Cincinnati Mighty
Marching Yellow Jackets
“The Musical Swarm”
2010/2011
Handbook
Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets
Phone/Email log
Gordon W. Austin 3rd
Founder/Director of Bands
(513) 341-5295
Falisha Austin
Asst. Director
(513) 341-5295
Joe White
Percussion Instructor
(513) 341-5295
David Phillips
Commuication Director
(513) 341-5295
Ranessa Howell
Drill Team instructor
(513) 341-5295
Lakeisha Wilson
Drill Team instructor
(513) 341-5295
Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets
Marching Unit & Performing Arts Ensemble
“The Musical Swarm”
Welcome to The Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets Unit & Performing Arts Ensemble; The Musical Swarm. This program means a great deal to those of us who have been a part of its recent successes and wish to uphold the group’s fine traditions. It is our sincere hope that you will find many long lasting friends, earn respect of those around you, and feel genuine pride in a job well done. We expect maturity, responsible attitude, and action; combined with a lot of hard work.
By accepting membership in the Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets Unit and Performing Arts Ensemble, you agree to perform to the best of your abilities and work hard with the band and staff in making this year’s program the finest musical organization that our combined efforts can produce.
As member you are expected to:
Report consistently and promptly to all rehearsals and performances and to cooperate fully with your leaders knowing that you will be held accountable for your actions. Your contribution to the success of this organization depends upon your commitment to the band.
To be in the right place at the right time in proper dress or uniform; with the correct music, instrument and/or equipment; ready to put forth committed effort needed to accomplish excellence.
Every year is a new challenge; know that you will make a difference. We’re delighted you have chosen to become part of the Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets Unit and Performing Arts Ensemble; The Musical Swarm.
We’re looking forward to another exciting year.
Sincerely,
Gordon W. Austin
Founder/Director of Bands
Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets
Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets
______
Greetings New CYJ Members, Parents, & Family Members,
On the behalf of the Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this family we called the “Musical Swarm”.
How do we define “Musical Swarm”? Webster’s Standard Dictionary states it this way:
Musical- “relating to or resembling music; able to produce music”
Swarm- “A large crowd or mass; especially one moving together”
The conclusion; “The Musical Swarm” is a massive force that produce music as one unit moving together.
You have joined us in hopes of helping to make this band one of the best organizations of its kind in Cincinnati. Our mission is not only to give young people the opportunity to express themselves through music but to give young people the opportunity to become productive men and women through music.
As with any organization that exist to help young people we strongly encourage parents and family members to get involved as much as possible. Parent & family involvement helps to build the bond within CMMYJ family and reinforces the positive benefits of being a band member.
Thank you for selecting the Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets and I sincerely look forward to working with each and every one of you. If I can be any assistance to you, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Gordon Austin
Founder/Director of Bands
Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets
CINCINNATI MIGHTY MARCHING YELLOW JACKETS
“ THE MUSICAL SWARM”
1. BAND MEMBERS
Each member is required to have a CRC membership card and is required to follow rules set by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.
Each member must be enrolled and attend some type of school.
If a member is eighteen years old or older they must have a background Check and drug test.
Each member will have his/her own file with necessary information
A copy of each member’s report card will be required by Mr. Gordon Austin and the board and will be kept on file.
2. ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required at all events unless otherwise noted. The only acceptable excuses are extreme emergency. Please telephone or text (a call is preferred) the band director at (513) 497-5201 and bring a note from your parents/guardian explaining the absence.
The Band Director must be notified four hours prior for job related absences
Absences due to serious illness must have a note from their family physician, for less serious illnesses a call and a note from parent or guardian is required.
Absence from required events with “no call” will result in a $10.00 fine and a one-performace suspension. A second instance of a no call and no show will result in automatic dismissal. If a member wishes to be reinstated, he/she must:
Come before the board
Write an apology letter to the Band Coordinator
Apologize to team members
Sit through orientation with parent/guardian
3. TIMELINESS AND PREPARATION
Each band member is expected to be on time and prepared for all scheduled band meetings and rehearsals:
Be in the band room for rehearsal at the appointed time and ready to play 3 minutes after the beginning of the rehearsal.
Be at events at the time stated and be ready to play according to play according to the posted schedule.
Be prepared for class, rehearsals and performances by practicing on their own time.
Bring all necessary materials including istruments, reeds, mouthpieces, music, supplies, flip folders and a pencil.
4. BEHAVIOR & RESPONSIBILITIES; SHOW RESPECT
Respect yourself, your band, and those around you.
Respect the music and your performance (don’t dis’ us in public, keep all negatives in the family and try to comments as positive criticism).
Respect your environment.
