Marching Band Manual 2016

Chopticon High School Home of the St. Mary s County Public Schools Academy of Visual & Performing Arts Marching Band Manual 2016 The Showband of Southern Maryland 2015 USBands Group III Open State Champions 2013, 2014 USBands Group II Open State Champions 2012 USBands Group IIA National Champions 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 USBands Group IIA State Champions www.chopticonband.org

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS REGARDING FINANCES Fees It is important that fees are paid on time. This past year, the resources of the Band Booster organization have been exhausted due to nonpayment of fees. Monthly payments are an option and can be set up by contacting the band director. As always, if there is a financial hardship, please contact the band director. Band Boosters Band Boosters meet the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the library media center. Parents will be notified by email with dates and times for each band booster meeting. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend. The band boosters exist for the support of all the bands, not just the marching band. Band Booster members and any adult assisting with the program must be registered SMCPS volunteers. Fundraising - Benefits all band students and helps keep fees down Chopticon has some of the lowest performance fees for marching band compared to other schools competing in USBands. This is because of the hard work the Band Boosters put in to raise funds to keep the cost for students down. It costs approximately $650 per band member to minimally fund the show. It is the responsibility of every band member to participate in all fundraisers. Attendance at car washes and involvement with other fundraising events are strongly encouraged. As traveling costs, instrument needs, etc. continue to rise, we need your support more than ever to ensure we continue to offer a quality musical experience for your child. 3

Introduction to the Chopticon High School Marching Band Program Welcome to the Chopticon High School Band Program. The program continues a long tradition of excellence that is incessantly developing each year. It has been recognized by adjudicators, clinicians, and the general public for their musicianship and demeanor at many performance venues. There are nearly 100 students that make up the Chopticon High School Band Program, and we continue to grow. The program requires a commitment in time, parental support, and financial contributions. Marching Band The Showband of Southern Maryland is an elective taken after school for ½ credits. Made up of musicians enrolled in the concert ensembles, members rehearse after school and in the evenings to perform at five to six football games, five to seven competitions, and four parades each fall. Mandatory rehearsals begin in late July and continue through the middle of November. In addition, students may elect to participate in indoor percussion or color guard for the 2nd semester, please contact your guidance counselor and ask them to add solo and ensemble to your schedule. It's a 2nd semester after-school class, so it will not interfere with your regularly scheduled classes. Color Guard The Chopticon High School Color Guard is a team within the marching band. Placement in the guard is by audition only. Auditions occur in May. Practices and performances coincide with the marching band. Marching Band Philosophy The Chopticon High School Marching Band strives for excellence in whatever they take on. While other bands take time off, we work. While other bands play pop music, we learn some of the most intricate music in our competition circuit. When other bands become complacent, we push on. This has always been the Chopticon tradition, and always will be. As a marching unit, the Showband of Southern Maryland attends five to seven marching competitions each season in addition to four parades and five to six football games throughout the fall. The Chopticon program has long served as a model to other schools in our community and region. We are complemented regularly for our discipline, attitude, pride, and musicality. The students who enroll in the ensemble share a commitment to achieve excellence through performance of intricate music, physically demanding drill and color guard routine, and refinement of personal and ensemble character. These students perform continuously throughout the summer and fall, developing technique, stamina, and endurance. Such skills are easily integrated into their concert band experience. Therefore, students of this caliber consistently earn the top seats in the Symphonic and Concert Bands. When students come together in the August heat, endure grueling hours of practice, and push each other to attain a goal, they become a team. The members of the marching band create and share memories, and build relationships that last a lifetime. Band Camp It is important to emphasize the importance of the August phase of marching band preparation in order to establish good fundamentals of marching as well as social adjustment. These are vital for participation in the early stages of our development. Attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend may result in the student being removed from the marching band. Every effort will be made to notify students of the camp schedule in January. What to Expect from Band Camp 4

