Band Handbook

Band Handbook

Introduction

As a member of the Waskom Band Department, you are a member of one of the school district's most important and respected organizations. As with any other "team", the success of the band depends on the loyalty of ALL OF ITS MEMBERS.

How does a bandsman show loyalty and cooperation to his band? First, by making up his mind to be a proud and worthy band member. Second, by giving the organization all he can in attention, interest, and effort. And third, by observing the general objectives and rules, outlined in this handbook, which are a necessary part of any successful organization. The rules outlined on the following pages are simple, sound, and easy to abide by. In following them, you are meeting an obligation that you owe to your school, your fellow bandsmen, your family, and yourself.

It is intended that this handbook serve each bandsman with an understanding of an acquaintance with the Tradition, Policies, and Procedures of the Waskom Band Program. There is no place in any outstanding organization for half-hearted participants. Only when every bandsman cooperates can a band achieve the distinction of being truly outstanding.

Band Objectives

1. Cultural: To continue the development of music

appreciation and understanding through

the study and performance of the best in

music.

2. Educational: To develop interested and discriminating

listeners and provide a well-rounded

musical background.

3. Service: To lend color and atmosphere to certain

athletic and community affairs, while

promoting and enhancing the dignity and

reputation of the band at music festivals and

concerts.

4. Recreational: To provide all students with an opportunity for

worthy use of leisure time, an emotional outlet,

and good social experiences.

The Instrumental Music Program's Responsibility to the Student

1. Provide the band members with proper kind of rehearsal room,

ventilation, lighting, seating, music stand, instrument storage space

and such other equipment as is necessary to aid in developing the

student's musical ability and to help form good, lasting citizenship.

2. Plan each day's activities and encourage daily progress of the entire

band.

3. Provide the band with a full musical education through rehearsal,

performance, teaching, testing, and listening.

4. Assure that no individual member through inappropriate or

irresponsible behavior interferes with the learning (achievement)

of the group.

5. Supervise the students in class or on school sponsored band trips.

Each student will receive an information letter to take home to

their parents containing plans for each trip, the type of dress and

complete schedule of activities. PLEASE REMIND YOUR STUDENTS THAT YOU NEED TO SEE THE INFORMATION LETTER BEFORE EACH TRIP.

6. Grade the progress of each member on his instrument and his music

education. A "poor" progress letter is to be mailed home to inform

parents of problems.

The Band Member's Responsibility to the Band

1. Be regular in attendance and make sure all absences are excused

by the band director prior to the absence.

2. Make a real effort to learn and improve daily.

3. Become responsible for and expect to assume the consequences for your actions.

4. Be personally clean, neat, and dress appropriately.

5. Have proper respect for those in authority.

6. Follow all classroom rules, school regulations, and all travel

instructions given for trips.

7. Be honest and fair with others concerning equipment, music, and

school life in general.

8. Cooperate with fellow band members and share with them the

responsibilities and privileges that are a part of the band program.

9. Contribute positively to his music education and that of others by

the best use of his talents.

10. Read and play music with insight and expression.

Attendance

Rehearsal attendance is essential because the work that is missed cannot be made up. The band director, since he does not use a textbook in his rehearsals, cannot assign make-up work in lieu of attendance. Once a rehearsal is missed, it is missed forever. Good rehearsal attendance is imperative if a band is to be successful.

Absences from a band rehearsal taking place outside of regular school hours, a concert, contest, clinic, or festival will be categorized according to one of the following classifications:

CLASS "A" - Excused Absence: only illness or death in the family are excused absences. Notes from dentists and doctors will not be accepted as excuses from scheduled activities, unless it is an emergency. To be excused from a scheduled activity, the director must be notified by phone or in person by the PARENT as soon as possible before the scheduled event. Also considered excused will be required court appearances or school sanctioned activities that have been certified through the principal's office by the instructor in charge. Notes will not be accepted and the student will receive a 0 for the practice missed.

CLASS "B" - Unexcused Absence:

1. Those absences which occur with the prior

knowledge and approval of the parent or

guardian, but are not Class A absences.

2. Truancy

Notice: After the first Class "B" absence, a conference will be requested with the student to discuss his commitment to the band program. After the second Class "B" absence, a conference with parent and student will be held. After the third absence, the student will be removed from the band.

If a student knows he is going to be absent from school or a band rehearsal, he should notify the director (not another student) of that fact so that there will be no misunderstanding. The band director will then inform the student if the absence is a Class "A" or "B" absence. It is the responsibility of the student to see that music or equipment, needed in his absence, is sent to school. It is best not to trust this task to anyone but himself.

IF A STUDENT MISSES A REHEARSAL PRIOR TO A COMPETITION OR PERFORMANCE AND IT IS A CLASS B ABSENCE, THE DIRECTOR WILL DECIDE IF THE STUDENT PERFORMS IN THAT EVENT.

