North Central Silver Knights

Concert Band Handbook

Jonas E. Nix, Director of Bands [NCHS] Isaac P. Pitts, Director of Bands [NCMS] [email protected] / [email protected] ​ ​

Statement of Purpose and Policy The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information to parents and students about the North Central Band Program. Members should familiarize themselves with this handbook and procedures. The intention of this handbook is to make certain that all members and parents of our band are well informed. This handbook will address questions and concerns in regards to the policies, procedures, calendars, etc. of our band. If a problem should arise, the director should be consulted for an explanation. All information in this handbook correlates with the North Central Middle and High School handbooks and Kershaw County School District Guidelines. Should there be a difference or conflict the District Handbook will be followed. In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of the opportunity to be a member of the North Central Band Program, enhancing skills as a student musician. Members must develop a high sense of purpose toward the goals ​ which they are willing to work. RESPONSIBILITY is the focus behind any level of achievement ​ within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate all students in learning and bettering themselves.

Objectives / Goals of the Band Program As the director of the North Central Band Program I have the following goals and expectations for those of you who choose to be members:

1. To increase awareness of music as an art. ​

2. To give students the opportunity to learn a particular instrument and increase technical skills ​ on that instrument.

3. To give students the opportunity to demonstrate skills on their instrument through ​ performance.

4. To give students opportunities to meet other students from their community who share a ​ common interest in music.

5. To acquaint students with concepts of music theory and history and how history and musical ​ composition relate to student’s current lives and musical experiences.

6. To provide students with opportunities for worthy use of their time, a means for self ​ expression, and a healthy social experience.

7. To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, ​ and develop unity and alliance among members.

8. To foster leadership skills within each student. ​

9. To help students become productive, responsible, and successful members of society. ​

Band Curriculum in Brief Beginner Band: ​ th This class is open to all 6 ​ grade students interested in playing a band instrument that have ​ passed the formal mouthpiece and instrument testing. This course begins NOW, meets daily ​ and focuses on learning basic skills of individual instruments as well as basic music theory. Upon successful completion of this course, students may be promoted to Concert Band. (See Below.) Performances may include school assemblies and two evening concerts.

th 7 ​ Grade Concert Band: ​ ​ This class is open to students who have met satisfactory performance, participation and th behavior standards in 6 ​ grade Beginner Band. This class meets daily and occasionally for after ​ school rehearsals. This class picks up where Beginner Band left off by further exploring new th rhythms and styles and developing the young musician. The main focus of the 7 ​ Grade Concert th ​ Band is to prepare the students for participation in the 8 ​ Grade Symphonic band. As a result, ​ the students are also expected to tackle some concepts on their own. Performances may include school assemblies, two evening concerts, band festivals and parades. Upon successful th completion of this course, students may be promoted to the 8 ​ grade Symphonic Band class. ​

th 8 ​ Grade Symphonic Band: ​ ​ This class is open to students who have met satisfactory performance, participation and th behavior standards in the 7 ​ grade Concert Band. This class meets daily and occasionally for ​ after school rehearsals. In this class students explore advanced rhythms and styles and are expected to perform more challenging concert repertoire. As a result, the students are also expected to tackle many concepts on their own. This course is intended for the advanced band student. All symphonic band students are expected to perform at a competitive level. Performances may include school assemblies, two evening concerts, band festivals and parades. Upon successful completion of this course, students may be promoted to the North Central High School Band.

NCHS Wind Ensemble: This class is open to students who have met satisfactory performance, participation and th behavior standards in the 8 ​ grade Symphonic Band. This class meets daily and occasionally for ​ after school rehearsals. In this class, students continue to explore advanced rhythms and styles and are expected to perform at a level consistent with advanced musicianship. As a result, the students are expected to tackle most concepts on their own. This course is designed for students that intend to make band a priority during their high school career. All Wind Ensemble students are expected to perform at a highly competitive level and fully participate in all local and state level events. Performances may include school assemblies, two evening concerts, band festivals and parades.