It will be hot and muggy in August. You will want to dress comfortably, but you must stick to the school s dress code. We do a lot of marching and running, so tennis shoes and shorts are required. Hats and sunglasses are recommended. Sunscreen and water are required. Expect to work harder than you ever have before. Not everyone believes it when told this for the first time, but every returning member does. Expect to meet new people and have fun. Expect to feel a sense of accomplishment after only two weeks. You will get hot bring water. You will often feel tired sleep at night. You will often feel exhausted it is worth every minute of work. Weekly Rehearsals The number one enemy of marching band is rehearsal time. Attendance at all practices is mandatory! We rehearse Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00-6:00 pm. On Wednesday, we hold sectionals from 3:00-5:00 pm. Saturdays are reserved for competitions/parades (mandatory). This schedule will last until the season is over (mid-november). Again, you are expected to attend all mandatory rehearsals. Football Games The band will perform at all home football games, typically five or six throughout the fall season. Games are usually held on Friday evenings unless they are rescheduled due to inclement weather. Students will be notified of the report time the Monday of game week. Football games are an opportunity to perform for the general public, for people who may not normally have the chance to see the band. It is our best opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. Each game is mandatory. Band Competitions Nearly every Saturday from mid-september to early November, we will be traveling all over Maryland and Virginia to compete in competitions in the United States Bands (USBands) competition circuit. As a general rule, judges need to see a band progress during the three month time period in order to truly see their hard work. Therefore, the Chopticon High School Marching Band will typically compete in 5-7 competitions each fall. These competitions will be all-day activities, so please, plan accordingly. Competitions are mandatory. Parades The marching band performs in the Blessing of the Fleet, Veterans Day, Homecoming, and Fair Day parades each fall. This is another opportunity for the public to see us perform. Parades are mandatory. Personal Behavior and Responsibilities In order to properly function in today s society, you must possess a high degree of discipline and common sense. Common sense will help you make many critical decisions that even young adults face. If you have a desire to be a contributing member of our band, then it will also be your responsibility to improve the discipline of our band. Be sure you have a positive attitude. It is very difficult to remain in the right frame of mind after many hours of rehearsing, but this is called discipline. With a complex program such as marching band, the director cannot waste time on discipline problems. The following rules serve as only a few guidelines that will help our program rum more efficiently: Refer to the St. Mary s County Public School s Code of Student Conduct (Handbook) No gum, ever! Inappropriate language or references will not be tolerated Your instrument is your responsibility. Make sure it is in proper playing order and clean before you arrive. No running in your uniform 5

No displays of public affection are permitted Remember you are representing your band and school at all times No one is permitted it play someone else s instrument or guard equipment Make sure your instrument is stored properly in your assigned locker Discipline The nature of marching band requires us to be extremely organized. We never have quite enough rehearsal or performance time and it is difficult for us to progress to our full potential unless everyone is on the same page as far as expectations and rules. Occasionally, a student challenges the rules or expectations for marching band members. Like all aspects of marching band, there is a structure for dealing with this. It is the section leader s responsibility to try to keep everything in their section in good working order and under control. Insubordination will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Students who are not following the rules or who are having problems understanding the chain of command will be punished immediately. If any situation cannot be resolved by the student leaders, they are to notify the director of the problem immediately. We have to be in good shape to be a successful marching band, so laps around the field and push-ups may be assigned as a disciplinary measure. Hopefully, this will be rare. Grading and Attendance Marching Band is unique in that it is a co-curricular activity. Each student is enrolled in the marching band as a class even though it meets outside of the school day. For this reason, evening and afternoon rehearsals are not optional. Imagine a field formation that is missing five members or listening to music without the 1 st trumpet part and you can understand why it is important. Any unexcused absence from a performance may result in a failing grade. Grading Policy HAC-Process 30% Field Participation Students can earn up to 5 points per class toward their participation grade (Present on time to rehearsal (2), proper materials (1), and positive participation/rehearsal etiquette). Students with an excused absence (illness with medical note, athletic event, etc.) will receive 3 points for the day. HAC-Product 70% Performances Performances are designed to show comprehension/application and can include: Competitions, Concerts, Parades, Football Games, and Community Events. Attendance Students will receive a daily attendance grade (5 points). Please see attendance policy for questions regarding excused/unexcused absences. Performance Policy All performances are mandatory. No exceptions will be made for sports, extra-curricular activities, or doctor s appointments. If a student is absent and presents a note citing one of the excuses for absenteeism in the St. Mary s County Public School s Handbook, they will be required to complete an assignment determined by the director. When is an Absence Excused? All authorized absences must be approved in writing and in advance of the event by at least TWO (2) WEEKS. Please refer to the St. Mary s County Public School s Student Handbook for examples of legal excused absences. Only in emergency situations may notes be submitted after the absence has occurred. In 6

