2024 Union Winter Guard Information
COMMUNICATION
Union Winter Guard uses the Band App for primary communication with parents. To Subscribe CLICK HERE
EMAIL
Student Account, Charms, and General Questions: questions@unionbands.com
Team Questions: hubbard.kylee@unionps.org
CALENDAR: AGENDA VIEW
SCHEDULE / POLICIES / EXPECTATIONS / FEES / REGISTRATION
Thanks for your interest in the 2024 Union Winter Guard! The purpose of this team is to provide each student with opportunities, experiences, and achievement through competitive performances. Guard activities provide physical fitness, as well as the basic life-skills of teamwork, dedication, sacrifice and commitment. We instill in our members that hard work pays off, and we offer a structured environment for students to become great in every aspect of life. We hope that you have a rewarding and memorable experience.
SCHEDULE / Rehearsals / TRANSPORTATION
Varsity Guard rehearses Tuesdays 4-7PM and Thursdays 6-9PM, Fridays before competition weekends, and Saturdays
Cadets rehearse Monday 6-8:30PM and Wednesdays 4-6PM, some Saturdays (February and March are the heaviest competition months)
All rehearsals are mandatory and ABSENCES COULD AFFECT YOUR PLACE ON THE TEAM. The class will continually train throughout the entire semester on fundamentals of dance, flag, and weapon (color guard equipment). Students and parents should plan for contest days to be an all-day event. A Google Calendar version is available here or at the bottom of this page. Please go through the calendar thoroughly and list any dates you may have a conflict on the Registration Form. All in-state competitions are not set in stone at this time; please plan to attend each show and more information will be shared when it is available.
Varsity Guard
Rehearsal at Union H.S. on Tuesdays 4-7 PM and Thursdays 6-9 PM, with Fridays on shows weekends and some Saturdays.
Rehearsal Every Tuesday morning at 7:00a at the Baseball Complex at the Freshmen Academy.
Daily rehearsal Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday will be normal class time at 8:35a at the Baseball Complex at the Freshmen Academy.
Bus service takes HS students to their campus daily at approx 9:15a on Bus #39.
After-school bus service takes freshmen from their campus to UHS as needed.
Pick-up and Drop-off for rehearsals will be the UHS bus loop (near the band building)
Saturday Design Camps & Performances:
12/8, 12/9, 12/10 - Staging Camps
12/20, 12/21, 12/22 - Choreography Camps
1/13 - Camp Rehearsal
1/27 - Camp Rehearsal
2/3 - Camp Rehearsal + Family/Friends Send-Off
2/10 - Broken Arrow WGPO Competition
2/17 - Camp Rehearsal
2/24 - Camp Rehearsal
3/2 - Muskogee WGPO Competition
3/9 - WGI Tulsa
3/16, 3/17 - WGI Denton
4/4 - Family/Friends Send-Off
4/6 - State Championships at Jenks HS
4/10-4/14 - WGI World Championships
All rehearsals are mandatory and absences can affect your place on the team. The class will continually train throughout the entire semester on fundamentals of dance, flag, and weapon (color guard equipment).
Students and parents should plan for contest days to be an all-day event.
Cadet Guard
Rehearses at Union H.S. on Monday 6-8:30 PM and Wednesday 4-6 PM with some Saturdays.
Pick-up and Drop-off for rehearsals will be the UHS bus loop (near the band building)
CADET TEAM After School Bus Information (rehearsal days only):
From 8th grade center, students ride bus #23, ride route, then dropped off at UHS.
From 7th grade center, students bus #28 to UHS. This bus is parked on 62nd street behind school at dismissal.
Saturday Design Camps & Performances:
12/16 - Staging Camp
1/6 - Choreography Camp
2/3 - Camp and Send-Off Performance
2/10 - Broken Arrow WGPO Competition
2/17 - Camp Rehearsal
2/24 - Putnam City North WGPO Competition
3/2 - Muskogee WGPO Competition
3/16 - Piedmont WGPO Competition
3/30 - State Championships @ Yukon HS
All rehearsals are mandatory and absences can affect your place on the team. The class will continually train throughout the entire semester on fundamentals of dance, flag, and weapon (color guard equipment).
Students and parents should plan for contest days to be an all-day event.
WINTER GUARD REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The following items are required to participate in Union Winter Guard. Failure to do so will result in the student being turned away from participation.
Positive Student Account Balance (no past due fees are allowed)
COST
Participation fees for Winter Guard:
This fee covers production cost, costumes, flags, gloves, show shirt, contest meals, and transportation and lodging. These fees will be broken down into monthly payments as outlined on the financial contract. Your signature on the financial contract will confirm your permission for your student to be placed on a team. Specifics as to payment schedule and costs are included in the financial contract. The Union Band Parents Club (UBPC) offers a variety of fundraisers year-round to help families earn credit towards fees. Some families never have to write a check due to their participation in fundraisers. Visit the Union Bands website for more information. If you have any questions, please let us know.
