Sandcrab Band Handbook

Mission Statement

Our primary mission is to educate through the musical process of self-reliance and teamwork. Through this process we will strive for higher standards of achievement and developing character. The greatest gift of our organization is to serve our community. The entertainment we give is a byproduct of our musical education with the sole purpose of enriching the music experience for everyone.

WELCOME

Welcome students and parents to the 2025-2026 Calhoun Sandcrab Band. It is imperative that we establish proper routines, procedures, and rules to ensure that the equipment, facilities, and standards are highly maintained.

It is the goal of the band for students to acquire many skills that will carry into their everyday lives. Some of these ideas include, but are not limited to, self-discipline to fulfill individual responsibilities that will benefit the whole, working in a social situation with other students of varying academic, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, and to reach a common goal. Respect for equipment and facilities that belong to others, persistence, determination, punctuality, and fulfilling duties and responsibilities in a timely manner are the building blocks for success.

In cooperation with the school and the community, our band has a unique function. In a typical classroom the students’ major purpose is to learn what they can and earn as high a grade as possible for themselves. In the band program you gain much personally, however you also have the significantly important function of cooperating and performing for others. It is not possible to have a good band without the full cooperation of all of its members.

You will find the discipline of being a band member more demanding than that of other classes, remember that this is the “par for the course” and is intended for your good as well as that of the band. In a regular class, if your work is not good, you hurt only yourself. In the band, you hurt the whole group.

POLICIES

The band holds many students and organizations. Because of the traffic on a daily basis, every student must help to protect the band hall. Every organization (Symphonic, Concert, Marching, Drumline, Colorguard, Jazz, Guitar & Mariachi) has a responsibility to respect all guidelines that manage the band hall and classes within.

Key Guidelines

*You are family - Every student, that is a member of any of the organizations, is a part of the Calhoun Sandcrab Band family. The band hall harbors an environment of knowledge, mutual respect, discipline, and good citizenship.
*Respect others - Respect others and their instruments/belongings. Do not handle anyone else’s property even if you are a friend of that person. Abusing instruments, music, band supplies, or any other equipment will not be tolerated.
*Protect your surroundings - Only members of the band are allowed in the band hall. Please tell you friends who are not members to wait for you outside. Many of the instruments in the band hall cost from $300 to $5, 000. If any instrument or piece of equipment is broken or damaged by any member or non-member, Calhoun County ISD will hold you legally and financially responsible.

Facilities
*Practice rooms - Practice rooms are for practicing music taught in school. No one is allowed to use these rooms for a meeting place. You may lose the privilege of using the practice areas indefinitely if misuse.

*Storage Rooms - Storage rooms are locked all of the time. If you find a storage room open please notify a band director ASAP. The items in the storage rooms are used by different organizations at different times of the year.

*Band Director’s Office - The band director’s office contains many items that are confidential or personal in nature. Do not enter, take, or use any item in the director’s office without that director’s permission.
*Library - The library holds all band and jazz band music. Students are not to go through the music without a director's knowledge. The copier is for band use only.
*Uniform Room - The uniform room is for storage of the marching uniform. Quartermasters and elected officials manage this room. NO one is allowed in this room without director permission.
*Instrument Cubbies - Instrument cubbies are for storage of instruments only. They are not meant to store your books or clothing for long periods of time.

Equipment
*Pianos - Pianos, new or old are expensive to repair and to tune. Use the piano to play in a constructive manner, only. You may lose the privilege of using the practice room if you are caught “banging on the keys” or misusing the pianos.
*School Instruments - School-owned instruments are rented to students at the reasonable cost of $25.00 per semester. These fees are due at the end of the first week of each semester (or the week before summer break). These fees provide some funds for basic instrument repairs due to normal wear and tear. If an instrument rented to a student needs repair it should be brought immediately to the directors for evaluation. If the repair is made necessary by neglect of basic upkeep or by vandalism, the student is responsible for the payment of the repair as per the CCISD School Instrument Rental Agreement. School-owned instruments must be brought in for inspection at the director’s discretion.

