Varsity Band

It is my mission as a teacher to develop in the students a life-long love for the performance, study, and the wonders of music, while equipping them with the tools that are essential to individual growth and success in life.

It is my personal goal to develop a strong value system in my students. Our program demands integrity, teamwork, dedication, perseverance, self-discipline and, most of all, a positive attitude. This includes a high sense of respect for their fellow human beings, the environment in which they live, and for themselves.

There are many important qualities and expectations included in this handbook. Please review it carefully. It is my intent to provide for you the best musical experience possible, and believe the following guidelines and information will help accomplish these intentions. Please return a signed handbook signature form to me as soon as possible.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding my expectations and highly encourage open communications with you. Please contact me direct at (623) 478-4646 or e-mail me (preferred) at Ronald.Henderson@tuhsd.org to discuss any concerns.

If we all work together, we can make this a terrific year for the students of the Westview High School Band Program. Thank you for your support in making our musical experience the best it can be.

Sincerely,

Ron Henderson,

Director of Bands, Westview High School

623-478-4646

Handbook Contents

WHY STUDY MUSIC?………………………………………………………………..3

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP…………………………………………………….........4

BAND PROGRAM INFORMATION………………………….…………………. 5 - 6

EXPECTATIONS…………………………………………………..……………...7 - 9

CONCERT AND PERFORMANCES POLICIES……………………………………10

LOCKERS AND UNIFORMS……………………………………………………. …11

TRAVEL CONDUCT……………………………………………………….………..12

GRADING AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES………..………………….……...13 - 14

AWARDS & LETTERING………………………………………………………. ….15

WHY STUDY MUSIC?

MUSIC IS A SCIENCE. It is exact and specific. A conductor’s score (which represents a musical composition) is a chart and graph which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, and harmonies all at once, with the most exact control of time.

MUSIC IS MATHEMATICAL. It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions, which must be done instantaneously in the brain, not worked out on paper.

MUSIC IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. Most of the descriptive terms used in a piece of music are in Italian, German, or French, and the musical notations themselves are certainly not in English. Musical notation is a highly developed form of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. The language of music is the most complete and universal language.

MUSIC IS HISTORY. Music usually reflects the environment and historical times of its creation, often revealing the political and social sentiments of its era.

MUSIC IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION. The performance of music requires fantastic coordination of the eyes, fingers, hands, legs, lips, and facial muscles. In addition, it also takes extraordinary control of the diaphragmatic, back, stomach, and chest muscles. All of these physical actions then respond instantly to the visual and aural prompting of the eyes and ears and are immediately interpreted by the mind.

MUSIC IS INTERACTIVE. Performing a piece of music in a group setting takes an extremely high level of physical, aural, and interpretive cooperation between all members of the ensemble.

MUSIC IS FUN. This one is self-explanatory.

Music is all these things, but most of all MUSIC IS ART. It allows a human being to take all of these physical attributes and techniques and use them to communicate and create emotions, thoughts, and ideas. This is what differentiates us from computers and machines. Music is proof positive of a distinctive quality we possess… humanism.

THAT IS WHY WE STUDY MUSIC!

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

1. Show an interest in your student’s musical endeavors.

2. Arrange a regular time for the student to practice.

3. Find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption.

4. Help the student keep a record of their practice routine and habits. Good practice involves a good warm-up with technical studies (scales, arpeggios, etc.), a review of current music being studied, intense isolation of difficult sections in the music, and exposure to new material. If they are merely playing through the music and ignoring those parts of the music that are challenging, they will feel no sense of accomplishment. It is important that they develop a routine they can stick with.

5. Make sure they have a safe place to store their instrument at home.

6. Keep the instrument in good repair (clean and working properly) and make sure they have all the supplies they need to be successful (good reeds, cork grease, valve oil, mutes, etc.)

7. Be very careful with school owned and privately owned instruments. Repairs can be costly.

8. Make sure your child is on time to school and rehearsals every day.

9. Find a private instructor for your child to study with. Please check with Mr. Henderson before committing to an instructor. Some private tutors are better than others!

10. Encourage the student to play for others whenever the opportunity arises (in the home, at school, in church, or for community events).

