SON - Band Handbook by Northwestern State University

Bands Bands

Welcome

Dear NSU Band Members:

The Northwestern State University Band program has established a strong tradition and earned the respect of a broad audience throughout the region Our goal is to perform at a high level so that the reputation built by those before us can be passed down to those who follow

Since 1983, the "Spirit of Northwestern" marching band has expanded from 50 to over 300 members prior to the pandemic Not only have the NSU bands increased in size, but they have also enhanced their reputation You are now part of one of the most exciting and prestigious college band programs in the United States.

The university bands succeed due to the commitment of all students to excel in performance on the field, in the concert hall, and in the classroom A true family atmosphere exists within the band program. Regardless of the ensembles you represent, each individual is a vital member of this family.

First and foremost, the mission of the Northwestern State University Band Program is to serve the institution positively and respectfully Additionally, it aims to act as a training ground for members who may become band directors and a platform for those aspiring to lead in their chosen fields Band members should embody a positive spirit and enjoy themselves while upholding a strong work ethic. Ultimately, this will create an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, including students, the audience, and staff

The key to excellence begins with the most important element - the individual contributions of each band member

Every member of the Northwestern State Band Program is responsible for their own commitment to the success of the team. Students who arrive on time and show continuous self-improvement, along with concern for their colleagues’ well-being and experiences, will find the most rewarding result of all: the personal satisfaction of doing what it takes to become their best selves Achieving personal excellence will signify success for you during your time with the band family and at Northwestern State overall. Your time here is short make it meaningful!

I wish you the very best!

Dr. Anthony Pursell Director of Bands pursella@nsulaedu

Band

MissionStatement& ProgramGoals

The mission of the Northwestern State University Band Program is to: serve the institution positively and respectfully as its musical ambassador on the athletic field and in the concert hall; serve as a laboratory for its members who may become band directors and also as a platform for those aspiring to become leaders in their chosen field.

To achieve the mission, our goals as a program are to: offer high-quality, innovative, and meaningful performances with students from all academic interests for the enjoyment of patrons; provide meaningful opportunities for students’ professional and personal growth; develop student attitudes towards servant leadership so they will excel in their chosen field of expertise; develop positive student attitudes towards supporting Northwestern State and the performing arts

The key to excellence begins with the most important elementthe individual contributions of each band member

Director of Bands & Conductor of the Wind Symphony

Dr. Anthony Pursell

Associate Director of Bands/Director of Athletic Bands & Conductor of the Wind Ensemble

Mr. Trevor Bailey

BandFaculty& Leadership

Assistant Director of Bands/ Percussion Conductor of Fall Winds & the Magale Concer

Dr. Andrew Blair

Demon Heat Color Guard Coordinator

Ms. Jena Elfer

Demon Heat Color Guard Assistant Coordinator

Mr. Ryne Bates

Demon Dazzler Danceline Coordinator

Mrs. Brandi Chasteen

Marching Band Visual Coordinator/ Woodwind Specialist

Mr. David Steele

Marching Band Woodwind Specialist/ Co-Conductor of the Fredericks Concert Band

Dr. Molly Blair

Co-Conductor of the Fredericks Concert Band

Dr. Jennifer Pulling

Staff Arranger

Dr. Adam Hudlow

Visual Designer

Mr. Jayme Thompson

Graduate Assistant

Mr. Jack Stanley

Student Staff Coordinators

Ariyonna Sarpy

Turner Sugg

SON Announcer

TBA

Northwestern State University Bands 140 Central Avenue, CAPA Suite #114 Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497

The following resources are helpful for student success on the performance field, in the concert hall, and in the classroom. Many of these resources are referenced throughout the handbook, while others are offered specifically in this section.

Class Permit Request use when a conflict arises with a band ensemble

Scholarship Appeal Form Absence Request Form

Season Attendance checkyour attendance for accuracy

Fall Wind Symphony Auditions Fall Winds Participation Signup

Fall Winds Conductor Application

Wind Symphony & Wind Ensemble

Spring Audition Site

Magale & Fredericks

Current Student Services

Health Services Clinic

Student Code of Conduct University Expectations

University Student Handbook

Food Pantry facebook link

Spring Audition Music FLAME Supplemental Instruction

Tutoring via the Academic Success Center

Office of Accessibility & Disability Services

William E. Brent Band Hall

The William E. Brent Band Hall is one of the most frequently utilized spaces in the CAPA facility. Over 300 students visit this room almost daily during the academic year. Band members and organizations are expected to help keep the room clean and dispose of trash properly. This expectation also extends to any area our band utilizes. Lockers are provided for instrument storage, and band members are expected to use the lockers assigned to them. Music stands and chairs must not be removed from the band room at any time, for any reason.

