Model High School Band as we continue...building a tradition of EXCELLENCE!

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1 Policy Manual for the Model High School Band as we continue...building a tradition of EXCELLENCE! Revised March 10, 2011 FROM THE BAND DIRECTOR I am very pleased with your decision to be a part of the Model High School Band family, where we are building a tradition of Superior Performance! I am very excited about this school year and the many opportunities and goals set for the Model High School Band. Being a member of the Model High School Band is a great honor and privilege in itself. Our band is establishing a reputation as being one of the state s finest bands on the football field, as well as on the concert stage. To ensure our band of maintaining a high standard of excellence, and to assure the band members of receiving the maximum benefits the band has to offer, this set of rules, expectations and guidelines has been developed. Please understand, this handbook is designed to work in conjunction with the Floyd County Code of Conduct and the Model High School Student Handbook. To better understand what is expected of each band member, every parent and student should familiarize themselves with these documents. I believe that instruction should occur in an environment that is conducive to learning. Organization and discipline are basic elements that contribute to an atmosphere where students, parents/guardians, and school personnel work cooperatively toward mutual and recognized goals. It is my sincere desire that every band student will be proud to be in the Model High School Band where we will continue building a tradition of Superior Performance! Tim Burton Band Director - 1 -

2 FAMILY COMMITMENT Band is a Family Affair! Behind every successful high school band program stands a dedicated group of parents, the band boosters. Our band cannot exist without the support of our parents. We expect every band student and every band family to make a personal commitment to strive for excellence in our band program. Band parents are integrated into every phase of our program. They are not passive observers, or simply a polite sideline audience, but active contributors to the daily operation of the band program. The ongoing success of our program is in direct proportion to the support of our parents. During the course of the school year, our band parents make a difference. Annual projects help raise needed funds to offset the costs involved in instrument maintenance, music and travel expenses. Our band parents also help manage uniform maintenance and distribution, assist with transport and set-up of equipment, work in the concession stand and serve as chaperones. There is no free lunch. Bands are subject to this law of life. As such, we expect every parent and band student to be actively involved in all of our fundraising activities. It takes a considerable amount of revenue to offer the students their well-deserved quality band experience. Our financial salvation continues to be our active parent organization. Although the generation of funds is an important function of the band parents, it is not the organization s sole purpose, nor should it be seen as the reason for the group s existence. What can I do to help? This often asked question has an endless number of possible answers. Whatever expertise you bring to the table can be employed, and will be much appreciated: Accounting Advertising Architecture Art Skills Baking Business Solicitation Carpentry Communications Construction Cooking Designing Driving Electrical Engineering Food Services Grant Writing Inventory Cleaning specialist Legal Counsel Management Ministerial Programming Public Relations Repair Sales Scheduling Secretarial Student Supervision Sewing Travel Consultant Videotaping Warehousing Writing Web Page Design and on and on and on I often think there is as much pride in our band parent organization as there is in the band itself. Without fail, everyone has something to give. You may think there are not enough hours in the day to add one more responsibility to your schedule. This is a legitimate consideration; however, we are sensitive to the situation. You will find everyone willing to make the necessary accommodations so all parents can be involved. You will enjoy the optimistic atmosphere of our band s number-one fan club our parents. Our band parents are diligent in their constant efforts in looking out for what is in the best interest of our band. They continue to spread the good news about our band and the importance of maintaining a solid band program in our school. You will quickly sense the caring and sharing attitude that has become the trademark of this group. I urge you to attend our meetings, become an active member of the various committees, work in our concession stand and chaperone our students. By doing so, you will send a powerful message to your son/daughter. You become a role model of conviction, an opportunity to create a partnership with your son/daughter and actively participate in an exciting mutual journey of success making a dream come true. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS It is the belief and philosophy of the Model High School Band that performance is a privilege that is earned through hard work and dedication. If any student is not prepared to perform at the expected level, it is totally within the authority and responsibility of the band director to suspend such student(s) from any performance(s). Considered in this discernment are the student s readiness to perform, his/her attitude, behavior and commitment to the band. It is very important for music students to realize that they must attend all rehearsals and public performances such as school concerts, sporting events, parades, and festivals. The only valid excuse for missing a rehearsal or performance would be a death in the immediate family or a serious personal illness. Any other reason will result in disciplinary action. Occasionally the band will be asked to give other performances within the community. When possible, students will be given two weeks notice and a chance to check their calendar before we schedule an extra practice and/or performance. Please understand, 2 weeks notice is not required for the attendance at the event to be mandatory. Events scheduled with less than 5 days prior notice will not be considered mandatory. Once the band has committed, students are expected to be there. Calling the night before and saying you have something else planned or that you have to work simply is not acceptable. In fact, work in general - 2 -

3 is not an excuse for missing required school activities. We will do our best to compromise with other school activities (see section PARTICIPATING IN BAND AND OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES). If your child has other commitments that will greatly interfere with obligations to the band, he/she should consider making a choice between his. Band is a performing organization that must work together as a team. When a member is absent it has a negative effect on the band as a whole. There is absolutely no way to make up a missed rehearsal or performance! Those students who display through their actions a lack of commitment and unwillingness to put forth the necessary effort to represent the band in the best way possible will be suspended from the band s performance(s) and lead to possible dismissal from the band program. Remember the old show motto: "The show must go on." Our band will be judged by the quality of our results and not by the quality of our excuses. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Every band student participating in the Model band program is required to pay individual fees and participate in fund-raisers in order to help finance the band s activities during the year. Refusal to do so will lead to suspension from all band activities. Marching Band Performance Reservation/Camp $50 $50 Due March 1 st 2015 Fees charged to offset the cost of music, drill position and instruction for the marching band. Students will not be written into the show until this fee, and the balance for any previous/current year s fees are paid in full. This fee will serve as a participation deposit and is non-refundable if the student decides over the summer not to participate in band. Band Camp Fees $25 Due April 1 st 2015 $25 Due May 1 st 2015 $75 1 st Day of Band Camp With the rising cost of music, school owned instruments, instrument repair and transportation, it is necessary for students to help fund these expenses with activity fees. Fund Raisers-General: Fund-raisers will be used to raise the additional funds to completely fund the band s activities. These include on going booster club fund-raisers such as the concessions at home games and other sales, as well as student sales such as Chili tickets, Trash Bag sales and FRUIT sales. Money raised through these fund-raisers will be used in the band general account. All parents and students are expected to participate by selling a minimum number of items as established by the band director and booster officers. Those not participating in the sales or those who do not sell the minimum quota will be expected to make a monetary donation to the band equal to the profit that would have been generated through complete participation. Fund Raisers for Band Trips: The costs of trips the band may take are in addition to all other costs. To determine the cost per student of an anticipated trip, the band booster organization will estimate the total cost of the trip, including chaperones and staff. This total amount shall be divided by the number of students taking the trip to arrive at a per student cost. Students will be given opportunity to raise part or all of this expense through additional fund-raisers designated for that purpose. No student will be denied participation in the band or in any band activity because of financial inability to make the mandatory payment. A family who is unable to make the payment should explain the circumstances to the Band Director, and/or the band booster president in confidence. The Band Director and the band booster organization will work with the family to restructure the payment and/or to arrange participation in additional fund raising activities in lieu of the payment. Considered in this meeting will be the student s past participation in all fund-raising activities. PARTICIPATING IN BAND AND OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Activities, including band, cheerleader, sports and other activities are extremely beneficial to our students and the sponsors must do their part to afford these opportunities through working together for our students. While in some occasions a student must make a choice because he/she has over extended themselves, it is best for the students to be allowed to participate in multiple activities and be successful in each of them. These attendance guidelines for after school practices have been successful in the past with the coaching and cheer leading staff of other high schools. A performance or game takes precedent over any practice. Performances, games and practices take precedent over club meetings When both groups are performing at the same time, we will work out some acceptable solution for both groups

