Fulton Hornet Band Handbook
2015–2016 Fulton High School
Director of Bands: Kelly Neudecker [email protected]
Assistant Band Director Sara Glynn [email protected]
Color Guard Director: Mikelle Cortez [email protected]
http://www.fulton58.org Table of Contents
2 Mission Statement
Preparing and Educating for Success Vision Statement The school will be recognized in the community as a valued resource, a positive and safe environment, and a place that provides a quality education for all.
Upon graduating, students will be productive citizens and community leaders who are successful and proud, prepared for post-secondary training, and have options and tools for success.
The administration will be respectful, supportive, caring, and consistent, individuals with the ability to solve problems and communicate effectively, who deal with discipline issues swiftly and appropriately with clear expectations using a team approach that uses all stakeholder resources.
The student-centered faculty will be positive, collaborative individuals who move students toward career goals, serve as resources while providing individualized and directed instruction through easily accessible curricula that incorporates technology in instruction, practice, and assessment to challenge and engage students and meet their current needs for a post-high school life.
The most important criterion for measuring our success will be our graduation and dropout rate, state and federal mandates, college and exit exam scores, as well as the long-term achievement of our students.
3 Goals of the Fulton Hornet Band
These are the goals for all members of the Fulton hornet band.
To enrich life by treating music as an art and heightening aesthetic sensitivity, awareness, and perception.
To be aware of and recognize the value of the world’s musical heritage, to feel comfortable with music in varied settings, and to respect each individual’s unique aspirations and values.
To develop listening, performance, and creative skills.
To pursue music in one’s life as a consumer, performer, or composer by evaluating and using music in relation to its setting and purpose.
To develop musicianship, a sensitivity to all of those elements which make musical performance an art as well as a skill.
To provide students the opportunity to explore music regardless of race, sex, or cultural background.
To develop psychomotor skills (skills that involve both mental and muscular activity) as needed for the performance of music.
To encourage teamwork among students.
To contribute to positive character development.
To provide opportunities for social and group adjustment.
To instill a sense of self-confidence in one’s ability to perform.
To promote the development of responsibility.
To acknowledge the self-worth of each individual.
To assist in the development of mental and self-discipline.
4 Performance Opportunities
Throughout the year, performance opportunities will present themselves. Most opportunities will be open to anyone in the band. Students will earn points toward their band letter for participating in various ensembles. A Letter Point chart can be found later in the handbook. Marching Band Marching band is open to all band members in grades 9 – 12. The band performs at pregame and halftime during each home football game, marches in the homecoming parade, the Fulton Christmas parade, and competes in marching festivals. Early rehearsals are held daily at 7:15 a.m. during marching season. During the school day, the band rehearses first period (7:45 – 8:31). Specific performance dates are listed on the music calendar included in this handbook, on the website, and the Hornet Band Google Calendar. Color Guard Color guard is an audition-based group that is open to all students of Fulton High School. Members of the color guard perform with the marching band at all home football games, marching competitions, the homecoming parade, and the Fulton Christmas parade. After marching season, members of the guard who do not play an instrument, may be responsible for creating a program for grading purposes. This may include design of costumes, choreography, and selection of music. Specific requirements will be discussed and provided for students at the end of marching season. Concert Band The concert band is open to all band members in grades 9 – 12. The band rehearses first period (7:45 – 8:31) daily. The season begins following the last home football game. Specific performance dates are listed on the music calendar included in this handbook, on the website, and the Hornet Band Google Calendar. Jazz Band Jazz band is open to all band members in grades 9 – 12. Students who are not enrolled in band are eligible to audition. Jazz band begins shortly after marching season ends. Rehearsals times are from 6:45 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting in late October. Pep Band All band members are highly encouraged to participate in pep band. The pep band will perform at home basketball games (girls and boys), during pep assemblies, and at other sporting events as requested. The schedule will be distributed as soon as it is available. Northeast All-District Band and Missouri All-State Band Band students are strongly encouraged to audition for District Band in November. Audition materials are available in the Band Office. Students who make the District Band will perform in January and are eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Band in December. Members of the Missouri All-State Band rehearse and perform at the Missouri Music Educators’ Conference in January at Tan-Tar-A.
