CHB Handbook 

Directors 

Ms. Lauren Duncan, Director of Bands

Mr. Heath Hopper, Assistant Director 

Ms. Kristin White, Assistant Director 

Mr. Spencer Davis, Assistant Director 

*Revised Spring 2024 

The Center Hill band program provides an opportunity for students to develop an appreciation for music and encourages the skills and discipline necessary for achieving success throughout a lifetime of experiences. Students learn the importance of cooperative team effort while working with fellow members to accomplish the shared goals of the band. 

The CHB is composed of members of the marching band, indoor ensembles, and concert bands. During the fall season, they perform at football games, parades, and competitions events throughout the southeast.  During the spring semester, members perform in concert festivals and compete throughout the country. Members of this group can audition for various clinics and workshops throughout the state. 

Purpose 

• To educate students in music.

• To represent our school with pride and dignity.

• To strive to achieve perfection in all we undertake.

Administration 

• Mr. Cory Uselton, Superintendent 

• Mr. Jason Witt, Principal

• Coach Alan Peacock, Athletic Director 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the high school band program, students must have completed band at the middle school level. Students that move into the Center Hill District and have been a member, in good standing, at their previous school can participate in Center Hill Band. Membership in any Center Hill Band performing group is subject to the band director's discretion. Students may be removed from any performing group at any time. 

Any student who has not completed the previous semester of membership in the Center Hill Band program may not rejoin without the band director's approval. Students may not leave and rejoin the band program, at will. 

The Mississippi High School Activities Association governs and maintains rules and regulations concerning eligibility. This includes having a valid physical, on file and all Dragonfly documents completed. Those students who do not meet the eligibility requirements cannot participate in the program.

Membership

In order to be a member of the performing ensemble, students must be in good standing with the program and achieve the musical goals, as set forth by the staff, and visual needs of the program. 

Members not meeting expectations and standards can be pulled from any performance. Members can be reinstated upon meeting those expectations set forth by the staff. 

Responsibilities of a Member

• Be on time! Be prepared! Be supportive! Make every rep better than the last rep!

Attendance

Attendance at regularly scheduled rehearsals and performances is required for membership in the program. Absences are permitted in the event of PERSONAL ILLNESS, DEATH IN THE FAMILY, OR SCHOOL SANCTIONED ACTIVITY. Excessive unexcused absences are unacceptable and could result in a dismissal from the performing ensemble.

• 1st Unexcused Absence from Rehearsal is not marching on Friday Night. 

• 2nd Unexcused Absence from rehearsal will be made an alternate in the band. 

• 3rd Unexcused Absence will result in dismissal from the ensemble. 

• Any Unexcused Absence from a rehearsal will be a zero for the day. 

• Any Unexcused Absence from a performance will result in  zero test grade and a parent conference. 

In case of emergency or sudden illness before an after-school rehearsal or performance, please email a director, or contact them on the band app.

Fees

Each member of the band is expected to pay their share of the expenses and it varies from year to year. This amount is to be paid on or before the due dates listed below. The band fee pays for state dues, contest fees, sheet music, show cost, transportation, equipment, consultants, and student technology.  Students who do not pay their fall fees may not  travel with the band program in the fall and will not be a member of any indoor ensembles.

Band- Woodwinds and Brass Only

Costume/Uniform         $56.31        Due May 22, 2024

Technology                     $20.00        Due June 17, 2024

Adjunct Staff                  $83.35        Due July 22, 2024

Contest Registration    $18.35        Due  August 5, 2024

Mileage/Travel             $46.76         Due September 3, 2024

Total         $224.77                        

Percussion Only

Costume/Uniform         $56.31        Due May 22, 2024

Technology                     $20.00        Due June 17, 2024

Equipment                     $100.00      Due June 17, 2024

Adjunct Staff                  $83.35        Due July 22, 2024

Contest Registration    $18.35        Due  August 5, 2024

Mileage/Travel             $46.76         Due September 3, 2024

Total                             $324.77

Colorguard

Costume/Uniform        $184.72        Due May 22, 2024

Technology                     $20.00        Due June 17, 2024

Adjunct Staff                  $83.35        Due July 22, 2024

Contest Registration    $18.35        Due  August 5, 2024

Mileage/Travel             $46.76         Due September 3, 2024

Total         $353.18        

We must have the first payment in order to get the costumes ordered in a timely manner and to secure your spot in the ensemble.   All costumes must be ordered at the same time. 

Payments can be made via REVOPAY or make checks payable to Center Hill High School Band. If you have questions concerning the payments, please contact Ms. Duncan or Mr. Hopper.   

Other Costs 

Summer uniform- Anyone needing to purchase the member shirt and shorts, we have an online store that will be

posted on the high school band app.  You only need to purchase if you do not have either or need a new one. This store will only be open until May 22, 2024.   All new members must buy a shirt and shorts from the store.  Shirts will be $21 and shorts will be $23.  Make sure shirts and shorts are the correct size. 

Bibber Pants and Shoes- Any woodwind, brass, or percussion students needing to purchase bibber pants or shoes will need to purchase those after bandcamp.  We will size students during camp.  Bibber pants normally run between $40-50

and marching shoes run $40-$50,  as well.