Magale Recital Hall

Magale Recital Hall is home to many productions and concerts delivered by the Department of Music and members of the community The 450-seat recital hall is named in honor of philanthropist Joanna Magale, who provided gifts to support the School of Creative and Performing Arts The facility has two 9-foot concert grand pianos and a magnificent 40-rank Reuter organ

The Proving Grounds - SON Rehearsal Field

Home to the Spirit of Northwestern, the Proving Grounds is the dedicated rehearsal space for the marching band during the fall semester. The practice field is concrete and lined according to NCAA football regulations, similar to those used in Turpin Stadium. To ensure the safety of all participants, students are asked to keep the practice field and facility clean and free for unnecessary objects.

Turpin Stadium

Turpin Stadium is a 15,971-seat multipurpose stadium that was opened in 1975. It is the home of the NSU Demon football team and the primary performance space for the Spirit of Northwestern State Marching Band. The annual Classic on the Cane Marching Contest is held in Turpin Stadium each year in late October/early November.

Prather Colliseum

Perhaps one of the toughest arenas to play in the Southland Conference, Prather Coliseum is now in its sixth decade of hosting Northwestern State basketball and is named after H Lee Prather, the all-time winningest coach in Demon Basketball history The 3,400-seat multi-purpose facility was constructed in 1963 and sits on the banks of Chaplain's Lake, just south of Turpin Stadium It is home to men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball During the spring semester, the Purple Haze Basketball Pep Band accompanies all men and women’s home games and post-season tournament play

BandScholarships

General Requirements

A 20 GPA (per semester) must be maintained to receive and sustain a band scholarship, and a 25 GPA is required for the out-of-state fee waiver You must complete 12 academic hours per semester (24 for the combined fall and spring semesters) Courses taken in the summer sessions do not count toward maintaining a band scholarship or an out-of-state fee waiver Students who do not pass any of the required band classes will be required to pay back the band scholarship for the semester in which they fail the class.

If you have a class that conflicts with any of the large ensembles, a permit will be provided once all other available class options for the conflicting course have been exhausted

Band scholarships shall be revoked or reduced if the student fails to fulfill the scholarship requirements as listed in this handbook, the Department of Music Handbook, or the scholarship contract issued from the CAPA Office

To prepare music majors for the profession and to provide equity and balance to students’ schedules, beginning in Fall 2026, all instrumental music majors will audition at the start of the Fall semester for placement in the concert ensembles for that semester. The ensemble directors will provide audition materials at the end of the spring semester, which will be available throughout the summer. Students will be asked to indicate their preferred ensemble placement; however, the directors will assign students based on the ensemble's needs. This audition will also serve as an annual re-audition for each music major. In addition to ensemble placement, the outcome of the re-audition may result in one of three options:

1.Students may be recommended for a scholarship increase

2.Students will be renewed at their current scholarship level

3.Students will be placed on notice for a scholarship decrease

Students who perform below expectations on the Fall semester placement audition will be notified that they need to make some improvements in the studio during the Fall semester, with progress demonstrated during Spring ensemble placement auditions. Students who continue to show a decline or inadequate improvement in the Spring semester audition placement will face a reduction in their scholarship. The amount of this reduction will be discussed among the applied professor, the director of the scholarship area, and the Department Head.

