CENTER POINT-URBANA HIGH SCHOOL BAND Handbook

CENTER POINT-URBANA HIGH SCHOOL BAND Handbook 2012-2013 David Neff 7-12 Band Director Jesse Wipperling 5/6 Band Director Center Point-Urbana High School Band Department 145 Iowa Street PO Box 296 Center Point, Iowa 52213 Mr. Neff (319) 849-1102 x 1321 dneff@cpuschools.org Mr. Wipperling (319) 849-1102 x 4110 jwipperling@cpuschools.org CPU Band Website: http://www.cpuschools.org/en/high_school/teacher_pages/neff/ CPU Band Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/cpubands CPU Band is on Twitter - @CPUBand Revised 8/20/12

Center Point-Urbana High School Band Department 2012-2013 Schedule of Events KEY: IND Individuals MB Marching Band CB Concert Band JB Jazz Band DL Drumline MS Middle School PB Pep Band ATTENDANCE AT ALL PERFORMANCES AND REHEARSALS IS REQUIRED. AUGUST 17 Fall Sports Kickoff Recognition 6:00 pm (MB) 25 Extra Rehearsal 9:00-Noon (MB) 31 Football Game Half-Time Show 6:15 pm (MB) SEPTEMBER 14 Football Game Half-Time Show (Senior Band Night) 6:15pm (MB) 21 Football Game Half-Time Show 6:15pm (MB) 29 Five Seasons Marching Invitational PM (MB) OCTOBER 3 Homecoming Parade 4:45 pm (MB) 5 Football Game Half-Time Show (Homecoming) TBD (MB) 6 State Marching Band Contest (Kingston, CR) All Day (MB) 13 Clear Creek-Amana/Waukee MB Competition PM (MB) 19 Football Game Half-Time Show 6:15pm (MB) 20 All State Auditions All Day (IND) NOVEMBER 13 WaMaC Band Festival (@ TBA) 1:00 9:00 pm (CB) 15-17 All State Music Festival @ Ames All Day (IND) DECEMBER 1 NEIBA Honor Band All Day (IND) 10 HS Winter Concert 7:00 pm (CB, JB) JANUARY 5 NEIBA Honor Jazz Band All Day (IND) 12 State Jazz Band Festival All Day (JB) FEBRUARY 7-9 UNI Honor Band All Day (IND) 19 Café CPU 7:00 pm (JB) 21-23 Coe College Jazz Summit All Day (JB) MARCH 2 NEIBA Jazz Band Contest All Day (JB) 5 HS Band Concert 7:00 pm (CB,JB) 23 Solo/Small Ensemble Festival All Day (IND) MAY 3 Large Group Festival Evening (CB) 14 Spring 5-12 Band Concert 7:00 pm (CB,JB) 19 Graduation Performance 1:00 pm (CB) 27 Memorial Day Parade 8:45 am (MB) TBD Drumline Rehearsals Start TBA (DL) TBD Drum Major Auditions TBA (MB, There may be other events, rehearsals, performances, etc., that are added later. You will be given plenty of notice in the event of an extra date to be added to this schedule