Membership All band members must attend all appropriate rehearsals and performances. The band staff, under the advisement of the school administration, reserves the right to dismiss any person from the band who poses a constant behavior problem or violates the policies presented in this handbook and the North Central High School and North Central Middle School Student Handbook. Persons who withdraw mid-year will forfeit all rights and privileges as band members and cannot participate in any band events (including trips) that may occur during this time. Furthermore, all fees that were accessed related to the band will continue to be the responsibility of the student that is dismissed or withdrawn. If the student withdraws from the band program by their own choice, the student may not re-enter the band program at a later date unless otherwise allowed by the director. These students must audition for placement before they can re-enter the band program in future seasons. If a student is given ISS or OSS, the student will meet with the director to assess their continued participation in the North Central Band.

General Codes of Behavior Expectations All band members will conduct themselves in an exemplary manner at all times. Since their actions reflect upon the entire organization, the North Central Schools, and themselves; members are reminded that all policies and procedures set forth in the NCMS/NCHS Student Handbook and all Kershaw County School District policies in regard to student behavior are in effect at all times when they are with the band in any capacity. Violations of this behavior code can result in the possible suspension or expulsion from band activities and school.

Rehearsal Expectations: • Members will treat each other, band staff, and chaperones with respect at all times • Members will listen attentively when instructions are being given • Members will follow all instructions of the band staff and chaperones without question • Members will be courteous toward each other and other individuals • Members will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. Profanity, vulgarity, and obscenities will not be tolerated • Cell phones being used or ringing during a rehearsal will NOT be tolerated and is in direct violation of rehearsal etiquette and school policy.

Travel/Bus Expectations: • All riders will remain seated when the bus is in motion • All riders must keep all appendages inside the bus at all times • Audio/Visual equipment is prohibited on the bus unless it is with head/earphones • Members must remain on the bus until the band director gives instructions • No one is allowed on the bus unless an adult chaperone or the driver is present • Members are not allowed to switch buses for any reason • The “5 minute” rule is in effect on all trips. All members will remain absolutely quiet for the first and last 5 minutes of each trip to allow for bus drivers to orientate themselves • Inappropriate physical (PDA) or verbal contact of a hostile or an intimate nature between students will not be tolerated

As a representative of your school and our band, you are expected to behave in a manner which reflects positively upon our school, band, and community. We want everyone to know you are the best students at North Central! Attendance Policies Members are expected to be at every rehearsal and performance of the group to which they belong. In general, cases of illness (must have a valid doctor’s excuse,) death in the family, weddings (with advance notice) or extreme family emergencies are the only excuses that will be accepted for missing a rehearsal or performance.

A calendar of rehearsals and events is given to every member months in advance to avoid conflicts. Every possible date for the school year has been listed on the Band Calendar. Every ​ attempt is made to include every date, both mandatory and optional, for students that participate. Some dates are not available but will be posted as soon as they are available.

Conflicts with work, other school activities, church and community activities along with routine dental or doctor appointments will not be excused.

Late arrivals and early dismissals must also be cleared in advance with the band director. (Two late arrivals and/or dismissals will constitute an unexcused absence.) ​ ​ Not having transportation is not an excuse. Please plan ahead and work out a carpool if necessary.

Students that have an unexcused absence from major mandatory events will be required to meet with the director to assess their continued participation in the North Central Band. ​ It is essential that we have complete parental and student cooperation in this matter. Any absences, regardless of reason, creates a dire hardship for everyone and negatively affects the band. Any conflicts with the band schedule are under the discretion of the band director to excuse.

Use of the Band Facility BANDROOM The use of band facilities before, after and during school is a privilege. Students are not to be in the band room without the director present. Students who abuse the facility will be disciplined accordingly. Any abuse or damage will be considered vandalism. No outside students are permitted in the band room except for business with the director. There will be no horseplay (i.e. throwing of things, wrestling, running) in or around the band room. All percussion equipment is off limits to anyone not specifically designated to use them. No storing of personal items-The band room is not a locker!

