CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM HANDBOOK

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CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM HANDBOOK 2014-2015 D. Michael Lynch & Earl C. Phillips III Director of Bands Shannon Hughes & Amanda Lakits Assistant Marching Band Director

Table of Contents Letter from Mr. Lynch Band Staff Objective and Philosophy of the Bands Calendars Attendance Policy Additional Attendance Policies Rehearsal Procedures Football Game Procedures Competition Procedures Marching Band and Color Guard Uniforms Conduct in Uniform Leadership Duties Parental Responsibilities Student/Parent Contract Form Band/Guard Membership Contract Form Student Absentee Form

June, 2014 Dear Students and Parents/Guardians, Instrumental music provides an enriched learning environment and requires dedication from all students, parents, staff and directors. These three groups are intertwined to create a wonderful experience that is unique onto any other athletic or extracurricular activity. The benefits of a successful band program will affect families and students, establishing confidence, pride, and valuable memories that will last a lifetime. Student participants are the heart and soul of our ensembles. They will dedicate countless hours to learning music, flag routines, and the elements of performance. There will be times of great joy, victory, and accomplishment, as well as times of frustration and defeat. The band members, staff, and the booster organization will bond together as a family during each practice, performance event, and organization meeting. The lessons learned in our instrumental program will transcend into the everyday lives of our alumni for a lifetime. The parents and booster organization of the Marching Band provide the much needed support and encouragement to their own children as well as the other members of the band. I ask you to encourage your son/daughter to practice at home and also to help the directors/staff hold the students accountable to their commitments to the band. A great way to show your support is to become involved in the Cherokee Band Boosters. The aide provided by the organization includes, but is not limited to: equipment and instrument purchases, providing food and snacks, making uniforms, hosting fundraisers, building props, maintaining communication, updating websites, and so much more I hope to see each family have at least one parent/guardian enrolled during this season. The staff and directors dedicate their lives to teaching, guiding, helping, counseling, and molding each individual member and their experiences in the Cherokee Bands. With our years of experience and expertise in the field of education, it is our objective to provide the very best for each student and to see them through the entire experience. This handbook has been created to ensure that each student and parent clearly understands the commitment and expectations involved with participating in the Cherokee Bands. It serves as a guidebook to help you stay informed about the many different elements of the ensembles, and also helps answer the many questions you may have throughout the school year. Students and parents are asked to read the entire contents of the handbook, sign the last page, and return it to the directors by the given date. Please contact the directors with any questions of concerns. It will be a pleasure working with the students and parents of the Cherokee Instrumental Music Department throughout the year. Good luck! Sincerely, D. Michael Lynch Director of Bands Cherokee High School

MARCHING BAND STAFF MEMBERS 2014-2015 Director: Assistant Director: Assistant Director: Music and Marching Instructor: Music and Marching Instructor: Music and Marching Instructor: Color Guard Advisor: Color Guard Instructor: Percussion Caption Head: Pit Percussion Instructor: Pit Percussion Instructor: Mr. D. Michael Lynch Mrs. Shannon Hughes Ms. Amanda Lakits Mr. Alex Ayala Mr. Jake Kaplan Ms. Rebecca Andrews Mr. Jeremy Williams Mr. Joey Lakits Mr. Anthony Matthews Ms. Kristina O Dea Ms. Megan Cooney In cases of unexpected absence, questions, concerns, or emergencies affecting those involved in the Cherokee Bands, the directors can be reached at the following email addresses: D. Michael Lynch: mlynch@lrhsd.org Earl Phillips: Shannon Hughes: Amanda Lakits: ephillips@lrhsd.org shannon.schiavo@gmail.com amandalakits@gmail.com

OBJECTIVES OF THE BAND PROGRAM: In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy in herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity of being a member of the Cherokee High School Bands, and to become a better person, musician, and performer. We firmly believe that the student should improve though regular practice. The happiest and more successful student is the one who is steadily improving though regular habits of practice and daily progress. Practice makes PERMANENT. Our students must not only know right from wrong, but must be able to stand for principles. They must develop a high sense of purpose toward which they are willing to work. Responsibility and accountability are the main focus behind any level of achievement within the program. We, the directors and staff, intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate all students in learning and bettering themselves. OBJECTIVES: To teach music by its actual performance. To develop the performance skills of the various wind and percussion instruments, as well as dance and color guard. To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community. To provide all students with an opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for selfexpression, and a healthy social experience. To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group. To foster leadership skills within each individual student. To teach responsibility, initiative, and the achievement of set goals.

