Maize High School Band

Marching Band Handbook 2017-2018

USD 266, Maize Public Schools

Maize High School Marching Band 2017-2018 School Year

www.usd266.com

Bryan Kirk – Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Music Theory College Bound

Randy Crow - Marching Band, Symphonic Band

Denita Stemet – Color Guard

Von Hansen - Percussion

Enrolling in band is a unique opportunity. Students will not only develop musical skills, but also teamwork,

creativity, and leadership. As students continue to improve, they will become more confident in themselves

and will find that the lessons taught in band can be applied to all areas of life. Band prepares students not just

for concerts and performances, but for their futures. The student-created mission of the Maize High School

Band Program is to inspire the life-long qualities of persistence and excellence — musically and beyond — in

the mind, body, and spirit of everyone involved, while maintaining a positive, family-oriented, and unified

atmosphere that is both challenging and supportive.

To provide a safe and healthy environment for students to learn.

To provide a strong knowledge of musical concepts through creation and re-creation of music.

To provide opportunities for students to use their musical knowledge in varied musical situations.

To provide the students access to unique learning opportunities outside of class, such as solos, ensembles, choirs, and honor groups.

To provide the students with tools that can be used in various situations for the rest of their lives.

To promote a long-lasting appreciation and application of the arts in students’ lives beyond the classroom.

BAND STAFF

PHILOSOPHY

COURSE AND PROGRAM GOALS

Each student will:

Develop and demonstrate individual and ensemble performance skills related to tone pitch, balance, blend, style, articulation, dynamics, timbre, pulse, and rhythm.

Develop and demonstrate appropriate performance practices for various genres and styles of compositions found in marching band literature.

Develop and demonstrate individual marching skills related to posture, carriage, step, and body movement.

Develop and demonstrate ensemble marching skill related to interval, alignment, uniformity, and form.

Perform music and drill based on contemporary trends of marching show design.

Perform and maintain music and marching traditions associated with a high school athletic environment.

Develop and demonstrate instructional and leadership skills appropriate to the marching band setting.

The two greatest factors in determining the success of an individual or organization are attitude and work

ethic. A positive attitude and strong work ethic can make the difference between a mediocre group and an

exceptional one. Remember, band is just like life: you get out of it what you put into it. By always putting forth

the best effort possible, band becomes an exciting and rewarding experience. The program challenges

students to approach everything they do with diligence, both inside and outside of the classroom.

THE USE OF TOBACCO IS PROHIBITED DURING ALL BAND REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCES, TRIPS,

AND EVENTS.

THE USE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND WHILE REPRESENTING OUR BAND PROGRAM AND OUR SCHOOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EXPULSION FROM THE BAND PROGRAM.

Be at least 5-10 minutes early for all rehearsals and performances.

Be on your best behavior at all times. You never know who is watching or listening.

Work to improve yourself every day!

Strive to do your best 100% of the time.

Respect others and your surroundings.

Assume responsibility for your actions.

Don’t fall behind in class or in practicing. It is your responsibility to keep up and maintain academic eligibility. Students failing to meet academic eligibility requirements will not be allowed to perform.

Make independent practice a part of your daily routine.

If you have a problem you cannot resolve on your own, please see the director.

ATTITUDE AND WORK ETHIC

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITES

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Preparation

Success is when preparation and opportunity meet!

Check the board daily for announcements and information.

Have your pencil, music, and instrument at the start of class.

Warm-up properly.

Follow all written and verbal instructions.

Promptness

BE ON TIME!

Be in your seat before the bell rings.

Learning Environment

Do not play or talk while the director is talking.

Remain silent throughout the rehearsal.

Watch the conductor or drum majors.

Raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged before asking questions.

Do not leave the room or field until you are dismissed.

Room Cleanliness

Do not bring food, drinks, or gum into the classroom.

Put instruments and music in the proper storage areas.

Respect school property.

Students are not allowed in the band office or storage room unless invited by a staff

member.

Keep stands and chairs orderly.

Consequences

First and second offense – Loss of daily points

Third offense – Call to parent or guardian

Fourth offense – Administrative, parent, and teacher conference

REHEARSAL GUIDELINES

VISUAL FUNDAMENTALS STANDING FUNDAMENTALS: 1. Parade Rest 2. Attention 3. Parade Rest from Attention 4. Mark Time/Halt 5. Left Face/Right Face

MOVING FUNDAMENTALS: 1. Forward March/Halt 2. Backward March/Halt 3. Left Flank/Right Flank 4. Slide Position

HORN MOVES: 1. Horns Up/Horns Down

1. Posture Checklist a. Feet

i. Ankles should split the dot or yard line b. Knees

i. Do not lock knees c. Hips

i. Roll under or back 1. Arms at side 2. Lean back and forward to find hip placement

d. Shoulders i. Back, down, relaxed

ii. No tension e. Height

i. Upper Block 1. Chest and shoulders

ii. Lower Block 1. Hips and legs

f. Arms i. Parade Rest

ii. Horns up iii. Horns down

g. Head

i. Level chin for woodwinds ii. Slightly raised chin for brass

iii. Eyes forward

2. Mark Time a. Taught from Attention Position b. One-inch lift c. Toes on the ground

3. Horn Carriage

a. Brass – Ten degrees above level b. Watch arms, elbow position c. Mouthpieces at eye level

