Royal oak high school band & orchestra boosters
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(from A-Z)
ALMA MATER & FIGHT SONG - Click HERE
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ALUMNI (MB) - How do I participate in ROHS Homecoming as an alumni? If you marched for Royal Oak High School, Dondero High School, or Kimball High School, you are invited to join the ROHS Marching Ravens for their annual Homecoming Halftime Performance. Clink on the link and fill out the Google form: https://forms.gle/qNwJPQM4davANLCW9
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ANNOUNCEMENTS - Weekly announcements are emailed on most Sunday nights. To receive announcements, you must JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST. Copies of these announcements can be found on the INFORMATION page and Facebook. If you would like to post something in our weekly announcements, email: rohsbob.info@gmail.com before noon on Sundays.
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BANQUET/AWARDS OPEN HOUSE - Who, what, when? A Band & Orchestra banquet is held for all instrumental music students, color guard, and their families at the end of the school year. All students are recognized and it's a lot of fun! Invitation/reservation forms, found on the BANQUETpage, and fees must be be turned in by the deadline on the invitation.
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BOOSTER BOARD - What positions are available on the Board & Committees? Please see the ROHS Board & Committee Presentation for details about each position or contact rohsbob.info@gmail.com for more information.
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BOOSTERS - How do I become a booster? As a parent of a marching band, orchestra, band, or jazz student, YOU are automatically a member of the ROHS Band & Orchestra Boosters (BOB). The Boosters strive to provide the necessary funding and volunteers to keep our music programs running. We are the roadies, the drivers, the uniform organizers, the food preparers and servers, the chaperones, the advertisers, and the cheering section… and we need YOU! Help make your student's ROHS band or orchestra experience the BEST it can be. Join us at the next Boosters meeting and let your voice be heard, Meetings are held monthly on Tuesdays at 7pm in the band room unless otherwise specified (see HOME page for meeting dates). ALL are welcome. Hope to see you there!
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CALENDAR - How do I know when sign-ups, fundraisers, concerts, and other events are happening? Please refer to the CALENDAR (event dates) and/or INFORMATION pages (announcements, sign-ups, forms and flyers).
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COLOR GUARD - What do I need to know before I join? Color Guard is a section of the Marching Band (MB) and members should add MB to their school schedule. Talk to eith Mr. or Ms. Jensen if interested in Color Guard. MB is a class that is graded and attendance is mandatory. Being in MB usually means you cannot participate in fall sports--they overlap too much.
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COMMITTEES (CHAIRS & VOLUNTEERS) - How do I volunteer? We ALWAYS need committee chairs and volunteers! See the INFORMATION page for sign-ups or let a Board member know if you are interested in chairing a committee.
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CONCERTS - The bands and orchestras perform in fall, winter and spring concerts at ROHS, as well as the All City B&O concerts. Select ensembles also perform at Jingle Bell Jazz and other community events throughout the year.
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CREDIT -Do I earn class credit for Marching Band/Color Guard/other bands/orchestras/ensembles? Students in Marching Band (including Color Guard) and Jazz Groups (Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble) receive 1/2 credit per school year for their participation in these groups. Marching Band and/or Jazz MUST be on your class schedule in order to receive credit. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory to receive credit.
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DONATIONS - How can I help? To make a donation to the Band & Orchestra Boosters, click the green button on the HOME or SUPPORT page. If you don’t have a PayPal account, signup is quick and free. We also have donation canisters available at every boosters event. Thank you for your support!
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DOT BOOK - What is it? A small notebook used in Marching Band to aid in the learning of formations on the field.
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DROP BOX - Where is it? Locked drop boxes are located in both the band and orchestra rehearsal rooms. Put your name on a sealed envelope and drop off your forms and payments here. Unlabeled cash placed into the drop boxes will be considered a donation, and will be deposited into the band and orchestra boosters general fund.
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DRUM MAJOR- How do I become the drum major? Drum Majors are chosen based on a written application and audition. The application process usually starts between Feb-May for the succeeding school year. Announcements about the applications are given via the MB Google Classroom, MB Remind, and the rohsbob.org website, but it's always a good idea to remind Mr. Jensen if you haven't seen the information. Auditions include conducting music (given before the audition), teaching a newbie how to march, and interviewing with Mr. Jensen and others. Any experienced student can try out for Drum Major.