4 Practices are to be divided equally when the same number of practices is scheduled in a week. If the band is practicing two days a week and the other organization has only two practices at the same time during the week, the students are expected to attend one band practice and one practice of the second organization. If both the band and the second organization each have only one practice per week, the student is to attend band practice for one week and the other group practice the following week. If one organization is having only one practice during the week and the other organization is having two or more the students are expected to attend the one practice of the first organization and all the other practices of the second organization. STUDENT LEADERSHIP In order for the band program to function properly, it is necessary for many duties to be fulfilled by students. Please understand all positions of student leadership are open only to 10 th -12 th graders (unless stated otherwise) and must be approved by the band director. Those students serving in leadership positions are in a very difficult position because they are responsible for getting the job done without the authority to assert discipline on other students. They are under pressure by the band director to successfully complete various tasks but they are also under a great deal of pressure from their fellow classmates to place the friendship before doing the right thing. Dr. Dennis Waitley states in The Winner s Edge, a successful leader and those he leads are not looking at each other (finding faults), but looking in the same direction together. Their success depends solely upon their ability to help each other solve our problems. As a student leader or as one being lead, please understand that one can only be successful if he can look through the eyes of those he leads or follows. Band Student Leadership Positions Captain: Elected by band members. Must then meet the approval of the band director. Must be a member of the marching band and the concert band. Must be a Senior or Junior. Presides over Band Council meetings Is the primary officer of the band. Answers directly to the directors Helps maintain discipline of the band through example Holds final inspection of section leaders prior to performances Aides the Band Booster Officers in the collection and distribution of uniforms Represents the band in all official capacities (marching festivals, greeting guests etc.) Aids in the distribution and collection of school owned instruments Aids the band director in maintaining school instrument inventory. Lieutenant: Elected by band members. Must then meet the approval of the band director. Must be a member of the marching band and the concert band and a current member of the loading crew. Must be a Senior or Junior. Is the secondary officer of the band. Helps maintain discipline of the band through example Presides over Band Council meetings in the absence of the President Serves as the equipment and travel manager for the band Appoints an equipment crew to aid in moving equipment and materials necessary for rehearsal and performance (percussion equipment, water jugs, etc.) Secretary: Appointed by the Band Director. Must be a member of the marching band and the concert band. Keeps records of all Band Council meetings. Helps maintain discipline of the band through example Responsible for copying and filing all band music Appoints library assistants as needed to accomplish tasks (concert band, pep band etc.) Assists director in distributing and collecting music Responsible for all written correspondence for the band (Thank you cards, letters etc.) Assists the band director in recording attendance. Inspirational Leader: Elected by band members. Must then meet the approval of the band director. Must be a member of the marching band and the concert band. Attends all Band Council meetings. Helps maintain discipline of the band through example Presents moment of inspiration before leaving on band functions - 4 -

