MB Handbook

Dear Marching Band Member:

Welcome to the 2024 GBHS Marching Band. The instructional staff has been working very hard to make your experience with the GBHS Band enjoyable, as well as educational. We hope to answer many of your questions with this hand-book, but if we did not, please feel free to ask at any time during our time together.

The instructional team will be breaking everything about our technique down as far as we possibly can in order for you to feel comfortable and confident in your performance. That is right … we are going to slowly, but surely learn how to perform. As a staff, we look forward in working with you in creating a look and sound that is distinctively the Grand Blanc Marching Band – a presentation that exhibits the best in technical proficiency. This will set the standard for years to come. We invite and encourage you to embrace the ideas in this handbook. this will be the cornerstone of creating an excellent marching ensemble.

This manual/handbook was constructed in an attempt to help the members of the GBHS Marching Band march and play with identical technique as an outdoor ensemble. The definition of identical technique is: Maintaining alike posture, having the same movement in the legs and feet, holding the horn the same way, and thinking with the same basic concepts.

Mr. John Klee

Mr. Austin Tripp

Directors of Bands

Grand Blanc High School

Spring rehearsals are designed for all students (8th-11th) grade that plan on being in the 2024 Marching Band. We also encourage any student that is considering joining the group to attend and “check it out”. If you are planning on being a member, you MUST attend. Spring rehearsals are ... 

All rehearsals 6-9pm at GBHS

• Tuesday, May 7th - Anyone interested (Returning Members Only)

• Thursday, May 9th - Anyone interested

• Thursday, May 16th - Anyone interested

• Thursday, May 23rd - Anyone interested

• Tuesday, May 28th - Members only

• Thursday, June 6th - Members only

• Tuesday, June 6th - Members only

Marching band class is very demanding on each student. Marching band is time-consuming, and takes a great deal of dedication to be successful. We put a great deal of trust in each member, and we need to know that each student will be responsible and follow directions. We also believe that students must also be successful in their other classes outside of the marching band. For this reason, the following areas will be considered before anyone is accepted as a member.

1. Musical or Physical Aptitude

2. School attendance

3. GPA

4. Past school discipline report

5. Attitude

Even though it is summer, it is important for us to continue to refine our musical and physical skills. On Thursdays, we will be holding our summer sectional rehearsals. The color guard will also hold a few special learning Saturday/Sunday rehearsals. Check the charms calendar for information.

Returning this year is our June Basics Camp. Our goal this year is to get more accomplished in the summer, so we do not have to meet so many times in the fall. Our June camp is the 17th - 21th from 5-9 at the high school.

Pre-Camp is the week before band camp. (July 22nd - July 26th) Rehearsals will be in the evening from (5-9pm) at the high school. (Percussion and guard may have additional time added.) There are many things happening this week, i.e. uniform fitting, shoe sizing, learning drill, etc.

Band camp is held the week of July 29th - August 3rd. Band camp will run from 9am - 9pm at the high school 7/29-8/2. Dinner will be provided for all members. Our Friends and Family Performance & Open Rehearsal will be from 9am-11:30am on August 3rd. 

Post season rehearsals are August 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th 15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd. All rehearsals are 6-9pm. We will also be rehearsing on Saturday, August 17th & 24th from 9-5pm.

Membership dues for the 2024 season are $750. Fees this year will include ...

1. Instructional staff throughout the season

2. Uniforms, flags, props, etc.

3. MB Member T-Shirt

4. Meals for band camp, football games and competition dates.

Entry fees for all MCBA Shows

5. Transportation for the season.

When you come to a rehearsal you will find a staff that is eager and willing to do whatever it takes for you to understand the basic technique. We will break every detail down into its smallest form and build up from there. The instructional staff will have meetings prior to a rehearsal to set all goals for that particular rehearsal and another meeting will take place directly after the rehearsal to discuss what our initial reactions are to your abilities and toward the pace of the rehearsal.

We expect all members of the GBHS Marching Band to be at least five minutes early to all rehearsals. This is to make sure that we stay with our agenda for the rehearsal and to let you focus on what you are about to do. This is what I call a “quality” rehearsal vs. a “quantity” rehearsal.

We expect that when a rehearsal is about to begin, you are in the assigned block or arc ready to focus. This means that you have come to rehearsal on time, mentally ready to perform, with all equipment, and in proper attire for rehearsal. All restroom issues should have been taken care of prior to rehearsal. This is not to say that we won’t let you go to the restroom, but we’re not going to make a habit of leaving a rehearsal and you losing valuable information.

