Ambassadors in Blue
Band Handbook
2011-2012
________________
Gerald
Laughlin
DHS
Principal
Band
Objective and Membership..
.
..3
Band
Calendar of Events
.
.........4
Performance
Ensembles
5-6
Grading
Policies
.....
7
Expenses
..8
Fundraising
& Spring Trip
...9
Classroom
Rules
.
.
10
Absences and
Tardies
11
Travel
Conduct, Stadium Rules & Uniform
.
.
12-13
Inspection
& Conclusion.....
.
.
..
14
Signature
and Information Pages
15-16
FORWARD
The purpose of
this handbook is to provide valuable information about the DeRidder
High School Band program. To achieve and
maintain the high standards of excellence desired by the band, members should
familiarize themselves with the regulations, procedures, and traditions of the
band. It is a desire that some of the
questions that students and parents have about the operation of the band
program will be answered in this handbook.
All band members and parents should read this booklet carefully in order
to avoid any conflicts with band policies.
It is the
philosophy of the band program to work toward providing a well-rounded,
balanced program of music education for all interested students who demonstrate
the desire and proper attitude to be members of the band. Each student must be willing to share the
responsibility of establishing and maintaining high standards of excellence. Further, each student must show respect for
authority and cooperation with his/her fellow band members.
Discipline must
be strict. It is vital to the success of
the band that both the student and parent be willing to accept the ideals,
principles, and rules of the organization.
The DHS Band
forms an integral part of student life and is recognized as a co-curricular
activity. It is the single largest
student group on campus and its members form an active cosmopolitan group. The primary objectives are:
1.
Educational: To develop interested and well-trained musicians
skilled in the basic fundamentals of instrumental ensemble skills.
2.
Cultural: To encourage development of musical appreciation
and understanding.
3.
Citizenship: To develop a set of basic values in the areas
of responsibility, service and pride in the school and community.
4.
Recreational: To provide students with an opportunity for
worthy use of leisure time, an emotional outlet and appropriate social experience.
Membership
is open to all interested students on a voluntary basis. New students are admitted upon the
recommendation of the previous band director and the completion of a short
audition for placement. All students
will be placed in the appropriate band for them by the director. Students interested in Intermediate Band need
only to get the approval of the band director to register for the class.
Membership in
band is a privilege, with this privilege comes responsibility - our character
counts. All members understand that in
addition to our playing standards, we also have behavior standards. Any infractions to school rules will be dealt
with on an individual basis by the directors and school administration
serious infractions may result in dismissal from the band program.
DHS
Band Calendar of Events
August 1-5 Band Camp
(see schedule/summer newsletter)
August 5 Band fees
due
August 12 Students
report to school
August
18 Band Booster Meeting 6:00 pm
September 2 1st
Trip Payment due
September
2 DHS vs.
September 5 Labor
Day (No School)
September 6 Teacher
work day
September 9 DHS vs. Natchitoches Central (Home)
September
16 DHS vs. Rosepine (Home)
September
13 Band Booster Meeting 6:00pm
September
23 DHS vs.
September
24 District Honor Band Auditions (REQUIRED)
September 30 DHS vs. Westlake (Homecoming)
October 3- Booster Meeting
6:00 Band hall
October 4 2nd
Trip Payment due
October 4 Fair Day
Parade
October 7
DHS vs.
October 8 2nd
Round All-State Auditions -
October 14
DHS vs.
October 15 DeRidder Marching Festival
October 21
DHS vs.
October 22 - LaGrange
Marching Festival
October 28
DHS vs.
October 29
POSSIBLE MARCHING FESTIVAL
November 2 Final Trip
Payment
November 4 DHS vs. Opelousas (Away)
November 5- Sulphur Marching Festival
November 11 Veterans Day (No School)
November 15 Band
Booster Meeting 6:00 pm
December 5
Christmas Parade
December 6 Jazz Christmas concert
January 16 Martin
Luther King (No School)
January 27 & 28 District V Honor Band
February ? Parish Honor
Band (TBA)
February 20 Presidents
Day (No School)
February 21 Mardi
Gras Holiday (No School)
March 31 - PROM
March 26-30 District
Band Festival (we will play on one of these days)
April - Trip
April 2 - 9 Spring Break (No School)
May 3 Spring Concert
& Awards
May 7 & 8 Drum
Major & Officer Workouts
May 10 Drum Major
& Officer Tryouts
May 11 Last Day for
Seniors
May 24
Last Day for Students
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES
Marching Band This is the primary ensemble in the fall
and is a requirement for all groups at
Concert/Symphonic Band This ensemble meets year-round and is the
primary performance vehicle in the spring.
