Archie Lee Hatten IV Director of Bands. Justin Lindsay Assistant Director of Bands Jazz Band Director. Arthur Torres

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1 Archie Lee Hatten IV Director of Bands Justin Lindsay Assistant Director of Bands Jazz Band Director Arthur Torres Assistant Director of Bands Mariachi Director

2 The Mighty Trojan Band Staff Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Students: Greetings! We are excited to welcome you into the Mighty Trojan Band family and we hope that the information found in this packet is very helpful to you. Our Marching Season was a great success. The Marching show was entitled It s Electric and was a fun filled exciting show. We pride ourselves on being the Livest Band in Texas, and nobody truly does it like we do. There are many avenues of performance for you to get involved in. We have three Concert Bands, a Jazz Band, a Mariachi Band, Color Guard, Indoor Percussion, and we are still looking at growing. The University High Band Department is truly an exciting place to be. Inside this packet you will find a number of things, and each one is very important to your success in the program and the program itself. Please read over them carefully! If you have any questions comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact anyone on staff and we will be happy to assist you. We hope to see you at band camp excited and ready to have some fun! Musically Yours, The Mighty Trojan Band Staff Once a Trojan Always a Trojan UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

3 MIGHTY TROJAN BAND CAMP SCHEDULE JUNE PERCUSSION AND COLOR GUARD CAMP 4 TH -8 TH JULY o 8:00AM-12:00PM 23 RD -27 TH AUGUST BAND CAMP o Percussion and Color Guard Camp (8:00AM-12:00PM) o Leadership Camp (8:00AM-12:00PM/1:30PM-4:00PM) o Freshmen Camp (8:00AM-12:00PM ONLY ON THE 26 TH AND 27 TH ) All Freshmen are required to attend the Freshmen camp for orientation purposes. o Friday July 27 th Meet and Greet Social BBQ All parents and students are invited to this occasion, please come out and enjoy! July 30 th - August 3 rd o (8:00AM-12:00PM/1:30-4:00PM) August 6 th -10 th o (8:00AM-12:00PM/1:30-4:00PM) August 13 th -17 th o (6:00PM-9:00PM) Half days due to teacher in-service

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5 How can you be successful at Band Camp? If you have found yourself asking this question that s ok, we are here to help. Here is a list of things to do first to help: 1. Find out who your Drumajors and Section leaders are. We have a lot of officers who are eager to help you feel comfortable and succeed. 2. Practice with friends. Practicing with friends is fun and really helps because two awesome people is always better than one. 3. Try to memorize your music. This makes life so much easier, and it proves that you really know you music when you have it memorized. 4. HAVE FUN!!!!!! Remember nobody is perfect the first time you do something. Everybody makes mistakes and its ok, just try and do the same thing but better. Important Information and Documents to turn in: Course Cost Every student in band must pay course cost. If you still owe course cost from the previous year, those charges will be rolled over into this year s charges. $75 for the Entire School Year will help cover o Shoes o Uniform o Instrument o Gloves o Shirts o Mouthpieces o Books o Performance Transportation o Food for Performances o Private Lessons o Reeds o Flags o Piano Accompanists And Many other things!!!

6 THINGS TO FILL OUT! (THE INFORMATION SHEET, HANDBOOK FORM, AND MEDICAL FORM MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED) Information Sheet Please fill out the attached information form to the best of your ability. The information given will help us relay information to you and anyone at home in a timely manner. It also helps us get to know you better. Handbook Form Attached to packet you will find a handbook agreement. Please both you and your parent sign this letter and return it to one of the directors as soon as possible. We need to have this document on file in order for you to participate in band. The Handbook is posted on the University High School band website. Medical and Travel Form In order for you to travel anywhere with the band, we must have a medical release form and all travel forms signed and returned. This helps us ensure your safety. Please be aware that the travel form is double sided and both sides need to be filled out and signed. You will find these attached at the back of the packet. Remind Group Form Here in the Mighty Trojan Band we have so many students it is imperative that we communicate information timely and effectively. We use the Remind app to do this. Signing up for Remind is absolutely free and takes a minute at most to do. Once registered you will receive text updates about all of the Mighty Trojan Band Events. We have Remind groups for all of our band classes. Just follow the information on the attached page. There are 2 separate Remind groups, one for PARENTS and one for STUDENTS please register accordingly. Examples of information we send out on Remind: 1. Location of games and other trips 2. Last Minute changes to Itinerary Plans 3. Times of important events 4. Fundraiser Information 5. Band Booster Association Announcements AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!

