Band of Warriors Handbook

Transcription

1 HANDBOOK

2 A Tradition Since Band of Warriors Handbook Welcome to the Victoria West High School Band of Warriors. The Band of Warriors is a vital aspect of this school district and our community, and without your talent it would not be possible, so thank you for your support. Music is a universal language that directly relates to all areas of study. Through practice and performance, music is an incredible way to inspire creativity and constructive self-expression to greater develop: muscle coordination, hand eye coordination, aural skills, self-discipline, as well as cultural awareness and historical contexts. Our mission is to instill life-long skills in every student including maturity, commitment, self-discipline, leadership, confidence, and individual/group accountability to be successful in their endeavors. The study of music and its components can positively affect the rest of one s life. Our handbook includes important information about student responsibilities and the mechanics of running our band program. For this reason, it is important for parents and students to read through this handbook and refer to it during the school year as needed. BAND FACULTY Director of Bands: Mr. Joshua Partida joshua.partida@visd.net ext Associate Director: Ms. Sandra Laskowski - sandra.laskowski@visd.net ext Associate Director: Ms. Jennings Barnes victoria.barnes@visd.net ext Associate Director: Mr. Nick Stange wade.stange@visd.net ext

3 ELIGIBILITY FOR BAND All students must meet the requirement for eligibility as outlined by the University Interscholastic league (UIL). Students must maintain an average of 70 or higher in each of their classes to maintain eligibility. Eligibility is determined every six and nine weeks. The directors, with administration approval, may remove students from band if they are constantly not eligible to participate. MARCHING SEASON: Any student whose grade drops below a 70 will have an alternate shadow their marching spot. After two consecutive weeks without academic improvement, the alternate will replace the original marcher. Any marcher who loses eligibility forfeits their spot in the contest show. Until eligibility is regained, the student cannot participate in any halftime show or any other UIL activity. GRADING & ATTENDANCE POLICY The grading policy for the Band of Warriors is designed to encourage each member to continue to improve as a musician. Attitude and effort play an important role in the student s grade, along with attendance, punctuality, and consistent effort to improve. Grades will be based on: Participation 70% Performances 30% Tardiness is included in the Participation percentage. On time means arriving minutes prior to the scheduled time. Make it easy, DON T BE LATE. THIS IS A PERFORMANCE-BASED CLASS meaning if you are not with us, we cannot give you the grade you want. All performances and rehearsals of the band are mandatory. Excused absences from a performance or rehearsal will only be granted if the following criteria are met. Performance - All excused absences from performances must be requested beforehand, in writing, and signed by a parent or guardian and submitted to the Director. Please give as much notice as possible. An absence from a region, area, or state level event cannot be excused except for the most critical circumstances. Performances include Football Games, Parades, Marching Contests, Concert Season Contest (Solo and Ensemble, TMEA District/Region Area/State auditions) and Concerts. The Director/Administration will make the final decision in determining if an absence will be excused. Rehearsal - For an absence from a rehearsal to be excused, the parent must contact the director at least one day before the scheduled rehearsal. One unexcused absence from a football game will result in the student having to sit out the next halftime performance. Two unexcused absences may result in removal from band. Unexcused absence from concerts or contests may also result in removal from band.

