Band Policies

 

 

 

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Soaring Pride

Canyon High School Band Handbook

 

Introduction

 

            Welcome to Canyon High School and the “Soaring Pride!” The Eagle Band has earned the respect of the state of Texas and has earned numerous awards during the past several years. The solid tradition of excellence established by previous band members is reflected by more than twenty UIL Sweepstakes awards. 

            By accepting membership in the Canyon High School Band you agree to perform to the best of your abilities and work together with the band staff in making this year’s band the finest musical organization that our combined efforts can produce. We do not expect every person in the band to be a virtuoso musician or performer. We do expect mature, responsible attitudes and actions – and lots of hard work! Report promptly to all rehearsals, classes and performances; practice sufficiently to be able to perform your part well, and give it your ‘best shot’ – every time, all the time! 

            The success of any organization is dependant on the spirit, pride, leadership, teamwork, dedication and cooperation of its members. Certain rules, policies and procedures are necessary so that the over-all goals of the group are met and the welfare of each individual member is best served. 

            This handbook has been developed by the band directors. Its purpose is to familiarize each band member and his/her parents with: (1) the general operation and procedures of the Eagle Band and (2) the standards by which all band members are expected to conduct themselves. The handbook is not intended to be all-inclusive, as every possible situation and question cannot be predicted in advance; however, a thorough knowledge of these materials is essential to the smooth operation and success of the band this year.           

            Basically, all of our rules and procedures can be summarized in the following four RIGHTS:

1.      BE AT THE RIGHT PLACE

2.      AT THE RIGHT TIME

3.      WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

4.      AND THE RIGHT ATTITUDE 

When compiling a handbook listing the rules and regulations of an organization such as the band, quite often a feeling of restriction is experienced by certain members of the organization. Just as there are necessary laws that govern the citizens of a nation, there are also necessary rules within every large organization. No one wishes to impose regulations on a group simply for the sake of forcing its members to do something that is not enjoyable, but rather for the purpose of maintaining adequate control so that the goals of the organization may be achieved. Nothing will be asked of you in this band that is not reasonable or necessary. We want you to do your work well and to enjoy band, but we shall insist that you do your part. This means conforming to rules and regulations that pertain to school and the band as well as those that are required of you by the society in which you live. Remember you are not only representing yourself, but Canyon High School as well as your community and family.  

BAND HALL GOLDEN RULES 

  1. IF YOU OPEN IT, CLOSE IT.
  2. IF YOU TURN IT ON, TURN IT OFF.
  3. IF YOU UNLOCK IT, LOCK IT.
  4. IF YOU BREAK IT, REPAIR IT.
  5. IF YOU CAN’T REPAIR IT, CALL ON SOMEONE WHO CAN.
  6. IF YOU BORROW IT, RETURN IT.
  7. IF YOU USE IT, TAKE CARE OF IT.
  8. IF YOU MAKE A MESS, CLEAN IT UP.
  9. IF YOU MOVE IT, PUT IT BACK.
  10. IF IT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE AND YOU WANT TO USE IT…ASK!
  11. IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO OPERATE IT, LEAVE IT ALONE.
  12. IF IT DOESN’T CONCERN YOU, STAY OUT OF IT.
  13. IF IT WILL MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY, SAY IT!

 

In conclusion, there is one basic and underlying fact: WE ARE ALL WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD ONE GOAL:

 

WE WANT OUR GROUP TO BE THE FINEST THAT WE CAN POSSIBLY

MAKE IT!

 

            So, if you have a problem – of any kind – let someone help you. You are surrounded by people who care about you. Talk to them, and if you have questions, ask!

 

BAND MOTTO: 

BE REMEMBERED!

SECTION 1: ATTENDANCE

 

  1. Band is a two-semester class; students are expected to stay enrolled for the entire school year unless special circumstances arise that are approved by the band director. Any student withdrawn from band will not be allowed to re-enter the class without approval from the band director. Students are not allowed to drop band at the end of the fall semester without director approval.

 

  1. Promptness is a quality that is admired by both our employers and the people we personally associate with. A good musician should be where he/she is supposed to be on time. There are occasions when tardiness is unavoidable. However, excused or unexcused tardies during the regular school day will be dealt with per campus policy. An unexcused tardy outside of the regular school day (for a co-curricular activity) may result in band detention, reduced participation and/or the lowering of that particular grade.

 

  1. Attendance in class and at every class-related rehearsal (such as extra rehearsals and sectionals) is necessary to your musical education. It is not possible to recreate the learning that takes place in the class or any extra rehearsal. Therefore, a grade of zero will be given for each day of unexcused absences (when grades were taken for the rest of the class.) Unexcused absences may also result in band detention and/or reduced participation.

