriate cheers are allowed.

14.  Musicians should avoid jumping as the team scores a touchdown. We appreciate the enthusiasm, but instruments may become damaged in the stands.

15.  In order to move in an organized fashion, we must be able to give instructions in a rapid manner. Everyone will listen to the Band Directors, Band Staff, and Drum Majors when instructions are being given.

16.  Weekly details will be assigned on a rotating basis to help load for away games and help clean the band room after games.

17.  All performances are mandatory. If you are unable to attend a performance, you must provide a written excuse in advance. Personal illness, death in the family, weddings, and religious holidays are usually the only legitimate excuses for missing rehearsals or performances.

Standards for Behavior on Buses

1.   Reread the Band Rules and Band Traveling rules.

2.   Chaperones should check over each bus before anything is loaded, and relay any problems or damage to the driver and band director.

3.   Chaperones should load before students and spread out through the bus. The front seats on both sides of the aisle are reserved for a Director and staff.

4.   Students must ride the same bus to which you are assigned. Do not change buses!

5.   Students are not to put anything on or under a bus until instructed to do so.

6.   Buses will load by seniority; students may not save seats for students in other classes.

7.   Roll must be checked before the bus moves, after every stop at which anyone gets off.

8.   The bus driver must be treated with respect. Different drivers have different standards, whatever they say goes.

9.   Nothing is to ever protrude outside the bus windows (heads, arms, instruments, etc) nor should any item ever be thrown or dropped out of a window.

10.  Normal conversation is appropriate; shouting or screaming is not. Singing may or may not be OK depending on the driver, content, and musicality. Good singing might be acceptable; bad singing never is.

11.  On longer trips involving charter buses, radios with headphones are generally OK as long as no one hears them besides the person wearing them.

12.  Chaperones may reassign seats if they deem it necessary; students may also be assigned to a different bus at any time at the directors’ discretion.

13.  All students are to keep the bus clean at all times. At the end of a trip, every student should check the area around which he/she was sitting, including the floor and overhead storage.

14.  Public display of affection between students is not allowed on any bus at any time.

15.  Be courteous, do what chaperones ask and thank the drivers and chaperones when we return.

16. Students are not permitted to change out of uniform unless instructed to do so by the band directors. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Competitions and Festivals

Contests, festivals, and other adjudicated activities are important features of the E. C. Glass Band program. It is through these activities that we obtain valuable feedback about our progress as individuals and as a program. Although we never “live or die” by any one judge’s or panel’s opinion of our performance, it is important that we learn the value of giving maximum effort and standing by the results as our best possible effort that day. 

Competitive performances are packed with emotion. Because of the amount of time, work, and discipline required to produce award-winning performances, we develop great camaraderie within the organization. We share hardship, discomfort, fatigue, oppressive heat, cold, long bus rides, disappointment, tears, success and joy. Along with these emotions goes a high level of tension which often causes students to react immaturely. We learn to avoid these normal pitfalls and to channel our energy and attention toward the goal of performance excellence and the ultimate success that will follow. 

The bands image is based on each individual. Our public reputation is based upon our appearance, our actions, and our projection of pride. It is the responsibility of each band member to insure that we present the best possible image at all times.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are the key to developing an outstanding musical organization. Students who study their instruments privately with a professional show rapid improvement in individual musicianship. As these students improve, their excitement towards practicing increases, they continue to improve and become a stronger contributor to the overall success of the band. The Directors will assist you, if needed in selecting a private instructor. Private lessons are the key to excellence on your instrument, so start as soon as possible.

Band Awards Banquet

Annually in May, the ECGHS Band Awards banquet will be held to recognize the achievements of the band, its members, boosters, and administration. Every student in the band program will receive an award of some kind ranging from school letters to expensive plaques. A slide show highlighting the years activities, special senior tributes, naming of the following years officers, and a great meal will help us celebrate another successful year together. The band banquet is funded through ticket sales that may be purchased with money from student accounts.

 Tradition and Philosophy

The E. C. Glass Band has developed a proud tradition of excellence since the school opened in 1920. You, in becoming a member of this organization, assume the responsibility of continuing this proud tradition which has been established by others like yourself through dedication, devotion, and hard work. 

The E. C. Glass High School Band program is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for its students in the performing arts. All educational activities will take place in an atmosphere which promotes social and artistic development of the students through creative and innovative programs, each based upon high quality leadership and instruction. In addition, it is our belief that “the process is just as important as the product” This places the emphasis on the development and growth of each individual student, not on specific performances.

“Success is a journey — not a destination.’

Attitude

Those students who have a positive mental attitude, regardless of their individual skills, will always have a place in the E. C. Glass High School Band. Regardless of your ability, if your attitude is not positive, if you are not doing your personal best to make the group successful, you should not be a part of this organization. In fact, students who do not project an attitude that is positive and cooperative will be given the opportunity to either change their personal perspective or else leave the organization. Those who have pride in themselves will usually project a positive mental attitude. 

