Be Prepared
The Marching Blue Expectations
SHOW RESPECT
Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect the band traditions, facilities, equipment, and uniforms.
BE PREPARED
Band members are responsible for doing their best, working on their individual skills, and practicing. All equipment and music must be brought to rehearsals as requested (see "Go Bag").
BE ON TIME
Students should arrive at the building 15 minutes BEFORE the rehearsal is scheduled to be ready to start on time. If you count on someone else to get a ride to practice, tell them the time you have to BE THERE is 15 minutes BEFORE the rehearsal begins. With this concept, you will be prepared physically and mentally to begin the rehearsal and you will not be rushing in at the last minute or be late. You also will have a cushion of safety if there is extra traffic or if you are running a couple of minutes behind.
BE YOUR BEST
Be Your Best is a goal that everyone can achieve. It means simply that, BE YOUR BEST. This is not the same as Be THE Best, which is something that few can achieve. It is all that is expected of you, but it is expected ALL of the time - every minute, every practice, every day and every performance. Further, it is expected that you will be your best in rehearsals and performance as well as outside of organized band activities.
You can measure your success and do not have to wait until someone else, like the director or a senior, tells you. You know!
Band Camp Information
Band Camp generally starts at the very end of July or the first few days of August. The Marching Blue will rehearse every scheduled weekday from 8a.m. - 12:00p.m. (noon), we then have Battery (marching percussion) rehearsal every scheduled weekday from Noon - 1p.m.
To succeed in Marching Band
Wake up early enough to eat breakfast
Put on Sunscreen
Bring a water jug (with water in it), a towel, your instrument, music, pencil, and drill
Get a 3 ring binder
Arrive at MHS @7:45a.m.
Warm-up begins at 8.
You will not talk when the director talks
When the director is on the podium, there is silence.
When the Director’s (Drum Majors too) hands are up, your instrument is up
Band Camp rehearsal will end at noon. All rides should be waiting in the parking lot at this time.
Bring all fee money and forms to uniform fittings
Attendance is required by every student for every rehearsal and performance.
Financial Obligations
(please pay at Uniform Fitting)
REQUIRED (2021 pricing)
Dinkles $35
Blue “Blue Shirt”, Black “Blue Shorts” $20
Uniform Cleaning $38
Flip-Folio- $5
Lyre (prices vary) $5-$15
Auxiliary prices are completely different. See a Director for details
OPTIONAL (but highly recommended)
Gloves $3 (you get 1 free pair)
String Bag- price TBA
Marching Blue Swag- prices vary
Pay to Participate
Pay to Participate $85 (pay to main office or on Payforit.net, not Band) To be paid by the first game, or you don’t march
All but the Pay to Play must be paid for at your Uniform Fitting.
Materials Needed for Class (all year)
Each student should have the following items in class every day:
a sharpened pencil, and highlighters
instrument (sticks, mallets)
BLACK 3 ring binder (every student is to have their own binder with THEIR own music in it, you are not allowed to put your music in someone else's binder)
flip-folio (marching)
music, coordinate sheets, and folder and any other handouts
at least three reeds (clarinets and saxophones) and water canisters for soaking
at least two reeds (oboes and bassoons) and water canisters for soaking
Agenda (you must use your Agenda at all times if you wish to go anywhere during class time. If you are late to class, you MUST have your agenda signed by your previous class teacher)
Required apps: the DrillbookNext app , and a tuner/metronome app (we recommend the Tonal Energy Tuner app)
From time to time during the school year you will receive a materials grade. If you have all the items listed above, you will receive a daily grade of an A. Your grade will be lowered one point for each item you are missing. The easiest way to avoid this is to have everything you need at all times.
Duties of the Band Member
Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time, on time is LATE.
Upon entering the rehearsal setting, get your instrument and binder, and go directly to your seat.
When the director or staff member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking should cease.
Come to rehearsal with a good attitude.
There should be no excess playing (e.g., horsing around on the instruments), only good, solid material.
Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis, and establish a good practice routine.
At the end of rehearsal, put all materials in their proper place.
Maintain a strong academic standing in all course work.
Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong.
Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority.
Read and play music with insight- have musical expectations.
Policy
Band Policy
In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a member of the high school band program, becoming a better person and a better musician.
We firmly believe each student should improve through regular practice. When the student has lost the will to improve him or herself or to make a better contribution to the band, he or she is wasting the time and effort of fellow members and the community by continuing in the program. The happiest student is one who improves through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He or she must not only know right from wrong but must be able to stand for principles and develop a high sense of purpose toward which he or she is willing to work. Responsibility is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate the learning of all students.
Student Code of Conduct
Students are to review all of the sections of the Student Code of Conduct pertaining to extracurricular, and co-curricular policies. The area of the Code has been extensively revised and new material added. Please be aquatinted with the following sections: Denial of Participation, Performance, Game & Contest Conflicts, School Attendance, Training Rules and Regulations, Students Unauthorized Use of Buildings, Quitting an Activity, Uniform/ Equipment Responsibilities, Student Responsibilities, and Use and Possession of Drugs, Alcohol or Tobacco.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drugs Policy
The use of, possession of, or being under-the-influence of ALCOHOL, TOBACCO or ILLEGAL DRUGS at a practice, performance or school/ Band function will not be tolerated. Consequences are as follows:
First Offense- 2 week suspension from band and failure (grade of “F”) in band for the grading period in addition to any other disciplinary action take by school administration.