5 Drum Major: Appointed by the band director via drum major audition. The audition will be judged by a knowledgeable panel. Must be a member of the marching band and the concert band. Must be a Junior or a Senior. Helps maintain discipline of the band through example Attends all Band Council meetings Field Conductor of the Band Stands Conductor of the Band Is student in charge of the band at all marching activities Represents the band in all official capacities (marching festivals, greeting guests etc.) Assists directors during rookie camp, band camp and in any other capacity as needed through marching season Serves as student conductor, if needed, during concert season Instrumental Section Leader: Appointed by the band director. Helps maintain discipline of their section through example Attends all Band Council meetings. Responsible for the performance of their section Responsible for calling sectional rehearsals with the consent of the band director Assists directors during rookie camp, band camp and in any other capacity as needed. Must be available and willing to help those less experienced players in their section learn their music and drill during marching season Must be available and willing to help those less experienced players in their section learn their music during concert season Assists the secretary in recording attendance Helps maintain order of their section during rehearsals, performances and while in the stands at ballgames Holds final inspection of their section prior to performances and relates problems to the band director Responsible to see that their section is cleared each day after the rehearsal (folders, stands, chairs, trash on the floor etc.) Responsible to see that their section in the stands is cleared after the ballgames (hats, music etc.) Flag /Rifle Captain: Appointed by the guard director and band director. Helps maintain discipline of the flag/rifle line through example Must work very closely with the flag/rifle instructor to conduct practice during class time and any other time instructor is not in attendance Aids in communication between the flag/rifle instructor and the band director Attends all Band Council meetings held during the marching band season. Responsible for the performance of the flag/rifles Responsible for making other flag/rifles aware of practices as called by the guard instructor. Must be available and willing to help those less experienced flag/rifle members learn their routines Assists the secretary in recording attendance Helps maintain order of the flag/rifles during rehearsals, performances and while in the stands at ballgames Holds final inspection of the flag/rifle line prior to performances and relates problems to the guard instructor Aids in the tryout process as deemed necessary by the guard instructor Bus Captains: Appointed by the band director as needed for each trip. The bus captains are not members of band council. Helps maintain discipline on their bus through example Make sure trash cans are on the bus prior to departure Responsible for taking roll. The students should be quiet while you are doing this Empty trash cans as needed Please check bus for forgotten items and return them to the band office Be sure to return the roll to the band office Band Council: A student group composed of the Captain, Lieutenant, Secretary, Inspirational Leader, Drum Major, Flag/Rifle Captain(s) (marching season only), and all current section leaders. The Band Council is not a decision-making - 5 -

6 organization, but serves as an advisory group to the band director making suggestions to the band director in efforts to improve the overall band program. The band director is responsible for determining when the Band Council will meet. GRADING SYSTEM The grade given students in the Model High School Band will be an evaluation of the student s individual performance assignments, written tests, and other assignments as determined by the band director. These assignments may include, but not be limited to, performance music, scales, transposition exercises, rhythm exercises, technical exercises, musical terms, uniform and instrument inspections. It must be understood that each student has the responsibility of putting forth the necessary amount of effort required to progress in the program including home practice, good behavior in class, punctuality, maintenance of all equipment, and regular attendance with an instrument in good playing condition and other materials necessary for learning. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Our Philosophy It is the philosophy of the Model High School Band that all students are capable of behaving appropriately. No student has the right or the authority to interfere with the quality of the educational process. We will not tolerate a student's stopping us from teaching and other students from learning. To promote the environment that is most conducive for productive learning, the band makes use of the following rules, expectations and discipline plan. Any time while in uniform, students are representing the band, Model High School and Rome, Georgia. Students are expected to be ladies and gentlemen at all times. Classroom and Rehearsal Behavior Students are expected to: Enter the bandroom with as little noise as possible and prepare for rehearsal as quickly as possible. Check with the director if you are ill and feel that you cannot play. Stay in their seats except with permission to get up. Leave the room only with director's permission. Refrain from all unnecessary talking. Follow rules of behavior and instructions the first time they are given. Oil valves, grease slides or clean your instrument and other maintenance before the beginning of rehearsal. Warm up only on your own instrument. As a general rule, the drums don't need warming up. Do not warm up on the percussion instruments. Warm up intelligently. This means softly, in the lower register of your horn, and usually involves long tones. Warm up before the start of the rehearsal. Tune! Not only at the beginning of the rehearsal, but all through the rehearsal. During the tuning period, only tune; do not practice. Give your full attention