All wind and percussion students are required to participate. This ensemble meets First Hour everyday. Sectionals may be required in the spring.
This ensemble performs 6-7 concerts each year.
The symphonic band will also perform at the District V Large Ensemble
Festival and the Louisiana State Large Ensemble Festival as well as one out-of-state
festival per year. Chair placements
are based on District V Honor Band audition results.
Auditioning for the Honor Band is required.
Each student will be required to prepare a solo in the spring. Participation in the DeRidder
High School Solo and Ensemble Festival is highly recommended.
Jazz Band This ensemble represents the finest
musicians in the band program and is open by audition only. Jazz Band meets Sixth Hour everyday. The band performs at numerous events throughout
the local area.
Instrumental Techniques This class is open to beginning,
intermediate, and advanced students seeking additional practice time and
individual instruction. Students will be
expected to purchase appropriate texts and materials as determined by the
instructors. All students will be
required to prepare a solo for the DeRidder High
School Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Applied Music (Guard) -- This component of the marching band is
open to any student at
Percussion Ensemble This ensemble meets after school once a
week and is required for all percussionists in the band. A variety of literature and techniques will
be covered. In the fall, the focus
will be marching percussion. Traditional
concert techniques and literature as well as drum set, world percussion, and
keyboard percussion will be covered in the spring. Auditioning for honor band and preparing a solo
is required. During marching season the percussion line will rehearse on Tuesdays
from 3 - 5pm.
Saxophone Quartet -- This ensemble meets after school and is by
invitation and audition only.
Instrumentation will be two alto saxophones, one tenor, and one baritone
saxophone. A variety of styles and
techniques will be covered. The
saxophone quartet performs numerous times throughout the year.
Winterguard This
ensemble meets in the spring. Auditions
will be held in November following marching season and will be highly
selective. A strong background in flag
is recommended. Students will cover
advanced flag techniques as well as dance.
The ensemble will perform at 2-3 competitions during the spring
semester.
GRADING
POLICIES
The purpose of
grading is to provide parents and students with the most accurate picture
possible of the students work. The
grading process is an integral part of instruction. All activities that relate to the students
performance are considered when arriving at the grade the student earns every
nine weeks. The grading procedure is a
follows:
·
Class participation The
student must have his/her instrument, all materials necessary for class and a
positive attitude The first hour class
will start at 7:45am, which is before the actual bell, and any
student who is late will have points deducted from the 100 points
possible. The students will also be
marked as tardy on the attendance sheets for parent verification. 100 points possible every nine weeks.
·
Playing or written tests each
one will be worth 100 points. (Checked
with Smart Music program for each student.
·
Before/After school rehearsal attendance Has the
student attended all required after school rehearsals? Each rehearsal is
worth 100 points. If the students are
tardy for school rehearsal, points will be deducted from the 100 possible.
·
Performance requirements Has the
student been present at all performances required by the director on time
and in proper uniform? Each performance is worth 300 points. If the student
is tardy for a performance or is not in proper uniform, points from the 300
possible will be deducted.
The nine-week grade is arrived at by adding
all points earned and dividing the total points earned by the total number of
points possible and assigning the appropriate letter grade to the percentage
arrived at after the division.
A =
100-90, B = 89-80, C = 79-70, D = 69-60, F = 59-0.
EXPENSES
Band fees
and other expenses will be collected during band camp. You may write a single check for all expenses
(fees, shoes, shirt, etc.) if you desire.
All fees are due by Friday, September 2rd. Please help us help you by taking care of
this as soon as possible. If you need
to make special arrangements to pay your fees, please speak to a director
privately. We would be happy to discuss
a payment plan if necessary. Please do not consider waiting till the end of the year
because we must pay our expenses in the beginning of the year. If a student is removed from band he/she
will be responsible for all expenses.
·
BAND
FEE - The band fee
this year will be $120. This fee will
cover your shirts, all entry and participation fees, and other miscellaneous
costs. ***FUNDRAISING PROFITS MAY
BE APPLIED TOWARDS BAND FEES***.
·
ADDITIONAL
PERCUSSION FEE ($60)
All percussion
·
GUARD
FEE Returning
Members ($250) New Members ($350)
·
INSTRUMENT RENTAL ($40) Students using school horns
This fee covers the chemical cleaning of your instrument after
use. You are responsible to return the
instrument in the same conditions that it was issued you assume
responsibility for any damage outside of normal wear!!! You are also responsible to provide your own
mouthpiece and supplies.
·
BAND
SHOES ($30.00)
In addition
students are also responsible for mouthpieces and other supplies (reeds, flip
folders and lyres).