Transportation
- Bus trips are an extension of the classroom. The expectation of behavior is the same no matter the location. The bus driver is the overall authority on the bus. Behavior on the bus reflects the band directors and the band organization. Band Booster parents may be asked to chaperone in order to assist the band directors. CCISD transportation has the authority to set rules and enforce laws both federal and state.
- Parents/guardians must be able to provide or arrange transportation for their child for all events. The band will always give an estimated time for drop-off and pick- up. A parent/guardian has the legal right to pick-up their own child after a performance. For out of town pick-ups by someone other than the parent or guardian, a parent or guardian will need to fill out a Alternative Transportation Form that has been signed by the campus principal no later than two day from trip.

Open door policy
The band directors have an open door policy at all times. A student or parent that needs to have a private discussion with a band director(s) will be done in a discrete and professional manner.

EXPECTATIONS

The band has rules and standards that exceed school rules and policies. The band reserves the right to govern their organization as they see fit in accordance with the policies stated in the Calhoun High School Student Handbook & CCISD Policies.

Students are expected:

1.   to attend all practices and performances.

2.   to be prepared for all rehearsals and performances and have all necessary supplies.

3.   to be attentive during rehearsals.

4.   to always conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen.

5.   to accept responsibility for themselves and their behavior.

6.   to treat each other with respect.

7.   to use only the equipment checked out to them.

8.   to maintain and care for their instrument.

9.   to be responsible for the handling of their uniform.

10.   to adhere to all school policies on trips.

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

12.   to strive for personal and academic achievement.

13.   to commit themselves to their fellow students of the band program.

ORGANIZATIONS

Band Boosters
All parent(s) and family are welcome to attend the band booster meeting. The Band Boosters organization is a very important support structure of the band. Many of band’s activities need direct support of the band boosters. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and ask any questions you might have. This is an organization that is very instrumental in assisting the students in fundraising and traveling. Meetings are held every month or as otherwise designated. The State of Texas and the Calhoun County Independent School District have rules that govern the Band Boosters.

Colorguard / Winterguard

Colorguard / Winterguard is an auxiliary organization of the high school band. Any student from the high school may tryout for a place in these organizations. Rules and practice procedures will be under and not supersede the bands rules and regulations. Members will adhere to all prescribed band and school rules while a member.

Student leadership                                                                                                  

Every student position requires a role in the leadership of the band organization. These positions permit a student to hold authority and command over other students under band director supervision. In case of a member failing or abusing their appointment, the head director has the right to remove and/or replace the leader.

Band Council

Students will elect officers for the upcoming year during the last week of school in May. These will include: President, Vice-President, Sec/Treasurer, and Historian. The band staff will appoint students to the positions of librarian, quartermaster, loading crew chief, and section leader. Students will be asked to submit their own names for consideration to these positions. Position by tryout, are given ample tryout practice time and are needed in order to tryout. Other positions will be filled as a need arises. Any student holding a position may be removed and/or replaced by the head director, if sufficient evidence of misuse, abuse, and/or neglect of authority is found.

APPOINTED BY VOTE

President - (Senior) The band president is expected to act as an appropriate example of conduct and leadership for the entire band as well as other students throughout the school. The president helps to serve as a link between the directors and students. He/She also helps to organize and partake in functions and events for or by the band. The president is in charge of officer meetings and helps to decide the appropriate tasks for other officers. During marching season, the president should plan, along with the other officers, a way for the new members of band to be acquainted with old members. Motivation should also be exhibited towards the band by speeches, signs, letters, or any other means deemed necessary.

Vice President – (Senior or Junior) The vice president will assist the president in carrying out all of the duties stated above or act as president if the president cannot or is removed.

Secretary/Treasurer - (not a Freshman) Will be responsible for keeping minutes of officers meetings. These minutes will be given to officers providing information to evaluate previous week’s accomplishments, and make plans for the upcoming week. The Secretary has to be an example to others and needs to be able to motivate the rest of band members in both marching and concert seasons. The secretary will be responsible for keeping an accurate account of collections from all students in the band program.