UNION WINTER GUARD MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES
Please READ CAREFULLY and THROUGHLY. You and your Guard member are accountable for all rules and procedures in this document.
The Union Winter Guard Program consists of very dedicated and talented students who perform at Winter Guard competitions both inside and outside of Oklahoma. The Winter Guard is a representative of Union Public Schools. The Winter Guard shall represent Union Public Schools with the highest degree of integrity, sportsmanship and cooperation among themselves, the student body, faculty, and with other band members and visiting bands. A high level of commitment to the program is necessary in order to maintain a position in the Winter Guard Program.
Academics and Eligibility
Students who participate in extracurricular activities must also maintain their eligibility in accordance with OSSAA regulations and the Department of Education of the State of Oklahoma. All guard members will be governed by the eligibility rules of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association and Union Public Schools. (See Eligibility section of Policies and Procedures in Handbook.)
Grade checks will be done each week in order to determine eligibility. A Guard member falling below the required grade point requirement will not be allowed to travel with the team until his/her grades are brought up to the acceptable grade point level.
Finances and Eligibility
Students who participate in the Winter Guard activities must maintain their financial eligibility. Failure to pay dues in a timely manner as outlined in and agreed upon by your signature on the financial contract will result in a week of probation. Continued lack of payment during the probationary period will result in a week of ineligibility. Continued lack of payment during the ineligible week will result in additional time of ineligibility.
Financial ineligibility means that your student will not be allowed to do any of the following outside of regular school hours: perform or travel with the guard. Ineligibility affects the entire team and may also affect your student’s ability to keep their place in the show; this is at the guard staff’s discretion.
Rules and Regulations:
Guard members will adhere to all rules, regulations, and expectations as published in the Union Public Schools campus student handbook / code of conduct.
Guard Expectations and Guidelines:
As a member, the student understands that his/her academic achievement is most important. If his/her name appears on the ineligibility list, he/she realizes that his/her performance position may be in jeopardy. Students must plan ahead to keep up with the busy spring schedule. Proper study habits are very important. Members will not be excused for missing rehearsal due to poor time management, as this will jeopardize the success of the entire ensemble.
As a member, the student understands sacrifices will be made in other areas of my life to be a part of this performing group. Students will always be on time for rehearsal. Unexcused absences and/or excessive tardiness will result in dismissal from the group. It is the responsibility of the student to make up anything they missed from that class/event. All absences for rehearsals must be cleared in advance. A previous history of un-excused absences could result in lack of membership.
Unexcused Absences: Non-Emergency Doctor/Dentist Appointments, Employment Responsibilities, Social Activities, Study Sessions, and Family Functions.
Excused Absences: Illness, Death in the family, school sponsored/required event, or any other instance that a Director has approved PRIOR to the absence.
PLEASE NOTE: Any appointment during the class period will be treated as an unexcused absence except in extreme situations. All appointments need to be made outside of the class/rehearsal. Not contacting the director prior to class to make them aware will result in an unexcused absence. Informing the day of does not count as prior notice except for emergency circumstances.
Tardies and Absences will directly reflect in a student’s grade and his or her performing opportunities.
As a member, the student understands that attending all performances is mandatory. Any potential conflicts for rehearsals or performances should be noted in the “conflicts” area on the Contact Page.
As a member, a student understands that there may be 1 to 2 extra rehearsals and/or sectionals (other than regularly scheduled). It is the student’s responsibility to the group to attend these sectionals.
As a member, the student understands that he/she is to have all necessary items for practices and performances. He/she understands that failure to be prepared for rehearsal or a performance can result in loss of points in my grade, and/or not performing at event or upcoming event.
As a member, the student understands that he/she i responsible for the Guard Fees, as well as other items that may be necessary, as listed in this packet.
The image of the Union Guard is very important. As a member, the understands that she/she is representing the group at all times, even when not with the group, and that he/she must maintain the highest level of professionalism. Unacceptable behavior, inappropriate attire, extreme hair color and non-conventional body piercing are not allowed. Any changes to a student’s appearance must be pre-approved by staff, since appearance directly affects the look of the group. This includes hair color, haircuts, piercings, etc.
There may be alternate membership positions. At any time, an alternate may be placed into a performing position. Likewise, a performing member may lose their spot due to grades, eligibility, finances, discipline, excessive absences, poor work ethic, or level of performance. In addition, the student understands that all performers may not perform every segment of the show.
Parents are urged to encourage their students to practice at home. The instructional staff chooses performers for spots based on students’ skills and progression.
Students will obey and show respect toward directors, instructional staff, chaperones, and each other at all times. Respect is mandatory at all times.
If the student has a medical or physical condition that could interfere with participation or performing, the performer must notify the staff immediately. A written note by a doctor will be required, and the student may be asked to see the School Athletic Trainer to receive an Athletic Injury Report.
To be on the VARSITY Winter Guard team, a student MUST participate in the previous Fall Season.
