Greenville Trojan Marching Band

Greenville Trojan Marching Band Mr. Cody Ortz - Director Greenville Jr./Sr. High School 9 Donation Road Greenville, PA 16125 2017-2018 Handbook Revised April 2017

1. Code of Conduct Welcome to the 2017 Greenville High School Marching Band! In order for our band/band front to meet high musical and marching standards, the cooperation of everyone is essential. Our expectations for all band/band front members are to follow the rules, cooperate, and show respect to everyone involved in the program. As always, we expect our students to put the highest quality performance on the field in every aspect. As a reminder, here is the Greenville High School Band/Band front Code of Conduct Band/Band front responsibilities: Attend all performances and rehearsals the schedule will be finalized during band camp. o For any absence, notify the director AND the appropriate advisor ASAP throughout the season Be prepared for and on time to every performance and rehearsal. Show respect to all band members, band boosters, band staff and the band director at all times. o This also extends to showing respect for the facilities, equipment and uniforms (including proper cleaning care and hanging). Follow all school rules outlined in the Greenville student handbook. Have proper music, equipment, and/or instrument at all appropriate rehearsals and performances. Cooperate fully with the directors, chaperones, and student leaders. Follow all policies found in the Greenville Student Handbook. Band/Band front members who do not follow the Code of Conduct could: Have privileges revoked; this includes 3 rd quarter break 1, leadership opportunities, solos/features, etc. Be benched for performances attendance and dressing in uniform still required (also benched 3 rd Quarter) Be removed from the group for the remainder of the season o If for some reason a band/band front member is sent home from band camp or another band activity due to poor behavior, it may lead to a permanent removal from the group o A student will be immediately expelled from the band/band front for tobacco, alcohol, or drug use prior to or during any band function; likewise, the student will be turned into the school administration for disciplinary measures through the school **All consequences are at the final discretion of the director** and will be reflective of any conflicts with this Code of Conduct 1 Student is allowed to have another student buy them food. They are also allowed to use the restroom whenever they need to, as long as they let their advisor know. Barring any extenuating circumstances (ie. Medical, family, etc.) the student should not leave the stands when they are benched. 1

2. Attendance Policy General Information: Attached you will find a band schedule. While this schedule is subject to change, please make arrangements NOW for everything listed on this schedule. Attendance WILL be taken at all rehearsals and events, as attendance is mandatory. All members will be at band camp rehearsals and rehearsals during the school year for the entire scheduled time. Band Camp is MANDATORY for all students in order to march this season. If you cannot attend the minimum number of band camp days, you must see Mr. Ortz ASAP. (You can miss a total of 2 days of band camp and a total of 1 day of basics camp.) If you play a sport, you must let Mr. Ortz and any appropriate band staff members know ASAP. o It is the student s responsibility to supply the band director with a list of all potential scheduling conflicts as soon as they are known. o We will arrange with your coaches when you will come to band rehearsals and when you will go to your other commitments. o You will not miss a game/match because of band rehearsal and you will not miss a band performance for a sports practice. o If you were approved to miss rehearsal because of a practice/game and that practice/game ends early or is cancelled, you are expected to be at band rehearsal that day. Example: if soccer practice is from 3:00-4:30, and band is from 3:00-5:15, you will be at band rehearsal from 4:30-5:15. If soccer is cancelled, you will be at band 3:00-5:15. If you choose not to attend band rehearsal after practice, it will count as an unexcused absence and the appropriate consequences will follow. Absence Policy: Sometimes there may be a reason to be absent. All excuses must be filled out on a Band Excuse Form. The excuse form must be turned in to both the director and appropriate advisor (if applicable) one week before the day that you need to miss. Failure to use a Band Excuse Form will result in benching for the following performance. Recurring unexcused absences will result in removal from the group. The Band Excuse Form can be found outside Mr. Ortz's office they are the yellow forms Work is NOT an acceptable excuse for missing a rehearsal or performance; because the schedule is given for the entirety of the season, it is the student s responsibility to arrange their work schedule around school functions Likewise, homework is also NOT an acceptable excuse for missing a rehearsal or performance. Arrange your schedules according to your commitments. Attendance Violations: 1 st Violation no 3 rd quarter break (students will be permitted to eat, however they must stay in the stands for the entirety of the 3 rd quarter) 2 nd Violation no 3 rd quarter break and student will not perform at halftime 3 rd Violation no 3 rd quarter break, student will not perform at halftime, and student will meet with Mr. Ortz to determine if the student will remain in the band. **All other attendance issues will be handled at the discretion of the director** 2

