Band Handbook

The Southwest Licking Local Schools Band Program is designed to provide a comprehensive music education through participation in instrumental ensembles. Curriculum and policies are designed to foster respect, leadership, individual and group responsibility, and social interaction in a safe environment. We are committed to the use of current technology to aid in the music education of our students. We also commit to using the best available supplies and materials in order to give our students the best tools and the best chance for musical success. Finally, The Watkins Band is as committed to its students as the students are to the program, and their academic, personal, and musical well-being is paramount to any decision-making process.

• To teach music through performance in band.

• To develop performance skills on the various wind and percussion instruments.

• To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community.

• To develop the recognition of quality music.

• To acquaint students with music theory/history and how history and musical compositions relate to students’ lives and musical experiences.

• To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self-expression, and a healthy social experience.

• To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and develop esprit de corps.

• To foster leadership skills within each student.

 

The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is attitude. The kind of person you are is an individual choice, and how you feel about something is one of the few actual independent choices you have in life. It takes intense dedication to reach goals. Students should learn to discipline themselves to practice fundamentals daily. The right attitude must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundations. Such an attitude makes an artistic performance inevitable and is the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group. The band can do much for you! Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance.

Wind Symphony

• The Wind Symphony is the advanced concert band of the Watkins Memorial High School Band Program. The group is mostly comprised of 10th-12th graders who are selected by audition and/or past performance in the program. The ensemble performs several concerts a year, at graduation, and Ohio Music Education Association Large Group Events. Students are expected to be able to perform music in the grade 3-5 range. Students in this ensemble are expected to invest time and effort outside of the band class into improving on their instruments. All scheduled after-school performances are required of all members of the Wind Symphony. Additionally, students may be required to participate in Solo & Ensemble events, audition for honor bands, or attend and participate in clinics on or off our campus. Membership in this ensemble is a privilege and will be treated as such.  

Symphonic Band

• The Symphonic Band is the centerpiece of the Watkins Memorial High School Band Program. The group includes students in grades 9-12. The band performs several concerts a year, at graduation, and Ohio Music Education Association Large Group Events. Students are expected to be able to perform band literature ranging from grade 2 to 3.5. Students must successfully complete band the previous year to be eligible for membership. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the director.

Marching Band

• Participation in the Marching Band is expected, but not required, of all members of the WMHS Band. Marching Band members are required to be enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony for the entire school year. Exceptions will be made at the director’s discretion. An audition for placement and/or participation level may be required at the discretion of the directors. Rehearsals and performances begin in July and continue through the end of the football season. The Marching Band performs at all home and away football games, band competitions, and area parades.

Jazz Ensemble

• The Jazz Ensemble is open to all members of the High School Band, and other select students at the director’s discretion. It rehearses during the school day and performs throughout the year at community functions and at the request of private groups. With the exception of Guitar, Bass, and Piano, members of this ensemble are expected to be members of the Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director.

Tribe Band

• The Tribe Band is open to all members of the SWL Band Program in grades 8-12. There are a handful of rehearsals following the conclusion of Marching Band. The Tribe Band then performs at select home Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball games. The band may travel with the team to tournament participation. Tribe band may be required for members of the Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble.

 District, All-State, and Collegiate Honor Bands

• Members of the band program are eligible to audition for various types of honor bands. See the band director if interested.

 

As members of this organization, you have a great deal of responsibility. These expectations coordinate with the privileges, rewards, and duties of the band program.

 

…to Yourselves

You have the primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and private instruction can never be overestimated. What you put into it is what you will get out of it. The director is always available for your guidance and encouragement – Just ask!

 

…to the School

The Southwest Licking Local Schools provides us with resources, performance spaces, and equipment. The band booster organization also provides a support network, both financially and philosophically. We have the responsibility to provide the best possible services to our community.

 

…to Music

Music has always been a part of our culture. We must take what we have and use it for the betterment of that culture. No one expects you to be virtuoso musicians, only to do the very best you can. The great composer Gustav Mahler once said that only 10 percent of a piece of music is on the page. If that is the case, we as musicians have the duty of creating and producing the other 90 percent. The joy of music is not in everything that is apparent. It must be discovered and created.

