The Marching Blue Expectations

BE READY

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").

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. Section leaders can also call sectionals during this time or work with others individually.

To succeed in Marching Band

• Wake up early enough to eat breakfast. Poptarts, donuts, sugary cereals are NOT breakfast.

• Put on sunscreen.

• Bring a water jug (with water in it), sunscreen, a towel, your instrument, music, pencil, and drill.

• Get a 3 ring binder.

• Arrive at MHS @ 7:45a.m.

• Warm-up begins at 8. 

• When the director is speaking, you are focused and listening with both ears.

• When the Director’s or Field Commanders' 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. Section leaders should not call spur of the moment sectionals during the noon-1pm time. Please plan ahead and communicate.

• Bring forms and be ready to pay any remaining fees at uniform fittings.

• There are NO PHONES on the field.

• Attendance is required by every student for every rehearsal and performance.

Financial Obligations

ALL members have fees owed to the Midview Band Boosters each year. These need to be paid by the first football game or they will not march halftime. Updated amounts are on our Fee and Supplies Breakdown. You can pay fees to the Band Boosters here.

Class Fees (Pay to Main Office, NOT Boosters or Board Office)

• Pay to Participate $85 

• Music Fee $25

Materials Needed for Class (all year)

Each student should have the following items in class every day:

• • a sharpened pencil

  • instrument (sticks, mallets)

  • BLACK 3 ring binder (every student is to have their own binder with THEIR own music in it)

  • flip-folio (marching)

  • music, coordinate sheets, 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

  • Required apps: BAND app, a tuner/metronome app (we recommend the Tonal Energy Tuner app)

Duties of the Band Member

• • • Be on time to all rehearsals and performances.  To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be LATE, to be late is to be LEFT.

    • Upon entering the rehearsal room, 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 stop.

    • Come to rehearsal with a good attitude.

    • 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 and learn for next time.

    • Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority.

    • Read and play music with insight- have musical expectations.

Rehearsal Procedure

1. Every band member should bring instruments (including mouthpieces, reeds, your own binder with YOUR music in it, pencil), music and proper equipment to every rehearsal or performance.

2. You are to be respectful 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.

3. Gum chewing, eating, or drinks of any kind (except water) are not permitted during any rehearsal or performance unless it is a designated break/snack time. 

4. Cell phones may be used for rehearsal purposes with specific permission from the director but should otherwise be put away.

5. Each student should be seated or standing in formation at the time designated by the director, or the student will be marked tardy.  

6. Posture is of utmost importance.  Students should avoid crossed legs or ankles and slumping when seated in chairs.

7. The rehearsal slides should be read when entering the band room. Music should be placed in the proper order according to the instructions on the slides. 

8. Music binders, 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.

9. Books and personal belongings should not be left in the band room or in the instrument storage room without permission.  All trash should be thrown in the appropriate waste container.  

10. If you need to use the restroom during rehearsal, please ask the director when they are off the podium or the band is in a transitional period of rehearsal. Do not interrupt rehearsal with a bathroom request until it is an emergency.

Public Performances

1. Information regarding these events will be posted in the Google Calendar and in the Midview Band Weekly. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information. 

2. Always report (rain or shine) to the designated meeting place. If changes are made, an email will be sent out. Do not contact a director unless there is an emergency.  If in doubt, phone a BLT member. If 3 other people cannot answer your question, it is then time to contact a director.

3. For concerts, once you have changed into your concert black you must assist in any remaining set up. You must also assist in tearing down after the concert.

4. Marching uniforms will be stored in the band room at all times.  Students will dress at the school for all public marching band performances.  Students are responsible for bringing white gloves, Dinkles, and black crew length socks.  Shoes should be polished/cleaned the night before.  After the performance report to a parent volunteer for a uniform check and place it back on the uniform racks.

5. Inspections will be held at every performance by the field commanders, band officers, or section leaders.

Tips for a Successful Band Member

1. Respect yourself and others at ALL times. Not just in the band room.

2. No Band Director = no entrance into the music hallway or band room.

3. Check the Clevertouch for daily instructions.

4. Have a pencil on your music stand, in your instrument case, in your hair, permanently attached to your fingers...

5. Get a 3-ring binder, and plastic sleeves to keep music in order where it can be reached with little confusion for rehearsals.

6. Do not leave music or drill charts on the stands or instruments and clothes where they do not belong. They will get thrown away.

7. No cell phones during rehearsals or performances unless specific permission is given.

8. Keep the band rooms clean. No food or drink in the band or instrument rooms.

9. No food or gum during class. 

10. Be respectful and maintain a quiet noise level during rehearsal.

11. Stop when the conductor/instructor cuts you off. Give your attention to the person on the podium.

12. No instrument playing between band room/small gym and the stadium unless authorized.

13. Arrive early for all band functions.

14. Make sure to have a name tag on your instrument with your name and your school.

15. NO PDA (Public Display of Affection) during class, in uniform, or on the bus, or at any other band event or location. 

16. Turn in assignments on time.

17. Maintain your instrument regularly.

18. Download the suggested apps!

19. Practice.

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. 

• 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. A soft toothbrush will do the trick.

• Instead of using your mouth, soak your reeds in a small cup of water.

• Always have 3 working reeds. Date and letter them on the back.  Rotate them so that you have at least three broken in at a time.

• Buy a REED CASE and use it. It will pay for itself within a few weeks. Miss Crayton will glady show you her favorite kind of reed case.

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.

• If you don't make your own reeds, Miss Crayton has a list of local sellers of quality, handmade reeds. Mass purchased reeds are actually missing parts.

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 - especially when using silver plated instruments.

• 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.