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").

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. 

BE RESPECTFUL

Respect yourself.  Respect others.  Respect the band traditions, facilities, equipment, and uniforms.

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.

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.

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 Responsibility

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.

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 sportsYou 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, a sportsYou notification 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.

MHS 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 rehearsal, practice, performance or school/Band function will not be tolerated.  Consequences are as follows:

First Offense- 2 week suspension from all band activities and a letter grade deduction in band for the grading period in addition to any other disciplinary action taken 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.

Respect and 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.

Students are expected to respect the Director's and Chaperones on the band program.  Students should be courteous to others and realize that they represent Midview when the Band is at any event.  Students are expected to have acceptable behavior skills in the classroom and on the football field.  Due to the rigors of the marching season, the students are given a high level of trust.  If a member of the band misbehaves and is disciplined by an administrator at any moment during the school year, an evaluation may have to take place.  Due to unacceptable behavior, the level of trust will quickly diminish and further steps may need to be taken.

First Offense - Verbal warning to student

Second Offense - A phone call home 

Third Offense- A phone call home, a meeting with Administration to discuss further action

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. 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 not to be entered without permission from the director. All students should keep in mind that this is the director's place of work and there is lots of work to be done. If you are in the office, that is a privilege that can be taken away very quickly if you get in the way of the director's productivity.  No personal items or instruments are to be stored here without permission. 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.

  • When someone is on the podium, you direct all your attention to them. When they are off the podium, that is your time to noodle and chat about the music.

  • 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!

  • Restroom breaks should be taken between classes, but if you need to use the restroom please wait until the director is off the podium to approach them. Please do not interrupt rehearsal unless it's an emergency. Remember that you cannot use the restroom in the first or last 5 minutes of class per school policy.

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

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.