Attendance at Band Camp is mandatory for students wanting a spot in the Blue Star Regiment performance shows.

Q: When does my child tryout for the Blue Star Regiment? A: There are no tryouts. Being there on on the first day means they are part of the program. There will be some adjustments (Varsity vs. Jr. Varsity members) as we learn marching, but everyone gets a spot for football games. You can read what students need to know to earn a position toward the bottom of this page.

THINGS TO BRING

Members of the Blue Star Regiment often rehearse outside. Be prepared with the following items:

• A friend! Yes, even if they don't play an instrument - its ok! We have baritones, tubas, and trombones to pass out
• Water jug or large water bottle for use throughout the day
• Sunscreen - You MUST protect yourself from the sun
• Hat - This keeps the sun out of your eyes
• Running or walking shoes (no flip flops, heals, etc.)
• Instrument

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Band Tryouts

Q: When can my child tryout for the Blue Star Regiment? A: There are no tryouts for band. Being there during band camp means they are part of the program. There will be some adjustments (Varsity vs. Jr. Varsity members) as we learn marching. Everyone is assigned a spot for football games.

Percussion / Drums

Q: My child wants to be a drummer. Is there a tryout? A: Upper battery positions (snare and quints) are normally filled by the end of school in May. There are typically a few spots that students may try for starting June 1. After those are chosen, the remaining percussion members will be placed in the front ensemble. See the calendar for summer rehearsal dates.

Color Guard

Q: My child wants to be in the color guard. Is there a tryout? A: Students that wish to be part of the color guard may start by attending the first practice on June 7 (3-6p). There are several practice days in summer, so look at the calendar for summer rehearsal dates.

Band Camp Attendance

Q: My child can't go to every day of band camp. What happens? A: Students are placed into the drill according to their ability to participate. Students that cannot attend camp and other events are assigned to an alternate position (JV), and are added to the show providing they win the challenge for a position. NOTE: Members that do not attend band camp are significantly behind those that do. They need to work hard to catch up!

Flutes, clarinets, and trumpets usually run out quickly. If there is not an instrument available, students are encouraged to try a new instrument like trombone, baritone or horn. These instruments will be easy to learn after learning a woodwind instrument.  Be adventurous and prepared to try something new and exciting!

DINNER

For safety reasons, students are not allowed to leave campus (band camp) during the dinner hour to buy food. The BSRIMA (parent boosters) normally provide dinner for a small cost, or students may bring their own food. Details will be posted later in the Weekly News.

AUXILIARY (Color Guard)

Summer Rehearsals

Band Camp is for you too! This is where the entire Blue Star Regiment starts to learn our competition show. Summer rehearsals start on June 7, and if you wish to be part of the auxiliary, come to the June 7 rehearsal (3-6p) to start the season with the team. Contact Mr. Jackson for questions at pjackson@riversideunified.org.

EARNING A POSITION

Earning a position in the Blue Star Regiment's show starts during the summer. Initially, EVERYONE is offered a spot, but some students end up as alternates. Below is a list of things you need to be able to do to have a position in the show.

• Students must attend band camp and have good attendance.
• Students must be able to set their own drill. Each student is given a page of coordinates and instruction about setting their position independently.
• Students must demonstrate effort toward meeting the performance standards and goals.
• Students must keep up with the other students (this is also part of effort) and present the same "look" as the other members. Students need to march, hold their instruments, and move the same as everyone else.
• Students must keep their equipment in working order, treat it well, and correctly store it daily in the assigned place.