 

…to Each Other

We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group. There can be no selfish acts solely for the benefit of the individual. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve them. Never insult another band member’s integrity. The word “band” implies that we are banded together without divisions.

• Abide by all expectations of the Watkins Memorial High School Student Handbook at all times.

• Show proper respect for yourself, your peers, your school, your community, and those in authority. This includes respecting property and belongings that are not yours.

• Choose to exhibit a positive attitude.

• Assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong.

• Maintain a strong academic standing.

• Be on time to all band events. To be early is to be on time – to be on time is to be late – to be late is unacceptable!

• Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis and establish a good practice routine.

• Read and play music with insight – have musical expectations of yourself.

• Personal conflicts do not belong in the band. Even when conflicts do arise between band members, they are expected to remain professional and all interactions and conduct should remain so. Failure to maintain a professional/respectful environment may result in consequences.

• If it is not yours, do not touch it. Consequences will be assigned if students are found using personal or school equipment without permission, tampering with the belongings of others, or otherwise impairing the ability of other band members to access and use their personal possessions.

• In the event that personal or school-owned property is damaged by student misconduct, that student and their family may be held financially responsible for the repair or replacement of the property impacted.

• The director’s office is the director’s, not yours. No students are permitted in the office at any time without the explicit permission of the director. Students also may not use the director’s printer for anything, do not ask.

 

Each student should have the following items in class every day:

• A sharpened pencil

• Instrument (sticks, mallets)

• Music and folder

• At least three playable reeds

• Valve/slide lubricant

• Percussion: All percussionists are expected to own at a minimum their own pair of concert snare sticks (Vic Firth SD1 or similar), medium-hard Xylophone mallets, and a stick/mallet bag with their name on it. Students should own extra keyboard mallets at various levels of hardness, and by Junior Year a set of four matching yarn mallets. See Mr. Davis for suggestions.

 

From time to time during the school year you may receive a materials grade. This will count toward the weekly rehearsal etiquette portion of your overall grade.

Before Rehearsal Begins:

• Arrive in a timely fashion and assist in set-up. Do not simply place your chair and stand. Help set-up your row of chairs, set-up percussion equipment, and lend a hand elsewhere as necessary.

  • For classes during the school day, all students are to be in the band room by the time the bell rings. Consequences for tardiness will be applied per the WMHS Handbook.

• Once the room is set, obtain all equipment/materials necessary for rehearsal, move to your seat, and begin warming up for the day’s rehearsal.

• In your individual warm-up it is important to practice long tones, lip slurs, scales, and that day’s assignment on a daily basis.

• There should be no excess playing (e.g. horsing around on the instrument), only good, solid material. This is not time to review pep band music.

During Rehearsal:

• When the director stands on the podium for the first time, the rehearsal has begun. There is to be absolutely no talking without raising a hand from then until the end of the period.

  • For classes during the school day, rehearsal will begin two minutes after the bell. It is the students’ responsibility to be ready to play at that time.

• The purpose of rehearsal is for you to learn the parts of others and how they relate to yours, not to learn your individual music! (Practice at home, rehearse at school)

• If you must leave your seat for any reason, please ask. Restroom breaks should be taken between classes or during breaks and with permission.

After Rehearsal:

• At the end of the rehearsal, return your instrument and materials to their proper place.

  • The leaving of music on stands or instruments/equipment out of designated storage spaces may result in consequences.

  • The final rehearsal of the day is responsible for stacking chairs and racking stands. The ensemble is not dismissed until this is complete.

 

Most of the efforts of ensembles in our program lead to a performance, and thus these events are highly important and required. Performances are professional events. Appropriate behavior is expected throughout these events from students and families. Students are expected to be dressed appropriately as explained below. See Attendance Policy for information on excused absences.

Uniform, appropriate appearance is an important element of a live musical performance. It is important that members of the band present an appearance that represents our program well. Concert attire will be as follows. 

 

Option 1:

• Black top, appropriate and conservative. No bare shoulders or midriff.

• Black bottom, slacks preferred, but a knee length (or longer) skirt will do.

