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Auditions  Commitments  Practices  Performances  Uniforms  Guidelines

The Hi-Steppers are a precision drill/dance team who perform as an integral part of the Irmo High School Marching Band as well as independent performances and drill team competitions.

AUDITIONS

Hi-Stepper auditions are held each year in the spring.  Prior to auditions, workshops are conducted to assist the candidates in preparing for the audition process.

SPRING AND SUMMER COMMITMENTS

Hi-Stepper practice begins shortly after the audition.  After the team is selected, a Parent Meeting is held to explain expectations and announce the spring and summer schedule of rehearsals, camps, and other commitments. All Hi-Steppers are expected to participate in these scheduled commitments unless the Director/Sponsor is notified in writing about prior commitments after this meeting.

Each summer the Hi-Steppers attend a dance camp sponsored by the UDA (Universal Dance Association) and conduct a summer dance camp for girls and boys to help fund the UDA camp.  Hi-Steppers are also required to participate in marching band camps

PRACTICES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

Hi-Stepper practices are typically on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday during marching band season.  The dance season practice schedule is announced after auditions with changes made when necessary.

PERFORMANCES

The Hi-Steppers are a dance/drill team and they perform at a variety of events during the school year.  They perform with the Irmo High School marching band as a drill/dance team at home football games, selected away football games, and band competitions.  In addition, the team may perform with the band at parades and other special event during the year.

They perform as a dance team at several home basketball games, special events, and pep rallies.  The performance team participates in at least one national dance competition each year.  All events are scheduled by the Hi-Stepper Director/Sponsor and there are try-outs prior to each performance.

UNIFORMS

Some parts of the performing uniform, shoes, and all practice uniforms are to be purchased by the Hi-Stepper.  Most of the performance uniform, all props, and all equipment will be purchased with funds from the IBBC during marching band season and from general Hi-Stepper fund-raisers during dance season.  A Hi-Stepper is responsible for any item issued to her and will have to pay to replace the item should she lose or damage it. Poms will be kept in storage and issued prior to use.

GUIDELINES

PARENT PERMISSION
Each member must submit a statement from her parents permitting her to try out for and participate on the dance team prior to auditions.  Each member must have a physical examination and submit a report from her doctor prior to the summer training camp.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
A Hi-Stepper is expected to be present at all rehearsals, meetings, activities, and performances.  When sick, a Hi-Stepper is expected to attend rehearsals and watch if at all possible.  Parental notes are not accepted and are not necessary.  A Hi-Stepper must be in attendance at the rehearsals prior to a performance or she will not be able to perform.  If a member is sick and must miss a performance, she is expected to be at home.  If she is able to attend the performance, she will sit with the team dressed in something that designates her a Hi-Stepper, such as her jacket.

Work is never a reason for being late, leaving early, or missing a mandatory activity.  It is suggested that Hi-Steppers not have a job until after football season.

SCHOLARSHIP
A Hi-Stepper must maintain an overall average of at least 2.75 in order to remain an active member of the team.  Anyone not meeting the grade requirement will be put on probation.  Interims and report cards will be checked off at every marking period.

PERFORMANCE
The Hi-Steppers will perform at football games with the Irmo High School Marching Band.  The Hi-Steppers will also perform at several home basket-ball games and at other activities upon invitation.