PRACTICE and STORAGE ROOM The storage room is for the storage of instruments only. Students are responsible for keeping the storage room neat and orderly and are not permitted to “hang out” in the instrument storage room. Practice rooms are open to all students but can only be used upon director approval. All practice and storage rooms must be kept neat and orderly.

BAND OFFICE, PHONE

The band office is private and is not to be entered by any student without permission from the director. Students may use the phone in case of an emergency with director approval.

Required Materials / Financial Obligations Financial obligations may be heavy at times; however, no member will be denied the opportunities of our organization due to financial difficulties. Each student enrolled in a band class is responsible ​ for a band fee of $25.00. This fee covers the student’s method books, supplementary music and most ​ ​ ​ materials that are used in class daily such as; reeds, valve oil, cleaning supplies, sanitizer, additional sheet music, etc. Please speak with the director if at any time financial obligations seem to be a deterrent. We will accommodate any student that wants to become a part of the band to the best of our ability.

Students are required to bring these items to rehearsals (band class) each day.

Wind Players Percussion Players • Instrument with mouthpiece • Mallets, Sticks, and Stick Bag ​ ​ • Luggage tag on case • Practice Pad and Bell Kit ​ ​ • Pencil and Music (method book and folder) • Pencil and Music (method book and folder) ​ ​

Students that have an outstanding balance will not be allowed to participate in band trips. It is best to satisfy all band fees in a timely manner so that all students can participate fully.

Instrument Purchase/Rental The band program has the ability to provide some students with an instrument to use for the school ​ ​ year. School owned instruments will be available on a “first come, first serve” basis to families that require this financial assistance. The use of a school owned instrument will require a $25.00 rental ​ ​ fee for the year. Please keep in mind that not every student will be able to take advantage of a ​ school owned instrument. It is also a better option to rent/purchase your child a quality instrument. ​ School owned instruments will work but are not the best option for your child to start with. The director will provide more information regarding the rental/purchase of an instrument for your student.

Your child needs a reliable and quality instrument. Attempting to learn on an instrument that is in poor condition usually leads to frustration and failure in a short time. All students want to ​ ​ succeed, but they may not realize that the difficulty they are experiencing is the fault of the ​ ​ instrument and has nothing to do with their ability to learn. Providing a properly maintained ​ ​ instrument that will contribute to a successful learning experience is a critical factor. Please do ​ not purchase an instrument online before speaking with the director. Many times large companies offer “instruments” at an extremely low price but these “instruments” will not play properly, will be broken in a matter of a few weeks and will not set your child up for success.

Pecknel Music and Music and Arts Company send representatives to our school to service and repair instruments that are purchased/rented through their companies. They are your best source in obtaining a high quality instrument for your child. Keep in mind that purchasing an instrument is an investment in your child’s education and talent. Speak with the director if you have any questions or are in need of suggestions related to instrument purchase/rental.

Instrument Maintenance and Repair All instruments should be treated with care whether they are owned by the student or school. Store them in your area properly. This means that you should never store any instrument with an open case. Keep mouthpieces, reeds, valves, etc. in good playing condition, and anticipate the need for extra reeds, etc. at any time.

· It is the student’s responsibility to maintain his or her instrument and to keep the director ​ ​ ​ informed of any problems with the instrument that affect the player’s ability to participate fully.

· When an instrument is damaged or in need of repair, they will often need to be sent to the repair ​ shop. If the instrument can be repaired at school by either the director or the music company representative, then it will be repaired at no charge. The music company representative comes every other week to pick up instruments to be repaired and they are usually returned within 2 weeks. If the instrument needs to be sent away, the student will be provided with a loaner instrument to be used while their instrument is gone (if a loaner is available.) If you rent or have purchased an instrument through the music company, then this would be the best course of action to take to get your child’s instrument repaired.