We expect you to come to rehearsal excited with enthusiasm and hyped for a great rehearsal. We want you to enjoy coming to rehearsal!

The staff wants you to be as comfortable as possible for those long hours of rehearsal, however, the following is a list of approved clothing for rehearsal.

1. Low-cut tennis shoes (must wear)

2. Socks (must wear)

3. Shorts / pants/ jogging pants / sweatpants

4. Hat w/brim

5. Gloves (horn players)

These items are not to be worn at a rehearsal

1. High-top tennis shoes or untied shoes

2. Sandals / flip-flops

3. Baggy shirts. The staff must be able to see your hips, so tuck in your shirts!

4. Clothing that is not school appropriate.

What you should bring to every rehearsal

1. Your brain

2. Instrument / equipment

3. “Dot Book”

4. Pencil w/eraser

5. Water

6. Hat

7. Music

8. Your enthusiasm!

In order to have the most productive rehearsals possible, the instructional staff and student leaders have established guidelines for etiquette during rehearsals. At no time do we wish to convey a boot-camp type atmosphere, but these few guidelines are absolutely necessary to avoid wasting time and lack of concentration.

• Due to the large arena in which we work, it is essential that the majority of the talking is limited to the staff. Corrections and instructions will come from the top of the stands first, and then from the field technicians. The drum major on the podium will repeat the instructions. Questions are expected and encouraged under proper circumstances; simply raise your hand. Please avoid the obvious, and do not ask a field tech if they thought your roll step was good that time. No news is usually good news.

• Instruments will come up to proper playing position when the Drum Major’s hands go up. They will go down to carry position only when the Drum Major’s hands are down. You are expected to move quickly to each set. Walking or “slugging” wastes SO much time.

• You are expected to have your dot/drill books on you at all times during rehearsal. Make sure that you have a pencil with you so you can mark changes in your drill books (dot books).

• When you are given a break, please take it! You need to drink at every break!

• BE ON TIME! Never miss a rehearsal. If you are late or absent, you are responsible for any changes made. We will NOT alter our rehearsal schedule so that you can learn what you missed. (We will march your hole if it is cleaner.)

• Leave whatever you need or whatever you bring with you (water bottles, sweatpants, band jackets, etc.) at the front of the field during rehearsals (outside the 35s) for easy access. The color guard and drumline will leave their water bottle, etc. on side one of the field, the winds will leave their personal belonging on side two of the field. It is highly suggested to purchase a ‘Camel Back’. This is a water jug that you wear like a backpack. (This allows you to drink any time you want.)

• Once rehearsal begins, no one is permitted to leave the field unless given permission by Mr. Klee or Mr. Tripp. Here’s a hint: Go to the bathroom before rehearsal.

• When an instructor is speaking to your section, the section will raise their hand. This tells the staff that you are listening to instructions. When the ensemble is asked a yes/no questions, the entire ensemble will respond with a verbal response. This will be one way of knowing who is focused or not. If you do not understand the information given to you, then we expect to see your hand raised so that someone can explain the information to you. Maintaining focus is crucial in the marching band activity simply because there is so much information being shared, from many different people at the same time. We don’t want you missing out on important information.

• Do not second-guess the staff. If you have a problem, voice it after rehearsal is over. Do not let it affect your performance quality or attitude during that rehearsal. That would be a total waste of everyone’s time. NEVER walk off the field in anger. You may not be allowed back in.

• No member will be allowed to leave the field without the direct permission from Mr. Klee or Mr. Tripp.

• After drill has been taught, you will end movement of a set with your feet apart in the first count of the next move. This is called “plus one”. This ensures a proper check of the change of direction technique. You will hold that position until you hear “check-it.” “Check-it” means to look both ways with your equipment in performance position for corrections that need to be made. Then you will be given the command “adjust.” “Adjust” means to fix what you see to be incorrect, but do not physically mark off your dot. Then you may be given the command “Set dot”. “Set dot” will be the command used to physically step off your individual dot, and then adjust. When you have set your dot and adjusted to fit the form, you will immediately go to “stand by” with you eyes to the box. All performers will do this in silence so that directions and instructions can be given to you from the staff.

Director(s) can decide who performs at each performance. Students may be told they can not perform based on their attendance, performance and/or behavior.

Students must be present for the rehearsal run-through, the day of the performance, to participate in the competition or football game.

Uniforms are to make us look like a group. The whole purpose of uniforms is to eliminate individuals and put emphasis on the group. The group is more important than the individual while in uniform. The following rules are not meant to cramp your style, but to show respect for all of those individuals in the past, that got you where you are today. Our image is to look clean cut, honorable, and respectful. You will not be able to perform if you do not follow the uniform code.