Second Offense- Permanent removal from band and failure (grade of “F”) in band for the year in addition to any other disciplinary action taken by the school administration.
Rehearsal Procedure
Only written excuses along with a completed band department excuse form will be accepted by the director. The excuse must be dated, written and signed by the parent or guardian, stating student’s name and cause of absence. All excuses will be saved for that school year.
Every band member should bring instruments (including mouthpieces, reeds, etc.), music and proper equipment to every rehearsal or performance.
There is to be no individual playing before rehearsal or at any time during a rehearsal outdoors or indoors, unless the director specifically deems it necessary. Instrument warm-up will be done together under the direction of the director.
There is to be no talking or disturbance during rehearsals. Subdued talking is permitted with the director’s permission or when the director leaves the podium. Talking should cease when the director stands on the podium.
Gum chewing, eating, or drinks of any kind (except water) is not permitted during any rehearsal or performance. And never in the music wing.
NO CELL PHONES
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 places excuses or admittance slips in the tardy envelope on the bulletin board rather than disturbing the director during rehearsal.
Posture is of utmost importance. Students should avoid crossed legs or ankles and slumping when seated in chairs.
The whiteboard or TV should be read when entering the rehearsal room. Music should be placed in the proper order according to the instructions on the TV.
During marching season, the equipment and materials needed for each rehearsal will be posted on the chalkboard.
Students are not allowed to write on the whiteboard or add anything to the bulletin board. Posted information should never be removed or written on from the bulletin board.
Music folders, instruments and equipment should be kept in their proper storage places when not in use. Music and folders should not be left on the music stand.
Books and personal belongings should not be left in the band room or in the instrument storage room. All trash should be thrown in the waste container. Students may not bring school books or lunches to their seats.
Loud talking, shouting or horseplay is not allowed in the band department.
There are NO restroom/ locker passes during rehearsal. You will need to go to the restroom and get you rehearsal items from you locker before class. You also cannot be late to class due to going to your locker. PLAN AHEAD.
Public Performances
Every student will receive a schedule of performances the band will be attending throughout the year. Information regarding these events will be posted on the bulletin board, website and in the BAND app calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information. The bulletin board, website, or the BAND app calendar should be checked daily.
Always report (rain or shine) to the designated meeting place. If changes are made, emails, texts, and Facebook notices will be sent out. Do not call a director unless there is an emergency. If in doubt, phone a band officer.
For home football games or concerts report to the band room one hour before the performance begins.
For concerts, once you have changed into your uniform you must assist in setting up for the concert. You must also assist in tearing down after the concert.
Uniforms will be stored in the band room at all times. Students will be asked to dress at the school for all public performances at school. Students are responsible for bringing white gloves, black dinkles, and plain black crew length socks. Shoes should be polished/ cleaned the night before. After the performance report to a chaperone for a uniform check and place it back in the uniform closet.
Inspections will be held at every performance by the drum major, band officers, or section leaders.
Band Trip Expectations
Be Your Best/ Show Respect/ Be Prepared/ Be on Time
The complete uniform should be worn properly at all times when in public. On short trips, the coat and hat may be taken off while on the bus.
Horseplay and screaming are prohibited on the bus.
Students may not change buses without permission. The roll will be checked on each bus before departure.
Rookies will be assigned to load the instrument truck for each trip. Check the bulletin board to see who is assigned when.
All students must travel to and from performances on buses, not in personal cars. Any students who needs to return from a performance with his/ her parents or guardian should submit a permission slip signed by them.
Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking is not permitted while in uniform or while attending a band function.
When wearing uniforms, no drinking or eating is not allowed except when designated by the director.
Students are responsible for their own equipment and instruments. Equipment should be placed near the equipment truck or buses. The work crew (selected rookies) will load the equipment truck and buses.
Students will receive an itinerary of activities for all major trips. Students are responsible for knowing departure times and should be ready on time.
Chaperones are to be obeyed and respected.
Any illness or injury should be reported to the director immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.
Upon arrival at a destination, students should remain seated until instructed to leave by the director.
Students are expected to keep the bus clean and should avoid standing while the bus is in motion. Students should keep heads and arms inside the bus.
Conduct of students in public eating places or motels should be subdued and courteous.
Students may not leave their rooms after curfew or room check.
Students may not visit rooms occupied by the opposite sex without a chaperone.
Student may not change rooms without permission from the director.
Always travel with a Buddy, never alone.
The basic band rules address all situations and will eliminate any problems. A few policies and reminders are needed in regards to band trips.
All school policies are in effect at all band functions including trips. Any problems will be referred to the administration as outlined in the policy. Band directors will enforce these policies at all band functions. No alcohol or controlled substances including tobacco are to be taken, bought or consumed. Public display of affection (PDA) is not acceptable.
