Student Handbook

Marching Band

The Spirit of Cougar Marching Band, Cheer, Dance, and Mascot Handbook is an addendum to the 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 . 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 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.

Violations of University policy (e.g., harassing language, university alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) or evidence of such violations in the content of online social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanction. Law enforcement officers may also pursue matters and you may be sued in a civil proceeding for abusive or false statements made about another person. It is incumbent upon the membership to be aware of university regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse membership from adhering to them.

The following reminders/guidelines are intended to provide the framework for the Spirit of Houston to conduct themselves safely and responsibly as they participate in an online environment and social networking websites. Remember:

● Once information is posted to any social media or on the Internet, it is in the public domain. It can be accessed and used without your permission or knowledge. ● Pictures taken at parties, especially with cell phones, do not always exhibit model behavior. Wait at least a day and then carefully review before posting. ● Posting pictures of others may be considered a violation of their privacy – always seek permission first (when they are in a clear state of mind to make that decision). ● Family and roommates might not appreciate you posting information that could connect you with them. ● What may seem to be harmless fun might not be viewed as such by college officials, parents, and prospective employers. Consider: ● Parents of prospective members can check pages of current members and form their decision and/opinion of each section or the whole entity of the Spirit of Houston, and University of Houston on said content. ● Reporters can scrutinize a member’s information in the process of adding color to a story. ● Posters can become victims of identity theft. ● Your safety, security, and privacy can be compromised if fans, rapists, stalkers, groupies, and thieves obtain personal information such as where you live, who your friends are and your contact information (including class/practice/game schedules).

● Opposing fans/teams can obtain information, which can be used to taunt you during games/competitions or for their own motivation.

● Those who you invite to be your “friends” should be carefully vetted since many people claim to be friends of members to get close to other members and obtain inside information that may be widely disseminated. ● Remember that these “friends” to whom you give access have their own friends who you may or may not want close to you. ● Potential employers can access profiles before they make interviewing/hiring decisions. You should think about any information you post on Facebook or similar directories potentially providing an image of you to a prospective employer. The information posted is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of several years from now. The University of Houston respects your freedom to examine and discuss all questions of interest to you and to express your opinions publicly and privately as guaranteed by the First Amendment and the Student Code. However, not all speech is protected speech. Speech that is threatening, vulgar, lewd, or that invades the rights of others will not be protected, even if done in an online social networking forum.

Marching Band Costs

All students in the Spirit of Houston pay a $100 course fee, assessed through your peoplesoft number. This is a one-time yearly fee that goes into the operating budget for the entire organization. Other costs could include occasional meals on trips, although the vast majority of these are paid for by the Spirit of Houston

Academic Commitment

All students must be enrolled at the University of Houston-Main Campus. This will be checked before and after the drop deadline each semester.

Rules and Consequences

The University of Houston Marching Band members are held up to high expectations. There are only three rules:

1. Be on time/in attendance 2. Be prepared 3. Give 100% with a positive attitude

Failure to comply with the rules stated above will result in the following consequences. (Consequences are at the discretion of the coaches and dependent on the severity of the infraction.)

● Verbal warning ● Written warning ● Grant deduction ● Removal from the group

CLOSING

All members of the University of Houston Marching Band are expected to be a leader among the University student body. Involvement in the program makes that individual a highly visible University of Houston representative. We are seeking talented people wanting to continue their musical experiences and who are committed to obtaining a college education from the University of Houston.

TRADITIONS

Alma Mater

The Harmony Class of 1942 wrote the University of Houston Alma Mater. Associate Professor of Music, Bruce Spencer King, assigned the class the task of composing a song that was suitable to become the University’s Alma Mater. Irwin T. Andrews wrote a violin melody, which Professor King expanded into four-part harmony. The song was first sung at the 1942 commencement.

Every student should know the words by heart:

All hail to thee, Our Houston University Our hearts fill with gladness when we think of thee We’ll always adore thee, Dear Old Varsity. And to thy memory cherished, True we’ll ever be.

-Harmony Class of 1942

Houston Fight Song

The University of Houston Fight Song was written by former students Forest Fountain (lyrics) and Marion Ford (music).

Every student should know the words by heart:

Cougars fight for dear old U of H, For our Alma Mater cheer. Fight for Houston University For victory is near. When the going gets so rough and tough We never worry cause we got the stuff So fight, fight, fight for red and white And we will go to victory.

During the second verse, Cougars is spelled out: C - O - U - G - A RS C - O - U - G - A RS Hail Red, Hail White, Hail Cougars, Fight, Fight, Fight! C - O - U - G - ARS Cougars Fight!