 

  1. Every band member is required to attend all band performances. This is a major part of your grade. Performances are the only way a musician can share his/her gift with others. They are also the only way our patrons have any way of knowing how much how have learned and improved. Performance is very important to your music education. Therefore, any unexcused absence from a co-curricular activity will constitute a grade of zero for the performance, and may result in reduced participation. Any unexcused absence from an extra-curricular activity will constitute disciplinary action to be coordinated with the school administration. A calendar will be given to the students for the purpose of coordinating all of the student’s activities. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure there are no conflicts. The directors must be notified in writing of any non-emergency conflicts 5 days or more in advance. Absences that are a result of emergency situations (such as student illness or death in the family) will be the only exception of the ‘5 day in advance rule’. Verbal contact from parents to the director as soon as possible, preferably prior to the performance, is requested. Students with an excused absence for a performance will be allowed to make up the grade by completing a written report or assignment by the director(s).

 Please note: Calendar will be handed out on the first day of school. Events not on schedule – any presently unknown events, etc. - notice will be given ASAP. 

  1. Students in band will be competing in various individual contests. The school will pay for entry fees when possible. Any fee paid by the school obligates the student to participate. Withdrawing from the contest will result in the student repaying this fee to the school.

 

  1. Due to the size of this organization, it is extremely important that students pass all

classes in order to participate in any extracurricular activity such as band. Without every member, the level of performance begins to suffer at any level of competition.

 

 
Section II. Grading 
  1. Grades will be determined using any or all of the following criteria:
    1. Playing Tests
    2. Written Tests
    3. Inspections (uniforms, music, instruments)
    4. Attendance (daily)
    5. Attendance (co-curricular activity)
    6. Sectionals
    7. Clinics
    8. Equipment (instruments, music, pencil, etc. available at rehearsal)

 

  1. Grades will be computed as follows:

Participation

30%     Attendance in class with all necessary equipment.

            Attendance at section rehearsals and clinics.

35%     Attendance at all performances.

            Being on time to all events.

35% Evaluation and testing

 

SECTION III: UNIFORMS 

  1. The uniform will be clean when you receive it.
  2. No food or drink (except water) in uniform.
  3. You must either be completely IN or completely OUT of uniform.
  4. Uniforms must pass inspection before each performance. Take pride in yourself and your uniform. A sheet is attached to this handbook with instructions for washing uniforms and dry cleaning tuxedos/dresses.
  5. Examine the uniform after each performance for soiling, stains, etc. If there are any stains, have the uniform cleaned. TIME TENDS TO SET STAINS!
  6. Protect your uniform from “Mother Nature” by the use of garment bags, rainwear and proper storage.
  7. Accessories needed:
    1. Black marching shoes
    2. Black socks
    3. Uniform bag
    4. Black gloves/White gloves
    5. Band t-shirt
  8. BAND UNIFORMS ARE TO BE WORN AT BAND FUNCTIONS ONLY.
I.       UNIFORMS MUST BE RETURNED CLEAN!

H.   When the uniform is not in use, it should be at home, hung in your closet. NOTE:

       Do not leave coats, trousers, etc…, laying around in the band hall or other places.

       If you cannot or will not take care of your uniform, please store it in the uniform

       room.

I.   Band members will be held accountable for all damaged or lost uniform articles. 

  1. Complete Uniform includes:
    1. Coat                 6. Gauntlets (1 pair purple, 1pair white)
    2. Bibs (pants)     7. Band t-shirt
    3. Hat                   8. Black gloves/White gloves
    4. Hat box            9. Black socks
    5. Plume             10. Black shoes

K. Hair must not touch the collar of the jacket nor should hair be seen on your forehead when you perform in the marching uniform. Some of you may need hairpins. No jewelry is to be worn with the marching uniform. 

L. Non-uniform performance attire-MEN: Slacks, dress shirt and dress shoes (no tennis shoes). LADIES: Dress or pantsuits (NO JEANS!! NO FLIP-FLOPS!!). These are the minimum requirements for students when the uniform is not required. 

REMEMBER: A person in uniform is judged more highly by the public. As a member of our band your behavior, when in uniform, must meet the high standards the public expects. 

