TO        :      ALL NAVAJO NATION BAND MEMBERS:

 

FROM    :  Stephen Blatchford, Director

                   Navajo Nation Band

 

RE:  MESCALERO TRIP & PERFORMANCE - July 3 & 4, 2009  

The band will be performing in the Mescalero Apache Celebration Parade in Mescalero, NM on Saturday, July 4, 2009 @ 10:00AM.  This will be a two day trip requiring an overnight stay.

 

Please read the following carefully:

 

1.    Transportation will be provided by the Navajo Transit System.

Only eligible band members can ride the bus..  Do not assume that you are eligible.  When you reserve your place on the bus your eligibilty will be determined.  Please contact me by Saturday, June 27, 2009. 

 

No mileage or per diem will be paid out. If you choose to travel on your own, you will do so at your own risk and expense.  Accommodations will also not be available for you and any non-band member(s). 

 

If you will be meeting us at Gallup, Los Lunas or Socorro, please contact me (preferably by email to:  navajonationband@...) to make arrangements.. 

 

2.    NNB members age 18 and under will be required to have a signed parent permission form and have on file before boarding the bus. 

 

3.    Adult behaviour, as are all NNB members are expected to adhere to, is the standard that will be followed.  Rules and regulations regarding conduct is to be strictly enforced.  Infractions of travel policy throughout the trip will be dealt with promptly and without exception.  Alcoholic beverages are not to be tolerated in any way, shape or form.  Expulsion from the band will be immediate. 

 
4.    Lodging is at The Inn of the Mountain Gods near Ruidoso, NM:

A limited number of rooms are available for the Navajo Nation Band.  Rooms will be assigned four (4) or three (3) members per room.  In the case of rooms having all members 18 years and under, a responsible adult will be assigned.  You will not be allowed to switch rooms. 

5.    Meals are at your own expense.  That is approximately 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, and snacks for two whole days.  Upon arrival at Mescalero there is an option for a free but early dinner at the fairgrounds on Friday.  There are limited choices at each site/stop.  Saturday's breakfast at the Gathering of Nations Buffet will be open at a special time (6:30 AM) and at a special price ($9.55, includes tax) for band members.  Please remember to tip your waitress/waiter generously.

6.    Uniform:  The official Navajo Nation Band attire
Navy blue shirt with patches sewn on upper arm (Tribal Seal on right), pressed with a crease White 501 Levis trousers, Black socks, Black shoes, Navajo-style jewelry; clean, white headband (for guys) and white hair tie (for gals)..

 

7.    Lugguage:  Clothing for one night stay and travel.

Wear light, breathable clothing.  However, evening may be cool and tend toward chilly as the Inn is situated next to a man-made lake located in a mountainous area.  A light jacket is recommended or a light blanket for on the bus when the A/C is on.  Please limit: 1 suitcase and/or 1 clothing/suit bag. 

 

NNB, DHR and Navajo Transit System will not be responsible for damage, loss or theft of your personal possessions.  

 

8.    Instruments and/or band equipment:

Bring your instrument, music, marching lyres, music folder, and emergency repair equipment (extra reeds for woodwinds).  Flag carriers/banner carriers:  equipment will be loaded into the lugguage compartment under the bus. 

 

9.    Pay-outs:  Payment by the Mescalero Tribe.

After completing the parade, cash payouts will be divided among the present and participating members. 

10.  Chaperones and Water Carriers will not be needed for this event.  Musicians, Honor Guard, and Banner Carriers only.

 

11.  Trip Itinerary:  A tentative itinerary will be sent out via email; or copies may be picked up at the Human Resources Office or may be viewed at the NNB Yahoo! Groups webpage.  Each attending member must have a copy in his/her possession.

 

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If you have any questions, please send to navajonationband@....   I also may be contacted at 505-488-9557.

 

I look forward to your participation and cooperation on this trip.  Thank you.