Final Marching Band Preparation

First, let me extend to you my admiration for your students.  Marching Band is a different kind of commitment, one that allows students to demonstrate their work ethic, continual self-improvement, grace through adversity, and dedication.  These are the kinds of skills we hope students develop as they work their way toward the workforce, so to see them do as well as they are is exciting to me!

Our meeting time on Saturday is 8:30 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.  Please don't be late, as we will need to warm up and line up according to the needs of the parade organizers.

Jackets will be brought there, as will NDC toques for students to borrow.  I do not have access to gloves, but I do recommend them simply for the students' comfort.  If your student plays an instrument where their fingers cover holes (like a clarinet or open-tone-hole flute), they will still need their fingertips, so fingerless gloves are advised, however for other students full-fingered gloves will work.

Students need to wear black pants, and an undershirt that is appropriate for the weather.  Current forecasts suggest that it will be cooler, much like this morning, but without the drizzling rain.  Please keep an eye on the forecasts just in case.  Running shoes are a must, but I'm not concerned about the colour (if you can choose black, great, if not, I'm not concerned).

Also, if your student requires medical tools such as inhalers or anti-histamines, please ensure your student brings it with them.  We will keep such tools with us in our wagon.  Sunscreen is a good idea, even if it is cloudy.  Sunglasses are also acceptable.

Students are responsible for bringing their instruments.  Percussionists are responsible for their sticks.  Snares, Basses, Quads and Tubas will be brought by Mr. Windsor.  All reed players should have a backup reed or two in their pocket just in case theirs breaks on the parade route.

We anticipate the parade being done at 11:00 AM, and beef-on-a-bun to be available after that in George Lane Park.  Your students' NDC Jackets are their tickets for free beef-on-a-bun, therefore they will be expected to keep their jackets and return them on Tuesday.  Jackets do not need to be washed, we will do so here at the school.

​I am really looking forward to this community outreach for our school once again.  The community enjoys seeing local musicians in the parade, and your students have been working hard memorizing music and practicing their parade drill to look and sound good!  Please support them as best as you can as they prepare for this performance!