4. Attention

a. Parade Rest b. To the Ready c. Attention

5. Slides

a. Use the 0, 30, 60, 90 degrees rule i. Feet 0 Degrees

ii. Hips 30 Degrees iii. Chest 60 Degrees iv. Shoulders 90 Degrees v. Rehearse in four segments (slowly)

vi. Remain TALL

6. First Step a. Prepare with the push

i. Move the left leg out ii. Lock the knee

iii. Plant the toe iv. Silvey – Pull and Press

b. Keep legs straight c. Back foot rolls to the toe

7. Backward March

a. Step back and move to toes i. Heals off the ground

ii. Straight legs iii. Lift at first step

8. Direction Changes

PLAYING FUNDAMENTALS

Key Signatures and Accidentals

C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭ are 1st quarter keys

Alternate fingerings

Tune accidentals Time Signatures

Duple – 2/2, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4

Triple – 3/8, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8 Rhythm

Pulse

Subdivision Tone/Sound

Breathing

Embouchure

Balance

Blend Musicality

Articulations – staccato, marcato, accents, tenuto, slur

Dynamics

Phrasing

Style

Perfect attendance at rehearsals and performances is required and considered the norm.

Consistent failure to attend will result in loss of points and possible removal from the class.

Band is an academic class, and, as such, we have an extensive performance and rehearsal schedule that is part

of our academic responsibility. All of the band dates we are aware of at the time of this printing are listed on

the calendar. Please mark these dates on your home, school, and work calendars. School-related conflicts with

marching band rehearsals or performances must be reported to a director before September 7th.

Excused absences include serious illness, a death in the family, an important family event, or an extreme

emergency. Excused performance absences must be reported prior to the event in writing whenever possible.

All other absences will be counted as UNEXCUSED, and the student will not be allowed to make up points.

Excused absences will not count against the student’s grade.

Student grades are based on attendance at rehearsals and performance as well as individual preparation. This

includes bringing the proper materials to class, the student’s effort, performance, and musicianship.

1) Daily Points – 20%

Attendance -

Arrive on time

All materials present (music, instrument, pencil, chips, charts, etc.)

Daily work

2) Assessments – 30%

Playing tests will be given at least once every nine weeks. Students will be expected to

perform the music they have been practicing at home and rehearsing in class.

3) Performances – 50%

Performances are extremely important and used to show progression towards a

common goal. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a significant

grade reduction.

ATTENDANCE

GRADING

During the marching season, each student will be assessed on pre-game and halftime show music. Students

will be evaluated on memory and progress. Students must pass these tests to remain eligible to participate in

performances. If a student fails, he or she will be allowed one retest.

All instruments should be kept in good condition!

Cleaning Kits – All students playing wind instruments should have a cleaning kit for their instrument. Kits can

be purchased at any areas music store for $20-30.

Reeds – Reed players should have at least one box of reeds.

Clarinets no softer than hard or 3½ - 4½

Saxophones no softer than medium hard or 3

Instrument Tag – Please mark instrument cases with some kind of tag. Since many cases look alike, it is easy

for students to take the wrong instrument by mistake.

Combination Lock – Students will be given a band locker, but must bring their own combination lock. The

lockers are for band equipment and music only. BAND LOCKERS ARE PROPERTY OF MAIZE HIGH SCHOOL AND

ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH AT ANY TIME.

Lyre and Flip Folder – All students are required to purchase a lyre and flip folder for band. They can be

purchased at any area music store.

Pencil – All students should have a pencil in their instrument case for band.

At the beginning of the season, students will be given show music, pep band music, chips, and charts. Students

are expected to keep track of these items and return them at the end of the season. It is suggested that they

keep their music and charts in a binder with page protectors. Students who lose their materials will be charged

a fine of $2.50 per piece of music and $1.00 per chip.

Marching shoes can be ordered and purchased during the first week of school. All students in marching band

are required to purchase specific marching shoes.

INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

MUSIC, CHIPS, AND CHARTS

PLAYING ASSESSMENTS

MARCHING SHOES

Each student will be fitted for their marching uniform during band camp. Uniforms will be checked in and out

before and after each performance. It is the responsibility of the student to keep the uniform clean

throughout the season. Uniforms are dry clean only and CANNOT be put in a washing machine. Uniforms

should be put away properly after each performance. If any uniform becomes lost or damaged, the student

will be responsible for replacing it.

Classroom rules for inside and outside rehearsals are the same. Expect to go outside every day during

marching season. Students must wear closed-toe shoes and socks for rehearsal – NO SANDALS. Bring an extra

pair of shoes in the event that your shoes get wet or muddy. Students wishing to wear different clothes for

rehearsal must change in the school restrooms on their own time. They will not be allowed to change in the

band room, practice rooms, or storage room.