Fall 2025 Semester Requirements

Students receiving a band scholarship must register for all of the following courses based on their role in the Spirit of Northwestern (the Fall 2026 semester CRN will be provided for the Concert Ensembles)

Woodwinds, Brass, Drum Majors & SON Support Staff

MUS 1310 01N (#10288)

MUS 1300 45N (#10284)

Demon Heat Color Guard & Twirlers

MUS 1310 01N (#10288)

MUS 1300 45N (#10284)

MUS 1300 01N (#10282)

All Percussion (Front Ensemble & Battery)

MUS 1310 01N (#10288)

MUS 1300 45N (#10284)

MUS 1400 45N (#11091)

Demon Dazzler Danceline

MUS 1310 01N (#10288)

MUS 1300 48N (#10287) DAN 01N (#10098)

Students must be able to fulfill the tasks and requirements of the marching band for which they received a band scholarship, including participation in the pre-season summer band camp (MUS 1300 45N/48N). Students who need special accommodations should contact the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services (OADS). Please note: While OADS can request reasonable accommodations to support students with documented disabilities, OADS cannot exempt a student from the core responsibilities associated with the ensemble’s requirements.

Spring 2026 Semester Requirements

Students receiving a band scholarship must register for one of the following courses based on audition results. Auditions are typically performed in November near the conclusion of the marching band season. (Note: no other ensemble may substitute to receive the band scholarship)

Wind Symphony with Dr. Pursell

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 12:30-1:45 p.m.

CRN # (TBA)

Wind Ensemble with Mr. Bailey

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 3:30-5:20 p.m.

CRN # (TBA)

Magale/Fredericks Concert Band

with Dr. A. Blair, Dr. M. Blair & Dr. Pulling

Tuesday & Thursday: 2:00-3:30 p.m. (Magale) 3:45-5:15 p.m. (Fredericks)

CRN # (TBA)

Scholarship Resources

Band

if demonstrate professional courtesy at all times; behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline; attend all classes regularly and on time; be prepared for each class; respect the rights and privileges of colleagues, professors, staff, and university officials; respect the property of others, including university property and facilities; supportthe NSU Band Program by maintaining a social media presence that does not reflect poorly on the organization;

For over 100 years, the Northwestern State Band program has established a rich history of performance excellence We strive to provide an exciting collegiate band experience while maintaining a family atmosphere through collegiality and common courtesy To continue these traditions and uphold the ideals that make the band program a great individual investment, each member is expected to:

Students should always strive to do their best, showing behavior that is productive, disciplined, and focused, which helps improve the efficiency and success of all rehearsals and performances

Click here for the Northwestern State University Code of Conduct page

Click here for the Northwestern State University Student Handbook

Hazing

There is no place in the University Band Program for hazing Any report of hazing will be handled according to university policy

In compliance with Acts 635, 637, and 640 of the 2018 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, and Act 382 of the 2019 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the 2019 Board of Regents Uniform Policy on Hazing, and the University of Louisiana System Policy on Hazing, the University reaffirms its Policy that any form of hazing of any student enrolled at the University is prohibited Violation of this Policy can result in both disciplinary actions imposed by the organization and/or institution as well as criminal charges

Louisiana Law defines hazing as

any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or acting with others that is directed against another when both of the following apply:

The person knew or should have known that such an act endangers the physical health or safety of the other person or causes severe emotional distress.

The act was associated with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Hazing includes but is not limited to any of the following acts associated with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization:

Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, paddling, striking, branding, electric shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.

Physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or calisthenics, that subjects the other person to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual or causes severe emotional distress.

Activity involving the consumption of food, liquid, or any other substance, including but not limited to an alcoholic beverage or drug, that subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm that adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual or causes severe emotional distress.

Activity that induces, causes, or requires an individual to perform a duty or task that involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing

Physical activity that is normal, customary, and necessary for a person’s training and participation in an athletic, physical education, military training, or similar program sanctioned by the postsecondary education institution is not considered “hazing”

Northwestern State University further defines Hazing as

any action taken or situation created intentionally or unintentionally – with or without consent – that endangers a student or creates a risk of injury, produces mental or physical harm, embarrassment, degradation, harassment, or ridicule – whether on or off campus – for the purpose of affiliation with, initiation into, or as a condition of continued membership in any student organization, club, group, or team.

Other hazing activities may include, but are not limited to:

All forms of physical activity that are not part of an organized and voluntary athletic contest or not specifically directed toward constructive work.

Activities that significantly interfere with class, other University obligations (e.g. athletics, etc.) work, studying, and sleep.

Explicitly or implicitly causing, inducing, pressuring, coercing, or requiring an individual to violate any federal, state, or local law, and/or University policy.

