The Pride of Quaker Valley High School Marching Band Handbook 2015-16: The 60 th Season
MISSION STATEMENT It is our mission as the Quaker Valley High School Marching Band to enthusiastically and consistently strive for the utmost effort from everyone in creating an everhigher standard of musicianship. We achieve this by fostering a welcoming, helpful atmosphere of selfmotivation, respect and pride. We have pride in ourselves, our band, our school and our community. CONTENTS Purpose................................................ 3 Organizational Philosophy................................ 3 Chain of Command...................................... 4 Selection of Officers...................................... 4 Grading................................................ 5 Attendance Policy Excused and Unexcused Absences.................... 7 How to Excuse an Absence........................... 8 Camp Attendance, Tardiness, Schedule Changes & Consequences...................................... 9 Behavior Policy......................................... 10 Rules and Guidelines in the Football Stands................. 10 Instruments and Equipment.............................. 12 Performance Policy...................................... 13 Travel/Transportation Policy Bus Rules......................................... 14 Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up.............................15 Uniforms Needed Items...................................... 15 Hat Info, Jacket and Pants Info...................... 16 Accessories Gloves, Shoes, Socks, Raincoats, Garment Bags.... 18 Miscellaneous Uniform Info.......................... 19 Practice Attire/Equipment........................... 20 Staff Discretion......................................... 21 Medical and Other Forms................................. 21 2
PURPOSE The Quaker Valley High School Marching Band Handbook creates a structure for all events and activities related to the Quaker Valley High School Marching Band. This handbook is an extension of the Quaker Valley School District Student Handbook and was written to inform band members and their families of the responsibilities of membership in this organization. Students and parents should be familiar with this handbook and consult it as the primary source of regulations and procedures of the Quaker Valley High School Marching Band. ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Marching Band is a co-curricular activity for students in grades 9-12. The Marching Band allows students who play a band instrument an opportunity to perform a wide variety of music, in many public performances, and to serve the Quaker Valley community through music. Members of the Guard provide a visual enhancement aspect to the musical performances. The term Marching Band is inclusive of the band proper, drumline, pit (if existing) and Guard. The Marching Band performs at all Quaker Valley varsity football games (including any and all postseason play), local band festivals, community parades and events, school pep rallies and other school events, and Kennywood s Fall Fantasy Parade. The Quaker Valley High School Marching Band uses a hybrid of marching techniques found in both traditional Big-10 style bands and modern drum corps style bands. The mixed marching style currently used reflects both the old and new music and marching traditions established in the organization throughout its 59-year history. 3
CHAIN OF COMMAND In addition to staff, students are expected to respect and follow the guidance of the designated student officers. Depending on instrument/section, students report to a Captain or Captains, who in turn report to the Drum Major. Students may address issues with the Band Director and Staff at any time, but are encouraged to work within their peer chain of command first. Whenever a student has a conflict with their Captain or Drum Major, it should be taken directly to the Band Director or other member of the Band Staff. Student officers do not have authority beyond what is granted to them by the Band Director and Staff. Chaperones are to be respected as adult authority figures at all times. However, chaperones are not to be relied upon for completion of band members responsibilities (examples include loading and unloading of the band trailer, cleaning of garbage from the stands, uniform care issues, etc.). Chaperones do not have authority beyond what is granted to them by the Band Director and Staff. The Band Staff is to be respected as adult authority figures at all times. Members of the Band Staff have the final say in all matters related to the Marching Band. The Band Director and members of the Band Staff are the only people who can grant permission to leave the premises of the band room or stands, to be excused from rehearsal, to use electronic devices, etc. SELECTION OF OFFICERS The Drum Major and Captains are the designated student leadership in our organization. They will be selected by the Band Director with appropriate input from Band Staff, other teachers and administration. These officer positions require significant extra time and effort including weekly officer meetings and leadership assignments that will count toward the officers band grade. 4