THE CENTER POINT-URBANA BAND PROGRAM Membership is open to all high school students who currently play a band instrument. Any students who wish to join band may do so at the beginning of each term, at the discretion of the band director. The course is designed to give every student an equal opportunity to participate in the various aspects of the band program and enhance his or her musical growth through individual study and performance as it applies to their particular instrument. In addition, the student will be given the opportunity to appreciate music both as a listener and a performer. COURSE CREDIT Students will receive one credit per term for band that counts towards graduation as well as their grade point average. GRADING SYSTEM Every student receives a letter grade each quarter that applies to his or her cumulative grade point average. The 2010-2011 Band Grading Scale: Performances 40% of final grade Participation 30% of final grade Lessons/Assignments 30% of final grade 100-93 % = A 92-90 % = A- 89-87 % = B+ 86-83 % = B 82-80 % = B- 79-77 % = C+ 76-73 % = C 72-70 % = C- 69-68 % = D+ 67-66 % = D 65 % = D- Below 65 = F PERFORMANCES Are very important in the music program. Students are required to attend all performances and be on time for all performances. If there is a question about absences regarding performances please check the attendance section of the handbook and contact Mr. Neff. Students missing a performance may result in a failing grade. Home Performances = 15 points per performance (Football games, parade, etc.) Away Performances = 20 points per performance (MB Contests, etc.) PARTICIPATION Participation includes daily rehearsals, extra rehearsals, extra help needed at concerts, contests, etc. This also includes preparedness do you have your music, instrument, pencil, field markers, etc. Points will be deducted for missing any necessary items. Participation is a key factor to performances.

Daily Participation Points = 1 point per day for participation you are absent, have an unexcused tardy, or are not participating, you will lose your point Extra Rehearsals = 5 points per extra rehearsal LESSONS Lessons are another important factor to excellent performance. Lessons help students learn new rhythms and notes, work on tone, work on technique, etc. This is a crucial part of the instrumental music program. Lessons = 5 points per lesson 4 lessons per quarter ASSIGNMENTS There may be extra assignments given, including but not limited to playing tests, theory quizzes, listening quizzes, etc Playing Tests = 5 points per playing test 3 playing tests 1 st Quarter BAND FEES Uniform Fee - $20.00 Due Sept. 2, 2011 Instrumental Rental Fee - $30.00/semester or $60.00/school year Percussion Fee - $30.00/semester or $60.00/school year Marching Band Shoes - $25.00/new or $10.00/used Marching Band Gloves - $5.00/new Band Fees also include fines. These fines are in place this year, to keep our uniforms in good condition, due to the high price of each uniform. The following outlines any fine that may be assessed and is also listed in the handbook under each fines respective category. Marching Band Uniform not hung properly, laying on the floor, stuffed in a locker, etc. = $5.00 fine Marching Band Field Markers and Pouch if lost or damaged = $5.00 fine SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS Students using school owned instruments will take all responsibility for the care and maintenance of that instrument. There will be a rental fee of $30 per semester for a total of $60 per year, assessed to each student using each school owned instrument at the beginning of the year, to defray upkeep costs. Should the instrument be damaged by misuse, the student will pay 100% of the repair cost. Percussionists will be assessed rental fee of $30 per semester for a total of $60 per year at the beginning of the year to defray the cost of replacement heads, mallets, etc. ATTENDANCE POLICIES Band members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Students are expected to be on time for all band functions. Excused Absence from Rehearsal Students are required to attend all rehearsals, including early morning and evening rehearsals. In case of illness, students are asked to call the band office (849-1102 x 218). In the event of a conflict, please inform Mr. Neff no later than seven days before said conflict. Mr. Neff will review appointments, conflicts or personal problems.