5 District and State Music Festival In March, students have the opportunity to perform a solo and/or participate in a small ensemble to be judged for a rating. Students earning a I or Exemplary rating at District Music Festival are eligible to perform at State Music Festival. The entire concert band will perform at State Music Festival which takes place during District Music Festival. Pit Orchestra Every February, the theatre department produces a musical. Depending on instrumentation, band members are eligible to perform in the pit orchestra. Because of limited instrumentation, auditions may need to be held if there is a high level of interest.
Fulton Hornet High School Band Expectations
Band members are required to meet all expectations with regards to the classroom, performances, band trips and activities, uniforms, and instruments. Classroom Students are expected to be prepared when rehearsal begins. Every day, students need to bring their instrument, music, a pencil, and their best effort. The high school tardy policy will apply to students who arrive late or who are not ready to begin rehearsal when the tardy bell rings. It is extremely important that students arrive in enough time to be ready to begin when early rehearsal starts. Early rehearsals allow extra time to work together as a band. Each student has a valuable role in the band and needs to be responsible in his or her role. As representatives of the Fulton Hornet Band, students should always be respectful toward others. Students should pick up all personal items and class materials (music/instruments) when leaving the band room. Any item left in the band room without teacher consent is done at the student’s own risk. Because we need to make our carpet last, please do not bring gum, candy, food, or drink (water is fine) in the band room without permission. Band rehearsals and performances are Gum-Free Zones! Band rehearsals are Cell-Phone Free Zones. At the beginning of each rehearsal students are encouraged to turn in their cell phones for the duration of the rehearsal. Cell phones will be closely monitored at the front of the classroom or locked in the office when the band is rehearsing outside. Performance Students are expected to give their very best effort at every performance regardless of the location. Students need to remain aware that they are representing the Fulton Hornet Band as well as Fulton High School and the town of Fulton. Wearing the band uniform is a privilege. Uniforms should always be worn with pride and treated with respect.
6 Band Trips and Activities Students who have displayed poor conduct and or a lack of preparation during rehearsals can be kept from participating in band trips and activities. On overnight trips, students who display poor conduct will be sent home at the expense of parents/guardians. All discipline issues will be handled as set forth by school district policy and/or at the discretion of the director and administrators. Note: Since performances are part of students’ grades, students who are prevented from participating in activities will be given an alternative assignment for grading purposes. Uniforms Uniforms will be checked out to each student at the beginning of the school year and are to be kept at the high school. Each student is responsible for making sure his or her uniform is properly put away after each performance. If a student needs a new uniform or part, please see Ms. Neudecker. Please do not take uniforms or parts of a uniform without permission. The uniforms are school property and all parts of uniforms must be accounted for at all times. Each student is responsible for any cost to the uniform as far as any replacement or repairs are concerned. Students are responsible for paying a uniform cleaning and upkeep fee of $35.00.
Uniform Guidelines Hair must be completely away from the face and/or tucked into the shako. Shako, or uniform hat, must be worn properly at all times. The brim of the shako should be two fingers above the eyebrow. Black Gloves are provided with each uniform. Percussionists do not wear gloves. Flute and clarinet players will cut their gloves at the first knuckle. Black shoes and long black socks must be worn. Show shirts must be worn under the uniform at all times. The Band Boosters are providing students with their own show shirt. Only stud earrings and wristwatches are allowed. Necklaces are not to be visible. Food is not to be consumed while wearing the uniform Makeup should be simple and not on the neck The Fulton Hornet Band has a tradition of an all or none policy when it comes to uniforms. Unless extreme conditions deem it necessary, students are to be completely in uniform or not in uniform at all. Shakos (hats) are to be worn until the entire band takes them off together. Wearing a uniform is a privilege. Students wearing the uniform represent a long history of the Fulton Hornet Band. Instruments With a few exceptions, students are responsible for providing their own instrument. Students using school owned instruments will be held responsible for general maintenance and any needed repairs during the course of the school year. Please do not attempt to repair your instrument on your own. Percussionists will need to provide their own sticks and mallets. There are a limited amount of sticks and mallets available for student use, but care must be taken when borrowing them. Sticks and mallets should last for a long time with proper use and care. If a student breaks a stick or mallet, he or she is responsible for replacement.
