EHS Band Program Orientation 2015

EHS Band Program Handbook

RAMS TOUGH!!!

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OVERVIEW

This handbook was prepared to give the student as well as the parent an understanding of the operation of Englewood High School Band. However, I believe if we use the THREE R’S (RESPECT, RESTRAINT, and RESPONSIBILITY) everything we do or fail to do can be covered under the above.

Each member is required to read this handbook to attain a general understanding of the rules and regulations of the organization. This handbook will attempt to provide a general guideline of the expectations of each band member. However, this handbook will not succeed in its purpose unless the members strive to work together to reach its goals of excellence in performance.

INTRODUCTION

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Englewood High School Band. Realizing that in the age of space travel, music is an important part of a child’s life and educational experience, the Instrumental Music Staff will provide every student a well-rounded instrumental music program which will give him/her numerous of musical experiences. The Instrumental Music Program will offer each student an opportunity to develop his/her interest and desires in the field of music; whether it is their desire to become an intelligent consumer of music or extends his/her training to become a professional musician ( concert, jazz, etc.) or a music educator.

As a member of the Englewood High School Band, you share a long tradition of outstanding leadership, excellence, student participation and services to our school community on a local, state and national level. This tradition can only be maintained by the hard work and dedication of each and every band member. This can be achieved through communication of goals and expectations.

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Band Program is based on the educational need of the youth, and preparation for capable, qualified, and well-adjusted adulthood. The student is a social being who must learn to live with others in a changing society that presents many varied problems and necessary adjustments. The student of today will be the leader of tomorrow. The areas of culture, services to the community, and leisure time are expanding far beyond the scope of the past decades, thus necessitating the preparation of each individual to meet the requirement placed upon him or her by this changing society.

Research indicates that student participation in music offers solutions to social problems:1. Drop out prevention2. Multi - cultural education3. Education of special learners4. Bilingual, ESL, ESOL, student learning5. Enhancement of per-kindergarten programsThe impact of arts education last a lifetime!Students enrolled in Florida school music programs have:1. Higher Standardized test scores2. Higher grade point averages3. More self-esteem4. Better organization and problem solving skills5. Stronger experiences in creative thinking

OBJECTIVES

1. PURPOSE: To provide members with education and enjoyment. To promote enthusiasm, self discipline, and musicianship. To generate pride by sharing experiences in a creative and satisfying group effort.

2. EDUCATION: To develop competent performers through teaching the fundamentals of musicianship. To incorporate music education into the total educational process.

3. CITIZENSHIP: To develop better citizens for the world of tomorrow by developing the traits of responsible citizens of today. This may be realized through the mental and physical discipline incurred from the enactment of the program of experiences.

4. SERVICE: To lend dignity, color, and atmosphere to appropriate school and civic events.

5. RECREATIONAL: To provide members with an opportunity for worthy use of leisure time, emotional outlet and social interaction.

MEMBERSHIP

The prerequisite for student participation is enrollment in an instrumental course of study. However, one must conform to the academic standards set by the Florida Department of Education for participation in extracurricular activities. In the area of band, this includes all areas of performance, whether it is during school or after school.

A. To be eligible during a quarter grading period, a student must have received a 2.0 grade point average on a four (4) point scale.

B. If you are declared to be ineligible to participate, you are still expected to participate in class and continue to learn fundamentals in the area of tone, scale, technique, rhythm, music literature, and music theory studies.

Students are required to show their grades to the band director after each quarter, or will be subject to suspension for failure to follow instructions.

ATTENDANCE

The director is the only person authorized to grant an excused absence or an excused tardy. At the beginning of the school a schedule of known performances, rehearsals and events will be published. Any additional changes will be posted at least two weeks in advance, whenever possible. All students are responsible for watching the board in the band room for the schedule of the week. Remember if you are not in your seat on the first note of rehearsal, you are tardy.Except for unusual cases, such as personal illness, or real emergencies, no excuses will be granted for missing rehearsals or performances. If an excuse is desired, the director should be contacted by the parent.If a student is involved in other school activities, that constantly conflict with band activities and no resolution to the problem can be attained by the instructors, then that student must decide which activity is more important.

GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS A. Preparation: Students must have a field trip permission form, signed by their parents or guardians. Students will always assemble in the band room at the designated time. On all trips, every band member is required to travel to and from the destination with the

band on the prescribed transportation provided. The exception to this is that parents may pick up their child or children after the event is over, by seeing the director and giving him/her a note stating that they are taking their child. The parents must realize since the uniform cannot be carried home, they must bring a change of clothes and that band student will be responsible for getting another band member to turn in their uniform. If a parent wishes his child ride home with another adult or student, the parent must write a note giving permission. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 30 MINUTES AFTER A PERFORMANCE.

No one is permitted to leave before the event is over. Failure to comply will result to dismissal from the band.

Always be punctual. Each person is responsible for placing instrument, luggage, etc. in the designated area so

that the Equipment Staff can load buses and truck. Clarinets, oboes, flutes and piccolos will be on buses. Equipment Staff will unload instruments, and luggage from buses and truck. All students are responsible for picking up his or her instrument or luggage from designated area. All students are responsible for every item that you need large or small. All students should check the designated area, prior to getting on the bus, to make sure his instrument/equipment is aboard.

Look neat and clean when you unload at destination. Full uniforms, including hats, are usually required Exceptions will be announced in advance. “The use of alcohol, tobacco products, or mood altering drugs is strictly

prohibited at any band function.” “Profanity is unacceptable language.” 

GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS No one is permitted to leave before the event is over. Failure to

comply will result to dismissal from the band. Always be punctual. Each person is responsible for placing instrument, luggage, etc. in the

designated area so that the Equipment Staff can load buses and truck. Clarinets, oboes, flutes and piccolos will be on buses. Equipment Staff will unload instruments, and luggage from buses and truck. All students are responsible for picking up his or her instrument or luggage from designated area. All students are responsible for every item that you need large or small. All students should check the designated area, prior to getting on the bus, to make sure his instrument/equipment is aboard.

Look neat and clean when you unload at destination. Full uniforms, including hats, are usually required Exceptions will be announced in advance. “The use of alcohol, tobacco products, or mood altering drugs

is strictly prohibited at any band function.” “Profanity is unacceptable language.” 

GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS B. General Bus Rules: Do not extend arms, head, or anything else outside the bus at

anytime. Do not stand in the aisle or in front of the bus when the bus is in

motion. Do not play instruments or beat on seats with drum

sticks/mallets Be quiet at all railroad crossings and busy traffic intersections. Upon arrival at our destination, remain in your seat until you are

told to unload. Two students per seat, unless specified by band director Students will sit in own seat and not on someone’s lap. Other than moving large equipment in and out of the bus, no one

is to enter or leave the bus through back/rear door (emergency exit only).

No talking during roll call.

GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS A reasonable noise level, as determined by the chaperones, is to be

maintained. If the chaperones says that you are too loud, simply bring the volume down.

Do not throw anything from the bus window. There will be no public display of affection: a student should be warned

the first time and if it should occur again, the chaperone should report students involved to the director.

Stops for refreshments are made at the discretion of the director only. If uniforms are being worn, coats are zipped up prior to leaving the bus. Chaperones should make sure students clear tables after eating and check restrooms for missing students and articles left by them.

  C. Local Bus Rule: Electronic items (radios, tape/compact disc players) are not allowed. Food wrappers, soda cans, etc., should be placed in trash bags located

in the front of the bus. All band students are responsible for cleaning designated bus at end of

trip. “ Leave it like you found it.”

CHAPERONES

A. Guidelines: Should follow the band handbook and be familiar with the rules Should be considerate of the students and abide by the no

smoking, alcohol, etc, rules. Be concerned with students welfare and assist the band

director and report any problems or emergencies to the director.

Students are to obey chaperones. Chairperson will maintain a first aid kit. Meet with chairperson prior to leaving for bus assignments and

other pertinent information. Check roll for bus. Do not allow students to change buses without permission from

director. Students do not have permission to use private cars.

CHAPERONES

B. Local: Chaperones must be transported with band. C. Football Games: Chaperones must sit around the band in an area roped off from the rest of

the spectators. Non-band members are not allowed in the band section without the

permission of the director. No one is allowed to take a short cut through the band section Band members are not allowed to bring food or drinks into the stands. D. Out of Town: Chaperones must be transported with band E. Hotel Procedure: Check rooms prior to check-in and report any prior damages to director. Check rooms at curfew and any other specified time. Be visible at all times. Maintain a two your shift watch (11pm-1am, 1am-3am, 3am-5am & 5-

7am) Check rooms prior to check-out and report any student damages/problems

to director.

