SMBPA - Sachem Marching Band Parents Alliance
Membership is open to any person 21 or older who is a parent or legal guardian of a member of the Sachem Arrows Marching Band. We are a support group only. Our purpose is to assist the staff and members of the Sachem Arrows Marching Band in their activities.
The SMBPA holds monthly meetings to discuss activities and functions involved in supporting the band. There is a membership fee to become a member of the SMBPA. Membership gives you the right to vote on matters presented to the general membership by the Executive Board. We welcome and encourage you to join the SMBPA!
Band Staff
Members of the band staff include the Band Director, Band Coordinator, Assistant Band Director, Drill Instructor, Drumline Instructor and Color Guard Instructor.
Note: All decisions regarding the band and show are handled by the Band Staff, not the SMBPA.
AEB - Additional Expense Budget
Sachem Central School District provides some funding to run the Sachem Marching Band. However, a competitive marching band incurs additional expenses not covered by the district. The student's AEB account covers those added expenses. Each band member is responsible for their share of the AEB. AEB is set each year depending on anticipated activities for the upcoming season.
AEB covers the following expenses: Band camp meals, 3 white band camp tee shirts, 1 show shirt, and all expenses (all meals and hotel accommodations) in Syracuse during Championship weekend.
The Sachem Marching Band Parent Alliance provides students with different means to fundraise to help fund their AEB responsibility. The SMBPA collects the money from and on behalf of the students, and credits their personal accounts with profits from fundraising and/or their out-of-pocket payments. After a student has satisfied their AEB requirement, any additional money in their personal account can be used to pay for performance related items, band clothing or trips.
Car Washes
The SMBPA organizes 3 yearly car wash fundraisers (April, May and June) to raise money for the SMBPA Scholarship Fund. The SMBPA provides scholarships to qualifying seniors every year in accordance with the SMBPA Scholarship requirements. (must have a minimum of 4 years as a marching band member, attend at least 1 car wash each year excluding their first year, and must march in both district parades in their senior year)
Band Camp - (Mandatory)
For one week each summer, the entire band attends a band camp on the grounds of Sachem East. The week is filled with intense work as band members learn the drill. This is hard work and helps build the team that enters the field in competition in September. Band camp is not all work, members bond with each other, relax for catered dinners and make lifelong memories. Each day of band camp is held outdoors (weather permitting). We encourage hydration, sunscreen and hats. Band camp has a theme each day and usually each day ends with a band camp party hosted by one of our band families.
Mini-Band Camp
Takes place the week following Band Camp and are 3 consecutive half-day rehearsals in the evenings from 5pm to 9pm.
Picture Day
The band gathers on a day before competitions begin to have their band photos taken. They also take group/section photos. Please try to attend since we will use some of the photos in our Home Show journal. Date and time TBA.
Band Competitions
During September and October, there are band competitions almost every weekend at various High Schools across Long Island. On competition days, band members will receive a "call time" to report to Sachem East and will travel together to the competition via Sachem bus. After they perform, the kids will get a chance to eat (they can buy food) and relax before the scores and awards presentation. This is called “retreat.”
Band Parents are encouraged to attend competitions. Sachem Band Parents have a long tradition of being “vocal” fans of our kids! There is an entrance fee for each competition (for spectators only). The host school sells food, raffles, journals and other merchandise. Hosting a competition is an important fundraiser for the bands. The Sachem Arrows Marching Band also hosts a band competition on the grounds of Sachem East. *This is our “Home Show.”
*More information on our Home Show will be covered in detail during future parent meetings.
Show Shirts
Each year band members are given a black show shirt. This shirt is worn to every competition. The “Show Shirt" has a show themed design and contains names of every band member. A gold version of the shirt offered for purchase to family and friends in tee shirt and sweatshirt form which are worn at competitions.
“Long” Black Socks
You may think you know what this is, but this is a key part of the uniform and one that is very likely to go missing at crucial times - i.e., before a competition. It is essential that band members do not wear white socks or have “ankles” showing between their black pants and black shoes. If you are a uniformed member of the band, we recommend carrying an extra pair in your uniform’s garment bag. (The does not apply to members of Color Guard)
Championships
The last weekend in October is the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in Syracuse, NY. The band will compete at the JMA Wireless Dome! It is an unforgettable experience for both band members and parents alike.
Many parents make the trip to Syracuse. Besides watching our kids perform on the biggest stage of the season, it can be an enjoyable weekend away!
*We will have a dedicated parent meeting in mid-October covering all details of Championship Weekend in Syracuse.
Parades
The band marches in two Sachem district parades each year. Full uniform is worn and special music is learned for the performances. There is one rehearsal prior to the St. Patrick's Day and Memorial Day parades.
New York State Field Band Conference
The NYSFBC is our local circuit for marching band competitions. Championships are held at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York each year in the last week of October or first week of November. The Sachem Marching band is a member of this group whose purpose is to provide a standardized set of rules and provide constructive feedback at competitions including the scoring for each competition. https://nysfbc.org
Some Marching Band Lingo and Definitions
The Drill: The actual choreography of the show
Dots: Individual position on the field designed by the number of steps away from the hashes or sidelines, and yard lines.
Dot Books: A book that your child is given and will be carrying during band camp that shows their spot in drill.
Shako: The military style hat worn by our marching band
Drillmasters: The black, soft soled shoes worn by our marching band
Sections/Sectionals: The band is made up of sections by instrument and sometimes will just practice with their section, these rehearsals are called sectionals.
Drumline: The field drums and the section that plays the band off the turf after rehearsals.
Color Guard: The section that interprets the show music using dance, flags, sabers and rifles.
Leadership: Designated members of the band who are responsible for all or individual sections of the band. Titles can include: Drum Major, Field Major and Section Captain.
Drum Major: Band member who leads and conducts the band.
Front Ensemble (aka The Pit): Term for the percussion instruments, equipment and players who do not march on the field, but are stationary in front of the field.
Pit Crew: The parents who volunteer their time to move props and instruments on and off the field before, during and after competitions. These parents are crucial to the band’s success.
Band Parents: That's You! Welcome to the Sachem Marching Band Family!