· Some students decide to purchase instruments through other music stores or companies. If this is ​ the case, the instructor recommends sending your instrument to these stores for repair. You may send your instrument with the music company, but you will be responsible for compensating the repair shop.

If your instrument is sent to the repair shop, you are required to pay for the repair before your instrument is returned. (If you have maintenance and repair coverage on your instrument, there will ​ be no charge in most cases.) By sending the instrument in for repair, you are agreeing to pay for the ​ cost of the repair. If an outstanding balance is owed, student’s instruments will not be returned to them and their report card will be held until the balance is paid.

Lost or Damaged Music/Materials The majority of funds that the band acquires each year is spent on music and instrument repair. Each student will be responsible for any pieces of music they obtain from the director. If music is lost or excessively damaged the student will be assessed a $3.00 fee for each piece of music that has been lost or damaged. Marching Band students are assigned a 3 ring binder of materials at the beginning of the school year. If it is severely damaged or misplaced, the student will be assessed a $20.00 fee to replace the notebook. See the director for any problems concerning music. At Home Practice Practice will be assessed through the use of playing tests and in some cases practice reports. Students may or may not be given warning as to when a playing test will be given. Band is an academic class and does require work at home. Daily practice is required as part of the courses homework. Students should rehearse materials that are covered in class on a daily basis. Band

will not be "FUN" unless you practice! There are many values in the study of music that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice.

Performance Opportunities and Concerts

All State and Region Bands: Region Band involves students from various counties. Students who score high enough at the Region Band Auditions are invited to continue to the All State Band Auditions for a chance to compete against students in South Carolina for a chair in the All State Band. This is the highest honor of achievement an individual bandsman may receive. Students selected to participate in either the All State or Region Bands will go to a chosen site for their clinics. They will be excused from school on the Friday of the clinic.

KCSD Celebration of the Arts: The Kershaw Celebration of the Arts is held every year and involves some of the best young musicians in our district. Students are nominated by the instructor based off of overall musicianship throughout the year. Students will the audition and be chosen based off on performance at the audition. Students that are chosen to participate will be given the opportunity to meet, rehearse and perform with students throughout the district. This is a tremendous opportunity for students!

Music Festivals: These are events for the advanced band courses. Band classes that are performing at a high level will be chosen by the director to have the opportunity to compete in these events. The band will prepare three pieces and perform for nationally renowned judges for a rating and award. After performing, the band will enjoy the day in the park as a reward for their hard work. Parents are highly encouraged to attend this performance.

Concert Festival: This is an event for the highest performing band class in the North Central Band Program. This event is held by the South Carolina Band Directors Association. The band that is chosen by the director will prepare three pieces and perform for judges for a rating and award. Parents are highly encouraged to attend concert festival.

Solo and Ensemble: This is an opportunity for the band students to work together in small groups or individually on varied music literature. The event location can vary from year to year. Students that are selected to perform will travel to the performance site and perform for a rating and award.

Winter and Spring Concerts: These concerts will be the culminating exhibitions of music and musical concepts covered during both semesters in band. All band students are expected to be prepared and to attend these concerts. These concerts are mandatory for all band students. Families are highly encouraged to attend these performances.

Dress Code for Performances Performances are the culmination of everything we rehearse as a band. It is very important that we dress in a manner that is appropriate for a performance. All students are required to be in the proper performance attire for ALL performances. Any student that is not dressed ​ appropriately at the time of a performance will NOT be permitted to participate in that performance. The following is a list of required Concert Dress for each performing group; ​ ​

th th th 6 ​ Grade Beginning Band 7 ​ Grade Concert Band 8 ​ Grade Symphonic Band NCHS Wind Ensemble ​ ​ ​ “Sunday Dress” “Sunday Dress” Black and White Black and White Formal Attire Formal Attire Formal Attire Formal Attire