No eating, drinking or chewing gum in the band room
In the stands, on the field or in the parade remember you are the ambassadors for our band, our organization and yourself. The behavior demonstrated is the behavior that will be remembered and the behavior that will “tell” everyone about you and The Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets.
Respect your uniform.
If your uniform is not hung up or improperly or not returned after each event you will be fined. The fine doubles after each infraction.
Respect your instrument and your music/folder. If your instrument or case, or your music/folder or stand is left out after a performance or rehearsal you will be fined.
5. DEMERIT SYSTEM
This system is establish in order to give members guidelines and consequences. When a member accumulates a total of (10) demerits during a season, the member will be suspended. After this, dismissal can happen at anytime.
One Demerit:
Being out of uniform at practice
Excessive talking during practice
Talking after being ask not to talk
Gum Chewing
Failure to stay at attention
Wearing jewelry or jeans
Wearing inappropriate shoes (Flip Flops)
Two Demerits:
Being out of uniform during a performance
Disrespeting another Marching Ensemble or their belongings
Tardiness to practice
Late to a performance
Five Demerits:
Arguing or using foul language with another Marching Ensemble Member.
Cell phone usage during practice/ performace
Unexcused absence
Disrespecting the Director or Staff
Public Shows of Affection
**Suspension and Dismissal is at the discretion of the Director. Excessive accumulation of demerits may warrant consideration of one of these acts. Other offenses not included on this short list, may also cause a member to receive demerits.**
6. MISCELLANEOUS BEHAVIOR FINES
Failure to hang uniform………..$1.00 (1st infraction) Doubles after each infration; 1st $1.00, 2nd $2.00, 3rd is $4.00, etc
Untied shoe laces……….$0.25
Chewing gum during performances/practice……….$0.50
Failure to check in cell phones…………$1.50
Late for rehearsal………..$2.00
Cursing………..$3.00
Forgetting band t-shirt……….$5.00
Lost T-shirt…………$15.00
Fighting……….$20.00 + suspension
THERE WILL BE 0 TOLERANCE FOR STEALING!
***ALL FINES ARE DUE WHEN ACCESSED OR WITHIN A TWO WEEK PERIOD***
7. INSTRUMENTS, MUSIC, UNIFORMS
Instruments: Will be provided by the organization, if an instrument is broken or destroyed by a member because of unnecessary roughness there will be a charge for maintenance or replacement.
Music: is distributed throughout the year. If music is lost, a fee will be charged for its replacement.
Uniform: Each band member will be fitted for a unform. Members must have black shoes for marching. After each event, all members must store their uniform according to correct procedure and specifications as set by the director. If this is not done, the member will be fined. No eating in uniform jackets.
UNIFORM CLEANING
Additional Dry Cleaning: You are expected to take good care of the uniform and have it dry cleaned during the season as necessary. Keep it on a good hanger. It would cost a lot of money to replace your uniform. If you spill something on your uniform take it to the cleaner within 24 hours and tell them what it is. If you follow this procedure, they probably be able to remove the stain.
Wet uniforms need careful attention. Each item should be hung separately to dry and then taken to the cleaners as soon as possible. Do not wash band uniform- washing will ruin the uniform!
Shoes must be cleaned and polished.
Gloves must be clean and white. Please wash on a weekly basis!
Hair must be up and off the collar for the ENTIRE preformance. If you take your hat off, hair must remain up. Anything used to keep hair up must be the same color as the hair. Both ladies and gentlemen will observe this.
Suspenders will remain up for the entire evening.
No jewelry period. This includes pierced earrings. Plan your ear piercing for some time other then band camp and band season.
Sunglasses will not be worn while in uniform
No unauthorized hats may be worn.
Issued Band T-shirts MUST be worn for all events.
Bring a garment bag for uniform storage.
Collar liners are removeable and washable. You should wash this item weekly.
UNIFORM PROBLEMS
If you lose any part of your uniform it must be replaced before performance day. Uniform help will be available this season. Check with you band board for the time and dates of the uniform help.
8. INSPECTION
Inspection will occur two times; once before practice, and once before getting on the bus. Call time inspection will be your opportunity to double check uniform, instruments, and music. REMEMBER- Hair must be up under the hat, NO jewelry!
9. TRANSPORTATION AND EQUIPMENT POLICY:
NO parents are permitted to travel on the buses or vans with the Marching Ensemble.
After call-time/ dress rehearsal, we will load busses.(Details on bus asignments will be discussed before leaving).
All instruments must be in a case when traveling on a bus
All members must travel to and from performances on busses. Any members who needs to return from a performance with his/her parents or guardian must sunmit a permission slip signed by their parent/guardian to the director in charge of his/her bus. Members will be dismissed to Parent/Guardian only!