The chaperones are in charge and are to be treated with courtesy and respect. They are volunteering their time to help you and the band. Any problems will be reported to the band director. Follow all of their instructions. If you do not understand—ask. If you have a problem with a request, see the band director at the appropriate time. In the meantime, follow all of their instructions.
All prescription and non-prescription medications must be handled by the nurse/doctor per the school’s medical policy as stated on that form.
Do not bring unnecessary, expensive valuables on the trip. The band is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
All bus rules apply including no profanity, singing, chanting, horseplay or screaming. Any listening devices such as CD or MP3 players must be used with headphones on.
Wait to board the bus until told when and how. Be quiet and helpful during roll calls.
Be considerate of others and use charter bus restrooms as little as possible.
If there are any concerns including medical ones, contact the chaperone as soon as possible. Each bus will have a first aid kit and the chaperones can contact the nurse or director if necessary.
Buses and rooms will be assigned and no changes are to be made without the permission of the band director. Clean up your bus area.
When using a hotel or dorm, no boys’ in girls’ rooms and no girls in boys rooms unless you are given specific permission. No exceptions.
Do not leave your room unlocked.
Know your chaperone and where their room is.
You are responsible for the condition of your room and any possible damage.
Take no souvenirs from your room or restaurants.
You must be in your room and have lights out at the assigned times—you will need your rest.
Don’t be foolish and stay up all night! Use the phones only for serious calls and no long distance calls.
All students must travel to and from performances on the bus. A student may leave only with their own parent or guardian with a written permission note given to the director. The parent or guardian must check in with the director or head chaperone when picking up the student.
Remember that you are always representing the band and school.
Hints for Successful Band Members
Always check the Google Classroom or the TV for daily instructions.
Get a 3-ring binder, and plastic sleeves to keep music in order where it can be reached with little confusion for rehearsals.
Check for special equipment needed before rehearsal begins (valve oils, lyre, reeds, drum sticks, etc.)
Do not leave music or drill charts on the stands or instruments and clothes where they do not belong.
Keep the band room clean. (No food or drink in the band room)
No playing of instruments before rehearsals, unless authorized by the band director.
No talking or any kind of disturbance during rehearsals.
No instrument playing outside unless authorized.
Arrive on time for all band functions.
Make sure to have a name tag on your instrument with your name and your school.
Practice (Use Smart Music)
No cell phones
Have a pencil
Stop when the conductor/instructor cuts you off.
Do not talk when a conductor or instructor talks.
Respect yourself and others at ALL times.
No food or gum during class.
NO PDA (Public Display of Affection) during class, in uniform, or on the bus, or other inappropriate times.
Keep band room and instrument areas spotless.
Turn in Smart Music assignments on time.
Maintain your instrument regularly.
Purchase and or Download the suggest and required apps!
No Band Director, No entrance into the Band Room
Instrument maintenance
Instruments, like cars, need regular maintenance. Keys and valves should be oiled regularly, along with playing and tuning slides. Proper care of your reeds also needs special attention. Go to our website (www.midviewband.com) to see what is available for your instrument to make sure it is working correctly all of the time.
All instruments must receive regular maintenance. The basics are provided below. For more detailed information, please see the Band Director.
Woodwinds
General
Swab the bore after each playing session.
Periodically oil the keys. Wipe the keys and body clean with a soft cotton cloth after playing.
Flute
Periodically check the position of the tuning cork.
Clarinet and Saxes
Rinse the mouthpiece with warm water and avoid mouthpiece brushes.
Instead of using your mouth, soak your reeds in a small cup of water
Always have 4 working reeds. Date and letter them. Rotate them so that you have at least four broken in at a time.
Buy a REED CASE and use it. It will pay for itself within a few weeks.
Double Reeds
Soak reeds before playing on them to avoid cracks.
Learn to make your own reeds or at least to adjust the ones you buy commercially.
Percussion
Avoid damage to heads by using the proper sticks or beaters for each instrument.
Become familiar with proper techniques of changing heads, tuning, and routine maintenance. Keep instrument clean and dry.
Brass Instruments
General
Run lukewarm water through the
instrument at least once a week and give it
a bath at least once a month. Never use
hot water.
Wear cotton gloves while playing and wipe
off all fingerprints after each use.
Never use brass or other metal polish on
brass lacquer finish (shiny gold)
instruments. Use a clean cotton cloth and
water to wipe instruments clean. On silverplated instruments, use a non-abrasive
silver polish such as International, Twinkle, or Wright's.
Use tuning slide grease on all tuning slides. Periodically check corks on water keys to make sure that they are sealing properly.
Occasionally vacuum your case to keep
sand and dirt from scratching the
instrument finish.
Valve Instruments (piston/ rotary)
Use fresh valve oil before every use.
Be sure fingers remain curved while playing
so that the valve action is straight up and
down. This will avoid uneven wear on the pistons. Check felts to make sure that they are not worn or compacted. Replace as needed.
Trombones
Use Yamaha's "Trombone Snot"
If trombone has a rotary trigger, use rotary valve oil.
Mouthpiece upgrade
For instrument upgrade, please see a Director!