Cleveland Central High School Band Handbook 2017-2018

PURPOSE The Cleveland Central High School Band exists to provide students with a music education beyond the junior high school level. Students are offered the opportunity to perform at various venues including MHSAA sanctioned events, contests, festivals and local events.

MEMBERSHIP The CCHS band is comprised of students in grades 9-12 who have successfully completed at least 2 years of junior high level band. Transfer students who were continuously enrolled in band at their former school may audition for membership. Must pay Band Activity Fee.

REQUIREMENTS Students must maintain a passing grade of 70 and at least a 2.0 grade point average. Students with a failing semester average will be dismissed from band and will not be readmitted under any circumstances. Each student must pass 5 credits each year to meet MHSAA eligibility guidelines. Each student must fulfill his/her financial obligations (fees), maintain a properly functioning instrument, have all necessary supplies, and properly care for and maintain any issued uniform and/or equipment. All band members are required to exhibit a positive image at all times, in uniform as well as out of uniform, on and off campus. Any student who receives an excessive number of suspensions (ISS, OSS) will be removed from the program at the discretion of the director. Every band member must have on file a medical release form, signed by the parent, with all necessary student information included. The medical release form is required in order to gain medical assistance without the parents’ presence. No student will travel with the band without a medical release form on file. Parents need to see that students eat substantial meals prior to rehearsals and performances, so the student does not become sick. This is especially important during hot weather!

ATTENDANCE Band members have invested much time and effort into band and should consider rehearsals and performances a top priority. All band members are required to be present at all rehearsals and performances, unless prior permission has been granted by the director. It is the parent's responsibility to confer with the band director when the student has a conflict or is too sick to be at rehearsal/performance. The band staff will always announce rehearsals and performances as early as possible. The parent should notify the director of conflicts as soon as possible.

In the event of sickness, a PARENT is to email or call the band director at 843-2460 or [email protected] or through the REMIND APP as soon as possible, BEFORE the rehearsal or performance. Excused absences will be: sickness, accident, death in the immediate family. Unexcused absences include: Being out of town, failure to make arrangements for attendance, work, etc.

Appointments with doctors, dentists and/or orthodontists should be scheduled at times that will not coincide with band IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. If even one student is absent, it creates problems in rehearsals- we need every child every day. All unexcused absences from REHEARSALS and PERFORMANCES will affect the student's grade. Students who are suspended on the day of a performance will not be allowed to perform, and will be counted as UNEXCUSED. Students who miss rehearsals may be removed from the halftime show and replaced with an alternate. STUDENTS WHO HAVE TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FROM PERFORMANCES WILL BE DISMISSED FROM THE BAND PROGRAM AT THE SEMESTER’S END. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!

DISCIPLINE *In addition to the CCHS Code of Conduct* -Do not play or touch any instrument or equipment that does not belong to you -Be in your seat/spot with all necessary equipment/supplies at the proper time -No gum, food or drink in the band hall at any time unless otherwise instructed -Be quiet when directors are teaching -Follow directions -Be enthusiastic and give your best effort at all times -No horseplay, loud talking, yelling or throwing objects -Keep hands off each other. -No displays of affection beyond hand-holding/hugging -Dress appropriately for marching rehearsals

Students who disobey the rules above will be assigned detention or will be assigned laps, pushups, pick up trash or clean the band hall. If the behavior continues, parents will be contacted and the behavior will be documented. Multiple documented instances will result in removal from the band at the semester’s end.

FURTHER DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Moderate infractions -Insubordination -Inappropriate actions/behavior/language -Major disruption of rehearsal -Physically hurting another student -Horseplay, running inside the band hall, pushing shoving These actions will result in a phone call to the parent and documentation of the incident.

Major infractions- -Fighting while on campus, in rehearsal, at a performance or en route -Endangering the safety of others -Bullying or mentally abusing other band members -Action or behavior that reflects negatively upon the band program These situations also may be referred to as “actions unbecoming of a bandsman” and will result in immediate removal from the band program.