3. Uniforms Full Uniform: o Hat/Plume o Uniform Jacket o Uniform Pants o White Marching Shoes/Socks Summer Uniforms: o Band Polo Shirt o Khaki Shorts or o Khaki Pants o White Marching Shoes/Socks All school-owned uniform parts will be stored at the high school at all times. Students will be responsible for care and maintenance of all parts of the uniform. If any repairs need to be made, or any parts need to be replaced, which are due to mistreatment of the uniform, students will be held financially responsible for the appropriate costs. o Part of the care and maintenance of uniforms is hanging them up properly. Members will be shown how to properly hang their uniform during band camp and will be expected to hang their uniform up correctly following each time the uniform is worn. Prior to performances of the band, all band and band front members will go through inspection with their Section Leaders. If inspection is not passed for a severe reason, it will result in the band member not being able to perform until the uniform expectations are met. The band member will be required to attend the event, but will not be able to perform. For away events, all uniforms must be inspected before loading the bus. Do not get on the bus until you check in with your section leader and you are cleared for the night s performance. Band members will be checked for the following: o Clean, pressed uniforms (no stains, no wrinkles), including clean shoes o All uniform parts correctly worn o Hair correctly worn all hair will be up off the collar at all performances o No intrusive jewelry (ie. hoop earrings, long necklace chains, bracelets, etc.) o Flip folder with music for the performance o Clean instruments/equipment in working order Shoes WILL get dirty! Please make sure that they are clean for each performance. (Windex works well.) Raincoats will be kept by the band and distributed as needed. Hatboxes and garment bags will not be permitted in the stands. During cold games, it is allowed for you to have extra layers to keep warm, as long as you ensure that it does not cause a distraction from our performance in the stands, or interfere with playing in any significant way. A dark blue shirt should be worn under the marching uniform at all times. Hats should be worn facing forward at all times. o During performances, the brim of the hat should be at eyebrow level. o Band members (male and female) with long hair should pull back their hair (including bangs) and tuck their hair into their hat. Uniforms will remain zipped up at all times, suspenders up and jackets zipped and buttoned, unless otherwise specified by the director or drum major. Band front boots will also be zipped at all times. Band front girls are expected to wear their uniform in the stands. During cold games, it is acceptable to wear warm-ups and/or additional layers in the stands. It will be left to the discretion of the advisors if warm-ups are to be worn during our field performances. 3

4. Band Camp and Rehearsal Etiquette After Band Camp, the Marching Band will not rehearse during school hours. We will block off the following times for rehearsals, but only use these times if absolutely needed. Keep in mind: if you are efficient with my time, I will be efficient with your time. You should be available for rehearsals: o Every Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 o Every Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 Students should be prepared and have all materials for rehearsal. This includes instrument, music, drill charts, pencils, reeds, oil, water, etc. Students will not use their cell phones during rehearsals. Any student who does use their phone during rehearsal will lose it. As there are many students in our ensemble, section leaders will be given the responsibility of keeping their sections honest of this rule. Section leaders may confiscate phones during rehearsal and give them to the director. It is expected that every band member show respect to anyone providing instruction. This includes (but is not limited to): the director, the band front advisors, the assistant director, the front line advisor, the percussion advisor, and any other band staff, etc. Disrespect and/or insubordination directed towards any staff member will be considered cause for immediate dismissal from the group. o If there is any disagreement between a staff member and student, please come see Mr. Ortz after rehearsal or during a break to have a discrete conversation about the issue. Any student not following proper band camp/rehearsal etiquette will be considered to be in violation of the band s conduct policy. 4

