Sandcrab Band Handbook

Mission Statement

Our primary mission is to educate through the musical process, fostering self-reliance and teamwork. Through this journey, we strive for high standards of achievement and the development of strong character. Our greatest gift is the opportunity to serve our community. The entertainment we provide is a byproduct of our musical education and is intended to enrich the musical experience for all.

Overview of Policies

The band program includes multiple ensembles: Symphonic, Concert, Marching, Drumline, Colorguard, Jazz, Guitar, and Mariachi. Because the band hall is a shared space, every student must help protect it. All members must follow the guidelines that govern the band hall and classes.

Core Guidelines

• You are family: All band members are part of the Calhoun Sandcrab Band family. The band hall is an environment of knowledge, mutual respect, discipline, and good citizenship.

• Respect others: Respect people and their belongings. Do not handle another person’s property. Abusing instruments, music, supplies, or equipment will not be tolerated.

• Protect your surroundings: Only band members are allowed in the band hall. Inform non-member friends to wait outside. Instruments may cost $300–$5,000. Students are legally and financially responsible for damage caused by themselves or guests.

Facilities & Usage

• Practice rooms: For practicing music taught in school only. They are not meeting rooms. Misuse may result in loss of privileges.

• Storage rooms: Always locked. Notify a director if one is open.

• Band director’s office: Contains confidential and personal items. Do not enter or use anything without permission.

• Library: Contains all band and jazz music. Students should not access music without a director’s knowledge. The copier is for band use only.

• Uniform room: Stores marching uniforms. Access only for quartermasters, elected officers, or with director permission.

• Instrument cubbies: For instruments only—not for books or clothing long-term.

Equipment

• Pianos: Expensive to repair and tune. Use constructively. Misuse may result in loss of practice room privileges.

• School instruments: Rented for $25 per semester (due the first week of each semester). Fees help cover basic repairs from normal wear and tear. Report needed repairs immediately. Neglect or vandalism that causes repair needs is the student’s financial responsibility per CCISD School Instrument Rental Agreement. School-owned instruments may be inspected at the director’s discretion.

Transportation & Trips

• Bus trips are an extension of the classroom; the same behavior expectations apply. The bus driver is the authority on the bus. Band Booster parents may chaperone. CCISD transportation rules and laws apply.

• Parents/guardians must provide or arrange transportation for their child for all events. The band will give estimated drop-off/pick-up times. A parent/guardian may pick up their child after a performance. For out-of-town pick-ups by someone other than a parent/guardian, an Alternative Transportation Form signed by the campus principal is required no later than two days before the trip.

Open Door Policy

Band directors maintain an open door policy. Private discussions with directors will be handled discretely and professionally.

Expectations & Conduct

The band maintains standards that may exceed school policies. The band may govern organizational matters in accordance with the Calhoun High School Student Handbook and CCISD policies.

Students are expected to:

1. Attend all rehearsals and performances.

2. Be prepared for rehearsals and performances with necessary supplies.

3. Be attentive during rehearsals.

4. Conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen.

5. Accept responsibility for their behavior.

6. Treat others with respect.

7. Use only equipment checked out to them.

8. Maintain and care for their instrument.

9. Handle their uniform responsibly.

10. Adhere to school policies while on trips.

11. Keep their body free of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

12. Strive for personal and academic achievement.

13. Commit to their fellow band members and the program.

Organizations & Leadership

Band Boosters

All parents and family are welcome at Band Booster meetings. Boosters support fundraising, travel, and many band activities. Meetings occur monthly or as designated. Boosters follow rules set by the State of Texas and CCISD.

Colorguard/Winterguard

An auxiliary organization open to high school students by tryout. Colorguard follows band rules and school policies.

Student Leadership & Band Council

All students may hold leadership roles under director supervision. The head director may remove or replace student leaders for cause.

Elections and appointments:

• Officers (elected in May): President (Senior), Vice-President (Senior/Junior), Secretary/Treasurer (not a Freshman), Historian.