The Drum Major and Captains will be held to a higher standard of attendance, academic performance in their other classes, behavior and musical excellence. Officers who are unable to maintain the criterion will meet with the Band Director and/or Band Staff for a performance review. If the overall performance of the officer does not improve after the review, the officer may be removed from the position or subject to remediation. Captains are selected in late spring, at which time more specific information is given about the interview/audition process. Students who are interested in being selected as the following year s Drum Major must indicate this personally to the Band Director and Band Staff by the end of the week at Band Camp. Drum Major candidates will be watched throughout the season, will be interviewed after the completion of the season, and a new Drum Major will be announced the following spring. GRADING Students in the Quaker Valley High School Marching Band who are also in the High School Concert Band receive academic credit for their participation in the ensemble. Details of grading for these students (designated Honors Band students) can be found in the class syllabus for band. Students who are exclusively in Marching Band, but not in Concert Band, are graded as way of assessing their performance and standing in the group. These grades however, while visible in PowerSchool, do not count for academic credit. Grades for performances and rehearsals are given based upon execution, preparedness, and conduct. All scheduled performances and rehearsals, including those that occur over the summer and those that take place on weekends, will be graded and are mandatory. Regular rehearsals take place after school on Fridays, but extra rehearsals may be scheduled as necessary for special performances (such as weekend performances and parades), and/or whenever it is determined by the Band Staff that extra rehearsal time is needed. These rehearsals will also be mandatory. 5
Instruments, uniforms and lockers will be checked periodically. Instruments (whether owned by the school or not) are to be well maintained: Brass instruments should be properly lubricated so that all slides and valves move freely. Mouthpieces should be periodically cleaned. Wind instruments should be swabbed, corks, pads and springs should be in good condition, and issues with loose or missing screws should be addressed. Mouthpieces should be periodically cleaned. Reed players are expected to have and use reeds that are free from cracks and chips. It is recommended that reed players keep a rotation of at least three acceptable reeds. Percussionists should be playing with sticks or mallets in acceptable condition and drums, harnesses and cases should be handled with care. All instruments should be properly cased and stored when not in use. Uniforms are to be kept in excellent condition. See section on uniforms starting on page 15. Band lockers are to be used for instruments and music only so that lockers may be kept clean and be kept from unnecessary wear and tear. Those who abuse this policy will lose locker privileges. Most Marching Band grades take place during the first trimester of the school year. Students who are not also in Concert Band will have Marching Band grades that take place after the first trimester is over. These grades will be applied retroactively. 6
ATTENDANCE POLICY Student attendance at all rehearsals and performances is essential to maintain the highest possible standards. Unlike many other activities, in Marching Band, every student is essential to the success of the entire group at all times. Therefore, all scheduled rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Apart from how important attendance is to our success, attendance is also taken very seriously to justify the academic credit Marching Band students receive for their commitment to and fulfillment of their responsibilities to the organization. When there are conflicts between Marching Band and another schoolrelated activity, the band member must attend at least half of the scheduled rehearsal time for that week to be permitted to perform. It is the responsibility of each individual student to fulfill his or her rehearsal commitments. Failure to do so may negatively affect a student s Marching Band grade. EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: In general, absences that would legally excuse a student from a day of school will qualify as an excused absence, and absences that would not excuse a student from a day of school will not be excused. The following will be considered specific excusable absences: Illness that warrants a student missing school Once-in-a-lifetime family events: emergency, death in family, funeral, wedding, etc. Vacation (not excusable for Band Camp students who cannot attend Band Camp in its entirety cannot be in the Marching Band) Extenuating circumstances with sports or special academic events that directly conflict (missing a Friday night performance because of an early Saturday morning commitment will not be excused) and have been cleared with the Band Director at least two weeks in advance. 7
The following will not be excused: Work SAT s & ACT s (There are plenty of available dates to do this throughout the school year. Do not schedule SAT s or ACT s on a day you have a Marching Band commitment.) Regular sports practice Homework/classwork issues Birthday parties, picnics, etc. Any absences that fall outside of the examples above will be at the discretion of the Band Director and Band Staff. HOW TO EXCUSE AN ABSENCE: If a student must miss a scheduled event, excused absence is granted only with prior notification by filling out a pink slip, found outside the Band Director s office door. At least two weeks of lead-time is required for an absence to be eligible to be excused, but it is preferred that students work out their absences as soon as they know a conflict exists so that the Band Staff may plan accordingly. Simply turning in an excusal request on time does not guarantee it will be excused if it does not meet the criteria for excusable absences. In the case of illness or emergency, a signed note from a parent/guardian or e-mail verifying the reason for the absence should be submitted to the Band Director by the next attended rehearsal/performance to be considered for excusal. In the case of extended illness and/or injury, a doctor s note should be provided as soon as possible to the school nurse. With the exception of circumstances where it is acknowledged that students may not have access to excusal forms (such as over the summer or sudden illness), students are solely responsible for excusing their own absences through the procedure outlined above. Parent e-mails and phone calls requesting excusals will not be considered. It is a reasonable expectation that high school-aged students be personally responsible for their schedule and for managing their commitments and responsibilities. 8
