Student Responsibility

To the Band

As members of this organization, you have a great deal of responsibility. These expectations coordinate with the privileges, rewards, and duties of the program.

To Ourselves

You have the primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and private instruction can never be overestimated. What you put into it is what you will get out of it. The director is always available for your guidance and encouragement. Just ask!

To the School

The school district provides us with the resources for rehearsals, performances, and equipment. The band boosters also provide a support network, both financially and philosophically. We have the responsibility to provide the best possible services to our community.

To Music

Music has always been a part of our culture. We must take what we have and use it for the betterment of that culture. No one expects you to be virtuoso musicians, only to do the very best you can. The great composer Gustav Mahler once said that only 10 percent of music is on the page. If that is the case, we as musicians have the duty of creating and producing the other 90 percent. The joy of music is not in everything that is apparent. It must be discovered and created.

To Each Other

We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group. There can be no selfish acts solely for the benefit of the individual. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve them. Never insult another band member's integrity. The word "band" implies that we are banded together without divisions.

Use of the Band Facility

Band Room

The use of band facilities before, after, and during school is a privilege. Students who abuse the facility will be disciplined accordingly. Any abuse or damage will be considered vandalism. No outside students are permitted in the band room, except for business with the director. There will be no horseplay, e.g., throwing things in or around the band room. All percussion and guard equipment is off limits to anyone not specifically designated to use them. There will be no storing of personal items. The band room is not a locker! No one is allowed in the Band room until a Director is present. If there is no Band Director around, you are not allowed in.

Instrument Room

The use of the instrument room is to store band instruments and equipment only! Again, this is not a personal locker.

Band Office

The band office is private and is not to be entered by any student without permission from the director. All students should keep in mind that this is a place of business. No personal items or instruments are to be stored here. That is what the instrument room and your locker are for. If the door is shut, knock first.

Classroom Procedures

• • You must be in the instrument room or in your seat when the bell rings; a downbeat will be given two minutes after the bell. During the two minutes beforehand you should move to your seat, obtain music, a music stand, and a pencil; and begin warming up for the day’s rehearsal. Make sure you have extra reeds. Percussionists should set up all equipment and music during the warm-up. Announcements will be made at the beginning or end of class and will also be written on the board.

  • Talking will not be tolerated during a rehearsal.

  • The purpose of rehearsal is for you to learn the parts of others and how they relate to yours, not to learn your individual music!

  • If you must leave your seat for any reason, please ask. Restroom breaks should be taken between classes.

  • In your individual warm-ups, it is important to practice long tones, lip slurs, scales, and that day’s assignment on a daily basis.

The Importance of Attitude

The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is attitude. The kind of person you are is an individual choice and how you feel about something is one of the few actual independent choices you have in life. It takes intense dedication to reach goals. The right attitude must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundations. Such an attitude makes an artistic performance inevitable and is the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group. The band can do much for you. Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance.

The Importance of Discipline

Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict! Band students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles, and philosophy of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for him or herself. Any misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community, and band program. Any member who discredits the organization by his or her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a trip shall be subject to dismissal from the band program or may lose a privilege within the program. This may include the chance to go on a bi-yearly trip. This decision will be at the director's discretion.

Conflicts with Band

Resolving conflicts between band and other activities or events is the responsibility of the student. Rehearsal and performance schedules are given out in advance (June 20th via Google Calendar) so that arrangements can be made. Students should not become involved with activities that may directly conflict with band activities. When outside activities create hardships concerning band, the student will need to consult with the band director about possible alternatives. Students should have a calendar and be aware of all band dates well ahead of schedule. It is the policy of the band director to assist students when conflicts occur within the scope of the band policy. Students are reminded that band is a very demanding activity and that involvement in outside activities should be limited to those compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts with performances must be resolved in favor of band participation. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.

Band members are responsible for providing and caring for their own Black Dinkles, socks and white gloves. Black “Dinkles”may be ordered at the time of the uniform fitting.

Shoes and boots must be cleaned and polished for every performance. Gloves should always be WHITE! Bleach them to keep them white!

Uniform requirements

Each Band member will be assigned a uniform for the duration of each marching season. Uniforms will be stored in the Band Room. Students will arrive wearing their Summer Uniform and change into and out of uniforms at the School in the provided changing areas before and after each performance.

