Summit Parade!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! Summit Parade is Friday, November 21st. This is a REQUIRED event that requires proper documentation for an absence. Transportation to & from is the responsibility of the parent. Please offer a ride to girls who don't have one!! Tigs will wear CANDY CANE COSTUME over WHITE turtle neck, WHITE thick tights/leggings, WHITE socks, and WHITE ked like shoes. Full makeup with red tint lips. Hair down, no clips, bands, pins...just down straight or curls & looking fabulous!! Tigs can layer under the for warmth & must also have a clear dollar tree poncho with them in case of showers. All this stuff must come to school with the girls on Friday morning. We will practice Tues/Thurs during 7th period. Girls will dress quickly at the start of 7th period on Friday and then be released to Parent/Adult to head for the Summit at 2:30 so we are ahead of area school buses. Those injured or too ill (doctor confirmed) to perform will not attend this event due to weather and walking required. Report time is 5:00 p.m. Students Only will meet at a designated area TBA. Please keep in mind the heavy traffic on 280 and plan accordingly. We will text suggested parent parking plan for ease of pickup as soon as we have the info. Any dinner or movie plans made are at the discretion of Parents/Adults. #BeTheSolution

End of Fall Reminders!!

Tigerette Budget...Guard money was spent & a sheet for Fall 2014 will be sent home this month! Band Fees...all took care of this...Thank You!! Home Concessions...parents worked or prepaid out or will owe $50 before tryouts. Spring Trip...please make sure you get your payments to Donna at the first of each month. Your next trip payment is due now...on or before November 10th. Holiday Concert, PreDistrict Concert, Spring Concert...TBA...these are required events!! Employers can’t require you to miss a required school event or a rehearsal for an event. If written verification for your employer is needed see one of us immediately. It is your responsibility to inform the employer about school required events in a timely manner...your failure to do so will not excuse your absence. Please make sure that you listen to your Directors for information that will be announced about these events. Schedule Changes...be reminded that any student requesting a schedule change out of band for 2nd semester automatically removes themselves as a member of the band program & from their position as a Tigerette. NO BAND = NO GUARD!! We want you to be happy and we honestly only need girls involved in the program who enjoy what they are doing and want to be there!! #BeTheSolution Off Season Grades...you must maintain an overall 70% average each grading period. Your parents will be notified in writing if there is a problem with grades. Members on “Grade Probation” will be dismissed from the squad if they do not improve and maintain an overall 70%. Off Season Conduct...remember that you are still expected to maintain Satisfactory conduct. Stay out of the office!! Follow the dress code, do not be tardy, do not skip class, do not cheat, do not lie, be respectful, keep your lips (and everything else) to yourself, be a kind, sweet, cooperative young lady at school, in your social life, and at home!!! If school, social, and home problems are impacting your Guard involvement you need understand fully that those type issues can impact leadership decisions in the future. Those already on probation must be extra careful about conduct issues. Off Season Hair...you agreed to maintain a shoulder length hairstyle. While we feel sure that some of you may need a good trim as the season ends, do not think for a second that a chin or shoulder touching length hairstyle, or drastic color change is okay...we view this as defiance. Very simply stated, it is not what you agreed to do when you tried out last year so don’t do it!!! COLOR = NATURAL!!! Please have hairdressers do any/highlighting/lowlighting/coloring by working off your natural hair color...the real color of your hair is the one growing at the roots. Know as well that continual hair issues play a role in leadership decisions down the road. Off Season Weight...remember that extra pounds weaken your ability to move & perform with ease. PLEASE eat healthy & work to get in shape...tryouts are in about 9 weeks. Off Season Skills...please take an honest look at your skills in all areas and work to improve in the off season. Flags, weapons, and body!! You’re not guaranteed a spot on next year’s squad. Tigerette Tryouts = January 12 - 16, 2015....we scheduled tryouts in January again this year to avoid conflict with district contest dates. New physical due at tryouts. More info in December. Seniors will be needed daily afterschool to assist with teaching tryout material. Concert/Intermediate Band and Winter Guard rehearsals have begun...Guard girls received a grade 1st 9 weeks which solely reflected their work as a Tigerette on the field. Factored into that grade were any unexcused absences...which by JeffCoEd definition are all parent excuse absences and/or any unexcused absences. The only “excused” absence from class are ones labeled “P”. These are given for example when the student produces a doctor’s excuse or when the student is given a “Principal excused absence” for a college day or something similar. The county only permits a certain number of unexcused absences per semester. Please make sure you keep your attendance records up to date. Understanding that Fall Guard members in grades 9-12 have missed out on months of “instrumental instruction” the band director’s focus will be to make the upcoming transition as easy as possible for the Tigerettes. Simply stated....a Guard member is expected to play to the best of her ability, to exhibit good effort in the daily class, to have good attendance, and to attend class with the same type attitude that they exhibit on the field...of course they are encouraged to be attentive & improve their playing skills, but be assured they would never be “called out”, punished or their grade penalized because their role in band has been a visual one up to this point. In addition to in-class requirements, unexcused absences/check-outs will affect your band grade and consequently your overall grade average. Remember as well, your grade/attitude also play a role in Guard leadership choices. Band is your scheduled class and it is a graded subject. Do not show up late with a pass from other teachers, & do not ask to leave the band class to do work for other classes you have scheduled. Band is not an off period or your study hall. Private Lessons...a note is going home with beginning and intermediate band students this week about Guard Girls giving private lessons @ $20 per hour between now and tryout time. The only Tigerettes who should be paid to give lessons in our opionion are our current Juniors and Seniors who have enough experience to truly help a child get ready to tryout. Having the older girls handle the private lessons in the community also sheilds our younger members from accusation and hurt feelings when the students that are helped but don't make the squad "sound off" about who's fault it is in January...in reality all of our girls should be more concerned with improving their own skills and making the squad again at this point.