11. Make sure you know your child’s schedule of performances and other school events, and make sure they’re on time.

12. See that they always remember to bring their instrument and music and pencil to school each day.

13. See that they keep up with their classroom studies. Your involvement can make a huge difference.

14. Visit rehearsals and lessons periodically and attend performances whenever possible.

15. Join and become an active member of the Band Boosters.

16. Donate up to $400 of your eligible tax credit to the Westview Band. This is a dollar for dollar tax credit, with every penny going directly into the program. A donation form can be picked up at the main office.

17. Please don’t discipline your child by refusing to let them participate in a performance. This not only penalizes the individual, but it also penalizes everyone else in the group. The students depend on each other for the coverage of parts, and positions when on the field. Disciplinary action is not considered an excused absence and their grade will suffer.

18 Please realize that if your child has a “F” in any of their classes, they will not be able to perform on the field. Their attendance will still be mandatory during all games and rehearsals even if an F does exist. This helps build commitment and good character. Help them to succeed by becoming involved in their schoolwork and activities. Sometimes your support is more important than anything else.

19. Stay up to date on physicals and paperwork required for band.

The Westview High School Band Program

Information for Students and Parents

Varsity Band (Marching Band – Fall Semester) (Concert Band - Spring Semester)

The premier performing group at Westview. Varsity Band consists of the Knight Marching Band during the fall semester, and concert band for the spring semester. The Varsity band plays at all school assemblies and travels throughout the southwest for performances, including Disneyland in California! Groups contained within the Varsity Band include flag line, baton, pit percussion (mallets), and the drumline. This group has 3 official concerts and dozens of other public performances including home football games! Director Approval is needed to join Varsity Band! Band camp starts July 25^th at 8am in the band room!!! Open to all students Freshman through Seniors with director approval.

Once school starts, the marching band rehearses daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. through the date of the State Marching Festival in mid-November. All members should plan on arriving on campus by to 6:45 a.m. to ensure that practice starts promptly at 7:00 a.m. The band also rehearses on Monday nights in the stadium right after school from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Thursday nights from 6pm-9pm prior to home games (only 5 home games/rehearsals this year). Please check the web site calendar for specific meeting dates and dates off. Additional rehearsals and sectionals will be required of all members. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Students’ grades will be affected by their personal attendance record.

BEGINNING BAND/CONCERT BAND

This group consists of beginning band members (never have been in band before), students learning a new instrument, students who may have played an instrument at one point in their life, students who have little experience on their instrument who want to better their skills, and students who do not wish to march in the VARSITY BAND. This group performs 2-3 concerts a year and also gives students a chance to perfect skills before joining Varsity Band.

WESTVIEW STRINGS

A group where all violin, viola, cello, and double bass players of all skill sets are welcome. Beginning players are welcome to learn an instrument as the group is often full of beginners! This group has 2-3 performances every year.

GUITAR

Guitar classes are offered at Westview to fulfill Fine Art credits. No experience required.

EXPECTATIONS

Have Character:

· Trustworthiness – Be loyal, Be honest, Be reliable Don’t deceive, cheat or steal.

· Respect – treat others with respect, follow the Golden rule, Be considerate of others feelings, no bad language

· Responsibility – Do what you’re supposed to do, Always do your best, Plan ahead, persevere, Be self-disciplined, Be accountable,

· Fairness – Play by the rules, Treat all people fairly

· Caring- Be knid, Express gratitude, Help, Forgive

· Citizenship- Be a good neighbor, Obey the rules, respect authority volunteer, protect theenvironment

In general:

· Memorize your field music. You will be tested on this for part of your grade.

· Learn and practice your music for concert and jazz bands.

· Practice at home at least 180 (3 Hrs.) minutes per week.

· Attend every mandatory sectional.

· Any student that does not know the drill or cannot play the music up to expectations will not be permitted to perform at that night’s performance.

At school & in the band room:

· Get to class on time. This means that you are to be in the room with your instrument

in hand by the time the tardy bell rings

· Bring your materials with you every day. These include your instrument, your

music, your pencil, and for marching band, the proper shoes for participation on the field. If you are without proper shoes, you will not be able to participate on the field.

· You will be held financially responsible for the damage or loss of

any instruments, equipment, music, and music folders that you are issued. This

includes uniforms. (New Checkout Procedures this school year)

· Keep your grades up in other classes. You will not perform if you have an “F” in any of your classes.

· Treat all other students with respect.

· Keep your language clean.

· Keep food outside of the band room.

· Any lockers used in band or uniform room must be issued by Mr. Henderson.

· Refrain from loud talking, yelling, running, and engaging in any form of horseplay while in the band room.

