The Gator Bands

A. Curricular Bands 

See About Us Page

B. Extra/Co-Curricular opportunities 

I. Marching Gators – Consists of the Marching Band, Color guard, Drum Majors, and Pep Band. These are co-curricular outgrowths of the band program and are required of all concert ensemble members. They perform at all home football games, marching festivals concert, Memorial Day parade, Veterans Day ceremony, Homecoming parade, and home basketball games; among others throughout the year. Rehearsals for the Marching Gators are typically on Monday or Wednesdays nights from 6 – 8:45 pm. A summer band camp session held at CLS is REQUIRED for all members.

 II. Pit Ensemble – The pit ensemble or pit orchestra performs as the ensemble for the CLS musicals and is an extra-curricular option. Required instrumentation varies so selection will be as needed. Top ensemble members will have first priority.

 III. ILMEA, Solo/Ensemble Festival, Etc. – Extra performance opportunities are available for students who wish to challenge their abilities. Students are encouraged to prepare audition material and music on their own so they can succeed at such events.

 IV. Band Council– Students who have been elected to officer positions (student leadership) consist of the band council. If a student is interested in participating in the band council, please contact Mr. Foster.

 V. Tri-M – Tri-M is a national honors music society dedicated to developing leadership and music advocacy. This activity is similar to the Band Council, but we are running a district wide program. Regular meetings and events will be held for students involved.

C.  Grading

I. Credit – The credit received per semester is 1/4 credit and impacts your GPA that amount only.

II. Grade Weight 

• 30% - Formative Assessment: Including but not limited to classwork, rehearsals, small assignments, certifications.

• 70% Summative Assessments: Including but not limited to performances (concerts and athletic), playing assessments, reflections     

 II. General Grading Information

• Rehearsal participation and preparedness will be assessed regularly.

• All Make-up work must be completed within 1 week of a student's absence.

• Any late assignments will receive partial credit at Mr. Foster's discretion. Assignments may or may not be accepted after being late for 2 weeks.

• All other assignment point values will be indicated in canvas.

 III. Concerts & Rehearsals – The curriculum is driven towards students understanding how to operate and perform within ensemble settings. Rehearsals both within and outside the school day and athletic performances help demonstrate a student’s ensemble decorum and citizenship, which our large concerts help demonstrate a student’s ability to perform and operate within a large ensemble. Please be advised that by missing a concert you risk having a severely low or failing semester grade. Both excused and unexcused students are responsible for completing a concert make up project and must ask Mr. Foster to open it up for them in canvas via email. Completion of this project is the only way to make up the missing grade. 

Rules & Expectations

When you walk into the band room, you are a Musician. Musicians are concerned with only two things:

                                1) Musicians know the notes (implying pitch, rhythm, technique, etc)

                                2) Musicians care about those notes.

 This is a credit-bearing class, which counts towards your final average. But the grade that you will receive in this class will be dependent upon many things other than just how well you play your instrument. A band is a team of people working together toward a common goal of musical excellence. Each student in this class will be held to all of the expectations stated in this handbook.

RULE NUMBER 1: Be Respectful, Responsible, and Resourceful at all times. No action of yours may interfere with the education of another student.

RULE NUMBER 2: Problems, confusions, or concerns, see Rule Number 1!

 A. Individual Responsibilities

1. To keep a lively, fun, and productive rehearsal environment students will

   • Come prepared to rehearsals with instrument, equipment, pencil, and music.

   • Show respect for others, our rehearsal space, and all equipment.

   • Refrain from talking during instruction or rehearsal.

   • Store all equipment properly with cases fully closed.

   • Keep instrument lockers clean and used only for band-related materials.

   • Dispose of all trash before leaving the band room.

   • Display a strong work ethic and positive attitude at all times.

   • Be prepared to begin rehearsal no later than 2 minutes  after the bell (instrument assembled, warmed-up, music ready, pencil out).

   • Practice independently outside of class to reinforce learning.

2. Outside of the classroom students are expected to

   • Ensure instruments are in good working order.

   • Secure and maintain appropriate instrument maintenance and performance accessories (see require materials page)

   • Be aware of all scheduled band events by reading the band calendar and paying attention to emails or announcements.