Grading Policy Student’s grade in band class is determined by their overall involvement in the band program. This includes daily participation, turning in practice reports and attending mandatory rehearsals and performances which are co-curricular. Grading breakdown is as follows; Performances 40% Band Concerts are an accumulation of the students work in the band program. Attendances to these events are mandatory and are a major portion of the student’s grade. Student Responsibility/Overall 20% Students must have their instruments every day, a pencil at every Musicianship (Class Participation) rehearsal, and show maximum effort to earn the best grade. ​ Playing Tests 40% Students must be sure to prepare for all playing tests in order to receive the best possible grade.

Playing Tests These will be given several times a grading period. They will include specific lines of music played in class. Written tests and quizzes will be given periodically and will cover information from class, method book, music theory, and music terminology. Each student will be expected to complete and turn in workbook assignments on a consistent basis.

Performances The director will keep all extra rehearsals or events to a minimum. However, some extra rehearsals are a necessity when approaching a performance date. Students and parents will be provided a list of rehearsal and performance dates well in advance in order to make arrangements for attendance and transportation.

ALL AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND CONCERTS ARE IMPORTANT AND ARE CONSIDERED MANDATORY IN TERMS OF ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION! GRADES FOR ATTENDANCE AT REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES WILL BE GIVEN.

Student’s Academic Responsibility Each student is responsible for maintaining their grades inside and outside of band class. It is imperative that each member of the North Central Band give their best effort in all aspects of their middle school career. Band students must maintain at least a “C” average in band class in order to participate in the band program. If at any time a student falls behind in their academic responsibility to the band they will be notified by the director and given the opportunity to improve their grade. If, at the end of the school year, a student has not maintained an acceptable average in band they will no longer be eligible to participate in the band program.

Fundraising Fundraising is an obligation that must be met by all band students. Some fundraisers are mandatory of all marching band members while other fundraisers exist to assist students with fees, trips, etc. Students are encouraged to participate in the many fundraisers offered throughout the year to assist with their financial obligations.

As a band, we will offer fundraisers that will allow you, if you choose, to fundraise 100% of your band fees and trip balances. Make sure you’re signed up for booster club e-mails, “remind,” our Facebook group and check the band website regularly to stay up to date on upcoming and ongoing fundraisers.

Members of the Band Program are responsible for keeping track of fees and for staying current on your responsibilities for fundraising and payments. If you have any questions about fundraising or your account balance, contact the Silver Knights Band Boosters or log in to your CHARMS account. All student’s fundraising profits will stay in the student’s account for the duration of their time as a member of the band. All student profits will be used to satisfy outstanding band fees before any other expense.

Parent’s Responsibility to the Band It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the handbook are followed and that the attached forms are signed and returned. This states that you understand the policies as set within, and that any questions are to be directed to the band director. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his/her child at all band functions and to see that their child is picked up from events on time. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that their child practices his/her instrument daily. Your child cannot succeed as a musician ​ ​ without your help and support!

Silver Knights Band Booster Club Parents are an extremely important part of the North Central Silver Knights Band and have a vital role to play. Without the assistance and cooperation of band parents there would be no chance for the level of success we want the band to achieve. The mission of the Band Booster Club is to support the variety of Band activities at North Central throughout the year (marching band and concert ​ band.)

Band Activities require numerous volunteers in a variety of functions to be successful. These duties include fundraising, chaperoning, assistance with instruments, uniform fitting and maintenance, construction projects, communications, and numerous other responsibilities.

Band fundraiser activities are planned with the director by the booster club and carried out throughout the year on an “as needed” basis. Additionally, the organization strives to create and foster better channels of communication among all band parents and foster a sense of community and “esprit de corps.”

We often have project-specific needs, such as sewing, construction, grant-writing, and office work that parents help with. Please fill out the booster form in this packet to become a member of the Silver Knights Band Boosters!

