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.