7/27

• With Band Camp right around the corner, I wanted to remind all the students and parents with some important reminders.  While I want parents to get in the habit of checking the Band Website regularly for information – I also want students to get in the habit of checking the Band Google Classroom for information.

 

Information

 

• First, parents, please bookmark the band webpage: www.northroyaltonhighschoolband.com – it is here that I will be sharing information with parents, and you can always download important forms and PDF’s from this space.  Students should already be enrolled in the Google Classroom for Band.

• Students should be enrolled in this Google Classroom because information will be sent to them on a DAILY basis here.  Especially during Band Camp – it is very important that all band members check the Band Google Classroom DAILY for important announcements, and it is recommended that students get in the habit of checking Google Classroom on their phone and have this bookmarked for quick access.  

 

Band Registration

 

• While the vast majority of parents and students have completed the Band Registration process, there are a few that have not completed the registration, including, paying their class fees.  Until this step is completed, your student will not be issued a uniform.  Please get this completed to avoid a potentially awkward situation – where your student will not be allowed to pick up a uniform.

 

Uniforms

 

• Band Picture Day is Wednesday, August 12th – which means we only have two weeks of camp to get all the uniforms issued.  You should have already received an email from our Band Boosters with information about Uniform Fitting Evenings, and Uniform Pickup.  Please read this information carefully and make sure that you bring your student up to the High School on the appropriate evenings so that everyone can have their uniform in time for picture day.  

 

FITTING TIMES have changed – the updated days/times were emailed a week ago – but for your reference they are:

 

Tuesday - 07/28/2026

5pm-8pm

Sophomore fittings (A-L)

 

Wednesday - 07/29/2026

4:30pm-7:30pm

Sophomore fittings (M-Z)

 

Thursday - 07/30/2026

4:30pm-7:30pm

Freshman Fittings (A-M)

 

Monday - 08/03/2026

4:00pm-7:00pm

Freshman Fittings (N-Z)

 

• Our parent volunteers are working very hard and it is important that all parents read the emails and bring their student up to the high school on the correct day/time for uniform pickup.  

 

Back-to-School Shopping

 

• Earlier this summer a “shopping list” was sent out with a list of supplies and materials that students will need.  As a reminder, each student needs to own a white Band T-shirt (which we wear every Friday during camp – so students need that immediately,) Purple Band Polo, (which we will wear at Parent Preview Night – so students need that immediately,) Knee-length khaki shorts, khaki pants, black marching band shoes, black socks (calf-height) black marching band gloves.  

• If students have not ordered their marching band shoes from Royalton Music Center – parents and students need to do this immediately – otherwise they will not arrive in time for picture day.  

• Also – every Friday during Band Camp – students should wear their White Band T-Shirt.  So, it is important that all students have their White Band T-shirt ready – because they will need that for THIS FRIDAY.  

 

Cell Phones 

 

• The Cell phone Ohio law has changed this past year.  Just as a reference for students and parents – cell phones are not permitted to be out in “instructional spaces” and for the band - that includes all Band Rooms, the rehearsal parking lot, and rehearsal field.  

• While in rehearsal, student cell phones must be stored in their cases, or in their hall lockers.  If cell phones are seen in any of these instructional spaces, the phone will be taken by the band staff.  

• We know the cell phones are important for coordinating rides to and from band camp, and also how I get information out to the students.   I will be giving important instructions to all students via Google Classroom – which they should have on their cell phone.  

• During Band camp I will giving them updates where different sections should report for rehearsal and important reminders – so students should have their cell phones daily – however it needs to be stored in their case or in their hall locker during rehearsals.

 

Assignments

 

• Students have their first assignments due the first week of Band Camp – which is to memorize and “check off” the 3 pregame tunes – which are the Alma Mater, Star Spangled Banner, and the Fight Song.  Students will have an opportunity to play these tunes from memory and demonstrate that they have it memorized – and can do this after rehearsals any day they feel prepared.  

• To start the year off right, and have a successful season, it is important that students don’t get behind with their assignments, and stay on track.  The whole month of August and the whole first quarter is designed so that students should complete a few assignments weekly and not procrastinate.  

• So be sure to ask your student if they have their first three assignments ready for the first week of camp.  

• As we reminded all students in June, leading up to camp, the best thing they can do is play their instrument a little bit each day – and play through their pregame and Football Show Tunes that they received in June.  Th

 

Band Camp Preparation

 

• It is important that students prepare properly for Band Camp.  Students need to make sure they eat breakfast each morning and  students should drink at least 2 full glasses of water in the morning BEFORE they arrive to band for rehearsal.  During lunch and dinner breaks it is recommended students drink WATER and not sugary drinks that might dehydrate them.   

