5 Tips From a Section Leader

If you’re anything like me; the period of time between your costume selection and the actual parade is when your section leader makes their way into your top 5 contacts. Also if you’re like me they stay in your contact list.😆

Recent events have put a light on band leaders, section leaders and the inner workings of bands. Much of it hasn’t been positive. I can say that 90% of my experiences with bands have been great and that the section leaders have been an integral part of this.

I decided to speak with Clint (@beastcarnival on Instagram) who was the section leader of the Nebula section for Fantazia. This is the band I jumped with at Caribana. I wanted to get his insight on how to make the experience as smooth as possible. He was gracious enough to give me 5 tips for masqueraders.

1. Register early!!! This is his first and most important tip. Early registration puts you at an advantage mainly because you get a wider costume selection. I registered exactly 3 weeks before Caribana, which I do not advise. By that time frontline was sold out, many of the accessories were sold out, and getting any customizations would have been next to impossible. Through a miracle I was able to get a frontline backpack🙏🏿, but only would have had myself to blame if I didn’t. These items are hand made and take time. Bands who want to deliver quality products will tell you no if the time is short. We thank those bands.💜

2. Communicate with your section leader. I can say I excel at this and probably am in the bug-a-boo range. There are many add on options and variations so clear communication is a must. Be very specific to ensure what you’re asking for is what you get. I’ve even sent pictures circling the items I want. Send the information you’re asked to send when you’re asked to send it (measurements, food preferences, date of arrival, etc). Save ALL correspondence just in case a discrepancy arises.

3. Try not to make too many changes to your costume. Once you select your costume and pay, production begins. So though in your mind going from a regular bra to a wire bra makes more money for the band and should be no big deal, IT IS A BIG DEAL. Material has been used and work has been done. You’re now asking they stop and start again. This wastes time and materials. Select your costume and stop looking because you’ll always see one more thing.

4. Pick up your costume on time. This allows you and the section leader to go through your box/bag together and be sure everything is there. Timely pickup also leaves time if corrections need to be made. In 2016 my monokini looked more like a 2 piece. Because we picked up early my friend was able to sew it into a monokini with extra material we got from the mas camp. Yes, she brought an actual sewing machine. THANK GOD for @cagreinvented!😆

5. BE PATIENT. I know that your parents have told you all your life that you’re special, but you’re outside of your house now.🙃 These bands are dealing with hundreds of people at the mas camp. They all want a personal touch. They all want and should check their bags. They all have questions. Some may have issues that need to be resolved. Some may have hit a fete or 3 and arrived with their friend Mr. Rum. Just bring comfortable shoes, a good attitude and wait your turn.

These are the tips given by a section leader who has been doing this for years and masquerading since he was a small child. Hopefully these steps will help.

Bonus tip from me.😈 Stop giving these section leaders your “I’m going to work out everyday and eat air” measurements then get mad when your costume doesn’t fit. Don’t send the size you wish you were. Send your actual size.