• A full dress is also acceptable, but make sure it meets the top and bottom expectations.

• Black shoes (black, not black with other stuff)

• Hose or socks must be black or flesh colored.

 

Option 2:

• Black shirt; button down, with a collar. Straight black tie not required but encouraged. Wear a black undershirt if you will not be wearing a tie.

• Black dress slacks. No jeans, no pinstripes. Just solid black dress pants!

• Black dress shoes. No tennis shoes. No “chucks.” No Vans. 

• Long black socks. Long socks go at least halfway up your calf. No ankle socks!

See Marching Band section for Marching Band Performance Attire.

Grades are assigned for Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and Jazz Band, which are co-curricular. Grades are weighted as follows:

• Weekly Rehearsal Etiquette Grade: 20%

• Concerts/Performances: 40%

• Assignments and performance assessments (given at director’s discretion): 40%

 

Every effort is made to avoid conflicts with school activities and athletics prior to the scheduling of events. The director also works with activity advisors and coaches to resolve these conflicts when possible ahead of time. Despite this effort some conflicts occur and/or may be missed. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their schedules and to bring conflicts to the attention of the director at the earliest possible moment. All conflicts with performances should be resolved in favor of band participation. Students are reminded that band does require a significant time commitment and that they should make that commitment a priority in their everyday lives. Involvement in outside activities should be limited to those compatible with the band schedule.

**The final determination of what constitutes an excused absence is 100% at the discretion of the band staff.

 

Rehearsals – In-School:

• Attendance is taken daily for all in-school band classes. The school will determine if these absences are excused.

• The student is responsible for any and all material missed, regardless of whether or not the absence is excused by the school. It is THEIR responsibility to contact the director to catch up.

 

Rehearsals – Before/After-School & Weekends:

• First, every effort must be taken to avoid the conflict.

• In the event that a conflict is truly unavoidable, the parent/guardian must communicate with the director as soon as possible, and no later than 48 hours prior to the rehearsal.

  • A verbal heads-up or e-mail from the student is appreciated, but it does NOT constitute an appropriate excuse.

• For appointments, the student should make an effort to at least attend a portion of the rehearsal before or after the conflict.

• The director may request a doctor’s excuse if medical absences become habitual.

• Work is NEVER an appropriate reason to miss a rehearsal. The WMHS Band Program distributes most schedules months in advance. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange their work schedule around their rehearsal schedule.

• If the rehearsal/event is associated with a band class, an unexcused absence may result in a loss of credit.

• Per school policy, a student must attend at least one-half of the school day to attend any after-school activities/events. This means students must arrive before 4th Period.

 

 

Performances:

• First, every effort must be taken to avoid the conflict.

• In the event that a conflict is truly unavoidable, the parent/guardian must communicate with the director as soon as possible, and no later than one month prior to the performance. This advance notice is necessary because the absence will often require other students to cover the absent student’s parts, which requires planning and extra effort on the part of staff and those other students.

  • A verbal heads-up or e-mail from the student is appreciated, but it does NOT constitute an appropriate excuse.

  • In the event of an emergency, notice should be given by a parent/guardian ASAP.

• The only performance absences that will be excused are prearranged school conflicts, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, significant illness, medical emergencies, death in the family, or religious holidays.

  • The determination of what constitutes a “once in a lifetime opportunity” is determined by the director. Birthday parties and rock/pop concerts do NOT count.

• Excused absences from band class performances will require an alternative performance assessment. Students will submit recordings of their assigned parts for the performance.

  • For absences which are excused in advance, the recording(s) must be submitted by e-mail before the start of the concert/performance.

  • For emergency absences the student will have seven days following the performance to submit recordings.

• Failure to attend a required band-class performance without prior notification will result in zero credit for that performance. The impact on the student’s grade will be significant.

• Per school policy, a student must attend at least one-half of the school day to attend any after-school activities/events. This means students must arrive before the 4th Period.

 

The parents/guardians, along with the band director and students, are part of a community effort that ensures the success of the band program. It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the handbook are followed and that the Handbook Contract is signed and returned. This states that you understand the policies set within and that any questions are to be directed to the band director via e-mail, phone call, or appointment. Each parent/guardian is responsible for the attendance of his or her child at all band functions. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that the child practices his or her instrument regularly. The hands of the director are tied without the help of parents/guardians.

