NCHS Color Guard Handbook

Transcription

1 NCHS Color Guard Handbook

2 Welcome to the NCHS Color Guard! Important People: 1. Brandy Patterson Color Guard/Winter Guard Instructor Contact Info: Phone: (281) Ext: 5219 Remind101: to Phone Number: Gary Aiken New Caney High School Band Director Contact Info: Phone (281) Ext: Brian Wimberly New Caney High School Assistant Band Director Contact Info: Phone: (281) Ext: 5160 Boosters: The New Caney High School Band Boosters are a cooperative effort of parents, alumni, volunteers and the band directors. The boosters assist in many aspects of the band program. Parents are highly encouraged to attend the booster meetings, volunteer, and be a part of their child s band experience. *Band Booster meetings are the first Thursday of each month. ALL parents are encouraged to attend. Communication: is the best way to communicate with Mrs. Patterson Calendar: A tentative calendar will be passed out to your child and posted on the Color Guard webpage. Please remember that this calendar is tentative and may change. We sometimes will need extra rehearsals/sectionals. I will always give you at least a 1 week notice before making a change mandatory. 1

3 Band Fees/Dues Each year a guard fee schedule will be provided. These amounts vary from year to year. Fees are broken down into several payments to make it easier on the parents. Band fees pay for water jugs, show shirt, etc. The payment schedule for CG dues will be given to students when available. Dues cover the costs of uniforms, equipment, repair materials, t-shirts, choreography, etc.. Separate dues will be required for Winter Guard to assist in uniforms, equipment, etc. depending on the cost of the WG show. We will reuse any uniforms and/or equipment so long as it goes with the show theme. Dues are non-refundable. Color/Winter Guard Class There is a class for color/winter guard. It is held during the fall and spring semesters. Mrs. Patterson will be conducting the class. Color guard class will account for a P.E. credit and a fine arts credit. Members should arrive to class in appropriate rehearsal attire. The class is mandatory for all members. This is an extracurricular class, which means it is not required for graduation. This means if there ever should come an issue with attendance, tardiness, behavior, etc. (see contract), removal from the class will be enforced. Transitioning from Marching Season to Winter Guard: If a color guard member has missed multiple rehearsals during marching season, became ineligible during any UIL grade-check, or has failed to pay their fees, or becomes too injured to participate, a schedule change will be made to remove the student from color guard class. The student and parent will be notified before the change is made. The change is to protect students from earning a zero for an entire semester. Class Grades: Each week of after school rehearsal will account for a daily grade. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday will each be worth points, equaling 100 points for the week (fall only). ALL performances are test grades. Points will be deducted from the test grade for not following the handbook and/or contract guidelines; for example, showing up late, forgetting equipment, incorrect uniform, etc. IF YOU MISS REHEARSALS, YOUR GRADE IN THE CLASS WILL CONSEQUENTLY DECLINE. Students will also earn a grade from participation in class. Failure to complete the warm-ups each day and/or participate in assignments will result in a zero. Absences and Tardiness Tardy (to class): Students will receive a tardy in the attendance software which will count toward disciplinary action from an AP (see NCHS tardy policy). Tardy (to rehearsal/performance) student will be responsible for learning missed instruction and must complete appropriate amount of push-ups or run laps. Please remember that color guard is a P.E. credit, and arriving late will result in missed exercise/warm-ups. The push-ups/laps are not a punishment, but should be considered as make-up work; for this reason, students who are late for good reason (e.g. student council meetings, athletics, etc.) will still be responsible for completing this make-up work. (Push-ups are for arms which are used every day 2

4 in color guard, laps are for legs which are used in marching and dancing). Multiple unexcused absences will result in a demerit. If a student is going to be tardy to rehearsal, it is the student s sole responsibility to let the instructor know ahead of time! Even if it s for tutoring, if the student does not let the instructor know ahead of time, it could result in a demerit. Absences (from class) Students will have an absence marked on their attendance record. Students are responsible for learning new material and/or missed instruction from an officer outside or scheduled rehearsal times. Absences (from rehearsal/performance) Unless excused, missed rehearsals/performances will result in low grades in the CG class and a demerit. Please see the contract for a list of what is considered an excused absence. Even if an absence is excused, the student is NOT excused from knowing the material. If absences (excused or unexcused) cause a student to not learn the routine, they may be written out of a performance. Being removed from a routine or show does not necessarily mean the student is not in color guard anymore. Students will be allowed to perform/compete routines that they were present to learn. Students who do not communicate a future absence from a PERFORMANCE within two weeks of the event risk losing their performance spot PERMANENTLY. Officers: A student holding an officer position will be held to a higher standard than that of other members. They must represent themselves and the group in a positive manner at all times. Disrespect to teachers, other students, parents, boosters, directors, or anyone else will NEVER be tolerated from an officer. Disrespect or poor attitude may result in instant removal from the team. There will at times be officer meetings that are mandatory. These students must be willing to schedule extra rehearsal times to assist other members who may want additional practice and/or help. These rehearsals are at the officer s discretion, but officers should always be willing to schedule a convenient time to help a member. Demerits work differently for officers than for regular members. Officers who earn a demerit must make it up as soon as possible by earning a merit. An officer earning two demerits before earning 1+ merit will be demoted from their officer position. They will still be allowed to perform, but risk removal from the team if a third demerit is earned. In this case, demotions are permanent. The purpose of an officer is to learn and master material, as well as help other members with cleaning, learning, etc. If an officer is not present, it is impossible for them to do their job. Officers should be the ideal guard member and should always be ready to go above and beyond expectations stated in this handbook. Officers are examples of how other guard members should carry themselves and behave. Officers will be required to be the first members present to rehearsal/performances and the last to leave. Officers are not allowed to leave until all other members are gone. Any student interested in becoming an officer must have at least two seasons (one year) of performance experience in color guard, have good teacher recommendations, and must compete in at least ONE solo and ensemble event at the end of the school year. Students earning higher scores at solo and ensemble will be considered before lower scores 3