FUNDRAISING
Aside from
the band fee, which addresses operational expenses of the band, students are not
held accountable for any other portion of the budget (unlike other programs
throughout the state). Each year the
directors arrange a variety of fundraisers.
THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THESE EVENTS IS TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
STUDENT. The profits on these
fundraisers range from 38%-50%. ONE
HUNDRED PER-CENT of that profit goes into the students individual
account. These fundraising opportunities
are made available to help defray the cost of band fees and the spring
trip. Each year several students raise
most if not all of the cost of the trip through fundraisers. In fact, many students exceed the cost of the
trip and are issued checks for spending money prior to the trip. Even a small amount of work on each
fundraiser can drastically reduce the financial burden of the trip. Please take advantage of these
opportunities. Please be aware that
all band fundraisers must be approved by the directors and school
administration.
*** Any money raised in the
current year may not be transferred to the next fiscal year. All monies will be transferred to the band
account***
SPRING TRIP
We are in
the process of arranging a spring trip
First payment $100.00 September 2nd
Second payment $100.00 October 4th
Third payment $100.00 November 2nd
A band will
perform in the exact manner in which it practices! Class rules are very important for the smooth
daily operation of the band program at DHS.
The rules established for the band are based on common sense and are
meant to be very clear with definite penalties for students who choose not to
observe any one of them.
1.
Students are to be considered tardy after
7:45 a.m. if they are not in their seat with everything they need for
class. - instrument,
reeds if necessary, folder and pencil.
2.
When the conductor steps on the podium all
students will cease talking immediately.
The conductor is ready to begin class.
3.
If a student has a question he/she will
raise his/her hand and wait to for the conductor to recognize the student.
4.
There is to be absolutely no candy, gum,
drink or any other eating material allowed in the music building at any time,
unless otherwise stated by the directors.
5.
Students should refrain from writing on or
otherwise defacing any school board property including music stands, walls or
any other surfaces. Making notes on
music in pencil is acceptable. There are
to be no personal notations of any kind written on music.
6.
At the end of class the conductor releases
the class, not the bell.
7.
Students will respect other students and
DHS band equipment. Students found in
other students instrument cases will be referred to the administration
immediately. Students will also be
responsible for the care and upkeep of the instrument issued. All instrument cases are to be stored in the
proper cubbyholes or designated shelving area.
Book bags will also be placed in a designated area.
8.
There are to be no students who are not
involved in a music class allowed in the music building unless they are to see
a specific teacher.
Self-Discipline
and Self-Evaluation are two key ingredients to Self-Improvement.
Look
at a disciplined band and youll see a successful band.
Look
at a successful band and youll see a disciplined band.
When
maturity and intelligence are combined to develop a desire to achieve, nothing
can stand in the way of your success!
ABSENCES
AND TARDIES
Participation in the DeRidder High
School Band requires a unique commitment of energy and time. Because of limited rehearsal time, absences
and tardies must be avoided. Attendance will be taken at all regularly
scheduled band functions, rehearsals, and performances. Excuses for absences and tardiness will be
considered on an individual basis. You
must present a written notice to the director of bands at least 24 hours prior
to the rehearsal. In emergencies or
other unavoidable situations, PLEASE notify the director of bands by
phone (463-2522 ext. 28).
All events are absolutely mandatory. Other activities must not conflict with
previously scheduled band commitments.
The directors strive hard to avoid any schedule conflicts. DO NOT create your own!!!
Absence from a performance is the most serious offense
possible. Absence from a performance
affects everyone in the organization.
Therefore, absence from a performance for any reason other than
emergencies or serious illness can result in the forfeiture of your position in
this organization as well as failure for that grading period.
Every member of this organization is expected to conduct himself or herself in a mature and professional manner. We have made every effort to provide a
quality musical experience with a minimum time commitment.
TRAVEL
WAIVERS
All
students must have a
waiver on file in the
TRAVEL
CONDUCT
1. Bus
assignments are permanent you may not switch busses once we have left DeRidder.
2. Stay
seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
3. Keep arms,
hand, and feet inside the bus at all times.
4. DO NOT
shout inside the bus or outside.
5. No food or
drink on the bus without the permission of the director.
6. Personal
stereos may be used with headphones only You are responsible
for the safety of your equipment.
7. Upon arrival
at destination, stay seated and await instructions.
8. No one is
dismissed following a trip until the busses are spotless pick up your trash
and do not leave personal items on the bus.
9. Be
respectful and courteous to the driver and chaperones! The chaperones are in charge in the absence
of the director.