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EMAIL LIST – How do I stay informed? Click on "JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST" blue button on the HOME page to receive emails with announcements, reminders and volunteer opportunities. Your email will not be sold or shared for any purpose other than ROHS instrumental music department news.
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ENSEMBLES- What’s the difference between all the auxiliary ensembles? Auxiliary Ensembles include (but are not limited to): Flute Choir (open to any student who plays flute); Clarinet Choir (open to clarinet students); Saxophone Ensemble (open to sax students); Jazz Band (by audition, is a class); Jazz Ensemble (open to all, is a class); Jazz Combo (student run, by audition); Alternate Strings (open to all interested string players); Chamber Orchestra (by audition); Pep Band (open to all interested students--runs during basketball season); Pit Orchestra (for the Drama Club musical, open to interested students based on orchestration needs). These ensembles meet before and/or after school, schedules TBD.
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FACEBOOK - Join the Royal Oak High School Band and Orchestra Boosters group on Facebook for quick answers to your questions!
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FIGHT SONG & ALMA MATER - Click HERE
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FOOTBALL (HOME) GAMES - When does Marching Band need to arrive for home games? How long do they play? What if it rains? MB members (including Color Guard) meet at the call time noted on the MB Calendar. The Boosters provide pizza for MB members at around 5PM. The Boosters also sponsor family tailgates for all band and orchestra families (free of charge (donations accepted) before some home football games in the band parking lot. See MB calendar for dates of tailgates.
MB will suit up in full uniform by 6:15PM and march to the football stadium for pre-game by 6:45PM. Students will stay in uniform, in the stands, in the designated MB section, for the duration of the game, and play their show at the half-time. Bagels and drinks are provided after half-time. Students march back to the band parking lot (outside the band room) after the game and play either the Alma Mater (for a loss) or Fight Song (for a win). MB is dismissed from there. Students needing a parent/ride to pick them up after the game are asked to call for that ride BEFORE the end of the game, so they can leave promptly.
In case of rain, MB members are issued raincoats (instrumentalists) or warm-ups (CG) to wear. The MB stays in the stands unless there is thunder/lightning; cold weather gear underneath uniforms is encouraged if needed.
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FUNDRAISERS - Where can I find the info? See the INFORMATION page for current fundraisers, or support us by:
Shopping at Gordon Food Service - Let them know at checkout that you are shopping for "Royal Oak Bands & Orchestras" and the Boosters will receive discount points to use on supplies.
Shopping at Kroger. Register your Kroger card for Community Rewards. Old members should update their account number to WU326. New members can enroll by searching for ROYAL OAK H S BAND & ORCHESTRA BOOSTERS, or by new account #WU326. Sign up here: http://www.kroger.com
Contributing to our yearly fundraisers: B&O Tag Days, Poinsettia Sale, Golf Outing, and Glow Show.
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GLOW SHOW - What is it? Our first Glow Show was held in Fall 2017. The Marching Ravens host other local high school marching bands and perform with the stadium lights OUT! All musicians and color guard don glow sticks, glow tape, twinkle lights, etc. to make this a truly glow-tastic evening! A basic glow uniform is provided to each band member. Sections are encouraged to decorate their instruments or other parts of their uniform, but extra glow is optional.
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GOLF OUTING - This Marching Band fundraiser (best ball scramble) is for parents in the fall. Prizes, silent auction, sponsor opportunities, and dinner are included! Check theINFORMATION page for details.
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HALLOWEEN PARADES - The Marching Band participates in two RO neighborhood Halloween parades (Woodwardside and ROBHIA). Students dress up and are judged on the "best costume." These short parades are optional, but a lot of fun! At the end of the first parade, the crowd votes for the best costume (or best costumed MB section); the winner(s) gets a prize. Before the second parade, the crowd votes for best costume (prize awarded). Since there are different crowds at both parades, there are two chances to win! Some MB members even change costumes between parades. The neighborhood kids will march with the band. After the afternoon parade, the MB usually performs in Pioneer Park for any spectators. See maps & details on the INFORMATION page.
