2019 Season Information
It’s time to prepare for another summer of marching and fun with the C.Y.O. Emerald Knights Marching Band and Guard of Kenosha!
Overview
The Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O.) Emerald Knights Band and Guard is a non-profit organization that provides a summer marching band opportunity for students in the Kenosha, Racine and Northern Illinois communities. The C.Y.O. Emerald Knights Band and Guard prides itself on being an affordable, close-knit organization for students who wish to perform in many events throughout the summer. The band performs at parades and special events throughout Wisconsin and Illinois between the middle of June and early August. We have the most involved summer season of any marching band in the area and are Kenosha’s oldest marching band, as well.
Membership
Membership is open to all public, private and homeschool students entering 6th grade through age 18. Younger color guard members may be eligible with the approval of the color guard instructor and the director. We welcome students from all schools in the Kenosha, Racine and Northern Illinois area. Previous marching experience is not necessary and previous C.Y.O. Band membership is not required. Students from all religious and cultural backgrounds are welcome.
Instructors
JR Buzzell, a Kenosha native, is this summer’s C.Y.O. Emerald Knights Marching Band and Guard director. Krystal Hayes will also be returning this season to the C.Y.O. Emerald Knights as the color guard instructor! There will also be a few notable instrumental coaches that will occasionally run sectionals with the band.
Band Rehearsals
Band camp will be held in June 17th-19th. This is required as the students will learn critical marching band components. After that, rehearsals will be twice weekly (see attached schedule) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. All rehearsals and performances will begin and end at the C.Y.O. Band room in the basement of St. Joseph Catholic Academy Upper Campus (St. Joseph High School – 2401 – 69th St.).
Performances
Performances will primarily be parades during weekends in June and July. Additional performances will consist of our 4th of July parade tour, Ice Cream Social in July and other events throughout the summer. The current schedule of rehearsals and tentative performances is attached. All events not currently on the schedule will be announced via email and at rehearsals. Schedule is subject to change.
Attendance Expectations
It is expected that EVERY student will participate in all rehearsals, travel, parades and other performances. Any absences must be communicated to Mr. Buzzell as soon as they are known, preferably before the season begins. Excessive or unannounced absences may be grounds for dismissal from the ensemble. Our ensemble success depends on the full attendance and participation of all members.
Registration Fees and Policies
Standard Membership – We understand that budgets are tight. This year membership fees are decreasing slightly, and C.Y.O. Emerald Knights will remain the longest summer marching band in the Kenosha area. Standard membership fee for all brass, woodwind, percussion and color guard members is $250.00, which covers staff, travel, uniform, activities, insurance, and a host of other needs.
Deposit (Commitment Fee) – The Commitment Fee is $100.00, which does act against your total fees. This Fee/deposit is non-refundable and is due along with your registration materials at the informational meeting May 12th, 2019. You can also submit your paperwork and fee to the St Joseph’s office in an envelope marked C.Y.O., or mail it to ‘C.Y.O. Bands, 2401 69th St, Kenosha, WI 53143’ or scan and email the documents to cyomusic@gmail.com. Payment can be accepted with check/cash or the Paypal link on our website.
Family Discount – We offer a discount for multiple children from the same family participating. The first student is the full fee, however the second receives a 10% discount for a total fee of $225. The third receives a 20% discount, which results in a fee of $176, and the 4th would be free.
Registration Paperwork – Three main pieces of paperwork need to be filled out and submitted before your registration is complete. The Emerald Knights Summer Contract 2019 must be filled out completely and signed by both the student and at least one parent. The Emerald Knights 2019 Activity and Travel Waiver gives the C.Y.O. Band permission to supervise and provide travel arrangements for all related activities. The Medical Information Form is REQUIRED and must be filled out completely before June 17th, 2019. Students will not be allowed to participate in marching activities without this form on file.
An additional payment of $100 is due June 1st, with the remaining $50 due at the beginning of band camp June 17th.
Uniforms and Apparel
Students are expected to arrive at all rehearsals and performances with the appropriate attire. All students must arrive to all rehearsals wearing clothing appropriate for the weather and closed-toe athletic shoes. Sandals or flip-flops are not appropriate for any member of the ensemble. For performances, all C.Y.O. Emerald Knights Marching Band members will be fitted for a marching uniform (uniform jacket, pants, hat and black shoes) at no additional cost. Color Guard members will be fitted for an appropriate uniform after the first rehearsal. All members will also be issued a C.Y.O. Band t-shirt for wearing underneath the uniform and for informal performances. All members are required to provide their own black shorts (gym/athletic mesh shorts or other light-weight material), and black socks (NOT navy blue or white).
Parent Involvement
Parents, we need your talents, too – not just your students’! The C.Y.O. Band “Security Team” works with Mr Buzzell and the other instructors throughout the season to provide supervision and support at rehearsals and performances. Some duties that the Security Team takes care of include sewing/uniform maintenance, transportation, fundraising, food, and chaperoning events. We may also be looking for carpool drivers for events directly in and around Kenosha. Unlike other summer ensembles of our type, we maintain a lot of adult supervision over our members. In fact, we prefer to travel with one (1) chaperone for every five (5) students. The C.Y.O. Band Security Team parents are a great group of people to work with and we can always use new people and ideas. Please consider assisting us. The more parents that help out, the lighter the work will be for everyone in the band.
We are anticipating another fantastic summer and we hope you can be a part of it! To officially sign up, please fill out the Emerald Knights Summer Contract that is included and return it with the $100 deposit as soon as possible!
Thank you and we look forward to working with all of you in the C.Y.O. Emerald Knights Marching Band and Guard of 2019!
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM
For more information, please contact:
JR Buzzell
Head Director, C.Y.O. Emerald Knights Band and Guard
jrbuzz10@gmail.com
(262)960-0375
C.Y.O.
(262) 656-1610
cyomusic@gmail.com