   • Communicate with their parents regarding all scheduled band activities in order to coordinate as needed.

   • Resolve all conflicts with activities in advance of the events (at least 2 months for major concerts & performances).

3. To work in partnership with the director students will

   • communicate with the director all absences from events via parent email or absence request from Before an expected asbence as described below.

   • ask the director what was missed on school days or rehearsals which the student was absent.

   • follow all the rules as outlined in both the school student handbook and band handbook.

4. We will work together as a community to overcome obstacle so that we can have Fun and make great music. 

 B. Rehearsals and Performances

I. Rehearsal Citizenship -  Whether in the band room or on a practice field, Rehearsals are among the most important aspects of what we can do. 

• Rehearsal is not the time to learn individual parts; that preparation should happen in advance so we can focus on ensemble coordination. It is vital that you come to every rehearsal prepared by having practiced and learned before.

•  Talking and other disruptions during rehearsal take away from the group’s musical productivity, and therefore should not happen. When the conductor stops, stop playing immediately and listen for instructions.

• Students are expected to treat all equipment and other people with high respect. Vulgar language, disrespectful behavior, insults, or malicious sarcasm has absolutely no place around music or the music department and will not be tolerated. 

• Band Students are NOT permitted to have food, drink, or GUM anywhere in the band room; unless provided by the director. Water is the only exception

• Cell phones, game devices, and MP3 players are NOT permitted out during class or any activity. These items should be left in a locker, case, or bag until given permission to use. You will be asked to turn the device over until the end of the activity or period

• Good posture is essential for proper technique and sound quality, therefore should be expected at all times. 

• Proper apparel is important for both safety and practicality in band. Students need to bring appropriate items when needed (i.e. sneakers/gym shoes when practicing for marching band).

 II. Performances – “Performances” are defined in this band program as “any time that the members of the band(s) play music publicly and are not limited to ‘concerts’.” 

• Students are required to attend all performances given by the ensemble to which they belong. 

• If assigned, students are expected to sit together as an ensemble when audience members to listen and support other performers.

• Students are expected to act with integrity and maturity while in the audience.

  • • Sit together with your ensemble

    • Applaud respectfully

    • Avoid talking

    • Keeping devices off

    • Avoid leaving or re-entering while a selection is being performed.

    • Engage with the performance and avoid distractions

• Students will not be allowed to leave a performance until dismissed by the director. This includes staying for the entirety of concerts, football games, shows, and includes post concert requirements like cleaning up and putting equipment away. 

III. Eligibility – District 155 considers marching band to be a co-curricular activity and as such, during the marching band season, all band students' grades will be monitored by school officials for eligibility.  All students must be passing 5 classes (1 of which can be PE, but does not include band or choir) to maintain eligibility.  If a student is not passing 5 classes, they will still be allowed to practice with the band.  In addition, the student will be expected to attend all performances, but cannot dress in uniform.  An alternate assignment will be given to make-up the points missed from not performing.  Once a student's grades are pulled up and it is determined that the student is passing 5 classes, they will be allowed to be a full participating member of the band starting with the next eligibility checking period (typically 1 week). 

IV. Concert Dress – The following uniforms are expected of our students during performances to create a professional and uniform look within the ensemble. We want to look as good as we sound, while not being a visual distraction to the audience. Students not following the dress code may not be allowed on stage to perform for the evening, resulting in an unexcused missed performance and deduction of points. Students are required to purchase and supply all parts of uniform except for the Marching uniform (some items can only be purchased through the department). 

Jazz Ensemble: Black dress shirt/blouse, Black pants or dress, long colorful tie or scarf, black socks and shoes. or conservative closed toe black sandals. (Default to concert ensemble when conflicting)

Wind Ensemble & Percussion: 

• Option 1 - Black dress pants, Black socks, Black shoes, & a white tux shirt and bow tie.

• Option 2 - All Black dress pants, Socks, Shoes, & Dress Shirt

• Option 3 - Black concert floor length dress or floor length skirt with black blouse.

Symphonic Band: All students wear white dress tops and Black dress bottoms. (floor length skirts/dresses or dress pants).