Info, Pics, Alterations, and Shapewear

Thank you all for taking care of the Band Fee as requested. Band Handbook and some signature required documents will be sent home with Tigs on Wednesday...must return Thursday to avoid laps. New tardy policy was explained to girls on Monday, they can explain it to parents. GUARD CAMP DATES/TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS... July 22-25 = practice 8 a.m. to noon. July 28-Aug 1 = practice 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug 5 = Pictures and Practice 6 to 9 p.m. Aug 6 = School starts and we practice everday 7th period. Aug 7 = Afterschool practice until 4 or 5. Pictures will be made for the football program and yearbook on Tuesday night, August 5th. We will take whole group pics first, then small groups by grade, then individuals. Tigs will practice when we are done with pics and be dismissed at 9 p.m. More info as we get closer to time. Tigerettes will report that Tuesday dressed and ready to take pictures! More info will be posted as we get closer to picture date. Tigs wear...RED uniform, tan jazz shoes with "no show" nude footies if needed to avoid blisters. No gloves. A black bra with black straps providing great support is required. Seamless undies and Spanx are also required. The goal here is to remove all jiggle, bounce, and body rippling. FYI...most girls... regardless of size...wear a spanx type garment to smooth & tone their appearance in uniform...it's required...see below. Hair worn down and straight...push straight back with headband...no part...no bangs or twigs. Make must should be done with natural colors and with a heavy application. Red lipstick. FALL SHOW DATES...in addition to Friday night games... Tuesday, September 23rd = Crimson Cavalcade Exhibition in Tuscaloosa. Saturday, October 11th = BOA Regional @ JSU. Tuesday, October 14th = JefCoEd Band Jamboree @ Gardendale HS. Saturday, October 18th = Hoover Invitational Contest @ Hoover Met. Friday, October 31-Saturday November 1st = BOA Super Regional @ Georgia Dome. SHAPEWEAR...we sent home a bodystocking that will be worn under the costume in the fall nothing else needed there. Girls also need to purchase good quality bras (padding as needed) to wear during the season. The rhinestone top/capris will ONLY look right when worn with a black LYCRA racer back sports bra & black capri legged whole body spanx type garment. Red dress will look better with nude color leotard type spanx. Almost any retail store will have what you need...the general rule on shapewear is for them to work properly (aka remove appearance of lines, jiggle, bounce, and rippling) they must fit tight...this means girls normally wear one size smaller than their regular street clothes. Alterations...any alteration to Guard items must be approved! Parent must email concern to us and we will get back with them asap. Donna, Rebecca, & Captains will of course respond to urgent type issues when those type texts/emails are received...we need to know of about emergency type issues so we can do whatever needs to be done to address them. Please note however that we do not plan to respond to generic texts/emails from students/parents that pertain to or are related to day to day policy, plans, procedures, and logistics. Girls are given ample verbal instruction daily from this point, we use the blog and we use Remind 101 to try to keep everyone informed about everything so we should be good to go 99.95% of the time. Also please realize that our family members and siblings won't have answers for you either...lol. WE PROMISE...the 5 of us (me, Rebecca, Abby, Alyssa, & Meghan) will do everything we can to keep everyone up to date and informed. THANK YOU in advance for respecting our personal time this fall!!

