Band Handbook & forms

DAWSON‑BOYD BAND HANDBOOK

2026–27 School Year
Dawson‑Boyd Public Schools
Mr. Chris Lehne, Band Director

1. INTRODUCTION

This handbook outlines policies, procedures, and expectations for our band program. All policies align with school regulations and may be updated to support program growth and safety.

2. PHILOSOPHY OF MUSIC EDUCATION

We believe music helps students:

• Discover and express their unique voice
  
  

• Build confidence and discipline
  
  

• Develop teamwork and leadership skills
  
  

• Learn the value of dedication and creativity
  
  

Every student is an integral part of our musical community.

3. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR & REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE

Respect
Students must demonstrate:

• Respect for themselves and peers
  
  

• Respect for instruments, equipment, and school property
  
  

Equipment Handling

• Store instruments on assigned shelves in the band hallway.
  
  

• Keep music in a personal band folder (in the folder cabinet).
  
  

• Percussionists: bring your own sticks (store them in folder cabinet). Mallets and percussion equipment must be returned after use.
  
  

Conduct Guidelines
The following are prohibited:

• Cell phones are not permitted during rehearsal. They will be immediately confiscated and sent to the office.
  
  

• No gum, food, or drinks in the band room (water only).
  
  

• No vandalism, profanity, contraband (drugs/alcohol)
  
  

• No weapons, harassment, bullying, hazing, or theft
  
  

4. ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION

• Follow the DBHS attendance policy.
  
  

• Be Ready:
  
  

  • Senior High: Warm‑ups begin at 11:25 AM
    
    

  • Junior High: Warm‑ups begin at 12:00 PM
    
    

• Come prepared with reeds, valve oil, sticks, pencil, music, etc.
  
  

• Unexcused Absences: Maximum of 6 per quarter.
  
  

• Performance Attendance: Mandatory. Report conflicts at least one week in advance (excluding emergencies).
  
  
  

5. REQUIRED MATERIALS

Item

Notes

Instrument & Case

Proper function and protection required

Mouthpiece / Reeds / Valve Oil

Keep backups on hand

Band Folder & Pencil

Essential for music tracking

Percussion Sticks (where applicable)

Lesson Book

Label and store properly

Resource

Students are responsible for the maintenance and safe storage of their materials.

6. GRADING POLICY

• Participation & Effort: 40% (includes behavior, punctuality, preparedness)
  
  

• Lessons, Playing Tests & Skills: 30%
  
  

• Concert Performance: 30%
  
  

Missing materials or poor behavior can affect your grade.

7. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Mandatory Events (per semester):

• Concerts (7-12 fall, winter (E/O year), spring, & pops)
  * If absent, must be made up.  Make-up assignment at discretion of director.
  
  

• Pep band at school events (9-12, optional for 7-8)
  
  

• Large Group Contest (9-12)
  * If absent, must be made up.  Make-up assignment at discretion of director.
  
  

Optional Performances:

• Solo & Ensemble Contest
  
  

• Honor bands
  
  

• All-State Band
  
  

Performance Requirements:

• Concert Dress:

  • No accessories with excessive sparkles, shine, etc. that would detract from the performance, including excessive perfume or cologne, etc.

  • MEN:

    • Black dress shirt (long or short sleeved) with undershirt and tie/bowtie (any color)

    • Black dress pants

    • Black dress shoes with black socks

  • WOMEN:

    • Black dress shirt (no spaghetti straps)

    • Black dress pants or skirt/dress 

      • Skirt/dress must be below knee length. 

      • If skirt/dress is between floor length and knee length, you MUST wear tights or leggings.  

      • If skirt/dress is floor length, you do not need to wear tights or leggings.

      • NOTE: Leggings are not considered dress pants.

    • Black flats (at appropriate height)
      
      

• Arrive early and stay for the entire event.
  
  

• Report unexpected absences ASAP (at least 1 week ahead unless emergency).
  
  

8. COMMUNICATION

• Updates shared via email and website.
  
  

• Parents and students are encouraged to ask questions and check calendars regularly.
  
  

• Director will make every effort to notify changes promptly.
  
  

9. MUSIC LIBRARY & COPYRIGHT

• All sheet music belongs to the band program.
  
  

• Each student is responsible for proper care and prompt return.
  
  

• Copies are licensed only for student use and cannot be duplicated without permission.
  
  

10. DAWSON-BOYD MUSIC AWARD GUIDELINES

• Minor Award in music: at least 25 honor points

• Major Award in music: at least 35 honor points 

• Choir/Band/Orch Awards: at least 13 points
  
  

POINT ALLOCATION:

• Participation: Band, Orchestra and Choir Participation: 

5 points for junior high and 10 points for senior high

• Specialty Categories:

A. Solo/Ensemble - 2 points per event taken to contest

B. Jazz Band/Stage Band - 2 points

C. Jazz Choir - 2 points

D. Bravo - 1 point per act

E. Honor Group audition - 1 point per submitted audition

F. Honor Groups - 2 points per event

G. All State audition - 2 points per submitted audition

H. All State acceptance - 5 points

ADDITIONAL AWARDS FOR BAND:

• Band Letter Pins: 

Grades 9-12: Participation in Solo/Ens, Honor Bands, exemplary
attendance (rehearsal and lessons)

• Pep Band Letter Pin: 

Grades 7-12: Exceptional attendance at Pep Band events (No unexcused absences), exemplary attendance (rehearsal and lessons)

11. LOCAL MUSIC STORE CONTACT INFORMATION

Deliveries are made to Dawson-Boyd Schools weekly throughout the school year.

MUSIC STREET

Zach Haltvick

356 W. Main St.

Marshall, MN  56258

Phone: 507-532-4005

SARLETTE’S MUSIC

Del Sarlette

503 Atlantic Avenue

Morris, MN 56267

Phone: 320-589-1622

12. PARENT & STUDENT SIGN-OFF

• After reviewing this handbook:
  
  

  • Students and parents should sign the acknowledgment form by the first concert date.

  • Copy, print, sign and return form below and return to director.