• Staff-appointed roles: Librarian, Quartermaster, Loading Crew Chief, Section Leaders.

• Tryout positions: Drum Major(s), Colorguard Captain(s) (judged by an independent panel).

• Director-appointed: Section Leaders, Loading Crew Captain, Librarians, Quartermasters.

Officer Roles

• President (Senior): Exemplary conduct and leadership; liaison between directors and students; organizes officer meetings and activities; supports new member integration.

• Vice-President (Senior/Junior): Assists the president and acts in their stead when needed.

• Secretary/Treasurer (not a Freshman): Keeps meeting minutes and records of collections; models behavior and motivates members.

Chain of Command

Follow this sequence when raising concerns:

1. Band director

2. Head director

3. Assistant principal

4. Head principal

5. Superintendent

6. School board

Attendance, Grading & Consequences

Attendance Policies

Attendance at rehearsals, performances, practices, parades, concerts, school functions, after-school rehearsals, football games, and competitions is required. If you know of an upcoming absence, give a note personally to a director as soon as possible. For illness or family emergency, bring a note the day you return. Notes not turned in on time may result in unexcused absences.

Excused Absences

A parent/guardian note is required. Excused reasons include:

• Family emergency

• Illness

• Director excuse

• Other school activity with UIL precedence

• Absent from school the day of the event or rehearsal

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences can result in removal from the next game/performance or other penalties. Examples of unexcused reasons:

• Job conflicts

• Forgetting

• Lack of a ride

• Driver’s ed

• Homework

• Social events or club meetings

• Babysitting

• Unexcused absence from school

• Lack of an excuse

Unexcused Tardies

Tardies result in prescribed physical consequences (push-ups or equivalent). The number increases with tardiness but will not exceed 20.

Tutorials

Band rehearsals are not recommended for tutorials. Check teachers’ posted tutorial schedules for before/after school help.

Pregnancy & Medical Conditions

The band program is not responsible for injury to a pregnant student or her unborn child. A pregnant student must inform the head director. After discussion with the student and parent/guardian, a care plan will be made. Students unable to attend school due to pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery are excluded from penalties for excessive excused absences.

Grading

Grading follows CHS policy and includes:

1. Playing — Summative

• Assigned weekly tests

• Marching season music play-offs

• Extra grades for region band, solo/ensemble

• Performances (appearance and execution)
  
  

2. Participation — Formative

• Required materials for class participation

• Attention to instruction and performances

• Positive contribution to class

• Attendance

Any absence from a performance must be accompanied by a parental note, or it will count as unexcused and be graded as a zero. Students failing classes in the 1st semester may be denied P.E. credit if they cannot participate in before/after school rehearsals.

Appearance & Performance Readiness

Preparedness in music, appearance, and uniform attire is essential. Facial hair, extreme hair colors, unkempt hair, or torn clothing may distract from the group’s image. The head director determines acceptable appearance for performances and may factor this into grades.

Disciplinary Consequences

Due process will be provided. Disciplinary actions may include warnings, remedial duties, removal from performances/groups, detention, push-ups or running laps (marching band), suspension, or removal from the band for specified periods or permanently depending on severity.

Level 1 Infractions

Examples: Unprepared for rehearsal/performance, disrespect toward authority.

Possible consequences: Warning, move to lower chair/part, remedial duties, classroom detention, push-ups/running laps during marching season.

Level 2 Infractions

Examples: Cursing, 1–3 unexcused absences from rehearsal/performance, excessive unexcused tardiness (3 instances), excessive excused absences (5 instances), behavioral problems.

Possible consequences: Removal from performance/field trip, removal from performing group or all performances, removal from band or organization for one year up to remaining high school years.

Level 3 Infractions

Examples: At least 4 unexcused absences from rehearsals/performances, excessive absences, possession of illegal substances, expulsion from school.

Consequences: Parent contact and removal from band or organization for remaining high school years (or longer depending on severity).

Parental Consequences

If a student is removed from performances due to parental consequences, they may be further restricted from band activities.

Awards, Fees & Fundraising

Awards

Letterman Jackets

Criteria (examples):

1. Completion of four UIL competitions (2 marching & 2 concert).

2. Varsity membership for two full years meeting requirement #1.

3. Transfer students meeting requirements.

4. Making TMEA All-State Band or All-State Jazz Band.

5. Earning a 1st Division on a solo at TSSEC (Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competition).

6. The Head Director reserves the right to award or withhold jackets based on conduct, attendance, or behavior.

Students may order and pay for patches or items. The band provides a plain jacket. Jackets may be denied for infractions that result in DEAP.

Plaque Awards

• John Philip Sousa Award: Outstanding senior band student as determined by directors.

• Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Outstanding senior jazz student for musicianship, character, and creativity.

Fees

• Instrument rental fee (CHS): $25 per semester.

• Marching apparel/items: Purchased directly from the company or Band Booster.

• Annual fees for marching items (shoes, shirt, shorts, flip folder, gloves).

• Meal fees: Boosters may request a per-student fee for away game dinners.

Fundraising

Fundraisers support trips and student accounts. Each student has an account recording deposits. Band boosters handle fundraisers not directly involving the school. Participation in student fundraisers is optional for depositing money into accounts.

Marching Season

Importance & Requirements

Marching season is integral. All students enrolled in band during the fall semester are required to participate in marching band and summer band practices. Excuses are granted only with a doctor’s note.

Summer Band

Summer band typically begins as close to August 1 as legally allowed and covers marching fundamentals and contest music. A full-year schedule is provided on the first day; students are expected to attend all listed events unless excused by the head director. Absence from summer band may result in loss of game privileges or dismissal from the season/class.

Medical & Heat Procedures

• Notify the head director of medical conditions that might be exacerbated by marching.

• Students should step off the field if unwell and have personal water at outside practices.

• For minor illnesses, a director/sponsor will monitor the student.

• For more severe symptoms (excessive tiredness, cramping, lethargy), parents will be contacted.

• In cases of incoherence, unconsciousness, or serious injury, emergency services will be called immediately, followed by notification of the parent or guardian.

Athletics During Marching Season

Students who participate in other activities (Cheer, Sandettes, Tennis, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football) should coordinate obligations. With sponsor approval, shared participants will rehearse per prearranged schedules and perform/support at halftime and in the stands.

Play-Offs & Marching Positions

• Play-offs: Show music must be memorized. Play-off deadlines will be posted. Failure to complete play-offs may result in loss of marching positions.

• Marching positions are set early. Alternate status is subject to director approval. Possible reasons for losing a marching position include:

1. Freshmen not attending freshmen camp.

2. Missing summer band or parts of it.

3. Missing regular rehearsals.

4. Not playing off music.

5. Difficulty marching.

The head director has final authority on marching status and may remove students who cannot maintain schedule or discipline.

Hazing Policy

Hazing is illegal. Report any hazing immediately to the head director.

Marching Uniform Care

• Students are fitted during summer band. Uniforms and hats are the student’s responsibility.

• Report lost buttons, broken zippers, or needed repairs to staff.

• Students may take uniforms home only for minor repairs, alterations, or pictures. Students are responsible for replacing lost hangers, garment bags, or hat cases at cost.

• Do not store food or candy in hat boxes.

Pep Rallies & Parades

• All band members must attend scheduled pep rallies unless excused by the head director.

• Pep rally absences may lead to loss of game privileges.

• All UIL-eligible band members must attend parades (graded performance) unless excused.

Football Games: Preparation & In-Stand Conduct

Required items for games:

• Instrument and needed accessories (reeds, oil, grease)

• Music in flip folder

• Lyre (if applicable)

• Standard uniform: band dry-fit shirt, clean black calf-length socks (no logos), black marching shoes, hat, gloves, plume, band shorts

In the stands:

• No jewelry visible on the uniform (may be worn underneath).

• Light makeup only for females; lipstick not allowed during rehearsal/performance.