The Philosophy of the Cherokee Bands Created by D. Michael Lynch, Director of Bands 1. Always strive for improvement and honestly push yourself to do your best in everything you do. 2. Treat others in a kind and caring way. Do unto others. (The Golden Rule) 3. Share the talents you have been given unselfishly with others. 4. Approach every situation with a positive attitude. 5. Always do the right thing in every situation- even if the right thing isn t the easiest thing. And don t expect compensation! 6. Don t waste energy on situations that are beyond your control. Don t use this as a cop-out for situations you could positively affect with effort. 7. Actions speak louder than words. Don t be hypocritical. 8. Find positive energy in every situation and use it!

ATTENDANCE POLICY Please note that all events and times are subject to change according to the scheduling decisions of the United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA), the Athletic Director of Cherokee High School, and/or the Director of Bands. In order for the band to achieve its fullest potential, it is imperative that our rehearsal time be maximized. Your commitment to the success of the ensemble will be directly reflected by your attendance and preparation for each and every schedule activity. Rehearsals are the means by which students learn, and by their very nature cannot be reproduced or made up. Although no major changes are expected, every effort will be made to give at least two weeks-notice of changes or additions to the schedule. An updated calendar will be made available on the Band Boosters website and/or Mr. Lynch s eboard. You will succeed and/or fail as a group, not as individuals; therefore, it is mandatory that you are present, prepared, and prompt for all rehearsals and performance. Our instrumental ensembles are all play varsity level activities in which no participants sit the bench. While we never plan for illness, we must plan appointments or other business around the rehearsal/performance schedule. An extended schedule is provided, and the prioritizing and consideration of the rehearsal and performance dates is expected and appreciated. The following are expectations of the various types of absences: Excused Absences: In cases of emergency, please notify the director IMMEDIATELY of the situation by phone and/or email. Illness: If a student is absent from school due to illness, he/she is not expected to attend practice. However, in order to be excused from the practice, an absence form must be submitted to Mr. Lynch upon returning to school. Bereavement: In the case of an unfortunate passing of a family member, the student will be excused from rehearsal/performance. Religious Holiday or Ceremony: Though the schedule of the Cherokee Music Program is intended to best accommodate the holidays recognized by the school district, students who have previously scheduled events or ceremonies that conflict with a rehearsal or performance will be excused. Standardized Testing: Students who are attending previously scheduled standardized testing will be excused from the rehearsal it conflicts with. This does not include SAT preparation or other study resources that can be scheduled according to the students academic and extracurricular activity schedules. School Sponsored Field Trip: If a student is involved in a class/club school-sponsored trip that conflicts with a rehearsal, he/she will be excused from that rehearsal.

Unexcused Absences (Rehearsals): The student will be suspended from a weekend of performing, and must still attend the performance in full uniform and all other practice sessions. Unexcused Absences (Performances): A parent conference may be scheduled with the director and an administrator to resolve this issue. The student will also be suspended from a weekend of performing, and must still attend the performance in full uniform. He/she will be one unexcused absence away from being dismissed from the band. Lateness: It is the staff s recommendation to arrive at practice fifteen minutes prior to the actual start time in order to give the student enough time to prepare for rehearsal. An excused lateness will be granted if a note with proper reasons is provided on the next day of school. Please note that arriving late three times equals an unexcused absence! To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable. ADDITIONAL ATTENDANCE POLICIES 1. Students are held accountable for summer practices and band camp. Although summer rehearsals are sometimes difficult to work into family vacations, holidays, and other obligations, your attendance is expected when you are not away from home. The purpose of band camp is to complete the field show routine, and to develop the band as a unit. Please note that excessive absences from summer rehearsals and/or band camp will jeopardize your eligibility. 2. Students who miss a rehearsal during the week of a performance, whether excused or not, may or may not be eligible for the upcoming performance. This rule is strictly to ensure the safety of your child and the other students/performers. The directors will make the final decision on the day of the performance. The student will be required to attend the performance dressed in full uniform whether he/she performs or not. 3. Students who carry a job are required to provide their employer with a full schedule of practices and events. Student workers will be responsible for proactively avoiding and resolving all conflicting schedules. Students will not be excused from practice or performance due to work. Please see Mr. Lynch if your supervisor or boss is unable to work around your schedule. 4. Please avoid scheduling routine doctor, dentist or orthodontist appointments during practice and performance times. 5. Attendance records will be reviewed when students are being considered for scholarships, awards, and leadership positions. 6. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds once reporting to a band function, practice, or performance.