APPOINTED BY TRYOUT

Colorguard and drum major tryouts will be held in May. An independent panel of judges will score students(s) trying out. The number of students chosen from year to year will be set by the head band director before the tryout is held.

Drum Majors - The Drum Majors assist in the teaching and organization of the marching band. They may be assigned other duties as the need arises. Because the position of drum major is highly honored and respected, a candidate must be able to act and display the highest standards and professionalism of the band.

Colorguard Captain - The colorguard captain(s) assist in the teaching and organization of the marching season colorguard and with other duties as assigned.

APPOINTED BY DIRECTOR

Section Leaders – Members are to lead their section. This will include helping with the playing off of music and general organization of their individual sections.

Loading Crew Captain – Members of this crew are extremely important to the success of our organization. They are responsible for making sure that all equipment (including electronic) is loaded and secured correctly whenever the band travels.

Librarians – Members of the library staff are in charge of keeping our music library looking orderly and neat. They will also be responsible for the majority of photocopy work that is required throughout both marching and concert season.

Quarter Masters – These students are to be in charge of the security and upkeep of the band uniforms. They are to report any damaged or lost uniforms to the band staff.

Chain of Command                                                                                            

All students and parents must follow the chain of command with any concern. All teachers and administrators are familiar with this system and is followed closely.
The chain is as follows:
- band director
- head director
- assistant principal
- head principal
- superintendent
- school board

ATTENDANCE, GRADING & CONSEQUENCES

Attendance                                                                                                       

Absence from Rehearsals or performance

We want to teach our students the importance of fulfilling obligations. We feel that being a member of the Calhoun Sandcrab Band should instill in an individual a sense of responsibility even when it is not what we want to do. If you know that you will be absent for a certain date, you need to give a note personally to a director as soon as you know you will be absent. If you are absent due to illness or family emergency, you need to bring in a note the day you return. If the notes are not turned in to the director at the appropriate times, the absences will count as unexcused. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. We are very reasonable and can work out most problems.

Performances include but are not limited to:

a.   parades
b.   concerts
c.   public performances
d.   school functions
e.   all after school rehearsals
f.   football games
g.   all band competitions

Excused Absence

For the absence to be excused, the student must have a note from their parent or guardian. An excuse absence is:

a.   family emergency
b.   illness
c.   director excuse
d.   other school activity that takes UIL precedent
e.   absent from school the day of the event or rehearsal.

Unexcused Absence

In marching season, unexcused absence can result in the student not marching or participating at the next game. Students must always find a means to attend rehearsals and performances.

Unexcused absence may include

a.   job
b.   “I forgot”
c.   “I didn’t have a ride”
d.   “I don’t have a ride home”
e.   driver’s ed.
f.   homework
g.   student social desires
h.   club meetings
i.  babysitting
j.  absence from the school day that is not excused
k. Lack of an excuse

Unexcused Tardies (Marching Season Practice)

If a band student is tardy to marching practice, he/she will do push-ups or other form of punishment to the same level of doing pushups. A predetermined amount of push-ups will be given during marching season. The amount of push-ups will increase due to amount of time tardy. The amount will not exceed 20.

Tutorials                                                                                                           

The band encourages students to be responsible in all of their classes. Tutorials during band rehearsal is not recommended. Please check with teachers tutorial schedule. All teachers should have tutorials for before and after school posted.

Pregnancy and medical conditions                                                                               

The band program will not be responsible for the injury of a pregnant student or her unborn child. The pregnant student must inform the head director of their pregnancy. After discussion with the pregnant student and their parent/guardian, a plan of care will be made so that all parties have an understanding of and expectations. Female students who can not return to school due to pregnancy, giving birth, or post birth care, are excluded from infractions of excessive excused absence.

