Procedures

General Rehearsal Procedures

1. Refer to above attendance policies

2. All band members should bring their instruments, sheet music, a pencil and proper equipment (including mouthpieces, reeds, swabs, folder, etc) to every rehearsal and performance. Students should not share music or music stands without the permission of the director.

3. There is to be no talking or disturbance during rehearsals. Subdued talking may be permitted with the director’s permission or when the director leaves the podium.

4. Gum chewing or eating is not permitted during rehearsal or performance. However, students will be permitted to eat during 3^rd quarter privileges.

5. If you wish to enter the director’s office, knock and wait for permission to enter. Minor needs should be taken to the section leader(s), student executive(s) or drum major(s).

6. Each student should be seated or standing in formation at the time designated by the director, or the student will be marked tardy. Tardy or previously absent students should place excuse forms/notes/passes on the director’s desk rather than disturbing the rehearsal.

7. While rehearsing or performing during non-school hours, students will restrict themselves to the hallway immediately outside of the band room. Students may not wander around the school, may not go to their locker or do any other activity that may compel them to leave the aforementioned area.

8. Posture is of utmost importance. Students should avoid crossed legs or ankles and slumping when seated in chairs or slouching while standing.

9. The band posting board (just to the right of the band room door before you enter) should be read everyday upon entering the band room.

10. While setting up for rehearsal/performance, students should read the whiteboard at the front of the room and place music in the proper order according to the written instructions.

    1. During the marching band season, many rehearsal/performances will begin with a meeting in either the band room or the auditorium house.

    2. During concert season, music will be listed on the board in the order to be rehearsed. Music should be placed in order before the rehearsal begins.

    3. Students may not write on the whiteboard or add anything to the band posting board without specific permission from the director. Information should not be removed or erased from the board(s).

11. Music folders, stands and instruments should be kept in their proper storage locations. Folders must not be stored (left) on a music stand. When on and returning from field trips, it is imperative that each student takes responsibility for his/her own instrument.

12. Books and personal belongings should not be left in the band room or in the instrument storage area. All trash should be thrown in the wastebasket. Students should not bring food or books to their seat in rehearsal. Food and drink are not permitted in the band room.

13. Loud talking, shouting and horseplay are not allowed in the band.

14. Phone calls and texting are not permitted during rehearsal or performance. Please consult FRHSD/FTHS cell phone policy as it is strictly enforced.

15. At the conclusion of the day's event(s), all band members will put their instruments away properly and pass uniform inspection. Students may not leave until dismissed by the director. Plan for this time when arranging a ride.

16. At the close of a school day (with no after school instrumental rehearsals) the band room will close at 3:15 pm.

Marching Band Rehearsal Procedures

1. Band Camp (rehearsals that begin two weeks prior to the start of the school year) is a necessary part of marching band due to the early start of the football season. It is expected that all students will attend camp and any other pre-season activities scheduled by the director and/or leadership team.

2. At all marching band functions the drum major is in charge of the band and should receive the same respect as the band director.

3. All students are expected to be in their positions on time, with instrument(s), music and charts.

4. Playing outdoors while not in formation should be kept to a minimum and localized to the practice field. Students may not play outside during the dismissal period (From final school bell until the buses depart).

5. Advisors and section leaders are chosen by the director to assist in marching and performance instruction.

6. Right guides will be selected for the parade block formation to insure proper alignment and distance.

Public Performances

1. Every student will receive this handbook and calendar of band commitments. Specifics regarding these functions will be posted on the band board. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information. The band board should be checked daily. A signature receipt form is due from each member before he/she is permitted to perform

2. Always report (rain or shine) to the designated meeting place for band events (Usually the band room). Any changes will be on the website.

3. Uniforms will be stored in the uniform closet. Students will change clothes in the appropriate restroom for their gender. There must be at least one layer of clothing between the student’s body and the uniform. Therefore, students will wear shorts and a t-shirt under their marching band uniform. Under no circumstances are long pants permitted to be worn under the uniform (thermal underclothes are permitted). It is expected that all students will exercise good personal hygiene.

4. While in uniform, students are representing the band, the school, and our community. Therefore, it is expected that students will conduct themselves in a mature, respectful, and gracious manner. Students will refrain from any “public displays of affection.” Profanity is forbidden, as is taunting or degrading other bands or spectators.

5. Students are expected to provide black gloves, marching shoes (both available through the music parents) and calf-height black socks.

6. Uniforms will be distributed by the uniform team and must pass an inspection before students are dismissed for the day.

7. If the uniform becomes excessively soiled it is the student’s responsibility to have the uniform dry-cleaned. Be sure to keep your hanger!

8. Complete uniform should be worn at all times while in public. “In uniform” = suspenders over the shoulders; shako on the head, coat zipped, buttoned & hooked.

9. Your shako should be on your person at all times or, when given permission, to your right when seated in the stands.

10. When wearing uniforms, no drinking or eating is permitted except when designated by the director (3^rd Quarter).

11. A student is said to be “performing” at all times during a football game. From exiting the bus (away games) or falling-in in the parking lot (home games) until you are dismissed, you are performing.

Travel Policies

1. Upon arriving at the school, check in with the student executive (or his/her designee) for attendance purposes.

2. The band will travel to and from off-campus performances as a group, on buses provided by the Freehold Regional High School District's Transportation Department. Exceptions to this rule require the submission of a form and the approval of the band director and Supervisor of Extra-Curricular Activities. For this reason, such exceptions MUST be planned with enough time for the approval process (at least two days). At no time is a student permitted to drive him/herself to off campus events.