• No hair dye that may bleed onto uniforms.

• No personal electronic devices in the stands; discouraged on buses.

• No food, candy, or gum in the stands; water jugs only.

• No non-band or ineligible members in the stands.

• No booing or criticizing referees; the band should support the team positively.

Seated behavior:

• Keep music in the flip folder, lyre on instrument if needed, instrument in lap when seated or in hand when standing.

• Tuba and battery percussionists may place instruments in a ready position.

• Stay in assigned seating area and do not wander.

Half-Time & Dismissal

• Half-time is a key public performance; focus is required.

• The loading crew is released early to load/prepare equipment.

• Dismissal from the stands is orderly, one section at a time. Ensure music and personal items are accounted for.

Uniform Check-In & Student Pick-Up

• Return uniforms and hats upon return to school before going home. Ensure garments are hung neatly and hats are in cases. Quartermasters will inspect uniforms; non-acceptable uniforms will require re-check.

• Parents/guardians should be present when the band returns to pick up students.

Marching Band Fees

• Marching shoes (required)

• Band uniform shirt (worn under uniform and as alternative uniform at times)

• Band shorts

• Flip folder

• Gloves (except percussion)

• Per-away-game meal fees (as requested by boosters)

Financial Assistance

Directors should be informed of financial difficulties as early as possible so accommodations can be considered.

In-Town & Out-of-Town Procedures

In-town: Students undergo uniform inspection; must have shoes, socks, instrument, and music to leave the band hall. Wear band shorts under uniform and report to parade formation after inspection.

National Anthem: Students should stand and show respect (hand over heart). If a student chooses not to participate, they must meet briefly with the head director to clarify the decision—no punishment.

Out-of-town: Bus lists determined by head director. Students may not switch buses. 

Bus rules:

1. Play music only with headphones.

2. Do not stand or change seats while the bus is in motion.

3. No standing on seats or sitting on seat backs while changing into/out of uniform.

4. Keep the area clean; only drinks with twistable lids are allowed.

5. No laying or leaning on others; blankets/jackets only cover one person. Loading crew members may change after unloading the truck. Students retrieve instruments from the truck and report to sections. The band marches into the bleachers to cadence. Restroom breaks usually allowed two at a time after warm-up and Alma Mater/National Anthem/Fight Song. In hot/humid conditions, the head director may allow jacket removal if wearing the official band shirt. No food in stands; medical exceptions considered case-by-case.

Concert Season

Overview & Goals

After football season, the band focuses on concert season: Christmas Concert (1st-semester exam), Solo & Ensemble, UIL Concert & Sight-Reading, and Spring Concert (2nd-semester exam). Most work occurs during class; after-school practices or sectionals are scheduled as needed.

Placement & Tryouts

Year-end tryouts determine concert band placements. Tryout music is provided no earlier than one week before tryouts. Placements consider performance, academics, behavior, and attendance. The head director makes final placement decisions. Students with little or no prior band experience must audition before joining high school band.

Concerts & Exams

• Christmas Concert (counts as 1st semester exam)

• UIL/Pre-UIL Concerts

• Spring Concert (counts as 2nd semester exam)

• Graduation performance

Traditions, Privileges & Philosophy

Privileges

The head director may grant privileges and may revoke them at his/her discretion.

Belief System & Expectations

• Traditions established by previous directors may not be reinstated without director approval.

• No student or group can change handbook rules at will.

• Seniority does not guarantee special privileges.

• Positions and privileges must be earned annually.

• Leadership is assigned based on performance and character, not favoritism.

Underlying Philosophies

1. Individuals shape their own outcomes through actions.

2. Teachers do not fail students; rather, inaction or personal choices lead to failure.

3. Attitude influences success.

4. Every day is an opportunity to improve.

5. Exclusion from performances can be remedied by positive change.

6. Removal from an organization does not prevent participation elsewhere.

You are the future of music education. Even if you never teach, you will gain lifelong knowledge of respect for music and fellow musicians.