7 Waco ISD High School BAND HANDBOOK Head Director Archie Lee Hatten IV

8 Table of contents page 2

9 I MISSION STATEMENT To help empower our students, through various instrumental musical performance experiences, by their receiving an educational and life-long appreciation for many different styles of instrumental music. Developing personal character through mental and physical musical disciplines, students will become creative, competent, musical performers with a defined sense of pride and accomplishment in a job well-done. II MEMBERSHIP Membership in the band program shall be open to any student in the Waco Independent School District in grades 9-12 without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or religious preference. Generally, students without music and/or band experience will not be allowed to join the band program until the successful completion of a music performance/competency exam has been administered by one of the directors. Color Guard students may acquire their appointment into theband program without prior musical training per director approval. Participation in the band program is a privilege that requires band members to be in complete compliance with all rules and regulations in this handbook at all times. III SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS It should be recognized that academic success is paramount in WISD. Therefore, NO STUDENT shall take part in any out of school rehearsal, performance, or contest who is not in compliance with the NO PASS = NO PLAY policies of the Waco Independent School District and the Texas University Interscholastic League eligibility standards. Band students must remain academically eligible (passing all classes with a 70 or above) in order to attend any out of school band functions or performances! Any student that becomes academically ineligible may be removed from their current performing group and placed into the non performance based Sub Non Varsity Band. If a student fails to meet eligibility requirements for two or more grade check periods, they may be removed from the Band program for the remainder of that school year. This is necessary for the students to concentrate their efforts on becoming academically eligible in the future. Students may reapply to be in the band program after successfully demonstrating academic eligibility for three consecutive six week grading periods. IV AUDITIONS & PERFORMANCE GROUPS Marching Band All students seeking performance opportunities with the High School Marching Band will be considered for this organization on an individual case by case basis. Prior musical training is very important, and absolutely required for all instrumentalists. All students must be approved by the Director of Bands prior to registering for any Band Class. Auditions for Varsity Band, Non Varsity Band, Marching Band, Drumline, Jazz Band, and Color Guard will be held in late Spring for the following fall season. Marching Band rehearsals are held outside of the school day during the Fall football season. Students will be issued drill assignments as either Varsity or Junior Varsity performers. Both performers will share the marching responsibilities for the show on a best job basis to ensure that all spots are adequately covered on the field. Junior Varsity students may be assigned other duties outside of marching during the halftime portion of games at the discretion of the director. Marching Band members are required to perform at all football games (in the stands and on the field), compete in marching contests including UIL, and at various parades/pep rallies during the fall season. All returning and incoming band members must audition in the spring, and attend the summer band camp in August to be considered for a varsity band spot on the field. Any Drum Majors chosen for the following year, must attend the Drum Major leadership summer camp specified by the directors. 3