4 INSTRUMENTS, BOOKS AND SUPPLIES 1. Students using any instrument from the school will need to read, sign and follow the VWHS Instrument Maintenance Policy including percussion. There is a school instrument and color guard equipment maintenance fee of $55.00 per school year. The student is responsible for any repairs of the instrument, beyond normal wear and tear, while it is in their care. 2. Students must keep the following items available at all times: Instruments, Equipment, Music, Pencils, Drill Charts, Handouts, tuner and metronome 3. All students are required to purchase the required mouthpieces, rifles, proper reeds, supplies to care for their instrument, flip folders, flip folder pages, binders and sheet protectors, lyres, mallets and sticks, band shirts, marching gloves and band shoes. 4. Keep all music folders/binders and flip folders in a place that will not destroy or damage the music and/or instruments. Keep all sticks, cases, and instruments in the proper place for storage. 5. No food (unless an exception is specified by a director), drinks (except water), gum, or candy in the band hall. 6. Respect all equipment. Do not lean or write on the music stands, chairs, instrument cases, or any other equipment. 7. School phones, computers and copy machines are off limits to students. There is limited use of a phone with permission from a director. 8. Keep all facilities used clean and in order. This includes keeping all unnecessary clothes and all trash out of the band hall. FEES The Victoria West High School Band of Warriors staff strives to make this an affordable activity for all students. The fees assessed each year are ONLY for things that the students will own and/or be using. As with any and all things, we are held financially accountable for the items that we order, so we must mandate that fees are paid on the dates they are due. This year s band fees are due on July 18 th, If there are extreme circumstances and a deadline cannot be met, the issue should be discussed with the directors. At no time should a student feel they cannot participate in the program because of finances.

5 CONDUCT The conduct of a BOW Member should reflect the following: 1. Courtesy at all times. 2. Respect toward fellow band members, administrators, chaperones, directors, and visiting bands 3. Demonstrate the BEST of Victoria. 4. Careful attention to instruction in rehearsals. 5. A quiet, intense attentiveness in rehearsals and performances. 6. Be an example/model student in all academic classes. THE REHEARSAL The rehearsal is where the success of any band occurs. If rehearsals are successful, the band will be successful. For this reason it is important that all involved be prepared. Your directors prepare music, objectives, goals, and time schedules for reaching goals. The students are responsible for making full effort to achieve the specified goals. The following items will be provided for each rehearsal. 1. Rehearsal set up. (Chairs, stands, etc.) 2. Rehearsal objectives and goals. Student responsibilities include the following: 1. Be on time to each rehearsal. 2. Give your Best Effort. 3. Have music in good order. 4. Keep instrument in good working condition. The time to discuss a repair is after a rehearsal or well before rehearsal begins. (Never as the director approaches the podium, please.) 5. Have all supplies to keep instrument in working order. Brass - Mouthpiece, oil (valve, rotor, slide), polishing cloth. Woodwinds - 3 reeds, cork grease, swab. Percussion - mallets and/or sticks 6. Pencil. 7. No food, drink, or gum OR CELL PHONES are allowed in use during rehearsal. 8. Follow all directions from the directors.

6 FOOTBALL GAME GUIDELINES 1. All band members must remain in uniform for the duration of the game unless otherwise directed. If the band removes any part of the uniform, we will do it in an orderly fashion as a group. In other words, our band will look professional at all times. Remember, we are representing our school district and our community. Wear your uniform with pride. 2. Band members must remain in their assigned seat during the game. Members must be ready to play their instruments at a moment s notice. 3. No food will be allowed in the stands. 4. We perform as a group. No solos or ensemble performances in the stands. Exception: Percussion may perform cadences and/or add rhythm for cheers. 5. Brass will be polished and inspected before every game/performance 6. Out of town games will have a mandatory hour-long study hall on the bus (bring your homework). 7. We clean our stands, our bus and our band hall every time we use it. Everyone helps. UNIFORMS The student is responsible for his/her uniform: hangers, buttons, gauntlets, hat, hat box, bag, bag label, coat, pants, shoes, gloves, black socks, etc. No jewelry, nail polish, unnatural hair color, or makeup (other than approved for color guard) will be worn while in uniform. The student will need to clean their uniform approximately three times throughout the year. Dates for these cleanings will be set and students will be expected to provide a receipt documenting that the uniform has been cleaned. All uniform parts are to be kept in the designated uniform area. All uniforms are to be hung neatly and kept free from dirt and trash at all times. Shoes, gloves and black socks will not be stored in the uniform bag. If there is a problem with your uniform, bring the uniform to a uniform crew member so arrangements can be made to correct the problem. TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES All students must ride to events on school buses when the band travels. Students may return with their parents or guardians provided permission is obtained in writing and approved by a Band Director, AND THE PARENT MUST SIGN THEIR CHILD OUT WITH A DIRECTOR. NO STUDENT MAY RETURN FROM AN EVENT WITH ANOTHER STUDENT S FAMILY WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM HIS/HER PARENTS. - Students may not hang uniform bags on windows. - Students may not stand up in buses. - Students may not change clothes on the buses. In signing this handbook, I give permission for my child to attend and travel to all band functions.