Charms Office Charms Office is an online database that serves (in conjunction with our band website) as our primary source of communication throughout the school year. It contains items such as telephone numbers, email addresses, performance and practice calendars as well as a place for you to view your child’s student fees and fundraiser earnings. Please visit NCSilverKnights.com for instructions on how to use CHARMS.

Chaperones/Volunteers In accordance with District Policy, students participating in field trips or school excursions will be under the direct supervision of district employees at all times. All chaperones and volunteers must go through a SLED check prior to assisting at any band event. Chaperones/Volunteers that assist with the band must sign up in advance via CHARMS to assist.

Some volunteers (due to the nature of their position within the booster club, i.e.; uniform, hospitality, etc.) will be asked to assist at all events. Anyone interested in volunteering their time with our band must sign up to volunteer via the band’s website/CHARMS and will be contacted no less than one week prior to volunteering via email.

General Chaperone duties are as follows: • Responsible for assisting the students with uniforms and equipment • Responsible for checking buses carefully and quickly at every stop • Specified chaperones will be responsible for carrying medication for students • Will NOT take any students (including their child) away from the group or activity into areas that the group is not allowed or scheduled to go • Will remain with the group at all times (warm-up area, loading area, etc. ) • Not responsible for the discipline or administration of discipline to the students. Chaperones are expected, however, to instruct students to cease inappropriate behavior and report such behavior

• Expected to help students who may not be able to secure rides home after a trip (with ​ parent permission) • Will check buses and band facility after every event for misplaced equipment

Communication The North Central Band makes every effort to effectively communicate with our students and parents. Please be sure to regularly check in with your students regarding handouts, ​ ​ check our Facebook group, band website and be sure to sign up for the “Remind” service ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ that we are utilizing this year. Sometimes, schedule changes that are out of our control do occur and we will make every effort to communicate through the aforementioned channels.

The band director’s regular hours of availability are during school hours (8:00AM – 3:30PM) and during the time of rehearsals and events. Email is the preferred method of ​ communication and the director will respond within 24 hours. If you would like to ​ reach the director by telephone you may call;

NCMS at (803)424-2740 or NCHS at (803)432-9858

In some instances, (like on trips) students and parents may have a director’s personal cell phone number. Please understand that this is the director’s personal cell phone and ​ should only be used for contact in an extreme emergency. Otherwise, please use the ​ school phone or e-mail for all communication. Social media is not an acceptable form of ​ contact and will not be answered. The directors will only engage in professional forms of communication (e-mail and school phone.)

THE BANDS OF NORTH CENTRAL Commitment Form

Student Name: ______(First) (Middle) (Last) ​ ​ ​ Instrument: (blank if 6th grade)______Student Shirt Size: S M L XL 2X 3X ​ ​ ​

Student email: ______Other email: ______​ ​ ​

Home Address: ______​ (Street) ______(City) (State) (Zip Code) ​

Parent(s) or Guardian(s) #1 Name: ______​

Parent/Guardian EMail: ______Cell #: ______​ ​

Parent(s) or Guardian(s) #2 Name: ______​

Parent/Guardian EMail: ______Cell #: ______​ ​

As a member of the North Central Band I certify that I have read and understand all of the materials provided in this handbook. I,​ the undersigned student, accept membership in the North ​ Central Band. I understand that I am responsible for all of the policies set forth in the Band Handbook and I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability. I understand that a failure to do so may result in my removal from the North Central Band program.

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the Band Handbook are followed and that the attached forms are signed and returned. This states that you understand the policies as set within, and that any questions are to be directed to the band director by making an appointment. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his/her child at all band functions and to see that their child is picked up from events on time.

I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the band handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member of the North Central Band. In addition, my child has full permission to attend all band functions that are listed on the band calendar. Furthermore, I understand that I must meet all financial obligations in order for my child to fully participate as a member of the North Central Band.

Parent Signature: ______Date: ______