2008 Spring Regional Competitions

Competition Pictures
 Why we don't do competition pictures.
 (Read This)

D.M.A.  NO PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

We attend Drum Majorette of America (DMA) sanctioned twirling competitions.

As a DMA Gold Seal teacher and judge, I feel it is my responsibility to assure that we follow the rules
and remind the parents and students:

According to the DMA Rule Book, no videos or photographs are permitted at a DMA contest.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Anyone may photograph "Evaluation" groups. (This would be ACT 2).

2. We may have ONE designated photographer to record video for educational purposes
 (not for website display), and the contest director must be provided with the name of our group
photographer before the day of the competition.

Any infractions to this DMA rule

could result in disqualification.

Let’s not take any chances!

Save the cameras for our recital.

Winning isn't everything.
Wanting to win is.
    Vince Lombardi    
 

 

 Contests are what maintain interest for many baton students.
This is a chance for her to expand her knowledge in the baton twirling arena
and to learn about competition in a sportsmanlike manner.
Participation is a group effort, and certainly not mandatory.
However, I do encourage you to give this a try.

 

Baton competitions are an experience...and an opportunity to learn more about baton arts. 
Feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding the competition.

 
 

General Baton Contest Information

(Just to answer a few questions about this stuff) – PLEASE KEEP FOR REFERENCE

Our participation in baton competitions is what motivates the experienced evening students. Your participation is not mandatory, but it is greatly encouraged. It is critical that all twirlers make every effort to attend due to the fact that formations require the interactions of each team member. Routine choreography is dependent on this, and forms simply do not work when students are missing. Generally speaking though, students are eager to perform and do not want to miss these competitions. Participating in baton contests gives your daughter an opportunity for her to expand her knowledge, interest, and encourage her to practice more when she sees what others do at the competitions. These contests offer more than just baton twirling.  It also includes categories like modeling, strutting (a fancy name for marching), and group team events. You grow as you go. The more you do, the more you want to try.   

There is a door donation at all competitions for non-performers, and food is available at concession stands.

Entry Fees for Performers: They must be paid in advance, and there are no refunds for “no shows.” You are part of a team, and they are counting on you!  Girls will receive awards for participation at all contests. Attached is an envelope for entry fees for all performances at all 3 competitions. Deadline to return entry fees is Feb. 26. Please use the envelope handed out in class  and write a separate check from lesson fees.

Attendance: Remember that in order to receive your perfect attendance this year, you must attend all scheduled practices on your specific night (make-up nights do not count against your attendance record). In addition, you must attend ALL scheduled performances—this includes the competitions and recital.  

Stay together: Please be on time and ready to perform at the specified time detailed for each contest. We always need to gather, warm up, and take a headcount before we go on the floor. No one will chase you around the building to find you. Be available and visible at all times. It is nice when all the parents and students sit together in the bleachers—a perfect fan club for our performers!  

Appearance:
ACT 2: Purple T-shirt tucked in, PLAIN white shorts, white socks and CLEAN white tennis shoes. You will be provided with a new hairpiece.
ACT 3 & 4: Purple Unitard Costume, tan jazz shoes, body tight, and matching hairpiece.
ACT 5: Your new costume and black jazz shoes (info regarding purchase of black jazz shoes will be sent home shortly

Baton cleaning tip:  Please clean the rubber ends of the baton with an SOS pad and re-write your name or initials on the baton.  All batons need to be stripped of tape—except the ACT 4 class. Neat batons make a good impression to the judges—and it also looks more professional.  

After your performance: After all your performances, you are free to leave (but you’re also invited to hang around and watch all the other teams perform too). I cannot exactly tell you when the performances will be—most of you know this from past experiences. I have no control over the order of performances or when things happen at the contest, you may perform first…or last. Once the team portion of the competition starts, it usually takes between 2-3 hours to complete. Please block your time accordingly.     

I appreciate all of you who support twirling competitions. At this level, it not only takes student motivation, but parental support is a big part of this activity as well. Everyone is to be commended!  Please keep information handy, as it answers most general questions about twirling competitions. A separate paper will be handed out for information regarding the specific details and directions to each competition. All of this information can also be found on our website.

If you have any questions, feel free to call. PLEASE CALL BEFORE THE MORNING OF THE CONTEST.
Thank you.