Tallassee High School
Bandsand
Auxiliary
Handbook /
2018-2019 Passion
Responsibility
Integrity
Discipline
Excellence
Robert Glasscock, Director of Bands
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Table of Contents
Important Phone Numbers……………………………………………………..………Inside Cover
Preface…………………………………………………………………………………...... ……….4
PRIDE ……………………………………………………………………………………….…….4
How to Demonstrate PRIDE……………………………………………………………….………4
Academic Eligibility……………………………………………………………………….………5
Overview of Expectations……………………………………………………………….…………5
Basic Rules…………………………………………………………………………………………5
Grading Policy……………………………………………………………………………………..5
Point System for Winds/Percussion…………………………………………………………….….6
Individual Activities……………………………………………………….……………………….7
Band Camps………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Band Organizations……………………………………………………………………………...... 8
Student Officer Duties.……………………………………………………….……………………9
Rehearsal Procedures……………………………………………………………………………..10
Performances……………………………………………………………………………..……….11
Football Game Procedures…………………………………………………………………….….12
Travel/Signing Out Procedures…………………………………………………………………..13
Overnight Trips………………………………………………………….……………………….14
Uniforms………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Music………………………………………………………………………….…………………..14
School Instruments………………………………………………………………………………..15
Instrument Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………..15
Expenses/Payment plan……………………………………………………………………….16-17
Majorette/Color Guard Rules…………………………………………………………………….17
Majorette/Color Guard Point System…………………………………………………………….18
Chaperone Guidelines…………………………………………………………………………….20
Calendar…………………………………………………………………………………………..21
Preface
To make any organization successful, much planning and effort are required. This handbook was written for the members of the Tallassee High School Band and their families. Knowledge of its contents will provide each student with an understanding of how he/she may best contribute to the productivity and overall success of the program, resulting in the optimum individual and group experience.
Pride
Passion Excitement, Enthusiasm, Desire, Self-Motivation
Responsibility In regard to: Attendance Punctuality
Care of equipment Practicing
Use of the band facility
Fundraising
Paperwork – information/letters sent home
Integrity Demonstrating good conduct
Discipline Self-control, Concentration, Dedication, Commitment
Excellence Having the desire to excel in performance
How to Demonstrate PRIDE
Ø Put the Good of the group above your personal wants.
Ø Be the first, never the last, to rehearsals.
Ø Always have the needed and required rehearsal items.
Ø Wear appropriate rehearsal attire – proper shoes, shorts, etc.
Ø Demonstrate desire, spirit and enthusiasm for learning, working, and contributing.
Ø Be one of those students who is always “there”; a person who can be counted on.
Ø Prepare and master your part in advance – only your best is good enough.
Ø Refrain from making comments or carrying on a conversation during a rehearsal.
Ø Maintain silence and eye contact with Director or Instructor in charge.
Ø Use “High-Intensity Listening.” (Listen and Silent are spelled with the same letters.)
Ø Stop and listen immediately when cut-off is given or move is completed.
Ø Exhibit enthusiasm and patience for practice – understand the need for repetition.
Ø If you experience failure, analyze it, make a plan to improve and succeed next time.
Ø Turn work into fun. Enjoy rehearsing – hot, cold, or rainy.
Ø Try to learn something new and improve every day. Remember: “The Band will only be as good as my attitude and my contribution.”
Ø Do your best to make those around you look and sound better.
Ø Be humble in your success. Demonstrate class in all situations.
Academic Eligibility / Commitment to Band Program
Any student whose band points drop below 70 may be suspended from BAND ACTIVITIES. A student must be in attendance at school at least ½ day on the day of, or the last day of school before a performance. A student must take part in the last rehearsal before a performance in order to be eligible to perform.
Overview of Expectations
Each band member is expected to do at least the following:
· Attend all rehearsals and performances
· Be prepared for rehearsals and performances.
· Be on time for all classes, rehearsals, and performances.
· Keep instrument and equipment in performance condition.
· Understand the duties of the Officers, work with them and not against them.
· Practice regularly at home (30 minutes per day min.) and study privately if at all possible.
· Keep the band facility neat, clean, and free of litter.
· Keep up with and be responsible for music and equipment issued to him/her.
· Demonstrate “PRIDE.”
· Take part in fundraising activities.
Basic Rules
§ Students must abide by the Tallassee City Schools Code of Conduct, Tallassee High School Rules, and the THS Band Handbook.
§ A serious disciplinary infraction may result in subsequent suspension from the Band activities or removal from the program.
§ Any instrument or equipment not belonging to or specifically assigned to you is strictly off limits. If it is not yours, DO NOT touch it.
§ No gum, food or drink is allowed in the band facility.
§ No gum is allowed at any performance or rehearsal, while in uniform.
§ For security reasons, the band room is off limits to non-band students.