When a band question arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more falsehoods presented as facts (this is just gossip). If it is a fund-raising question or anything dealing with parent/guardian issues, talk with the booster club president first and then the Band Director if you do not feel a resolution has been reached.

 

Additionally, parents/guardians should:

• Show an interest in the musical study of your child.

• Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.

• Find a quiet place where he or she can practice without interruption.

• Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so.

• Help the student keep a daily record of practicing.

• Come up with a reward system for daily practice.

• Keep the instrument in good repair.

• Make sure your child has the best materials to succeed. They may cost a bit more but the investment is well worth it.

• Be extra careful with school-owned instruments. Repair costs are high!

• Teach your child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal or lesson.

• Provide private instruction. (When applicable. This is not required, but private instruction is the best way to improve quickly on an instrument.)

• Make faithful attendance at all band activities important.

• Assist your child in planning for important dates and managing a personal calendar.

• Keep this handbook in a safe place and refer to it often. It is a resource, not just a rulebook.

• Notify the teacher if the student is to be absent for rehearsals or lessons.

• Double-check to make sure students have their instruments.

• Attend band parent/guardian meetings, concerts, games, and contests.

• Turn in fund-raising money on time.

 

There is no financial obligation for curricular band classes beyond the students’ responsibility to maintain an instrument and provide for reeds and supplies. 

See Athletic Bands - Financial Obligations for Marching Band and Tribe Band.  

At times the financial obligation may be heavy, but no member will be denied the opportunities of the organization due to financial difficulties. Please speak with the director.

 

There is no rental fee for use of a school-owned instrument, however, responsibility for that instrument’s care and well-being is the student’s. An instrument check-out contract must be filled out and on file with the director. If an instrument or any other equipment is damaged or destroyed by negligence the student/parent/guardian is responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement. See the instrument check-out form for more information.

 

While we attempt to use copies of music to preserve the condition of our music library, occasionally originals will be handed out. It is essential that all band music and method books are returned in excellent condition. If this does not happen, students/families may be charged for the replacement cost of their music.

 

Band Room:

The use of the band facilities before, after, and during school is a privilege. Students who abuse the facility will be disciplined accordingly. Any abuse or damage will be considered vandalism. No non-band-member students are permitted in the band room, except for business with the director. There will be no horseplay, e.g. throwing things, in or around the band room. All percussion equipment is off limits to anyone not specifically designated to use it. There will be no storing of personal items – the band room is not your locker! There is to be no chewing gum, food, or beverages other than plain water in the band room unless otherwise instructed by the director.

 

Music Library and Uniform Room:

The use of these storage spaces is reserved for the storage of music and band uniforms, respectfully. They are not to be used as a social gathering space, personal storage locker, or for any other non-band related purposes. They may be used as a practice space with the permission of the director.

 

Practice & Ensemble Rooms:

Practice Rooms are to be used for practice or private instruction. They are not to be used for social time or goofing around and are not to be used for any reason without the permission of the director.

 

Band Office:

The band office is private and is not to be entered by any student for any reason without the explicit permission of the director. All students should keep in mind that this is a place of business. If the door is shut, knock first. The band director’s printer is off limits to students.

 

 

Band Office Telephone and Cell Phones:

The band office telephone is for local calls only and is not for private use. The phone is not to be used during the school day. If you need to call home for any reason you are to go to the main office. Always ask permission before using the band office phone.

 

Cell phones are to be turned off and put away according to school policy during all band events. Cell phones may be used only before and after band activities, not during. Phones will be confiscated if used during that activity, and may be collected at the end of the event or school day. Cell phone use without permission will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the director.

As with any activity, you get out of the band what you put into it. Band will not be fun unless you practice. There are many values in the study of music as a discipline that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Remember: “Perfect practice makes perfect!”