10 IV AUDITIONS & PERFORMANCE GROUPS (continued) Varsity Band The Varsity Band meets daily, and is the top instrumental performing organization. The following criteria will be used in determining membership for this ensemble: Outstanding musical performing ability class participation attendance at all rehearsals as well as performances positive attitude. Auditions for the Varsity Band are held in May and again in January. Playing ability is the most important factor in band placement, with the final decision being determined by the band directors. All varsity Band students are required to prepare auditions for TMEA Region Band, and also prepare a solo or ensemble for the spring UIL solo & ensemble contest. Chair placement tests will be held at specified times throughout the year. Non Varsity Band The Non varsity band meets daily and is the secondary instrumental performing organization at University High School. The following criteria will be used to determine membership: Musical ability, class participation, attendance at rehearsals as well as performances, and attitude. Auditions for the Non Varsity Band are held in May. Playing ability is the most important factor in band placement with the final decision being determined by the directors of the University High School Band. Non Varsity Band students may also prepare an audition for TMEA Region Band, and a solo or ensemble at the spring UIL contest. This is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. Chair placement tests will be held at specified times throughout the year. Sub Non Varsity Band The Sub Non Varsity band also meets daily and is the third tier instrumental performing organization at School. The following criteria will be used to determine membership: Academic eligibility, musical ability, class participation, attendance at rehearsals as well as performances, and attitude. Auditions for the Sub Non Varsity band are held in October. All Band placements are determined by the directors of the Band. Any Varsity band or Non Varsity Band member may be placed in the Sub Non Varsity band if they: a. Need more individualized help in raising their performance skill levels and becoming more technically proficient performers with their current Band assignment. b. Become academically ineligible during the course of the semester and can not perform with their currently assigned Band (therefore changing the balance and blend of the groups sound). c. Display discipline issues that do not coincide with the direction of the band program s rehearsal and behavioral expectations. Jazz Band Jazz Band meets on a daily basis. Membership in any Jazz Ensembles will be by audition, and director approval only. Auditions for Jazz I are held in May, and only students who are enrolled in Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, or Color Guard are eligible to participate in a Jazz Band class. All Jazz band students are required to prepare an audition for TMEA Region Jazz Band in the fall, and compete in at least one Jazz performance in the spring. Color Guard Color Guard class meets on a daily basis. Membership in the Marching Band & Winter Guard program will be by audition only, and by director approval. Auditions for Color Guard are held in May through September and are open to any student interested in the visual performance aspect of the Band program. Color Guard members are not required to have prior instrumental experience but should be enrolled in the Color Guard class to participate unless permission is granted to perform by the director. All Color Guard members will be held to the same accountability standards as the band s instrumental performers with regards to rules, attendance, and UIL academic eligibility requirements. All returning and incoming color guard members must attend the spring auditions, as well as the summer band camp in August to be considered for a varsity band spot on the field. 4

11 V GRADING PROCEDURES Every student will be given grades determined by the following: 50% Daily Grades 50% Test Grades Daily Participation (based on individual effort, punctuality, class involvement, rehearsal attendance.) Individual Technique (based on individual musical ability and playing assessments in accordance with TEKS) Ensemble Technique (based on all aspects of group sectional playing ability levels.) Performances/Concerts (based on attending all scheduled public performances with the group.) A participation grade will be given each week throughout the year for the student s involvement during class rehearsals. Playing tests and written exams will be given periodically by all band directors. All exercises, etudes, marching music, and concert music must be individually performed by the students for a grade. In addition, random playing tests and chair placement exams may also be given at any time. All grades are weighted as stated above, except for the Final exam, which counts as a small portion of the semester grade, as per WISD Policy. Since Band classes are Performance based activities, more emphasis is given to that aspect of the grading scale. Tutorial Band sessions will be held in the band hall after school each week for any students needing additional instructional help. VI ATTENDANCE Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances! Missing even one rehearsal weakens the band s ability to perform at it s highest level. The Band needs every student, at every rehearsal, every week! Likewise, a student absence in a performance situation severely hinders the entire band! In the event of an unavoidable sickness or emergency, the student must immediately communicate the information to a band director with a telephone call, AND a parent-signed note. Absences with improper notification will be considered unexcused. Excessive unexcused student absences from rehearsals and/or performances may result in the student being suspended from public performances, receiving a zero for their participation/performance grade, or being removed from the band program altogether as the directors see fit. WORK SCHEDULES, DOCTOR S APPOINTMENTS, BABYSITTING, AND DRIVER S ED ARE TO WORKED AROUND THE REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE. Use the Band Calendar and Rehearsal Schedule to be PROACTIVE and preplan your schedules accordingly! Students missing summer band rehearsals may lose the privilege to perform with the band if they are unable to catch up with the rest of the group. This will be determined by the directors as necessary. Because it is imperative that all rehearsals start promptly at the designated time, tardies will be addressed by directors through each program s discipline plan. VII CONDUCT As a member of the Band, you are a part of one of the school s most visible student organizations. The success of the group will depend on the cooperation, dedication, and respect of each and every member. As a member of the band, you need to be aware that you represent the program and high school as positive Ambassadors of Quality Music and behavior at all times. Realize that others are watching your every move whenever the Band is in a Public venue, and your actions directly reflect this program and school as a whole with your actions. Each band member must adhere to the following respect and responsibility rules: Expectations: 1. Courtesy and respect is to be shown at all times to all directors, chaperones, parents, clinicians, fellow students, and individuals from other schools! Remember, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. 2. When rehearsing, be on time, prepared musically and visually, and ready to learn when you arrive. 3. Control is the key to success. You are all young adults in High School. Please act as such. 4. Stay focused and aware of your surroundings at all times, both on and off of the field. 5. PERFORM at all times. Never just go through the motions. 6. Quality sound production and movement makes for great performances. Give it 100% every time. 7. Be the schools ambassadors of Quality & Respect by representing WISD in the best possible light at all times. 5