Grading                                                                                                             

1.   Playing - Summative (Percentage based on CHS Policy)

A. Assigned weekly tests
B. Marching Season - music playoff
C. Extra grades for region band and solo and ensemble

D. Performances (appearance / execution of music)

2.    Participation - Formative (Percentage based on CHS Policy)

A. Having the needed materials in order to participate in class

B. Attention to instruction and performances

C. Having a positive contribution to classroom
D.   Attendance

Any absence from a performance must be accompanied by a note from the parents or it will be counted as unexcused and grads as a “0”.

Students that cannot participate in before/after school rehearsal due to failing classes for the 1st semester will be denied their Physical Education credit.

Performances: Due to the nature of performances, preparedness in actions, music, and visual uniformity are key. The band's role in the public must be held and be heard to a high expectation. Playing off music, attendance at practices, preparedness, academic eligibility, and behavior will also be factored in order for a student to perform. Depending on the venue, a groomed appearance will vary. Facial hair, unnatural bright colored hair, unkempt hair, torn/weathered clothing will distract from the image of our organization. The Head Director has overall discretion in what is acceptable to be in a performance and the graded outcome.

Consequences                                                                                                    

Every student will have due process. Any or all of the following may be used as disciplinary action.

LEVEL 1 Infractions:

Unprepared for rehearsal or performance Disrespect towards authority

School detention

Possible consequences Teacher warning

Move to a lower chair and/or part Remedial duties

Detention (classroom) Push ups (marching band)

Running laps (marching band)

LEVEL 2 Infractions:

Cussing or harsh verbal language

Unexcused absence from rehearsal and/or performance (1 to 3 instances) Excessive unexcused tardiness from rehearsal (3 instances)

Excessive excused absences from rehearsal or performance (5 instances) Excessive Behavioral Problems

In School Suspension / DEAP

Possible consequences

Removal from performance or field trip Removal from performing group Removal from all performances

Removal from band and/or band organization for at least one year to remaining year(s) in high school.

LEVEL 3 Infractions:

Unexcused absence from rehearsal and/or performance (at least 4 instances) Excessive unexcused absences from rehearsal and performances (at least 4 instances) Excessive excused absences from rehearsal or performance (at least 6 instances) Excessive Behavioral Problems

In possession of illegal substances Expelled from school

Consequence

Parent contact and removal from band and/or band organization for remaining year(s) at high school. Also depending on the severity a student can also be removed for the remaining time of their high school years.

Parental Consequences

Students that are removed from performances due to serving a parental consequence may be removed from further participation in band activities.

AWARDS, FEES, & FUNDRAISING

Awards                                                                                                             

Letterman Jackets

The band believes in awarding enduring dedication and sees everyone that wears a lettermen jacket from the band as an honorary member. In order to respect those who have been awarded before us, it is necessary to attach certain criteria to this award.

1.   Any students who have successfully completed four UIL Competition (2 Marching & 2 Concert)
2.   A student who has been a member of the varsity band for two full years that fill the 1st requirement.
3.  Transfer students who meet our requirements.
4.   Any student who makes the TMEA All State Band or All State Jazz Band
5.   Any student who makes a 1st division on a solo at the TSSEC, Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competition.
6.  The head director reserves the right to award special jackets.
7.  The head director reserves the right not to award a jacket due to conduct, attendance, and/or behavior.

Student may order and pay for patches and other items for their letterman jacket. The band will only purchase a plain jacket.

A student can be denied a jacket for infractions resulting in DEAP. Plaque Awards

The John Philip Sousa Award is presented annually to the outstanding Senior band student

as determined by the directors. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music.

The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award is presented annually to the outstanding Senior band student in the field of jazz, as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity.

Fees                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Instrument Rental Fee (CHS)

Marching Band Apparel / items (Direct to company or Band Booster) 

Fundraisers                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

At times the band will be involved with fundraising for trips. Every student will have an account that states all funds deposited to the fundraising account. The band boosters will do all fundraising that does not directly involve the school. Fundraising that requires students to participate will be labeled as the band fundraiser. Students do not have to have to participate in fundraisers in order to deposit money in their account.