Grading Policy
The 9-week grade will be determined by the student’s point total. (See Point System)
A = 90+ points
B = 80-89 points
C = 70-79 points
D = 60-69 points
F = 59 or less points
Additional playing and/or written tests will be averaged in accordingly.
Point System for Winds/Percussion
Each student will start the grading period with 100 Points.
Bonus points will not carry over from one nine-week period to the next.
Points will be deducted as follows:
1. Failure to appear for a performance……………………………………………...……..30-
2. Missed performance (with prior notice given)……………………………………...…..10-
3. Missing a rehearsal……………………………………………………………………...10-
4. Not dressed for rehearsal………………………………………………………………....5-
5. No flip folder……………………………………………………………………………..5-
6. Not knowing music/routine/drill………………………………………………………....5-
7. Not having music or pencil for rehearsal………………………………………………....2-
8. No instrument/equipment for rehearsal………………………………………..…………5-
9. No instrument/equipment for performance……………………………….…………….15-
10. Instrument dirty, tarnished or poorly maintained……………………………….………..2-
11. Forgetting Band Hat…………………………………………………………….………..5-
12. No gloves for performance……………………………………………………….………2-
13. Improper under-uniform (Band Shirt, Black shorts)…………………….……………….5-
14. Wrong socks……………………………………………………………….……………..5-
15. Hair not up/wrong scrunchie or barrette…………………………….……………………2-
16. Fingernail polish (must be removed)……………………………….…………………….2-
17. Jewelry (must be removed)………………………………………………………………2-
18. Uniform worn improperly………………………………………….………………..2 to 5-
19. Dirty shoes………………………………………………………….…………………….2-
20. Tardy………………………………………………………………..………………5 to 15-
21. Gum, food or drink in band facility or stands.……………………………………………2-
22. Poor attitude/lack of effort…………………………………..……………………….2 to 5-
23. Handling equipment not belonging to or assigned to you………………….…………….2-
24. Leaving folder/instrument/equipment out of place………………………………………2-
25. Not playing in stands as directed…………………………………………………………2-
Students must submit request to Director for Bonus Points.
Bonus Points will be added as follows:
1. Attending a summer band camp………………………………………………………..10+
2. Private lessons (minimum of 5 per 9-weeks, submitted by the 9-weeks)……………...10+
3. Private lessons (submitted by the individual lesson)……………………………………2+
4. Audition for All-State Band……………………………………………………………..5+
5. Making and participating in All-State Band (includes audition points)………………..15+
6. Audition for Montgomery Youth Orchestra……………………………………………..5+
7. Making and participating in Montgomery Youth Orchestra…………………………...10+
8. Audition for Elmore All-County Band…………………………………………………..5+
Bonus Points Cont.
9. Making and participating in Elmore All-County Band (includes audition points)…….10+
10. Solo and Ensemble participation……………………………………………………...…5+
11. Superior rating (per event) at Solo and Ensemble…………………………………….....5+
12. Attending a musical performance/concert…………………………………………….....5+
13. Instrumental performance in public………………………………………………….…10+
14. Parent representation at Music Booster meeting………………………………….……..2+
15. Parent chaperoning………………………………………………………………………2+
16. Exceptional fundraising effort……………………………………………….……….varies
17. Outstanding effort noted by Director…………………………………...……………varies
18. Outstanding improvement noted by Director………………………………….……..varies
19. Miscellaneous (as approved by Director)……………………………………...……..varies
§ Researching and submitting a written report on a music topic
§ Service to the band
§ Copying music
§ Duplicating demo CD’s
§ Filing Music
§ Cleaning the band room
§ Performing for public service
§ Volunteering with our middle school band program (lessons, sectionals, etc.)
Note: If it is evident that a student has not done adequate preparation for above- mentioned auditions or Solo and Ensemble, the student will not be awarded all of the applicable bonus points.
Individual Activities
§ Private lessons are strongly encouraged. The value of one-on-one instruction with a professional on a student’s instrument cannot be overstated. Private instruction is key to the advancement of individual skills and integral in achieving students’ highest potential.
§ All-State Bands – Auditions are held in January. Students who qualify will travel to the Alabama All-State Clinic in Auburn in mid April. They will rehearse with top students from across the state and present a concert at the end of the clinic.
§ All-County Band – This group is selected by audition. Students chosen will rehearse with top students from Elmore County and present a concert in the Winter.
§ Solo and Ensemble – Held in April. Students may prepare a music selection by themselves or in a group and perform for a rating at Trinity Presbyterian in Montgomery.
Pride of Tallassee Band Camp
Band Camp will be held toward the end of the summer approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the start of school. Participation is mandatory. The dates for camp will be set in April (as soon as the school calendar is published) so that vacations and doctor appointments may be planned accordingly.