It is the student s responsibility to advise their employer of all commitments within the department. Work scheduled during a rehearsal or performance will be considered an unexcused absence and WILL result in a grade of F for that performance. Pep band performances are included in this policy. Work is not an excuse! Tardy or Absent from Rehearsal Attendance is taken at the beginning of each rehearsal. The students are to be in the designated place ready to begin rehearsal (practice field, band room, etc.) when the tardy bell rings. (Marching Band rehearsals begin at 7:30am). Attendance and tardiness will result in detentions as per the school handbook. Absence from a Performance Attendance at ALL performances is mandatory. Only in cases of extreme emergency, for example, death in the family or illness, students WILL be excused from a performance. Family functions such as birthdays are NOT excused for performances, but will be counted for rehearsals. Any unexcused absence from a performance may result in a failing grade for that grading period. Any written excuse (form in back of book) must be filled out, dated and signed by the parent or guardian, stating student's name and cause of absence seven (7) days prior to the absence. An example of an excused absence from a rehearsal would be for a doctor or orthodontist appointment. ALL absences, not brought to the director's attention for approval PRIOR to the performance, will be considered unexcused. REHEARSALS 1. Every band member will bring instruments, music, drill books, music, pencils, field markers, and any necessary equipment to all rehearsals. 2. Students will be at the designated rehearsal location and ready to rehearse before the tardy bell rings. (7:30am during marching band season) 3. Gum chewing, eating or drinking of any kind is not permitted during any rehearsal or performance. This is a NO WARNING OFFENSE! (bottles of water will be allowed) 4. Mr. Neff s daily announcements will be posted on the bulletin board or chalkboard and will be checked and read when entering the rehearsal room. Equipment, music and materials needed for each rehearsal will be posted in one of these two areas. 5. Music folders, instruments and equipment will be kept in the proper storage places when not in use. This also applies to percussion equipment that has covers and/or cases. Music and folders will not be left on the music stand. 6. Books and study materials are not allowed near your chair during rehearsals. Books and book bags are to be kept in the instrument storage area. Rehearsal should not be used as a study hall for other classes. 7. Any violation of the above rules may result in a referral or detention assigned to the student. BAND ROOM REGULATIONS 1. The practice rooms are for practicing and not for personal conferences. 2. Percussionists are the only students allowed to touch or play the percussion instruments, unless otherwise told by Mr. Neff or Mr. Wipperling. 3. All marching percussion equipment will be stored in the percussion closet.

4. Please be careful about having your personal belongings in the band area. Purses and other valuables should be left in your lockers. WE HAVE NO SECURITY FOR VALUABLES and are not responsible for their loss. 6. Do not litter in the band room, practice rooms and surrounding areas. 7. Vandalism or destruction of school or personal property WILL NOT be tolerated. Any violation of this may result in a detention or suspension. CENTER POINT-URBANA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND The Center Point-Urbana High School Marching Band performs for all home football games. In addition to these, the Center Point-Urbana High School Marching Band will compete in 2-3 marching band competitions annually. Once school begins, the marching band rehearses daily from 7:30am through first period everyday. Students auditioning for All-State Vocal will be excused from 7:30 until 8:30. Extra evening or weekend rehearsals or sectionals may be scheduled occasionally when the need arises. Band/Sports Members Expectations Varsity football players are required to attend all rehearsals and performances ON TIME with the exception of home football games. Sophomore football players are required to perform during halftime at home games but not pre-game. Freshman football players perform for both pre-game and halftime. Cheerleaders and Dance Team members are expected to perform with the band during pre-game and half-time. Marching Performance Procedures 1. At all marching functions, the drum majors and staff are in complete charge of the band and will receive the same respect as the band director. 2. Students are expected to be EARLY at the designated location with instruments, and necessary equipment. 3. Always report rain or shine to the designated meeting place, whether it is a rehearsal or a performance. The weather in Iowa is very unpredictable, particularly in the early morning. Since weather does change quickly, band members are asked to always report at the scheduled time regardless of current weather conditions. Don't try to outguess the weatherman, Mr. Neff or Mr. Wipperling. 4. When in public (stands, warm-ups, contest sites, etc.) you are to maintain a professional attitude and exhibit appropriate behavior. You represent your school, your directors, the cities of Center Point and Urbana and yourselves. A good rule of thumb is don't exhibit any behavior that you would not want your parents or grandparents to see. Remember, at any given moment SOMEONE is watching you. Bus Rules and Out-of-Town Performance Policies 1. Students are to remain seated in the seats throughout the entire trip. 2. All audio devices are required to be used with headphones. The band department is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