MARCHING SEASON

Marching season plays a very integral part of the band’s start of the school year. The band meets its new members and trains as a group in establishing routines and goals. The drumline, pit, and colorguard enhance and surround the band’s field performance. Marching season takes many hours of preparation and all out hard work in order to fulfill personal and group achievement. This is the first major step, for we are many striving to become one. All students enrolled in the band class during the fall semester are required to participate in marching band and summer band practices. A student may be excused from the requirement only if they have “doctor’s orders” stating their health issue and recommendation.

Summer Band                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

We will begin each football season with summer band practice. Summer band will begin as close to August 1st as legally allowed each year. During that time we will cover marching fundamentals and begin practice on the contest music. On the first day of summer band students will be given a schedule of events that will cover the entire year. This schedule is needed to help parents, students, and employers make all necessary arrangements for attending all events. Students are required to attend all performances and practices unless excused by the head director.

Students who are absent from summer band will risk losing game privileges. Unless a student is ill, out of town with their family, or has unforeseen circumstances that arise, they are expected to be at summer band. Any other absence must be cleared with the head director beforehand.

A long term absence may result in dismissal from the season or even the class. If a student has a situation during the summer that would not allow them to practice during summer band, please contact the high school main office. They need to leave the reason why they will not be attending summer band and a phone number where a parent could be reached. The office will relay the message to the head director.

Medical Conditions / Health

Parents/guardians that have a child that have a particular medical condition that might exacerbate due to marching are encouraged to contact the Head Director regardless of medical paperwork filled.

Practice Health - Students are encouraged to walk off the practice field when not feeling well. Students are to have their own source of water for all outside practice. Students will have times given for short breaks as needed due to heat and/or strenuous work.

Assessment of an ill student during outside practices/performances

1.   If a student is not feeling well but just needs a break, a director/sponsor will monitor the student behavior and health.
2.   If a student is not feeling well to the extent of symptoms such as excessive being tired, headache, cramping, aching, or lethargic, a parent will be contacted by a school employee (director/sponsor).
3.   If a student is incoherent, unconscious, or excessively injured, an ambulance will be

called and a parent will be contacted immediately in that order. Athletics during marching season

Calhoun High School has many activities that are practicing during the band rehearsal schedule. Students that are in band and are also in Cheerleaders, Sandettes, Tennis, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Football should have shared obligations. The band would like to be fair to all its members who participate in marching band rehearsals and performances. If cleared with the corresponding sponsor, the students that are in band will practice with the band on prearranged days or times. In all cases, they will perform with and/or setting up the band during half time and in the stands.

Play Offs

In order to perform the music to our highest quality, it must be memorized. A list of play-off songs will be posted at the beginning of summer band. All songs will have a due date for final play-off. Drum major(s) and colorguard are allowed to use their music for play-off. Play- offs can be done at any time before or after band rehearsal. A student may lose their marching spot if they do not complete all of their play-offs. If a student has difficulty memorizing music, the director can assign smaller parts of the music until a section is played off.

Marching Position

Due to the difficulty of learning to perform our marching band show, we try to set each marching position as soon as possible. All alternate status decisions are subject to director approval.

POSSIBLE REASONS FOR NOT HAVING A MARCHING BAND POSITION:

1.   Freshmen that do not attend freshmen camp.
2.   Any band student not attending Summer Band Camp or missing part of Summer Band Camp.

3.   A student missing a regular rehearsal during the school year (see Attendance guidelines).

4.   Missing or not playing off music

5.   Difficulty in marching

The head director will have final say about whether a student will march or not due to missing rehearsals or play-offs. Sometimes it is also necessary to remove students that do not have the maturity to discipline themselves in order to maintain the schedule and guidelines of the band.

Hazing

Hazing is against the law and at any time anyone feels that they are being hazed, they will report it immediately to the head director.

