This manual has been written as a supplement to your School Handbook. It contains information regarding the various phases and activities of the instrumental music department of Marshfield Schools. This manual also contains the policies and regulations of the Band.
All Band members and their parents are urged to read the entire manual carefully to help avoid conflicts with policies and rules stated herein. Please note the commitment contract included in this manual.
If at any time you have questions, feel free to consult with the directors, Kevin Crowley, Lori Hutton or Jeremy Meyer in one of the following ways:
· Band office phone - High School 859-2120 ext. 2221 Jr. High 859-2120 ext. 2311
· E-mail Mr. Crowley – mailto:kevcrow@centurytel.net
· E-mail Ms. Hutton – bnjazzy@centurytel.net
· E-mail Mr. Meyer – drumbud_97@hotmail.com
· Band Web Site – www.marshfieldbands.com
Communications
Communication is very important in the Marshfield Band Program, especially with the number of students and the amount of activities. It is important that parents keep this manual and the calendar of events handy throughout the year for reference. Also, please use the band web site to get up-to-the-date information throughout the year. We will be posting reminders, event information, times, etc. on the site throughout the year. Also, we will be posting information in the band room with information about upcoming events.
Students who audition/enroll as members of the instrumental ensembles in the High School are involved in an educational adventure which holds extremely high standards of performance, discipline, and tradition. Band students are expected to be active participants in a continuous quest for musical excellence, and additionally, to display a genuine regard for high academic standards and achievement. Only through intense personal commitment, thorough preparation, and insightful performance can the goals of the ensembles be met. Through curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular participation, the student is encouraged and expected to develop real ownership in the instrumental program as well as in his/her own personal and musical growth.
Grading Policy: It is important to understand that the grading policy is intended to measure achievement and progress.
Students will be graded according to sight-reading tests, instrumental playing tests, written tests, conduct/cooperation, responsibility, performance attendance and daily musical performance. Since the High School ensembles are performance based and oriented, attendance at all activities are required. An unexcused absence from a performance will result as a Zero for that performance. Please keep in mind that just by telling the directors ahead of time does not necessarily make it an excused absence.
Attendance: The student who fulfills his/her responsibility for communicating with the director(s) will rarely have a problem with the attendance policies of the band. See your School Handbook for class attendance policy. Students are expected to be present for all rehearsals, performances, and appointments. If circumstances preclude a student’s attendance, it is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the director(s). Required performances are indicated on the calendar at the end of this manual. Occasionally, performances pop-up that require our attention. If that is the case, students will receive fair warning to clear schedules if possible.
Tardies: It is impossible to run an effective rehearsal when people are consistently tardy. A tardy is defined as not being in your seat with the proper materials when the bell rings.
Commitment: The Marshfield Band Program has set very high standards and strict discipline. We want band members to be responsible, accountable, dependable, and committed to each other as we continue the tradition of being one of the best. Performances take priority over practice. Practice takes priority over work. We must all make sacrifices at times to contribute to the success of the group.
The MHS Band program operates like a big family, on pride and self-discipline. Either the band members or the directors will NOT tolerate any behavior that reflects negatively on the band. Everyone is expected to be in the right place, at the right time, with the proper equipment and with the attitude that we will do our very best at all times and will improve our performances each day!!!!!
Discipline: All students should and can behave appropriately in the classroom and rehearsals. In order to guarantee every student the learning climate they deserve, no student will behave in such a manner as to deprive other students from learning. To help establish and maintain this learning climate, the following plan will be used:
1. Follow directions.
2. Stay in seat during class unless otherwise directed.
3. Be punctual with instrument and music.
4. Start rehearsals at the tardy bell.
5. Not use inappropriate or disgraceful language or gestures.
6. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.
7. Raise hand and be recognized to speak while a director is on the podium.
1st time: Verbal reprimand.
2nd time: Private conference with director.
3rd time: Phone call to parents.
4th time: Conference with parents and student.
5th time: Principal’s office.
Serious offense: Principal’s office.