• No makeup will be worn at any time.

• No earrings, eyebrow or face piercing will be worn at any time.

• Hair can not touch the collar of the uniform. Find an easy way to wear your hair, so that you can put your hat on and off easily.

• Men need to be cleanly shaven. If you have a mustache or beard, it needs to be cleanly trimmed.

• Your uniform should never be left lying around. It is either on the hanger on the uniform cart or on you. Never leave your uniform unattended.

• No eating or drinking anything other than water in full uniform.

• Everything we do in uniform will be in unison.

• All shoes must be polished and free of dirt before every performance. This needs to be done before you get on the bus.

• Long Black socks are the only socks permitted to be worn with the uniform. No ankle socks, please.

• Uniforms are either on or off. Never wear your uniform jacket hanging half off. Either the jacket is zipped up, or folded neatly in your left hand.

• The entire band has their uniform on or off, not individuals or sections.

• If the uniform jackets are not being worn, they must be folded in the designated way and held in your left hand only.

• Typically, hats will never be worn indoors.

• Hats are only to be worn facing front. Never turn your hat around backward, sideways, etc.

• Hats are worn as a group. Either everyone has a hat on or off.

• Plumes will be given to you just prior to your performance and be taken back soon after. Plumes are VERY expensive and should be handled as little as possible.

• All hair needs to be a length that is not touching the collar of the jacket. Either get a haircut, or pin your hair up.

Guard uniforms are always kept in the band storage room. Students will check them in after performances. Be aware that all uniforms must be washed together in order to keep their color the same. Do not take uniforms home without permission!

Hairstyle and makeup for performances will be the decision of the guard director and not that of the individual student.

Guard members must purchase and wear the assigned guard shoes. Each member will be provided with a color specific body tight to be worn under their uniform. Other undergarments should be worn so that the look of the uniform is not compromised.

The desired uniform for all performances prior to the color guard uniforms being received will be your assigned warm-up jacket and pants, worn with your show t-shirt under the jacket. Show costumes will be worn for all halftime shows and competitions. Please bring all the accessories.

The following is a list of things that we do in Grand Blanc to make us different.

NEVER run in uniform. Unless your life is in danger, never run in uniform.

NEVER go somewhere by yourself. At least two people at a time will always travel together. This is for your protection.

NEVER walk out of step with the person next to you if you are in uniform. We always try to look as good as possible. This is a band tradition started years ago.

NEVER talk negatively in uniform. This includes comments about other bands. We only say positive things in uniform.

NEVER break ranks with other bands.

ALWAYS congratulate other bands for their fine performance.

ALWAYS keep your voice at a socially acceptable level.

ALWAYS look organized and professional. You never know who may be watching.

ALWAYS know where you should be at all times

At GBHS Band Camp it is our mission to ...

to create and maintain a positive, structured, disciplined environment that promotes learning, growth, and artistic development to ensure that our members are safe, secure, and supervised by responsible adults at all times - but without suffocating them in the process to foster and promote social growth as well as musical growth to see to it that the camp experience is FUN - not just for the members, but for adult participants as well!

One of our main objectives of the week is to learn the music and drill for the show. All students need to be prepared for every rehearsal. The following is a list of items that are required for every rehearsal. It is recommended that you put together a rehearsal bag to keep all your items together.

1. Music Book

2. Drill Book

3. Water bottle / camel back

4. Hat

5. White t-shirt for all morning drill rehearsals.

It is very important that you are in peak physical and mental fitness to do this activity. It is imperative, and your responsibility, to take care of yourself. The following is a list of items that you should do.

1. EAT. You are burning lots of energy all day. Food is your fuel. You need to eat at every meal. Even if you are not hungry, you should try to eat something at every meal. FYI…candy is not a meal!

2. DRINK. This is the #1 reason performers get sick during camp. You need to drink all the time, all day long. During rehearsal, when a water break is given, you should drink as much water as possible. A good rule of thumb is … if you do not have to go to the restroom, you are not drinking enough water. We can not stress this point enough.

3. FEET. It is very important that you take care of your feet. Tennis shoes and socks will be worn at every rehearsal. Socks will keep your feet dry and help keep blisters from forming. Shoes or flip flops need to be worn at all times during camp. (Free time, evening activity, etc.) If you step on something and cut your foot, you will not be able to perform with this band.

4. HAT & SUNBLOCK. The band is in the sun for a majority of the day during camp. A hat is required at every rehearsal to keep the sun off your head. This also will help keep the sun out of your eyes. Sun block is highly recommended. There is nothing worse than a bad sun burn on Monday that will last all week!