this case, the director must be notified within five (5) days of the student s return to school. If notification has not been received, the absence will automatically become unexcused. Good communication is the key to assuring that no unfortunate circumstances arise with regard to attendance. Communicating a potential conflict with any one event is the responsibility of the student. CONTACT MUST BE MADE WITH THE DIRECTOR PRIOR TO THE EVENT BY A WRITTEN NOTE FROM THE PARENT. A note will not be accepted after the fact. Dates are made far in advance and students are expected to make necessary arrangements. The following are examples of excuses that are unacceptable: I already know my part, I don t have to come. I get out of practice at 5:30, I needed to go home and eat. I could not get a ride. Sports practice ends at 6:00 and I can t be two places at once. I had driver s ed. Uniforms/Uniform Check-Out Our Marching Band uniforms are excellent condition and must remain that way. Each student will be assigned a uniform, uniform bag, and uniform number. Once checked-out, the student becomes solely responsible for their uniform. It must remain stored in the correctly numbered uniform bag. Do not cut the uniform pants. They are to be hemmed with a needle and thread only using a basting stitch. The student will be responsible for any damage done to the uniform. The full uniform consists of: Bibbers (Pants) Jacket with Baldric (Silver insert on front of jacket) Hat Plume Gauntlets BLACK socks (not provided) BLACK Under Armor type shirt (worn under the jacket and not provided) The following items are required and are purchased by the student. Orders will be taken in August and payment must be made prior to the order being placed. Show t-shirt Black marching shoes (if needed) The following items are not uniform appropriate: Colored socks Ankle socks Sneakers Heavy makeup Jewelry/watches/earrings Finger nail polish (clear is acceptable) Uniform Use While in uniform, there will be no eating of messy foods (mustard, ketchup, pizza, sugared drinks, candy, chocolate, etc.). Remember, any time we are in uniform, we are representing the band, school, and community. We should take pride in that fact. You will always stay in uniform unless told to do otherwise by a director or drum major. Make sure that your actions anytime (but especially while in uniform) reflect our band program and the attitude that is expected of you as a member. Everyone is expected to put their uniform away properly! Uniforms go in the assigned bag and are hung on the appropriate rack in numerical order. Hats go in the assigned box. Never leave a wet or sweaty uniform in a bag or hat-box to mildew. If necessary, leave a bag unzipped to air out, or take other actions to ensure that our uniforms will stay in great shape for many years. 7

If you are ever missing any component of your uniform, instrument, or other equipment, you will not be allowed to march. Be responsible! Once checked-out, the uniform is solely the student s responsibility. By being a member of the band, each student accepts full responsibility for their uniforms. Students who forget black socks, shoes, and gloves for performances will be charged the following: $5 for socks/gloves and $5 for shoes. Additionally, the student will receive a zero for that day s participation grade. Private Lessons Private lessons are strongly recommended, as we will eventually be performing advanced high school and college level music. Many of the music stores in the area have private instructors. Do not be afraid to ask me for extra help during the day. The importance of studying privately cannot be stressed enough! You have all been playing for many years and are all very talented, but in order to take your playing to new levels, you must seek guidance from professionals. Professionalism Always arrive early to every rehearsal. If it is a rehearsal during the school day, be in your seats, ready to go within two minutes of the bell. Check the board to see what we are rehearsing and begin to warm up your instrument. Percussionists should use this time to set up for the pieces being rehearsed. Rehearsal time is to be used to fit your prepared parts with the rest of the ensemble. Let us use our time wisely as a group. Instrument Lockers Every student will be assigned a locker where they will be permitted to keep their instrument and accessories. No books, food, or anything else should be kept in your instrumental locker. It is the responsibility of every student using a locker to supply their own lock. You may not use instrument storage room until you have provided a lock. You must supply your own lock by the end of the second week of school. Required Materials Woodwinds: 1. Four working reeds of professional quality (Vandoren, Mitchell Lurie, et c. with a strength of 3-4). NO Ricos! Students must keep their reeds in hard plastic case. 2. A tuner AND metronome. 3. Swab for cleaning your instrument. 4. ALL music (provided by director) and binder with sheet protectors 5. Pencil. Brass 1. Mouthpiece/Mouthpiece Cleaner. 2. A tuner AND metronome. 3. Valve/Slide oil. 4. Cleaning kit 5. ALL music (provided by director) and binder with sheet protectors 6. Pencil 8

Percussion (ALL percussionists are expected to provide his/her own sticks/mallets for the instruments utilized in rehearsal and performances. They will be kept in a stick bag provided by the student.): 1. Snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD-1). 2. Marimba mallets (Vic Firth M03 Yarn Mallets). 3. Bell mallets. 4. Xylophone mallets (Vic Firth M133 Mallets). 5. Timpani mallets (Vic Firth T1). 6. A tuner AND metronome. 7. Drum key (optional) 8. Tuner or pitch pipe for tympani. 9. ALL music (provided by director) and binder with sheet protectors 10. Pencil. 11. Stick/Mallet bag. Clarinet: 1. Mouthpiece: Vandoren B45 Traditional Model 2. Ligature: Rovner Dark or Bonade Inverted Saxophone: 1. Mouthpiece: Selmer Paris S80 C* or Meyer Hard Rubber 5M 2. Ligature: Rovner Dark Trumpet: 1. Mouthpiece: Bach 3C, Schilke 9, or Yamaha 11 are good places to start. Try a bunch at a music store. 2. Mutes: Tom Crown Aluminum or Copper Straight Mute French Horn: 1. Mouthpiece: Schilke 30 or Holton-Farkas Medium Cup Trombone: 1. Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2AL or 5G Mouthpiece or Larger (No 12C s!!) Tuba: 1. Mouthpiece: UMI Helleberg or Miraphone Rose Orchestra Percussion - See required materials. Band Contract Remember, you are representing your school and every member of the Chopticon High School Band Program; Past, Present, and Future! In order to be sure that we are all communicating accurately, you are asked to complete the registration process through FamilyID https://www.familyid.com/programs/2016-17-chopticon-high-school-band. Please read the manual with special attention to: band calendar, rehearsal, concert, and grading policies... 9