July Notes!!

Hope everyone is having a great summer!! Plans and prep are underway for a great fall experience. Please make sure you use the month of July to have yourself fully prepared...healthy eating habits, exercise, and lots of stretching will help get/keep you in shape. Good physical health means you look better which means you will be stronger at practice and a more confident performer on the field. We all know that a major part of good physical, mental, & spiritual health is remaining totally free of any/all chemicals that impair your abilities and judgements. Avoiding pills, smoking, and alcohol are a MUST for you to be all God intended when He created you!! As part of your family life at home and as part of your guard & social life...24/7 it DOES matter who you are and what you do!!! WE WILL POST OUR FULL FALL CONTEST SCHEDULE AS QUICKLY AS DATES ARE DETERMINED. All should expect the JefCoEd Band Jamboree to be one of the last two Saturdays in September, as well expect 1-3 Saturday contests in October including the 2 already confirmed Bands of America events previously posted. Below is a repeat of the Summer Practice Goals you were given the last day of your spring clinic...minimum goals for all 29 Tigerettes over the summer are... pencil turn, splits, high kick...all done left & right heel to toe march, point march, saute, chasse, jazz run...in time & in step flag = drop spins, extensions, cones, flips, single toss, single horizontal rifle = slaps/in time, single toss/correct hands, height, and rotation Girls interested in "primary flag spots" available in the fall show should master all of the above plus the following... single pirouette, attitude turn, fan kick...all both left & right flag = double toss, double horizontal toss, praise toss, 45 toss rifle = double with solid hands, height, rotation saber = blade double, hilt double...both with solid hands, height, rotation Our 13 member fall weapon line in the fall show should be working to master all of the above plus the following... double pirouette, illusion, barrel roll flag = 45 behind the back, one turn, high silk toss, high praise toss rifle = triples/quads & above with solid hands/feet, height/rotation, one turn saber = blade/hilt triples/quads...same as above, one turn tricks = dance, flag, weapons tricks that are consistent and solid School registration is July 17th...see the new Oak Grove HS page on Facebook for more info!! Here is some info specific to GUARD MEMBERS... Every Tigerette (and at least one parent/guardian per girl) is REQUIRED to subscribe to the "Remind 101" system we began using last spring. We will not be forwarding Guard info to those who refuse to sign up/all are responsible for messages sent, and of course fake or unknown names will be deleted. Please register ASAP!! Here is how... Send a text to 205-396-3250 with the message @oghsg Guard Camp Schedule Monday, July 21st = 8-4 (bring your own lunch/drink and a large shopping bag) Tuesday, July 22nd - Friday, July 25th = 8-NOON (no lunch needed) Monday, July 28th - Friday, August 1st = 8-4 p.m. (lunch plans TBA) Tuesday, August 5th = TBA based on camp progress (could be all day??) Wednesday, August 6th = School Starts for Students!! Guard Members MUST leave campus promptly at dismissal everyday...girls must have someone ready to pickup or a pre-arranged ride home ready to go everyday. Guard members are not permitted to be on campus without supervision, and thusly are not permitted to "hang out" during afternoon horn or percussion rehearsals. Any absence from the required camp dates above must have a verifiable doctor excuse, a verifiable court date, or a verifiable death in your immediate family. A family emergency is defined as a situation which requires the specific attention of said Guard member and does not occur on a regular basis. Work is not an excused absence...if you need a letter documenting your rehearsal schedule for your employer please let us know. If you are on time...you are late!! Guard Captains are expected 15 minutes before call time and 10 minutes after. All should plan ahead so you don't have to run laps...tardy = 1 lap per minute late...double laps if a Captain. We caution Guard members who drive to and from band to make sure that you maintain a timeline that does not put you at risk for getting a speeding ticket and/or something worse. If you are old enough to drive yourself and others to band you are old enough to get up and leave the house in plenty of time!!! Guard members are not permitted to leave campus during band camp. Student drivers may not be in and out of cars during the day. Make sure you have what you need when you come inside each morning. Forgotten