Students are expected to conduct themselves on trips in such a way as to enhance the reputation of the students, parents, band, school, and community of Marshfield. Individuals who do not do this will be dealt with appropriately with the advice and consent of the principal.
Drug Testing: Starting the 2003-2004 school year, all students 7-12 were required to sign-up for random drug testing to be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities. Band falls into this category. If a student does not sign-up for random drug testing, but are in band, they will not be allowed to perform at any performances. Since attendance is required for their grade, this is what is required to make-up a missed performance grade, whether it’s because a student is not in the drug pool or if a student has been suspended from activities for failing a drug test:
1. Students will attend all scheduled performances for set-up and breakdown. The student will also stay the entire time with the band and will help in whatever way the director needs them.
2. The student will also take a playing test over the material that is being performed at the missed performance(s).
3. The student will also take a written test over the material that is being performed at the missed performance(s).
Please note that this is the method for making up missed performances only for those with drug pool violations. If anyone misses with an unexcused absence, they receive a zero on that performance.
It is highly recommended that ALL band students sign-up for the random drug testing.
Transportation: In accordance with school policy, students who travel with the band do so only in school-approved or school-provided vehicles. Other arrangements will be made only if special circumstances are involved.
Uniforms: All uniforms issued to the Marching and Concert Bands are property of Marshfield Schools, and each student will properly care for his/her own uniform. You are responsible to keep the uniform clean throughout the school year.
All uniforms must be dry-cleaned. Never iron or machine-wash the uniforms. Also, don’t leave the uniform on the good hangers when you take them to the dry cleaners, but hang it back on the good hangers when you turn it back in to the band room.
Each band member is to provide the proper footwear and black socks. Please keep your uniform hung on the hanger provided and in the garment bag after the uniform has aired-out following a performance. When in uniform, it is to be worn properly and with respect at all times. Not being in full uniform or not taking proper care of the uniform may result in lowering of a performance grade.
Full uniform is defined as black socks, official band shoes, hat (marching only), white gloves (marching only), uniform coat and pants. Students should also wear a white t-shirt underneath their band coat.
Instruments: Each student is responsible for the proper function and maintenance of his/her own instrument at all times. The care and maintenance of school-owned instruments will also remain the responsibility of the individual to whom those instruments are loaned. It will be expected that all such instruments be returned in the same condition in which they were issued. All students using a school owned instrument will be required to fill out a contract. All instruments are to be stored properly with the cases closed and secured.
Percussion: Percussionists are the only students allowed to play any of the instruments in the percussion family. Do not play with any equipment unless you have special permission to do so.
Percussionists are expected to keep the area and equipment in order at all times. Put things away daily after each rehearsal.
Music & Folders: Throughout the school year, each student may be the steward of musical materials with high monetary value. Each student is responsible for the care of all music and folders. Music will be turned back in when we are finished using it.
Cleanliness: Everyone is expected to help keep our music facilities (and hallways) clean and in order at all times. If you get it out…put it up. No food or drink is allowed during class.
Various student leaders will be elected by the band or chosen by the directors. The following list describes these various positions and their duties.
Elected: Drum Major
Will serve as the student leader of the MHS Marching Band. This person will assist the directors. This person must be a Senior, and has served as Assistant Drum Major during their Junior year.
Assistant Drum Majors
Will assist the Drum Major. There will be one Junior & one Sophomore Drum Major.
Selected: Librarian
Assists with passing out, collecting, and filing of music. This person needs to help keep the band offices clean and organized.
Equipment Manager
This person is in charge of overseeing the loading and unloading of equipment on all trips. Also should be mechanically inclined to do simple repairs.
Uniform Manager
This person will help with issuing and turning in of uniforms.
Photographer
This person will need to be available to pictures for the band website, mostly of Jr. High events.
Section Leaders
Section leaders are chosen by a combination of sight-reading scores, seniority, and leadership skills. They are responsible for sectional rehearsals, and making sure that all members of their section have all the proper equipment, uniform parts, and music.