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HANDBOOK - Where can I find a copy? The Band & Orchestra Handbook link is available under BANDSor ORCHESTRAS - Student Files.
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HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER - Held in November, these holiday plant/wreath/other sales are delivered to your door and help support both B&O.
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INFORMATION - How do I find out what's happening? The INFORMATION page is the best place to look! This is where you'll find the "yellow box" (sign-ups, announcements, fundraisers, etc.), as well as forms for parents, event flyers, concert programs, and links to our logo wear shop, photos, and videos.
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JINGLE BELL JAZZ - What is JBJ? A holiday themed concert for a cause. Members of ROMS, ROHS, and other local jazz bands perform for the community while raising money for a charity. Check theINFORMATIONpage for details. Come for the music, silent auctions, food, and holiday fun!
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JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST - How do I stay informed? Click the "Join Our Email List" blue button on our HOME page to receive emails with announcements, reminders and volunteer opportunities. Your email will not be sold or shared for any purpose other than ROHS instrumental music department news.
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LOGO WEAR (SPIRIT WEAR) - How do I get mine? Shop online for T-shirts, fleece, pants, jackets, golf shirts, blankets, etc., all with our Instrumental Music designs. The online store is open a few times during the year. Be sure to check the INFORMATION page to get the current store link and dates of the sale.
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LYRES & FLIP FOLDERS - Used in Marching Band to attach music to your instrument. When purchasing a lyre, bring your instrument to the store (we suggest McCourt's) to make sure it fits.
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MARCHING BAND CAMP - All new and returning MB students must attend band camp at ROHS for one week in August. Lunches are provided by the Boosters.
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MARCHING BAND SEASON & CALENDAR - check the Marching Band page for all updated information
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MEETINGS - When, who? what? Booster meetings are held monthly on Tuesdays at 7 pm in the band room unless otherwise specified and ALL are welcome. See the meeting schedule (and meeting minutes links) on the HOME page and/or CALENDAR.
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MSBOA Festival - What is MSBOA? The Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA)’s primary purpose is to advance quality music education through the study and performance of instrumental music. At the MSBOA Festival, district schools perform with rules and policies devised to ensure that the same standards are applied to each group or individual participating.
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PARADES - The Marching Band participates in two neighborhood Halloween parades (optional); a Holiday Lights Parade (in Dec.); and the Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade.
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PINS/AWARDS - What should I do with all these pins? Pins are awarded at the end of the year banquet and are often worn on graduation caps or letterman jackets. The pins are different for each year: 1st year students earn a pin that has their band/orchestra ensemble name. 2nd year students receive a blue star pin. 3rd year students get a black star. Senior students receive a silver star.
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PRACTICE- How often do bands and orchestras practice? How often should I practice at home? At ROHS, practice is on the honor system; there are no practice cards. There WILL be announced playing tests throughout the school year. Individual sections of a band/orchestra may schedule a rehearsal if needed; this will be announced in class, and will occur before/after school. MB sections sometimes have rehearsals during the summer, and/or after MB rehearsal during the school year; this is up to section leaders.
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PRESENT. AWARE. INVESTED. The Ravens Marching Band motto.
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QUESTIONS - What if I have other band or orchestra questions? Refer to the Band & Orchestra Handbook, contact ROHS BOB using the Questions & Suggestions form on the HOME page, or join the Royal Oak High School Band and Orchestra Boosters Facebook group.
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REIMBURSEMENTS - How do I get reimbursed for items I purchased as a Booster? Download a "Payment Reimbursement Form" from the INFORMATION page, then email it to our treasurer at: treasurer.rohsbob@gmail.com
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REMIND - How do I sign up for Remind text messages? The Remind lists are archived by teachers in August, so you'll need to sign up each year. There is a Parent BOOSTER REMIND:
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SECTION LEADERS- What is a section leader? Section leaders are chosen by the band or orchestra director as the students who will lead a given instrumental section in an ensemble. Playing ability and leadership skills are factored into the selection. MB section leaders are chosen in the spring for the next year's MB season. Concert section leaders are chosen during the school year, and may change based on "challenges" or section needs. If a student is interested in becoming a section leader, he/she should talk to Mr. Jensen.