items = more laps to run!! Picture Day Info for the football program will be detailed here as soon as we have that info!! Here is what you bring to camp with you everyday... Sunscreen Sunglasses Water Jug Beach towel or yoga mat Guard gloves Bandaids (if feet & hands tend to blister) Fem items as needed You will need to bring your lunch and a large shopping bag the first day!! You need to bring your flag and also your $100 band fee on the first day of camp. Checks should be made out to OGHS Band. If you bounced a check last spring you must pay with cash or a money order. (We will issue school owned "King" equipment to weapons line members so they keep their personal weapons at home) Here is what you should wear... No makeup Hair in ponytail Soffe or Nike type shorts* Tshirt** Athletic shoes (no converse or vans) low cut socks *shorts will not be rolled so high that we see cheekage! **due to temp and amount of time we practice we allow tank tops and/or cami style summer tops as long as BRA STRAPS ARE NUDE OR MATCH COLOR. During school you will have to wear a tshirt with your shorts during 4th block. -------------------------------------------------------- All fall uniforms, costumes, pep wear, shoes, bags, etc. will be distributed after lunch the first day of camp. This is always VERY exciting, but does not require Mom's help...lol. They will see everything when the girls bring them home that day. Girls that first Monday will try on every item so we can swap things around and get everyone the best fit possible. So PLEASE wear white or nude color modest undies that day...we don't need sheer bras and thongs when playing dress up!! We must keep everything looking new and fresh so please note that NO FALL ITEM is to be worn until the assigned time. Parent must get Director approval on any and every alteration made to any item. Alterations are paid for by the parent. Details concerning alterations will be posted on the blog after fitting the group and seeing what our needs are for the fall. Note as well...NOBODY should be wearing Guard items...new items or old items the same rule...no friends and no cute boys/boyfriends. We will get lots of stuff that first day so make sure you bring a LARGE SHOPPING BAG with you to hold it all!!! Please note...Tigerettes with outstanding band debt of any kind will not be issued fall guard items until the debt is paid in full via cash or money order. -------------------------------------------------------- BOYS!!! Boyfriends are not permitted at rehearsals. Guard girls who date boys in the band must follow the same rule...you will not be a couple at rehearsals. Please explain this to your boyfriends...if you can't WE WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TOO!! ------------------------------------------------------- APPEARANCE Please make sure that your hair color and length meet the group guidelines BEFORE arriving the first day of camp. No hair should be too dark or too light. Any highlights must be natural looking. Remember you are expected to work off your natural hair color which is the color at the root and that your hair length must be shoulder or longer when prepared for performance. No bangs. Hair color must remain the same color the entire fall season!! If you have put on a few pounds over the summer please use these remaining weeks to trim it off. Extra pounds inhibit your ability to move with ease. Cut out sodas, drink lots of water, and make healthy food choices...you will be surprised how successful you will be in getting those pounds to disappear!! No visible piercings other than ears. Belly piercings must be bandaided flat under your shirt for every rehearsal and performance. Visible tattoos must be covered with skincolored waterproof bandaids at every rehearsal and performance. These guidelines also apply during each & every school day as well!! -------------------------------------------------------- Lastly please remember that OGHS Tigerettes are expected to set the standard for good behavior, good grades, and a good work ethic. 24/7...at school, at home, and in your social lives we always expect the best from you!! This requires a mind, body, and spirit that is free from anything or anybody that alters your thinking and/or your behavior in a negative way. Review the Tigerette Trait list you received the first day you made guard...if you make a solid effort to make sure you try to display those traits everyday it will make a huge difference in your personal success and as well the success of our group as a whole. We are sooooooo excited about the fall and hope you are too!! If you have questions don't hesitate to email. See you on July 21st!! love, love TRIBE 2014!!!