PRE-CAMP AND BAND CAMP ATTENDANCE: Attendance at all Pre-Camp and Band Camp activities is mandatory for all students in the program. With little exception, students who cannot make this two-week commitment will be unable to participate in the Marching Band, and members of the organization are expected to make summer arrangements around these activities. Dates for Pre-Camp and Band Camp are given months in advance. TARDINESS: A student will be considered tardy if they are not present at the specified scheduled report time. Examples of report times are meal, field and rehearsal report times at band camp, lineup report times for departure to the field and/or buses, 3 rd quarter report times at football games, etc. Tardiness will lead to a lower grade for a rehearsal or performance. Given times are not the time students are simply expected to show up start times are the times that students are expected to be ready to start working. To be on time is to be late. To be early is to be on time. To be late is not acceptable. SCHEDULE CHANGES: In the event that a change is made to a scheduled performance or rehearsal, students are expected to make every effort to adapt to the change. When ample notice of the change is given to students and families, the attendance policy regarding excused and unexcused absences will still apply. If the scheduling change is sudden in nature and ample notice is not possible, the attendance policy will be adjusted appropriately at the discretion of the Band Director. Schedule changes on short notice are expected in the event of post-season football play. However, dates for postseason play are on the calendar well in advance students must be free on those nights until it is confirmed that we are out of postseason play. CONSEQUENCES: An unexcused absence equates to a student forfeiting full credit or the missed event. In addition, at the discretion of the Band Director and staff, students who have an unexcused absence from a scheduled practice or performance may be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled performance. Students will be expected to attend the event in full uniform and perform with the band in the stands, but not in the pre-game or halftime activities. In this case, only partial credit will be given. 9
BEHAVIOR POLICY The members of the Pride of Quaker Valley Marching Band are expected to treat other band members, teachers, parents and any other persons or property with the utmost respect. Band members are expected to follow all Quaker Valley School District policies. These policies can be found in the Quaker Valley School District Student Handbook. Band-specific issues that may negatively affect a student s grade include tampering with another student s uniform, instrument or other personal belongings, failure to clean up after yourself, failure to properly care for the uniform or other uniform infractions, failure to properly care for your instrument, leaving the premises of the music suite without permission, leaving the premises of the football stands without permission, use of cell phone/other electronics without permission, etc. Conduct, especially when wearing the uniform, is expected to be exemplary at all times. The Quaker Valley High School Marching Band is one of the school district s most visible representations of our music program, our student body, our school and our community. The Marching Band strives to represent the best of what our music program, student body, school and community has to offer accordingly, violations of the behavior policy will be taken very seriously. RULES AND GUIDELINES IN THE FOOTBALL STANDS 1. All Band and Guard members are to sit with their sections in the stands at all times unless otherwise directed. 2. Cell phones and/or other electronic devices may not be used at any time unless a student has expressed permission from the Band Director or other Band Staff member. 10
3. The 3 rd quarter of the game is the designated time to use the restroom and to have a snack and water (provided). Every student will receive water upon completion of the halftime show Students who do not need to use the restroom will receive a snack. Students who need to use the restroom at this time will receive their snack only after they have returned from the restroom. o Students are not to pocket snacks, or take more than their allotment. o Restroom trips should be as limited as possible. When needing to use the restroom, students must travel with at least one other person at home games and/or must travel with a chaperone at away games and festivals. During the 3 rd quarter, Officers will greet representatives from the other band after receiving their snack. Officers need to return to the stands by 3:00 left on the clock. The stands must be completely free of snacks, water and garbage by 2:00 left on the game clock. Abuse of the 3 rd quarter policy will eliminate snacks. 4. Uniforms are to be worn and worn properly at all times. Improper wearing of the uniform is disrespectful and gives a bad impression. Hats and/or jackets are only removed if announced by the Band Director, band staff member or Drum Major (with the Band Director s permission). 5. Guard members are to sit as a group and stand whenever the Band plays. Band members are to stand when they play (except for percussion). 6. All Band and Guard members are to immediately stand and come to attention when it is noticed that a player on the field has sustained an injury that requires the game to stop. All Band and Guard members will stand at either attention or parade rest while another band is performing during football games (this is not necessary at festivals). We have an obligation to lead and set the tone for good sportsmanship at these events that is an obligation students are expected to take seriously. 11
