HOW DO I STAY INFORMED (Information, Dates, Times, etc.)?
Financial Information- CutTime- Any Questions Email: rhsmusidepartmentparents@gmail.com
Announcements- Remind Parents- 81010 @rarbandpar
Times, Dates- Google Calendar or Member Area on Website
Ways to add the Calendar
Click the link and select "YES" to agreeing to add the calendar.
Google Calendar Link https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/1?cid=cmhzbXVzaWNkZXBhcnRtZW50cGFyZW50c0BnbWFpbC5jb2
Go to your Google Calendar, scroll to the bottom click the "+" symbol. Select " Subscribe to Calendar" type in the email "rhsmusicdepartmentparents@gmail.com"
Itineraries- Sent out Wednesdays before the event through - Remind, Classroom, and Upload to Google Calendar Event
Parent Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12JptX3y9fP/
How do I make payments...
Venmo @rhsbandbooster (Logo Comes Up), Memo- Student Name and Reason. DO NOT LABLE AS GOODS AND SERVICES
CutTime- Credit Cards (There is a fee)
Check- Make Payable to Rocket Launchers Memo Student Name and reason
General Parent Questions, Fundraising, Events, Banquet- rhsmusicdepartmentparents@gmail.com
Program Questions, Absences, Trip Information- Mr. Lahaye rlahaye@hazlet.org
NEED TO BRING TO PRACTICE, COMPETITIONS, GAMES, PARADES, EVENTS?
For every event an itinerary will be provided the Wednesday before every event. It will be sent through Remind, Posted on the Classroom, and Posted in the Event. Every event will have a section listing things to remember please read this section to understand what is your responsibility to bring. If you are missing a required item you risk your chances of performing. Spiritwear items are for sale and your CutTime account will be charged.
LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME!
Personal Items
Deodorant
Change of Clothes and Shoes- Spiritwear (DRESS FOR THE WEATHER)
Food, Snacks, Water
Sun Screen
Uniform Requirements
Football Games- Performance Shirt, Baseball Cap, Wool Hat, Marching Shoes, Raritan Backpack, Flip Folder
Competitions- Show Shirt, Tall Black Socks, Marching Shoes, anything else required for your performance uniform.
Parades/Events- Tan Short, Black Sneakers, Performance Shirt, Baseball Cap
*Performance Shirt- Logo on Front/Blank Back
Practices
Athletic Wear and sneakers (Dress for the weather)
Pencil
Music
Water
Snack
Phone (Charged)
WHAT DO I NEED TO PURCHASE?
Large Water Bottle- Minimum 64oz
Large Duffel Bag or Backpack
Athletic Shoes
Marching Shoes- Instrumental Only- Click Here for Link
Performance Package- Performance Shirt, Baseball Cap, Wool Hat, Backpack) - Click Here for Link
PIT CREW GUIDELINES
What are my obligations as a Pit Crew member?
Loading and unloading of the trailer
Prop construction
To assist the front ensemble (pit) on the field
Guidelines:
No pit crew should be alone with students.
No pit crew should administer medicine or medical attention to any students. ALL STAFF MEMBERS ARE CERTIFIED IN EPIPEN, CPR and FIRST AID.
No pit crew should sit among the students in the stands
No pit crew should take disciplinary actions with a student.
In the event of an emergency or issue:
Inform Mr. Lahaye or a staff member immediately
If we are not in the area at the time of the incident- some pit crew will be equipped with a two way radio and Mr. Lahaye’s cell phone number. Please contact him immediately.
Please leave all discipline to the Band Staff- If there is an issue with a student, please advise a staff member ASAP.
How to sign up
Please sign up through Cut Time- Click on the event and sign-up as a volunteer.
Only 10 pit crew are needed at each event.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
I have a question.....
Ask three before Lahaye.
1. Check website, itineraries, Reminds, Google Classroom, etc
2. Have Students ask a Section leader or Drum Major,
3. Ask a parent or email parent email or check Facebook Group
What is required for me as a parent....
We ask you to participate as much as you can. Attend parent meetings, Pit Crew Volunteer, Donations, Prop Building, and more! We do require participation of at least 1 volunteer for our Home Competition which is the 1st Sat of September, if a parent does not attend a financial obligation is required.
How can I help....
Pit Crew, Volunteer for Fudnrasiers, spectators, donations, sponsorships, and more! Reach out to parents rhsmusicdepartmentparents@gmail.com with questions.
Are due dates optional....
NO!!!! Please hand in required forms, permission slips, etc on time
Is attendance important....
YES!!!! The show can not be learned if you are not there. Tardiness and absences are not allowed. If it becomes an issue Mr. Lahaye will schedule a meeting with the parent/Guardian and student to discuss an action plan.
When Does Practice Start and End.....
Practices are different but majority practices will be from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm. Please understand this does not mean they are in your car at the end of practice. It does take some time to clean up after practice.
Did Mr Lahaye really change something?
Yes, change is okay, and many times change is out of our control. Mr. Lahaye will always inform you of changes, but it is on you to be signed up with the proper communication tools.
Financial Questions
How Can I check Balances....
Using Cut Time Magic Link- If you lost your link email rhsmusicdepartmentparents@gmail.com
Where does all the money go....
On average a season for marching band costs $40,000-$50,000 a season. Fundraising needs to be successful to help the students succeed. All funds go back tot he kids in someway, either purchasing equipment, killer banquets, gifts, food, shirts, scholarships, and more!!
Is fundraising optional....
NO!!!! The parent organization funds a large amount of the program we need 100% participation. We do a super 50/50 twice a year and is required by all members.
What is the financial obligation....
Dues are required it covers collection for snacks, t shirt, banquet, etc. Dues vary from year to year and is based on participation. In addition super 50/50 sales are required.
Are their required donations....
We encourage donations of scratch-offs, raffle donations, food for events, etc. Messages will be sent out asking when needed.
AHHH I can't make a payment.....
Email Lahaye he will work with you to make it is easier. We never want to turn someone away due to financial situations.
Competition and Events
Oh no it is raining…..
We will still perform in the stands and our field show. If the weather is extremely bad, we may decide to not perform our field show. We provide the students with heavy duty rain jackets to keep them dry.
It is so cold outside…..
As we approach the colder months, please pack a sweatshirt or your varsity jacket. Only Raritan High School Spirit wear can be worn.
When does my child eat?
They can eat on their breaks, bus rides, and during the third quarter. No member can eat in the stands at any other time. They can have water if needed.
I want to sit by the band…..
We would love to have every parent sit near us at the football games. Parents can sit on the surrounding area of the band. No parent, including pit crew, is allowed to sit among the students will in the stands. Don’t forget to wear green and gray!
Do I have to pay entry to comps and football games?
Yes, (Price Varies). You can enter for free if you are volunteering as a pit crew member or snack bar.
Where are students allowed to go on their break?
The students are allowed to go to concession stand, bathroom, or the home or away bleacher where the band is. They must travel everywhere with at least one other student. No student is allowed to be alone. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO GO TO THE BUS OR ANYWHERE ELSE WITHOUT SPEAKING TO MR. LAHAYE.