5 Ineligibility If a student becomes ineligible due to grades, they are not allowed to perform in a show or compete in competitions. UIL does not allow failures to ride the bus with students to events. Ineligible students ARE REQUIRED to still attend ALL rehearsals. Failure to attend rehearsals will harm the color guard class grade for the student. Alternates Every eligible student will perform at football games. Some students (based on experience, attendance, discipline, and/or ability) will be selected as an alternate. The students will perform at football games, but NOT competitions. Alternates are still required to attend competitions in order to earn their major grade for the class, and will assist Mrs. Patterson in laying equipment on the field. Performances Pep Rallies: The NCHS Color Guard will be released early from class (with percussion) to march the halls before pep rallies. Only students knowing how to be in step and execute ports on rifle will march the hallways, releasing the student body to the gym. Every single eligible member of the color guard will perform the NCHS Fight Song at every pep rally. Pep rallies will be held at the end of the school day when the football team is home (and the Battle Line 59 game). If a member forgets their pep rally uniform, they will NOT be allowed to participate in the pep rally, and will earn a zero for that grade. Football Games: The NCHS Color Guard will perform with the band during halftime at every football game. Even alternates will have a spot on or around the field to perform. During first quarter members will be in their halftime costume and will participate in stand dances to show school spirit. Participation in these dances are required. During second quarter the group will be escorted by Mrs. Patterson to a safe location for warm-up. Third quarter will be set aside for changing from halftime costume to the pep rally uniform. This will prevent wear and tear on the performance costumes. Directly after changing students must return to the stands for stand dances. Students are NOT allowed to eat during the game and will only be allowed to drink water. Water MUST be in the NCHS Band water jug. Play Off Games: ALL eligible members are required to attend play off games. We will be wearing our pep rally uniforms unless told otherwise. We will be performing the Fun Show which is written by the band directors. There will be no alternates for this show. These games are major grades. Competitions: All eligible members are required to attend competitions. Even alternates must be present. After performing, members will be instructed as to what they are to wear for the remaining time at the contest. Uniforms 4

6 Members are NEVER allowed to eat or drink (except water) while in uniform. This protects the student from having to pay to replace said uniform. If the uniform becomes lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, the student will have to pay the full amount to replace it. Color Guard Member of the Week At every football game, an outstanding member of the color guard will be announced at halftime. This member will be either selected by the instructor or the officers vote. This member will be allowed to travel to the opposing team s color guard in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Only members with perfect attendance for that week, and who has shown outstanding qualities (leadership, team spirit, extra effort, etc) will be selected. What does my child need for color/winter guard? A payment schedule will be given to your student. All Members will pay dues for the following: Halftime Costume (new costume for each season unless specified) Accessories for said costume (Fall 2017: Mitts and Red Flower) General Guard Fees (Fall and Winter) Band Show Shirt Pep Rally Uniform Winter Guard Costume New Members will pay dues for the following (also veteran members needing replacements): Warm-Up Jacket NCHS Band Water Jug Equipment Bag Individual Items should be purchased by the individual member. Some members may group together to save on shipping costs if they wish. Students and parents are encouraged to shop around for the best deal on these items. Every member is required to have the following for : Red lip stain (not regular lipstick) Other performance makeup (foundation, blush, smokey eye palette, black eyeliner, black mascara) Nude body tight with stirrup feet Nude jazz shoes Nude color guard gloves Black unitard (skinny leg, NO FLARE!) Rifle: White wooden 36 Elite with silver bolt and white strap 24 dance skirt (must be worn over shorts at rehearsals for Caliente) Rehearsal wear: TBD 5