3. Students are expected to behave like adults...no foul language, questionable songs or movies, or loud yelling. 4. All students are to ride the bus to out of town performances. However, a student may return home with their parents if they wish, under the following conditions: a. The director must receive a note from the student s parent. b. The director must see the student with their parent(s) before they will be allowed to leave. c. The student must also check in with the chaperone for their bus. d. It is allowed for a student to return home with another student's parent if each set of parents has a note saying that it is ok. The student leaving with another student s parent needs to be seen leaving with that parent. 5. No smoking and no drinking of alcoholic beverages. 6. Any violation of these rules may result in: a. A written referral and detention and/or suspension from band on the next school day. b. Denial of the opportunity to accompany and perform with the group. c. Denial of the opportunity to perform at the next out of town activity. d. Any or all of the above. 7. ALL BAGS MAY BE SEARCHED BEFORE LEAVING ON AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP. Home Football Game Procedures Each marching band member, will report to the band room with 3 minutes left in the 3 rd quarter of the JV football game, pick up their uniform from the uniform closet and change in the locker room or surrounding area. Be sure to wear shorts and a white t-shirt under your uniform (NO JEANS UNDER UNIFORM). The horn line warm-up and drum line warm-up will begin at 6:15 pm. The entire band will line up for pre-game at 7:00. The pre-game activities begin at approximately 7:15. During the first half of the game we sit together in our reserved section in full uniform. Please, no guests. Each student is to have their instrument ready at all times to play when touchdowns are scored, between quarters, etc. Visits to the concession stand are allowed for water only. Water may be provided during hot football games. Visits to the rest rooms are by permission only. With 3 minutes left in the 2 nd quarter, the band will leave the stands and proceed to their designated position prior to the beginning of the half-time show. All sophomore football players will be in uniform and ready at this time. At the conclusion of halftime, the band will return to the band room to change out of uniform. Pit, drum line and tubas will be responsible for loading their own equipment after the game. Marching Band Uniforms A rental fee of $20.00 will be assessed to each student to offset the cost of cleaning the marching and concert band uniforms. Students who need to purchase band shoes and black gloves may purchase new shoes for $25.00, or used shoes for $10.00 if they are available, and replacement gloves for $4.00. CARE OF THE UNIFORM 1. If a student loses or damages a piece of the uniform for whatever reason, the student will be charged the full amount to replace it. 2. If a student arrives for a performance without the correct attire (shoes, black socks), that student will be docked a full letter grade for the performance. 3. THERE WILL BE NO EATING OR DRINKING WHILE IN UNIFORM. 4. STUDENTS WILL HANG UP UNIFORMS CORRECTLY, or be fined $5.

MARCHING BAND UNIFORMS 1. Uniform Coat (with a white, sleeved T-shirt underneath) 2. Uniform Pants (with dark shorts or tights underneath, no pants or jeans) 3. Hat and Plume (long hair must be tied up or braided under hat for both men & women) 4. Black Marching Shoes (must be marching band shoes, not black tennis shoes/dress shoes) 5. Black Socks (NO WHITE SOCKS!!) 6. Black Gloves Center Point-Urbana Concert Band The concert band will play a variety of music. Pop music, symphonic works, solo with band accompaniment, concert style music, new music, old music, etc. An audition process will determine chair placement for each band. The audition will take place immediately after marching band season. Students will be placed in the appropriate chair based on their audition score. The concert band will perform three concerts per year. The Winter Concert will be combined with the high school choir. The March Concert will be band only. Our May Concert will also be band only. We will perform with the 5 th, 6 th, and 7/8 Bands at either our March or May Concert. Also, we will perform our State Large Group Music at the May Concert. Challenges within the band may be done on a weekly basis with a maximum of three attempts. Challenges will not be allowed three weeks until the concert. Concert Band Uniforms 1. White button down shirt (with a white, sleeved T-shirt underneath) Tie for men. 2. Black Pants for men; Black pants, black long skirt, or black dress for ladies. 3. Black Socks men 4. Black shoes (provided by the student) Center Point-Urbana Jazz Band Membership is open to any high school band student who qualifies for the instrumentation of the Jazz Band (trumpet, trombone, saxophone or rhythm section). Other instruments may be selected according to the instrumentation of the music (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, tuba, etc.). Jazz Band participates in various jazz contests including: State Jazz Band Contest, Coe Jazz Summit, and the NEIBA Jazz Contest. The jazz band also performs on concert band concerts. They will meet at 7:30am on Mondays and Thursdays once marching band has been completed. Occasionally, a weekend or evening rehearsal may be scheduled, but you will receive ample prior notification. Auditions for jazz band are held during the week after marching band. Jazz Band Uniforms 1. Black Blazer 2. Black Pants (provided by student no stripes or gray pants) 3. Black dress shoes (provided by student no athletic shoes) 4. Gold and Black Tie

