SCHEDULE & EVENTS

THE SCHEDULE

All performances, competitions, football games can be found on the band calendar on Membership ToolKit (MTK) at Lindbergh Bands Bandstanders - Calendar (membershiptoolkit.com).  You will need to log in to the MTK and click on the CALENDAR tab or check the App.    The Calendar can also be “synced” to your personal calendar (and that of your student) so you won’t miss a thing!!   However as with all things, it is subject to change so if you sync it with your personal calendar, it will certainly make things much easier to keep track of.   The band directors do everything within their power to adhere to this schedule but things happen.  Always check the calendar before making any vacation plans too.

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE

Yes, every member needs to be at every rehearsal and performance but if you know of a conflict, do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of the directors. Communication is key - and the directors can work around things if they know well in advance of any conflicts.  

See the Marching Band Syllabus for attendance policy.  If you have a planned or emergency rehearsal absence, please alert the directors via the Rehearsal Absence Form. 

Absences are disruptive to the learning of both the individual member and the group.  All of the work that is taught and practiced is interconnected between members and requires everyone to be present.  Rehearsals are where we put together the show with the group. 

TIMELINESS

Directors want to start rehearsals and events on time so it is critical for everyone to be on time or early!  If your instrument/role requires 15 minutes to setup, you must factor that into your arrival time.  If marching band practice starts at 6:00pm this means the students must be ready to play by 6:00pm.  Remember, “If you are on time, you are late!”

Marching Band events are scheduled precisely so please get accustomed to reviewing a schedule and sticking to it.  Please review each event’s detailed schedule so that you are aware of what is expected for that day. Details for each event will be populated in the virtual calendar as these details become available so check the MTK calendar.   Also, each marcher should look to their section leader for guidance.

Finally, if practice or an event is scheduled to end for example at 8:30pm, this does not mean that students  will be able to hop in the car at 8:30 and head home.  Most sections (especially the pit/front ensemble) require time to transport and put away their instruments.  Please factor in this time when coming to pick up your child.  Also, exact times for returning to school after events may not be known and are approximate on the calendar.   Any updates will be promptly communicated as they become available. 

BAND SUMMER CAMPS

• June Camp: If you are in town during that time, you are required to attend.  All band members are highly encouraged to attend.   High School students have the opportunity to volunteer for middle school band camps to earn hours for A+ Program. 
• Summer Marching Band Camp (MANDATORY):  It begins last week of July and runs for approximately 3 weeks Monday-Thursdays.  It is generally from 7:00am to 5:00pm at LHS.  This camp will form the basis of the upcoming year’s performance.  The students learn to work in their respective sections and as one group.  They get to meet their leaders and band members.  Morning snack and lunch are provided by Bandstanders.  Students must organize your own transportation.  If you require assistance with transportation, please contact bandstanders@gmail.com and we will try to assist you with carpooling. 
• Camp Lakewood (MANDATORY):  This is a 4-day (Thursday- Sunday) sleep-away camp in August located in Potosi, MO where the hard work begins.  Parent Chaperones will be in attendance (highly recommended for new parents to volunteer – it is a great way to meet the band family).   Students and parent volunteers are transported via buses and are provided all meals.   You will be provided with all the information you will need prior to camp.   Trip is included in the band member’s band fees.  There is a fee for chaperones. 
• GENERAL CAMP RECOMMENDATIONS:  ∙ Soft-soled shoes with adequate arch and heel protection – no flip-flops or skater shoes. ∙ Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing ∙ Sunblock ∙ Sun Hat ∙ Rain does not stop practice. We will rehearse, rain or shine. If you think it is going to rain on a certain day, then bring rain gear. ∙ Half-gallon to gallon insulated water bottles (labeled).

ZERO HOUR & EVENING REHEARSALS (MANDATORY)

During the school year, students will have before school rehearsals (referred to Zero hour) and evening rehearsals. Zero hour rehearsals continue into first hour of school.  Check the calendar for dates.

HOME VARSITY FOOTBALL GAMES

There are usually 4-5 home Varsity Football Games on Friday nights during the fall that the band performs at Lindbergh High School.  Should the football team make it to the post-season, the band would participate in those home games as well. Band students will report to the band room prior to the start of the game. In this time, the students change into their uniforms and take out instruments. The Band will march into the stadium before the game to a drumline cadence. They perform the fight song, pep tunes, etc. During the game, they sit in a designated section on the stands.  The band will perform a portion of their show either as pre-game or half-time entertainment. The games usually end at around 9 o’clock. After the game, the band will march back to the band room, put away uniforms and instruments, get final announcements if any, and then be dismissed. 