Marching Uniform

All marching band students will be fitted for a band uniform during summer band. Uniform care is the responsibility of each student. This includes their hat as well. Any rips or tears or discoloration due to a student’s negligence will be the student’s responsibility. Keep in mind that these uniforms cost in excess of $500 + each to replace. Students need to inform the band staff about lost buttons, broken zippers, or any other minor repairs that need attention.

Students may take their uniforms home only for minor repairs, alterations, or pictures. Students will be responsible for their hangers and garment bags. These items will be replaced by the student at cost for loss or severe damage. Students are expected to take care of their hats. At no time should any other item be placed in the hat box (especially food or candy).

Pep Rallies

Every band member must attend pep rallies. If a band student is involved in pep rally activities, they must notify a band director in advance. Pep rallies are not held for all games; however, all students must attend all pep rallies that are scheduled. Pep rallies generally occur for all home games. Students who skip pep rallies will lose game privileges. Any absence must be cleared ahead of time with the high school director. All band members will remain with the band for the duration of the pep rally unless director permission/notification is done. Any student who is at the pep rally and not with the band can lose game privileges unless excused by the head director.

Parades

Every UIL eligible band member must attend parades (graded performance). If a band student is involved in parade activities they must notify a band director in advance.

Football Games

All UIL eligible students are required to attend all football games unless otherwise excused by the head director. This also includes students who are not marching in the show for that particular week. During marching season, uniforms and hats will be issued in the band hall before the band departs for an event. Label all personal items so they can be identified if they are lost.

Football games supplies:
1.   Instrument Music

Flip folder

Lyre (if needed)

Miscellaneous items (reeds, valve oil, grease, etc.)
2.   Uniform (standard)
Band Dryfit shirt
clean black socks (calf-length with no logos or pictures)
black marching shoes
hat
gloves
plume
band shorts

In the Stands

Band students are encouraged to have fun during marching season, but they are also expected to display pride, professionalism and respectfulness while representing their school at band events. A supportive attitude and cooperation from each individual regarding the following policies will ensure an enjoyable and successful season for all:

No jewelry may be worn over the band uniform. We understand certain items have some endearing value. In these cases they may be worn underneath the uniform. Students are advised to leave their jewelry and all valuables at home to prevent loss or theft.

No excessive makeup on female students. Female students may wear light make up. Lip stick may not be worn during rehearsal and/or performance. Colorguard female may wear costume makeup if it is cleared by the head director.

No hair dye is permitted due to colored sweat bleeding on the uniform fabric.

No personal electronic devices are permitted in the stands, and are discouraged on the buses due to the potential for loss or theft.

No cell phones are to be in use in the stands or on the field. We understand the importance of the cell phone; however, they can hinder the preparation and performance of the band.

No food, candy, or gum may be brought on the stands. Students are instructed to use their water jugs during games, contests, and other marching events.

No non band members or ineligible band members, except for band sponsors may be in the stands.
At no point will the band “Boo” or yell against the teams or calls being made by the referees. We serve our team in a positive supportive role.

In order to be 100 percent ready to perform we must adhere to the following. Keep all items in order.

Music in flip folder

Lyre on instrument if needed

Instrument in lap when sitting down or in hand while standing.

Tuba and battery percussionist are allowed to place their instruments to a ready position near them

Stay in you seated area.

Do not wander in and out of the band sitting area.

Half time performance

This is one of the band’s most important performances for its public. It is crucial that we maintain a view of discipline, focus, and readiness. The band spends many hours of preparations and there are many people who look forward to seeing the band perform. The band requires all of your energy and concentration on a great performance. In most cases we will listen and be supportive of the efforts of the other band’s performance.

Dismissal from stands

The loading crew will be released early in order to load or prep cases at the band truck. The band will dismiss in an orderly fashion, one section at a time. It is important to keep track of all music and other items.

Uniform Check-In

Upon returning to school, students must return their uniforms and hats before going home. Please place hats in their cases and hang the garments properly on their hangers, making sure all buttons are buttoned; zippers are zipped, etc., before turning them in. You will be turned away and have to go to the back of the line if your uniform is not accepted by the quartermasters.

