Attendance Policy

Absences are considered excused if they meet the criteria outlined in the school-wide attendance policy. The student/parents are responsible for notifying the school/director prior to an anticipated absence.

A missed performance will result in the lowering of the student's grade by one letter grade.

The following outlines the procedures that the student and parent should follow in regards to absences:

• Notify the director in advance.
• Fill out and submit the absentee form in the school office.
• Submit a parent's or doctor's note in the case of absence due to illness.
• If a band activity is scheduled for that day, call the band office as well as the school office to clear the absence.
• In case of emergency, a phone message may be left on the band answering machine/instructor's voicemail.
• Students are responsible for follow-up after an absence (gathering information/assignments, etc.)

An unexcused absence will result in the loss of participation points for that day. If a student acquires two unexcused absences, he/she will not be permitted to play in the next scheduled performance. This will cause the student's grade to be lowered by one letter grade.

Playing at athletic events is part of the "band tradition," and is a requirement for all band members. Expectations for these performances is outlined below.

HOME FOOTBALL GAMES (Marching Band)

For games beginning at 7:00 p.m., all marching band members will report to the high school band room at 5:50 p.m. in uniform. Here, band members will collect and assemble their instruments, music, and equipment. After a brief warm-up, the director and drum majors will march the band to the high school football field at 6:30 p.m. Band members are to sit in the designated band section and be prepared to play at all times unless otherwise instructed by the director.

HOME BASKETBALL GAMES (Pep Band)

The band will play for all varsity girls' and boys' home basketball games. For games beginning at 6:00 p.m., all band members will report to the high school band room at 5:10 p.m. in their band t-shirts and jeans. After collecting and assembling their instruments, music, and equipment and a brief warm-up, the director will lead the band to the high school gymnasium field at 5:30 p.m. Band members are to sit in the designated band section and be prepared to play at all times unless otherwise instructed by the director.

*The director will address individual needs on a case-by-case basis.

The Roles of the Band Student and Parent

Duties of the Band Member:

• Follow all classroom expectations and procedures as outlined in the band handbook.
• Approach rehearsal and performance with a positive attitude.
• Make responsible choices inside and outside the classroom.
• Work toward musical improvement daily (this includes practicing outside of class!).
• Strive for good academic standing in all other coursework.
• Demonstrate individual musical insight (play musically).

Role of the Band Parent:

• Be aware of policies and procedures outlined in the handbook. Make sure these are followed, and that the agreement form is signed and returned.
• Ensure that his or her student is present at all band functions.
• Encourage behavior that promotes musical development (daily practicing!).
• Contact the band director if any questions or issues arise.
• Monitor students' care of their instrument. Realize that repair to school-owned instruments can be expensive!
• Keep up-to-date on the band schedule of events.
• Support his or her student in their musical endeavors, and acknowledge achievement and hard work.
• Be willing to provide some assistance at band events. Our wonderful booster club provides most assistance, but we may occasionally need some extra hands! Willing volunteers are always invited to e-mail the director!

Financial Obligations

High school band students will be financially responsible for the following:

Band instrument

A student may purchase their own instrument or rent one from the school. Percussionists will be expected to purchase or rent their sticks and mallets. (Refer to the handbook sections on instrument rental, instrument/mouthpiece information, and percussion accessories.)

Stick bag (percussionists)

Method books

Students taking private lessons will need to purchase their own instrument-specific

method book. Please see the handbook section on method books for specific information.

Reeds (for clarinets, oboes, saxophones, and bassoons)

Reed instrument students should have at least three reeds at all times.

Band t-shirt

The band t-shirt will be the "uniform" for pep band games and other performances.

T-shirts cost $20 each. Parents are welcome to purchase shirts for themselves as well. Ordering forms will be distributed by the director.

Long khaki pants

Along with the band t-shirt, this will comprise the uniform for pep band games and other

performances. Khakis should be "nice"--no rips, tears, holes, patches, or anything that

would make the student wearing them stand out from the group.

Marching shoes

These cost $25 per pair, and are part of the standard band uniform. The director will collect sizing information during band camp.

Lyre and flip folder

These will be necessary for rehearsals and possibly performances. These can be

purchased at a music store at low cost.

Valve oil

All valved instruments (trumpet, cornet, French horn, mellophone, tuba, Sousaphone,

baritone, euphonium) should have this at rehearsals. Valve oil can be purchased at a music

store.

Slide grease (trombones)

This can also be purchased at music stores. Trombone students should bring it to all

rehearsals.

Food

While the booster club and school provides for many of these needs, students should

expect to pay for some meals at events such as athletic events and festivals.