· Keep all areas of the music room clean at all times. If you make a mess, clean it up, if you see a mess, clean it up, even if you didn’t make it. Do not leave any items (including cases) on the floor. Keep your cases and books in your locker at all times.

· Hazing, or the harsh physical initiation of any freshman student or new student is strictly prohibited. All band members are to be treated with the utmost respect at all times. Such behavior will not be tolerated and will result in your removal from the band.

At football games:

· Upon completion of warm-up procedures in the band room, the band will assemble outside in block or stadium entry formation. Students will form ranks immediately upon hearing the Drum Major’s command.

· The Drum Majors and Section Leaders will conduct uniform inspections prior to the band’s departure to the stadium.

· The band will march to the stadium in block formation. Spectators should not be allowed to break ranks or files.

· Purses should not be carried into the stadium but should be left in a secure area found appropriate by the student.

· All extra equipment, including lyres, folios, cases, and shako boxes shall be carried into the stadium by each student 30 minutes prior to stadium entry.

On the field or in the stands:

· Refuse to talk or move while at attention.

· Remain at attention once you are in-place in the stadium seating area until the Drum major gives the command for all to be seated.

· Ranks and files should be kept in perfect alignment while seated or playing in the stands.

· Keep your jacket zipped up at all times unless otherwise directed.

· Stand at attention when there is an injured player on the field.

· Keep family and friends out of the band’s stadium seating area.

· Stay at your seat while the game is in progress.

· Pay attention to the game.

· Help the team and spirit line by taking part in cheers.

· No eating or drinking while in the stands and in uniform. You will be given a 15 minute break during Q3 to allow for drinks and snacks. Your uniform jacket MUST be taken off when consuming anything other than water. Any jacket removed for this reason must be held by fellow members. It is not acceptable to place uniforms on bleachers or hanging on any object other than a person.

· Visits to the rest rooms are allowed, but no more than two students may be gone at any one time. Make sure the Drum Major is aware.

· Student conduct should be professional throughout the time spent in the stadium. Individual playing or beating of drums is not permitted.

· Students should watch for drum major with titles of selections to be played and should be ready to get the music up rapidly.

· Band members should treat the other band’s members, director, and guests courteously. If something good cannot be said about the visiting band, then don’t say anything at all. This includes any postings on social media.

At half-time:

· Band members should exit the stands in a pre-determined orderly manner.

· The band should move quickly to form the proper line-up or pre-set formation at the north end of the stadium before the half-time performance (at seven minutes left in the second period).

· After the performance, the band will form a tunnel on the track to bring the team onto the field. At the conclusion of the fight song, the students are to ground their instruments against the fence to facilitate visiting with the other band. At home games the visiting band will be allowed to visit with us on the southwest corner of the track.

On the bus:

· Remain quiet when ten minutes away from a performance location.

· Keep your limbs inside the bus.

· Stay seated while the bus is in motion.

· Choose the seat you want and remain there.

· Clean up your messes and throw away your own trash. Leave it cleaner than you found it!

The Marching Uniform:

· Know the number of your uniform and pants, and make sure that they are stored in the proper place when not in use.

· Always wear the band t-shirt and black shorts under your uniform, along with black socks and clean/polished marching shoes. It is your responsibility to make sure your shoes are polished and gloves are cleaned before each performance.

· A garment bag must be over the properly hung uniform when the uniform is being transported or carried. You may store your gloves in the bag but NOTHING ELSE! Absolutely no shoes in the bag!

· You are responsible for taking care of your own garment bag, hanger, and clothes while in uniform.

· Shakos/plums must be placed in the shako box and stored correctly when not in use. They may also be collected after games.

· Uniform must be hung up properly and stored in the correct place when not in use. Do not store your uniform in the garment bag until it has been “aired out” for at least 24 hours.

· Long hair must be put up into the shako for performances.

· Uniforms will be worn properly (zipped up) at all times when in public view.

· Eating or drinking is not permitted while in uniform. The only exception is water.

· Uniform pants are to be hemmed to 2 inches of the ground with the band shoe on. This is the responsibility of each individual member.

· Never leave uniform or accessories unattended, as you will be personally held responsible for the cost of anything lost or stolen.

· We will wear a summer uniform until the weather drops to a reasonable temperature. It will consist of: band t-shirt, black shorts (knee length), black socks and marching shoes

CONCERT AND PERFORMANCES POLICIES

Because performance plays an integral role in any music program, all students are expected to be at every performance or concert. A required performance is one that is listed on the band calendar or one that is added to the calendar with two weeks notice.