Parents and friends do not sit with the band but are welcome to sit in the stands and watch the band perform.   Some special football games include: 

• Pink out Game:  Show support for Breast Cancer Awareness at this game.  While not required, anything pink is preferred.  Uniforms are not worn this night. 
• Homecoming Game:  Football game played during Homecoming week.
• Senior Night: Recognition of Senior Band members and parents. 

MARCHING BAND COMPETITIONS (MANDATORY)

Marching Band Competitions are where many different bands compete/perform. For the band, competitions are like “game days”.   There are generally 4 competitions a season in September-October. These are all-day and often late-night events.      Often the exact itinerary isn’t known until a few days before the competition so leave the whole day open.  One competition may be out of town and include an overnight stay.   The students meet at LHS and ride the bus to/from competitions together.  All costs of travel and competition fees for the students are covered by Bandstanders.  Meals may be provided at some, but cost of extra food, souvenirs, and additional purchases are at the student’s expense. 

Bands that perform are critiqued and ranked in different areas of marching band performance by qualified judges. There are judges that both walk amongst the band on the field and also observe from above stadium seats.  Scores are based on music and visuals.  At some competitions, the band will perform twice (preliminary and finals).  Remember, the band will perform even if it is raining. Usually, the awards are given out after all bands have performed.  

The band needs your support as a cheering section in the stands! If possible, try to sit in a central area of the stands towards the top to get the best overview of the performance and picture formations. A good stadium seat cushion comes in handy. Be aware that you can only enter and exit the stands after each performance. Show your spirit by wearing your spirit wear, show shirt, or school colors and cheer them on but be courteous to the other spectators and performers. You can also sign up to help chaperone, dress them, and move equipment. Competitions are a fundraiser for the host school so there is a small admission fee charged to spectators. There are also concessions for spectators and other band-related merchandise available at some events. These events can be crowded, and parking is sometimes tight and can be a bit of a walk.  

• One competition that Lindbergh participates in yearly is Bands of America (BOA) Regional Competition.  This is a two day event at STL Dome at America’s Center with a prelims/finals format.  There are over 60 bands in competition from around the nation with several bands performing on Friday and Saturday.   If our preliminary performance is on Friday, the band leaves during school hours depending on the time.  Then Saturday, the band reports to the LHS band room to watch the Preliminary Awards Presentation and Finalist announcement together.  Should they score high enough to be in the Finals competition (top 14 bands), they immediately get on the bus to return to the Dome.  

OTHER MARCHING BAND EVENTS

• Super Saturday Rehearsal: (August) Saturday rehearsal
• Pool Party: (July/August) Band student pool party at community pool
• Cardinals Ball Game: (July/August) LHS Marching Band performs the National Anthem or God Bless America before the start of a Cardinal game.  Then they sit together and watch the game.  Band member’s tickets are included in their band fee.  Tickets will be available for families to purchase. 
• Rah, Rah Day: (August, before the first day of school) Annual welcome back performance for Lindbergh teachers and employees.  @LHS
• Green & Gold Pep Rally: (August, before the first day of school)  Kick-off of the Lindbergh fall sports and activities.  The Band plays in the stands much like a football game experience. Parents/families are welcome to attend.  @LHS
• Homecoming Parade: (September) Parade occurs during Homecoming Week.  Usually starts at Sperreng Middle School and proceeds to LHS.  Freshman-Junior band members march in the parade route.  Senior band members ride on a float.  Parents/families are welcome to sit along the parade route.  
• Parents as Marchers: (September/October) Parents are invited to participate in an evening rehearsal with your band kid.  This is highly encouraged to experience the hard work your marcher puts in during the season. 
• Sunday Night Lights: (October) Optional event for all band members.  Sunday Night Lights is a free event to bring to life the experience of a high school football game for kids who are battling cancer or other serious childhood diseases.  High school seniors participate as buddies for this event.  The band plays like a typical football game.  Parents/families are encouraged to attend and support this event.  @LHS.
• Marching Band Fall Awards Night: (October/November) Each year, the Directors and Bandstanders want to recognize the spectacular accomplishments of our marching band students, so we have a Marching Band Fall Awards Night. This event is optional, but each student is recognized (especially seniors). We also encourage parents to join us.  @ LHS
• End of Marching Band Season:  Marching band season ends the middle-end of October and Concert season begins.  All marching band members will be placed in a concert band class at school.
• Big Trip:  Every 4 years, the band takes a big trip out of state during spring break.   There will be numerous fundraisers to support this event.  In spring of 2022, the band went to Universal Studios and Disney World.  The next big trip will be Spring 2026.