5. Performance Etiquette Report at your scheduled report time promptly. Do NOT be late. Students should wear the full uniform at all times unless instructed differently by the band director or drum major. Band front uniforms should never be worn down the waist, boots should never be unzipped and band coats should remain zipped up with trousers in place (with shoulder straps up). The band will march into and back out of the bleacher area at both home and away games. We will line up in twos outside the band room for home games and by the bus at away events. We will line up in front of the bleachers to exit. Only the following should be taken to the stands with you: o Instrument o Music o Raincoat/Varsity jacket (weather-dependent) o A small bag for personal items Any item that causes a distraction will be confiscated All members should be alert as to what is happening in the game and in front of the stands. Be ready to react immediately to instructions given by the drum major, director or band staff. Every single band member is expected to play stands tunes throughout the game. (Only rehearsed tunes will be played in games.) Play what and when you are instructed to play, only. Stop when you are directed to stop. o Do not begin noodling tunes after they are announced. It is extremely unprofessional and bordering on amateurish; we are better than that. We play as a group, or not at all. All members are to remain seated with their section. Do not wander through the stands. Additionally, only band members are permitted to sit with the band. Do not allow friends including alumni into the stands with us during any type of performance. If it is not your instrument, you do not have anyone s permission to play it. If it is not your equipment, you do not have anyone s permission to use it. o This includes friends and, in particular, visiting alumni. Not only is it highly unprofessional, but it causes a distraction and increases the risk of damaging our equipment. No exceptions. When instructed to line up, do so quickly and quietly. All members are expected to treat members of other ensembles, other school officials and spectators with respect. This includes (but is not limited to) respectfully watching other performances, having civil conversations/interactions with other students, etc. During home games, our band will perform second at halftime. While waiting for the away band to finish their performance, all band members should be listening to the other band attentively. No members should be moving around or talking. During away games, our band will perform first at halftime. Upon the conclusion of our show, the band will march to a previously specified end zone and stand to watch the other band s performance. No members should be moving around or talking. 3 rd Quarter Break is a privilege granted at each football game. o The band will be dismissed after the halftime show to purchase refreshments. o Band members should return to the stands BEFORE the game clock hits 2:00 to end the quarter o This privilege will be revoked for violations of our conduct policy or attendance policy 5

6. Bus Etiquette During band camp, students will sign up for a bus on a posted bus list. The students will be on this bus for the remainder of the season. o For safety reasons, at no time will a student be permitted to change what bus they are on. If a student switches their bus or attempts to cheat our role call system, it will be considered a violation of the band s conduct policy. While on the band bus, band members will obey all posted bus rules. If a conversation can be heard in the front of the bus, it is TOO LOUD! There will be no hanging out of or talking out of bus windows, nor will there be flash photography taken on the bus. This is for the safety of everyone. Remain seated on the bus until you are dismissed by the director or a band staff member (which will only happen once all trash is picked up and the buss looks as though the band was never there). Students who are not riding the bus home must turn in a note signed by their parents before the bus leaves the school. Do NOT get on the bus until you check in with your section leader for your uniform/equipment inspection. Once on the bus, do not leave the bus. Use the restroom before we leave and plan accordingly. Some of our bus rides can be rather long. We will take role before we leave for each event, at each rest stop (if applicable), and before returning. Seating on the bus is open (students choice), but if noise or behavior becomes an issue there will be regular assigned seats for all members on that bus. If this seating situation is needed, ignoring this assigned seating will be considered a violation of the band s conduct policy. 6

7. Care of Instruments and Equipment Band members should take care to see that their instruments and equipment (whether it is your own personal instrument or one you are borrowing) are in proper working, playing and performing condition. If ANY issues are found with your equipment, inform a member of the band staff immediately so it can be handled properly. o Use your best judgment, but do not try to fix equipment or instruments yourself All instruments should be stored in their proper locations when they are not in use. Drumline equipment will be properly stacked in the marching storage areas following each use. All other instruments should be stored on their proper shelves in the instrument storage room, NOT ON THE FLOOR! Speaking of the storage rooms at absolutely no point will there be any food or drink in the storage areas. Clean up all papers and garbage off the floor (ie. reeds, reed wrappers, music, etc.) and keep these areas preposterously clean and easily accessible. It is your responsibility to check your case before you load it to see that you have everything you need. Again, all band members are to only touch, use and play THEIR OWN INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT. Students will not play other instruments while in the stands. This includes friends and visiting alumni. o If it is not yours, do not touch it. Only percussionists and those designated by a band staff member are allowed to carry, touch or play drumline or pit percussion equipment. Again, this includes friends and visiting alumni. 7

8. Parent/Guardian Involvement The support of the parents, guardians and families of the members of the GHS Marching Band is essential to our success. The band is fortunate to have so many families involved and we strive to have as many people support the organization as possible. How can parents, guardians and family members help? o When a band question arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. o If it is a performance issue or anything dealing with the band proper, contact the director. o If it is a fundraising question or anything dealing with the booster organization, contact a booster officer. Here are some other ways to be involved: o Sign up for free text notifications via Remind Text @ghstband to 81010 o Join the Band Booster Organization o Teach your child the importance of being prepared and on time to each rehearsal or lesson o Make faithful attendance at all band activities important o Show an interest in the musical studies of your child o Help your child find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption o Keep the instrument in good repair and keep supplies (reeds, oil, grease, tuner, metronome, etc.) for your child o Be extra careful with school owned instruments. Repairs are costly! o Provide private instruction! Mr. Ortz will gladly help to set you up with a quality teacher o Double check to make sure that your child has their instrument each day o Attend booster meetings, concerts, games and band shows o Turn in fundraising money on time o Follow the GHS Band Boosters on Facebook 8

