To download the rules for chaperones, click here.
All events that require chaperones are listed on the Band Calendar. If you are interested in chaperoning an event shown in the calendar, click on it. An information window will pop up that has additional information about the event. In this window, click on the "Click here to sign up as a chaperone" link to send an email letting the Chaperone Coordinator know that you are interested in working the event - identify yourself in the email and then send it. (Remember that you must register with the WCPSS before you can work as a chaperone - see details below.)
Chaperones are required for all band activities taking place off campus or after normal school hours. To work as a chaperone, you must sign up with the Chaperone Coordinator and then register through the Band Director. Depending upon what duties you are signing up for, the WCPSS will perform a varying level of background check. For off campus activities, chaperones must be approved by Wake County for offsite unsupervised activities. If you plan to drive students in your car, sometimes needed for small group activities, you must be approved for transporting students in private vehicles. There is a standing chaperone requirement for the following band activities:
Football Games
The Marching Band performs at all home football games and selected away games. At least four chaperones are needed for each home game. Chaperones at football games perform the following tasks:
- Coordinate collection of refreshments. Each student is requested to contribute one case of soda at the start of the Marching Band season, to be used at football games and competitions.
- Assist with transport of band equipment to the stadium and setup of "pit" equipment before and after the performance. Chaperones also bring the band's sheet music, the "Chaperone Bag" and first aid kit, and jackets for the students during cooler weather.
- Set up, transport, and dispense refreshments for band members. Before the game this includes filling three of the large water coolers with water and ice, two of the large picnic coolers with ice and canned/bottled drinks, and taking all of these items to the stadium. At the stadium, the picic coolers should be placed at the 13th row from the bottom of the bleachers with the water coolers evenly spaced between there and the bottom row. Don't forget to bring enough cups!
- Monitor behavior of band members while they are in the stands before and after performing. Monitor and keep the band seating area clear while the students are performing. The students typically take their break during the third quarter of the football game and are usually allowed to get food and have visitors at this time. At all other times, the band area should be kept clear except for family members and chaperones, so as not to distract the band members.
- Escort students around stadium area, as required.
- Pick up and remove any trash remaining in the seating area after band members depart.
- All unused refreshments and other band items are returned to the band room after the game. Coolers are emptied and are left open in the band room to dry.
Competitions
The Marching Band and Winterguard compete at various locations throughout the region. At least 12 chaperones are needed for each competition. Chaperones at competitions perform the following tasks:
- Setup and maintain "repair bag" (tools for instrument repair), "aid kit" (first aid supplies), "bus boxes" (cleanup materials), and "chaperone bag" (other incidentals), that accompany students to all performing venues.
- Transport and monitor band equipment, including instruments, uniforms, Color Guard/Winterguard equipment, and props. Chaperones assist with loading and unloading of the trailers used to haul items to the competition site. Chaperones also transport and setup "pit" equipment before and after the band performance.
- Make sure that a "bus box" is on each bus.
- Some of the smaller band programs, such as Winterguard, might require chaperones to transport students to and from the competition location.
- Set up, transport, and dispense refreshments to band members. This includes filling water coolers with water and ice. Make sure that all unused items are returned to the band room after the game.
- Maintain student discipline that is consistent with Band Program and School System Rules.
- Maintain order on busses used to transport students
- Ensure that students present a favorable impression of the WFRHS band program while at the competition.
- Escort and monitor students at competition site.
- Follow itinerary specified for the competition, making sure that students are dressed and in the proper locations at the specified times. Also make sure that all equipment and props are in place and ready.
- Maintain open communications between chaperones and band staff, using cell phones, walkie-talkies, etc.
Parades
The Marching Band typically performs in several area parades during the holiday season. Three or four chaperones are needed for each parade. These chaperones must accompany the band along the entire parade route, which might require walking up to 1.5 miles. Chaperones at parades perform the following tasks:
- Setup and maintain "aid kit" (first aid supplies), "bus boxes" (cleanup materials), and "chaperone bag" (other incidentals), that accompany students to all performing venues.
- Maintain student discipline that is consistent with Band Program and School System Rules.
- If buses are used, at least one chaperone will ride each bus to maintain order during transport. A "bus box" must be on each bus.
- Ensure that students present a favorable impression of the WFRHS band program while at the competition.
- Escort and monitor students at parade site.
- Follow itinerary specified for the parade, making sure that students are dressed and in the proper locations at the specified times.
- Maintain open communications between chaperones and band staff, using cell phones, walkie-talkies, etc.
- While chaparones do accompany the band along the parade route, they must do so in a discrete fashion. If possible they should shadow the band by moving through the spectators at the sides of the route. If this is not possible, they should walk along the sides of the road behind the band, so as not to distract from their performance.
Updated: 7/6/2007