to whoever is on the podium, whether it is the director, an administrator, a student, or another guest. Place your instrument in playing position and give the director your undivided attention immediately when he lifts the baton. Play only your assigned instrument and only the part assigned by the director. Avoid playing between selections. Doing work for another class or reading is allowed only as long as it does not take away from your rehearsal time and concentration. If music is being played on the sound system, students are expected to give their undivided attention to the music, fingering the notes if they have the music for the selection being played. Take care of both personal and school equipment. Not chew gum, or eat during rehearsal. Water is allowed in clear containers. Refrain from all public displays of affection. Hugging, kissing etc. will not be tolerated. Keep feet, arms, and hands to themselves. Place instrument into its case correctly, then into proper storage space. Also, put music away in proper place. Each student is expected to clear the chairs and stands at the end of each rehearsal unless otherwise instructed. Each section leader is responsible for seeing that his/her section is left clean, well organized and chairs/stands properly stored at the end of each rehearsal. If the section leader is a Senior, this responsibility falls to the highest ranking Junior in the section

7 It is common, during the course of a rehearsal, something funny or disruptive in some manner may occur. This is understandable and necessary to keep our time working together enjoyable. However, it is very important that following such times, when the director resumes rehearsal, the students MUST respond immediately and appropriately. Proper rehearsal behavior must be re-established in a timely and effective manner. On The Bus Only our band students, school personnel, and chaperones are allowed to ride the bus. Students must ride the bus in which they are assigned. Anyone attempting to ride a bus other than the one assigned will be dealt with very strongly. All students are expected to ride the bus to the performance. Each student is personally responsible for seeing that their equipment is loaded on the bus or the instrument truck. Public displays of affection will not be tolerated. This includes hugging, kissing or any form of embracing on the bus. Use of blankets is limited to only one person/blanket. Disrespect to a staff member or band parent will not be tolerated. Please follow all instructions as they are given. No one should walk or stand in the aisles unnecessarily or excessively. Students should not hang out the window. Keep all arms and head inside the bus at all times. Noise should be kept to a minimum. There will be no yelling or screaming. No radios will be allowed without headphones. Use good judgment when it comes to cheering and singing. If the director of the bus stands, the bus should become silent immediately! There will be no playing of instruments on the bus (including percussionists) Members should be considerate of fellow band members on the return trip home as the majority of the bus will be attempting to sleep. Parents wishing to pick up their students at the performance must sign-out their child from the Band Director or his designee only. This sign out may be done at the performance or at the bus following the performance. Parents must understand, once they sign-out their child, they are fully responsible for their child once the students are dismissed to load the bus. Students will not be dismissed during the performance or before the full band is dismissed to load the bus. Students not returning from the game, performance trip, or contest on the bus are still responsible for their instrument. Parents picking up their children at the school should park as to avoid hindering the unloading of students and equipment while waiting for your child. Once the students are dismissed, they should report to the parking lot in front of the bandroom. They are to stay in this area until they are picked up by their parents. Parents must pick up students within 30 minutes of bus arrival time to school. The use of video media will not be allowed on the bus In the Stands No individual playing on instruments Only songs or cadences approved by the band director may be played There should be no eating or drinking soft drinks (or any other beverage) in the stands. The band chaperones will supply the band members with water throughout the game. Hats and gloves may be removed while in the stands. Students are expected to stay in their assigned seats. All band members are expected to participate when the band is playing. Failure to do so will be considered a lack of participation. Only designated members will be allowed to greet the other band, except for the last home game of the season, in which all Seniors will be allowed to greet the other band. Students must be observant of the Drum Major and Band Director and be ready to play at all times. When instructed to play, the conductor should not have to wait on you to get ready. Visitors (Boyfriends, Girlfriends, All Friends, etc.) are not to sit in the band section, nor are they to distract the band members in any way Students should always be courteous to the other band and should show appreciation for their efforts In the Concert Auditorium Students will enter and exit the auditorium in single file very quietly Do not enter or exit the auditorium while the curtain is open and a band is on the stage. (This includes between numbers)

