FAQ
What does the Cheer and Song program consist of?
The cheer and song program is currently made up of 5 teams: Freshman Cheer, JV Cheer, JV Song, Varsity Cheer and Varsity Song. We have what we call a game squad, which everyone tryouts out to be a part of. The girls on the game squad participate in community events, cheer at school events like football and basketball games and participate in school rallies/spirit events. Within the game squad we also have girls who want to take their cheer/songleading to the next level and be competitive. We currently have two competition teams: Varsity Cheer and Varsity Song. The competition teams are made up of girls who want to be a part of it and then tryout for the competition team. Our program is one of the only year long programs on the ETHS campus and does count as your daughter’s PE credit if all commitments are met throughout the year. We currently have 84 members in the cheer and song program.
What is the main difference between Cheerleaders and Songleaders?
Cheerleaders are known for throwing others in the air (called stunting) and flipping down the field/court (called tumbling). Most have some kind of gymnastic background as well as experience with cheerleading jumps/motion technique. Songleaders are dancers that have experience in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical dancing. They are know for turning, leaping, kicking and doing other dance related tricks that generally keep them less than 3 feet off the ground.
When are tryouts generally held?
Our tryouts are generally held the last week of April or the first week of May, depending on the year. We hold an informational meeting the week before tryouts as well as a three day tryout clinic where the girls learn everything they need to know in order to tryout. We generally promote our tryouts up to a month before at the local Jr. High Schools, as well as at ETHS.
What do I need to know/have in order to tryout?
In order to tryout for the Cheer program, you will have to be ready to show a toe-touch jump as well as another jump of your choice (front hurdler, side hurdler, pike, double nine, around the world). You will also need to have a general ideal of cheerleading motion technique and dance experience. Tumbling is not required to make the team, however it only helps to increase your score and put you above the rest. In order to tryout for the Song program, you will have to be ready to perform a dance routine that includes numerous technical dance skills: turns, leaps, kicks, tricks, etc. Trying out for the song competition team will also require you to learn and perform an across the floor routine. All routines and jumps will be taught during the clinic, however, experience in cheer and song will only help you get through the clinics and give you confidence to make the teams. We highly encourage those interested to enroll in a cheer/dance class at a local gym or dance studio. Other than the skills listed above, you will also need a 2.0 GPA in order to tryout and remain on the team!
What is the commitment level to the team?
Our program is highly competitive and very progressive. We expect 100% commitment to this team, especially because it is a year long commitment. We begin practices immediately after tryouts as we participate in a summer camp for cheer and song. Summer camp is mandatory, no exceptions. We not only prepare for football and basketball season, but we also support our wrestling, water polo, lacrosse, and baseball teams. With all that we have going on, it is imperative that this program is a priority and does not interfere with other activities. Many of our girls do participate in other activities (Choir, ASB, MUN, etc.) without conflict. We encourage the girls to be as active in school as possible, while understanding the importance of being 100% committed to their teammates and coaches. Although this program requires a lot of time and dedication, its rewards are far greater than one could want for their daughter: learning teamwork, dedication, time management, responsibility, making lifetime friends, encouraging individual personalities but managing to work together as a team, goal setting and achievement, and the list could go on.
When is the break time for the girls throughout the year?
As mentioned above, the girls will start practices immediately after tryouts are held and will continue to practice through the following May (one full year). They are generally given the following breaks throughout the year: the last week of school, a few days for Independence day, 2-3 weeks at the end of July/beginning of August, non-school days (unless practice is necessary), the week of thanksgiving, two weeks for winter break, and spring break. Although we cannot guarantee these dates, we do try as best as possible to stick with these dates to provide consistency within the program as well as to make it easy to plan family getaways/vacations, as they should be scheduled around practice times.
