The Clock is Ticking: Everything You Need to Know for the Jenison Invitational

The sands of the hourglass are about to run out, and the wait for our Jenison Marching Band Invitational is almost over! Hosting a competition of this size is a huge honor for our program, and we want to ensure everything runs smoothly for our performers, volunteers, and guests.Whether you are working a shift or cheering in the stands, here is your essential guide to navigating the event:
Logistics & Arrival

• Beat the Parking Rush: Arrive early to avoid traffic congestion. Please follow the specific parking flow directions sent out in last week's brochure. 
• ALL Jenison families (spectators and volunteers) should NOT be parking on campus. Please take the shuttles or get dropped off in order to save room for our guests
• Parent/volunteer parking is at Hager Park Church - 2635 Bauer Rd. - and there will be a shuttle running continuously throughout the day, 10:30am -11:30pm.
• Spectator parking is at Bethel United Reformed Church (8360 Cottonwood Dr.) - and there will be a shuttle from 11:30am -11:30pm.

Meals & Concessions:

•  There is no scheduled "feed the band" meal for our students at our home invitational. Lunch will be on your own for students. (Concessions will be available in the Stadium starting at noon! If you want to drop lunch off, you will need to come to the circle drive in front of the HS to meet your band member.)
• Please plan to pack a lunch or purchase dinner at the concession stand. 
• Note: Event volunteers will receive a voucher for one food item and one drink.

Volunteer Expectations

• Look the Part: As a volunteer, you are the face of our band program. Please wear your show shirt, invitational shirt, or any JHS Bands gear.
• Model Great Hospitality: Smile, welcome our visitors, and help guide guests who look lost.
• Stay Alert: Know the location of the first aid station, AED machines, and restrooms.  Stay aware of your surroundings to help handle any emergencies promptly. 
• The main first aid station is located outside the stadium on the west side of the path between the parking lot and the stadium gate. 
• There is a second station off the front right corner of the stadium field. Both locations have an AED.

Spectator Etiquette & Stadium Rules

• Time Your Movement: Remain seated and quiet during all performances. Enter or exit the bleachers only during breaks or between bands.

1. Avoid conversations during performances
2. When bands take the field, conversations should come to a halt. 
3. Stay seated. 
4.  Clap and cheer appropriately during big moments in the show - but respect those around you.
5. Stay positive!

• Keep Noise Respectful: Leave the cowbells and airhorns at home. Noisemakers are distracting to spectators.

Be Kind & Positive:

• Cheer them on:  It is early in the season, and every student out on that field is working just as hard as ours. Cheer enthusiastically for every single group, and leave the critiquing to the judges!
• Leave No Trace: Clean up your trash before leaving the stadium and encourage those around you to do the same.

Performance & Scoring Details 

• As the host school, the Jenison Marching Band performs in exhibition only. We perform at 3:00 and 9:14pm.
• Our students will receive scores and feedback from the judging panel to help them refine the show, but we will not compete for placement or captions during the awards ceremony. 
• Official scores for all visiting bands will be posted on the MCBA website following the conclusion of awards.

Weather & Rain Policy

•  No Indoor Standstills for MCBA: Please note that per updated contest guidelines, performances are no longer moved indoors into a gymnasium during rain. Doing so risks severe damage to delicate instruments and expensive electronic sound equipment. (This does not apply to the Scholastic Bands who may still move indoors to do standstill performances.
• Weather Delays: If severe weather (like lightning) occurs, performances will be temporarily delayed in the stadium until conditions are safe. Announcements will be made promptly over the stadium PA.
• What to Pack: Bring a raincoat and a towel to wipe down your seat! Have your concession stand money! And 
• Umbrella Etiquette: Please keep umbrellas down while seated in the bleachers so everyone behind you can see the performance and judges have an unobstructed view.

Thank you to all our directors, boosters, administrators, bus drivers, parents, volunteers, and supporters for making this event possible. Let's make this year's invitational our best one yet!

Kate Cummings-Ackerman

• Connor's Mom - Baritone - 2024
• Hannah's Mom - Color Guard 2026
• Gracelyn’s Mom - Color Guard 2029
• Wyatt’s Mom - #1 Little Pesky Band Brother 2035