8 Students are to remain totally quiet while another band is performing Students should always be courteous to the other bands and should show appreciation for their efforts. DISCIPLINE POLICY The discipline policy for the Model High School Band will be in concordance with the Floyd County Board of Education Code of Conduct and the Model High School Handbook. Failure to meet the above stated expectations are the most common offenses and qualify as Class I offenses. Disciplinary Actions for Class I (General Misconduct) Violations (per grading period) First Offense: Warning (Can be a simple reprimand during class) Second Offense: Informal conference with student Third Offense: Formal conference with student, parental contact Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: Will be considered a Class II violation and student will be referred to administration for disciplinary action. Disciplinary Actions for Class II and Class III (Serious or Persistent Behavior)Violations (per year) Students violating a Class II or Class III will automatically be referred to the Administration for disciplinary action. Continual Class I offenses, or any Class II and Class III offenses could result in suspension from band activities and/or dismissal from the band program as well as school administration discipline. For a more detailed list of various offenses, refer to the Floyd County Code of Conduct adopted by the Floyd County Board of Education and the Model High School Student Handbook. Students in Alternative Programs Students attending Alternative School, assigned Out of School or In-School Suspension are not allowed to participate in any band activities while in these programs. Those students will be expected to complete and pass-off the work provided to the band director upon returning to school. Alternative Band Program Often times, an individual band student will choose to display poor behavior, a bad attitude or a lack of commitment required to participate in a group ensemble. If after repeated warnings, the student does not conform to a level of acceptability in these areas, he/she will be removed from group participation and be asked to do written work during class and issued individual assignments. While on the alternative program, the student is not to attend any after-school group practices or performances. Also, please know that failure to complete these assignments at a satisfactory level to the band director will result in a failing grade for the individual student. UNIFORMS The purchase of band uniforms is one of the largest expenses of a band program, ranging from $ to $ per uniform. It is very important that students and parents take proper care of this investment so the band can get the maximum use of each uniform. Care and maintenance for this uniform is stated below not following these expectations will be considered abuse and/or negligence; and as such, the student will be responsible for replacing the uniform at current replacement cost. A uniform not returned will be considered lost and the student and parents are responsible for replacing the uniform at current replacement cost. The Band Booster Uniform committee chairperson delegated with the responsibility of uniform management is responsible for issuing and collecting all uniforms and accessories. Ordinarily, the uniforms will be issued immediately prior to performances and collected immediately after the performances. The band boosters are responsible for uniforms being cleaned. Students are not allowed in the uniform closet without the permission of the band director or the Band Booster Uniform committee chairperson or designee responsible for uniform management. Uniform Expectations The proper formal uniform for the Model High School Band is as follows: Marching Band: band shirt, band uniform coat (with baldric/without citation cords), band pants, black socks, white gloves, black shoes, hat, and plume Concert Band: Concert attire: Men tuxedo with vest Ladies Black dress - 8 -

9 Students are expected to wear band shirts under their uniform for all performances. Shorts are to be worn under the uniform pants as it is often necessary to change on the bus when traveling. Parents are responsible for providing shoes, socks, gloves, etc. One band shirt is included in the uniform fee. All shoes must be clean and polished before performances. Write names inside band shoes. Hats are to be worn correctly, not on the back of the head or backwards on the head. Hair cannot be worn below the collar. If necessary, hair must be tucked under the hat. This includes ladies and gentlemen. Jewelry: Post earrings only may be worn. Earrings may be worn only in ears and are limited to one per ear. No other earrings will be allowed. Watches and rings are acceptable as long as they are worn in good taste and not visually distracting to the overall appearance of the student. Do not alter the uniform without the permission of the uniform chairperson or the band director. Under no circumstances should the uniform be cut when altering. If the uniform becomes wet, please hang the uniform over the back of a chair until completely dry before returning the uniform to the garment bag or hanging the uniform in a