7 Communication Methods
The Fulton hornet band will use these modes of communication: email, webpage, Remind, and notes home. Email Parents and students will receive emails with general information about upcoming events. Emails are sent through SIS. Please be sure to keep contact information updated on SIS. Webpage The webpage can be found at www.fulton58.org under Fulton High School. On this webpage is a live, public Google calendar. Remind This is a service that allows the band directors to send a text message and/or email to everyone who signs up. The service itself does not cost anything, but charges may apply depending on phone plans. To sign up via text send the text @fultonh to 81010. To sign up via email send a blank email to [email protected]. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to sign up. Notes Home In addition to emails, Remind101, and the webpage, important information will be sent home with students.
Performance Expenses
In order to cover expenses, payments need to be made to the Band Boosters by Friday, September 4, 2015 or the student will not be allowed to perform. Checks are preferred and should be made out to Fulton Band Boosters. Money can be turned in to Ms. Neudecker, Ms. Glynn, or mailed to Fulton High School (Fulton Band Boosters, #1 Hornet Dr., Fulton, MO 65251). A receipt will be given for each payment. If you are unable to pay all at once, you are welcome to make payments; however, we ask that you make good faith payments throughout the semester. Band Fees Food (Band Boosters provide food at competitions and home football games) $25 Uniform Cleaning and Upkeep $35 Fulton Band T-Shirt (if needed) $10 Band Shoes (if needed) $20 Color Guard Fees Food (Band Boosters provide food at competitions and home football games) $25 Fulton Band T-Shirt (if needed) $10 Costume (if needed) $42 Vest $27 Color Guard Shoes (if needed) $25 Uniform Cleaning and Upkeep $35
8 Grades
Grades are made up of participation, performances, and playing/written tests. Participation Active participation in every rehearsal is expected. Participation includes but is not limited to having music, instrument(s), a pencil, any other specified equipment, and being able to perform assigned parts at each rehearsal. Students with frequent absences or the inability to accurately perform one’s music may result in a director withholding a student from a performance. Students will be given an opportunity to make up that performance with an alternative assignment. Performances Attendance at performances is mandatory. A list of performances is made available to students at the beginning of the school year, and is posted on the school website (www.fulton58.org). Students need to arrange their personal schedules including, work, school activities, and other events, to allow them to attend all performances. All students are vital to performances. Each individual has his or her own part in the music and the ensemble depends on that part being played. It is important for students to understand that absence negatively affects performances in that the part usually heard is missing. Students with excused absences will be given the opportunity to make up for missing the performance with an alternative assignment. Playing/Written Tests Students may be given playing tests both announced and unannounced over current assigned material. If a playing test is announced, students will be given time to prepare outside of school. These tests will be played for a band director during class, before/after school, or by submitting a recording. If students are testing outside of the class period, they will be responsible for arranging test times or submitting recordings. Letter Awards
The purpose of the Band/Color Guard Letter is to reward students who spend time above and beyond that which is required to further their musical skills. A chenille letter and a band or guard pin are awarded the first year a student letters. Bars will be awarded for each letter earned after the first. While students will be able to make up grades due to missing a performance, letter points will only be awarded if a student is present at a performance or rehearsal. The director may also see fit to award points based on service given to the band. These points will be determined at the director’s discretion.
Band Students must accumulate a minimum of 65 points in order to earn a band letter. 9 Activity Points