12 Severe Infractions: 1. Conduct that does not display dignity, respect and class towards directors, staff, clinicians, parents, chaperones, fellow band members, other bands, and spectators, will not be tolerated. Foul language, raised voices, inappropriate gestures, and inappropriate physical contact will be directly referred to the administration. Any of these actions MAY be possible grounds for immediate removal from all future Band Performances, and possibly the entire program. 2. ANY Inappropriate behavior that causes a disruption and/or interference with another student s education process will not be tolerated, and will immediately result in the offending students removal from the rehearsal/performance, up to possible removal from the program. 3. Possession, sale, or use of narcotics, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any other controlled substances is against the law, and will be referred to the POLICE and campus administration. This MAY be possible grounds for immediate removal from all future Band Performances, and possibly the entire program. 4. Possession of any weapons, dangerous instruments, or objects that could be reasonably considered a weapon is against the law, and will be referred to the POLICE and campus administration. This MAY be possible grounds for immediate removal from all future Band Performances, and possibly the entire program. 5. Destruction, defacement, and ANY other acts of vandalism to school equipment or property is against the law, and will be referred to the POLICE and campus administration. This MAY be possible grounds for immediate removal from all future Band Performances, and possibly the entire program. 6. Discrimination, in any form, will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disciplinary action. 7. ANY type of public display of affection (PDA) will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disciplinary action up to immediate removal from all future Band Performances and possibly the entire program. VIII REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE 1. Students are to be quiet, attentive, and focused when in large, small, indoor, or outdoor rehearsals. This means NO talking during rehearsals unless otherwise instructed by the directors. 2. Students need to be in place and ready with all materials (instrument, music, accessories, pencil, etc.) to begin on time. 3. During marching season students need to run between sets when rehearsing outside. 4. Cell phones should be put away, off or on silent. Any phone found out in rehearsal, whether inside or outside, will be confiscated and turned in to the office as instructed in the student handbook. NEVER BRING PHONES INTO REHEARSALS! 5. NO GUM.. EVER It ruins horns, throws off players timing, and causes trash issues. No, No, & No. IX DISCIPLINE Methods of discipline and consequences follow the guidelines of the WISD student code of conduct, and the campus guidelines for behavior expectations. X PERSONAL APPEARANCE Band dress code will be strictly adhered to at all times. The personal appearance of our individual members is important to the uniformity of our band. Since we want the spectators & judges to focus on the group, not the individual, the following guidelines must be adhered to while in uniform: 1. No jewelry such as rings, earrings, body piercings, necklaces, etc., are to be worn at anytime during rehearsals or performances. SIMPLY DO NOT WEAR THEM. 2. Members Hair color must be a natural color tint and not one that distracts from the overall look of the band. 3. All Marching Band members must be pulled back, tucked in, pony-tailed, or in a French braid. All hair must be worn inside of the SHAKO hat for EVERY performance. 4. Excessive Make up, of any kind, may not be worn by band members while in Marching Band uniform. 5. Color Guard make-up will be determined and PRE approved by directors and staff only. 6. When a uniform is designated to be worn, it must be completely zipped up and in tact at all times. 7. Shakos must be worn in the forward facing position at all times. 8. Look sharp, perform sharp, NEVER RUN IN UNIFORM. Please walk calmly & confidently at all times. 6