Happy Summer!!

Grades were checked this morning...yippeee...no problems found!! Congrats to the following young ladies who worked hard in the classroom to earn "All A Averages" for 2nd Semester...Joyce Bousack, Allison Eason, Kristin Ferguson, Gracie Johnson, Abby Praytor, Bailey Snow, Autumn Stewart, Angel Vanderburg, & Allyson Odom. Have a great summer everyone...play nice, play safe...see you all on July 21st!! Donna & Rebecca :0)

Happy Spinning!!

We will NOT be making a mass weapon purchase for this year's fall guard. Girls who do not have weapons and are interested in spinning rifle & saber next winter with the A Guard or B Guard or any time in future years will need to purchase their own practice equipment if they need it. (Purchase of weapons of course does not guarantee a spot on any winter weapon line!!) Our Fall & Winter Guards spin "KING" equipment on the field & floor. Sabers are 36 inches. Rifles are 36 inches, white with silver clip, no strap, white pads, and are 2 pounds in weight. You MUST specify 2 pound rifle weight when you order. No need to order their tape to wrap rifles or tape sabers...you can use white electrical tape for those jobs. Visit this web site to order KING equipment... www.designsbyking.com And yes, we do know you can find cheaper sabers, but if your daughter has her mind set on eventually making weapons line a King Saber purchase is worth it in the long run...as stated above it won't determine whether or when she makes the weapon line...there are no guarantees...but it will make what she attempts to learn on saber easier for her to do...the King saber is that good!! As well you must understand that wooden rifles break...especially for beginners. If breakage worries you...you may want try X Factor. It is a new rifle product (that we have NOT tested) designed to avoid rifle break problems. Again you would buy the white rifle, silver clip, no strap and buy as is...no extra weight. Base weight of the plastic "virtually unbreakable" is 2.25 pounds...just a tad heaver than King Rifles we use. Here is that link if you are interested... http://www.algyteam.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=EQ4512&Display=1&RelProduct_Code=RELA-EQ4512&Category_Code=EQUI&Store_Code=algyteam&Offset=&Product_Offset=17 As always...flag, saber, and rifle spinning should be done outside on a level grassy area or in a gym sized area. Thanks and happy spinning!!

End of School Reminders!!

Grades...exams are this week. See your teachers for exact dates & times. Report cards should be mailed home the first week of June. You will be contacted that week if we find problems with your academic progress that requires probation or summer school or renders you ineligible as a performer. Off Season Hair...all agreed to maintain a shoulder length hairstyle. While we feel sure that some of you may need a good trim as the school year ends, do not think for a second that a chin length hairstyle is okay...no matter your grade level we view this as defiance...hair must be shoulder length or longer when prepared for performance...very simply stated, it is not what you agreed to do when you tried out last January so just don’t do it. Hair Color...NATURAL!!! A few of you have gone too dark or too light...make sure this is corrected before you come back for summer band camp. HAIR COLOR CHANGE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED DURING THE FALL OR WINTER SEASON. Please have real hairdressers do highlighting/lowlighting/coloring and have them work off your natural hair color...fyi...the real color of your hair is the color growing out of your head at the root...lol. Fall Hair Style...down & straight in uniform...messy bun in costume...PLEASE NO BANGS. Please learn how to do a messy sock bun this summer...also make sure you find a way to do the straight hair thing...practice makes perfect. Off Season Weight...remember that extra pounds weaken your ability to move & perform with ease. Please eat sensibly & stay in shape...uniform/costume alterations are paid for by parents. Fitness 1440 in Hueytown offers a $99 summer special for students age 13+...it includes use of gym equipment and tons of fun classes like zumba & spin class to help keep you strong & healthy!! Off Season Skills...please take an honest look at your skills in all areas and work to improve in the off season. Flags, weapons, and dance!! Former OG Guard Captain/current UA MDBCG member Sydney Johnson is available to teach private lessons this summer. She is well skilled in all areas...flag, weapons, and body. The cost is $20 per hour per person if you come to her home OR $25 per hour if she comes to your home. CASH payment is expected at the time the lesson is given. Moms please contact Sydney @ 532-7258 to schedule lessons. UA Alta Marea is also hosting spin clinics this summer...go to www.alabamacolorguard.com for the details...Tigs would sign up individually and parents are responsible for transportation, etc. Weekly private lessons and attending spin clincs are optional but they sure are great, fun ways to grow and build skills this summer!! Social Media...in today’s world, social media plays a huge part in our day-to-day lives. In efforts to keep our social media profiles showing nothing but our best, here are a few tips to keeping your profile clean, powerful, and positive this summer. First, avoid using offensive or derogatory language on social media sites such as FB, Instagram, or Twitter...also avoid retreating or liking items that contain questionable content/words. Lots of people have access to these sites and you want to be sure that you always present the best YOU possible. Next, keep personal arguments & venting off social media sites. Keep your photos clean & respectable. Social media sites are no place for mean words nor the place for photos that suggest anything other than a positive image. One last online behavior to avoid is a current trend in social media--posting a location, status, or photo that "appears positive" but in reality is only being put out there to jab at someone or hurt their feelings...a location, post, or picture intended solely to let others know they are NOT included is an example of a very negative trend that we should all work hard to avoid. So please, consider all these things & think before you post...the old saying still rings true...if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!! (these apply to texting and email as well!!) Staying Informed...parents & Tigs please make sure you keep Remind 101 working on your cell phones. If you need to know something we should be able to get you the info very quickly that way. Remind 101 and this blog has replaced almost all notes sent home. It is a quicker and more effective way for us to get you the info needed. Tigerettes are held accountable for everything sent/posted. (Fake and/or non-members will always be deleted from Remind 101) Please note for clarity: The Guard blog and Guard Remind 101 may contain different info from the Bands...Tigs always follow instructions found on the Guard blog and the Guard 101. Those who schedule private lessons understand there is a risk of accident or injury involved in spinning/dance...they do so with the understanding that they bear full responsibility and the person(s) or company providing the service will not be held liable should accident or injury occur. :0) Philippians 4:8...finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. :0)