10 Band Camp Attendance 1 Point Each Day Fundraisers 1 Point Each Fundraiser Home Football Games 2 Points Each Game Marching Competitions 3 Points Each Competition Pep Band 1 Point Each Game Fall Band Concert 3 Points Christmas Parade 2 Point District Band Auditions 5 Points District/Honorable Mention Band Concert 5 Points State Band Audition 10 Points State Band Rehearsal/Performance 10 Points Pit for Musical 10 Points District Contest — Small Ensemble 3 Points District Contest — Solo 5 Points State Contest — Full Band 5 Points State Contest — Small Ensemble 5 Points State Contest — Solo 10 Points Jazz Band 15 Points Parade of Bands 3 Points Spring Concert 3 Points Graduation 3 Points Outside Performances (must be director approved) 2 Points Each Outside Performance Color Guard Students must accumulate a minimum of 45 points in order to earn a guard pin. Activity Points Band Camp Attendance 1 Point Each Day Fundraisers 1 Point Each Fundraiser Extra Group Rehearsals (non-mandatory) 1 Point Each Rehearsal Home Football Games 2 Points Each Game Marching Competitions 3 Points Each Competition Indoor Guard Rehearsals 1 Point Each Rehearsal Indoor Guard Competition 3 Points Each Competition Fall/Winter Band Concert 3 Points Christmas Parade 2 Points Winter Guard Rehearsals 1 Point Each Rehearsal Winter Guard Performance 5 Points Outside Performances (must be director approved) 2 Points Each Outside Performance
11 Band Schedule 2015–2016
Attendance at our performances is mandatory. Please inform a director of a scheduled (non-emergency) absence at least a week in advance so that the band may work around that absence. Marching and Concert Band success is affected greatly on attendance and everyone in band is a valuable member of the ensemble. Beginning on Monday, August 24, we will have early band starting at 7:15 a.m. daily until further notice. Early rehearsals will end after marching season, but additional early rehearsals may be called throughout the year if necessary. Jazz Band rehearsals will begin shortly after early marching band rehearsals end. The kitchen staff has graciously agreed to feed band students breakfast at 7:00 a.m. First Semester Schedule This is a partial list of performances, activities and auditions. Additional dates may be added. Please put these on your calendar now to avoid conflicts. If you have a Google account, and want to add the band calendar to your personal calendar, send an email to Ms. Neudecker who will add you to the calendar. Fri, August 21 Home Game 7 p.m. (Call Time 5 p.m.) Mon, August 24 1st Day of Early Band 7:15 a.m. Tues, August 25 Band Booster Meeting 6:30 p.m. Fri, September 4 Home Game 7 p.m. (Call Time 5 p.m.) Fri, September 12 Home Game 7 p.m. (Call Time 5 p.m.) Tues, September 15 No Early Band/Band Booster Mtg/MSHSAA Rules 6:30 p.m. Fri, September 18 Home Game 7 p.m. (Call Time 5 p.m.) Sat, September 26 Wildcat Pride Marching Festival (Wright City) TBA Wed, September 30 Band Booster Cherrydale Fundraiser Kick-Off Fri, October 2 Fulton Homecoming Parade and Game Sat, October 3 Monroe City Marching Festival TBA Sat, October 10 CMU Band Day (Fayette) TBA Fri, October 16 Home Game 7 p.m. (Call Time 5 p.m.) Sat, October 17 Quincy Marching Festival TBA TBA Playoff Football Games TBA Sat, November 14 All-District Band Auditions TBA Sat, December 5 Fulton Christmas Parade/All-State Band Auditions TBA Tues, December 15 Winter Band Concert 7 p.m. Second Semester Schedule Dates are subject to change and additional events may be added. Sat, January 9 Honorable Mention/District Band Concert TBA Tues, March 1 Parade of Bands 7 p.m. Thurs, March 3 FHS Fine Arts Night (solos and sm ensembles) 7 p.m. Fri, March 18 State Music Festival (Large Ensemble in Mexico) TBA Sat, March 19 District Solo and Small Ensemble Contest TBA Thurs, April 28 State Music Festival (Solo and Small Ensemble) TBA Mon, May 9 Spring Concert 7 p.m. TBA Big Band Concert and Dance 7 p.m. Friday, May 20 High School Graduation 7:00 p.m.
12 Fulton High School Band Consent Form
Consent for Travel and Medical Treatment of a Minor This form must be in the possession of the band director before the member is allowed to travel with the band outside the district. The student/parent is responsible for keeping the health information current.
I, ______being the parent, guardian, custodian of (Print Parent/Guardian Name) ______, a minor of the age of ______, do hereby authorize, request, and (Print Student Name) give my permission for the above named to travel with the Fulton High School Band on all trips during the school year 2014-2015, and be treated by any physician, and or medical facility.
Tylenol or ______may be given by a band sponsor if needed. (Please circle Yes or No) Allergies or medical conditions to be aware of:
______Mailing Address ______
______
Phone (Home) ______
(Work) ______
(Cell) ______
Emergency Relative and Phone ______
Name of Health Insurance Provider ______
Policy Number______Group Number______
______(Parent/Guardian Signature) (Date)
13 Acknowledgement
This handbook explains the policies and practices of the Fulton High School Hornet Band to you and your son or daughter. After reading the handbook, please sign below showing that both you and your son or daughter read and understood this handbook and the requirements within. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Neudecker or Ms. Glynn at school.
______Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature
______Student Name (Print) Student Signature
Instrument Information Instrument: ______
Brand: ______
Serial Number: ______
School Owned or Personal Instrument: ______
Repair Plan/Company: ______