closet. Returning the uniform to the bag while wet will cause the uniform to mildew. This will be considered neglect and the student/parent will be responsible for replacing the uniform. Uniforms must be returned to the closet in the proper garment bag and in numerical order. The uniforms must be hung with the number on the garment bag facing out. Students who do not return the uniforms to the closet or do not hang them properly are subject to disciplinary action. Auxiliary Uniforms Those students participating as a color guard member or drum major are responsible for their individual uniform purchase. These uniforms are the property of the students who purchased them. BAND AUXILIARY UNITS Philosophy Becoming a member of the Model High School Auxiliary (Drum Major, or Flag or Rifle line) is an accomplishment each student should take great pride in. It is our desire that this experience will be very enjoyable and successful for everyone involved. In order to make this possible the following guidelines and expectations have been established. These are not suggestions, but are rules that are to be abided by as long as you hold a position on the Model High School auxiliary line. An auxiliary member should have high personal standards and always display high moral character. At all times, an auxiliary member should present his/herself in a well respected and mature manner. Any time an auxiliary member is in uniform he/she is a representative of the band and the school. An auxiliary member s actions should always be indicative of his/her pride in the line, respect for their instructor and the band director. An auxiliary member will always abide by all expectations defined in the Floyd County School Code of Conduct, the Model High School Handbook and the Model High School Band Handbook. Practice is an absolute necessity in having a successful auxiliary line. Members are expected to be present and punctual at all rehearsals. If for some reason a member is unable to attend practice or will be late to a practice, he/she must notify the band director and/or the instructor. Unexcused absences will result in grade penalties as well as suspension from performances. It must be understood that being on the auxiliary line and performing with the band is a privilege that is earned by hard work, teamwork, good behavior, respect for authority and a positive attitude. Failure to meet these expectations will result in the loss of that privilege. It is the responsibility of the Band Director and each respective auxiliary instructor to help the line work together as one unit and to look as uniform as possible. In order to complete this task the instructor must correct those things that are deemed unacceptable or inappropriate. This goes beyond spinning the flag or rifle and majorette technique. It includes maintaining proper behavior at all times while in uniform or representing Model High School. Please understand that it is our goal to make the Model High School Drum Major, Flag Line, and Rifle Line the very best it can be. It is to that end that these expectations have been established. We expect each individual selected as an auxiliary member to be totally dedicated to these expectations and guidelines in order to establish the quality auxiliary line that is expected at Model High School

10 AUXILIARY TRYOUTS Drum Major Tryout Eligibility All candidates and have at least 2 year high school marching band experience. All candidates must be eligible as stated in the No pass, No Play! Policy. All candidates must be in grades and must be a member of the concert band. All candidates must be free of any serious discipline problems in his/her student record, behavioral problems in band and must currently hold an overall C average to participate. Selection Process and Guidelines 1. Attendance at practice is required of all candidates. 2. All rehearsals are closed to the public. Only the candidates, instructor, band director, band staff member, school administrative personnel, or any other person deemed necessary by the band director are allowed to attend practices. Parents, boyfriends or classmates are not allowed. 3. Students are not to leave campus between school and practice or at any time during practice. 4. Students are to be picked up by the assigned time after rehearsals. Those candidates habitually late (more than 2 times) from being picked up after rehearsals could be disqualified. 5. Tryouts will take place at a time determined by the Band Director in the Model High School Bandroom. Tryouts are also closed to the public. 6. The position of Drum Major will be determined by tryouts before the band director. Flag and Rifle Tryout Eligibility All candidates must be eligible as stated in the No pass, No Play! All flag and rifle candidates must be in grades All candidates must be free of any serious discipline problems in his/her student record, behavioral problems in band and must currently hold an overall C average to participate. Selection Process and Guidelines 1. Attendance at practice is required of all candidates. Candidates are allowed to miss only 2 practices. These should be used only in case of sickness or emergency. Please understand, this is not permission to be absent from practice for an unexcused reason. Missing more than 2 practices for any reason could result in the candidate being disqualified from the tryouts. 