13 XI UNIFORMS When in uniform students must be in performance mode. Always present yourself with pride and dignity. Your personal appearance and your actions represent not only yourself, but the entire band program, the high school, and your community. A Marching uniform is issued to each band member at the beginning of the school year. The Marching Band uniform consists of a Shako Hat, Jacket, Bibber Pants, black Marching Gloves, Gauntlets. Each student is required to furnish their own calf length black dress socks, and approved black marching shoes. Guard uniforms will be decided at the beginning of each season. The Concert uniform will be issued for both males & females during concert season. Each student is required to furnish their own black dress socks, and approved black marching shoes or appropriate solid back dress shoes. All students receiving uniform parts will be held completely responsible for the uniform issued to them. The marching uniforms will be kept in the band hall, and students will be responsible for storing all the parts of their assigned uniform together in the proper location after each use. Marching uniforms need to air dry on the racks immediately after every use. When the uniform is worn, the entire uniform must be worn as directed. When attending any kind of function, do not remove any part of the uniform until instructed. During Marching season, all members will need to have a Band t-shirt to be worn when traveling to other special occasions when the full marching uniform is not being worn. Once a uniform is distributed to a student, that student is completely responsible for all of its parts at all times. Students assume complete financial responsibility in replacing any damaged or lost parts, and for non cleaning and upkeep of the uniform while in their possession. WEARING AND CARING FOR THE BAND UNIFORM 1. Marching Hats must be worn straight on top of the head with the front bill coming down over the eyebrows. ALL Hair will be worn inside the Shako hats with plumes. 2. The jacket should be worn completely zipped up at all times in public unless otherwise instructed by a director. ONLY the marching band T-shirt may be worn under the jacket to absorb perspiration and protect it. 3. Trouser/Bibber pant length should be should be 2-3 inches from the floor to the pant leg. NEVER CUT THE PANT/JACKET MATERIAL when adjusting the length!!!! USE THE SNAPS INSIDE the pants and jackets to adjust. 4. Marching Shoes should be kept spotless. Solid, full-length black socks must be worn no ankle socks or see-through hose will be accepted. Shoes stay in the garmenat bag pouch, and should never be stored with the rest of your uniform parts. 5. Hang your bib pants and guard uniforms neatly, with the creases properly positioned, on the assigned hangers, then on the rack. 6. Marching jackets go over the top of the bib pants and should be neatly hung on the corresponding uniform cart with the students ID visible and zippers fastened. DO NOT Place uniforms into garment bags for storage AFTER a PERFORMANCE!! It LOCKS IN odors, grime, and sweat, and does not give the garment time to properly air dry. Garment bags are for TRAVEL USE ONLY! (Let the garments breath and air dry properly.) 7. Shakos go inside the corresponding shako box and should be placed above the uniform racks with your garments. 8. Gauntlets should be placed inside the shako boxes for storage. 9. Show t-shirts should be taken home after all performances and immediately washed, then placed on hangers to air dry. XII EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES Facilities should be maintained at the highest level of cleanliness and organization. The district will take proper steps in facility preparedness, but it is ultimately the student s and staff s role to keep our facility clean and organized. Each band member needs to adhere to the following rules: 1. Band members are to keep the Band Hall clean and neat. If you see trash on the floor, please pick it up and throw it away whether it is yours or not. 2. Keep the chairs and music stands stacked in their designated storage place at the end of every day. If you see a stand or chair left out, please pick it up and put it away. 3. Practice rooms are to be used for practice only. Likewise, keep these rooms neat and clean. Doors are to be left open, lights are to be shut off, and chairs should be stacked when a student finishes using a practice room. 4. Because instruments are very expensive, please treat them with tremendous respect. This includes keeping brass instruments well oiled and playable. Do not touch any instrument that does not belong to, or that is not checked out to you personally. 5. Any time your instrument is accessed, the case needs to be placed back into your assigned locker with the doors closed. 6. At all times your locker door needs to be securely closed with the lock attached and snapped shut. 7. Band lockers are for instruments. Keep them clean, it is imperative that your locker stay orderly, clean, uncluttered, and always functional. Non-compliance may result in loss of locker privileges for the remaining school year. 7