7. Family and friends of Band and Guard members are not permitted in the band stands at any time for any reason, unless they are approved chaperones for that evening. A family member or friend who needs to see a band member during the game or festival should approach the Band Director or member of the band staff. 8. Band and Guard students are not permitted to leave the stands for any reason unless excused by a member of the Band Staff NOT a Captain, Drum Major or Chaperone! INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT 1. Instruments and equipment are expensive and fragile. Everything should be handled with care and respect. 2. Students are responsible for loading and unloading their own equipment. All Band and Guard members are expected to help with loading and unloading. The percussion section is responsible for coordinating loading and unloading efforts. 3. Within reason, students should not be handling instruments or equipment that does not belong to them. 4. Students will be assigned school-owned instruments and guard equipment as necessary, and will be held financially responsible for damage to school-owned property beyond normal wear and tear, or if the damage to the property is determined to be intentional. 12
PERFORMANCE POLICY Five minutes prior to a performance or to boarding buses, students should report to their respective Captain for roll call and inspection. Students may be asked to sit out a performance (and consequently lose credit) after inspection for any of the following reasons: 1. Wearing the uniform in an inappropriate manner 2. The uniform looks unkempt, stained or wrinkled due to poor care 3. Shoes are not properly cleaned and polished 4. Long hair is not tucked into the band hat 5. Failure to remove all visible jewelry 6. Inability to satisfactorily perform aspects of the drill, music or routine 7. Cannot stay in step for extended periods of time 8. Behavior infractions 9. Do not have instrument or instrument component(s), music, all uniform items, or another item needed to perform 10. Chewing gum 11. Failure to complete and return medical forms or other requested information 12. Unprepared due to extended absences 13. Missing rehearsal prior to a performance 13
TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION POLICY Students are expected to travel with the Band to and from all activities. In an event that both the Band Director and parent/guardian agree that it is necessary to drive a student to and/or from a band activity where group transportation is provided, the following will apply: 1. Prior written notification must be received and approved by the Band Director. 2. Students will only be permitted to leave with parents/guardians or an adult authorized by the parents/guardians. The Band Director or band staff member MUST see the student leave with the parents/guardians. BUS RULES 1. Students are to ride their assigned bus. 2. No foul language or loud behavior will be tolerated on the bus. Topics for conversation must be school appropriate. 3. No PDA. 4. Students are allowed to listen to music if they use headphones no external speakers are permitted. 5. Students are responsible for leaving the bus clean. 14
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP Where applicable, times for drop-off and pick-up are posted on the band calendar on www.qvsdmusic.com, are texted out via group text, and are posted on the band Twitter feed, @QVHSMusic. In addition, students are instructed to text or call parents/guardians upon the completion of an event for accurate and timely pickup times. With all of this information available, it is a reasonable expectation that parents/guardians ensure that their student is picked up in a timely manner. Students will be counted as tardy if they are dropped off late to the specified arrival time and this may negatively affect their grade. Students are not dismissed until their uniform and equipment are properly stored and the music suite is cleaned and straightened. Students who leave prior to fulfilling these responsibilities may have it negatively affect their grade. UNIFORMS All band students will need the following items: 1. Plain or QV white t-shirts and/or show shirts (issued) 2. Black shorts (purchase) 3. Black socks (purchase) 4. Black marching shoes or Guard shoes (purchase) 5. Black marching gloves (purchase if your section requires it) 6. Uniform garment bag (issued) 7. Band jacket and pants (issued) 8. Raincoat and raincoat bag (issued) 9. Hat and hat box (issued) Guard members may be required to purchase extra personal items (leotards, jazz pants, etc.) as part of their uniform. 15
HAT The hat is to be worn as follows: 1. Long hair is neatly arranged so that it fits up inside the hat 2. The brim of the hat is level with the eyebrows 3. The chin strap should rest on the chin The hat is to be cared for as follows: 1. Treat the hat with special care when pluming or depluming. The top of the plume (non-metal end) must enter and exit the plume tube first. 2. If the hat becomes wet, dry it before placing it back in the hat box. 3. The hat box is to be placed in the proper position on the storage shelves in the uniform room. JACKET AND PANTS The jacket is to be worn and cared for as follows: 1. The jacket is to be fully zipped up the back and hooked shut at the collar unless the Band Director, other band staff member or Drum Major has given permission to remove the jackets in warm weather. All band members will do the same either everyone will wear the jacket, or everyone will have the jacket removed. At no point should the pants be unzipped or shoulder straps taken off. 2. Always wear a plain or QV white t-shirt, or the show shirt under the jacket at the beginning of the season. If any students are wearing any other type of shirt under the jacket, permission will not be given to remove the jackets even in warm weather. 16
