The Marching Blue Expectations

BE RESPONSIBLE

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.  By doing this, 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. 

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 may loose program privileges and may be subject to dismissal from the band program. This may include the chance to go on a long distance trip.  This decision will be at the director's discretion.

Attendance Policy

Attendance for most band events are mandatory!  The only excusable absences are prearranged school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, a death in the family, or a religious holiday.  Individual needs will be addressed as they occur.  This system is subject to modification by the director.  Work and any other outside of school activity are unexcused absences for any band event.  Make sure you are aware of the band schedule for the entire school year before you agree to a work schedule.  All evening rehearsals and after school performances are required and go in the grade book.

Performance no shows!  In the event of a missed performance, students will be required to complete a Concert Critique or a Composer/Piece Research assignment to make up for their absence.

For all absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student and parent:

• • The director must be notified 2 weeks in advance or as soon as the situation arises.

  • An absence form must be filled out and on file.

  • For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.

  • Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student!

If you are considered absent from school, you are not allowed to attend that evening’s band event.  For example, if you are absent from school on a Friday you cannot march that evening.

Expectations: You have made a commitment to be in the Midview Band program. Everyone is counting on you! In order to have successful band rehearsals and performances, it is essential that we have FULL attendance. The absence of one person not only affects that person, but also the entire group. The critical factors of uniformity, balance, spacing and alignment cannot be improved or maintained with absences. 

*All performances and rehearsals are required, you must attend.

Legitimate Excuses: Legitimate excuses for rehearsal or performance absence are illness, family vacation, accident, or serious illness/death in the family, and doctor’s appointments. If possible, contact the Band Office at 440-748-2124 x4303 prior to an absence from a performance. Students must bring an excuse note from a parent or guardian following any absence. 

Unexcused Absences: Absences, tardiness or leaving early because of work or homework are not excused. Repeated problems with absences, tardiness or leaving early from rehearsal will be given appropriate consequences regarding performance opportunities.

Ask: If you are not sure or have a request, problem, or question, ask the band director at the earliest possible time.

And always remember, the band calendar is set in May and YOU signed up for band. Take responsibility and know the calendar.

Make-ups: If you are excused from a rehearsal or performance, you will be required to complete a Concert Critique or Research Project.

All Make-ups are to be done by the end of that 9 weeks or that make-up will result in a ZERO.  This is the student’s responsibility, not the Director’s.

*Always refer to the Google Calendar!

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 so that arrangements can be made. When outside activities create conflicts with 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. 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.

Click HERE to fill out the absence form.

Grading Policy

The bulk of our grades are performances, particularly in Q1. Rehearsals, pep bands, concert reflections, and any topical assessments the director sees fit also contribute to the students' grades each quarter.

Performances

All Concerts (10+ football games, Parade of Bands events, 2 parades, December concert, March concert, OMEA LGAE, May concert) are required.

• Students are allotted either 50 or 100 points for performances depending on how many performances are in the grading period.  Points can be lost based on: 

• Missing instrument, accessories, music

• Incorrect uniform

• Tardy to set up time

• Tardy to performance time

• Disrespecting the directors, the district, or other musicians

• Unexcused absences (make sure your absence form is turned in at least 2 weeks prior)

• Inappropriate cell phone use

Rehearsal during the day

Students are expected to arrive to rehearsal on time, retrieve their instrument, music, pencil, and proceed directly to their seat in the rehearsal room. 

Rehearsal outside of school

Students are required to attend all outside of school rehearsals. These constitute Thursday Evening Rehearsals during football season and our Large Group Workshop in February. Check the Google Calendar for specific after school rehearsal dates.

Practicing

The only way for students to take true ownership over their performances is to practice their part outside of school.  During school, rehearsals are meant to bring all of the parts together to create music.  Students must learn their parts outside of class so they can have a proper contribution to the group. When practicing at home, USE A METRONOME and TUNER.

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. Please be acquainted 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.

Marching Blue Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drugs Policy

The use of, possession of, or being under-the-influence of ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, VAPES, 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 a letter grade deduction 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.

Band Trip Expectations - General

• Students are responsible for their own equipment and instruments.  Equipment should be placed near the equipment truck or buses.  The loading crew will load the equipment truck and buses.

• Wait to board the bus until told when and how. Be quiet and helpful during roll calls.

• The complete uniform should be worn properly at all times when in public. The coat, hat, and gloves may be taken off while on the bus.

• The bus driver has THE most important job of anyone involved in band trips: keeping all of you safe. All bus rules apply including no profanity, singing, chanting, horseplay or screaming. Any listening devices must be used with headphones on. Whatever they tell you goes, no questions asked. Any student who is written up on a band bus will not travel with us for the remainder of the year. This includes any and all trips that might be taken on a charter bus.

• 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 stay while the bus is in motion.  Students should keep heads and arms inside the bus.

• Students may not change seats or buses without permission.  The roll will be checked on each bus before departure.

• Public displays of affection (PDA) are not acceptable at any time.

• All students must travel to and from performances on buses, not in personal cars. A student may leave only with a signed travel release form given to the director at least 2 days in advance. The parent or guardian must check in with the director or head chaperone when picking up the student.

• Alcoholic beverages, smoking/vaping, and drug use are not permitted while in uniform or while attending a band function.

• When wearing uniforms, consume food and beverage carefully. With spills, come dry cleaning bills that you will be responsible for. 

• Profanity is strictly forbidden when in uniform or representing the band at ANY function. Any offense reflects on the WHOLE band and will be dealt with as a WHOLE band.

• Any illness or injury should be reported to the director immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.

• Conduct of students in public eating places or motels should be subdued and courteous.

• Always travel with a Buddy, never alone.

• 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 per the school’s medical policy. 

• 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 must be used with headphones on. 

• All band policies are in effect and must be followed on any band trip.

• 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 and vapes are to be taken, bought or consumed. 

• Remember that you are always representing the band and school.

Band Trip Expectations - Overnight/Charter Bus

• All general rules apply.

• Students will receive an itinerary of activities for all major trips.  Students are responsible for knowing departure times and should be ready on time. 

• 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.

• Students may not leave their rooms after curfew or room check.

• Students may not visit rooms occupied by the opposite gender. Period.

• Student may not change rooms without permission from the director.

• 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.

Responsibility

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 themselves or to make a better contribution to the band, they are wasting the time and effort of their 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.  They must not only know right from wrong but must be able to stand for principles and develop a high sense of purpose toward which they are 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.

Be on time for: rehearsals, performances, and assignments!