Marching Band (full): 4 piece marching band uniform (supplied), band t-shirt, black socks, and Drill Masters marching shoes .

Marching Band (relaxed): Band t-shirt, Khaki shorts, black socks, and Drill Masters marching shoes .

Pep Band: Band t-shirt and school appropriate bottom wear.

Unacceptable items: Denim, leggings, shorts, vests, jackets, sneakers. 

*Flip-Flops and sandals are not appropriate footwear for concert performers.

All skirts MUST  fall below the knee when young ladies are seated. No low-cut tops or exposed mid-drifts are allowed, and shoulders have to be covered.

C. Attendance Policy 

The attendance of each band member at all rehearsals and performances is absolutely essential to the success of the entire band program and its activities.  Unlike in many other activities, where a small group of individuals represent the “team” while most of the students act only in a reserve capacity, every member of the band performs at each band performance, whether marching band, jazz ensemble, concert, or any other activity  When all of the members of the band are contributing, the Crystal Lake South High School Band can be outstanding, but without even a few, our performance dramatically suffers.  

***All absences except emergency absences require prior approval and students will need to complete the Absence Request form at least 2 weeks in advance. Emergency absences require contact from a parent via email. 

 I.  Emergency Absence - With so many people involved, there will from time to time be illness or family emergencies that will interfere with attendance at band rehearsals or performances.  Students are excused for these reasons provided that the director is notified with an email by a PARENT at the earliest possible date. Email is a great way to let the director know if you are having an emergency conflict. Please remember to provide explanation of the emergency so the director can determine if the absence can be considered excused or not.

II.  Other Absence - Family vacations and other school activities will also occasionally take students out of rehearsals.  While this is not an ideal situation, communication is the key.  Advance warning is the important to minimize the impact on the full group’s activity.  Students are always responsible for the material covered in a rehearsal that has been missed for ANY reason – EVEN EXCUSED ABSENCES (just like any other class). In the event an non-emergency absence is needed, students must complete the Absence request form at least 2 weeks prior to the event. If the conflict develops within that two week window, a parent must email directly about the conflict.  The director will review all relevant information, including timeliness and reason for absence request to determine it if is excused or not. 

III. Make-up Credit - If an absence should result in missed credit, students should refer to the course syllabus and district policies for recovery of credit.

IV. Communication – Communication is key so that we can adjust for an absence as there are many situations that a student might be absent (see below). At times a student may be asked to participate in an altered fashion if they cannot perform but can be present. In general, if a student can be in attendance, they should be. Communication does not automatically guarantee an excused absence; final approval is at the director's discretion based on the situation and timeliness. When in doubt…please communicate with the director 

 Last Minute Emergency/Illness – An email or call from at Parent within one business after the event is required to be excused and may require for verification. These are limited to serious illnesses, injuries, and family emergencies that prevent students from participating in any fashion. 

Illness/injury – Communicate any general or minor illness/injuries as soon as you are aware in advance of an event. Email is the best way to get ahold of the director and promptness is key to help avoid unecessary conflict.

 Planned Absence – Whether this is for a trip, sports, school, etc. All planned absences must be reported on the absence request form in advance of the event. Students and parents are encourage to connect directly with the director to determine if it would be a resonably excused absence or what will be needed for make up. However, there should always be an email or absence for request submitted, even in the event verbal affirmation is made. For all planned absences the director needs to be notified right away and no later than two weeks before a rehearsal/small performance or 2 months in advance of a large event (concert). Without proper advanced warning (most often 2 weeks) these will automatically be unexcused.

 V. Extra Curricular Conflicts - When sports practices or important club meetings conflict with band rehearsals, students should come to half of the band rehearsal and half of the practice or meeting.  If an athletic event (game, match or competition) or club event (conference, competition, etc.) conflicts with a band rehearsal, the event should take precedence.  However, band performances will ALWAYS take precedence over sports practices and club meetings.  When band performances and athletic or club events conflict, communication between you, me and your coach or club sponsor is essential to work out a compromise. Typically for our Main concerts it will always go to the band, but for activities I will be flexible (as long as students aren't always shirking their band responsibilities for sports, clubs and other interests) when communication is done regularly, appropriately, and in advance - not right before the event and certainly not afterwards! The one exception being a once in a lifetime opportunity, which with communication we can come to a compromise. 