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SIGN-UPS - See the INFORMATION page for volunteer opportunities using SignUpGenius.com.
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SPIRIT WEAR (LOGO WEAR) - How do I get mine? Shop online for T-shirts, fleece, pants, jackets, golf shirts, blankets, etc., all with our Instrumental Music designs. The online store is open a few times during the year. Be sure to check the INFORMATION page to get the current store link and dates of the sale.
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TAG DAYS - What is it? Our biggest fundraiser (by far!), Tag Days (held in early Fall) gives our students an opportunity to shine in well-populated areas and collect cash donations. Students sign up for shifts and may (or may not) perform as duos or small groups in pre-determined areas around Royal Oak a nd the surrounding community. In the past, a "tag" was given to those who donated as a thank you (hence the name). Parent volunteers are needed to supervise and act as runners during these busy two days.
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TAILGATES - The B&O Boosters host family style tailgates on home football game days. There's a sign up genius for RSVPs and food donations (on the INFORMATION page), lawn/parking lot games, raffles, and lots of fun, so stop by and say hi!
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TRIPS - When do the Band & Orchestra students go to Disney? They are going 2024! More information to come!
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UNIFORMS - ROHS band and orchestra ensembles always perform in uniform.
Marching Band Uniform description and contract links can be found under BANDS - Student Forms & Files. Boosters pay for the end-of-the-year dry cleaning (part of the Marching Band fee), but you are responsible for cleaning the rest of the year. MB UNIFORMS ARE DRY CLEAN ONLY! You can "freshen them up" by taking the sash/gauntlets off the jacket, zipping it up, and putting the jacket (NOT the sash or gauntlets) and the bibbers in the dryer on the AIR/NO HEAT cycle with a dryer sheet and run it for 20 minutes. Remember: NO WASHING; dryer on AIR/NO HEAT only for 20 minutes!
Color Guard Uniform Note that Color Guard uniforms (tunic, pants, warm-up jacket, warm-up pants) CAN be washed. Wash on cold water, gentle or hand wash cycle. HANG TO DRY! Do NOT put in the dryer!
If you need alterations on your MB uniform, concert dress or tux, click HERE.
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VOLUNTEERS - We ALWAYS need committee chairs and volunteers! See theINFORMATION page for sign-ups or let a Board member know if you are interested in chairing a committee. Maybe you'd like to help with one particular event? Just email the Boosters and let us know. Here are some of the many ways you can help:
MB Camp (food planners, servers)
MB Uniform Distribution
Tag Days Volunteers (supervisors, runners, promotions, business sponsors)
Spirit Wear (sales, designs)
MB Game Day Volunteers:
Band Prep (pluming/de-pluming, tape off band section with caution tape, block off band/orchestra room parking lot with cones, confirm items for tractor cart, senior cords)
Stadium Support (tractor setup/driver, bagels, drumline hardware -- everything the band needs from the time they march to the stadium to the time they come back)
Food (pre-game meals, 3rd quarter snacks)
Tailgates (raffle donations, meal planners, promotions)
Concerts
Concert Uniform Distribution
Golf Outing Volunteers (golfers, runners, signs and promotions, prizes)
- MSBOA Festival Volunteers (when hosting, we need concessions, band support, event support (signs, welcome table, runners))
- Glow Show Volunteers (when hosting, we need concessions, band support, event support (signs, welcome table, runners))
Jingle Bell Jazz Volunteers (planners, sponsors, food donations, servers, clean-up crew, raffle prizes)
Holiday Fundraiser (planning, promotions, delivery, decorating the concert stage)
Parade Volunteers:
Band Prep (pluming, flags and banner transport and setup)
Parade time (sweeper, water provider for Memorial Day)
Dismissal (de-pluming, rides home for students, return flags and banner)
Bi-Annual Trip (planning committee, chaperons)
Banquet/Awards Open House (planners, decorators, check-in, clean up)
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WOAK - Visit our district's YouTube Channel to watch RO sports and other events in the district.
Copyright 2023. Royal Oak High School Band & Orchestra Boosters, Royal Oak, MI. All rights reserved.