Student Pick-Up

For the safety of all students, parents or guardians should make arrangements to be at the school when the band returns, ready to pick up their children.

                Marching Band Fees

Every year the band orders new items for the freshman and new members.

Upperclassmen also must pay yearly fees for items if needed.

1.   BAND SHOES - All students that march with the band must purchase a pair of marching shoes. If taken care of, these shoes will last the entire four years. Also, students will need pair black socks (calf-height)

that will be worn for all performances. Any other color socks may cause the student to lose marching privileges.

2. BAND UNIFORM SHIRT- All marching band students will need to buy a band shirt. The shirt is worn under their band uniform. The shirt will also be used at times during the year in place of a uniform.

3. SHORTS – All marching band students will need to buy a band shorts

4.  FLIP FOLDER- All marching band students will need to buy a flip folder. They may purchase them from the band staff or local music store.

5. GLOVES – Are worn during parade and half time performances by everyone except for percussion.

6. MEALS – The band boosters ask that the band pay a fee per student per away game/contest to help pay for dinner.

The band understands that some families might have problems with paying such a large amount of money especially if they have two children in band. In these cases, directors ask that we be made aware of any financial issues asap.

Note: All fees are subjected to change due to music store pricing. 

In Town Procedure
At all games, the students will have uniform inspection. They must have black band shoes, black socks, their instrument, and the music in a flip folder in order to be allowed out of the band hall for the game. Students will wear band shorts under their band uniforms. On cold nights, overalls are permitted as long as they are not seen.  After being dismissed from the band hall, the students are to report to parade formation the parking lot.

It is tradition that the home team performs the “National Anthem”. If the song is sung, we will rise in respect for the lives that have fought to defend our freedom. It is common knowledge to place your hand over your heart while the “National Anthem” is being performed. Refrain from singing along in order for the soloist to perform independently. Those that reserve the right not to place their hand over their heart, need to have a brief conference with the head director. No punishment will be involved, just a brief understanding and clarification is needed. This will include out of town games as well.

Out of Town

Before attending out of town games, a bus list will be created under the Head Director's discretion. We will use the same bus lists for the entire marching season. The head director reserves the right to move student from bus to bus on the basis of parent request, in cases involving ‘couples’, or matters between two band members. Students cannot switch buses at any time.

While on the buses, the students will follow the following procedures.
1. Students will not play any music unless it is through headphones.
2.  State law prohibits standing or moving from one seat to another while the bus is in motion.

3.   While riding the bus, students are not to stand on the seats or sit on the back on the seats while changing into or out of their uniform.

4.   Students will keep their area clean of trash. Only drinks with twistable lids will be allowed on bus trips.
5.   No laying or leaning on others. No matter what gender.
6.   All coverings such as a blanket or jacket will only cover one person.

The loading crew members are the only students who are allowed to wait until after unloading the truck to put on their uniforms. All students must get their instrument from the instrument truck and put their instrument case on their bus except for drum line and large instruments. All students are to immediately report to their section. The band marches into the bleachers while the drum line plays cadences.

Once the band warms up and plays the “Alma Mater”, “National Anthem” and “Fight Song” students are allowed to go to the rest room two at a time. If the night appears to be humid or uncomfortably hot, the head director may allow the students to take off only the jacket portion of their uniform and only if they are wearing the official band shirt.

No food will be allowed in the stands during the game. The band uniforms need to stay as clean as possible. Students with medical needs that require that they eat at certain times will be allowed special latitude.

CONCERT SEASON

Concert Season                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

At the conclusion of football season the band enters into concert season. This is a time when we prepare for our annual Christmas Concert, Solo and Ensemble competition, Concert and Sight-Reading contest, and the Spring Concert. The majority of this work is done during class. Should it be necessary, after school practices and sectionals will be scheduled.

Students who do not practice or show sufficient progress will be scheduled for after school practices or will be moved to a lower band. These decisions are up to the individual director of each group.