Band Calendar Every effort is made to keep parents, students, and staff members updated of all events well in advance. With this manual, you will receive a calendar listing all events for the Fall Semester. Please make notes of performance, rehearsal, and due dates. I will make every effort to notify parent(s)/guardian(s) and students of any changes to the calendar at least two weeks in advance. However, as a high school band program, we are often asked to perform/rehearse at a moment s notice. Hopefully, those situations will be few and far between. 2016-17 Chopticon MARCHING BAND Performance Fees Performance Fee $250.00 Performance fee for all marching band participants including guard. This fee includes dry cleaning of uniform/guard parade uniform, one pair of gloves, and one show shirt. These funds help pay for show music, show design, entry fees, props, additional instructors to improve performance, repair/replacement of uniform pieces and other necessary expenses. Percussionists/Guard $ 50.00 Additional Fee - Covers use of instruments/equipment and maintenance of equipment and supplies Students who do not own an Instrument may be charged a rental fee. Please contact the band director for more information. Marching Band shoe orders will be taken during the first week of band camp for students who need marching band shoes. Shoes cost approximately $35. A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $100.00 IS DUE BY JUNE 10 TO ENSURE A SPOT IN THE ENSEMBLE. Students with outstanding fees will be placed on the school debt list or may result in the student being ineligible for performance or participate in other activities. At the discretion of the director, special arrangements may be made for families undergoing economic hardship. Payments should be deposited in the 801 account in the school bank. Please include the student s name on the memo line as well. Checks should be made out to Chopticon High School and deposited in the 801 account in the school bank. All fees or other money collected are absolutely non-refundable, regardless of the participation status of the student. 10

2016 Camp Schedule Please remember to bring the following: WATER, Sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, lunch, music, instrument and associated pieces. You may also want to wear a hat. It will be hot and you will be outside. Pre-Camp Monday, 7/18-Thursday, 7/21: 8:00 am-1:00 pm Camp Hours 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday, August 1 Tuesday, August 2 Wednesday, August 3 (DCI in Annapolis) Thursday, August 4 Friday, August 5 - Off Monday, August 8 - Off Tuesday, August 9 Wednesday, August 10 Thursday, August 11 Friday, August 12 Monday, August 15 - Off Tuesday, August 16-8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17-8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18-5:00-9:00 p.m. Friday, August 19-5:00-9:00 p.m. Stay in the loop and sign up for the Marching Band Remind service Both students and parents may join. Ms. Lynn will send text reminders and other information using this service. To join, go to this link:www.remind.com Or text to 8010 and type in @marchchs Follow us on Twitter at @ChopticonBands and the school site which is @CHSBraves Monday, August 22-5:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesday. August 23 - Off Wednesday, August 24 - School Begins, Sectionals, Winds 3-5 p.m., Percussion, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Guard - Off Thursday, August 25-3 - 6 p.m. Practice Friday, August 26-3 - 6 p.m. Practice Weekly practice schedule once school starts Monday: Guard Sectionals, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday: Sectionals, Winds 3-5 (as necessary), Percussion, 4:30-6:30, Guard, Off Thursday: 3-6 p.m. Friday: 3-6 p.m. (or football game) 11

9/9 Football Game 9/10 Great Mills HS 9/17 Northern HS 9/23 Fair Parade Fall Events - 2016 (Subject to change) 9/24 CCIS Travel Northern Virginia Regional 9/30 Football Game 10/1 Marine Corps Invitational 10/2 Blessing of the Fleet Parade 10/8 Chopticon HS (Home Show) 10/14 Football Game (Homecoming) 10/15 Reservoir 10/21 Football Game 10/22 Broadneck/Severna Park High Schools 10/28 Football Game 10/29 MD State Championship 11/5 Mid-Atlantic Championships Prelims 11/11 Veteran s Day Parade 11/12 National Championship at Metlife Stadium Practices are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:00 6:00 p.m. Sectionals are held on Wednesdays for Winds from 3:00 5:00 p.m. (depending on need) and for Percussion from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Guard will practice on Mondays from 4:30 6:30 p.m. with no practice on Wednesdays This schedule may be subject to change based on weather or other schedule changes More information on competition sites may be found on this site: http://trigonroad.com/yea/schedule.cfm The school and band calendars may be found by clicking on the calendar icon on the top left of the home page of the Chopticon website. http://schools.smcps.org/chs/ 12