Any action or situation that may lead to compromising an individual’s self-respect, moral or religious values, or suffering mental or emotional harm.

Transporting individuals against their will, kidnapping, imprisoning, or abandoning an individual, which endangers the health or safety of that individual.

Restraining or tying up individuals.

Blindfolding (outside of the context of an approved ritual).

Activities involving the placement of substances on or in the body of an individual (e.g., eggs, paint, honey, etc.).

Lineups or interrogations.

Pressuring individuals to get a brand, tattoo, shave their head, or modify their body in any way.

Assigning meaningless tasks to individuals.

Any form of personal servitude (e.g., driving, cleaning rooms, serving meals, washing cars, purchasing items on another’s behalf, etc.).

Assigning “pranks” such as stealing, defacing property, and harassing other organizations and/or individuals.

Scavenger hunts for meaningless items that promote trespassing, breaking the law, endanger members, or occur at unreasonable times.

Forced memorization of non-essential information.

Compelling any individual to wear or carry unusual or burdensome items.

Activities intended to interfere with an individual's employment or family obligations.

Excluding individuals from social contact.

Select individuals being solely responsible for an organization’s obligations

Requirements that financially take advantage of individuals

Explicitly or implicitly requiring an individual to wear any degrading, inappropriate, or uncomfortable garments

Conspicuous dress that is not expected of all organization members for events, activities, dress up days, etc

Preventing individuals from wearing any required garments or accessories.

An organization is defined as a fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, service group, social group, band, spirit group, athletic team, or similar group whose members are primarily students at, orformer students of, a postsecondary education institution, including the national or parent organization ofwhich any ofthe underlying entities provided for in this definition is a sanctioned or recognized member atthe time ofthe hazing.

Pledging is any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization, including recruitment and, rushing.

Appropriate authority is defined as:

Any state or local law enforcement agency

911 Public SafetyAnswering Point as defined in Title 33 ofthe Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

Emergency medical personnel.

Reckless behavior is an activity or behavior in which a reasonable person knew or reasonably should have known thatthe activity or behavior may result in injuryto another, including but not limited to, excessive consumption of alcohol, binge drinking, drag racing, consumption of any controlled dangerous substance, acts of hazing, or other similar activity.

Serious bodily injury is bodily injurythat involves unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment ofthe function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, death, or a substantial risk of death.

For more information on prevention and/or reporting, please consultthe NSULA Student Handbook.

Alcohol&DrugPolicy

If you are found with alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs at any time while participating in a Northwestern State Band-sanctioned trip or activity, you will be immediately removed from the event/performance. At the next opportunity, the Director of Bands will notify the Dean of Students, law enforcement, and other appropriate university officials to launch their investigation. If it is found that the infraction impaired a student’s ability to perform or, in any way, compromised their/another student’s safety or well-being, the student will be dismissed from the band. If we are on an away trip, this may include the student needing to pay their way home at their own expense.

Students who are dismissed from the band program at any point during the semester will receive a failing grade and, thus, will have to pay back their band scholarship.

TravelExpectations&Policies

Some people are high maintenance

Some people are low maintenance

When we travel, we are no maintenance

Whether it is the SON traveling across an ocean or the Wind Symphony providing a concert across town, similar travel policies will be adhered to

When students are on an officially sanctioned trip representing the university, the rules and regulations follow the student In short, if it is not permitted on campus, it is not permitted anywhere on the trip

Bus Expectations

All university rules apply, including those mentioned bythe supervising faculty member For buses, students will be required to sit on the bus assigned unless prior arrangements are made with the supervising faculty, not a student leader

Hotel Expectations

All university rules apply, including those mentioned bythe supervising faculty member For hotels, once student signups are concluded and room assignments sentto the hotel, students are required to be with the room assigned unless prior arrangements are made with the supervising faculty, not a student leader.

Airline Expectations

All university rules apply, including those mentioned bythe supervising faculty member. For airlines, students will need to adhere to all rules set bythe airline.

As a reminder, performances off campus require you to represent not onlyyourself but also the institution. Due to the importance of our reputation and student safety, the band directors reserve the rightto dismiss and send home, atthe student’s expense, anyone who disobeys the rules and/or places the safety of other students in jeopardy.