May Reminders!!

Band Spring Concert is tomorrow night at 6 p.m. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED. Band Banquet is this Saturday night on May 10th and is a required event for all Tigerettes 6-12. Tickets are on sale in the bandroom until Wednesday @ 3. $15 per person/ticket required to enter...see Mr. Adams to purchase, checks should be made out to: OGHS Band. Church or party dresses are appropriate to wear. The event will be held at Oak Grove 1st Baptist Church Family Life Center for Band Members, Tigerettes, & Parents only...no siblings/no friends. We will recognize Seniors, review accomplishments of the past year, announce leadership for next year, and of course announce our show plan for Fall 2014!! (Seniors pleeeeeeeease make sure Mr. Adams and Mr. Henson have the information and photos needed for the Banquet Senior Video & for your plaque...deadline for that info is now...lol) Guard Spring Clinic--required!! Tigerettes Grades 6-11 will participate in a Guard Clinic during their regularly scheduled band class every day during the week of May 12-16th. The flag/dance clinic during the school day is required and girls MUST have a doctor's excuse to miss any band class scheduled that week. Veteran Girls interested in trying out for the fall weapons line should be prepared to stay afterschool everyday that week until 4 p.m. to work on weapons skills. Girls will need to be prepared daily to change quickly into a t-shirt and shorts in the guard room. Athletic shoes (no dance shoes, no converse, no vans) are required for class. Girls must bring a bottle of water with them each day, and pending weather issues may need sunglasses and sunscreen for outside. Tigs who forget practice clothes, shoes, etc. will not participate and their failure to participate will be considered an unexcused absence. Any unexcused absence = suspension from performance...1 performance per U-absence. We will supply a properly weighted flag that girls will take home at the end of spring clinic for summer practice...no gloves needed for flag/dance. Those interested in weapons will have to supply their own equipment (see below*) and gloves. Flag/Dance Work will be taught in routine form to a specific song so the girls can easily work on things all summer. We will also provide info/list of requirements for girls interested in trying out for various parts in the fall show during the week...fall weapons tryout will be the first Monday of Summer Guard Camp. FINAL CALL...we will hold the beach trip open for sign up until this Friday at 8 a.m. for those who forgot their money last Friday morning, for those who didn't get paid until this week, and also for those who may have changed their mind following our fun filled surprise day last Friday. $100 per person (cash) to Rebecca this week will get your name on the list to travel with us. *weapons note: if you are a veteran member (no rookies) considering trying out for the 8 - 10 member primary weapons line next fall you are required to participate in the weapons portion of the clinic until 4 everyday during spring clinic week. The weapons portion of the clinic is only required if you plan to tryout, if you prefer flag/dance only you do not have to stay. Those interested must bring their own rifle & saber and will need old weapons gloves too. (Our seniors Leah, Taylor, Brianna, Lauren, Peyton, and Kaylee along with former members Logan Brown, Autumn Bates, Megan Burchfield, Miranda Hill, Nikki Morgan, Sera Powers, Jamie Mareno, Danielle Russo, Allison Salter, Kayla Simpson, Maci Swindle, Meagan Simpson, Makenzi Valentine, & Savannah Hicks may have used equipment they are willing to sale. A used rifle should be $20-$25 each, used saber around $50 each. Please contact them on your own if interested.)

Spring Guard Info!!!