 

Here is a suggested plan of study:

• Pick a set time each day

• Use a tuner for a portion of your practice session

• Have a non-boomy place of practice

• Increase dynamic range (work on pianissimo)

• Use our daily warm-up and think “tone”

• Increase endurance (15+ minutes of full tone playing)

• Play some form of scales at every practice session

• Increase range (highest note with good tone)

• Take a break every 15-20 minutes

• Use a metronome part of the time

• Work on technique (articulations, accents, fingering patterns)

• Practice sight-reading

• Record your practice

 

Discipline will be carried out following building guidelines but may also include revocation of performance privileges. See the “Athletic Bands” section for specific discipline.

Band camp is held for three weeks (two weeks of pre-camp, one week of full-day camp) starting in July. The directors, camp staff, and student leadership teach band camp. Camp is required of all students in the Marching Band. Approximately 10 weeks of regular rehearsal time is crammed into the three weeks, so attendance is a must. Parent/guardian volunteers will be in attendance to help out with whatever needs arise.

 

Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. If there is a situation preventing this, please follow the attendance policy. If a student is absent from school on the day of an after-school rehearsal, they may not participate per school policy. This absence will be considered unexcused without parent/guardian communication with the band director via email or at the band office. Do not leave/send a message with a student.

 

Any unexcused absence from a Marching Band rehearsal will result in the revocation of performance privileges for that week. Two absences in one week for any reason, even excused, will result in the revocation of some or all performance privileges for the week, because the amount of content missed cannot be made up in one or fewer rehearsals. 

 

If a band member is unable to participate at rehearsal for any reason, they are still expected to attend and maintain attention and interest in the rehearsal. They are expected to participate to the maximum level at which they are capable. Frequent non-participation (i.e. “sitting out”) during rehearsal may result in restricted performance privileges based on the amount of content missed, and a medical excuse may be requested. This determination will be made at the director’s discretion.  

 

Marching Band is a physical as well as musical activity. Students will be expected to participate in physical activity that may include light conditioning, running, extended periods of standing, extended periods of activity, and at times heavy cardiovascular activity. All students are expected to participate in all activities unless documentation from a licensed medical professional stating their inability to do so is on file. Appropriate accommodations will be made in such a situation.

Students are expected to display proper behavior at all times and there are consequences for inappropriate behavior. Band members represent the band and school before, during, and after rehearsals and performances. Your personal conduct, whether during a time associated with the band or not reflects on the program. Band members are expected to be exemplary citizens of our school and community. It is because of this that the following expectations apply at all times beginning with the student’s first day of participation in the Marching Band and through the remainder of their involvement in the program whether continuous or not. Consequences within the band program may be applied even if an offense occurs outside of “band time” including summers and outside of the Marching and Tribe Band seasons.

• Conduct unbecoming a Band Member: Engaging or participating in illegal or criminal activities, engaging or participating in bullying, racial, sexual, or ethnic “hate” activities (including electronic activities); or acting in other ways that brings disrepute to the band or the school may result in disciplinary action which may include suspension or removal of the privilege of athletic band participation.

• The use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco is strictly prohibited. Any band member caught using illegal substances will be subject to severe consequences as outlined below. 

  • Use or possession of tobacco products

    • 1st Offense – Denial of performance privileges for up to two weeks

    • 2nd Offense – Denial of performance privileges for up to six weeks

    • 3rd Offense – Denial of participation for up to one complete season

  • Use or possession of alcohol

    • 1st Offense – Denial of performance privileges for up to four weeks

    • 2nd Offense – Denial of performance privileges for up to eight weeks

    • 3rd Offense – Denial of participation for up to one complete calendar year

  • Use or possession of illegal drugs, including vape devices

    • 1st Offense – Denial of participation for up to six weeks, and student must pass a drug test at parent/guardian expense to return to participation

    • 2nd Offense – Denial of participation for up to one complete calendar year

    • 3rd Offense – Denial of participation for an amount of time up to and including permanent dismissal from the program

• Hosting or attending a party where alcohol or other drugs are consumed (as confirmed by a law enforcement agency or school district employee) shall be considered an offence in the appropriate category.

• Any conduct which may be a violation of state, local, or federal criminal or juvenile law may cause the participant to be declared ineligible by the administration.