AWARDS

A. Purpose: The purpose of awards is to give recognition to those students deserving of special

mention. It should be understood that all students do not fall into the above category. Awards are for students that give 101% in the area of participation, attendance, scholarship, musicianship, leadership and dependability.

B. Qualifications: In order to be eligible for any awards, the student must have actively participated in band

for the entire school year. C. Categories: Freshman award - One year of participation Sophomore award - Two years of participation Junior award - Three years of participation Senior award - Four years of participation District marching superior medal - Superior rating at District Marching Festival District concert superior medal - Superior rating at District Concert Festival State concert superior medal - Superior Rating at state Concert Festival High Scholastic Average Award - student with 3.0 or above grade point average for the

year Secretary staff award - member in good standing Library staff award - member in good standing Equipment staff award - member in good standing Quarter master staff award - member in good standing. Best marching section - a section that exemplifies outstanding marching skills.

AWARDS

Best playing section - a section that exemplifies outstanding musicianship Most versatile musician - an individual that performs with the band or ensemble on

more than one instrument during the school year. The instruments can not be related like in the clarinet family or percussion family.

Best rehearsal attendance - any individual that is absent less than five days during the school year.

Most outstanding section leader - a principal player that stands out as far as going above and beyond the call of duty to make his or her section better than average in musicianship and in their overall contribution to the band program

Most band spirit - an individual with band pride and spirit that go beyond the call of duty to keep up band moral and spirit decor.

Most improved musician - an individual who made the most progress in musicianship during the school year.

Best marching female - a female student that exemplifies the most outstanding fundamentals of marching.

Best marching male - a male student that exemplifies the most outstanding fundamentals of marching.

Most outstanding freshman - a freshman with outstanding musicianship, leadership, follow ship and scholarship abilities.

John Phillip Sousa award - a senior with the highest degree of effective band membership, such as musicianship, leadership, scholarship, loyalty, dedication, dependability, attitude, and pride.

BANQUET

Purpose: The end of school banquet is held to give

recognition to those students in the band that are deserving of special mention.

B. Financial Obligation: Every year, band we make every effort to

pay for band students banquet tickets. However, this can only be done when parents of the above students meet 100% of the financial responsibility. Only when this is done can we fulfill our yearly budget

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY A. General: The parent must understand that the financial responsibility

for their son/daughter participation in band includes: Band Uniform up-keep fee Uniform accessories: Proper foot wear, gloves, band shirt,

socks, care and maintenance. Fair share Private instrument care and maintenance Percussion supplies to include stick bag and mallets for pitch

and fixed pitch percussion and pitch pipe Auxiliary supplies to include practice flag, poles/batons and

most used practice equipment. School owned instrument repair and replacement from

misuse and being irresponsible. Out of town trip cost for transportation, hotel and meals.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY B. Band Fee and Fair Share: We operate on a “Band fee and Fair share” program. That is

every student/parent contributes a fair amount toward the operational expenses, or budget of the band. However, it should be noted that the above does not cover the total amount of the annual budget. We have members of the parent support group that gives their time and money to raise the necessary amount of money to fulfill the rest of the budget not covered by “ Band Fee” for this school year is $150.00 (Instrumentalist) $300.00 (Auxiliary) and is to be paid in full by July 26th of each year.

It is mandatory for each member of the band program to raise an additional $200.00 for the band program. This is called “Fair Share.” Everyone is expected to do their part. For example: Concessions for Jaguar games, selling candy, and sponsors and ad booklets. Will explain more during the meeting.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

C. Turning in Money: All money collected from students or

parents will be receipted through the Band Director or designee. ( Cashier’s Check or Money Orders are accepted). Please make Cashier’s Check or Money Order payable to: Englewood High School Band Program.

EHS Parent Support Group Purpose: To give assistance to the band director and school administration

in promoting, supporting and maintaining the Englewood High School Band.

Meeting date: Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. Parent Support: All parents are asked to support the band program. We need parents to work the concessions at Englewood Home

Football Games There will be rotating shifts for each game.

All parents are required to register as a volunteer at www.duvalschools.org website.

Make sure all student stay inside the band room after each event. There should at least 2 parents per bus.

QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS