Scottsbluff High School

Band

Syllabus

2016-2017

Introduction

The purpose of this syllabus is to inform all students and parents of the policies and expectations of the Scottsbluff High School Band. We hope that it can be a helpful point of reference should questions arise. Scottsbluff’s band program has gained a reputation of excellence because of the high standards of musicianship, showmanship, and personal effort that we maintain. When you perform as a member of the Scottsbluff Band, you represent your band, school, and community. Anything you do as a member of the band reflects upon the band’s reputation, so be sure you make a positive reflection at all times.

YOU are the most important member of the Scottsbluff Band and we can’t reach our goals without 100% of your effort 100% of the time. There are no last chair players in our band - at

any given moment a member of the audience will be watching YOU. Show that audience member your pride in our organization. Your hard work, attention to details, and dedication will be the determining factor in the success of our band. If you or your parents ever have any questions or concerns about our band program, please let me know. Feel free to contact me with your questions or comments. (E-Mail fibero@sbps.net or mkoch@sbps.net, SHS: 635-6238, or BMS: 635-6287) Musically yours, Francis J. Ibero Michael A. Koch Director of Bands Director of Bands Scottsbluff High School Bluffs Middle School

PRIDE, RESPECT, EXCELLENCE

Bearcat Band Competition Philosophy

Parents and students: Please read through the following contest philosophy concerning participation for

Marching, Concert, and Jazz Competitions for the Scottsbluff High School Band.

Contests, festivals, and other adjudicated activities are important features of the Bearcat

Band program. Through these activities we obtain valuable feedback about our progress

as individuals and as a program. Although we never "live or die" by any one judge’s or

any panel’s opinion of our performance it is important that we learn the value of giving

maximum effort and standing by the results as our best possible effort that day.

All members of the Bearcat Band will stand and/or sit with silent pride as scores are

announced and graciously accept the results, regardless of outcome. We will stand

together and only when appropriate for the event.

We show our appreciation with appropriate applause and respect for those who have

earned the right to score ahead of us, as well as all others in competition with us.

We gracefully accept our own successes.

We never gloat. That is an embarrassment to our band and demeans the value of

competing. We never cry "Foul" regardless of how we may feel about the quality of

our performance.

Many of our competitors will not understand that we are able to congratulate those who

are ahead of us and appreciate their performance. Those are the people that will never

know the reason for participating in competition, but will mistakenly equate winning with

coming in first.

We will come in first when we deserve it, based on our performance. Until then, we know

"winning" is the state of every individual having endured the hardships, taken the chance

of competing, and done their personal best in the pursuit of excellence.

The band’s image is based on each individual. Our public reputation is based on our

appearance, our actions, and our projection of pride and organization. It is the

responsibility of each member to ensure that we present the best possible image at all

times.

We ask our supporters to uphold this same high standard of behavior – at the competition

and afterwards as well.

RESPONSIBILITY

Being a member of the Scottsbluff High School Band is to accept a large RESPONSIBILITY for others as well as ourselves.

Your personal RESPONSIBILITY is a willingness to learn and make a contribution to the band.

Your RESPONSIBILITY to the school and community is to provide the best possible programs in an educational setting. This means giving your time to meet the needs of the band.

You must display appropriate and RESPONSIBLE behavior and manners to others at all times.

Being present at all scheduled events is the best way to demonstrate your RESPONSIBILITY to commitment values.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is everyone’s RESPONSIBILITY. Being present at all regularly scheduled events and rehearsals is required. Notice to the director PRIOR to an absence is required. Failure to show up for a performance or rehearsal will greatly affect your grade and standing in the band. It is impossible for the band to perform at its best without everyone. Your attendance at all performances and rehearsals is tremendously important to the success of our band. It is so important that I take the time to print a schedule of upcoming events. I print the schedule as a courtesy to you in planning for your jobs and other activities. I expect the same courtesy from you in letting me know well in advance if you must be absent. Any absence of which I am not notified at least two weeks in advance (with the exception of illness or family emergency) will be considered as unexcused. Your chance to letter in band may be affected by any unexcused absence. A make-up assessment will be required of all absences.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is vital to the success of any organization, including the SHS Band. The director will need to pass information along to both band members and parents. There will also be times that band members and/or parents will need to ask questions or notify the director of an absence from a performance. Notes about absences from performances should only come from a parent or guardian. To ensure that clear communication takes place, band

members and parents should submit all messages via e-mail, or written note. If a parent or student wishes to use their cell phone to submit a message, it should be sent to fibero@sbps.net. While newer technologies do exist (e.g. voice mail and text messages) they can be unreliable. Every message the director receives is important and you should expect a response in a reasonable amount of time. The director will attempt to return all e-mail communication by the end of the next business day. The director will hand out monthly event calendars, itineraries, etc. to band members in class, make these documents available on the internet and send them out via the Remind system. If necessary, any changes to the calendar of events will come only from the director and will be announced in class and on the internet.

Remind App: What is Remind and why is it safe? Remind is a one-way text messaging and email system. With Remind, all personal information remains completely confidential. Teachers will never see your phone number, nor will you ever see theirs. Remind will be used to send out reminders or ask for help from parents and to text or email copies of calendars and other information handed out in class. Visit remind.com to learn more. Website addresses will be available on the last page of this document for parents and students to sign up.

Twitter: The SHS band is now on twitter as well. We will post reminders, pictures, and event updates on our twitter feed. Follow us on twitter: @SHSBearcatBand

CARE OF THE BAND ROOM FACILITIES One of the ways that we show pride in our school and in our band is by how well we take care of the facilities and equipment. They deserve to be treated with the same respect we would treat our own homes. Adhering to the following guidelines will make the Band Room a more pleasant place in which to work.

No food, drink, or gum in the Band Room or any practice, rehearsal, or storage area.

Do not run in the Band Room.

There will be no scuffling or "horse play" in the Band Room.

Willful destruction or defacement of band property may be grounds for removal from the program.

SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS The Instrumental Music Department of the Scottsbluff Schools provides some instruments for students to use in school-related activities and ensembles. Any damage caused by student negligence will be repaired at the expense of the student responsible for the equipment.

EQUIPMENT CARE

One way we show pride in our school and our band is through the care of the band room and equipment. The school-owned equipment is in excellent condition and it is to stay that way. You are to handle only your own instrument or the instrument that has been checked out to you. If you use a school instrument you are responsible for any damage that occurs while it is in your possession (other than normal wear). If you are not a percussionist, you may not play the percussion instruments without permission of the director. Students who intentionally damage instruments, stands, chairs, or other band room equipment will be held responsible for repair or replacement. Students will be assigned a place to store their instrument. The storage cabinets are to be used only for your instrument and should be kept clean. The care of your instrument is important to your success in band. Horns in the repair shop can’t be practiced and if there is no practice there is no progress. To prevent unnecessary damage, please keep your instrument in its case and always keep your case latched. Each student will also need to put an identification tag on or in the case. Printed music is the “textbook” of the band. Music should be put away after each rehearsal and not kept in the horn case where it could possibly damage your horn. You are responsible for all music checked out to you. School-owned music is to be treated with care. If the music is damaged or lost you will pay to replace it.

FUNDRAISERS/STUDENT ACCOUNTS

Members of the band will have several opportunities throughout the year to participate in fundraisers. Money raised in the fundraisers will go to the general fund and will be used for: general supplies around the band room, water and snacks at football games, meals at travel events (i.e. marching competitions, district volleyball/basketball, honor bands, etc.), and other projects. In the past students who raised money in individual fundraisers have had a percentage of the profits set aside for them in an individual account within the band activity

fund. Due to several recent rulings by the IRS we have decided to not keep individual student accounts.

HONOR BANDS

The SHS Band has a long tradition of having students audition for and represent the SHS Band at many honor bands around the state and region. Honor bands are an excellent opportunity to share your musical talents with students from other schools as well as a chance to work with and learn from college band directors, composers, and well-known clinicians. The musical skills you attain and sharpen at these events can then be brought back and shared with the rest of the SHS band to improve our overall skill level. SHS Band members are welcome to audition for and attend honor bands as long as they meet the following requirements:

1. Meet all the requirements set forth by each individual honor band. (i.e. age limits, audition materials, fees, are available to attend all honor band rehearsals/performances, etc.)

2. Are academically eligible both at the time of the audition and at the time of honor band. This includes passing all classes and having completed all detentions and study hall time.

3. Is a current member of the SHS band and are in good standing. This includes having NO Unexcused absences from any performances, have all band fees and fines paid in full, etc.

4. Has paid any honor band audition fee before recording their audition.

5. Take part in all fundraising efforts to pay for hotels, transportation, and meals.

PERFORMANCES

The SHS Band is a performance-oriented organization. All class time, extra rehearsals, and individual practice is geared for only one thing and that is to perform. Whether in competition, concert, or public function, each band member should strive for the absolute best performance that you can give - EVERY TIME!! Performances are the culmination of the rehearsals and class activities that lead up to that performance. A performance may be thought of as a test of the skills and knowledge that were worked on during those rehearsals. All performances are required and will count as part of the semester grade (see Grading). Students absent from performances, for any reason other than school activities, will be required to complete a make-up performance.

MARCHING SCHEDULE During marching competition season (August 17 through October 21) we will have rehearsals on Saturday

mornings from 8:00 a.m. until Noon. (rehearsals will be included on the monthly calendars) Extra rehearsal time is necessary to properly practice marching, memorize music, and to make our marching show as precise and perfect as possible.

Performance Schedule-Home Football Games: 5:15 p.m. Band room Doors Open for Band Students (Uniform check out starts) 5:50 p.m. Uniform Room Closes! 6:00 p.m. Warm-up/ Tuning/ Final Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Street Formation Set-Up 6:40 p.m. Leave for the Stadium 6:45 p.m. Arrive at the Stadium 6:47 p.m. Set Pre-Game Formation 6:50 p.m. Pre-Game Performance 6:55 p.m. Exit Field 7:00 p.m. Kick-Off

With 3 Minutes left in the first half, Line-Up for Half-Time Entrance.

Refreshments will be provided following our performance.

All band members must march to and from the stadium with the Band.

FOOTBALL/BASKETBALL GAMES

More people see and hear the band at football and basketball games than any other time that we perform. It is imperative that we are at all times showing our best - on the field as well as off the field. To accomplish this, all members must be present at these events and all members must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Band as well as the High School and School District. Football Stands Policy

We always play together - no indiscriminate doodling or playing.

Non-band members will not be seated in the band.

Please sit in your assigned area.

Please stay in your seat ready to play. We must be ready to play anytime during the game.

Check with a Director or Drum Major if you need to go to the restroom - only two at a time may go and only for five minutes at a time.

No chewing gum or eating while in uniform.

Do not bring drinks into the Band. Basketball/Volleyball Stands Policy

Your band shirt is to be worn for pep band performances.

We always play together - no indiscriminate doodling or playing (this could result in a technical foul against our team!)

Non-band members will not be seated in the band.

Cheerleaders and Drill Team members will perform with the band during pre-game warm-ups when they are not performing with their squads.

Please sit in like instrument sections.

The band will stay seated together and be prepared to play time outs and quarter breaks through half-time. After half-time I will let you go for a break.

Be seated in your section ready to play with two minutes left in the game.

The band does stay to play a short post game show, please plan accordingly.

UNIFORMS

The uniform is a symbol of the SHS Band and should be worn with pride. It reflects our commitment to excellence in performance on, as well as off, the performing field.

The Band uniforms are the responsibility of the students to whom they are checked out. The student will receive a clean Uniform and will be expected to return it in like condition. Any damage other than normal wear on the uniform will be charged to the student. A $15.00 maintenance fee will be charged to each student and is due before the uniform is issued. Any lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced uniform parts will be replaced at the student’s cost. Please follow these guidelines for the Band Uniform:

Uniforms should be hung up correctly after each performance so that they will not wrinkle.

A dark-colored T-shirt with sleeves must be worn under the jacket and athletic shorts must be worn under the trousers.

Do not wear jeans under the uniform trousers.

Long hair will be pinned up and worn under the hat.

There will be no visible jewelry permitted.

There will be no eating while in uniform.

Do not run in uniform. *Uniform accessories each student is to have:

Band Shirt - to be worn at all pep band performances, some parades and other informal Band occasions

Solid black shoes - Marching Season

Solid black socks - Marching Season

OUR UNIFORM REPRESENTS DECADES OF PRIDE, DIGNITY, AND ACHIEVEMENT – TREAT IT AS SUCH!

CONCERT ATTIRE

Band members should wear black attire for our concerts. We want to look like a group of professional young ladies and gentlemen. Gentlemen will look professional in a black button up shirt (with or without black necktie), black slacks, black socks, and black dress shoes. Ladies will look professional in a black dress with black hose

and black dress shoes, or a black blouse, black slacks or skirt, and black dress shoes. Concert black attire will

be our uniform for all concerts and District music contest when the band participates.

GRADING

SHS Band uses an “add-on” type of grading system. Students receive points, which are accumulated toward the semester grade, based upon their daily class attendance, preparation, and participation. In addition, points for semester grades are accumulated from skills tests and public performances. A final exam is given at the end of each semester that includes: scale skills, prepared musical studies, and sight reading. The final exam is also used to determine band chair placement.

The Scottsbluff curriculum sets a standard with respect to requirements of student mastery of essential elements of music. Band is considered a co-curricular subject and therefore each student is required to receive a grade based upon the following criteria:

Point Criteria points

Daily total (possible per class period ) [30%] 10

on time to class 2

instrument in working condition - with all necessary accessories

2

correct music/individual part 1

time on task 3

preparation/participation toward class 2

Personal Growth [40%] 350

1st Sem. 2

nd Sem.

Music memorization Playing/chair tests 100

15 Maj. scales 15 Maj/min scale sets 150

Final exam Final exam 100

Performances (Pep Band, Concert, and Marching combined) [30%]

Pep Band Performances each 75

on time to game 15

correct and complete uniform 30

participation 30

Performance (concert/parade, etc.) each 150

on time to performance 25

correct and complete uniform 25

instrument in working condition 25

correct music/individual part 25

performance participation 50

A percentage of possible points will determine the grade distribution in Band. Semester grades will be determined by a percentage of possible accumulated points.

Make up for Absence from class or Tardy to class: Students earn a daily grade for their participation in and contribution to our regular class meetings. Students who are late to class or absent (except for school activities/sports, court, or excused by doctor) must complete make-up time with Mr. Ibero after school. Students choosing to not make up daily class work will receive a zero for the day they missed.

Make-up performance assessments: Students who are absent from a performance, other than for another school activity/sport, will have to complete a make-up assessment. This assessment will include playing the same music performed by the band at the missed performance. This make-up will only be for partial credit.

BAND AWARDS

John Philip Sousa Band Award: Is awarded to the outstanding Senior band member with regard to musicianship, citizenship, leadership, character, and dedication.

Patrick Gilmore Award: Is awarded to the Senior who meets the same requirements and is runner-up to the Sousa Award.

Senior Band Member Recognition: Is given to graduating Senior band members who have participated in high school band for at least 6 semesters, including both semesters of their senior year. (engraved mug or plaque)

The Senior High Band Letters: Are given to band members (Freshman-Senior) to reward and recognize those willing to do more than just what is required of them.

Letter Point System*:

SHS band experience per semester 25 Superior Rating for Large Ensemble Performances each contest 50 Extra pep band performances (play-offs, district, state tournament, etc.) each game 25 Extra performances during the summer 75 Small Ensemble Contest/ Public Performance 50 Superior Rating for Small Ensemble at District Music contest additional 30 Solo Contest/Public Performance 75 Superior Rating for Solo Performance at District Music contest additional 30 Honor Band Audition 40 Honor Band Participation/Performance 60 Member in Good Standing in Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, etc. (yearly commitment, groups that meet at 7:00am or another time outside of school day) 100 Member in Good Standing in Pit Orchestra (full show commitment) 200 Private Lessons (with written verification from approved teacher) each ½ hour is 20 Band Officer 100 Attendance at Summer Band each rehearsal 20 Attendance at another Summer Camp (DMA, Masonic All-Star band) each day 15 Attendance at Outside of school day Marching Band rehearsals present entire time 50 (points may be adjusted for length of rehearsal) misses part of rehearsal 35 Member of another instrumental ensemble (WNCC winds, Berean Brass, etc.) each semester 100 Participation in fundraiser (minimum number of sales/hours required) each activity/sale 50 Helping in band room after school with director supervision each ½ hour is 15 (limit of 2 hours per week) Missed Marching or Concert Band Performance each missed performance -100 Missed Required Volleyball or Basketball Pep Band performances each missed performance -50

The student must be enrolled in band for the full year

Total points necessary to letter = 800

*Letter Points are earned or lost independently of student grades.

DIRECTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AWARD LETTERS TO ANYONE REGUARDLESS OF POINTS

ACCUMULATED; DIRECTOR ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT AWARD LETTERS TO ANYONE WHO HAS

ACCUMULATED 800 POINTS OR MORE.

ALL AWARDS ARE PRESENTED AT THE BAND AWARDS CONCERT IN MAY.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

1. In accordance with school policy (page 30 student handbook), you are to be in the room when the tardy bell rings. If you are not, you will be counted tardy. You are to be in your seat and ready to play by the time Mr. Ibero has completed taking roll. (usually about 2

minutes after the bell. This includes having your instrument (in working order), music,

and a pencil. Students counted tardy will be required to serve detention after school as stated in the student handbook.

2. There is to be no gum, candy, pop, or any other food or drink allowed in the Band room.

The only exception is water in a container with a secure lid. If students abuse this privilege, water will then also not be allowed in the band room.

3. You are expected to use correct posture when you are playing your instrument. Sit up tall

on the front edge of your chair with both feet flat on the floor and both hands on your instrument.

4. During band you are to give 100% of your attention to what is going on in class. Do not

bring books or homework from other classes. If a student is observed working on homework from another class instead of playing their instrument, he/she will have their work and materials from that class confiscated until the end of the school day. Students may then pick up the materials confiscated from them at 3:25pm in the band office. If a cell phone/media device is seen during rehearsal, school policy/procedure outlined on page 20 of the SHS Handbook will be followed.

5. Show respect for the director and other students who are interested in learning by not

talking when the director is talking or working with other students. 6. Students are expected to give their best effort at every rehearsal. The goal is to improve

with each rehearsal. This will not happen without each person’s effort and cooperation.

7. As a member of this organization you have an obligation and responsibility to be at all

performances or rehearsals. I expect you to live up to this obligation and responsibility.

PRIDE, RESPECT, EXCELLENCE

PLEASE FILL OUT, SIGN, AND RETURN THIS PAGE BY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE GUIDELINES OUTLINED IN THIS SYLLABUS.

PARENT PRINTED NAME______________________________________________________

PARENT SIGNATURE _______________________________________ DATE ___________

STUDENT PRINTED NAME____________________________________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE ____________

Electronic copies of the band syllabus are available for viewing, printing, or downloading on Mr. Ibero’s classroom page at: www.sbps.net >> schools >> Scottsbluff High School >> Classrooms >> Ibero, Frank.

Return to Mr. Ibero in the Band room.

REMIND is the only communication system the band will use this year. Calls

for parent help will be sent out via the remind system along with email or

phone numbers of parent committee chairpersons to contact.

Please sign up to receive messages via text message and/or via e-mail:

PARENTS: https://www.remind.com/join/shsbndpar

STUDENTS: https://www.remind.com/join/mriber

As always you can still contact Mr. Ibero via e-mail: fibero@sbps.net