Bus Behavior: Members should keep their voices down to a conversation level and should not stand while the bus is in motion. Members are required to keep head and arms inside the bus. The back door is for emergencies only. Members are not to use the back door of the bus. Sit in your assigned seat.
Radios and Tape players may only be used with headphones.
Loading and unloading equipment- A member crew of four to six band members will be responsible for loading and unloading the truck. All section leaders or his/her designee should remain by the truck until entire ranks equipment has been loaded on the truck. This person is responsible for getting the caseup onto the truck. The member crew will take it from there. Make sure all cases are latched and secure.
When traveling to our destination, make sure that the bus stay clean. All trash will go into a trash bag. Be careful not get food or drink on your uniform. BE NEAT! Thank your bus driver upon returning from an event- it is courteous thing to do!
UPON ARRIVAL:
Once we arrive, listen for instructions. When we get off the bus, get your instrument and equipment together as soon as possible. Hats and Gloves should be on at all times with coats zipped and buttoned!
We will march or walk into the stadium as quickly as possible. Listen for seat assignments and move quickly to that assigned seat. Non band members may not sit with the band. If it has been a long trip, we might dismiss in sections to use the restroom. The Director will decide if this is necessary!
Parents and Members:
During the last year, many members were not picked up at the approprate time. A schedule has been given already as to pick up times. Please have your ride her at that time. WE CAN NOT WAIT! Directors have to stay untill every member is gone. Please remember that it has been a long day for us also. Be considerate; plan ahead! Members who are not picked up at the approprate time will be dealt with by the Board the next week and may not be allowed to travel with the band in the future.
PARENTS, if we are preforming at a place that has a cover charge YOU CAN NOT GO IN WITH THE BAND YOU MUST PAY AT THE DOOR!
Also if you are coming to support the band You must have on a Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets T-shirt if you DO NOT have one you Must buy one! The cost of the T-shirt is $15.
Dues
Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets dues of $10.00 is due by the 5th of every month. Failure to make payment by the deadline will result in a $2.00 late fee per day added to your bill for the next seven days until the 12th . After the 12th, nonpayment will commence in forfeiting your child’s spot in the program.
** Each drill team member is required to bring in a 24 pack of coke, sprite or diet sprite.**
** Each Drummer is required to bring in a 24 pack of water.** (Due on November 6, 2010.
DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!
“If you don’t have one, you must get one”
Parents,
One of the most efficient means in communicating important information to you is via email. You can expect to receive 1 to 3 emails per week.
BAND SHOP- CASH ONLY
The band shop is open Saturdays 1 hour before practice and open 1 hour after practice. The band shop is also open 1 hour before any call time for a performance.
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS AND RULES
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are to be checked in with the band director before rehearsals and performances. Phones may be retieved and checked for messages and to make calls at designated breaks and in between performances.
HYGIENE
Good hygiene is necessary! Band members at times may be interviewed By the media and you will not and to offend anyone. It will be required for each member to obtain an “overnight bag” with tooth paste, toothbrush, deodorant, hand sanitizer, disposable razor, soap, washcloth, white towel, body powder, water bottles. Young women will adjust their bags accordingly. Bags will be left at the Oakley Center.
DRESS FOR REHEARSAL
The appropriate dress for rehearsal is : a white T-shirt, Balck sweat pants/shorts, white handband, tube socks and gym shoes No flip flops. Jewelry, or jeans.
LOST OR STOLLEN ITEMS
Neither The Oakley Rec. Center, nor Cincinnati Recreation Commission, or Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets are responsible for lost or stolen items.
LIMIT AREAS
Please stay out of offices and off computers that have not been designated for you to use. Sometimes members are encouraged to use computers for band related use. Members found to be misusing computers or be on inappropriate sites will be disciplined.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers for CYJ need to bring in a FBI and World wide police check.
2010/2011 Cincinnati Mighty Marching Yellow Jackets Band T-Shirt Order Form
______
Name______Phone Number______
Email______
Indicate quantity and size(s) of each purchasing: Sizes are:
YOUTH
XS S M L XL
ADULT
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 6XL
ALL T-SHIRT COST IS $15
MAKE CHECKS OUT T0: CINCINNATI MIGHTY MARCHING YELLOW JACKETS
CINCINNATI MIGHTY MARCHING YELLOW JACKETS
2010/2011
REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE FILL OUT ALL BLANKS COMPLETELY
Registration Fee $20.00
Member Name: ______
Parent Name: ______
Parent Email: ______
Marching Band fee: $10month or $120 a year
Marching Band Member Shirt
Instrument Section: ______
Please circle your size choice