MARCHING BAND All students enrolled in band during the fall semester are required to participate in the halftime show, in some capacity. Pre-school rehearsals will be held in July before school starts. Any student who misses band camp, unless prior permission is granted by the director, will not have a spot in the halftime show, and will serve as an alternate, or any other capacity deemed necessary by the directors. The directors reserve the right to assign any student any part they feel necessary, due to consistent absenteeism, lack of effort, etc.

FOOTBALL GAMES Football games are the main performing venue. This is where most of our hard work is displayed. In addition to performing, we are present to support our football team, and to represent our school and our community. All band members are required to play when directed. Cheering for the football team should not interfere with playing the instrument. Any student who refuses to play will be asked to remove their uniform and leave the premises and will be counted absent from the performance. Water is allowed in the stands; no food or other drinks will be allowed in the band seating area. Band members are to stay on the home side and not visit the opposing team stands unless permission is granted by the band staff and/or chaperones. The uniform is to be ON or OFF- NOT HALFWAY ON. All zippers and closures must be properly fastened, with suspenders ON THE SHOULDERS. During hot weather we will remove the coats and hats at the directors' discretion. Members are to SIT in their assigned section at all times. The directors reserve the right to take away any student's 3rd quarter break for rules violation, and may possibly be referred to the principal's office for further disciplinary measures. Directors reserve the right to have security escort any student out of the game for inappropriate behavior or attracting negative attention at a football game or any other public event.

GRADING PROCEDURE G1 (daily grade) Term Evaluations Students will receive G1 grades per 9-week term for each of the following: 1. Overall effort 2. Adherence to rules 3. Behavior 4. Responsibility 5. Punctuality 6. Quality of instrument G2 Grades (Performances) Term Evaluations Students will receive G2 grades per 9-week term for each of the following: 1. Attendance at performances 2. Behavior at performances/en route 3. Level of representation of the CCHS Band 4. Individual execution of drill/music 5. Level of preparation

G3 Grade-Final Term Evaluation Each student will be assigned a grade which represents their overall contribution to the CCHS band for each term. Considerations will include level of improvement on the instrument, level of respect for directors, teachers, administrators and peers, level of pride in membership, level of responsibility and following directions, enthusiasm for music, and level of accomplishment in learning the repertoire.

SECTION LEADERS The highest-sitting member of each section will serve as section leader, and will be based on concert band auditions from the previous year. Section leaders’ duties include helping their sections with posture, playing, marching, motivation and behavior through constructive criticism. The director reserves the right to rename the section leader if the current section leader is irresponsible or is not carrying out the duties prescribed. Anyone may challenge for the title of section leader by notifying the director, who will assign challenge material and date/time. Section leaders are third in the chain of command, following the drum major and the band directors/instructors. Section leaders have the authority to give directions and conduct sectional rehearsals; they do NOT have the authority to administer any type of punishment or hazing. No section leaders will schedule rehearsals without the consent of the director! Section leaders will also report absences and tardies to the drum major every day, inspect uniforms, advise freshmen, report any problems to the director and, most importantly, set a good example for others to follow. Any student may challenge for the title of section leader during the first semester. COLORGUARD Auditions for colorguard are held near the end of school, in May. Training will be provided, specifically for 8th grade students. Only current band members in 8th grade and high school may audition. Current high school members must have fulfilled their Fair Share and not owe any money to the band boosters in order to be eligible to tryout. Returning guard members are NOT guaranteed a spot; they must re-audition every year. All guard members are required to purchase their own uniform and shoes, and may possibly be required to participate in extra fundraisers to purchase flags, poles and other equipment. The band directors reserve the right to take any guard member out of the show if they cannot perform the routine at an acceptable level. Colorguard routines require extra, personal practice at home. All guard members must have paid for their uniform before the first performance, or they will not perform and will be counted absent from the performance.

DRUM MAJOR Any student in grade 10 or 11 may audition for drum major. Audition material will include demonstration of marching ability, vocal commands, and conducting patterns. The drum major is second in command after the band directors. The drum major's primary duty is to conduct the marching band performances, including pep rallies, stand tunes and the halftime show. He or she will be expected to help lead rehearsals, sectionals or any other leadership position the director deems necessary. Section leaders report to the drum major, who reports to the directors. The student selected to be drum major must purchase his/her own uniform (which must be approved by the band director) and attend a summer training camp prior to band camp at his/her own expense (second year drum majors are not required to go to camp a second time).

