Just some basics ...

OK, so we are going to try this out and get a feel for what kind of information is needed. My goal is to get the conversation going to keep everyone in the loop.  I am someone who likes to plan waaaaay ahead of time!

Everyone is working hard to make this website really great - so feel free to let any of us know what else needs to be added or talked about. 

I would love to keep these comments going - from different students each week - they can be anonomous or named, up to the student.... and parents too! 

Thoughts from a senior CCC student - 
"Band has taught me time management, discipline and self-reliance. The things I look forward to are any kind of things that people will do just messing around during band camp and the analogies Mr. Mackey tries to make."  ~Emma

Thoughts from (this) proud band parent - 
"I love seeing my child(ren) achieve these amazing goals and become proud of their new talent.  As freshmen, they see marching band as impossible to learn - marching, playing the music, and knowing where they need to be on the field.  As sophomores and juniors, they grow and become more proficient. As seniors, the time has gone way too fast and they realize all the things they have accomplished, which is a great platform to begin the next phase of their lives."  

Personally, I have a sophomore percussionist (girl) and a senior flute player - also girl.  Band is a LOT of time and hard work but it is the most rewarding activity and the kids bond like family!  Be ready to be TIRED until November!  The progress from the beginning of the year as they start to put the show together until the last contest at OBA (location is closer to home this year - YIPPEE!!! - more on that later) is completely AMAZING!  Be ready to celebrate with a FUN trip in the spring!!!


To begin with, let's start with what to look forward to and "supplies" that are needed now: 

Best way to stay in the loop is to join the boosters - even if you are not able to make the meetings, you will receive emails with all the info!  We are always looking for new ideas and more hands to help!  Cost is very affordable!

2 gallon water containers are a definate for band camp - many people use something like this (pictured below) which can be found at Sam's or Costco or similar.  Fill it completely with ice water!  

Cool rags - get at Target or Walmart - soak in ice water and place around neck or over head to stay cool.  Definately helps!

Sunscreen - it's Oklahoma. Enough said.

black marching shoes - will be ordered together all as a group so be ready for that soon!

black socks!  go shopping and have these BEFORE the first home football game (Aug. 31st vs. Oologah)!! 

black shorts - goes with their show shirt (which is provided for each Cadet by the boosters) before the first game

At home football games, kids are given the opportunity to purchase a meal for $5 after their halftime performance and will have a break before coming back to play at 3rd quarter.  Be sure to give your kids $$ before the game so they are not searching you down in the stands!!!  The costs for concessions vary when we travel so be ready to give them additional $$.  The boosters provide snacks and drinks at each game (gatorade, water, chips, etc) but the kids work up an appetite so they will be HUNGRY after performing!  

If you plan on attending away games, the Cadets travel TO the location together by bus but are available to ride home with parents afterwards.  You MUST send Mr. Mackey an email the week of the football game informing him of your intention to take your student home.  No Cadet left behind!

Just as reminder: Band game schedule - 
Aug. 31 CHS vs Oologah
Sept. 7 CHS vs. Bartlesville
Sept 14 travel to Ponca City - travel times vary but on average, the bus leaves the band room about 5pm (adjusted depending on distance), Cadets travel in their bibbers and show shirt. There are racks in a trailer to carry the uniforms - kids are expected to keep up with their uniforms and bags.  
Sept. 21 - travel to Claremore
Sept 28 - CHS vs. Memorial - Homecoming game
Oct. 5 - travel to Tahlequah - this is played at NSU stadium - which is very steep.  Anyone with asthma should bring an inhaler (personal experience here)
Oct 12 - CHS vs East Central 
Oct. 18 - travel to Pryor (Thursday game).  If you notice, this is Fall Break.  We WILL have practices daily during Fall Break to prepare for OBA contest that are required by all Cadets to attend - please do not plan on going out of town!
Oct. 26 - CHS vs Skiatook. Last home game. SENIOR night. Lights out performance - just an all-around fun evening!
Nov. 1 - travel to Rogers High School (Rogers does not have a football stadium) - game is played at East Central High School stadium on 11th between Garnett and 129th E Ave.

Please holler at me anytime!
Cadets - feel free to comment at anything I may have missed!  

Rachel Wight
parent of Senior/flute Emma Stephens and Sophomore/percussionist Zoe Grace Stephens