All football games begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise stated. Game schedule is as follows:

5:00 pm – Staff arrive

5:30 pm – Students arrive

5:45 pm – Dress – students must wear their band T-shirt and shorts under their uniform

6:00 pm – Warm-up and tuning

6:15 pm – Uniform check in the commons

6:30 pm – Line up for pre-game

6:45 pm – Pre-game performance

7:00 pm – Game begins, lyres and flip folders passed out

Sit in your assigned seat within your section, and do not move around during the game.

Do not play your instrument unless instructed to do so.

Watch the game! We are there to support the team, not just to perform at halftime!

Watch the director and drum majors for instructions.

Be prepared to play at all times.

Keep track of your instrument and uniform during the game.

Complete uniforms must be worn at all times. Hats may be removed while in the stands.

We will return to the room after halftime to change. The boosters will provide drinks.

Be back in your assigned seat before the end of the 3rd quarter.

You will be dismissed after the game from the band room and should leave in a timely fashion.

Pep band music will be returned following the game.

MARCHING UNIFORMS

DAILY MARCHING BAND REHERSALS

FOOTBALL GAME PROCEDURES

The marching band will attend several festivals during the season. Festival attendance is mandatory. Most

trips will be on Saturdays from very early in the morning to very late in the evening, and students will receive

specific information and itineraries before each event. Transportation, snacks, and meals are provided.

Parents will chaperone buses during each trip and are considered an extension of the director. Failure to

respect the rules listed below or parent chaperones will result in severe consequences.

Bus Rules

No screaming, talking loudly, or other disruptive noises.

Music devices will be allowed with headphones. If you take items of value, you assume the risk for

any damage or loss.

Food and drink are only allowed on the bus with director approval.

The emergency exits on the bus are for emergencies only.

Please keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.

No touching, kissing, or inappropriate contact.

THE USE OF TOBACCO IS PROHIBITED DURING ALL BAND REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCES, TRIPS,

AND EVENTS.

THE USE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND WHILE REPRESENTING OUR BAND PROGRAM AND OUR SCHOOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Participation in drumline and pit is a privilege, not a right. Students must audition each spring and be willing to

commit to summer and evening rehearsals. Failure to attend these additional rehearsals may result in

probation or removal from the drumline or pit.

The color guard is an integral part of our marching band. Students wishing to participate in color guard must

audition each spring and be willing to commit to summer and evening rehearsals. Failure to attend these

additional rehearsals may result in probation or removal from the color guard.

Drum majors are chosen through auditions each spring. They will lead the band during marching and pep band

seasons and should be treated as an extension of the director. Drum majors will be held to a higher standard

of conduct, and any actions that are negative, counterproductive, or contrary to the philosophy of the director

are grounds for dismissal. Students must be incoming juniors or seniors and enrolled in four quarters of band

in order to audition.

MARCHING FESTIVAL PROCEDURES

DRUMLINE AND PIT

COLOR GUARD

DRUM MAJORS

Section leaders are chosen through auditions each spring. They will oversee the behavior and performance of

their section during the marching band season. Section leaders will be held to a higher standard of conduct,

and any actions that are negative, counterproductive, or contrary to the philosophy of the director are

grounds for dismissal. Students must be incoming juniors or seniors and enrolled in four quarters of band in

order to audition.

General Guidelines:

1. Must be enrolled in at least three quarters of band.

2. Must attend all band functions during the quarters of enrollment.

3. Cannot have any unexcused absences for performances.

4. Membership in an honor group must be verified by that organization.

5. You are responsible for keeping track of your own lettering points.

6. Lettering forms are due Monday, April 30th.

7. In order to letter, you must earn TEN POINTS from the following:

Lettering forms will be available in the spring. This is a sample form.

Event Points

Attendance at a professional band, jazz band, or orchestra concert. 3

Attendance at a college band concert. 2

Attendance at an area high school band concert. 1

Participation in Youth Symphony, Mid-Kansas. 4

Participation in District Band or Orchestra. 3

Participation in State Band or Orchestra. 4

Receive a Division I rating at Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival. 3

Receive a Division II rating at Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival. 2

Receive a Division I rating at State Solo & Ensemble Festival. 4

Receive a Division II rating at State Solo & Ensemble Festival. 3

Receive a Division III rating at State Solo & Ensemble Festival. 2

Participate in private lessons throughout the school year (Private lesson form req.) 1-4

Participation in the MHS Jazz Band. 5

SECTION LEADERS

BAND LETTERING REQUIREMENTS

Band Handbook

Return Sheet

I have read the entire band handbook and agree to all policies set forth by both Maize High School and the Maize High School Band.

Parent’s Signature _____________________________

Student’s Signature ___________________________

Student’s Name _______________________________ (please print)

Date ____________

DUE September 8th