UNIFORMS Uniforms will be issued upon delivery. They are being constructed now. Any student who mutilates or purposefully damages a uniform will be responsible for the cost of replacement; in addition, directors reserve the right to refer student to the office for destruction of school property. The student will be dismissed from band. Parents are responsible for having the uniform bibbers altered prior to the first performance. Uniform jackets will be left in the bathrooms; Bibbers and shoes go home after the performance. The trousers should fall to the top of the shoe; the crease should not break. The coat sleeves should cover the wrist in playing position. Jewelry, face paint, ribbons and the like are not part of the uniform and should not be worn. Hair longer than shoulder length must be put inside the hat. The uniform is either completely ON or COMPLETELY OFF. Students will not wear coats unzipped or suspenders hanging. Black BAND SHOES, long BLACK socks, band bibbers and BLACK GLOVES are part of the uniform. The directors reserve the right to prohibit any student from performing if the uniform is excessively dirty, or if they are not properly dressed (shoes, socks, hat), or if the uniform is not properly altered. This will count as an unexcused absence from the performance. The band t-shirt will always be worn when traveling and under the uniform. The first pair of gloves is free, each pair thereafter will cost $5. Any student who loses any part of their uniform, will be responsible for the cost of replacement. Failure to pay for missing pieces by the end of the school year will result in dismissal from the band program. STUDENTS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM EATING WHILE WEARING THE COAT AND GAUNTLETS!

TRIPS Students are to treat chaperones with the same respect and attention the directors receive. Any student who behaves improperly will not be allowed to ride the bus on the next trip without their parent. Chaperones will report any problems to the directors; students will NOT BE ASKED THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY. Parents will be called upon return from the destination, or the following morning if it is late. The directors and/or chaperones may require a student to change seats or buses. Any student who is arrested while in the care of the band directors will be taken to jail; once in police custody, the parents of that student will be contacted, and Cleveland Central High School, its administrators, band directors, and chaperones will no longer be held responsible for the safety and well-being of the student.

All students must have on-file with the director a medical release form and parent information form. I do not take students on trips without a medical release! Arrival times will be announced in advance so that parents can arrange for pick-up. Students without rides will be taken to the Cleveland Police Department for safety.

BAND BUS RULES: Obey chaperones! No food or drinks on the bus- this includes chaperones and bus drivers. No singing, clapping or excessive noise. If listening to music, you MUST have headphones. Keep all body parts inside the bus. Band T-shirt is to be worn on all trips, and under the uniform. Be on time or you will get left- drivers are prohibited from picking up students once we have departed campus.

CLEANING CREW A cleaning crew will be assigned to pick up trash and sweep the buses after every trip.

Any parent who wants their child to ride home in their vehicle must come to the band bus after the performance and sign a release form. Students will not be released to ride home with anyone other than the parent-this is for your child's safety! We will not hesitate to get the police involved, especially when it involves your child's safety.

BAND COUNCIL The band council will serve as diplomats at football games by visiting with the band council of the visiting band during the first quarter. They will also represent the band at awards ceremonies at marching festivals. In addition, the band council has the privilege of making suggestions to the directors and help the directors make decisions regarding all aspects of the band program. The band council will be appointed by the band director.

CONCERT BAND In early November, chair auditions will be held to determine placement in the concert band. The audition will be timed. The student will have 5 minutes to play all the requirements. There will be 100 possible points and will be counted as a G3 grade for the 2nd 9 weeks. Any student who scores below 50 points on the audition will be assigned remediation exercises daily, and will not perform or rehearse with the concert band until they acquire the necessary skills.

As the band grows, we may need to split into two separate concert groups. If that occurs, as deemed necessary by the directors, a larger ensemble called the Symphonic Band will be comprised of the top players, and a smaller ensemble, the Concert Band, will be comprised of the students who need further basic instruction. The Concert Band will not participate in MHSAA adjudication.