RULES AND REGULATIONS School Rules: In addition to the rules and regulations set forth by the Cherokee High School Band Handbook, all members must adhere to the rules and regulations and consequences set forth in the Cherokee High School Students Handbook. Please familiarize yourself with both handbooks. Rehearsal Guidelines: 1. Be set and ready to get started with the proper equipment and materials needed for the ensemble s rehearsal. You should have the following items at each rehearsal: A. Equipment: You are responsible for your own equipment. This includes your instrument/mallets/guard equipment, drill binders, music, pencils, B. Other necessities for outdoor rehearsal: Though we must be appropriately prepared for all rehearsals, this point is intended for outdoor marching band rehearsals. These essential items include, but are not limited to, water bottles, sunblock, and sunglasses. C. Proper attire: Students are expected to be appropriately dressed for all rehearsals and performances, and proper attire is especially important for the safety of all students involved in outdoor marching band rehearsals. All band and color guard members must wear sneakers to rehearsal and should be dressed appropriately for the weather. Marching Band is an outdoor activity and requires us to be prepared for uncomfortable conditions during practices. Loose clothing and hats and/or sunglasses are beneficial in the hot weather (think band camp and summer rehearsals). Layers can be worn under the uniform during the cold weather near the end of the marching band season. Absolutely NO JEANS can be worn during marching band rehearsals or performances! 2. Talking during rehearsal must be kept to a minimum. There are a large number of band members and a limited number of staff members. If you have a comment, question, or concern please wait until the appropriate time. Practices will contain plenty of breaks for socializing. 3. Practice = Permanent! Therefore, always practice in the same manner you would perform. Great rehearsal etiquette is the difference between a mediocre band and an extremely successful band the choice is yours! 4. All members are required to come to practice with the proper materials, and are expected to have routines and music learned. It is extremely important to practice at home and/or with friends in small sectionals. Each individual must be giving their best, or else the overall ensemble will not achieve its potential. 5. It is a proven fact that both NEGATIVE and POSITIVE attitudes are contagious. You are expected to exhibit a positive and cooperative attitude at all times. At every rehearsal, performance, and group activity, you are representing yourself, your band, your school, and your community. Any student exhibiting a consistent negative, demeaning, or uncooperative attitude will be subject to permanent removal from the ensemble and possibly the entire program. Such violations may result in a conference with a school administrator, the director of bands, the parent(s)/guardian(s), and the student.

PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES FOR THE CHS MARCHING BAND Football Games The Band and Color Guard perform at ALL Cherokee varsity football games, including play-off and championship games. During home games, the Band performs their show during half-time. They also play the National Anthem and perform pep music during the game. At away games, the Band usually performs pre-game. Football games are typically on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. On Thanksgiving Day, Cherokee and our sister school, Seneca High School, play their annual football game. This game is a wonderful tradition and is attended by many Cherokee students, faculty, alumni and families. All Band and Color Guard members remain together during all football games, sitting in an area set aside for them. Mr. Lynch usually allows the students to have a break during the third quarter of the game. They can use the restroom, purchase food or relax with friends. All high school stadiums have a refreshment area; so many students choose to bring a small amount of money with them to purchase snacks. Students must remain in full uniform (without helmets) during their break time. During our home football games, the Band Boosters provide a snack during the third quarter for both our Band members and the members of the visiting band. This typically includes a soft pretzel and a hot or cold beverage, depending on the weather. It is expected that all members will remain with the band until they are dismissed from a home game or until they arrive back at the school following an away game. If there is a special circumstance in which you must take your child home early, it is necessary to obtain permission from Mr. Lynch prior to the game. In case of inclement weather, DO NOT ASSUME that the band won t perform. Mr. Lynch will delay making a decision for as long as possible. You should always expect that your child will be performing until a definite decision has been made otherwise. Football Game Behavior & Expectations: 1. The band members will sit by section in the home/away stands. 2. No eating or drinking is permitted while in the stands or in uniform. 3. Members may eat while in uniform during the 3 rd quarter break only! 4. All members must be seated and ready to perform when the 3 rd quarter clock reads 0:00 5. Friends & family are not permitted to sit in or with the band during the game. 6. Band members are to remain in full uniform until the drum major signals for no helmets. 7. Uniform jackets and other uniform parts are to remain intact for the entire game, even during the 3 rd quarter break. You represent everyone associated with the CHS Band, including the directors and staff, your school, and your community. 8. The drum major(s) are in charge of the bands actions while in the stands. Pay attention at all times during the game, so you are ready to perform. 9. Drum major(s) & Captains will visit the opposing team s leadership during 2 nd quarter. 10. We will be present, respectful, and polite during the opposing team s bands performance. 11. There is a fine line between supporting your school and being disrespectful to the other schools team/band know the difference! 12. No unorganized playing while sitting in the stands! 13. Students are not to use or touch equipment that is not assigned to them. Never use someone else s instrument or equipment. Everyone is responsible for their own equipment. 14. If your helmet or any other possessions fall from the stands it is your responsibility to retrieve it immediately.