14 EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES(continued) 8. DO NOT Give anyone your locker combination!!! NO ONE should have access to your locker except the directors. 9. NEVER leave purses, back packs, money, or unsecured personal items in open view. Always lock these items up. 10. Items left out in the band Hall will be placed in a lost and found box. The contents of that box will be discarded every week. Please DO NOT leave your personal items unattended. The Band will not be responsible for your unsecured belongings left in the band Hall, on Busses, or outside. PLEASE SECURE THEM!! 11. School Equipment that is removed from the band hall without authorization will be treated as stolen property and appropriate action will be taken. 12. Unless otherwise directed, the band hall is only open to band students for individual & group practice whenever a director is on campus. Non-band students should never be in the band hall without director approval! Please report any non band members to a director immediately for everyones safety. 13. We want our students to feel at home in our band hall. However, the directors office is off limits to students. Do not enter the office unless you are instructed to do so by a director. 14. The copy room is for music librarians to perform their assigned duties. Only approved Music librarians are allowed in this area. 15. NO food, drink (other than water), candy, or gum is allowed in the band hall! Students needing to eat their own lunch, before a game, or before rehearsal need to do so outside. Always remember to clean up after yourself both inside AND outside! XIII TRIPS The Band participates in trips for football games as well as music contests/festivals each year. The WISD Student Code of Conduct is always in effect at such events. In addition, a student must meet all eligibility requirements set by the district, Texas UIL, and the director, while also meeting the monetary obligations for the trip if not funded by Waco ISD. All students will travel as a group via school-approved transportation and will be expected to return to the campus on the same transportation that took them to the event. Students may make other arrangements for the returning trip under the following circumstances: 1. If a student desires to ride home with their parents, a written parental request must be submitted to the band director 24 hours prior to leaving for the event. It must be dated, and signed by the parent or legal guardian to be valid. 2. A student may be released to no one other than their parent or legal guardian! 3. The student s parent/guardian must come to a director at the event and personally sign out their child before leaving, to make sure that the student s transportation needs are safely met. We can not, and WILL NOT release students to ANYONE OTHER THAN THEIR PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN with proper documentation! TRAVEL RULES On bus trips: 1. EACH PERSON is responsible for his or her own equipment at all times. 2. STAY COMPLETELY SEATED when the bus is moving. Face forward (No kneeling in the seats!) 3. Depart buses in an orderly manner. Never crowd or push. DO NOT LEAVE the buses until the Band Directors have instructed you to do so. 4. Get your instrument and equipment then get into warm up position quickly and quietly. 5. BE PROPERLY UNIFORMED WHEN IT S TIME! Jackets & Pants on Completely, at all times unless instructed otherwise by a director. During extreme cold weather you may bring coats and blankets to games. 6. DO NOT MOVE ABOUT OR BETWEEN SECTIONS DURING THE GAME. 7. NEVER bring unauthorized refreshments into the stands during the game. You will be given water while in the stands. NO EATING or DRINKING (other than water) is allowed while in uniform or in the stands. We need to protect the uniforms from spills and mishaps at all times. 8. Only play when instructed to do so by a director! The drumline will be allowed to play cadences as long as they are pre rehearsed and performed well. All band members must have the Fight Song memorized. Students should get music pulled up within fifteen seconds once announced, and be ready to play at a moment s notice. 9. During the game, stay focused and tuned in to the Directors and Drum Majors. Have fun AND pay attention simultaneously. 10. Absolutely NO ONE except current uniformed band personnel will be allowed into the band seating section. This applies to Parents & visitors as well. 8

