Happy Competition Season!
Below is some information as we approach the beginning of our competitive season:
Rehearsal Attendance: For the band to optimize performance in our parade block it is essential that we have full attendance at all our rehearsals. I will be allocating alternates and making final performance arrangements of musicians and guard members starting this week. Grading will also reflect what is not learned in rehearsal due to absences as well. Please make sure to schedule appointments, family gatherings, and other emergencies on non-rehearsal days.
Wednesday Morning Competition Prep: In order to maximize our rehearsal effectiveness (especially in light of not being able to access the track on some days) we rehearse from 7:30-9:30am on late-start Wednesdays the week of a competition. These dates have been on the schedule since it was released so please plan ahead. I will cancel these if there is poor attendance.
Canvas Playing Tests: Have you noticed how high the point totals are on the playing tests students need to complete on Canvas each week? This is because our score at a competition for music is over 50% of the total score. If students cannot even play their music, we are essentially wasting over $15,000 to show the world we do not know how to play. Not a good idea. Please make sure your student is practicing to make progress on these assignments and turning them in. Missing only a few will drop a grade to F status very quickly. These are absolutely critical and so far I have been very forgiving for "technical difficulties."
Hair and nails/Make-up/Jewelry:
Please make sure the following is observed for competition and any event where the band wears their uniform as we get assessed by the SCSBOA for uniformity at competition:
Hair: Long hair needs to be tied up in a bun with no hair loose. Medium hair needs to be trimmed back with clean edges. Medium hair is the hardest so practice getting everything back with pins or other means. All hair colors need to be natural shades (no hot pink).
Facial Hair: All facial hair needs to be removed. No peach fuzz, mini-mustache, stubble, or beard should be present.
Nails: Nails should be natural and trimmed short to maximize playing ability through gloves.
Make-up: Musicians should wear no make-up as it damages the uniforms and creates a lack of uniformity. Guard is not included in this.
Jewelry: All jewelry needs to be removed including earrings, nose rings, and piercings that are visible.
Donations (Snacks and Water):
We can use bottled water and donations of snacks for competition. Granola bars and things that do not melt or get sticky are ideal. Please send them in with your students.
Volunteers:
We can use as many cleared volunteers as possible! Please let me know if you are available.
Success at these elements is part of how our students at Norco have been able to become one of the top 3 competitive parade bands in Southern California. Please note these areas so we can keep it that way!
Fall 2026:
The schedule of fall rehearsals, football games, performances, competitions, and concerts is now up. Please log these dates carefully and do not plan events, birthday celebrations, medical appointments, or family emergencies on any of these dates as all rehearsals and performances are mandatory.
*Remember that in addition to impacting your grade, poor overall attendance will cause students to be placed in the alternate block and the possible cancellation of competitions. Also, do not plan trips on the Saturday of our championship performance at Arcadia (Thanksgiving holiday).
Contact Information and Communications:
Dr. Mora E-mail: [email protected]
Remind App:
Student Class info: Text @dd7k9d to the number 81010
Parent Class info: Text @22k4fd to the number 81010
Remember that our website can be accessed by www.bluediamondbrigade.com or by visiting my teacher page at the NHS website: (https://norcohs.cnusd.k12.ca.us/academics/departments/band)
Q System:
Please make sure your e-mail and contact in the Q system are up to date so I can get e-mails out to you!!!