7 Winter Guard Winter guard will begin directly after marching season. We will have rehearsal three times a week (33.33 points total for a daily grade). All members are encouraged to participate or leave the color guard class. There will be only one competitive NCHS Winter Guard. WG (winter guard) will require more dues. These dues will cover the new flags, uniforms, and other equipment needed for this show. In WG, students will learn a whole new routine to an entirely different song from marching season. WG is performed and practiced inside. WG rehearsals are scheduled according to when the gym is available. Due to basketball season and other conflicts, it is possible for rehearsals to be scheduled on Saturdays. In this case, notification would be given to the students well in advance. The NCHS winter guard will compete as Scholastic Regional A with TCGC (Texas Color Guard Circuit) and WGI (Winterguard International). As a program with a winning reputation, this handbook will be strictly enforced to ensure fairness to all members wishing to succeed at these competitions. SUMMER CAMP The NCHS Color Guard has purchased custom choreography for Caliente. This choreography will be taught at came July 10th-13th. Attendance to this camp is MANDATORY for all members. Any student who misses camp will become an equipment manager for the fall season. You simply cannot perform choreography that you were not present to learn. Summer Rehearsals During the summer we will have Thursday night rehearsals. Here we will continue learning fundamentals and tosses that will be in the fall show. Time and specific dates are listed on the calendar. Summer band camp begins in July 31st. This camp is mandatory for all members. This is where students will learn how to march with the band, and learn their drill for the fall show. Time and specific dates are on the calendar. 6

8 NCHS Color/Winter Guard Agreement The success of this program will be built around numerous hours of rehearsal, performances, and sacrifice from the performers, parents, and staff. In order to continue to increase the standard of excellence in this program, both you and your parents need to read and understand the following information. After reading the information, both student and parent signatures are required for membership. Your signature implies that you both support and agree with these expectations and guidelines. 1. As a performer, I understand that my academic achievement is most important. If my name appears on the UIL Ineligibility List, I realize that my performance position is permanently in jeopardy. Students must plan ahead and use good time management to keep up with the busy fall schedule. Proper study habits are very important. However, students will not be allowed to miss rehearsal due to poor time management, as this will jeopardize the success of the entire ensemble. 2. As a performer, I understand it will take sacrifices in other areas of my life to be a part of this performing group. I will always be ten minutes early to rehearsal. The following absences from rehearsals will not be excused: non-emergency doctor/dentist appointments, employment responsibilities, social activities, study sessions, and family functions. Unexcused absences and/or excessive tardiness will result in a lower grade, demerits, and/or dismissal from the group. All absences must be cleared in advance. A previous history of unexcused absences could result in lack of membership. 3. As a performer, I realized that there are numerous hours of rehearsal needed before the finished product is complete and that it is mandatory that I attend class and rehearsal every day. The only excused absences that would be considered are severe illness or death in the immediate family. If an emergency such as this does occur, I will get in contact with a staff member immediately. 4. As a performer, I realize that is mandatory to attend all performances, including football playoff games (when applicable). Any potential conflicts for rehearsal or performances should be noted and reported to Mrs. Patterson or Mr. Wimberly as soon as possible. 5. As a performer, I understand that there will be extra rehearsals and/or sectionals needed (in addition to the regular schedule). It is my responsibility to the group to attend these sectionals. 6. As a performer, I understand that I am responsible for the cost of my costume and/or warm-up jacket, as well as other items that may be necessary. In addition, I understand that I am responsible for all trip expenses, including meals. The cost will be kept as minimal as possible. I will be responsible for miscellaneous items such as gloves, tape, rifles, etc. I UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE TO PAY DUES WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE TEAM. 7

9 7. The image of the Color/Winter Guard is very important. As a member/performer, I understand that I am representing the group at all times, even when not with the group, and that I must maintain the highest level of professionalism. Unacceptable behavior, inappropriate attire, extreme hair color and non-conventional body piercings are not allowed. All rules and expectations in the NCHS Student Handbook apply at all times. 8. I understand that there may be alternates in the Color/Winter Guard. At any time, an alternate may be placed into a performing position. Likewise, a performing member may lose their performance spot and become an alternate due to grades, eligibility, discipline, excessive absences, poor work ethic and attitude, and/or level of performance. In addition, I understand that not all performers will perform in every segment of the show. 9. I understand that as part of the NCHS band, I must attend all football playoff games unless advanced notice is given. The only excused absences are illness with a doctor s note or death in the family. 10. We urge all parents to encourage their students to practice at home. The instructional staff chooses performers for performance spots based on performance skills and improvement. 11. Students will obey and show respect towards team members, directors, instructional staff, chaperones, and NCHS faculty at all times. Respect toward other members is also REQUIRED and expected at all times. Failure to do so could result in dismissal from the group. 12. Demerits: A student may earn a demerit for failure to comply with any of the rules/regulations listed above. A student earning 3+ demerits may be called for a meeting with the directors and parents to discuss an improvement plan or removal from the team or the student may be removed from the team without such a meeting. These demerits may be countered by earning MERITS. Merits can be earned by helping other members, repairing equipment, extra practice, etc. (at Mrs. Patterson s discretion). An officer earning THREE demerits will be demoted from their officer position; this can be countered by merits. To maintain a position on the team, the member may earn merits, but will still lose their officer title/position. 8

10 Return this page to Mrs. Patterson (REQUIRED for participation). I understand and agree to the rules and procedures listed above. I understand that failure to comply with these rules and/or earning demerits may result in my removal from the NCHS Color Guard. Student Name (please print) : Student Signature: Date: Parent Name (please print): Parent Signature: Date: Parent Student 9