School-OwnedInstruments

For members of the marching band, we encourage you to use your personal instrument if it is silver and approved by the staff. However, instruments are available during the band camp registration period. These instruments are issued based on availability and seniority.

While a student has a school-owned instrument in their possession, YOU are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of that instrument The student is responsible for any damages caused to the instrument outside of normal wear and tear If you encounter a problem with your instrument, please notify your section leader or a member of the Operations Team

Athletic Band instruments will be returned after the final performance of the season in working order and with all parts intact, including any accessories (neck strap, etc) Please don't wait until this time to inform anyone about the defective instrument (The only exception to this will be those students who are involved with the Purple Haze Pep Band)

Concert Band instruments can only be checked out ifthe student is performing in a concert ensemble or preparing for a concert band audition. Certain instruments are checked outfrom the band office, while others are with the applied faculty (please inquire with a member ofthe Operations Team). These instruments will be returned to the same person at afterthe final performance ofthe semester.

Afinancial hold will be imposed on any studentwho does not return their band instrument. This hold will be atthe full replacementvalue ofthe instrument atthe time ofthe hold. Onlythe Director of Bands can liftthe hold for any band instrument.

InstrumentLockers

Lockers are assigned by members ofthe Operations Team starting during the pre-season camp. Preference is given:

music majors who are members ofthe SON with large instruments orwho have multiple instruments due to ensemble/scholarship commitments

music majors participating in the SON

SON members who have large instruments

SON members

music majors who are not members ofthe SON

Students who are assigned a locker must use the combination lock and the locker assigned. Atthe end ofthe academic year (or in December ifthe student is graduating/going into an internship/residency), the student must checkthe locker back in to a member ofthe Operations Team by:

clearing outthe locker entirely oftrash and personal items/school-owned instruments returning the combination lock

The Spirit of Northwestern The Spirit of Northwestern

Uniforms

Uniforms will be fitted and assigned at the beginning of the season during the pre-season band camp. These uniforms will be kept in the uniform storage room, where they will be maintained throughout the season. It is the responsibility of each member to ensure that their uniform is properly returned and hung as instructed by members of the uniform team.

All members will pay attention to the uniform assignments given by the Director of Athletic Bands. An inspection of the uniform being worn properly and with all parts will occur for each performance.

All members will provide their own:

white gloves

black socks

black marching shoes (if you have a pair from your past experience, please check with the SON staff and make sure they are acceptable TBS will have shoes for sale during preseason camp)

During the 2025 season, the SON will experiment with a performance top This performance top must be maintained by the individual student

There is a strict NO JEWELRY policy during all SON performances (except wedding rings) All hair must be maintained so that it is as uniform as possible when shakos, ball caps, or no headgear is worn The Director of Athletic Bands will outline expectations for all band members, depending on the uniform they are wearing

A financial hold will be placed on any studentwho fails to return their band uniform This hold will be atthe full replacementvalue ofthe uniform atthe time ofthe hold, and ordered as an individual replacement Onlythe Director of Bands can liftthe hold for any uniform

Attendance-SON

Members ofthe Spirit of Northwestern are required to be at all rehearsals and performances as outlined in this handbook and in the Summer Band Newsletter Every effort is made to inform each member as early as possible aboutthose rehearsals and performances It is expected that each member putthese dates in whatever mechanism they use fortheir personal organization Accumulated tardiness and absences can affectfinal grades, overall GPA, scholarship, and/orfuture membership in the band program

Attendance is recorded electronically through the Ultimate Drill Book (UDB) app and will open 15 minutes before the rehearsal or performance The check-in window closes 5 minutes after the start of rehearsal or the announced call time for an event Students experiencing technical issues with the app that prevent proper check-in during the allotted time must notify the Staff Coordinator on the day the issue occurs Section leaders will receive an attendance report every other week Students are expected to address any attendance concerns noted on the report to the Director of Athletic Bands before the end of the semester For your convenience, a Season Attendance Roster is available for you to check on attendance reporting discrepancies at any time (see next page)

Excellence cannotbe achieved ifmembers are notpresent

The following attendance policy will govern all performing groups associated with the Spirit of Northwestern

For those groups who meet only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

0 unexcused rehearsal absences = A

2 unexcused rehearsal absences = B

4 unexcused rehearsal absences = F

1 unexcused performance absence = F

For those groups who meet Monday-Friday:

0 unexcused rehearsal absences = A

3 unexcused rehearsal absences = B

5 unexcused rehearsal absences = F

1 unexcused performance absence = F

0-2 excused rehearsal absences = A

3 excused rehearsal absences = B

4 excused rehearsal absences = C

5 or more excused rehearsal absences = F

Three late rehearsals will accountfor one unexcused absence

0-3 excused rehearsal absences = A

4 excused rehearsal absences = B

5 excused rehearsal absences = C

6 or more excused rehearsal absences = F

Three late rehearsals will accountfor one unexcused absence.

Students who have a class conflict with marching band rehearsals must complete an Absence Excuse Form at the beginning of the semester The Director of Athletic Bands will approve or reject the request based on the following: are there any other sections of the conflicting class available? is the course required as part of the student’s degree plan? is it possible to take the course in an alternative semester?

Approved absences/tardies due to class conflicts will not count towards the above-defined grades/repercussions

Students who are ill enough to miss a rehearsal should complete an Absence Request Form in advance of the rehearsal when possible For the absence to be excused, the student must visit the Health Center on campus, Urgent Care, or their primary care physician Once a note is obtained, it can be loaded into the Absence Request Form

Students who are ill and cannot attend a performance must speakto the Director ofAthletic Bands in person or on the phone (emails are not an acceptable form to communicate such a request)

Students who receive an Fin marching band must repaythe scholarship and mayforfeitfuture membership.

Absence Request Form

Weather-RelatedPolicies-SON

Unless directed by the Director of Athletic Bands, rehearsals are still scheduled to take place The official channels for a cancellation or delay before rehearsal beginning will be via the following channels:

a message on the Current Members page on Facebook Band texting app

If a rehearsal must be delayed due to lightning in the area, the Director of Athletic Bands will make that call and inform the ensemble members to seek shelter A message (using the same channels) will be made when it is safe to return to the SON practice field or if rehearsal will be canceled early

Unless otherwise specified, whenever the university cancels class to accommodate a SON rehearsal, this also includes that rehearsal When in doubt, ask a section leader

What guides the director’s decision regarding rehearsals and/or performances:

Lightning

The Director of Athletic Bands uses Perry Weather to track lightning strikes in the area. There are three strike zones that assist the director in making a decision to postpone/cancel a rehearsal/performance:

15-30 mile zone = proceed with caution and use other elements/resources to determine if a hazard poses any level of threat to student safety

8-15 mile zone = seek shelter as conditions merit

0-8 mile zone = continue to remain in protected shelter

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)

The Director of Athletic Bands uses Zelus WBGT to determine the safety precautions to performing/rehearsing outdoors Wet bulb temperature is a critical factor in understanding heat stress during outdoor activities, including marching band To protect yourself:

stay hydrated take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas reduce strenuous activities outdoors

While students need to listen to their body and take appropriate action when necessary, the Director of Athletic Bands will use Zelus WBGT to assist in adjusting the frequency and duration of water breaks for student safety. Students who frequently find themselves having to sit out of a rehearsal/portion of a rehearsal or performance due to excessive heat-related concerns will have to seek expert medical attention for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Our Health & Wellness Team will be on hand to provide assistance and educational opportunities to enhance student awareness of how heat affects the body. It is ultimately up to the student to take the proper precautions before a rehearsal and/or performance:

stay hydrated with liquids that provide electrolytes (avoid energy drinks and caffeinated drinks, especially those with high sugar content) eat a well-balanced and nutritious meal before any rehearsal/performance (ideally, eat an hour or two before having to be in the elements) carry a small snack with you if you are sensitive to the heat when given breaks during rehearsal, do not remain exposed to direct sunlight - find a shaded area and relax and do not play your instrument

The Director of Athletic Bands, along with the support of the Director of Bands and Athletic Trainers, has the final say on whether a student is allowed to continue to participate in marching band.

BandCamp

Band Camp is our opportunityto come together and develop the chemistry and work ethic that will shape the remainder ofthe season. Band Camp is a requirementfor every SON memberwho is on a band scholarship (MUS 1300, 45N/48N), Come with a positive attitude and the drive to have the time ofyour life!