Student Handbook Marching Band The Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band, Cheer, Dance, and Mascot Handbook is an addendum to the University of Houston Student Handbook. All rules, regulations, and information set forth in The University of Houston Student Handbook are the primary source for all University of Houston students. University of Houston Cougar Marching Band The University of Houston Cougar Marching Band is the musical representative of the University of Houston as housed in the Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts and Moores School of Music. The organization is open to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors. The Marching Band primarily performs at athletic events (including all home football games and select away games) and other events throughout the community. The Marching Band is part of the larger organization the Spirit of Houston which houses the band, cheer team, dance team, and mascots. POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS Hazing Students enrolling in the University of Houston assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution and suitable to members of the academic community. Conduct for which students are subject to discipline includes hazing. Hazing is an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any person, or that defaces, destroys, or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. Such actions and situations may include but are not limited to the following: Examples of prohibited/unacceptable conduct: ● Paddling in any form ● Creation of excessive fatigue out of the ordinary process and demands of rehearsal ● Physical and psychological activities that demean any individual or group; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or any such activities carried on outside the confines of the University ● Wearing apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste ● Engaging in stunts and buffoonery of any level, including those sexual in nature ● Requiring sleepovers or degrading or humiliating games and activities ● Late work sessions or activities that interfere with scholastic activities and/or normal sleeping hours ● Forced consumption of alcohol ● Falsely leading an individual or individuals to believe that they will be inducted/initiated by participation in particular activities ● Removing public property ● Forcing individuals to participate in activities that are not consistent with the University’s rules, regulations, and policies or federal, state, or local law ● Any individual’s willing participation in an activity does not justify participation in or sponsorship of the activity. ● Any activity or language in violation of the above policy is subject to possible sanction. ● If you feel you may have been subjected to hazing, or have witnessed hazing, please contact any staff member immediately. ● Further information on hazing and prevention can be found at: http://hazingprevention.celect.org/home or on the NCAA’s website at: www.ncaa.org/health-safety. Health and Nutrition The University of Houston Marching Band is committed the safety and well-being of all members. While marching band is an outdoor activity, the weather will be monitored at all times and extreme heat conditions will be grounds to adjust rehearsals. Water will be provided at all rehearsals by the Spirit of Houston as well as at all outdoor performances such as football games. The Marching Band also provides meals at Spirit Week rehearsals and on game days to ensure proper care is taken of all members. Uniforms The Marching Band uniform is a valued and respected representation of the University of Houston. It is to be worn with great care and pride at all times. Prior to the first performance, leadership will go over the proper storage and care of uniforms and students are expected to follow this at all time. This includes having proper accessories any time the uniform is worn, including long white socks, white marching shoes, and white gloves. The uniform is to be worn as fitted by staff and leadership and not altered after this. All uniforms and accessories will be inspected by staff and leadership prior to all games and performances. Improper care or wearing of the uniform is subject for disciplinary actions including being withheld from performance or removal from the group. Any uniform of the “Spirit of Houston” is the outward appearance of the organization, and how you care for that appearance is a reflection upon you and the entire organization as well. Any apparel that identifies you as a member of the “Spirit of Houston” is considered an official uniform of the program. This applies to any place you are while wearing a uniform. Uniform Etiquette “You are always wearing your uniform.” How we present ourselves in uniform represents our sense of pride in the Spirit of Houston and the University of Houston as a whole. How you treat your uniform reflects not only upon you, your values, and your maturity, but also upon the entire program and its overall effectiveness. Your actions represent not only your fellow band, cheer, and dance members, but the hundreds of members before you, thousands of University of Houston alumni, and millions of Houstonians and Texans. Any action deemed harmful to the “Spirit of Houston” may place your current and future membership at risk. The coaches and directors are the final arbiters on what actions may be deemed inappropriate in accordance with University and “Spirit of Houston” guidelines. Attendance & Accountability It is a privilege to be a member of the “Spirit of Houston” Band, Cheer, and Dance. Rehearsals are much less productive when members are absent. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory. If you must be absent or tardy for any reason, you must submit the absence request form, found on www.uhbands.com. Any emergencies must include an absence request and an additional email stating the cause of the emergency. Emails and absence request explanations should be phrased in the form of a question, not a demand to miss rehearsal. The staff will be reasonable with all requests, but final decisions regarding excused and unexcused absences lie with the directors of the marching band. An absence or tardy deemed un-excused by the director, coach, and/or captain may result in loss of membership privileges. When you commit to participate, you are responsible to more than just yourself. Note: Missing practice for work is not considered an excused absence. Being present at a rehearsal/practice also means having the proper equipment and/or uniform. Lack of instrument, flip folder, drill sheet, and any other necessary materials will be counted as an absence. Rehearsals/Practices The Marching Band rehearses weekly with the following schedule. Please check the full SOH calendar for weeks where there are exceptions (i.e. full band on a Monday or Wednesay or cancelled rehearsals). Monday: 6-9 PM, Brass and Percussion Wednesday: 6-9 PM, Woodwinds. 7:30-9 PM, Percussion Sectional Friday: 6-9 PM, All Cell Phones: Cell phones are not to be used for social or communication purposes while rehearsing or being given instruction. If phones are being used for instruction, for example drill or music apps, they must not become a distraction for the using member or those around them. Facebook live streaming or other forms of live recording are not to be used during rehearsal unless approved by a director. Controlled Substances/Intoxicants All members should have a sense of pride, not only in their University and the program, but also in themselves. Underage drinking or use of illegal substances on any school related activity is forbidden by law and will be handled through the proper legal and University authorities. Any student(s) caught drinking near, before, or during activities, or found to be unable to perform due to earlier actions of this nature, face possible expulsion from the organization, loss of grant, and are subject to any appropriate University discipline and/or potential legal action. Game Day Procedures You will receive a game day schedule prior to each game day. Each member is expected to plan accordingly. Failure to meet the gameday expectations will result in loss of membership privileges. Bowl Games With a successful football team comes the opportunity to participate in postseason games and travel. This includes the conference championship and bowl games. In each case the entire “Spirit of Houston” is expected to be in attendance. Since attendance is required, members must be aware of the possible dates and be prepared to make arrangements to be on campus at those times. Travel It is a great opportunity when our program is able to travel. Our sole purpose in doing so is to perform and show everyone the spirit, pride and outstanding ability of the Spirit of Houston. On some trips, only a select group of students may be able to go. When this occurs, priority will be given. When traveling, you are representing the absolute best of the University of Houston, the City of Houston, the State of Texas, and yourselves. Failure to abide by the regulations and instructions given to you by the staff can result in loss of traveling privileges. Social Networking, Email, and Internet Policy Social Media refers to technologies used to communicate information and whose mission is to inform the public. This includes print outlets, traditional radio and television broadcasts, and digital media platforms including chat rooms and social networking mechanisms. The Spirit of Houston does not restrict the use of public media outlets including social networking sites and digital platforms. However, as a representative of the Spirit of Houston and the University of Houston, you are always in the public eye and are expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, State of Texas, and conference rules and regulations.