Two weeks notice for any absence by a parent is required for most of the excused absences listed below. If parent notification is given to the director and arrangements are made prior to the performance, exceptions will be made under the following circumstances:

SEVERE ILLNESS

DEATH IN THE FAMILY

FAMILY MILITARY OR MISSIONARY DEPARTURE

Please note that the following excuses are not acceptable:

CONFLICT WITH WORK/JOB SCHEDULE

FAILURE TO GET A RIDE

DESCIPLINARY ACTION (On the part of a parent or the school)

While at performances, the following is also important and will be graded:

1) Promptness. Unless otherwise noted, all band personnel will be required to arrive one hour prior to field entry or performance time for dress and warm-up

2) All students must stay for the completion of the entire performance or concert.

a) Leaving early will result in a partial loss of credit for that performance.

3) All students must display proper performance and concert etiquette:

a) Proper concert attire/dress.

b) Staying seated in the hall or in the stands at all times (except when playing).

c) Movement in and out of the concert hall is permitted during applause only.

d) Consideration and sensitivity to the performers and audience. Don’t talk to your neighbors, fidget, put your feet on the seats, or eat while at a concert.

4) Students must ride on the bus with the group for all away performances. A parent release form must be signed for any student wishing to ride in a private vehicle to or from any school-sponsored event. However, this practice is highly discouraged.

LOCKERS AND UNIFORMS

LOCKERS

· Lockers are provided to all students this year, with all lockers being assigned.

· Lockers will be assigned according to instrument size and storage requirements.

· Lockers must be kept clean and orderly at all times.

· Food can be stored in lockers for the day that it is to be consumed only.

· Students are responsible for removing any stickers and/or tape from the front or inside of their lockers at the end of the year.

· Any locks used on a band locker must be issued by Mr. Henderson.

UNIFORMS

· Concert Band performance attire is a white long sleeve shirt and black pants. Girls have the option of wearing a long black concert dress. A blue bow tie and cummerbund will be issued to each student as part of their uniform. Silver "senior" bow ties and cummerbunds will be issued for the final performance of the year ONLY.

· A Marching Band Uniform will be provided to all students in the marching band and is comprised of the following components:

1) Jacket and Pants

2) Shako with Plume

3) Uniform Bag with Hanger

Students are responsible for purchase of the following:

1) Band t-shirt

2) Black shorts (knee length)

3) Black dress socks

4) Marching shoes (MTX Black ONLY)

A “summer” uniform will be worn to the first few games. It consists of:

1) Band t-shirt

2) Black shorts(knee length)

3) Black dress socks

4) Marching shoes

Uniforms will be checked by section leaders before and after each performance for:

· Failing to be fully dressed in all of the items listed above.

· Dirty uniform (shoes, socks, t-shirt, as well as shako, pants or jacket).

· Hanging up uniform improperly (see uniform cabinet doors for details).

· Leaving any piece of the uniform unattended in any place other than the uniform cabinets after a performance.

· Uniform on the floor.

All of the components of the uniform are to be kept together at all times.

SOUND GOOD, LOOK GOOD, AND FEEL GOOD

TAKE PRIDE YOURSELF AND IN YOUR UNIFORM

TRAVEL CONDUCT

When traveling to performances, the students of the music department represent their performance group, their school, and the Tolleson Union High School District. Students will be expected to follow the proceeding travel guidelines when on the road. Any violation of these guidelines may result in the loss of points, expulsion from the music department, suspension from school, and in severe cases, even expulsion from Westview High School.

1) Consumption or possession of any illegal substance is prohibited. This includes the distribution or consumption of prescription drugs by any one other than the person for which the medications were prescribed.

2) Large ice chests are prohibited on the bus and equipment truck. Small ice chests are permitted on long trips only and must be kept out of the isle.

3) Headphones are mandatory. Personal media devices are acceptable only if you are using headphones. No bluetooth speakers, ever.

4) Any instrument larger than a trumpet must be transported under the bus or in the equipment truck.

5) Students must stay seated while the bus is in motion or on route. Switching seats, standing, sitting in the aisle, or lying in the aisle or under the seats is prohibited.

6) Yelling or screaming is dangerously distracting to the driver, and is prohibited. Anything other than a reasonable speaking voice will not be tolerated.

7) Food and drinks are OK, provided you clean up any messes you make, and throw any trash you have in the trash bag at the front or rear of the bus. Leave it cleaner than you found it!

8) Parents are to make sure their children are on time for departure and are present upon the group’s return. The students will be encouraged to phone home when at minimum 30 minutes away from the school. The director is not permitted to leave until all students have departed, and is unable to give students a ride home. Therefore, be respectful of the director’s time by being here to pick up your child.

9) The director will do his best to return at the scheduled time. Students are expected to update parents with updated arrival times to school.

10) Pillows and blankets are permitted on long trips only (CA Trip).

11) Hands, arms, legs, and all items must remain in the bus and not hanging out the window.

12) Emergency doors, windows, and hatches must remain closed, except in the case of an emergency.

13) The bus driver is in charge while the band is on the bus.

14) While staying overnight in a hotel/motel, students of different genders are not permitted in each other’s rooms.

GRADING AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Philosophy:

Band is a unique class because we have students that vary in grade levels and musical experiences. You should be able to earn a “A” even if you do not play as well as someone else.

Principles of Grading:

Grades will be earned on the basis of music play-offs, performance, attendance, practice assignments, sectional rehearsals, term and semester exams, and on your ability to meet expectations.

Every ensemble at Westview is a performing organization. Your attendance at every rehearsal and performance is critical to the groups’ success. However, due to illness or other situations, you may not be able to attend 100% of the time. Although this is understandable, absences will not be excused when there is a failure to get a ride, when there is a work conflict, or when absences are due to disciplinary action by the school or parents.

Students are graded on:

REHEARSAL, FOOTBALL GAME OR CONCERT ATTENDANCE

BAND DAY & FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE

Being present at rehearsals is a critical component. A student's overall grade can be negatively impacted due to excessive absences.

MUSIC TESTS

Marching Band: Music memorized when required. These play-offs are pass/fail.

Concert Band: Music must be learned by the assigned due date.

WRITTEN WORK AND HOMEWORK

Written work will include P.B.A.’s (Performance-Based Assessments), and/or written quizzes given periodically. Homework may include scheduled sectionals, scheduled additional rehearsals, and other activities relevant to the music program.

FINAL EXAM

A final exam will be given totaling 10% of your grade.

Since there are varying numbers of performances during each grading period and by each band, the grading scale for each band will be a percentage of the total points possible.

GRADING SCALE

90% to 100% = A

80% to 89% = B

70% to 79% = C

60% to 69% = D

Below 60% = F

Please Note:

Students with the grade of an “F” in any of their classes will be unable to perform with the band until their grade is brought up. These students will be required to stand on the sideline in full uniform during the field show.

SIGNATURE FORM

Westview High School Bands

10850 W. Garden Lakes Pkwy– Avondale, AZ 85392

Office Phone – (623) 478-4646

Please return to Mr. Henderson

Student Name(print)___________________________________

Parent Name_________________________________________

We have read and understand all of the policies as laid out in this band handbook. We have also received a copy of the performance calendar. We agree to comply with all of these policies, rules and expectations.

Student Signature_______________________Date__________

Parent Signature________________________Date__________

Commitment Contract

Knight Marching Band

Marching band is a co-curricular class that operates very much like a seasonal sport. Camp, rehearsals and performances are all integral components of the marching band season. There is a camp prior to the start of school. When school begins there are before school practices, evening rehearsals and several performances. A calendar is published at the beginning of each season. It is important to transfer the band schedule to the family calendar. All upcoming events are posted and updated on the band web site.

Once a student has started the season, it is imperative that he/she finish the season. Marching band concludes after the last football game or marching festival in November.

To be a member of the Knight Marching Band, it is important that both the student and the parent agree to the following conditions.

· The student will be on time to scheduled rehearsals.

· The student will make evening rehearsals a priority.

· Student may not be allowed to perform if:

o There are consistent tardies the week prior to the performance

o The evening rehearsal is missed the week prior to the performance

o The Friday morning “dress” rehearsal is missed before a game or contest

o The student does not meet the performance standards that has been set for that performance.

· Under no circumstance will the student be allowed to drop once the season has started. If a student quits an extreme hardship is placed on the other members of the band. There is no bench in marching band. Everyone has a position on the field. It is critical that the membership commitment is carried out for the entire season.

Student Name (print)______________________________________________________

Student_________________________________________________Date___________

Parent __________________________________________________Date___________