SECTION IV: ATTITUDE AND CONDUCT 

  1. An accumulation of disciplinary actions or failure to carry out expected duties, assignments or insubordination shown towards the directors and/or guest conductors shall constitute grounds for administrative review and conference.
  1. The directors will show respect for each and every student for their presence and contribution to the program. The directors expect each student to show respect for the directors and every student regardless of their personal feelings or views. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
  1. Any use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any act that jeopardizes our school or school district during any school-sanctioned activity shall constitute administrative review and conference.
  1. School policy is in effect at all school-related activities.
  1. BEHAVIOR IN BLEACHERS AT FOOTBALL GAMES – Since the band is expected to be ready and able to play for the team and spectators at football games, certain guidelines must be adhered to.
    1. Stay in your assigned place within your section. Cheering and yelling is encouraged. Rule of thumb: One foot in place at all times.
    2. No food or drinks are allowed in the stands, except water. Occasionally other exceptions will be made by the directors.
    3. No bathroom breaks will be given during the game. If a student needs to use the bathroom, he/she must go before the band enters the stand or when the band leaves the stands for warm-up before halftime.
    4. No one is allowed in the band section except uniformed band members and the directors.
    5. Students are expected to remain with the band in the stands from the beginning to the end of the football game, unless arrangements have been made with the directors.
    6. If a student sitting on the end of a row is visiting with family/friends constantly, that student may be relocated within the section.

SECTION V: DISCIPLINARY ACTION 

      Minor infractions will be handled on an individual basis. Disciplinary measures taken will vary and may include (but will not be limited to) the following: 

1.      Band detention (before/after school)

2.      Push-ups/sit ups – no more than 25 at any given time *

3.      Standing at attention for 5 minutes *

4.      Running laps *

5.      Reports 

*special consideration will be given to students with physical limitations

            Major violations will be handled in the following manner:

1st Offense - Teacher student conference-possible disciplinary action

2nd Offense – Call to parents-take measures to correct the action

3rd Offense – Office referral-Take measures to correct the action

            This handbook is subservient to the policies and handbooks of CISD. 

SECTION VI: EQUIPMENT/MUSIC 

            The equipment and music provided for us by the taxpayers of our school district and the generosity of our Band Boosters represents many thousands of dollars. Beyond the expense involved in the instrumental music program, we each have a personal obligation to maintain our equipment for longevity and personal pride. An instrument usage fee of $50.00 ($25 per semester) will be collected when the instruments are checked out and is not refundable. Maintenance and care of such equipment becomes the responsibility of the student. Excessive abuse (i.e. structural damage, dents, stuck slides, bent keys/valves, etc…) will be repaired at the student’s expense. Individual pieces of music, method books and other equipment that are assigned to a student are the same as any textbook loaned to a student. If the student loses or damages a text, he/she will be required to make monetary compensation to the school district for the loss or damage. Therefore, any item checked out to the student immediately becomes the responsibility of that student.

 

 SECTION VII: TRIPS 

            When the band travels as a group, the following must be observed: 

  1. CONDUCT – School sponsored trips are extensions of the school day and all school regulations are in effect for the duration of the trip. This includes the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc. Anyone involved in any way with any form of intoxicant may be removed from band, suspended from school and/or subject to arrest. Inappropriate public displays of affection will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the band.
  2. PROCEDURES – All band members will travel to and from each event by bus. If another arrangement is necessary, this must be discussed with the directors in advance. Band students will not be released to anyone other than their parents.
    1. On trips which require bus sign up sheets, you will sign up YOUR name only and will not change it unless otherwise stated. ON ALL TRIPS you must be in YOUR seat for roll call. ON ALL TRIPS you will remain on the same bus the entire trip.
    2. Stay seated when the bus is in motion. All parts of the body are to remain inside the bus windows. Nothing is to be thrown from the bus windows. Refrain from loud talking/singing, screaming, and songs with ‘suggestive’ lyrics. If you listen to music it must be done with HEADPHONES. Directors and chaperones may take up headphones if the music is too loud.
    3. A Parent Sponsor or Band Council member may be given bus responsibilities that include riding on specific buses, helping to maintain bus discipline, etc. The Soaring Pride Band will be respectful of bus drivers, all adult sponsors and others in positions of responsibility. While roll is being called, everyone is to be seated and silent. On trips in which food and drinks are authorized, nothing may be consumed until the buses have left the CHS campus. Trash is to be placed in the plastic bags provided. Each band member is responsible for keeping the bus clean.
    4. The band will load and unload the buses in an orderly, systematic manner prescribed by the directors. No one will get off the bus until instructed to do so by a director.
    5. All band members are responsible for taking their own equipment to the designated loading area or on the bus with them. The Loading Crew is responsible for loading only the equipment placed in the designated area.