• Violation of Student Code of Conduct - Band members referred to the school administrative office for a school rule violation may be subject to both school and band consequences depending on the severity of the infraction.

• The band staff reserve the right to accelerate consequences for repeated offenses or when combined with other discipline issues.

• If a band member does not complete participation penalties prior to the completion of that season, then those penalties will be carried over to the next band season the student athlete participates in.

The band director will handle discipline not described in the Marching and Tribe Band Student Code of Conduct on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with band staff and building administration. Appropriate consequences may include assignment of extra physical training, additional practice/rehearsal time, loss of privileges (including 3rd quarter free time, participation in senior activities, etc.), loss of performing privileges, or in extreme circumstances dismissal from the ensemble. Communication with parents/guardians will be maintained throughout the disciplinary process. Potential WMHS Student Handbook violations will be referred to building administration.

 

Consequence Definitions:

• Denial of performance privileges means that the student is still expected to attend and participate in rehearsals, but may not perform with the Marching or Tribe Bands.

• Denial of participation means that the student may not attend or participate in any Marching or Tribe Band activities.

 

There is a Pay-to-Participate fee that is payable to the Southwest Licking Local Schools. The amount of this fee is determined annually and will be communicated over the summer. The fee may be collected after August 1st and is due by the first football game. Students will not be permitted to perform until the fee is paid. The fee should be turned in to the WMHS Athletic Office.

 

Other costs associated with participation in Marching Band include:

 

• The Band Fee which covers band camp and helps offset a portion of the operation expenses for the competitive component of our marching band.

• Purchase of the summer uniform – Summer Shirt, Band Shorts, Band Ball Cap.

• Purchase of Band Shoes and Gloves (part of the full uniform)

• Purchase of the Band Backpack…required so that students have a way to carry necessary items to competitions and events.

An order form containing prices for all above will be sent home prior to band camp.

At times the financial obligation may be heavy, but no member will be denied the opportunities of the organization due to financial difficulties. Please speak with the director.

 

 

Full Uniform:

The band uniform is one of the most recognizable public symbols of our band program. The uniform is something every member of the band earns the privilege of wearing. Due to that status the uniform is to be treated with the utmost respect. It is to be clean and neatly pressed at all times. The uniform is not to be worn improperly (parts on backwards, jackets unzipped, etc.).  

 

The band uniform consists of the following:

• Uniform Jacket and Pants

• Hat and Plume

• Band Shoes

• Gloves

• High Black Socks

 

All white parts are to be immaculate. The Pants/Bibbers must be hemmed so that they lightly touch the front of the band shoes. The staff will instruct which shirt is to be worn under the uniform for each event. Black athletic shorts, spandex, or tights are to be worn on the legs under the uniform. Absolutely no pajama pants, jeans, polos, sweaters, sweatshirts, or anything else that protrudes from the uniform or is bulky enough to distort the fit of the uniform may be worn underneath. No jewelry or watches are permitted in uniform. No cell phones are to be in use while in public. No makeup or piercings will be worn, except for when it is part of the uniform (i.e. guard or pit).Students arriving to a performance with dirty gloves will be given a new pair and will be expected to purchase that pair from the WMHS Band Boosters ASAP. 

 

Hair & Facial Hair:

Hair and facial hair are to be well kept and clean. Hair also must be a natural color (i.e. not neon colors). Facial hair must be clean-shaven. 

 

Hair that is long enough to cover ears or hang below the band hat must be worn in one of two styles:

• Short Hair: Short enough to be bobby pinned back behind the ears and not long enough to braid. Neatly trimmed and must look clean with the hat on and off.

• Long Hair: A tight bun placed on the top rear of the head (part spot). Hair is to be hair sprayed in place and neat without loose hairs. Hair is also to be done before the student report time. Do not do hair on the bus! Do not spray hairspray on the bus!

 

 

 

Summer Uniform:

The summer uniform consists of the following:

• Band Shirt (tucked in)

• Band Shorts. Khaki Shorts or Jeans may be substituted at the director’s discretion.