PRIDE Rookie Camp
PRIDE Rookie Camp will be held prior to Full Band Camp. Participation is required for Section Leaders and all students new to the Band Program.
Band Organizations
Marching Band – Tallassee High School “Pride of Tallassee”
§ Personnel All students enrolled in Band
§ Activities Summer Music Rehearsals
PRIDE Rookie Camp
Band Camp – pre-season marching
Football game performances and pep rallies
THS Homecoming Parade, Christmas Parade
Marching Contests
Public service performances
§ Units of Winds – Brass and Woodwinds Majorettes
Membership Percussion Color Guard
§ Rehearsal Schedule Regular class meetings
After-school rehearsals (Tuesday and Thursday 6-9pm)
(Days may change due to weather.)
Symphonic Band – Concert Band
Students are divided between two bands by grade level.
§ Personnel Symphonic Band – First band
Plays more difficult music
Concert Band – Second band
Plays less difficult music
§ Activities Concerts as scheduled
State Assessment
Graduation performance – both groups
Special events
§ Rehearsal Schedule Regular class meeting
After-school rehearsals (as needed)
The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self – improvement. About being better than you were the day before.
Student Officer Duties
Student officers are selected on the basis of the following criteria: Leadership, setting a positive example, dependability, punctuality, musical achievement (All-County, All-State, Solo and Ensemble, etc.), conduct record, points record, and PRIDE – Passion, Responsibility, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence. The officers assist the director in the duty areas designated below:
NOTE: All officers must set the example!
Ø Exhibit PRIDE.
Ø Maintain a positive , responsible attitude.
Ø Arrive at least 15 minutes early to all performances.
Ø Attend the scheduled officer meetings.
Ø Avoid school disciplinary action.
Ø Study privately, if possible.
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in a reprimand by the director. A reprimand will be called a “strike.” An officer receiving three strikes is subject to removal from the office.
Band Captain
§ Supervise and assist other officers.
§ Assist Director with rehearsal as needed.
§ Monitor band room, instrument storage and band field.
§ Assist Director with record-keeping:
absences, tardies, inspections and points
§ Supervise sectionals.
§ Check roll at each practice and performance.
§ Attend Music Booster Meetings.
Drum Major
§ Supervise and assist other officers.
§ Assist Director with rehearsals as needed.
§ Monitor band room, instrument storage and band field.
§ Assist Director with record-keeping:
absences, tardies, inspections and points
§ Conduct rehearsals when needed.
§ Conduct all marching performances.
§ Assist Director in teaching drill.
§ Warm up band at practices.
§ Attend Drum Major Camp
Section Leaders
§ Be the role model in your section (playing, marching, attitude, etc.)
§ Assist Band Captain in checking roll at each rehearsal and performance.
§ Constantly monitor your section for following the rules of rehearsal (proper warm-up, posture, no talking, knowing music, no gum, etc.)
§ Conduct inspection before performance and submit infractions to the Director.
Student Officer Duties (Continued)
Section Leaders Continued)
§ Arrange and conduct sectionals in a mature and responsible manner.
§ Make sure that your section follows all rules and procedures.
§ Check instruments and equipment in/out as directed.
§ Regularly conduct instrument accessory inspection (acceptable mouthpiece, at least 3 working reeds, pencil in folder, proper music, etc.)
§ After each performance, check the band room for misplaced uniform parts, instruments, music, etc. Turn in a written report of points on/off to Director before you leave.
Rehearsal Procedures
Storage of school books
You may use the shelves outside the band room while you are in band/choir only. The music facility will not serve as your school locker. If you need it for another class, don’t leave it.
Use of the Instrument area
§ If your instrument is not stored in this area, do not enter at all.
§ If your instrument is stored in this area, use the following procedure:
§ Enter
§ Pick up your instrument in the case.
§ Exit
§ Enter the band room before you remove the instrument from its case.
§ Store the empty case (during rehearsal) at your seat or as directed.
§ At the conclusion of rehearsal, return instrument to its case before you leave the band room.
§ Return to the instrument storage room and enter.
§ Place your case in its proper location.
§ Exit immediately.
Rehearsals in the Band Room
§ Required equipment – instrument in good working order, no less than 3 working reeds, necessary mutes, music in order, pencil, etc.
§ Before rehearsal begins, you way warm up individually (long tones on low notes and scales) until the director steps onto the podium. At that moment, all playing and talking will stop.
§ Correct posture is essential to proper breathing and will be required at all times. Sit on the edge of your chair with shoulders relaxed and head held high. Percussionists must stand when playing.
§ If you need to ask a question during rehearsal, raise your hand and wait to be recognized. Otherwise, there will be no talking during rehearsal.
Marching Rehearsals
Ø During football season, full marching rehearsals are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9pm. Mondays – for Drum Line.