Guidelines to Success

The Sound of Pride is a cocurricular organization encompassing many performing ensembles. This means that the students that are enrolled in the class will receive a grade for everything that they do with the Sound of Pride  This is for events and activities during the school day and those outside of a standard school day.  Make sure to check the SOP website calendar frequently so that you are aware of all activities for SOP.

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The Sound of Pride Marching Band consists of all members of the program. (Winds, percussion, and guard) This group participates and/or performs at all Panther football games, some marching competitions and District Marching Festival. State Marching Festival has returned to Louisiana, and is a goal for program participation. In addition, there are community events where the Sound of Pride will participate.  All dates and times are posted to the SOP website as soon as they are known to help students and families with planning.

The Sound of Pride Spring Band is made up of all instrumentalist members of the program.  (Winds & percussion) They perform for Pre-Festival, District Large Ensemble Festival, Music in our Schools month, and a Winter and Spring Concert. State Large Ensemble Festival is returning to Louisiana and is a goal of the program.  All dates are posted to the SOP calendar as soon as they are known to assist in planning.

The Panther Guard is the exclusive auxiliary unit to the Sound of Pride Marching Band.  They are part of our class schedule at BHS allowing for no experience required for any student wishing to participate.  In addition, the Panther Guard has opportunities to perform for the Winter and Spring Showcase with the SOP Spring Band. An additional goal for The Panther Guard is to perform and grow within the winter guard performance circuit.  The Panther Guard participates in Band Camp each year and has the opportunities to travel with the program to additional activities.

St. Mary Parish has unified all band fees for high school students across the parish.  Each student is assessed a $200 fee to participate. With BHS, this fee must be paid in full before Prom each year. In addition, there are fundraisers in place to help all students cover these fees. All members of the Sound of Pride, including the Panther Guard, pay this fee.

This fee helps to offset costs of transportation, meals, specialty uniforms, props, entry fees for festivals and competitions, and much more.

The St. Mary Parish School Cash Online system is the only way to pay for goods and fees for BHS.  This is inclusive of items that may be purchased as "optional" and any extended travel opportunities for the Sound of Pride. It is encouraged that all parents/guardians create a login to the system so you can be notified of opportunities to purchase items and have access to any fee that may be assed on behalf of your student.  Band Fees are posted to student accounts after the first week of school.  Band Fees must be paid in full for all students prior to Prom each year.  

Official Black and Gold Sound of Pride Band Polo
This shirt is provided to the students at the cost of the school board.  There is a replacement cost of $20 for students that have lost or damaged their shirt.

Black Pants (school)
These pants are the school approved black pants.  These pants are worn to most events and should fit comfortably.  These are provided at the cost of the student
black jeans and/or leggings are not permitted

Black Socks
These should be comfortable socks that are longer than ankle socks.  These should be provided at the cost of the student.

Black Dinkles Marching Shoes
These shoes are provided at the cost of the school board.  An order is done each year for students in need.

Black belt (school)
This should be a mostly black belt just as the school has approved.  The belt is provided at the cost of the student.

Fall Show Shirt
Each year, a commemorative field show shirt is printed for members of SOP.  The cost of this shirt is included in fees paid by band students.

Participation in the audition process for Honor Bands is optional for all wind and percussion members of Sound of Pride.  Available Honor Bands include, but are not limited to, All-State and District and St. Mary Parish Honor Bands.  Any fees associated with honor bands (auditions, participation, travel or hotel accommodations, and/or meals are paid by the student participating.

Winter Celebration, Spring Showcase, all Panther Football games, and other festivals or contests are considered major performances for the members of SOP. We hope that everyone will plan accordingly to attend.  Though we know conflicts to arise, please communicate so we know what to expect.

Attendance is key with the Sound of Pride.  There is no substitute for being present and active in rehearsals to become confident in your skills.  Please be mindful of the calendar when scheduling appointments and travel events with family so we can all move forward with purpose.

Though conflicts do happen, we ask that students communicate so the directors know what to expect. 

ASR= After School Rehearsals each worth 25 points each

Football Pep Band Performances are worth 100 points each

Football Performances are worth 150 points each

Marching Festivals or Contests are worth 200 points each

Concert Festivals are worth 200 points each

Winter Celebration is worth 200 points

Spring Showcase is worth 200 points 

Any Saturday rehearsals (if any) are worth 100 points 

A weekly playing participation grade is out of 50 points.  
Other performance opportunities may include Percussive Arts Society ensemble day, Music in our Schools Month Concert, recruitment opportunities, and pep rallies. 
 

All instrumentalist students play all 12 major scales for a Final Exam each year. This is worth 120 points. 

All Sound of Pride events must adhere to school board policies regarding school appropriate clothing. Spaghetti strap tops, sports bra only tops, bare midriff are examples of clothing tops that are not permitted. Leggings, compression shorts, shorts that do not pass finger tips are examples of clothing bottoms that are not permitted. At no time should students have inappropriate logos or writing on any clothing; nor writing on the backsides or bottoms. 
Clothing for under a performance uniform may differ as needed for the health of SOP members. 

Sound of Pride members have the opportunity to travel several times throughout their years with different performance locations. We strive to expose our students to different cultures within the United States through musical selections and travel. The SOP Marching Band takes a major trip to Orlando to enjoy Universal Studios and March in their Mardi Gras parade. In addition, the SOP Spring Band will travel to perform in amazing venues and expose the students to different states. Students are encouraged but not required to participate. Additional fundraising is available.