• Short (ankle) Black Socks

• Band Shoes

 

The summer uniform is to be treated with the same respect as the full uniform when you are representing the band. Do not appear sloppy. Hair and facial hair should be done the same for the summer uniform as with the full uniform, although ladies may be allowed to wear a simple ponytail at the director’s discretion.

 

Practice Uniform

All students are expected to wear black shorts and a plain white shirt for all rehearsals unless otherwise instructed. This will allow for a uniform appearance while cleaning drill. Students are expected to wear close-toed athletic shoes to all rehearsals. Sandals, boots, slides, or formal attire will not be permitted. Students arriving with inappropriate footwear or attire will be sent home to change or not permitted to rehearse that day. This may lead to further consequences regarding performance privileges.

 

Prior to performances of the band, all band members will stand for inspection. Any member who does not pass inspection will lose an appropriate privilege such as 3rd quarter or performance privileges for the event. Band members should follow the guidelines above when preparing for all performances.

 

Instruments will also be inspected. Reeds should be playable, valves and slides lubricated, and instruments should be clean, and brass shined. Sticks should be solid and neatly taped. Drums cleaned and polished.

• Report time for all games will be announced the week of the game.

• Students must wear their full uniform and remain in full uniform for the duration of the game unless otherwise instructed.

• For all games, students will be dismissed following the announcements in the band room.

• The performance begins when students arrive at the band room and ends when they go home!

• Only uniformed band members are allowed in the band section. No Exceptions!

• All members are to remain in their section. Any stand music will not be played unless rehearsed and approved by the director.

• There will be no eating or drinking in the stands (except water). The band will have the third quarter off and must be back in their seats with two minutes to go in the 3rd quarter.

• All members should be alert as to what is going on down front. Be ready to react immediately to instructions given by the directors or student leadership.

• If a student leaves the band section, another student must accompany him or her and both must have permission from a director.

• If a conversation can be heard more than two seats away on the bus it is too loud!

• There will be no hanging out of or talking out of bus windows.

• Please lower the volume considerably when entering towns or stadiums. This is for your safety, is courteous to the bus driver, and is an act of class.

• Please keep the bus clean; pick up after yourselves, and always thank the chaperones and driver.

 

To pass off assigned material, the player must successfully demonstrate to the director, or to a designated student assistant his or her ability to perform it. Every note and rhythm must be accurate, though standards are adjusted to fit the musician’s level. Any student who does not pass a music check may be required to attend extra rehearsal, schedule a lesson with a director, or may lose some performance privileges.

 

*These are general suggestions. See your director or private lesson instructor before purchasing a new instrument or mouthpiece to confirm its quality!

 

Mouthpieces:

Clarinet         Vandoren B45 Mouthpiece

                     Rovner Dark Ligature

Saxophone     Selmer C* Mouthpiece

                     Rovner Dark Ligature

Trumpet         Bach 3C or 1½ C

Horn             Holton Farkas MC or MDC

Trombone/Euphonium    

Bach 5G

                     Schilke 51 or 51D

Tuba             Helleberg 120S

 

Instruments:

Piccolo           Yamaha YPC62

Flute             Yamaha 684 H

Clarinet         Buffet R-13

Oboe             Loree or Fox 400

Bassoon         Fox Renard 220 or 222

Saxophone     Selmer Mark VI or Yamaha Custom

Trumpet         Bach Stradivarius

Horn             Conn 8D or 8DS

                     Holton 179

Trombone       Yamaha Xeno Series with F Attachment

                     Edwards

Euphonium    Yamaha 321-S

Tuba             Miraphone 191 or 187

 

The band department makes every effort to have copies of excellent instrumental method books in our library for use by students. More serious students should consider purchasing these books for themselves.