“Rhonda” the Bell

“Rhonda” the Bell is one of the longest standing traditions at the University of Houston. The Bell travels to TDECU Stadium, for every home football game and is placed in the permanent care of the “Spirit of Houston” Cougar Marching Band. Each game day, a select group of first-year band members ensures the Bell is taken from the Winston Band Complex to TDECU. Select members of Kappa Kappa Psi once for every point scored after each Cougar score ring the Bell once for every point scored after each Cougar score. The bell is named for the current band secretary.

Eat ‘Em’ Up

This song originated with the legendary director, Dr. Bill Moffit, and has become the mainstay cheer at the University of Houston. Although high school and college bands play this cheer across the nation, it began here with Dr. Moffit’s arrangement and remains “ours.”

The Horse

Bill Moffit’s arrangement of The Horse was debuted at his very first halftime show in 1969. It continues to be huge tradition to this day. Near the middle of the song, there is a drum break during which the crowd spells out C - O - U - G - A - R - S and then yells Cougars! Even today, this song can be heard being played by high school and college bands across the country, but like Eat ‘Em Up, it is a song that started here at the University of Houston!

Our Cheer

This cheer is the trademark cheer for the “Spirit of Houston.”. The C-O-U-G-A-R-S cheer, initiated by a designated Drum Major yelling, “Let’s go - Archie!” “Archie” was a light- hearted misunderstanding of the cheer in the early 2000’s and is a fun part of our history. The Drum Major then correctly yells, “Our cheer!” to which the band responds “C-O-U-G-A-R-S …COUGARS, COUGARS, COUGARS!”

Bud Bones

During the 1970's the trombone section of the Marching Band began the tradition of playing: Here Comes the King which is the theme of the Budweiser Clydesdales. The song begins slowly and gradually gets faster and finally ends at a ridiculously fast tempo. This song has been a crowd favorite for decades. The tune lives on with the trombone section fondly known as Bud Bones.

The Train

One of the more recent Spirit of Houston traditions is The Train. Before every Cougar kickoff, the full trombone section, led by a designated “conductor” wearing a train conductor’s cap and cues the full trombone section players by using a motion similar to pulling a train whistle. The trombone section plays several short blasts of a fully diminished 7th chord as the kickoff team charges down the field. This has become a crowd favorite. The sound of the train lets the other team know that they are about to get run over. This tradition began in the early 2000’s by David Bertman.

Running of the Brass

During the 3rd or 4th quarter of a home football game, a small group of brass runs around the stadium playing “Tag” and the fight song between plays to fire up the crowd up.

Pre-game Fanfare and Touchdown

In 2000, under the direction of David Bertman, the UH Band began the tradition of playing the song Touchdown during Pregame. Arranger Eric Priest combined his original Pregame Fanfare based on the UH Fight Song with Paul Yoder’s piece Touchdown and ended up with an exciting piece that is uniquely UH.

Touchdown is a traditional song played during pre-game and after the home team scores an extra point after a touchdown. The chant consists of the cheers. “GO! FIGHT! WIN!” and “C- O-U-G-A-R-S!”

Bugler’s Dream (Olympic Fanfare)

This theme was introduced at the 1972 Olympic Games and Bill Moffit’s arrangement of Bugler’s Dream came out the same year. The UH Marching Band began their pregame shows in the tunnel of the by playing the Olympic Fanfare. The crowd could not see the Band but the sound of the Fanfare would fill the Astrodome, announcing Pregame. The Band also would played it after Cougar victories in football and basketball, a tradition that continues today.

Womp Womp

Womp Womp is a song that is a perennial favorite among the fans and also the student athletes players. It was written by band member, Clady Broussard, and begins with the tubas playing a simple two-2 note bass line, which is joined by the other low brass instruments playing the melody.

The words are: C- O - U - G - A - R - S Talkin’ ‘bout the Cougars!

Official University Seal

The seal of the University of Houston is the coat-of-arms of General Sam Houston, who claimed descent from a Norman Knight, Sir Hugh. The simple escutcheon awarded by William the Conqueror, consisting of checkered chevrons (denoting nobility) and three ravens (strength and long life), was changed considerably. A winged hourglass was added above the shield and surmounting it, the motto, “In Tempore” (In Time). Greyhounds were placed at the side to indicate the speed with which Sir Hugh came to the king’s aid. Martlets, gentle lowland birds symbolizing peace and deliverance, supplanted the ravens.