To receive Guard Group Messages...text @oghsg to 205-396-3250. (unrecognized & non-member names will always be deleted) The last $200 Tigerette Fee Payment is due on or before May 1st!! A $100 Band Fee is due from Tigerettes on July 21st!! Guard Beach Trip--Guard Beach Trip 2014--optional!! Guard members and their Moms are invited to participate in our annual Guard Beach Trip scheduled for Friday - Sunday, Aug 1-3rd. Cost is $100 per person...that amount covers housing and some meals. Girls who travel without a parent pay an extra $25 gas fee at trip time. We carpool and Guard Moms split the cost of gas used in the cars. Those interested send full payment via CASH ONLY to Rebecca Hope to reserve your spot(s). No checks will be accepted!! Deadline to sign up is May 1st. We have room for all Guard girls and the parent spots available will be filled on a first paid basis. If we have enough interest we will move forward with plans, and if we do not your cash WILL be returned to you. Please note...once signed up and the trip plan is put into motion...no refunds will be issued regardless of reason. Band Spring Concert---check the date with Band Director---Required!!! Band Banquet---required!! Band Banquet on May 10th and is a required event for all Tigerettes 6-12. Tickets will be on sale in the bandroom closer to time. Church or party dresses are appropriate to wear. The event will be held at Oak Grove 1st Baptist Church Family Life Center for Band Members, Tigerettes, & Parents only...no siblings/no friends. Time TBA. We will recognize Seniors, review accomplishments of the past year, announce leadership for next year, and of course announce our show plan for Fall 2014!! Guard Spring Clinic--required!! Tigerettes Grades 6-11 will participate in a Guard Clinic during their regularly scheduled band class every day during the week of May 12-16th. The flag/dance clinic during the school day is required and girls MUST have a doctor's excuse to miss any band class scheduled that week. Veteran Girls interested in trying out for the fall weapons line should be prepared to stay afterschool everyday that week until 4 p.m. to work on weapons skills. Girls will need to be prepared daily to change quickly into a t-shirt and shorts in the guard room. Athletic shoes (no dance shoes, no converse, no vans) are required for the class. Girls must bring a bottle of water with them each day, and pending weather issues may need sunglasses and sunscreen for outside. Tigs who forget practice clothes, shoes, etc. will not participate and their failure to participate will be considered an unexcused absence. Remember, unexcused absences = suspension from performance...1 performance per U-absence. We will supply a properly weighted flag that girls will take home at the end of spring clinic for summer practice. Those interested in weapons will have to supply their own equipment. Work will be taught in routine form to a specific song so the girls can easily work on things all summer. We will also provide info/list of requirements for girls interested in trying out for various parts in the fall show during the week...fall weapons tryout will be the first Monday of Summer Guard Camp. Summer GUARD Camp---REQUIRED!!!! GUARD SUMMER SCHEDULE is listed for you and it MAY OR MAY NOT align with hornline and percussion schedules...expect every section to have their own plan!! OGHS Guard Camp Dates/Times!!! Monday, July 21st = 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 22nd - Friday, July 25th = 8 a.m. - Noon Monday, July 28th - Friday, August 1st = 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, August 4th - Tuesday, August 5th = 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. School starts for students on Wednesday, Aug 6th!! First Thursday afterschool until 4 or 5 will be Thursday, Aug 7th!! First Tuesday night 6-9 p.m. rehearsal will be Tuesday, Aug 12th!! Thinking way ahead.... JefCoEd Band Jamboree will be either Saturday September 20th or 27th. BOA Regional at JSU is October 11th. BOA Super Regional at the Georgia Dome in ATL is October 31-November 1. One other contest in October is TBA!!

Congrats, Thank You, and Required Dates!!

Congrats to our Winter Guard for the Silver Medals won at SCGC Championships!! They were also selected by popular vote as SCGC's Fan Favorite show of the year!!! Appreciate all the hard work the 15 young ladies put into the winter season, and we extend special thanks to Max & Parents who helped make the season run so smoothly. Rebecca & I appreciate the cooperation and support so very much!! (if you have a wg picture or two that you would like for us to consider for yearbook and the banquet video please forward the image in .jpg format to me or Rebecca asap) Thanks as well to everyone involved with the Band's Spring Trip!! It was nice to have a fun group of parents on the bus trip with us...not sure they enjoyed the long ride but hope they enjoyed the trip as much as the girls did!! (same as above, if you have a trip pic or two forward the image in .jpg format to one of us asap) Please mark your family calendars with these required dates...Tigerette Parent & Booster Meeting Thursday, April 17th at 6 p.m. in Donna's classroom, Band Banquet on Saturday, May 10th Tigerettes/Parents only...no siblings/boyfriends, Guard Spring Clinic May 12-16, and Summer Band Camp July 21st-August 5th. More info will be posted here as each event approaches.