 

Flute:

The Art and Practice of Modern Flute Technique by William Kincaid

Eck Method for Flute by Emil Eck

Exercisis Journaliers – Flute by H. Altes

Rubank Intermediate Method for Flute by A.C. Petersen

Rubank Advanced Method for Flute by Himie Voxman and William Gower

 

Clarinet:

Forty Studies for Clarinet, Book I by C. Rose

Klose’s Celebrated Method for Clarinet by Hyacinthe Eleonor Klose

Melodious and Progressive Studies by David L. Hite

Rubank Intermediate Method for Clarinet by J.E. Skornika

Rubank Advanced Method for Clarinet by Himie Voxman and William Gower

 

Oboe:

Barrett Oboe Method by A.M.R. Barrett

Fifty Classical Studies for the Oboe by Gunther Joppig

Practical and Progressive Oboe Method by Albert J. Andraud

Rubank Advanced Method for Oboe by Himie Voxman and William Gower

 

Bassoon:

Practical Method for the Bassoon by J. Weissenborn

Rubank Intermediate Method for Bassoon by Himie Voxman

Rubank Advanced Method for Bassoon by Himie Voxman and William Gower

 

Saxophone:

Rubank Intermediate Method for Saxophone by J.E. Skornika

Rubank Advanced Method for Saxophone by Himie Voxman and William Gower

Thirty-Five Melodious and Technical Exercises: Saxophone by D. Gatti

Universal Method for the Saxophone by Paul de Ville

 

Trumpet:

Arban’s complete Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban

Daily Drills and Technical Studies for Trumpet by Max Schlossberg

Rubank Intermediate Method for Cornet or Trumpet by J.E. Skornika

Rubank Advanced Method for Cornet or Trumpet by Himie Voxman and William Gower

Technical Studies by Herbert L. Clark

 

 

Horn:

First Book of Practical Studies for Cornet or Trumpet by Robert W. Getchell

Lyrical Studies for Horn by Gieseppe Concone

Rubank Intermediate Method for French Horn by Joseph Skornika

Rubank Advanced Method for French Horn by William Gower

Sixty Studies for Horn (two volumes) by G. Kopprasch

 

Trombone/Euphonium:

Arban’s Famous Method for Trombone by Jean-Baptiste Arban

Daily Drills and Technical Studies for Trombone by Max Schlossberg

Melodious Etudes, Books I and II by Joannes Rochut

Method for Trombone/Euphonium by Herbert L. Clark

Rubank Intermediate Method for Trombone or Baritone by J.E. Skornika and E.G.    Bolz

Rubank Advanced Method for Trombone or Baritone by Himie Voxman and William       Gower

 

Tuba:

Rubank Intermediate Method for Tuba by Himie Voxman and William Gower

Rubank Advanced Method for Tuba by J.E. Skornika and E.G. Bolz

An instrumentalist cannot duplicate a characteristic sound on his or her instrument without an appropriate model to emulate. Below are suggestions of artists for each instrument. Every student in the band program should own at least one recording of the following artists:

 

Flute             Jean-Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker, Paula Robison

Clarinet         Harold Wright, Larry Combs

Oboe             Joseph Robinson, John Mack

Bassoon         Bubonic Bassoon Quartet, Christopher Millard

Saxophone     Jean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff, Steven Mauk

Trumpet         Phil Smith, Adolph Herseth

Horn             Dale Clevenger, Dennis Brain

Trombone       Joseph Alessi, Christian Linberg, Charlie Vernon (Bass Trombone)

Euphonium    Brian Bowman, Roger Behrand

Tuba             Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian

Percussion      www.vicfirth.com

Level 4: 20 Points

The student’s attention never wavers from the rehearsal. The student exhibits exceptional behavior, providing a model for others. The student has all materials at every rehearsal and uses them appropriately.

 

Level 3: 15-19 Points

The student listens attentively, needs little to no teacher reminders to refrain from talking or interrupting, and follows most of the rules for good rehearsal participation. The student has all materials for rehearsals and uses them appropriately with very few exceptions.

 

Level 2: 10-14 Points

The student needs occasional teacher reminders to listen attentively and/or refrain from talking, may get out of his/her seat/place without permission, or does not follow all the rules of good rehearsal participation. The student frequently forgets materials and or does not use them appropriately in rehearsals.

 

Level 1: 0-9 Points

The student needs frequent teacher reminders to sit still, refrain from talking, listen attentively, or actively participate. The student makes it difficult for other students to listen. The teacher may move the student to another seat or remove the student from the rehearsal. The student does not attempt to bring or use rehearsal materials appropriately.

 

• Board Approved on May 18, 2023.