Band Handbook

¨ Middle school and high school students who participate in instrumental music score significantly higher than their non-band peers on standardized tests

¨ Students who were exposed to music-based lessons scored a full 100 percent higher on fractions tests than those who learned in the conventional manner

¨ Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school.

¨ Data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 showed that music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students

¨ Research shows that instrumental students are better equipped to comprehend mathematical and scientific concepts

¨ High school music students score higher on SATs in both verbal and math than their peers

¨ College-age students who studied music are emotionally healthier than their non-musician counterparts and less likely to have substance abuse problems

¨ A ten-year study, tracking more than 25,000 students, shows that music courses improve overall test scores

¨ "The nation's top business executives agree that arts education programs can help repair weaknesses in American education and better prepare workers for the 21st century."

SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF BAND

Teamwork/Cooperation- No matter what you do in life, teamwork is essential. Band is a great way to work as a group and learn to reach goals.

Friendships- Many band members make friendships that last. The band is like a family where everyone helps each other out.

Leadership- Students learn to become excellent leaders through performance and activities.

Time Management Skills- You learn how to manage your time and make the most of it.

Extra Curricular- Colleges and Universities are impressed when students have participated in activities such as band. Most scholarship applications require participation in extra-curricular activities.

Life Skills- Students learn dedication, commitment, perseverance, responsibility, acceptance of others, and cooperation. These are necessary skills for life.

Don’t forget we have lots of fun in Band. We play all kinds of music and have a great time no matter where we are.

Unlike many other classes and activities, this group cannot function properly without every student present. Please make every effort to be present and on time for each event. Remember, “To be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be LATE!”

1) ATTENDANCE AT ALL PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCES IS MANDATORY UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DEEMED OPTIONAL BY THE DIRECTORS!

2) Students should be in their seats or marching spots ready to begin with all necessary music and/or equipment when official call time begins. Students who are present, but not ready, will be considered late. Students who arrive late without a valid excuse will be assigned laps or Extra Training.

3) An un-excused absence from a practice or performance may be grounds for dismissal from the marching band. A doctor’s excuse is required for a performance missed due to illness.

4) Non-emergency dentist, doctor and counselor appointments will not be considered an excused absence. Please schedule regular appointments at a non-band time.

5) In case of bad weather, report to the band room or call time location and wait for further instruction. Do not assume cancellation unless an official staff member calls you.

6) If a student is absent from school, they will be excused from band practice on that day. If a student is present at school, they are expected to attend band practice and will not be excused from any after school rehearsals. AT SCHOOL = AT PRACTICE.

7) Absences for the reasons listed below will be excused provided the Directors are notified in advance when possible. Please email or write a note and discuss this outside of practice time.

Extenuating circumstances, such as church related events or family situations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. They must be discussed well in advance with the directors outside of rehearsal time.

8) Not having a ride is not an excuse. Please plan ahead and work out a carpool if necessary.

9) Students with excessive tardiness and absences to school and/or rehearsals (excused or not) will be moved to a rotator position. The band directors will decide when and if they return to a starting position. Rotator positions are explained later in this handbook.

10) Most absences can be avoided by planning ahead. Check your band schedule because…

I. Before each event, there will be a thorough inspection to check uniforms, instruments, and other equipment to be sure they are in proper condition.

IV. Only Band Members will be allowed to sit in the band section. (Alumni with permission from the staff may sit with the band)

VII. If a student must leave the band section for an emergency, please notify a staff member to get permission.

VIII. Restroom and concession breaks are given during third quarter. You must be back in your assigned area by the designated time given.

IX. As a representative of your school, you are expected to behave in a manner which reflects positively upon our school, band, and community. We want people to know you are the best students at ACFHS!

Warm Weather “Summer” Uniform

We will wear this uniform at performances early in the season.

*Must be provided by the student. Most of you may already have these items at home. If not, area department stores carry these items.

Equipment needed for performances and practices

3) All music- if we get rained out we may come inside and work on stands music

Sometimes we schedule a pep band performance for away games, small events or parades. We will post a sign up sheet with balanced small group instrumentation, usually 25-30 spots, about two weeks before each pep band event. Upperclassmen will be able to sign up first as a privilege. A final list of students participating will be posted at least one week before each event. These events are also scheduled to give students a break for family time and save on full band transportation costs.

Some away games may change to a pep band trip if we find out that we cannot march our show (for example - it’s their homecoming, or any other special event that takes up the entire pre-post game and half-time.)

3) Students are expected to have their instrument, needed equipment, music, lyre, pencil, and/or any other necessary equipment for all rehearsals and performances.

4) Each member should show respect for staff, band boosters and student leaders at all times. The reasonable requests of boosters, officers and staff members should be honored without question.

