A note from the Bay High Auxiliary Coordinator:

Dear BHS Majorette/ColorGuard parents:

     We have decided to up our standards as a BHS auxiliary unit this year. Beginning in August, at every Tuesday and Thursday after school band practice, every colorguard and majorette will need to wear a plain white t-shirt and plain black shorts. I know this added expense is a little unexpected and sudden, but necessary.

Why is this necessary?
If you ask any "top-of-the line" auxiliary unit at any school, they will tell you that they are facing the same financial situation. Many high school auxiliary fees are higher than what we are asking for. If we want to raise our standards as an auxiliary unit within the million dollar band, we are going to have to raise our prices. It is going to get harder, before it gets any easier. This is the first year that we are trying to make a difference; the years following will only get easier. We will be reusing items such as uniforms, windsuits, hairpieces, etc. We have to start somewhere, in order to get somewhere. We also have tons of fundraisers over the season that your daughter can participate in that will help raise money for these expenses and ease the financial concern. Also, the returning color guard members do not have to purchase a new uniform this year; we are reusing the old ones.

Why can't my daughter wear the red shorts that she auditioned in and match the band?
The red shorts and white t-shirt was implemented to keep the girls looking the same...so nobody stood out. For the fall, we are making every horn player wear a white t-shirt and red shorts for every Tuesday and Thursday band practice. Red and white are Bay High's colors, and since the majority of the band are horn players they are going to wear the red shorts. This is so we can clean the forms and notice mistakes easier. Since the auxiliary members are doing their own choreography within each unit, they have to wear black shorts so they will stand apart from the band and we will be able to clean their routines easier. If they wore red shorts, they would blend in with the band and make them harder to see. Remember..the auxiliary members do not wear marching band uniforms on the field, and therefore stand out from the band. The same thing is necessary for the practice field. However, this dress code is not going to be enforced until the 2008 school year, at the first Tuesday band practice of the season. So there is plenty of time to get this together. Remember also, that your daughter has to wear bicycle shorts underneath the black shorts; the colors for those do not have to be black.

Thank you for allowing your daughter to participate in the Bay High School Million Dollar Band! Without them, there would be no "glitter" on the field and every performance would not be as effective as it is. Auxiliary members add that special ingredient that is necessary to be successful as a high school band and we are thrilled that the numbers are growing every year. With this new dress code and performance attire such as windsuits, matching hair pieces, etc.. our numbers will continue to grow as the band becomes even more successful.

Thanks,
Kelly Efstathiou
BHS Auxiliary Coordinator