Guard- Shoes prices will be determined this summer and you will be notified.  You will need to purchase other items to fit under the costume that Ms. Duncan will discuss this summer. 

Course Credit 

One unit of credit is given to each member after completing the year in good standing. 

Fall Band – one credit of Physical Education

Spring Band—one credit of Fine Arts 

Most colleges and universities require completion of your senior year of high school band in order to participate in their band program and receive scholarship funds. 

Scheduling 

High School Band students are scheduled for one full class daily. The band also meets after school at various times throughout the year to further improve our performance.  If a student has a scheduling conflict, please consult the band directors and we can see if we can get it resolved. 

Policies and Procedures

1. Be on time for everything: class, call times, rehearsals, meetings, etc.

2. Alcohol/Drugs/Vaping = suspension or dismissal from the program 

3. Stealing = suspension or dismissal from the program

4. Cell Phones are allowed but only when needed for educational use. (i.e. Ultimate Drill Book and Tuners, only at the directors discretion)

5. Dress Code: 

   1. During school, be in the school dress code without having to be reminded. 

   2. During 4th block and rehearsal students should be dressed in gym shorts, t-shirt or tank top, and tennis shoes. Everything must be covered. 

6. No jewelry during performances. 

7. No profanity. 

8. All students are expected to keep the band hall, fine arts hallway, bathrooms, band storage, and lockers cleaned. 

9. Students are required to assist in the cleaning of the football stadium after home football games. 

10. Work is not an excuse to miss rehearsal. 

11. If you must make appointments, do so on days that we DO NOT have rehearsals. Please refer to the calendar, and let the directors know ASAP! 

12. We will also reference the Center Hill High School and Desoto County School handbook. 

Travel Procedures

1. ALL DRAGONFLY PAPERWORK AND FORMS must be completed for students to participate. Special health and dietary restrictions must be noted, so that adequate care can be provided when away from home. 

2. Adult supervision is provided on all band trips. The Desoto County School District is responsible for each student traveling with the group. Students traveling to an event with the band must return in the same manner. Students are allowed to check out on certain events, this is at the director’s discretion and must complete the appropriate form. 

3. Boarding and Exiting Buses: Students will not board until instructed to do so. Students will remain on the bus and seated until instructed otherwise. 

4. Public Display of Affection is not allowed. 

5. General Conduct: No foul or abusive language or gestures are permitted. YELLING IS NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. All body parts must stay inside the bus. Moving from seat to seat is not permitted. 

6. All students will be assigned to a specific bus prior to departure. Switching of buses is NOT permitted.  Students are to report to their seat as quickly as possible, so that attendance may be checked. You are REQUIRED to obey the driver and the staff member or person in charge of the bus in a courteous manner. 

7. Buses are to be clean and free of trash at the end of all trips. The last 4 seats on the bus are responsible for checking the bus for trash. 

8. Students are responsible for loading and unloading their own equipment, personal belongings, and equipment before and after all events. 

9. At the conclusion of all events, students should arrange to be picked up at school promptly at the designated pick-up time. Pick-up times are listed in the itinerary that is posted within the band app. 

10. Itineraries are usually posted one week before the events. 

GRADING PROCEDURES 

Performance Grades / Test Grades   60%

Daily Grade  / Quiz Grades   30%

Pass offs / Homework Grades   20%

Concert Band Chair Placement 

At the end of the football season, auditions will begin for concert chair placement. ALL BAND MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO AUDITION. Musical material will be distributed in advance of auditions.

Uniforms and Instrument Care 

Uniforms must meet required standards for all performances. While in uniform, members are no longer “individuals”, but representatives of this band, this school, and this community. Uniforms are worn at all parades and field show competitions and at most football games. Uniforms are either on or off, not halfway. 

It is the student’s responsibility to see that his or her uniform remains in good condition. Students and/or parents are financially responsible for any damage caused to the uniform due to negligence or misuse. 

Desoto County has a district-wide policy that enforces an instrument loan fee. Instruments will be treated with proper care and will be returned in the same condition in which they are checked out. Normal wear is expected, however, any loss or damage caused by NEGLIGENCE will lead to personal expenses by the user.  

Hair

All hair must be able to fit neatly inside a shako. If we are not wearing shakos, students’ hair must be in a bun or ponytail.  Unnatural hair colors are not permitted during competitive activities.

Make-up

If makeup is worn, it must be natural. Nail polish and jewelry are not allowed in uniform. Color guard and show makeup is the only exception. 

Disciplinary Procedure

1st offense — reprimand

2nd offense — conference with student and phone call home

3rd offense — conference with director and principal and phone call home

4th offense — possible removal from performing ensemble 

The band directors and administration reserve the right to remove any student from the band program, as they see fit. Being a participant in the program is an honor. The integrity of the program must remain intact.

ALC/SUSPENSIONS/DCAC could result in suspension or dismissal from the performing ensemble. 

Private lessons

Private lessons are a beneficial tool to enrich individuals and the band. If you are interested in private lessons, please speak with a director. 

Band Apps

The CHB uses the BAND app as an information hub. Here you will find a calendar of all band events, files, gameday and competition itineraries, audition results, and volunteer signups. All students and parents are required to be in their band app  and required to create an account with your first and last name. Parents, please put your child’s name in the bio under your settings