Competitions Competitions are the heart and soul of the marching season. They are exciting events filled with music and color. The Cherokee Marching Band competes in the USSBA circuit. The United States Scholastic Band Association is comprised of hundreds of band throughout the United States. Bands are grouped according to size, with similar-sized bands competing against each other. Most competitions are held at area high schools. The culmination of the competitive season arrives in late October, with the New Jersey State Championships. In early November, we will participate in our final competition of the season when we travel to Allentown, Pennsylvania, for the USSBA s Regional Championships. The bands compete in various categories, including music, color guard, percussion and overall effect. Scores are announced at the conclusion of the competition, and awards are presented to each band s drum majors and guard captains. Once the ceremony has ended, our drum majors and guard captains present Cherokee s awards to the Band. Our Drum Major will call the entire Band to attention to give a unison salute. The students are usually given time during the competition to use the restrooms and purchase food. The host band parent organization always sells a variety of food and beverages to the audience and band members. Many students bring money with them to purchase food, as competitions often last for many hours. Mr. Lynch will give the students a specific time and place to meet. In addition, they are required to watch the awards ceremony as a group. If you would like to learn more about the USSBA, visit their site at www.yea.org. Competition Day Behavior & Expectations 1. Students are to arrive on time at the band room with all equipment, uniform parts, and food/money for food needed for the day. 2. Students are responsible for making sure their individual equipment is loaded onto the truck. 3. While traveling on the bus, students are to adhere to the rules and regulations of the bus driver. Also, students will behave accordingly and listen to their assigned bus chaperone. 4. No friends or family members are to be present at the warm-up area. 5. Once the band is finished performing students will be given time to change and eat. 6. Drum Majors, Captains, and selected seniors will attend retreat according to the director(s). These selected students will stay in uniform until such time and receive our awards/honors. 7. Inappropriate public displays of affection (PDA) at any time will be strictly dealt with by Mr. Lynch, the parents of the student(s), and a school administrator. 8. Students must sit together during each awards ceremony and be gathered in the back stands before the host band performs. Use the restroom prior to this time! 9. Upon conclusion of the awards ceremony the students are to report directly to their designated buses. 10. Upon returning to Cherokee, please assist with unloading the equipment truck and putting away all equipment in its proper storage closet. Students are responsible for putting away their own equipment. 11. All uniforms are to be hung neatly in the assigned garment bag and placed in the uniform closet in numerical order. * Performance days are never routine and procedures may vary depending on performance venues, times, schedules, and other circumstances. These guidelines may vary slightly at each individual competition.

MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARD UNIFORMS BAND: Band uniforms will be assigned to each student for the duration of the fall season. Other than for performances, these uniforms are not to leave the school grounds. A number marks each jacket, pair of trousers, and the cape. Each student is responsible for the upkeep and quality of the uniform. Band members must wear black socks with the band uniform! A $40.00 payment for your student s shoes can be made payable to Cherokee Band. Please be sure to label the check with your child(s) name in the area designated memo on your personal check. These shoes are made especially for marching. The tour t-shirts that are received at band camp are to be worn under the uniform jacket. They help absorb perspiration and provide a more put-together look when the students are allowed to remove their uniform jackets. They are considered part of the uniform and are required for participation at each performance. Students should have the tour t-shirt when they arrive to the school for every performance. In the beginning of the season, the students are often hot in their uniforms. But by late fall, it can get quite cold, especially at late-night competitions. Encourage your child to wear thermal underwear and/or layers under their uniform. Warm brown parkas are distributed to the Band and Guard members once the weather turns cool. Like the marching uniforms, these coats are not to leave school grounds. Please explain to your child the importance of treating the marching band uniform with respect. Each uniform cost over $600; the brown parkas cost $85 each. COLOR GUARD: In recent years, the Color Guard uniforms have been designed to match the theme of our music. Uniforms are either purchased or hand-sewn. They are made to fit each person s specific measurements. The uniform must be returned at the end of the school year if purchased by the boosters or school budget. The cost of the uniform and any additional items (body suits, gloves, tights, shoes, make-up) is the responsibility of each Guard member. The staff will give more specific information regarding the Guard uniforms to all Guard members. Uniform Care: 1. Color Guard uniforms parts may have to be cleaned at home by each individual member. This will vary from year to year and include different uniform parts. 2. Band uniforms will be stored in the uniform closet by numerical order of garment bags. 3. Dinkles and other uniform shoes are not to be stored in the garment bags! 4. All students are responsible for the proper care of each uniform part. You were issued a fully dry-cleaned uniform at the beginning of the season. We expect it to be returned without damages and/or stained, other than that of regular wear and tear of the season. 5. Marching shoes must be cleaned and polished prior to performances! 6. Please label your uniform parts, other than the band jacket and pants, with a sharpie marker. 7. Please label the inside of your shoes with your name and shoe size with a sharpie marker. 8. Band students are responsible for gloves once they ve been issued.

CONDUCT WHEN IN UNIFORM When the band is in uniform, we are not only representing ourselves, but also Cherokee High School and the community. Each student should have a feeling of pride when in uniform; therefore, the following behaviors will not be permitted in uniform. 1. Swearing, arguing and/or fighting 2. Chewing gum 3. Open displays of affections 4. Spitting 5. Running 6. Sitting on anything that will soil, tear, or snag your uniform. The general rule is that if you have any question as to if you should or should not be doing something in uniform, DO NOT DO IT! When you are wearing the uniform, you are not looked at as an individual, but rather, as a part of the Cherokee Marching Band. The spectators and band members from other schools who see you behind the scenes will form their opinion of the entire band from how you behave in uniform. This also carries over when you are wearing any Cherokee Marching Band attire or anytime you are outwardly representing the Cherokee Marching Band and/or Cherokee High School. DISCIPLINE Infractions of all the previous mentioned rules, policies, or guidelines may result in any or all of the following disciplinary actions, depending on the severity of the infraction: 1. Verbal reprimand 2. Extra duties 3. Loss of free time 4. Suspension from performance 5. Parent conference 6. Suspension from band 7. Expulsion from band

CHEROKEE MARCHING BAND LEADERSHIP JOB DESCRIPTIONS Drum Major: The drum majors are to act as liaisons between the directors/staff and the band. Their job is to effectively pace each rehearsal and to motivate every member to do their best. The drum majors are responsible for delegating and maintaining the everyday operation of the band, including field set-up and clean-up, yard markers, uniforms, music, loading and unloading the equipment truck, and taking attendance. Duties: Motivate everyone to be on time and prepared for rehearsal/performance Communicate objectives for rehearsals Give directions and instructions from the staff Assist in routine warm ups and stretches Lead the band musically and visually Take attendance Keep the students disciplined during all rehearsals and performances Help supervise field preparation and clean-up Help keep the morale of the band high Organize and distribute music Represent the band at all retreats and award ceremonies Section Leaders: The section leaders are to act as liaisons between the director(s), the staff, the drum major(s), and the band. They are to help the drum majors effectively run the everyday rehearsal and are to lead by example on the field. They are responsible for assisting their assigned sections with musical and visual questions outside of formal rehearsal time. At the discretion of the drum majors, the section leaders are responsible for delegation and maintaining the everyday operation of the band. Duties: Make sure sections are in the right place on time Run section warm-ups Demonstrate proper rehearsal procedures Help keep the morale of the band high Represent the band at some retreats Provide an example as a leader, musician, band member, and student for other section members Govern section s instrument upkeep Maintain cleanliness of band room and storage areas