Uniform pieces:

• Pants­ must be zipped and buttoned. Straps must be worn at correct height.

• Jackets­ Must be zipped all the way with all appropriate buttons/snaps done.

• Dinkles Must be black and clean.

• Socks­ Must be solid black and Crew Length.

• Gloves­ Must be clean and white.

  • 1st pair is provided at no charge to first time marchers.

  • Replacement gloves will cost $3.

• Parka­ Worn in inclement weather.

  • When worn, parka should be zipped all the way.

• Hat­ Should be secure on head and down in the front so that the bottom of the brim is even with the eyebrows.

  • Don’t carry your hat by its strap.

• Plume ­ Will be passed out at performances and returned when coming off the field. They should be treated with care.

Hair requirements:

• Hair may not touch below the collar.

• All of your hair must be neat and inside your hat.

  • No loose hair hanging out.

  • Hair must remain pulled up whenever in uniform, even when hat is not worn.

• No un­natural hair color (blue, purple, etc.)

• Majorettes must have hair neat for performances as dictated by Advisor.

• Hair Accessories should all be Blue, Black, Grey, or White, or match the individual’s hair color.

• Any facial hair must be neatly kept

Jewelry:

• No visible jewelry is to be worn in uniform.

  • Earrings will be studs only

  • No facial piercings

  • No necklaces or bracelets

  • “I just got this piercing” is not an excuse. Wait until after the season if you plan to acquire new piercings.

• Watches with a black strap may be worn in uniform.

Makeup/Nail polish

• Make­up should be minimal and modest (at director’s discretion). No lipstick.

• Majorettes will wear makeup as specified by the Advisor.

• Nail polish is not to be worn in uniform.

Under Uniform:

• Blue bandshirt (Summer Uniform)

• Black shorts (Summer Uniform)

• When the weather gets cold layering is encouraged.

  • No jeans

  • No turtlenecks

Miscellaneous:

• Uniforms are to be hung up properly.

  • When hanging the jacket, the number should be visible on the hanger.

  • Pants should be hung inseam to inseam, so that the creases line up. 2. Hat boxes are only for storing HATS. (We don’t call them “hat­glove­spat­and­dirty­black­sock boxes”.)

• New gloves are available for purchase in the Kubuski Lobby before every performance.

Inspection Requirements:

• Be in your spot at the designated time.

• Wear uniform as outlined above. All pieces must be worn for inspection.

• Instrument should be clean and in good working order.

School Instrument Usage and Music

Instrument Information

The band department will provide instruments for those students who do not play their own instrument. An Instrument Rental and Care agreement should be filled out and signed by the student and his parents at the beginning of the school year. Each band member is responsible for the proper care, condition and repairs of this instrument for the length of the agreement. Any damages or serious malfunctions should be reported to the director at once. Damages due to the negligence of the student will be charged to the student. If the instrument is lost or stolen while away from the band hall, the student must reimburse the band for the cost of the instrument.

A privately owned instrument is the responsibility of the student who owns it. Students should check with their parents to see that the instrument is included on their homeowner insurance policy. Before purchasing an instrument, students should consult the band director.

All instruments should be kept in excellent playing condition and should be cleaned and polished before every performance.

Instrument Rentals and Insurance Policy

Students are expected to provide their own instruments, except for the larger or more exotic instruments such as percussion, tuba, baritones, bassoons, oboes, bass clarinets, etc. Loss or damage of school property will be at the student’s expense.

Parents, please make sure your homeowners insurance covers your student’s musical instrument. Unfortunately with the large number of students involved in this type of activity, accidents can happen. Carrying insurance on your student’s instrument may help if any accidents occur.

Use and Care of Music

1. Students will be given originals

2. Do not fold, tear or otherwise mutilate music.

3. Absence from school does not relieve students of the responsibility to have music brought to the rehearsal or performance. This applies mainly to the music in concert folders.

4. Do not mark on music without approval from the director. Use only pencil for marking the music.

5. Students will be charged for music that is not cared for properly.

6. Each student will be assigned a slot in the music rack.

7. Concert folders will be assigned according to instrumentation and parts. Each folder will be numbered to match a slot in the music rack.

8. Two or more students may be assigned to the same folder. They are responsible for sharing music and seeing that it is returned to the rack.

9. If students lose or damage music they may be charged the appropriate fee for its replacement.