Color guard Captains
Will help teach the routines to the squad.
All student leaders are the backbone of the band program. They exhibit the desirable qualities of commitment, pride, positive attitude, responsibility, dependability, and an excitement level to encourage other band members to do their best. Remember…leaders must lead by example!
Marching Band: The Marching Band is an ensemble, which performs primarily for the enjoyment and entertainment of the audience at half time of home football games, Evangel and/or SBU football games, local parades, and various civic events. The MHS Marching Band will also play at all home FB playoff games. Dates, times & places of playoff games are not known until we reach the playoffs, but they are required performances.
Concert Band: All students enrolled in high school band will be in a concert band. Second semester, the band will split into the Symphonic & Concert Band. Both bands will go to contest and play at the Formal & Combined Band Concerts. Both bands will also play challenging & rewarding music.
During the Concert season, emphasis is placed on tone quality, intonation, balance & blend, ensemble quality, technique, style, contrast, and performance. To be eligible to participate at festivals, students must have met the sight-reading requirement and have passed all of their tests.
Jazz Band: This group is by audition and meets outside the normal school day. Students will have the opportunity to play various styles of jazz music in a true jazz band setting. Concerts and festivals are included with this group.
Pep Band: This group is by audition and meets outside the school day. This band performs at basketball games, pep rallies, and various events throughout the school year.
Pit Orchestra: This group is made by audition and need process, and will meet outside the normal school day. This group will form in October and will perform at the Drama Department’s musical in November.
Brass/WW Choir: These choirs will be formed during the concert season and will perform at Contest. Students from both the Symphonic and Concert Bands will combine for these choirs.
Solos/Ensembles: All students will have the opportunity to participate in small ensembles and prepared solos for music festival. Participants must pay their own $9 entry fee if they cancel their event.
Honor Bands: Throughout the school year, students may audition for a variety of select honor musical organizations sponsored by colleges and for conference, district, and state groups sanctioned by MSHSAA.
Curriculum
Curricular: This is the academic portion of our band program. It is all of our band classes that are scheduled as part of the normal school curriculum and are held during the normal school day.
Co-Curricular: These are the educational activities that are an extension of the academic portion of the curriculum. These activities are in connection with the classroom, such as concerts, small ensembles & solos, & State Music Festival, but are usually held outside of the normal school day.
Extra-Curricular: These are the activities that are held outside the normal school day, have little educational value, and can tend to exploit our students’ talents if not carefully selected. These activities are considered entertainment or public relation activities.
We feel that the MHS Band has a good balance of the three types of curriculums listed above. We will continue to do our part in an effort to promote school spirit and community pride.
The instrumental department is cognizant of the fact that the success of any performing group lies not in the strength of a few individuals, but rather in the support, cooperation, trust, pride, and effort of each and every member. However, in the spring, outstanding individuals, selected by their peers and instructors, shall be recognized with various awards for their outstanding leadership, stellar musicianship, and effort “above and beyond the call of duty”. Those awards are listed in the student handbook.
Students may earn a band letter if they meet the following criteria:
1 All tryouts completed.
2 No quarter band grade below a B.
3 Perfect attendance at all performances.
4 Participate in a solo or ensemble at district music festival OR participate in an Honor’s Band OR participate in 4th of July & attend Band camp.
5 Conduct/Cooperation and behavior must represent a positive attitude toward the band, students, directors, school, and community.
If student fulfills all but one of the first 3 criteria, they may submit a written request asking for a waiver on those criteria.
Everyone:
Official Black Band
Shoes
Black Socks
Flip Folder
Lyre
Instrument
Proper oils, greases, etc.
Woodwinds:
Good mouthpiece
and quality ligature (B-45, Rovner)
4 good reeds at all time
Neck straps
Reed holder
Brass:
Good mouthpiece
Trumpets: Bach or Benge 3C
Trombones: Bach or Benge 6 ˝ AL
Percussionists: Stick bag
Appropriate sticks and mallets