15 TRAVEL RULES(continued) 11. Rest room breaks during the games will be controlled by the drum majors and directors. ALWAYS go in groups of two s when visiting restrooms and or leaving the full band setting for your own safety. 12. Stay100% focused during performances: Our performance starts when we step off of the bus and ends when we return to school. 13. Everyone must wear the CURRENT YEARS band T-shirt underneath their marching uniforms. XIV INSPECTION Inspection Inspection is an important part of our pre-game activities and will be carried on in a business-like manner. Section leaders will inspect all members of their section giving members with any discrepancies the chance to correct the problem, other wise the student will not be permitted to board the bus or perform with the group that day. 1. Music folder / lyre must be presented during inspection & must be complete. 2. Proper wearing & tailoring of uniform is required at all times. 3. Cleanliness of instrument, body, and uniform parts (including shoes) is required. XV PRIVATE LESSONS In order to move our program forward, a private lesson program is available to financially assist students studying privately with a professional musician on his/her instrument. Statistics have shown that students studying privately far exceed those only receiving class instruction, and students taking private lessons also tend to place higher in individual competitions. Depending upon available money, partial scholarships may be issued to students interested in private lessons. Please speak with a band director for a recommended private lesson teacher. XVI BAND STUDENT OFFICERS & LEADERSHIP Student leaders are selected through a process involving both student, and teacher input. Student leaders represent the very heart of the band. The band functions best when all the student leaders are working together effectively. Student leader positions include the following: Drum Majors Music Captain Color Guard Captain President Marching Captain Loading Crew Captain Music Librarians Logistics Crew Uniform Officers Spirit Captain Historian Sound and Light Tech XVII AWARDS Awards are given out each year at the Band Awards Ceremony. WISD band members selected by the directors for outstanding attitude, dependability, and musical contributions to the band will be given a variety of awards including: JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA BAND AWARD Must have shown superior musicianship, dedication, leadership, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation with the band. LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARD Must have shown superior musicianship in the field of jazz. OUTSTANDING MUSICIANSHIP AWARDS Must have shown outstanding musicianship and distinguished musical contributions. OUTSTANDING BANDSMAN AWARDS Must be a senior that s shown outstanding musical dedication and service to the band. XX BAND LETTER JACKETS Band letters / jackets may be awarded to any students that have completed 3 full years in Band, and have performed with a varsity ensemble for at least two of those years. Students who receive jackets from other WISD activities will be awarded the letter only to place on their existing jacket. Sizing will happen during the Spring semester and jackets will only be ordered once a year & received in late May / June. 9

16 XXI BAND BOOSTERS The school s band booster organization is a vital support organization that serves the band in many ways. Boosters help the band program by chaperoning buses, preparing/serving food, supervising the loading and unloading of equipment trailers, constructing props, moving equipment from place to place, and generally assisting in whatever is needed. Boosters also help raise money for equipment, instructional staff, and food for the band program throughout the year. Money raised by the boosters supplements the school budget in providing instruments, supplies, scholarships, and other special needs the band may have. Much of the success of the high school band is a direct result of the tireless work of the Band Boosters. We encourage all parents to be involved by joining the organization, attending the meetings, and helping with any projects that they can. All boosters volunteering with the band must complete various WISD forms and be cleared to chaperon. XXII ENTRY FEES All contest entry fees will be paid by band program. However, any student failing to complete his or her scheduled performance will be expected to reimburse the band for the full amount of their entry into that competition. Students making it to the next round of competition must be able to fulfill all of the performance/audition requirements entailed in that position. 10

17 XXII I The following form is for students to keep with their handbook. University High School BAND BAND HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM (Keep a copy of this page with this document for your records) We, the undersigned, acknowledge that we have read the entire University high School Band Handbook. We also acknowledge that we will be responsible for all the information contained in this handbook and hereby agree to abide by the rules and procedures as stated in the University High School Band Handbook. We acknowledge that we are also responsible for any and all Waco ISD Policy and Guidelines that are not specifically stated in the University High School Band Handbook. We understand that failure to follow any Waco ISD policies and /or University High School Band policies may result in disciplinary action, including the loss of performance privileges with the University High School Band. Student s Name (Print) Student Signature Date Parent s Name (Print) Parent Signature Date 11

18 XXII I This form must be signed and returned to the UHS BAND HALL by: BAND HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM (Keep this a copy of this page with this document for your records) We, the undersigned, acknowledge that we have read the entire University High School Band Handbook. We also acknowledge that we will be responsible for all the information contained in this handbook and hereby agree to abide by the rules and procedures as stated in the Band Handbook. We acknowledge that we are also responsible for any and all Waco ISD Policy and Guidelines that are not specifically stated in the University High School Band Handbook. We understand that failure to follow any Waco ISD policies and /or University High School Band policies may result in disciplinary action, including the loss of performance privileges with the University High School Band. Student s Name (Print) Student Signature Date Parent s Name (Print) Parent Signature Date 12