5. ILLNESS. If you become ill, you need to notify a chaperone, staff member or director as soon as possible. Our goal is to get you back into the schedule as soon as possible. If you are too ill to attend rehearsal, you will be required to rest in your room during free time and/or evening activities.

6. REST. You are likely doing more physical activity during camp than you have done all summer. It is important that you get enough sleep to be productive the next day. Take advantage of the free time to take a nap. You do not have to swim everyday. Also, when lights are out at 11:30 … go to sleep. You can get 8 hours a night if you so chose.

Band camp is a school function, and we must abide by the school dress code. If you have any questions on this topic, refer to the GBHS Students Rights & Responsibility Handbook. If you chose to swim, all students must wear appropriate swim trunks and one-piece swimsuits. Students, who only own a two piece suit, may wear a t-shirt over top of their suits. Failure to follow this rule will result in losing swimming privilege.

Students’ who chose to break a rule, are subject to discipline. If it is a minor offense, students may receive lunch room clean-up duty, grounds clean-up duty, loss of free time / social time privileges, etc. Major offenses will result in being sent home from camp without refund, and could result in being removed from the organization. All disciplinary actions will be administered by the directors only.

DOT BOOKS: Dot books are “miniaturized” versions of the drill that will be carried by each member while on the football field. You need to have a durable, miniature notepad or notebook that will be used to contain the necessary information from each page of your drill charts.

Your Dot Book must be structured in such a way so that both you

and/or a staff member can read it easily and comprehend what you need to do during any given set of drill. It also must be designed to handle the elements, as rain and sun can do some damage.

Your Dot Book will be a reference at all times, and will be required at every rehearsal. Section leaders are responsible for their sections maintenance and content of each dot book.

Devise a way to keep your book on you during rehearsal (shoelace, string, etc.)

In addition to your Dot Book, you must always have a pencil with you during rehearsals to mark changes in your drill.

Each page of your Dot Book should have the following information recorded in order to aid in the understanding of the drill:

Page number

Counts to the set

Coordinates

Interval . . . . ALWAYS know your interval!

Dress point

Corresponding music measures, rehearsal numbers/letters, etc. picture of form (either Xerox copy from drill charts, or accurate sketch)

Subsets

Any special instructions (equipment moves, body movements/facings, etc.)

Please see the attached page for an example of a typical “Dot Book”

It is crucial that students participate in all practices /performances due to the complexity of this activity. This activity does not operate on alternates.

Due to the fast pace of our rehearsals, sitting out of a rehearsal may result in not participating in the next scheduled performance. If the student misses up to 2 rehearsals for an injury, they must provide a physician’s note on return. We are concerned about your health and any injury that takes you out of the ensemble for an extended period of time, needs to be seen by a professional.

Guard equipment will be purchased by the band program. (with the exception of practice flags, which are $8 a piece). This equipment can be very expensive. Students must take excellent care of their assigned equipment and will be responsible for the cost for mismanaged equipment. At no time should band students be allowed to use your equipment.

What to Wear for Rehearsals:

Black yoga or stretch pants (capri style or shorts) that DO NOT cover your foot. No Sofee or shorty-shorts unless you wear tights underneath. White shirts with sleeves DO NOT exceed the wrist. Remember that it is better to over-dress and peel off layers than to not and be too cold or hot.

Approved dance shoes, or low cut, tied tennis shoes with proper arch support. ALWAYS WEAR SOCKS! If your shoes are stinking, it’s because your feet are sweating and socks will keep them dry and smelling pretty.

Bandana or hat to protect your head from the sun. All hair MUST be pulled back out of the face and in a ponytail.

Provided guard gloves are mandatory for all rehearsals and performances. Additional gloves may be purchased thru the Charms store.

What Not to Wear:

Jewelry

Sandals/flip flops

Jeans or jean shorts

Equipment/Props:

All practice flags and their poles are to be kept in “show” condition. They should be free of stickers or excess tape. Check the tape often and repair them outside of rehearsals.

Equipment bags are to be kept clean and in good condition.

Any assigned props are your responsibility and must be at each rehearsal and performance.

All equipment, uniforms, warm-ups and props are the property of the GBHS Instrumental Music program and must be returned in the condition they were received or you could be charged a replacement fee.

Band camp is the single biggest event that will turn this band into a real team. Take some risks and get to know some new people. Be proactive and not reactive. You will be tired and may get frustrated. If you feel this way, it means you are normal. If band was easy, everyone would do it. NEVER GIVE UP! Chances are good that you will not get new concepts the first time. Keep trying and never give up. You will eventually get it.