Patriot Band Student Handbook

Special Notice to Parents/ Guardians:

Please complete the signature page of the band handbook, the personal information form and the band health form and either mail or send it to band practice with your child during one of the summer band practices before band camp. The band handbook was created a few years ago in an effort to answer many of the questions students and parents have about the band program. It seems a little long, but we have tried to be as thorough as possible in order to give band members a solid understanding of what is expected of them in band at Washington.

If you have any questions about band next year, please give us a call @ (304) 885-5110 ext. 5169 or 5168. Also, check the band website for updates in the schedule and any news concerning the band. We try to update the website at least once a week. A new way to access the WHS Band website is being worked on and we expect it to be completed very soon. Go to the WHS homepage, click on Organizations, WHS Band tab will be in the drop down menu

Mailing address:

300 Washington Patriot Drive

Charles Town, WV 25414

Sincerely,

Donald E. Showen, Jr.

Band Director

Washington High School

Lisa Hazlett

Assistant Band Director

Washington High School

Patriots Band Student Handbook

Washington High School

2016 2017

Table of Contents

GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM3

POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES4

FEES AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES5

GRADING POLICY6

UNIFORM CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY6

Wearing the Uniform6

Storage of the Uniform7

INSTRUMENT CARE AND EQUIPMENT RENTALS7

Reed Players (oboes, bassoons, clarinets, saxophones)7

All Wind Instruments8

Percussion8

Music Stands8

Chairs8

Accessories8

SHEET MUSIC CARE AND REQUIREMENTS9

BAND ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS9

Eligibility9

Attendance / Absences9

Bus Conduct and Procedures10

Equipment Truck Procedures10

REHEARSAL PROCEDURES (daily)11

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE11

SMALL ENSEMBLES AND REHEARSALS11

PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES AND ETIQUETTE12

Concert Performances12

Marching Performances Football13

FUNDRAISING13

TRIP PROCEDURES14

BAND CAMP INFORMATION15

Band Camp Policies and procedures15

Daily Band Camp Schedule (subject to change)16

What to Bring16

What NOT to Bring16

BAND BOOSTERS17

Who Are We?17

What Do We Do?17

How Can I Help?17

GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

The band program shall provide training of technical as well as theoretical and aesthetic musical aspects pertaining to the students instrumental performance and general music education as defined by the West Virginia Department of Education.

The goal shall be to provide each student with a positive and educational musical experience. All policies described in this handbook are for the benefit of the program, which is designed to benefit the individual student.

The success of the program depends upon a group or team effort. Therefore, each student is expected to perform as a team member. Students are expected to perform at a standard required by the Director and the West Virginia Department of Education.

Philosophy of the Washington High School Instrumental Program

Every student who wants to learn will be able to do so in a safe, supportive environment.

Leadership is based on respect through positive interaction. Fear and intimidation tactics will not be used in this band. Any student leader who uses these tactics will be immediately dismissed and referred for bullying to the appropriate administrator.

All attitudes must be checked at the WHS Band Room Door.

We will always strive to perfect the art of music. We will always play with our best sound, and we will continuously seek ways to become better musicians.

We will respect all Washington High School Band members. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Director

The Director of Bands is responsible for all instructional subject matter and coordination of all schedules, rehearsals, programs, performances, inventories, libraries, uniforms, fundraisers and activities.

Assistant Director

The Assistant Director is responsible for instructional subject matter as assigned by the Director and/or the school administration and shall assist in all performances, rehearsals and departmental/support group activities.

Camp Commander(s)

The Camp Commanders are elected each year by the band membership (with approval from the directors) and must be a member of the senior class. The Camp Commander is the liaison between the section leaders, members and the Directors. He/she shall represent the band at all meetings where student input is required or deemed beneficial by the Director. He/she shall be the student leader in-charge of band operations at band camp. At marching band events, the Camp Commanders shall assist the Directors, section leaders and drum majors in logistical matters.

Drum Majors

The Drum Major(s) is selected by the Band Directors using an audition process. Drum Majors are the student leaders of the band on and off the field. Students must be a rising Junior or Senior to audition. The number of Drum Majors selected is at the discretion of the Directors.

Section Leaders

Section leaders may or may not be seated in the 1st chair position. These individuals will report to the Directors, librarians and equipment managers any needs for members of his/her section. Section leaders will meet with the Director when necessary to make group decisions pertaining to performances and policies. Section leaders must also coordinate within their sections students to load and unload the truck. All section leaders must make themselves available for truck duty and are responsible for their sections instruments.

FEES AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Fees

Band Fee$20.00

Band Camp Fee$180.00

Total$200.00

Band Fee ($20.00)

This is due by August 1 of each year and must be paid prior to the issuing of the uniform or any school instrument. The band fee pays for one (1) cleaning of the uniform and covers the cost of band shirts issued to each student every year.

Band Camp Fee ($180.00)

Each year, the Washington High School Band spends a working week at Camp Frame in order to prepare for marching season. This fee covers camp rental, food and medical supplies. Students are responsible for bringing their own instruments and proper clothing. Band Camp dates are set very early so personal schedules may be planned. All mini-camps and band camps are mandatory and only on rare occasions will an absence be excused. If a student does not show for rehearsal, we will replace them in the ensemble. This fee is due by August 1.

School Instruments

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS ARE LOANED, NOT RENTED. Every school owned instrument that is used by a student will be loaned with the parents consent and agreement to return the instrument at the end of each year in the same cosmetic and playing condition. During the loaned time, the student will be responsible for any repairs to the instrument in a timely fashion and will be responsible for the cost.

Instruction Books and Music

All textbooks and music for this class are provided for classroom use by the band program and will remain property of the WHS band. The cost for lost books and music will be assessed accordingly. Flip folders and lyres are the students responsibility. These items can be purchased at Ellsworth Music in Charles Town or a music vendor of your choice.

Band T-Shirts

The shirts are furnished by the band program and are required of all students. The replacement cost is $15.00. Shirts are ordered in advance and are available after band camp.

GRADING POLICY

The actual grading policy will be issued the first day of school. Grades in band are determined on a point system. Each event is assigned a certain number of points. Total earned from total possible will determine a students grade.

Grades will be given for rehearsals, performances, playing tests, quizzes, and any written assignments.

Rehearsals are scheduled well in advance. Students are expected to arrange their schedules to attend rehearsals. We will work with other school activities on a one for one basis. Work is not an excuse! If commitment to afterschool rehearsals will be an issue, band may not be a good fit for you.

UNIFORM CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY

Every student is responsible for the care and upkeep of his/her uniform. Although the uniform is stored and cleaned by the WHS Band, students must constantly check their uniform for wear and tear. If there is damage to your uniform, you must report it to the band director immediately.

Wearing the Uniform (we are switching to black shoes)

1. The uniform must be worn completely when in public. All buttons must be fastened and all jackets must be worn. A complete uniform is jacket, bibber pants, band t-shirt, black shoes, long black socks, and white gloves. (Hat and plume will only need to be worn during performances).

2. If you must eat while in uniform, you must cover your jacket and pants to prevent any food from getting on your uniform.

3. Never allow your uniform to touch the ground.

4. Students must supply their own LONG BLACK SOCKS.

5. Never sit on the ground or any place there may be dir