5. Black Socks 6. White Shirt (button down with collar) Center Point-Urbana Pep Band All band members are required to play all of pep band performances during the basketball season. This is to assure a balance of players and instrumentation. Attendance policies apply to pep band, as they are in fact, performances. The pep band also performs for all pep assemblies. Any student who is participating in an athletic event that conflicts with an assigned pep band is required to play in the band when not suited up for that particular event. Work is not an excuse to miss a pep band. Pep band is one of the only places that certain crowd members will hear us and we need to sound AWESOME at pep band as well as any other performance. Please notify your employer of all pep band dates so you are not scheduled to work. If you decide to work instead of come to pep band, your grade will be lowered one letter grade. Pep Band Uniforms 1. Wear black and gold or band t-shirts 2. There may be pep band dress up performances please do your best to dress up accordingly 2012/2013 CPU Pep Band Performance Dates Date Boys/Girls? Time to Arrive at Band Room Friday, Nov. 30 Boys 6:45 Friday, Dec. 7 Boys 6:45 Friday, Dec. 14 Girls 6:45 Tuesday, Dec. 18 Girls 6:45 Tuesday, Jan. 8 Girls 6:45 Friday, Jan. 18 Girls 6:45 Tuesday, Jan. 22 Boys 6:45 Friday, Feb. 1 Boys 6:45 Tuesday, Feb. 5 Girls 6:45 Solo and Ensemble Contest Each band member is required to participate in either an ensemble or perform a solo at small group contest. Mr. Neff will decide the ensembles and personnel. Those students studying privately should consult your instructor and Mr. Neff on an appropriate choice of solo literature. You will have in class rehearsal time as well as ample time to rehearse outside of school to prepare for this contest.

Band Lessons Lessons are required at the high school level unless you take private lessons. Students taking lessons at the high school will be required to have 4 lessons per quarter. One of your lessons can be a group lesson. Sectionals will also count towards one of your lessons. Example of 4 quarterly lessons: Aug. 28 Individual lesson Sept. 9 Group Lesson Sept. 15 Sectional Oct. 5 Individual Lesson Each lesson will be 20 minutes in length. PRIVATE STUDY POLICY In order for students to receive a lesson grade based on their private study outside of school, they must adhere to the following criteria. Students studying privately must: 1. Meet with a private instructor on a weekly basis 2. Have their private instructor maintain a lesson sheet indicating attendance dates, assignments, scale completion and instructor s signature per quarter 3. Meet with Mr. Neff for evaluation at least twice during each term 4. Fill out the lesson exemption form at the back of the handbook and return by Friday, Sept. 2, 2011.