WHS Band Grading System

The following lists different events that the band will participate in and also tells how many points each event will be worth.

Event Points Possible

Friday Night Performance 100

Daily Participation Points 20

Special Events (concerts, 200

contests, parades, etc.)

Practices 25

Memorized Music (per piece) 100

(director assigned)

Extra Credit

Students may earn extra credit by auditioning for Region, Area, and State Honor Bands, and Region and State Solo/Ensemble Competitions. Students will be given a total of 20 extra points for each audtion.

Rehearsals

All band members will be required to attend all rehearsals scheduled by the band director. This will include color guard and sectional rehearsals called by the captain or section leader and approved by the director. Any unexcused absence from a rehearsal will be dealt with according to the guidelines laid down in the attendance section of this handbook.

The director will make every attempt to limit rehearsals to those normally scheduled (see below). Directors will give as much advanced notice of extra rehearsals as possible.

Band practice will begin at 7:20 a.m. every morning and there will be rehearsal every Monday night from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. These rehearsals are required. If a student has a Class "B" absence the week of a performance, he may be benched from the performance. When a student is benched, he attends the performance in uniform, sits in his assigned seat but does not perform.

Travel

It is the policy of the Waskom School District that all members of an organization must ride the bus to the game, contest, etc. A student may ride from the event with their parents or guardian if the director receives written permission from the parents no later than the morning of the trip, and the parents must let a director know they have their child after the event. A student may also ride with another student's parents if and only if a note is in the office from the parent and a director personally talks to that student' s parents. A student will not be allowed to ride with another student under any circumstances.

Trips will be conducted as follows:

Students will be given two times: a time to meet at the band hall where roll will be taken, equipment checked and loaded, uniforms inspected, announcements made and finally a leave time. Any students late for the meet time will make up their time during the third quarter. For example, one minute of the third quarter for every minute late to the meet time.

While on trips, school rules and regulations are to be followed at all times.

Rules and Regulations

1. No food, drink, and gum are allowed in the band hall. No gum allowed during practice or performance. Exceptions to the rule must have the approval of the band director.

2. No running or horse playing in the band hall. The noise level must be kept to a minimum.

3. The storage rooms and the director's office are not to be used without the director's permission. The phone is for business purposes only.

4. Students are expected to pay attention to instruction at all times. Activities that prevent others from learning are prohibited and will be dealt with severely.

5. Students are responsible for and are expected to take care of school supplied instruments and equipment. Damage to equipment other than normal wear will be paid for by the individual responsible.

6. Any items of clothing, including shoes, left in the band hall after rehearsal will be placed in the lost and found box and will be disposed of, if not claimed by the end of the year.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given to sections weekly. Director will ask section members to individually play a random selection from a piece of music that the band is working on during that time period. Individuals will be graded on ability to play correct rhythms and correct notes.

Quizzes will be worth 5 points.

Music Memorization

As stated earlier, a bandsman can show his loyalty and cooperation to his band by making up his mind to be a proud and worthy band member. And unfortunately, this is one place we have been lacking in the past. As you know, our musical ability has been our downfall. Simply because we have not been proud and worthy band members, we have not been loyal to Waskom High School. Therefore, we will put an emphasis on music this year. The following will be used for grading policies.

¨ School Song, Fight Song, and National Anthem must be memorized and played to director by Friday of the 1^st full week of school. Each piece of music will be worth 100 points. Director will give a 5 point deduction for each day student goes beyond deadline.

¨ Marching season show music will be played off to director or designated individuals by dates set at beginning of marching season. Each piece of music will be worth 100 points. Director will give a 5 point deduction for each day student goes beyond deadline.

Uniform

All students should arrive at the band hall at least 45 minutes before a performance to get their uniforms and be prepared after all performances to have uniforms checked in.

All uniforms must be hung on hangers correctly before checking uniform back in.

ALL UNIFORMS MUST BE CHECKED IN AFTER ANY PERFORMANCE - NO EXCEPTIONS!

Student Responsibility

1. Black Socks TBA

2. Black Marching Shoes ($21.00)

3. White Cotton Gloves TBA

4. Hair Accessories TBA

5. Plastic Uniform Hanger ($4.00)

6. Maroon Wildcat Uniform Bag ($30.00)

7. Band T’Shirt ($15.00)

8. A band fee will be charged to each ($10.00)

individual to pay for cleaning of uniform

and other expenses.

If a student must leave after a performance before checking his uniform in, it is that student's responsibility to designate another student to check in his uniform. Ultimately, each student is responsible for his own uniform.

Performances

Each student is required to attend every performance of the Waskom High School Band. Performances reflect all the time and energy spent in rehearsal. They are the end result of our work. When one student misses a performance, it affects the entire performance. Remember, performances are a grade.