 VI. Work Conflicts – Many students in the band have part-time jobs.  It is expected that students will communicate with their supervisor and work around the schedule of school activities such as band.  In most situations, job supervisors understand scheduling problems that relate to school activities.  Communication about scheduled events will ALWAYS be available through a calendar and will ALWAYS be available far in advance.  In rare cases where scheduling conflicts arise despite planning, accommodations may be made.  Job conflicts are not excused.  Do not tell your boss or your band director about the conflict the day before it occurs.  Neither will be pleased with you!

 VII. Unexcused Absence - Performance is what any performing art is about.  Missed performances are opportunities that really cannot be made up!  While there are other tests for students in music, a performance is an important examination of what has been learned, as well as a building block upon which other future performances can be built.  ANY marching or concert performance missed for reasons other than school activities, emergency, or illness will result in the student’s grade being lowered.  In order to maintain a high standard of musical performance, this policy must be strictly enforced.

 1. Communication is valued above all else.  My door is always open.  Talk to me before, not after a problem has developed.  If you think I am not being fair, tell me about it.  You might be right.  Communicate!

 2. Emergencies and illness are a part of life.  They happen.  Communicate!

 3. Job conflicts are never an excusable situation.  Work it out in advance.  Take responsibility.  Communicate with your supervisor and your band director.  Communicate!

 4. Don’t be “out of town” at the last minute.  The starting quarterback misses no football games.  The starting (everyone) sousaphone or trumpet player doesn’t either.  Coordinate with your family well in advance to avoid last-minute conflicts.  Communicate!

5. Pick up a phone, send an email, or send a remind message.  If I don’t hear from you before a rehearsal, I will plan to see you.  If I don’t see you, either you have an emergency or we have a communication problem.  

 D. School Owned Instrument & Equipment Policy

Crystal Lake South High School is committed to making instrumental music accessible to both current and future students. To uphold this commitment, it is essential that we maintain accountability in the proper use and upkeep of all school-owned instruments and equipment. Students are expected to treat these items as if they were their own, which includes regular cleaning and maintenance.

To ensure the longevity, functionality, and hygiene of all school-owned instruments and equipment, the following policy applies to all students utilizing these resources through the band program.

I. Instrument Access Fee - A non-refundable $25 Instrument Access Fee is required prior to issuance or use of any school-owned instrument or equipment. This annual fee supports the ongoing maintenance and general upkeep program resources and covers use of any school-owned percussion, strings, winds, or brass instruments for the duration of the current school year.

II. Use & Liability

• • School-owned instruments and equipment may be used only for school-related activities, unless the band director grants written approval for other uses.

  • Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) accept full responsibility for the care, condition, and security of all borrowed items.

  • Any loss, damage, or theft must be reported immediately to the band director. All repairs or replacements must be coordinated through the director using an approved music repair technician.

  • Improper use or negligence may result in the revoked of instrument access and may make the student financially liable for full repair or replacement costs.

III. Repair & Maintenance Requirement

• • All instruments or equipment must be professional cleaned and serviced prior to return to ensure proper hygiene and functionality, unless otherwise approved in writing by the director.

  • Servicing must be completed through one of the following Authorized Music Repair Vendors, or through another certified technician approved as approved by the director in writing:

    • • The Instrument Barn – Huntley, IL

      • Piano Trends – Crystal Lake, IL

      • Quinlan & Fabish – Arlington Heights, IL

  • A repair/service receipt must be submitted at the time of return as proof of service. Failure to do so will result in an automatic $100 fine on top of what it ends up costing to service/repair.

IV. Return Deadline & Inspection

• All instruments and equipment must be returned, submitted for service, or checked in for inspection within the final two weeks of the school year. Considerations will be made for extended or continued use at this time by the director.

• All returned items must be

  • • Clean

    • complete with all accessories (as originally provided)

    • In good working condition

    • Accompanied by proof of required servicing.

• In the event timely service is not possible, instruments maybe be submitted to an approved repair technician with arrangements for return delivery to the school. Proof of this transaction is required.