9. Responsibilities of the Band Member Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. EARLY IS ON TIME ON TIME IS LATE. Always have your materials at rehearsals instruments, music, pencil, drill charts, etc. When the director, drum major or staff member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking should cease immediately. Come to rehearsal with a GOOD ATTITUDE. There is no need for excess playing (AKA noodling). Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis and establish a good practice routine. At the end of rehearsal, put all materials in their proper place; clean up all paper and trash and straighten the chairs/stands in the room. Maintain a STRONG academic standing in all coursework. Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong. Show proper respect for yourself and those in authority. Read and play through music with insight have musical expectations. Follow all policies outlined in the Greenville Student Handbook. It is essential to any program that if certain expectations are to be met that they coordinate with the privileges, rewards and duties of the band program. 9

Dear Students and Parents, Thank you for taking the time to read over this handbook. I cannot express how important it is for everyone to be on the same page regarding the expectations for the 2017 marching season. I really anticipate this being a fantastic year for the marching band. We are bringing on some new staff members, expanding some of our previous traditions and really going after a stunningly high quality of performance. From the visual elements to the sound of the group, I really hope you are impressed with what our kids will be putting on the field this year. Knowing what they are all capable of, I am very excited to see the final product. Please take note of the schedule for this summer. We will be having optional music rehearsals On June 28 th and July 5 th, 12 th and 19 th. Though these are optional for all musicians, I hope we will all take advantage of this time so we can make this show as good as possible. A new addition this year, we will be doing a Basics Camp on July 26 th, 27 th and 28 th. This is mandatory for all first and second year marchers, all of the drum line and student leadership (captains, section leaders, drum major, etc.) All other members are welcome to attend, but it is not required. Full band camp will take place from July 31 st through August 9 th (no rehearsal on Saturday and Sunday). Full Camp is mandatory for all members. If you cannot come to camp for the minimum number of days, you likely cannot march with us this season. All of these rehearsals will be held at GHS. Please see the schedule for specific times. A few personal requests for this season First, as it is my first full season with the group, please be patient and understanding of any changes that are happening. There are numerous small changes that are going to be taking place this year that I really think will result in a great season for everyone involved. I have the group s best interest in mind and all of these changes are critical investments in our band program. (For instance, we will be changing the pregame show slightly, we only have one drum major this year, we will be making changes to stands tunes, band front features, etc.) Second, I am the kind of person who wants the final product to be the first glimpse for anyone outside the program. I greatly appreciate the community involvement and support in Greenville. However, I must ask that if you are not directly involved with band camp, you allow my band staff and the students to work to our highest potential. This means not attending band camp, rehearsals, sectionals, etc. for alumni, friends and family. Thank you for your support and understanding. Again, I am absolutely thrilled for this marching season! I fully expect it to be an incredible musical and group experience for all the kids involved this year! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thanks so much for taking the time to read over this! Best, Cody Ortz Director of Bands Greenville High School cortz@greenville.k12.pa.us 10

2017 BAND SUMMER SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY MUSIC REHEARSALS (Optional for all musicians) June 28 th 10 am to noon July 5 th 10 am to noon July 12 th 10 am to noon July 19 th 10 am to noon Meet in Band Room promptly at 10am BASICS CAMP (W-F) (Required: All first and second year marchers, drum line and student leadership Optional: Band front, pit percussion and veteran musicians) July 26 th 9am to noon July 27 th 9am to noon July 28 th 9am to noon Meet in Band Room promptly at 9am FULL BAND CAMP (M-F, M-W) (Required for all members of marching band) July 31 st 8am to 3:30 pm August 1 st 8am to 3:30 pm August 2 nd 8am to 3:30 pm August 3 rd 8am to 3:30 pm August 4 th 8am to 3:30 pm --------------------- August 7 th 8am to 3:30 pm August 8 th 8am to 3:30pm August 9 th 8:30 to 11:30am Line up in twos outside band room promptly at 8am 11

Band/Band front Handbook Agreement 2017-18 I,, have read and understand all of the rules and regulations outlined in this handbook and will abide by them throughout the year. I understand the attendance requirements to be involved in the Marching Band and will fulfill my duties as a member to be in attendance. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date 12