Auditions will consist of: WINDS/MALLETS Seven Major Scales (out of 12 possible) Chromatic scale Sightreading Prepared Piece BATTERY PERCUSSION Seven rudiments (of the Standard 35) Sightreading Prepared Piece

EVALUATION Band members are held to higher standards than normal teenagers. They are expected to gradually progress on their instrument, improving their skills as musicians. They also are expected to learn valuable life skills such as cooperation, teamwork, patriotism, pride, goal- setting and achievement, and many others. They should develop an appreciation and knowledge of various musical styles and become aware of music’s important role in the lives of human beings. Band members will receive an evaluation of their individual strengths, weaknesses and overall progress every three or four weeks. Parents are to sign, date and return the evaluation. These evaluations will determine each student’s growth and contributions to the band program, and will serve as cumulative records. These evaluations will determine whether or not a student should continue in the band program.

FEES $100 participation fee ($100 per year- due first day of BAND CAMP) $50 maintenance fee (tuba, baritone, ALL percussion, French horn, bass clarinet, bassoon) $15 implement fee (percussion-due first day of drum camp) $100 colorguard uniform fee (colorguard-due at tryouts) $55.50 uniform pants (everyone- due at measuring, prior to band camp) $35 shoes (color-guard- due at measuring) $37 shoes (band- due at measuring) $15 lyre/flip folder (those in need of one-due first day of band camp)

BAND BOOSTERS Without our boosters, our kids would be severely disadvantaged. The boosters work in conjunction with the band directors to provide additional funding and parental supervision. They also are able to voice their opinions and help provide the band directors with ideas and solutions to problems. I urge each parent to become more involved in their child's life by joining the band boosters. Your children spend more time in the band hall than anywhere else- besides home.

BAND VARSITY JACKETS TBA when notified of requirements from the CCHS Athletic Director.

CLINICS/HONOR BANDS Any student who is interested in attending band clinic should sign up when information is posted. Students who create discipline problems and students who are not proficient on their instrument will not be considered. State Band Clinic/All-State Band- Held in Natchez during December, is a 3-day clinic for the best junior high and high school musicians in the state. Band directors will supervise and transport students at this clinic. I-55 Band Association Clinic- Held at Northwest MS Community College in early February. Usually 6 or 7 high school students and 6 or 7 MGJH 8th grade students are selected. Band Boosters will pay registration fees. Students will pay for their meals and hotel room (about $35 in all). Delta State Honor Band, Mississippi State Honor Band Auditions by submitted recording. Students who audition for these events should be prepared to arrange their own transportation, housing and meals. Ole Miss Honor Band These students are selected by the band staff at U.M. Students selected will pay their registration fee, and the band boosters will pay hotel rooms and travel, with either the band directors or a parent chaperone. Mississippi Lions All-State Band The Lions Band is the state's most prestigious high-school-level performing group. Auditions are very intensive, with a panel of up to 5 judges. Past travel destinations have included Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Hawaii and nearly every US state. This group competes at the annual Lion's Convention, and has won the championship title many times over the past 50 years. Trip costs should not deter any CCHS student from trying out for Lions Band. Any interested student may request an audition application in early September.

SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS Students who play a school-owned instrument will be assessed a fee of $50 per year. This fee is used to maintain and repair the instruments.

AWARDS Awards are presented at the band banquet, near the end of the school year. Most Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior Section of the Year Most Improved Underclassman Most Improved Upperclassman Bandsman of the Year John Philip Sousa Award Recognition awards for Superior Color Guard and Drum Major Recognition to any deserving student, as determined by band directors

INSTRUMENT Every student in the CCHS Band is required to have an intermediate or professional-level instrument. Beginner-level instruments are unacceptable. Please consult with the band director before you buy an instrument ... there are MANY disreputable brands available on the internet (EBay) and pawn shop horns are ALMOST ALWAYS in need of repair as well as WAY OVERPRICED. Be advised that a quality instrument IS going to carry a higher price. Your child is worth it, and our band deserves it.

The directors reserve the right to remove any student whose parents refuse to make the necessary accommodations for a professional-level instrument, or reassign the student to a school-owned horn without consulting the parents beforehand.