BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

MARCHING RAIDERS

COLOR GUARD!

Thank you for your interest in joining the BHS Color Guard!  The guard is an elite group of performers that add color, motion and pageantry to the performances of the Marching Raiders.  This addition of flags, poles and other equipment bring the music to life, creating a “general effect” or “visual theme” to the band on the field.  In front of every great band is a great color guard! 

The BHS Color Guard members are very valuable members of the BHS Marching Raiders, and perform with the marching band at every performance, including parades, home football games, and several marching band competitions around the state.  By the end of a single season of marching band, we will have performed in front of more than 75,000 people! 

Here’s what we look for in our performers:

1. Positive attitude
2. Strong work ethic, desire to improve daily
3. Excellent rhythm and coordination
4. Reliability

 Each of these four items are extremely important.  In the category of “reliability,” we do have a number of expectations that must be met to be a positive, contributing member of the BHS Band Program:

• Band Camp!  June 3-5, July 28-August 7 (at BHS)
  • We have two rehearsal camps during the summer in which we learn our entire field show and all of the flag routines.  These camps are mandatory.  If you were to miss any of these dates, you would fall so far behind that we could not catch you up to the rest of the group. 
• Rehearsals!
  • The band rehearses outside of school two nights a week, and rehearsals are mandatory.  These evening rehearsals are the only time the band can meet as a full ensemble during the week to prepare for our performances and competitions.  We meet on Monday and Thursday nights, from 6pm to 8:30pm.  Conflicts with other activities can often be worked out with communication with the directors well in advance of the conflict date. 
• Performance!
  • Every performance of the BHS Band is required of all performers.  Count on parades (Labor Day, etc.), home football games on Friday nights (5-6), and band competitions on Saturdays (3-4).  Our season runs from August to the end of October.  Official dates will be set before the first band camp.  Excused absences would include medical emergencies, religious obligations, weddings in the immediate family, and others at the discretion of the directors. 
• Finances
  • There are some fees associated with the operation of this large band program.  We can occasionally assist in the case of financial need, but we ask that students cover these fees to the best of their ability:
    • $50 Band Camp Fee
    • $30 Uniform Cleaning Fee
    • $15 Official Band Polo Shirt
    • $35 Color Guard Shoes
    • ($130 Total)

o       Travel

§         Every two years the band takes a major trip.  In 2006 we traveled to Orlando, Florida.  In March 2008, we went to San Antonio, Texas.  These trips are optional, as students must cover the cost for their own trip.  Trips usually cost between $700 and $900, and last 6-8 days.  We have MANY fundraising opportunities to help you cover the cost of the trip. 

For more information on anything listed above,

please contact Mr. Chernick at 828-5201, ex.2319, or chernickm@District87.org

Our clinics to prepare you for the audition will be held:

April 15, 18, 22, 24, 29, May 2:  3:00pm-5:00pm

BHS Auditorium (or outside if the weather is nice!)

The final audition for the BHS Color Guard will be held on May 8, from 3pm to 4:30pm.

GOOD LUCK, AND GO RAIDERS!