Continued Use (Students returning the following year) 

• • Instrument are to be brought in for inspection and re-approval by the director during the check-in period.

  • The Instrument Access Fee for the upcoming year must be paid and accepted.

  • Students only need to arrange for professional servicing if the director determines it is necessary during inspection.

Extended Use (Students completing current-year events only) 

• • Students not continuing in the program but participating in final events may request extended use in writing.

  • These students must check in with the director to determine the return date and pre-schedule any required servicing.

Recommended servicing times: To avoid delays due to repair shop backlogs, please follow the timeline below:

• • Marching Band instruments – Service after the final official pep-band event.

    • • Temporary use after servicing can be granted for State Send offs or Parades as needed.

  • Concert instruments – Service immediately after graduation to ensure availability before summer repair backlogs begin.

V. Accessories & Condition Documentation

• All accessories (e.g, mouthpieces, cases, straps) must be documented at checkout and must be returned in the same condition.

• The current condition of each instrument or piece of equipment will be recorded prior to student use.

VI. Exceptions - The Band director may waive, modify, or provide alternate arrangements for any portion of this policy on a case-by-case basis due to extenuating circumstances or program needs. For example, it is not expected that percussion bring in equipment for servicing and the director may or may not choose to require servicing on secondary instruments needed for the beneifit of the program. All exceptions must be documented in writing and kept on file.

 E. Instrument Storage at School

All instruments must be stored in assigned lockers within the bandroom - not in hall lockers or left unattended. Instruments should be labeled with the student’s name and address. It is a good idea that the make, model, and serial number of the instrument be kept on file at home for insurance reasons. Each student will be assigned a lock and a locker. However, some larger instruments may require shared locker use. Crystal Lake South High School and the Band Department are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

 F. Instrument Care & Supplies

I. Instrument Care 

• Maintaining Instruments – Students are expected to clean and oil/grease their instruments on a regular basis without reminders. After EVERY rehearsal the students need to make sure to properly clean and dismantle their instrument. This is the best way to keep your instrument functioning at a high level. Audition or performance expectation exceptions will not be made if a students instrument malfunction due to improper maintenance.

• Repairs – While some repairs can be taken care of by the director, most require specialize training. Instrument repair is not like fixing a leaky pipe so unless a parent has a degree in instrument repair. Please do not attempt home repairs unless professionally trained; incorrect repairs can cause lasting damage. If the director or student recognizes a problem the student must have it repaired immediately. 

 II. Supplies – The band office is not a music supply store. Students are expected to purchase supplies from a local music Store and keep a stock of spare supplies. Please see Music & Instrument Supply Page. In the event a student needs emergent supplies and they are available, the student will accrue a fee to be paid within a week.

 G. The Band Room

I. Organization/Maintenance – We share this space, and keeping it clean reflects our pride in the program. Since significant time has been spent by various staff, students, and faculty to keep the band room clean and operable, students are expected to treat the room with respect by cleaning up after themselves. The band room should look the same (if not better) as it did when the students entered it. 

II. Hours of Operation – On normal school days students will only have access to the band room from 7:30 am to 3:50 pm. The only exception is when there are rehearsals or events that require student presence outside of that time. 

 III. Practice Rooms – Practice rooms will be made available for the students from first hour to 3:50 pm, if a music director is free to supervise. Students must sign up in advance and go to the available music director to be let in. More regulations can be found on the door of the practice rooms. 

 H. Recorded Media Disclaimer

During the school year the students within the band depart will all be audio video recorded. Such recordings are intentionally done by the director for educational purposes such as assessment, reference, and to submit for competition. All concerts will be video and audio recorded for the purpose of classroom reflection and for archiving. While these recordings will be used for various purposes, only recordings of performances will be distributed to members of the public. All non-performance recordings will be kept confidential and used at the discretion of the band director for educational purposes. However, please understand that because of the public nature of music performance, District 155 and Crystal Lake South High School cannot be held liable for media recordings done by other parties at events and performances. By participating in the band program, students and parents acknowledge and consent to such recordings for educational and promotional purposes, as outlined here.

Last Revised: 5/29/25