10.Boys and
Girls will ride separate busses to any destination, unless the director states
otherwise.
STADIUM
RULES
1.
Following our march into the stadium,
remain at attention in front of your seat until the drum major puts you at
ease. You may then remove hats and
gloves.
2.
Visitors are not allowed in the band
seating area nor may anything be brought to a student during the course of a
game.
3.
Be attentive and alert at all times. We will play a lot. You horn and flip-folder should be ready at
all times.
4.
Do not play without permission.
5.
Do not leave after half-time until a
director dismisses you.
6.
Third-quarter break is a
privilege that can be revoked. Be
in your seat with your horn and folder ready to play before the
third quarter ends.
7.
Water will be provided in the stands do not bring other drinks or food into the set.
8.
We will not leave until all trash is picked
up in our area HINT: DONT THROW
ANYTHING ON THE GROUND!
9.
Conduct yourself with class at all times .
. . in the stands, at the concession stands, in the restroom, etc. You represent not only yourself, but also
your band, your school, your city, and your parents.
UNIFORM
·
Marching Uniform: Our uniform is the most identifiable aspect
of our band and should be treated with respect and worn with pride. You will be fitted and issued a uniform at the
beginning of the school year. All uniforms
will remain in the band hall. We will
hem and clean the uniforms for you. You are not dismissed after a game until you
return your uniform to the uniform room. Uniforms must be hung neatly and
will be checked before you can leave. Failure
to hang the uniform properly and check it in will result in the loss
of points from your performance grade.
1.
Wear band t-shirt under your
uniform
you will not be allowed to remove your jacket otherwise.
2.
No jewelry may be worn while in uniform.
3.
Do not remove any part of the uniform or
un-zip the uniform without permission from the directors.
·
Colorguard
Uniform: The Colorguard will wear the summer uniform listed above when
the weather is too warm to allow for the marching band uniform. The Colorguard
performance uniform will be worn after the hotter days have passed.
Black Jazz Pants/or wind suit Guard Uniform Top
Black Guard Shoes Black Socks
INSPECTION
All students must report for inspection
before every game. Do not lose points by
being late!!! This is our opportunity to
make a final check as well as give any last minute instructions. Pay special attention to the following
guidelines.
1.
You must be in bib pants with hat and
jacket in hand this means zipped!
2.
Shoes must be clean you may want to
polish them weekly.
3.
Shoes and gloves must be clearly marked
with your name.
4.
Please have all music in your flip-folder
and your instrument.
5.
Reed players must have at least 2
additional reeds.
Musical success consists of three
ingredients: Parents, students and
teacher all working together. The
success of the instrumental music program is in large part dependent upon each
student doing his/her particular task well.
If one or two parts of the team fall behind the progress of the group
will suffer.
We have attempted to provide a clear
and comprehensive picture of the band program at
We are ready and willing to meet with
parents to discuss the band program.
Please feel free to call us for consultation. Our office hours are at 2:10 PM and the phone
number is 463-2522 Ext. 28.
Musically
Yours,
Carolyn
Herrington Leo Murray
Daphne
Agreement
This
handbook has been designed to provide you with the rules and requirements for
participation in the DeRidder High School Band. Its purpose is to give parents and students a
clear and concise understanding of the workings of our band department and to
provide a guide which covers most aspects of the function and requirements of
participation.
We, the
undersigned:
1.
Have
read and thoroughly understand and agree to comply with the contents of this
handbook.
2.
Understand
that this document must be returned within one week of receiving this handbook.
3.
Understand
that any infractions will be dealt with on an individual basis by the directors
and school administration serious infractions may result in dismissal from
the band program.
4.
Agree
to do my personal best and follow the conditions outlined in this handbook.
___________________________ _____________________________
Students signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Personal Information
***Please fill out this form so that we can keep
an accurate file for our records.***
City:
______________________
Zip:__________
Home Phone:
_____________________________
Work Phone:
_____________________________
Other Emergency #(s): ______________________
Birthdate: ________________________________
Instrument Brand: _________________________
Serial Number: ____________________________
If you own or are renting
your own instrument, please fill in these lines so that we can
help
track stolen or lost instruments.
SCHOOL-OWNED
INSTRUMENT CHECK-OUT FORM
The instrument listed below has been checked-out
to me in the condition listed. I agree
to return the instrument in that condition and assume responsibility for any
other damage. I have read the section
concerning school-owned instruments and agree to comply with those guidelines. Minimum repair fee: $50.00.
__________________________ ______________________________
Students signature Date Parent/Guardian
Signature Date
Instrument: ________________ Brand: ________________________
Serial Number:
_____________ Condition: _____________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________