6) Students are not to enter any part of the school or building not being utilized by the band when school is not in session.

7) Keep areas utilized by the band neat and clean. Discard all trash in a trash can. Please flush toilets after use.

8) The band office phone should only be used by students in emergency situations. Students will only be allowed to use the band room phone in emergency situations. You will be notified of pick up times well in advance.

9) The band room will open at least 30 minutes prior to any call time. The band room will close 30 minutes after the end of rehearsal or trip return times.

10) Do not leave non-essential items out of the band room. Please keep those materials in your locker or proper storage area. Space is limited.

16) We will make every possible effort to return on time from trips. Please be in the parking lot ready to pick up your child at the designated return time. The band room and school will be closed no later than 30 minutes after return time or practice ending time. Please work out a carpool if necessary.

17) Please take care of business such as turning in forms, discussing absences/discipline, etc. AFTER REHEARSAL. Beginning 45 minutes before each practice, the directors are very busy setting up and preparing for rehearsal- their time to get focused, organized and ready for practice is CRUCIAL in how effective each practice can be. The directors will be more than happy to take care of any personal matter with parents or students AFTER PRACTICE.

18) It is not possible to list every delinquent action. Use your common sense and remember that we are representing our school and community.

Students who follow the rules and work hard are always the ones who enjoy band the most. Try your best to be one of these students!

ROTATOR POSITIONS

There will be a few students who march in rotator positions. These spots are special training positions for students who are not quite ready to march at competitions. Veteran band members may be placed into a rotator position for disciplinary reasons.

Rotators are considered full members of the band and will perform at all functions except competitions. Rotators are expected to attend all practices and performances (including competitions- watching or helping with equipment helps rotators to see how everything works).

ROTATOR POSITIONS ARE TEMPORARY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY POINT DURING MARCHING SEASON.

This type of position is standard in most band programs and it is common for students who start out as rotators to become section leaders and officers for the band sometime in the future.

To cover the many expenses of band camp/marching season there is a $125 fee. Our cost is minimal considering that many programs charge a $500 to $800 fee to participate. To have a good band it costs money.

It covers items such as uniform expenses, band camp staff, summer uniform band shirt, music and marching drill, equipment transportation, bus transportation, competition registration fees, stands music, and many other items.

Please see a band director in private to work out a special payment plan or seek donations if you cannot afford the fee. We do not want the cost of band camp to prevent anyone from participating in the marching band. Many students in the past have worked out an individual plan and this is kept confidential.

FUND-RAISING

We have several fundraisers because the band fee provides us with less than half of our budget. Without these fundraisers we would have to double the band fee. Students will be expected to help with any and all fundraisers that occur during the year. If we do not all give our fair share the band fee will increase each year. Without successful fundraising efforts our band will not be able to compete and participate in all that we do. Please make every effort to do your share during every fundraiser. Fundraiser details will be provided in newsletters and on the band web site.

BAND FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

April 25^TH $25 IS DUE

May 23^rd $25 IS DUE

August 8^TH $25 IS DUE

September 12^TH $50 IS DUE

(CHECKS PAYABLE TO ACFHS BAND- ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE)

TO GET A RECEIPT FOR YOUR PAYMENT

Please pay on the exact dates listed above in order to receive a receipt. Please pay the exact amount (we will not be able to make change). Those not paying fees on the dates above will need to use their check or money order stub for a receipt. We do not have a full time accountant; therefore this is the only way to give receipts. We reserve the right to move students who have not paid by these dates into a rotator position (unless they have discussed special payment plan with the director).

BAND SHOES

If you already have a pair from last year you are not required to buy new ones. If you would like new band shoes (this will include all rookies), you will need to bring a check to “Kathy’s Enterprises” for $27 by September 12^th. Upperclassmen that have lost or outgrown their shoes may also pay this amount if they need new band shoes. Kathy Pickens will be here one day during band camp to allow students to try on shoes. There are a limited supply of “pre-owned” shoes available for a rental fee of $5.00.

The only additional cost involved with marching band other than band shoes is a $12 uniform fee. This includes gloves and the final dry-cleaning of uniforms at the end of the season.

1.) Always show care towards school owned equipment, whether it is checked out to your or not.

2.) Anyone using school equipment will be responsible for any damage caused to that instrument while it is checked out to them.

3.) Any instrument or personal items left on school grounds or storage area is done so at your own risk. It is not possible for the director to monitor these areas at all times.

4.) Keeping your name clearly marked on the case with tape or name tag also improves safety.

5.) Do not play or touch any instrument that does not belong to you without permission from the director that day.

6.) Do not touch Color Guard or Percussion equipment that does not belong to you without permission from the director that day.