Characteristics of a positive mental attitude include a generally cheerful outlook towards rehearsals and performances, cooperation in the preparation and maintenance of equipment and facilities, and an eagerness to do whatever is necessary to be successful. In short, the total band member is someone who is always willing to give their best for the good of the organization.

 Band Office

The band office at E. C. Glass High School is the business office of the ECGHS Band Directors and band boosters, students are not to be in the band office without permission of the directors. The telephone is off limits to students except in an emergency. All rehearsal times are published well in advance, parents should not need a phone call to verify that we have dismissed on time. On occasions where the band is arriving back at an unspecified time, the phone will be made available for student use. If there are any questions regarding the band program, please don’t hesitate to call the band office (434) 522-3712.

UNIFORM CARE GUIDELINES

Welcome to the E.G. Glass High School Marching Band! The “Tradition of Excellence” the E.G. Glass Band is known for, follows through all aspects of the band, including uniforms. We have always been known for our neat appearance, so take pride! 

The care you give your uniform will be obvious to the judges and to our competitors. Form good habits early regarding your uniform care and the rest is easy! 

JACKETS and PANTS 

Jackets and Pants should be stored at the School. The pants should be hung on the crease on the hanger with your assigned number. The jackets should be hung on a hanger properly with all appropriate buttons and zippers fastened.

 HATS 

The shako (hat) will be stored at school in its hat box. If plumes are worn, then they will be provided just prior to the performance and then collected afterward by chaperones. NEVER touch a plume if you are not wearing gloves. The oils in your hands will discolor it.

 GLOVES 

Gloves must be worn for all performances. TWO pair of gloves should be purchased during band camp for $8.00. Gloves may be purchased after practice on announced days and before competitions. Color guard, Pit, and percussion players will not need gloves.

 SHOES 

Shoes should be purchased through the Uniform Committee during the first week of band camp at a cost of $28.00. These shoes are manufactured specifically for marching and are ordered with black soles. All shoes should be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap and polished (use Kiwi Black Polish) as necessary after each performance. Older shoes requiring edge ink (Kiwi Edge Dressing) to blacken the soles must be done a minimum of 48 hours before a performance to allow for proper drying time. Label each shoe with your name on the inside of the tongue using permanent marker. Allow them to air-dry between performances to prevent mildew.

 YOU are responsible for all parts of the uniforms assigned to you. You must pay for any lost or damaged items. Charges for uniforms and parts are listed below. 

Uniform

Jacket                           $212.00

Pants                            $110.00

Garment Bag                 $17.00

Shoulder Cord                $10.00

Collar Liner                    $4.00

Shako Hat                     $55.00

Hat Box                         $10.00

White Plume                  $12.00

Raincoat                        $5.00

PERSONAL ITEMS

Certain personal clothing is required to be worn under both uniforms. It should be marked with the student’s name.

•     Wear the current year (2004-2005) Marching Band T-shirt.

•     Wear plain all-black crew length socks. Anklet socks are not allowed.

•     Dark thermal pants and white thermal shirt are recommended for cold weather but are not mandatory. Wear lightweight shorts all other times.

•     Hair must not touch the collar. It must be cut short or pinned up at home.

•     No jewelry of any kind, including earrings, is to be worn while in uniform. For security reasons, it is recommended that all jewelry be removed at home.

•     No make-up is allowed to be worn while in uniform. Exceptions made for colorguard.

•     Sitting on the ground is not permitted unless a plastic hat bag is used to sit on and you have been given permission to sit.

•     Eating while in uniform is not allowed.  Exceptions may be made ONLY with permission by the director and will be allowed in very special circumstances.

PACKING FOR COMPETITIONS

 Pack your bags! Use a sports bag, backpack, or some other securely closing bag. Be sure to include: 1 pair of plain (no prints), underwear; 1 band show T-shirt; 1 pair of black, crew-length socks (no anklets); 1 pair of white gloves (Note: Not necessary for drumline and pit); shoes, cleaning cloth, and black shoe polish. Light-weight shorts. Thermal underwear is optional. Permanently label all items, including the bag with your name. Students with long hair should pack: elastic bands, dark hairpins and clips in their bags. Hair will need to be pinned up before performances and competitions.

 Do not put shoes In the bottom of the garment bag. A small hand towel works well as a cloth for cleaning shoes between performances. Never put personal items (hair brushes, powder, etc.) or shoes in the garment bags. Carry personal items separately in your bag. 

Any major repairs should be brought to the attention of the uniform chairperson a day or more prior to check-in. Last minute repairs of a minor nature should be requested as soon as possible. Be sure all items are clean, polished, pressed, and DRY before packing. Plan to be checked in early enough to allow for any problems that may arise.