Good Luck to our Winter Guard as they travel to Nashville to compete this weekend at the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit Championships!!  These 15 young ladies have worked very hard to make our 17th consecutive season on the floor rewarding and soooooooo worthwhile.  Special thanks as well to their wonderful Parents who support them every step of the way!!  We are so proud of them and hope they have the best run of the year on Saturday!!  xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

March Tigerette payments will process thru banks this week!! Tigerette families reserve July 21-July 31 for Summer Band Camp per the JefCoEd school calender for the next school year released earlier today. Attendance at Summer Band Camp is required as was detailed in the packet given out at tryouts! Please make sure all vacations are completed prior to July 21st and notify summer employers of the dates as well!! Visit jefcoed.com to see the calendar. Thursday, March 13th @ 7 p.m. will be the next Band Booster meeting & also will be the required Band Spring Trip meeting. All Tigerettes (old & new) along with at least one (preferablly both Mom & Dad) are REQUIRED to attend. Our Winter Guard will perform their 2014 show..."Lay Me Down"...for family & friends right after the Booster meeting is completed. This will be the last opportunity for family and friends to see the show this season.

1st Payment Due by March 1st!!

The first $200 Tigerette payment is due to Donna McKinney on or before March 1st. Tigerettes should bring their payment and the required form to Donna in her classroom without her having to go search...no time for that...haha!! The form required is the sizing and contact information page from the packet sent home the night of tryouts. Checks should be made out to: OGHS BAND. We prefer that you DO NOT send cash...pleeeeeease send a check, bank check or money order to help us maintain a firm paper trail as to the amount you paid, when it was paid, and what it was for...note as well...if you bounce a personal check you will be required to pay anything/everything due via bank check or money order during the year. Thanks!!

From Mr. Henson...

Band Trip Payment Update...due to the problems that arose from the recent weather conditions, I have asked our travel company for an extension on our balance payments to allow those of you who are having trouble making your final payment a little extra time. This is the absolute best I could do: We will accept personal check payments through February 7, 2014. We will accept bank checks, money orders, and cash through February 18, 2014. We will mail the payment off February 19, 2014 These dates are final and anyone who hasn't paid by these dates will forfeit the money they have paid and lose their spot on the trip. Thanks! Posted by Joel Henson at 8:37 AM

Congrats & Welcome!!

2014-15 OGHS Tigerettes/Fall Guard...Meghan Carr/Captain, Alyssa Hope/Captain, Abby Willis/Captain, Joyce Bousack, Meredith Custred, Madilyn Mardis, Elise Quinn, Allison Eason, Kristin Ferguson, Mary Kathryn Wood, Brittney Norris, Emily Shook, Kaley Butts, Kaylin Dickerson, Katelyn Henak, Gracie Johnson, Zoie Morgan, Abby Praytor, Bailey Snow, Autumn Stewart, Angel Vanderburg, Chloe Goodwin, Kelsey Kelley, Trinity Marian, Alexis Thornton, Morgan Garrison, Kalli Helms, Zoey Nabors, Allyson Odom, & Mallory Smith. Information packets were sent out the door in the hands of all 30 girls selected last Friday at tryouts. That packet of info provides a lot of information for both the Tigerette and her Parents, so parents please make sure you go thru the information with your daughter so she knows exactly what is expected of her as part of this group. Another great way to gain insight into the program and our expectations would be to read thru the archived information here on our blog. While some logistical info changes from time to time, our general expectations regarding character, grades, and attendance have been the same for decades. We never proclaim perfection mind you, but we do ALWAYS push to have girls maintain very high moral & performance standards in all areas of their lives. Tigerettes should have already followed packet instructions regarding mass/group texting via Remind 101. If you have not taken care of that please do so ASAP...we require all Tigerettes to sign up and ask that at least 1 parent to do the same. Social media was addressed briefly in our meeting with the girls last Friday. Girls were instructed to get it clean and keep it clean!! All accounts are expected to reflect a good light on our group at all times. Please watch words/friend comments and as well pictures that are posted online making sure they reflect a positive, wholesome teen image. If we read/see anyting questionable you will hear from us loud & clear. Directors will follow/friend Tigerettes & their Moms on major social media apps...Dads who want to keep up with social media activities will need to do so by following/friending their daughter's accounts. Parents please believe us when we say...if your daughter tweets, vines, instagrams, snapchats...YOU should too!! That's all for now...please make a habit of checking this site weekly!! :0) ps...we are sorry this blog puts everything in one paragraph but hey it's a free and easy way to communicate information...haha!!