7 BAND OFFICERS DRUM MAJOR Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior (chosen by Director). 1. Direct the marching band during performances. 2. Help in the teaching of basic marching fundamentals. 3. Select and responsible for the set-up crew for marching practices. 4. Assist in maintaining good discipline in the marching band. 5. Check the band room after each marching performance. 6. Serve as bus monitor on each trip. 7. Other duties as assigned. PRESIDENT - Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior and is elected by the Band 1. Help coordinate Band Council duties 2. Help maintain discipline in the band. 3. Accept/Present awards for Band events. 4. Serve as bus monitor on each trip. 5. Other duties as assigned. VICE-PRES./EQUIP. MANAGER - Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior and is elected by the Band members. 1. Responsible for loading crew. 2. Help maintain discipline in the band. 3. Serve as bus monitor on each trip. 4. Other duties as assigned. SECRETARY/REPORTER Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior and is elected by the Band members. 1. Send thank you notes to chaperones and others as needed. 2. Maintain website. 3. Collect money as needed. 4. Take pictures and display as needed. 5. Serve as bus monitor on each trip. 6. Other duties as assigned. UNIFORM MANGERS Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior and is appointed by directors 1. Manage all uniforms and uniform parts. 2. Distribute uniforms and parts for games/performances, etc. 3. Serve as bus monitor on each trip. 4. Other duties as assigned. LIBRARIAN Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior and is elected by the Band members. 1. Keep all music organized 2. Hand out any new music 3. Take care of any music related issues (copying, sorting, etc.) 4. Other duties as assigned.

8 DRUM MAJORS & COLOR GUARD The directors will select all drum majors and color guard members through an audition/interview process. Drum Majors 1. Must have maintained eligibility the entire year. 2. Must have performed at all UIL Contests during school year. 3. Must be able to demonstrate leadership in both marching and concert activities. 4. May be asked to attend Drum Major camp. 5. Must have been in the marching band for at least two years in order to tryout. 6. Selection will be based on many different criteria. Students willing to be Drum Major begin auditioning their first day of Band. Color Guard 1. A color guard candidate must have a consistent record of being eligible. 2. Color guard members must be of high character and appearance. 3. Must attend all practices. 4. Must be willing to incur expenses or work fundraisers for uniforms and camps 5. The number of color guard members selected will depend on preference of the director. 6. Students may be removed from the color guard for missed practices. 7. Selection will be based on the following: basic fundamentals, marching and group routine. COLOR GUARD CAPTAIN Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior (chosen by Director). 1. Student is selected by the Directors 2. Responsible for all Guard related matters TMEA DISTRICT/REGION/AREA/STATE BAND District/Region Band is an activity to help develop and improve the skills of the individual band student. All Wind Ensemble members will participate in the auditions. Symphonic Band members wanting to move into the Wind Ensemble will be encouraged to audition. All students will be evaluated on their music by a director/private lesson teacher before the competition to be eligible to perform for the judges. UIL SOLO & ENSEMBLE Solo & Ensemble is a means to improve and develop the skills of all band students, and all students will participate in a Solo & Ensemble performance. All students in the top band will do a Class 1 or Class 2 Solo and a Class 1 Ensemble. All other students will do a Solo and/or an ensemble. All students are responsible for paying the solo piano accompaniment fee for their Solo. Class 3 Solo = $20, Class 2 Solo = $25, Class 1 Solo $25. Because of the need to pay our accompanist, any student who fails to meet eligibility will not be refunded their accompaniment fee.