• We have water bottle filling stations throughout the high school, and students are encouraged to bring water bottles that they can refill to keep hydrated.  ​

• Students should wear appropriate light clothing for being outside all day, and students need to wear tennis shoes with socks for all parts of band camp – even the music sectionals.  

• Students in flip-flops, sandals, crocs, slides, boots, or any other footwear will be sent home.  The only acceptable footwear are tennis shoes with socks.  Students are also advised to wear sunscreen and to re-apply sunscreen during the breaks.  

• We are outside all day, every day, and all students need to protect themselves from the sun accordingly – the school dress code applies for band rehearsal – the dress code might be different for sports practices – but dress appropriately for band rehearsal.

 

Performances  

 

• We are already preparing for performances that are right around the corner -  so mark your calendars.  Parent Preview night is Thursday, August 13th at 7PM at the Stadium.  This is an exciting night where we get to share with parents and friends everything that we have been working on during Band Camp.  

 

Drop off/Pick up

 

• Reminder for all parents dropping students off at rehearsal all students should be dropped off AT LEAST 20 minutes before the time marked on the Band Camp Calendar – so plan accordingly.  Remember – the time on the calendar is the time the whistle blows – and rehearsal starts.  

• Students should be dropped off at Door 1 (by the Flagpole) or Door 7 (under the “NR”)  The back lot will be gated so there is no access to the back of the school.  Parents should either drop off at Door 7 – the proceed left and exit behind the Middle School on to Royalton Road – OR – Pull in at Door 1 – and then exit the south Drive (Drive 4) – this keeps the flow of traffic “one way” and will assist with the drop-off process.  

• When parents pick up their students after rehearsal (whether in August or a Wednesday evening in the fall) parents need to PARK their vehicle in a parking space and NOT wait by Door 1 or Door 7.  This causes a massive traffic jam and affects traffic flow on Ridge as well as Royalton Road.  Please park in the parking lot – and have your student come to your vehicle for pick-up.  

• ANY STUDENT that is dropped off at the Southern drive by the Instrument Storage Room, WILL BE PENALIZED and receive 3rd Quarter minutes.  NO PARENTS OR VEHICLES OF ANY KIND should be stopping at the curb at the Instrument Storage Room.  This is an unsafe practice – and because of this – this situation is closely monitored.

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Absences

 

• For those parents that are new to our Band Family, the way that I handle absences, is I need written note – on a full size sheet of paper – with a parent signature – before the absence.  So, for doctor’s appointments, orthodontist appointments, etc.  please do not email me.  My email is flooded with more email than the average teacher – and in order to keep organized – I handle all attendance matters with paper notes with a signature.   Students should plan on seeing me – IN PERSON – after practice (not before) and deliver the note to me in person so we can have that conversation.

 

Fall Sports

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• We had a meeting for all students involved in a fall sport and band, and underclassmen students also have a mentor, so they should know exactly when they report to their sport, and exactly when they should report to band.  So, there should be no confusion.  Any student who has a question about their fall sport schedule – they can speak to me after rehearsal and I can clarify.  Reminder – all students in fall sports and band that will be leaving practice early or missing a rehearsal because of their fall sport – STILL NEED TO document the absence with  a note and parent signature.  Please do not assume that I have every sports schedule memorized.  Every absence needs to be documented with a written note – and please come and see me – IN PERSON – after practice and deliver the note and we can have that conversation.

 

Lockers

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• Students will be issued a locker for their instrument and materials.  

• All Flute/Oboe/Clarinet/Tuba/ Royalaires will ONLY be issued a hall locker with a combination lock.  

• All Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Mellophone, Baritone, Battery Percussion will be issued BOTH an instrument locker in the instrument storage room, and a hall combination locker.  This will be your locker for the entire year.  The instrument lockers in the instrument locker room do not lock.  It is recommended all students keep personal belongings, phones, valuables, music, flipfolders, lunches in their HALL LOCKERS ONLY.  There is to be NO FOOD OR DRINK in the instrument locker room at any time for any reason.  Any lunches or food found in the instrument locker room will be confiscated.  

• For freshman have not been through this process – your hall locker will be issued to you – and I will tell you your locker number and combination.  (You do not get to pick this).​

• Larger Instrument Lockers for Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Mellophone, Baritone, and Battery Percussion, you can Pick which instrument locker you want.  (Seniors first, through freshman last)

 

Tuesday           7/28    5:00PM           Seniors & Juniors

Wednesday     7/29    4:30PM           Sophomores & Freshman

 

We are looking forward to Band Camp beginning and a fantastic season!

 

-Mr. V

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