2 Tardies to practice will be considered 1 absence. 2. All rehearsals are closed to the public. Only the candidates, instructor, band director, band staff member, school administrative personnel, or any other person deemed necessary by the band director are allowed to attend practices. Parents, boyfriends or classmates are not allowed. 3. Students are not to leave campus between school and practice or at any time during practice. 4. Students are to be picked up by the assigned time after rehearsals. Those candidates habitually late (more than 2 times) from being picked up after rehearsals could be disqualified. 5. A judging panel consisting of the band director, the corresponding auxiliary instructor and/or any other individual deemed necessary by the band director will judge and select all candidates. The results will be posted the Friday afternoon following the tryouts. If the results are not challenged prior to 3:00 PM the Monday following the tryouts the results will be declared final. If there is a challenge, the results will be declared official at the discretion of the principal. 6. Tryouts will take place at a time and place determined by the Band Director. Tryouts are also closed to the public. Only the band director, instructor, candidates, band staff member, school administrative personnel, or any other person deemed necessary by the band director are allowed to attend tryouts. Expectations For Those Selected as MHS Drum Major, Flag and Rifle Members 1. Attendance at practice is required of all auxiliary members. Practices will continue through the remainder of the school year and into the summer. Members are expected to be present and punctual at all rehearsals. If for some reason a member is unable to attend practice or will be late to a practice, he or she must notify the band director and/or the auxiliary instructor. Unexcused absences could result in removal from the auxiliary line. 2. Band Camp and Auxiliary Camp are required. Any student not able to attend could be removed from the auxiliary line. Please understand, working is not a valid reason for missing camp. The camp is to take place at Model High School 3. Fees that are required of all band members are also required of all auxiliary members, with the exception of the uniform fee. The auxiliary members are responsible for purchasing their required uniform in lieu of paying the band uniform fee

11 The uniform then becomes property of the student. The band director will select the positions of Drum Major, Flag Captain and Rifle Captain. 4. Members are to maintain a C average and should remain free from any serious violation of the Floyd County Code of Conduct and/or band rules, at any time at school or during a school activity to continue as an auxiliary member. SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS Before and After School Activities The responsibility for providing a safe environment for school related activities that take place before and after school is shared jointly between the school administration, the band staff, the band students and the band parents. In order to provide the safest environment for all band students, the following policy must be strictly adhered to. School Principal s or Designees Responsibilities Approve each activity/event Assign a certified member of the staff to coordinate each activity/event Band Director s Responsibilities Assign an appropriate location for each activity/event Coordinate every activity/event Effectively communicate to parents and students the times and location of the activities/events and location of where students are to be picked up. Personally supervise, monitor, direct each activity/event and/or assign appropriate staff members to do the same (Flag Instructor, etc.) Establish and communicate reasonable times for beginning and ending activity/event and/or assign appropriate staff members to do the same (Flag Instructor, etc.). Provide supervision of students during the entire activity/event, to include 20 minutes before the beginning of the activity/event and 20 minutes after the activity/event and/or assign appropriate staff members to do the same (Flag Instructor, etc.) Band Student s Responsibilities Provide parents with necessary information as related by the band director or his band staff Follow all instructions concerning drop off and pickup locations Make arrangements for someone to pick you up before being dropped off for the activity/event Do not, under any circumstances, get into a car with an individual you do not know. If there is a problem, report immediately to the band director or instructor. Parent(s)/Legal Guardians Responsibilities Explain to your child the importance of abiding by all directions and instructions given by directors and instructors Being on time to pickup your child If you are not able to personally pick up your child, you must make arrangements for someone else to do so. Coming to the designated pickup point; do not direct your child to meet you at another location. He/She is safer under our supervision

12 Model High School Band Information Sheet Students Name Parent/Guardian s Name Mailing Address Grade in which your child will be enrolled in the school year What instrument does your child play Any prescription medications your child takes on a regular basis: Any other medical issues we should be made aware? address by which you can be contacted