SECTION VIII: CARE AND USE OF ROOMS IN THE BAND HALL 

A. Band Hall – You will enter and leave the band hall in an orderly and mature fashion. Keep all items clean and neat. Protect equipment from vandalism. Dispose of trash properly. No food, drink, gum or candy is allowed in the band hall. 

B. Instrument Storage Locker – Each person will be assigned a locker and a lock for their instrument and other equipment needed for rehearsal. No trash, please. The lock should remain on the locker at all times. 

C. Library – Absolutely no one other than the librarians are allowed in the library without permission. 

D. Practice and Ensemble rooms – If these rooms are locked, you may obtain a key from a band director. Please help keep them clean. 

E. Uniform Closets – Will be kept locked and only the uniform crew will be allowed in the room. 

F. Repair Room – Will be kept locked except when repair work is needed. See a director to obtain a key. 

G. Offices – If the doors are shut, please do not knock or come in. If the doors are open, please knock and obtain permission to enter. You will need to obtain permission to use the phones, computer, etc. The office telephone is not available to non-band members and is not to be used for general personal calls, but may be used to call parents for rides, etc. You are not to remove ANYTHING from the director’s desks without permission!!! This includes, but is not limited to pens, pencil, etc. 

H. Band Hall – Is for BAND MEMBERS ONLY. Your friends may wait in the entrance halls. 

Let’s all work hard to keep this great facility looking clean and orderly!!!
 

SECTION IX: LETTERING SYSTEM AND SYMPHONIC BAND 

Lettering System 

            Every band member is eligible to letter in band during each year he/she is in the organization. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria. 

  1. Maintain an average of 80 or above in band for the entire school year.
  2. Attend all required band functions and performances with no unexcused absences.
  3. Do THREE of the following events:

1. Audition for All-Region Band (Audition must be a legitimate effort!)

2. Make Area Band in TMEA

3. Make and participate in the All-State Band

4. Jazz Band (if we have one)

5. Make a first or second division on a class 1 or 2 solo or ensemble at UIL Solo & Ensemble
            (each event=1   point)

6. Make a first or second division on a class 1 or 2 solo or ensemble at the Greater Southwest Music Festival

7. Attend the WTAMU or any other summer band camp

8. Take private lessons for the entire year

  1. Abide by all rules of conduct and policy as stated in the CHS handbook and the CHS Band Hand book. Students wishing to letter must not receive disciplinary action such as ISS, AEP, or detentions for actions other than tardies.

 

Symphonic Band/Concert Band           

            In the spring semester, the Symphonic Band and the Concert Band will meet during first period.

            Because the Symphonic Band is the top-performing group at CHS, we highly recommend that students interested in making the band audition for the TMEA (4A-5A) or ATSSB (3A) All Region Band. Students who audition for the all-region band will be given special consideration concerning chair placement vs. students who do not. Likewise, any student who advances to the area/all-state band auditions will also be given special consideration.

            During the spring semester, all Symphonic Band members will be required to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble. (Concert band members are invited to participate.) If for any reason the member cannot compete in the contest, they will still be required to perform on the Solo and Ensemble concert for a grade. Also, being akin to an ‘honors’ class, placement in Symphonic Band is contingent upon academic and citizenship standing. The director reserves the right to remove a student from Symphonic Band for any infringement of the above. Auditions for placement into the Symphonic and Concert Bands will consist of a cut of the All-Region music. There may be other requirements. The student will be notified of any additions to this process at least two weeks in advance.   

Section X: PRIVATE LESSONS 

            The secret to the greatest musical ensembles in the state of Texas is simple: private lessons. These lessons are a one-on-one situation that can help a student progress more than twice as fast as group instruction. CISD has an excellent staff of private teachers and many other teachers not employed by CISD are available for all instruments. We hope you will seriously consider taking part in this program that is an important aspect of a good musical experience. 

Section XI: BAND COUNCIL 

            The Band Council is a representative body of students within the ensemble responsible for making decisions and completing projects for the band. The council shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Reporter, Librarian, Drum Majors, Class Representatives, Chaplain and other members selected by the directors. The directors will serve in an advisory capacity. Being leaders, all council members are expected to set a good example for their peers. This includes, but is not limited to, knowing your part in band, being ready for class on time, maintaining a positive attitude, and passing all classes. Removal from office can occur if the directors feel that an officer is not performing his/her duties adequately. 

Section XII: PRACTICE 

            No improvement can be made on your instrument without effort on your part. It is highly recommended that you take your instrument home every day. Individual practice sessions of at least 30 minutes per day are vital to improving your playing ability. Any student that plays an instrument that is too large to carry (i.e. tuba) can check out an instrument and take it home, when they are available . 

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

-Aristotle

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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