Parent/Guardian Information It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in this handbook are followed and that the commitment form is signed and returned. This states that you understand the policies as set within, and that any questions are to be directed to the band director. The directors and staff appreciate cooperation from the parents with encouraging our students to follow the rules and regulations. Band Gossip When a band question arises, it is important that you obtain factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain falsehoods, but consider them facts. If questions arise, it is imperative that you contact the director of bands by phone or email (mlynch@lrhsd.org). Below is a list of ways you can help as a parent/guardian: Show an interest in your child s study of music Arrange a regular time for your child to practice Find a quiet place where he/she can practice without interruption Listen to the performances of practice material when asked to do so by your child Develop a reward system for daily practice Provide an instrument in good condition Purchase a metronome and tuner Be extra careful with school owned instruments Provide your child the opportunity to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal Provide private lessons, if possible Make attendance at all band functions a priority Join the Cherokee Band Booster Association Regularly attend band parent meetings Keep this handbook in a safe place and refer to it often

STUDENT/PARENT MARCHING BAND CONTRACT This form serves as an agreement indicating that the student and the parent/guardian have read and understand the 2014-2015 Cherokee High School Marching Band handbook. Please sign and return promptly to the director(s). AGREEMENT: As a student of the Cherokee Marching Band, I have read and agreed to comply with all of the set policies, rules, and regulations of the band handbook. I also agree to display a positive attitude at all times, and will be present, prompt, proactive, and prepared for all rehearsals and performances. Student s Signature: Date: Student s Email: Student s Cell Phone: As a parent/guardian, I have read and agreed to comply with these set policies, rules, and regulations as stated in the Cherokee Marching Band Handbook. I will ensure that the child for whom I am responsible practices and maintains high scholastic standards in all classes. I am committed to ensuring that my student will be prepared, prompt, proactive, and present for all band rehearsals and performances. The student for whom I am responsible has permission to attend all Cherokee Marching Band events listed on the calendar. Parent s/guardian s Signature: Date: Parent s/guardian s Email: Parent s/guardian s Home Phone: Parent s/guardian s Cell Phone: Additional person to contact in case of emergency: Name: Phone:

Please return this form to the Band Office by August 6 th, 2014 Cherokee High School BAND/GUARD MEMBERSHIP CONTRACT 2014-2015 I,, will agree to the following terms for participate in the Cherokee Band. REHEARSALS: 1. I will attend ALL of the scheduled rehearsals. If I cannot attend a rehearsal, I will inform the Director and my instructor immediately. 2. Family emergencies or illness are acceptable reasons to miss a rehearsal. I will file the proper absentee form with the Director according to the Cherokee Handbook. 3. Reasons such as too much schoolwork, another activity, being tired, dentist or any other kind of appointments are unacceptable. 4. Failure to follow the attendance policies will seize my participation in the Cherokee Band. PRACTICE: 1. I will practice the visual elements and music regularly. 2. The hard work of each individual, during both a rehearsal and the practice/preparation at home, are what make this ensemble great. 3. The Director and section instructor reserves the right to fit the ensembles instrumentation based on student ability and progress. If progress diminishes a student s performance responsibilities may be altered in order to continue the progression of the over-all ensemble. EQUIPMENT: 1. There will be no tolerance for abuse and/or carelessness of the equipment. There will be no warnings given or second chances awarded for this type of behavior! First offense will result in having to replace what is damaged and may result in termination from the music department.

2. I am responsible for all equipment/instruments that are assigned to me. EQUIPMENT/INSTRUMENT/UNIFORMS CARE: 1. All equipment, instruments, uniforms, mallets, sticks are to be stored in their respective cases. This equipment is then to be stowed in the proper storage area. 2. All uniforms must remain at Cherokee High School. Instruments and equipment are to be registered with the director before leaving the school grounds. 3. If any equipment is taken home for practice, you must let the Director and instructor know before you take it. Once the equipment leaves the school grounds it is your complete responsibility. 4. Practice/warm-up mallets will be used at all times during rehearsals, NOT SHOW MALLETS!! 5. If percussion sticks or mallets are broken because of improper use of technique and/or messing around, they must be replaced. Mallets will be replaced each year at the discretion of the Director and Front Ensemble instructor(s). * Be respectful of all equipment. Member s signature: Date Parent s signature: Date Please return this form to the Band Office by August 6 th, 2014

CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND STUDENT ABSENTEE FORM (Copy as necessary) STUDENT S NAME: TODAY S DATE: DATE OF INTENDED ABSENCE: REASON FOR ABSENCE: Student s Signature: Parent s/guardian s Signature: All excused absences for the upcoming season must be submitted. Please see the handbook section entitled Attendance Policy for a list of excused absences and their justifications. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TYPE OF ABSENCE For Director s Use Only Excused Absence Emergency Excused Absence Unexcused Absence