Marching Band Camp

This year's marching band camp will be held Monday, August 6th through Friday, August 10th (the week before classes start) at the high school football field and band room.

Participation in band camp is mandatory for the following reasons:

1. Students have the opportunity to learn basic marching skills

and develop marching proficiency.

2. Band camp allows for significant progress in learning the drill,

memorizing music, and pairing music with the drill.

3. Band camp facilitates band growth, learning, and band unity.

Camp will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the football field every morning. This means that band members should be on the field no later than 7:50 a.m. to ensure they are ready to go at 8:00. Camp will consist of marching technique instruction, music rehearsal, drill rehearsal, and sectionals. Because of the unique demands of playing in the drum line, percussionists will rehearse separately with the percussion instructor for a large part of camp.

Students should wear TENNIS SHOES with socks, and clothes suitable for marching in the warm weather (although the majority of outdoor rehearsals will be in the morning). Students need to bring their instruments, lyres, flip folders, and music. Bottled water will be supplied. The band boosters will provide lunch at 11:30 a.m. each day in the cafeteria. Band camp will end at 2:00 p.m. each day.

All procedures and policies regarding student conduct will apply during band camp. Students are expected to be punctual, give their best efforts during all rehearsals, respect band staff and members, and maintain a professional attitude.

To celebrate the students' hard work during camp and mark the beginning of a new school year, all band students and parents are encouraged to attend the annual band cookout and water fight on Friday, August 10th at 5:00 p.m. at Bradley Park.

Traveling

Band members should keep in mind that there are responsibilities that go along with the privilege of school-provided transportation. While traveling on the bus, please adhere to the following policies:

1. Because bus transportation is funded by the band program and the school district, only band members, chaperones, and designated staff are permitted to ride the bus. No extra “friends.”

2. The bus driver ultimately has the responsibility and authority while you are on the bus. If he/she gives instructions about anything, you should comply. Chaperones will help enforce any rules from the driver.

3. Students will sit with no more than two passengers occupying a seat. Seat partners must be of the same sex.

4. Faculty, staff, and chaperones have the right to move individuals to another seat for any reason they deem valid. Chaperones are on the trips to help with discipline and students are expected to cooperate. Chaperones also are representatives of the band and school and are expected to demonstrate patience and maturity while working with students on the bus.

5. You are ultimately responsible for your own behavior. General behavior expectations apply:

a. Pick up your trash!

b. Keep hands and arms inside the bus at all times.

c. Excessively loud or boisterous behavior should be avoided.

d. Stay in your seat unless you have a very good reason for moving.

e. Comply with all adults that help with the band.

f. Be courteous at all times.

Should a student choose not to follow these guidelines, individual and/or group consequences will be administered as deemed appropriate.

All students are required to meet at the high school parking lot and ride the buses provided. THIS IS SCHOOL POLICY! If you want to ride home with your parents or legal guardians, you must follow these guidelines:

1. When the band is ready to depart, your parent/guardian must personally talk to the director and then sign the parent/guardian release form.

2. You are not excused from your obligation until the full band is excused.

3. You may ONLY ride home with a parent or guardian. Permission will not be granted to neighbors, older brothers/sisters, friends, etc.

Contests, Competitions, and Festivals

The high school band participates in contests, competitions, and festivals throughout the school year. These venues provide students with opportunities to perform for a variety of audiences and competent judges, gather feedback and criticism, and listen to literature performed by their peers. Performing at these events also helps develop team unity within the band.

I believe that healthy competition promotes motivation within the band and reflects the nature of our society. I also believe that giving our absolute best effort, not necessarily winning, is our ultimate goal at these events.

The following are the contests, competitions, and festivals we are scheduled to perform in this year. Specific departure times and performance schedules will be announced closer to the scheduled dates. These performances are also indicated on the master Schedule of Events.

November 10, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m. - Marching Band Festival in Dodge City.

March 4, 2013 - League Solo/Ensemble Festival in Meade.

March 28, 2013 – Regional Solo/Small Ensemble Festival in Bucklin.

April 4, 2013 – State Large Ensemble Festival in Pratt.

April 20, 2013 – State Solo/Small Ensemble Festival in Wichita.

Extra Rehearsals

Because the band director realizes that students' schedules are busy with schoolwork, athletics, and other extracurricular activities, she will try to avoid scheduling rehearsals outside of class time. Students and parents are, however, asked to understand that this may be necessary at times, especially before concerts and festivals.

These rehearsals will be announced at least one week in advance. Attendance is required by all band members. The regular band rehearsal attendance policy applies.