3. It is the student’s responsibility to place his/her instrument on the sidewalk next to the equipment bus. Bus loaders will load the instruments onto the equipment bus.

4. It is the student’s responsibility to bring their instrument in off the sidewalk upon returning to the school.

5. Small instruments (piccolos, flutes and clarinets) may be kept with a student’s personal belongings.

6. Students will be expected to sign a bus attendance sheet once seated on a bus and before departing the school. Once your have signed on a bus, you may not change buses. Use your real name.

7. Students are asked to be careful and safe. If an accident, injury or illness occurs, the director or the nearest adult should be notified immediately.

8. While buses are in motion, students are to remain seated. At all times hands, head and all objects should be kept inside the windows of the bus.

9. While traveling, parent chaperones will be placed in-charge of buses. Chaperones should receive the same respect as the director and be obeyed at all times.

10. It should be noted that proper behavior is expected when on a school trip. Undignified conduct or reckless behavior will result in disciplinary action/suspension from school, dismissal from the band and a failing grade for the class.

11. Horseplay and screaming/shouting are not permitted while on the bus.

12. Upon arrival at a destination students should remain in their seats on the bus until given instructions from the director.

13. Students are expected to keep the bus clean.

14. Conduct of students in public eating places, visiting schools, and during other bands’ performances should remain gracious, subdued and courteous.

Football Games

Entering the Field/Stadium

1. Upon completion of the meeting and warm-ups, the band will assemble outside in a block formation. Students will form ranks immediately upon hearing the drum major’s command. All students must carry his/her instrument (no one else’s without director approval) and march in the proper section.

2. The drum majors, band staff and the band director will inspect the band before departure. The band director will instruct the drum majors when to move the band.

3. The band will march to the stadium in block formation, slowing to pass through the gates. Spectators should not be allowed to break ranks. Do not engage in ANY conversations or communication of any kind (unless to a leader or authorized adult) while marching to or from the stadium.

4. When applicable, the band will make a “beauty pass” around the track upon entrance to the stadium. Upon reaching the seating area students will remain at attention until dismissed by the director or drum majors.

5. The band shall be responsible for playing the Star Spangled Banner before the game when at home. The director will conduct.

6. Purses and other valuable personal items should not be taken into the stadium. They should be locked in the band office.

Stadium Seating

1. Students will be seated by section. If the height of the stands permits, the order is as follows -------------------------------------

2. On warm days it may be permitted to remove shakos. In this event, it is to be taken off and placed to the right of each player (upside-down). Gloves may be placed in the shako (when permission is given). Great care must be exercised in keeping the shako in the stands. Don’t let it fall in the dirt under the stands.

3. Ranks and files should be maintained at all times. You may not “visit” another section or a non-band member, including a parent, during a performance. The uniforms are to be worn properly (see Dress Code below)

4. Cheering - Students will be allowed and encouraged to cheer for touchdowns and field goals. However, they should be prepared with the fight song before and after the field goal/conversion. Cheer with the cheerleaders and avoid unorganized cheering. Section leaders are encouraged to organize cheers but must seek the director’s permission before implementing.

5. Non-band members are not allowed within the band section. Significant others, parents and friends are not exceptions. Any exceptions require the director’s approval.

6. Refreshments are not permitted in the band section except during 3^rd quarter privileges. Parents may not bring students any food items outside of the 3^rd quarter privilege time. Students are encouraged to make food choices that are non-destructive to instruments. This means avoiding candy, sugary drinks and other junk food.

7. Restrooms - Students will have the opportunity to use the bathroom while dressing in the school and during third quarter privileges. Students will be allowed to go to the bathroom during the game. Students may not use the bathroom during the pre-halftime warm-up activities. Two students from the same section may not leave together. At away games, students must be accompanied by chaperone.

8. Student conduct should be professional and courteous throughout the time spent in the stadium. Individual playing or “random playing” is not allowed, hence the term *NRP* (pronounced “nerp”). Students should be attentive to drum majors calling stand tune titles. You should be ready with the songs rapidly. Students should always have their lyre and folio or flip-folder with pep tunes.

9. Students may not play instruments from other sections.

10. When our team is playing offense, our band does not play.

11. Should a player become injured, it is appropriate to sit quietly and applaud after the player is on his/her feet.

Halftime and Post-Game

1. Band members should file from the stands in an orderly manner according to the seating arrangement. Running up and down the ramps or seats should be avoided.

2. The band should move quickly to form the proper warm up arc. The drum line will usually do a separate warm up first. Students should not use pre-halftime period for restroom usage or to change any sticks, reeds, mouthpieces.

3. The line-up/block formation - on the south end of the field, visiting side, facing north

4. After halftime show form the “Circle”

5. 3rd quarter privileges begin after dismissal from Circle. Students may socialize with other band members, meet the visiting band, eat and use the restroom. Students must be in their seats when the clock on the scoreboard reaches 00:00 for the 3^rd quarter. Tardy students will lose future 3^rd quarter privileges.

6. When the game is complete the winning team will play their fight song. In addition when we win, we will turn our shakos around for our march out.

7. March out/Block - Facing north, in front of the home stands/towards the buses at away games. The band will exit upon the director’s order & drum majors’ command.

8. The band will march to the school or buses in block formation, slowing to pass through the gates. Spectators should not be allowed to break ranks. Do not engage in ANY conversations or communication of any kind (unless to a leader or authorized adult) while marching to or from the stadium.

9. Students will remain at attention until dismissed by the band director.

10. Any student needing to call for a ride should do it immediately upon entering the school to maximize travel time.

11. Uniforms are to be hung up properly and students must pass uniform inspection before leaving.