The Waskom High School Marching Band performs at all high school football games. Marching at those games is a performance and attendance is therefore mandatory. The high school band also participates in several marching contests. These also are performances and are considered mandatory. The Waskom Band also participates in at least one parade each year which is a mandatory performance. The marching band consists of instrumentalists, color guard, and drum major. No one is ever excluded from marching band as long as they attend rehearsals and strive to do their best. The band strives to represent the very finest in musical and marching quality while serving the school and community.

In the spring semester, the Waskom High School Band will give several community concerts and also participate in UIL Concert/Sightreading Contest all of which are mandatory performances.

Drum Major and Color Guard

Drum Major and Color Guard members will be selected in the spring. Interested students will try out and will be chosen by a panel of judges. They will be judged on basic twirling fundamentals, marching fundamentals, and vocal commands depending on what they are trying out for. Tryouts will be closed to the public. School administrators will be in attendance. The judges' decision will be final.

Conduct

The conduct of a Waskom Band Member should reflect the following characteristics:

1. Courtesy at all times.

2. Respectful to fellow band members, any visiting band members, all directors, all teachers, and the general public.

3. When out of town, remember you are representing your school, your community, and yourself.

4. When in any type of restaurant, you will be on your best behavior, be quite, eat as quickly as possible, MAKE SURE YOU CLEAN UP ALL THE AREA AND DISPOSE OF TRASH BEFORE YOU LEAVE. ALWAYS LEAVE A GOOD IMPRESSION.

5. During rehearsal, you will not talk or be disruptive. You will pay attention at all times. This will mean that you will not bring any material that does not pertain to band into the band set.

6. SHOW PRIDE IN BEING A MEMBER OF THE WASKOM BAND.

7. Follow all the rules and set a good example for all fellow band members.

Lost and Found

There will be a box designated as lost and found in the band hall. Any items of clothing, including shoes, left in the band hall after rehearsal will be deposited in this box. At the end of the year any items left in the box will be thrown away by the director.

Attitude

The attitude of a Waskom Band Member should reflect the following characteristics:

1. Wanting to work together as a group.

2. Always wanting the performance to improve.

3. Open-minded to constructive criticism.

4. Striving to learn more about music.

5. Friendly to all, including other band members and members of other bands.

6. Cooperation.

7. Never giving up - persistent.

8. PROUD TO BE A WASKOM BAND MEMBER.

9. Abide by all rules ( school district and band ).

Smoking and Tobacco

Students shall not possess or use tobacco products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, or chewing tobacco, on school premises or on a school related function. Any student in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action. Any student caught violating this policy while on a band function will be immediately removed from the band program.

Alcohol and Drugs

It is the policy of the Waskom High School Band that alcohol, drugs, simulated drugs, or other controlled substances are prohibited at any school function ( including school sponsored trips ). Students found in possession of or under the influence of the above items will automatically be turned over to the administration for appropriate action and are subject to immediate dismal from band.

Letter Jacket Requirements

A high school band student who has met the following requirements will receive a letter jacket the semester following the completion of these requirements.

1. The student must have participated in band for three years, both fall and spring.

2. The student must not have had any unexcused absences from a practice or a performance during the three years in the high school band.

Waskom High School Band Organization

I. Board of Education

II. School Administration

III. Band Directors

IV. Band Boosters

V. Band Officers

A. President

1. Elected by band members

2. Must be a Junior or Senior

3. Conducts band council meetings

4. Promotes all band activities, pride, and enthusiasm

5. Reports to director concerning problem areas, and offers suggestions for improvements of the band

6. Attends all Band Booster Meetings

B. Vice-President

1. Elected by band members

2. Must be a Junior or Senior

3. Assumes all duties of the President when necessary and assist the President whenever possible

4. Attends all Band Booster Meetings

C. Secretary/Reporter

1. Elected by band members

2. Assists the director with attendance

3. Make sure ALL band news is turned in to school office for paper ( one story per week )

4. Must be knowledgeable of computers

D. Treasurer

1. Elected by band members

2. Assists director writing receipts for money turned in

E. Class Representative

1. Elected by members of their grade

2. Bring to the attention of the director any problems with members of a particular grade level

Only Band Officers will be required to greet visiting band during first quarter of football game.

Handbook Confirmation

We have read and discussed the Waskom High School Band Handbook with my parents/guardians, especially the sections on attendance of rehearsals and performances and the grading system. We will abide by the rules stated in the Waskom High School Band Handbook. We understand and accept the responsibilities that come with being a member of the Waskom High School Band and will accept the decisions of the director.

Student's Signature ___________________________________________

Parent/Guardian's Signature ___________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________

If you accept the requirements put down in this handbook, please sign and return this page only to the director by end of first full week of school.