9 LETTER JACKET A student must have 14 or more points to be eligible for a jacket. These 14 points must have been earned by the date jackets are ordered. Points will be given for the following: Concert/Contests 0.5 points Performing at any Marching Contest/Parade 1 point First Division rating at UIL Region Marching Contest 2 points Performing at the UIL Area Marching Contest 3 Points Performing at the UIL Area Marching Finals Contest (3 total for the day) 4 points Performing at the UIL State Marching Contest 0.5 points Attending UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest 1 point First Division rating (Concert) at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest 1 point First Division rating (Sight-Reading) at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest All-Region Tryouts 1 point Attending TMEA All-District Band Tryouts 1 point Attending TMEA All-Region Band Tryouts (Jazz also applies) 1.5 points Qualifying for, and attending, TMEA All-Region Jazz Band (clinic/concert) 1.5 points Qualifying for, and attending, All-Region Concert Band (clinic/concert) 2 points Qualifying for, and attending, All-Region Symphonic Band (clinic/concert) 3 points Qualifying for, and attending, All-Region Wind Ensemble 4 points Qualifying for, and attending, TMEA Area Try-outs. All-State Band Automatic letter jacket for membership in the TMEA All-State Band. Solo and Ensemble 0.5 points Performing at Solo and Ensemble contest 1 point First Division rating(s) (Class 2 or 3 Solo/Ensemble) at contest 2 points First Division rating(s) (Class 1 Solo/Ensemble) at contest 4 points Qualifying for, and attending, UIL State Solo and Ensemble Extra.5 point Attending a Victoria Symphony, or other professional Symphony Orchestra concert (must bring back program from event) 1 point Performing with Crossroads Community Band for a full calendar year

10 RESULTS AND CONSEQUENCES -----Any instances that might be considered detrimental to the image and/or success of the Band Program or a performance (i.e. drinking, smoking, theft, drugs, etc.) may result in immediate removal from Band All Rules and Guidelines must be adhered to, or will result in immediate consequences from the Band Directors Such consequences may include, but are not limited to, laps, push-ups, sit-ups, or trash pick ups Any Band Officer who receives and failing grade, and becomes ineligible, shall forfeit the office they currently hold, and a new officer shall be selected immediately All decisions by the Band Directors and/or Administrative staff will be final Any member of the Victoria West Band of Warriors who refuses to follow such guidelines within this Handbook, may be subject to removal from Band. In the event of removal, the following steps will be taken: Step 1 Meeting with student Step 2 Meeting with student and parent Step 3 Meeting with student, parent and an administrator to remove any student PRIVATE INSTRUCTION Private instruction is the number #1 tool used by schools across the country to improve individual student performance. Our primary focus is to help every child in our program benefit from as much individual attention that we can give them by hiring the most qualified teachers possible for every instrument. The payment for these lessons will be handled through the band program through individual payments and possible donations from the VWHS Band Boosters. Because of the performance capabilities needed, any student interested in earning a position in one of the Wind Ensemble is encouraged to take private instruction weekly, however all band students are encouraged to take private instruction.) We will do everything possible to help your child feel successful, but some checking on their progress will certainly help us maintain a high degree of success. If you have any questions about what your child should be doing at home, or how they are doing at school, please feel free to call at or any of us. Please read this handbook with your child, then fill out the last page of the handbook and return that page to a director by the due date.

11 STUDENT/PARENT SIGNATURE PAGE I acknowledge that I have received the Band of Warriors Handbook for the School Year. I have read and agree to abide by the rules, regulations and expectations for the Victoria West Band of Warriors. In signing this handbook, I give permission for my child to attend and travel to all band functions. STUDENT NAME (PLEASE PRINT) STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE (Return to the directors by the end of the first week of school)