Tryouts

At the end of each school year the high school band goes through a series of tryouts. These tryouts help determine the placement of the individual student within the various concert bands. Students will be given tryout music no earlier than one week before the tryout is to be held. After the entire tryout is over, students will be ranked according to how well they played and along other factors such as academics, behavior, attendance, and schedule. This will help determine the student’s final placement in the bands. The head high school director will make the final decision as to the placement of each student. Due to the nature of UIL Varsity groups (Honor Band), students may be moved from the Symphonic Band to the Honor Band and vice versa.

Students with no previous band experience may not sign up for any band class unless authorized by the head director. Students with little junior high playing experience must audition for the high school staff before being considered for the high school band. The head director will make the final decision in all of these matters.

Concerts

Christmas Concert (1st semester exam) UIL and Pre UIL Concerts

Spring Concert (2nd semester exam) Graduation performance

MISCELLANEOUS

CCISD STUDENT ATHLETE EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM
    Each student is required to have a medical release form on file with the band directors before they will be allowed to attend any performance that requires the student to be away from the school. The student’s legal guardian must sign this form. This form is required by Calhoun County Independent School District for the medical safety of all students.

UIL 

In order to participate in many of our performances at UIL events, the band will follow UIL rules. “No Pass No Play” is taken very seriously and is followed strictly.

Marching Contest

UIL Region Marching contest is the greatest goal during marching season. Performing for judges with other bands watching is a unique experience. All of the preparations of music, drill writing, colorguard routine, and staging all come into play at one contest. The Calhoun Sandcrab band will always strive to achieve a 1st Division for marching. We, as representatives of Calhoun High School, take honor in competing with all bands, to be weighted and counted as a competitive group.

Solo and Ensemble contest

All band students are encouraged to participate either in a solo and/or ensemble. With a score of a 1st division at Region contest, they may be permitted to compete at the state competition.

Concert and Sight-reading

UIL Concert and Sight-reading contest is the greatest goal of the spring season. UIL considers the symphonic band to be the varsity group and the concert band to be non-varsity. UIL requires the varsity group to attend contest. Members in the symphonic may be moved to concert band because ineligible or underperforming. Members in the concert band may be moved to symphonic band due to necessary needs of the symphonic band.

ATSSB - REGION BAND

Band students are encouraged to tryout for region band. They will compete with other schools in the region. If they score high enough, they may be permitted to tryout for the region band. Afterwards, if their scores are high in area tryouts, they have an opportunity to represent the school in the All-State Band in San Antonio’s Texas Music Educators Association Convention in February. The Calhoun Sandcrab Band may honor chair placement from TMEA tryouts for chair placement in symphonic and concert band.

Traditions                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Privileges
    The head director reserves the right to allow privilege to any person or group. When

conflict arises with privilege, the head director has the discretion to disband any or all privileges.

Belief system                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Seniority and special treatment (favoritism)

Traditions that were established many years ago by different directors are not viable and may not be reestablished by a new director.

*  No student or group of students has the right to change rules of this hand book at their discretion.

*  Seniority does not carry with it the idea of special privileges.

*  Every student must earn their position each year.

*  People that work hard and follow the bands expectation will be rewarded and those who do not, no matter what their grade level, will not.

*  Students that show leadership and integrity may be given duties for band and its members. The band does not classify this as favoritism.

Underlining Philosophies

1.   Every person decides their own fate. By your own actions you will choose to excel or fail.

2.   The teacher does not fail you, you fail yourself.
3.   If you think you will fail, you will fail. If you think you will succeed, you will succeed.

4.   No one person is excluded from redemption. We start anew every day and hope to change our failing ways.

5.   If you are excluded from performances, it does not mean that you can not change minds by positive actions.

6.   If you are removed from an organization, it does not mean that you can not renew yourself in another.

You are the future of music education. You may never want to teach music in your life, but you will gain the knowledge of how to respect and appreciate music and the musicians that perform it.