CENTER POINT-URBANA HIGH SCHOOL BAND DEPARTMENT Request for Excused Absence Name Last First Address Phone ************************************************************************************** Date of absence: (the date of absence must be at least 7 days after the date submitted to be and excused absence) Date Submitted Check Two: Marching Band Rehearsal Concert Band Performance Jazz Band REASON WHY THIS REQUEST IS NECESSARY (BE SPECIFIC): Attendance has a direct effect on your grade. Please do not forget to turn in this form. Request for an excused absence or tardy will be submitted seven (7) days in advance. SIGNED PARENT SIGNATURE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ACTION: EXCUSED UNEXCUSED COMMENTS:

CENTER POINT-URBANA HIGH SCHOOL BAND DEPARTMENT Request for Private Lesson Exemption Name Last First Address Phone Name or Name(s) of the teachers with whom you will be studying and their address and phone numbers: Name address city state ZIP Phone # Attendance at weekly private lessons with teachers outside the district is required for this exemption and has a direct effect on your grade. Please do not forget to turn in this form. In order for students to receive a lesson grade based on their private study outside of school, they must adhere to the following criteria. Students studying privately must: 1. Meet with a private instructor on a weekly basis 2. Have their private instructor maintain a lesson sheet indicating attendance dates, assignments, scale completion and instructor s signature 3. Meet with Mr. Neff for evaluation at least twice during each term. SIGNED PARENT SIGNATURE DATE SUBMITTED * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ACTION: EXCUSED UNEXCUSED COMMENTS:

Center Point-Urbana Band Department Information Sheet 2012/2013 Dear Parents and Students, Throughout the school year the directors will be sending out newsletters via e- mail, posting information on the band department website, making phone calls for help, etc. Even though we have access to some information on PowerSchools, it is not always accessible. Please fill out the following information to help in our quest to better communication with you. Student Name Parents Names Home Phone Parents Work Phone Student E-mail Parents E-mails Are you willing to help with the following: Uniform Fitting Chaperoning If you check this, please check the dates you are available to chaperone: Sat. Sept. 29 (Five Seasons Marching Competition - PM) Sat. Oct. 6 (State Marching Competition AM or PM) Sat. Oct. 13 (Clear Creek-Amana/Waukee Competition PM) Sat. Jan. 12 (State Jazz Competition All Day) Thurs/Fri./Sat. Feb. 21-23 (Coe Jazz Summit Final Date TBA) Sat. March 2 (NEIBA Jazz Contest All Day) Sat. March 23 (State Solo/Ensemble Contest All Day) Driving the Music Trailer If you check this, please check the dates you are available to chaperone: Sat. Sept. 29 (Five Seasons Marching Competition - PM) Sat. Oct. 6 (State Marching Competition AM or PM) Sat. Oct. 13 (Clear Creek-Amana/Waukee Competition PM) Sat. Jan. 12 (State Jazz Competition All Day) Thurs/Fri./Sat. Feb. 21-23 (Coe Jazz Summit Final Date TBA) Sat. March 2 (NEIBA Jazz Contest All Day) Sat. March 23 (State Solo/Ensemble Contest All Day) Field Equipment Mover If you check this, please check the dates you are available to help: Fri. Aug. 31 Football Halftime Show Fri. Sept. 14 Football Halftime Show Fri. Sep. 21 Football Halftime Show Sat. Sept. 29 (Five Seasons Marching Competition - PM) Fri. Oct. 5 Football Halftime Show Sat. Oct. 6 (State Marching Competition AM or PM Sat. Oct. 13 (Clear Creek-Amana/Waukee Competition PM) Fri. Oct. 19 Football Halftime Show Other (Please explain if there is anything else you might be able to offer to the band)

CENTER POINT-URBANA HIGH SCHOOL BAND PARTICIPATION CONTRACT Please read the following statement, sign it and return this form to Mr. Neff by Friday, August 24, 2012. Both your signature and your parent/guardian signatures are needed. Failure to sign the statement does not alter the terms of the policies. This form must be signed and returned in order for the student to perform, and receive a grade. If this form is not turned in, an Incomplete will be given. As a member/parent of the Center Point-Urbana High School Band, I have read the information in this handbook and understand its contents. Furthermore, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Instrumental Music Department. I will exhibit proper behavior both in and out of school that makes me worthy to represent the ideals, principles and standards of our band and Center Point-Urbana High School. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual." Vince Lombardi