3. In cold weather, long sleeved t-shirts, thermals, sweatshirts, under-armor, etc. will be permitted, as the uniform jacket will not be removed throughout the event. Hooded sweatshirts, or any other shirt that protrudes or extends past the jacket are not permitted. 4. When hanging the jacket, the collar should be clasped to prevent the jacket from falling off the hanger. The pants are to be worn and cared for as follows: 1. Pants should be adjusted so that the bottoms of the pants are long enough to touch the tops of the shoes. The pants should not be long enough to drag on the ground, or short enough to expose the ankles. 2. Shorts, long underwear, sweatpants or thermals may be worn under the pants, but they should not at all be visible when you move, stand still or mark time. Jeans are not permitted under the uniform under any circumstances. 3. When hanging the pants, hold the pants at the cuffs to locate the creases--pull the legs of the pants through the hanger while keeping pressure on the fabric in order to keep the creases. When hanging both the jacket and the pants in the uniform garment bag, leave the zipper open on the bag so that the uniforms may air out/dry. 17
UNIFORM ACCESSORIES The gloves are to be worn as follows: 1. All sections wear black gloves (except for Guard, and percussion if the section chooses to go without them). The recommended gloves have grips to prevent instrument slipping and are extra long so that no skin is shown between the uniform jacket and gloved hand. 2. Flutes and clarinets should cut off the tips of the band gloves. 3. Gloves should be clean before a performance. 4. It is a good idea to carry extra gloves as they are lost easily and do not dry out quickly when wet. Shoes and socks are to be worn and cared for as follows: 1. STUDENTS SHOULD PUT THEIR NAMES INSIDE THEIR SHOES. 2. No other shoes but marching shoes are acceptable for performances. 3. Shoes must be cleaned and polished (if necessary) before every performance. 4. Plain black socks that fully cover the ankles must be worn with the uniform. It is suggested that marching shoes, extra black socks and marching gloves be stored in a plastic bag to be placed inside the uniform garment bag. 18
Raincoats and garment bag information: 1. Students will be issued a raincoat, raincoat bag and garment bag. 2. The garment bag is for proper storage of the uniform only and is not to be used for any other reason (storing instrument accessories, storing music, electronic devices, etc.). 3. If the raincoat becomes wet, wipe off excess water, hang it and allow it to dry completely before placing back in the raincoat bag. 4. Raincoats are not brought to every event it is announced when raincoats are needed. As with the uniform jacket, all band members will do the same either everyone will wear the raincoat, or everyone will have it removed. MISCELLANEOUS UNIFORM INFORMATION 1. Students are not permitted to eat or drink in uniform other than the refreshments that are provided and/or when permission is granted. 2. Do not bring valuables, even on the bus (the buses cannot be locked). This includes music players and other electronic devices (gaming systems, etc.). Cell phones are allowed to be in the possession of students, but may only be used when granted permission by the Band Director or other band staff member. 3. Students are assigned a uniform at the beginning of the season and are expected to return the uniform in the same good condition as when it was received. Any damaged uniform piece beyond reasonable wear will be replaced at the student s expense. 19
4. Tasteful sunglasses with all-metal or all-black frames that do not distract from and/or clash with the uniform may be worn in the stands and in parades, but not during field performances. 5. When the weather is expected to be very cold, such as in postseason play, the following personal accessories are permitted: Heavy gloves all-black only o The gloves cannot interfere with a student s ability to play their instrument o Hand warmers may be used inside the gloves provided they do not interfere with a student s ability to play their instrument Ear muffs all-black only Toboggan hat all-black only Scarves all-black only 6. Jewelry is fine so long as it does not distract from the uniform. The Band Staff may ask for jewelry that is clearly distinguishable (ex. large hoop earrings, bracelets) to be removed. 7. Glitter and/or glitter makeup is not permitted. PRACTICE ATTIRE/EQUIPMENT 1. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. In order to do so, you must CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST. 2. Have rain gear. Rehearsal can and will take place in the rain. 3. Wear socks and OLD tennis shoes (new tennis shoes will increase the likelihood of getting blisters when marching). Sandals, flip-flops, crocs, boots, etc. are not permitted and will result in a deduction of preparedness points. Barefoot marching is not permitted. 4. Use sunscreen, and UV lip balm/chap-stick. 20
5. Use sunglasses and a hat. 6. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing 7. Hydrate. Have a refillable water bottle with you. Hydration breaks in rehearsal are not optional. 8. At camp, wearing spandex shorts under regular shorts can prevent skin irritation. 9. Later in the season, plan to wear clothing under the uniform that will keep you warm as described previously. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you will be comfortable given the weather conditions. STAFF DISCRETION Any policies not covered by this handbook will be determined at the discretion of the Band Director and Band Staff. MEDICAL AND OTHER FORMS Marching Band is a physical activity and also involves extensive travel to areas away from school. ALL students must have a completed medical history and emergency medical release form on file before they will be permitted to participate. Hard copies of the medical forms as well as the electronic submission of the Preferred Contact Information/Contract forms must be completed and turned in to the Band Director before students will be allowed to participate in any band events. 21