Welcome
from the Inver Grove Heights (Simley High School) Band Boosters!
We hope the information provide below will introduce you to our
Marching Band program and help answer some of your questions.
On this page, you will find info about the costs of Marching Band, attendance and attire for parades, links to parade calendar and the 2007 Marching Band trip, and special instructions for State Fair parade day. Parents can find out how to help.
To those you have never been in marching band, this page should give you a good idea of the time commitment and cost. Participating in the marching band is an exciting and enriching musical experience, and we encourage every high school band student to try it for at least one year. In addition to parades, the marching band takes a trip with Marshall Field's Musical Adventures each year.
The band program generally has about 130 students and approximately 80 are in marching band. These marching band students learn and perform with the highest musical standards, precision and spirit. The Simley High School Marching Band will represent our school and community to well over 100,000 people at various parades and performances. Every individual is essential to the success of every performance.
For information on attendance requirements, click below.
Marching Band begins with 'band camp' during the first two weeks of August, culminating in a Community Performance in uniform. Parades take place during August, September and October. Drumline rehearsal begins one week earlier and has some additional rehearsal time. Colorguard members also have additional rehearsals.
Marching Band Information is mailed in May: if you did not receive the information and want to be part of the Marching Band program, please call 306-7049 (when school is in session) and leave your name and address and we will send you a copy or send us an email.
Important things to know about Marching Band
Marching Band Dress Uniform is provided by the school Fittings take place during August band camp. The marching band will be wearing new uniforms this year. Wear your new black shoes at band camp to break them in.
Music to be memorized before band camp - "Winds of Sonora"
At Band Camp student leaders will assist in instructing marching fundamentals to freshman/new SHS Band students on:
A field trip consent form must be completed and turned in before a student may participate in parades.
Participation in Marching Band is required to earn a letter in Band
Simley High School
2920 80th St.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
WHAT YOU NEED FOR A PARADE PERFORMANCE:
1. Eat breakfast and be sure to drink water before parades on hot days.
2. Always be prepared to wear either the dress uniform or the "hot weather uniform". If you wear your band t-shirt, band shorts, white socks and white shoes and bring your black shoes and black socks in a bag, you will always be fully prepared. Never guess which uniform will be required.
3.UNIFORM CHANGING:
Use the locker rooms, choir room, practice rooms, whatever is available, but DO NOT change clothes in the band room. At the State Fair, you will be bringing your uniform and changing there. Wear your dress shoes and carry your hat, neither belong in the uniform bag, because the bags will break. Upon arrival, DO NOT change clothes outside where everyone can see you, use the facilities provided or the chaperones will decide which bus you can use.
WHITE UNIFORM JACKETS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT ON THE FLOOR OR ON THE GROUND. These are new uniforms and we would like to keep them looking that way.
4. AFTER A PARADE/PERFORMANCE:
Students are responsible for bringing in all the instruments and uniforms and helmets from the lawn and band room and. putting them where they belong.
PARENTS NEEDED: BAND-AIDES/WATER PATROL:
We are in need of parents to help with the parades. Check the calendar page and see if you are available to help distribute and collect uniforms, help load and unload the trailer, help distribute water along the parade route, or take pictures. We need 8-10 parents for each parade. This is a great way to meet other parents and get a little exercise too! Please click here if you can help.
Any Additional Information or Changes in the marching band activities will most likely be posted on the band room's black board. The web site will be updated with the most current information. E-mails will be sent when necessary.
Email list: If you are not on the email list: send an email to ighbands@hotmail.com and tell us who you are and that you would like to be included.
Important information to know for when the Marching Band performs at the Minnesota State Fair
ATTENDANCE: This is very important! To keep everyone safe and accounted for - band students must check in with an adult as they board the bus at school and at the fair. We will ask students to be back at the buses by 5:45PM, so we can leave by 6:00PM. Times are subject to change.
School rules are that you go on the band bus and return on the band bus, students are not to drive themselves, however we know sometimes conflicts can occur, so for those who:
1) are getting to the fair other than the school bus
2) need to leave early
3) are staying later than the bus is
YOU WILL NEED A PARENT SIGNED NOTE TO GIVE TO THE CHAPERONE IN CHARGE BEFORE THE BUSES LEAVE SCHOOL.
After the parade, a parent needs to check in with the chaperone in charge before any student can be set free. Students will not be allowed to leave on their own.
UNIFORMS AND INSTRUMENTS: Students not returning on the bus need to make arrangements with another student to take care of their uniform and instrument. The chaperones will not be responsible for your things.
CHANGE OF CLOTHING: Band students will need to bring a backpack with a change of clothing. After the parade, changing trailers will be provided for students to change clothes into. Don't forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes, unless you want to wear your MB shoes.
BUDDY SYSTEM: Students are told to be with at least one if not two other people while at the fair. Students should not wonder the fair on their own.
MONEY: Students will need to bring some cash for food, souvenirs and rides.
JUDGING STANDS: The judging stand is located just north of Sky Tower. There are 4 judges (2 for music and 2 for marching.) They will comment on EVERYTHING! We will receive comments and a score after the parade and the final scores will be mailed after the run of the state fair.
A special thank you
to all the parents who will help with getting this group looking so great!
It takes a lot of people doing many things to get these musicians ready before they play that first note or march that first step. Mailing out the necessary forms, collecting permission slips, collecting money, fitting shoes, passing out shoes, uniforms that need to be fitted, passed out and turned in, last minute sewing, laundering shirts, washing the trailer, getting the trailer, driving the trailer, unloading the trailer, getting the pop/water cooled with ice, getting the water bottles filled and cleaning up the trailer and pop cans, water carriers, finding more chaperones and volunteers to help, photographers, and parents, family and friends who come and support the band.
A big THANK YOU to Mr. O,
Sara Chadwick: Color Guard Instructor,
Kevin Fuhrman: Percussion Instructor
for working with these young people!
