MARION BAND HANDBOOK
Dear Band Member and Parents,
The Marion Band program enjoys a fine tradition of musical excellence. It gives the students a variety of unique musical and social experiences. The Marion Band program provides the students with a comprehensive musical experience through participation in the Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Marching Bands, Colorguard, and Percussion Ensembles. We are proud you have chosen to become a part of our family. The Handbook you are about to read and sign, will hopefully answer any question you may have about our policies, goals, and objectives. We hope this handbook will be of help to you during your participation in our band program. ~
Course Description:
Emphasis is on playing fundamentals. ~The Junior High Bands will perform at football games, concerts, parades, solo and ensemble, and region concert festival. ~Each student audition for all-region band and participate in solos and ensembles. ~
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. ~Band is a year long course. ~Grades are based on participation, attendance, playing exams, rehearsals, and performances. ~
Discipline:
The Marion Band must have discipline due to the nature and size of the organizations. Because the band is constantly on display, band students must always be on their best behavior. All students must abide by all school rules, as well as any rules set forth by the Band Director. The Band Director(s) will carry out discipline matters. Please see the attached list of disciplinary procedures.
Attitude:
Band students must always keep a positive attitude. The attitude of an organization will determine how far that organization will go. They should learn to have discipline in practice routines, as well as in class and in public. A positive attitude will help them build success not only in Band, but also in life.
Band Policies:
All students should show signs of daily progress through practice at home. Individual consistent practice habits are vital for the organization’s success. Every student will take their horns home every night and practice. A grade will be taken daily to ensure that your student is practicing. Please encourage your student to practice daily.
Grading Policy:
Grades are based on participation, attendance, playing exams, rehearsals, and performances. Students will receive a grade for each section listed. ~Performances will be 50%, playing tests and lessons will be 25%, and participation/attendance/rehearsals (daily grade) will be 25%. UNEXCUSED TARDIES & ABSENCES will affect the overall average of the student’s grade.
Student Responsibility:
All students are responsible for their own actions. ~Students should and can show responsibility by:
1. Consistent practice- this is necessary to become better as an individual and a group.
2. Punctuality- to be early is to be on time!
3. Be prepared – always have the necessary supplies
4. Communicate with and respect your Director, Parents, Band Leaders and Peers
5. Be courteous and listen- don’t talk when the person in charge is talking!
6. Ask On Task Questions
7. Follow ALL Classroom and School Rules
Being responsible will help build a stronger Band!!
Attendance:
All Band members are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances unless excused by the Director. ~It is vital that you coordinate Band with School and other activities. There may be occasional added band functions, so please stay aware, these are mandatory as well. ~Few exceptions will be made, so please be aware of your schedule at all times.
Absence – A student is absent when they do not participate in a band function.
Performances:
All absences from performances must be excused in advance through a meeting between the Director and a parent and/or guardian of the Band member. ~(Exceptions will be made for extreme emergencies).
EXCUSES: ~1. Illness of Band member or close relative requiring the member’s presence
~2. Death in the family
A request for absence of other events such as weddings, etc. must be presented to the Director in advance by the parent and/or guardian. ~Otherwise, the absence will not be excused. ~In case of illness, the member should personally notify the director and section leader; do not merely “send word.”
After School Rehearsals:
The same as a performance.
Classroom Rehearsals:
Normal school procedures will be followed for absences and tardiness during regular school periods.
Tardiness:
A student is tardy when they are not in their prescribed place with their instrument/equipment ready to rehearse/perform.
Note: ~You are expected to be at all Band functions on time. ~This includes all rehearsals, performances, in and after school.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. ~Listed is a description of tardies and absences: ~
Excused Tardy – minus 20% of the specific grade (20/25 or 40/50).
Unexcused Tardy – minus 100% of the specific grade & minus 1% of the overall nine weeks average.
Excused Absence – minus 20% of the specific grade (20/25 or 40/50).
Unexcused Absence – minus 100% of the specific grade
If the students is tardy or absent due to another school function or activity, NO POINTS WILL BE TAKEN OFF OF THEIR GRADE.
Communication is the key. ~If we know about your tardy or absence ahead of time (i.e. phone call, email, or note from parent), it will be considered as an excused tardy/absence. ~If we did not know about the tardy or absence ahead of time (did not receive a phone call or a note from a parent) then it will be considered unexcused. ~The Band Director has final approval on excused and unexcused tardies/absences and will consider each request on an individual basis. ~Remember, your absence hurts you, your section, and the entire band.
Etiquette:
All Band members should want to be part of a high-class organization. ~This means every member must show good behavior and ideals on and off the field. ~You must conduct yourself in a proper way while in the presence of others.
Classroom Etiquette:
1.~~~~~~Get to class on time. ~Be quick and quiet. ~Be ready to begin on time.
2.~~~~~~Do not put away you instrument/materials until dismissed by the Director.
3.~~~~~~Always be prepared.
4.~~~~~~Show respect to whoever is leading the class.
5.~~~~~~Do not play unless asked to do so.
6.~~~~~~Listen carefully for instructions.
7.~~~~~~No food or drink is allowed in the Band room at any time (unless allowed by the director)!!
8.~~~~~~No candy, gum, etc. allowed in the band room (unless allowed by the director).
Marching Band Etiquette:
1.~~~~~~Never show disrespect to the Director or any leader.
2.~~~~~~Do not play unless asked to do so.
3.~~~~~~Listen carefully and follow all instructions.
Stadium Etiquette:
1.~~~~~~Listen to and watch the Director and Drum Major(s) at all times.
2.~~~~~~Do no play unless asked to do so.
3.~~~~~~Sectional cheers must be approved by the Director prior to performing them.
4.~~~~~~Support the cheerleaders, and do not interrupt a cheer.
5.~~~~~~No food or drinks allowed in stands without the Director’s approval.
6.~~~~~~Stay in your spot.
7.~~~~~~The Band performs as a unit, not as individuals.
8.~~~~~~Show respect to other bands. ~You will be called to attention while the playing/singing of the National Anthem and other schools’ Alma Maters take place.
9.~~~~~~Always be courteous toward other bands. ~Do not use derogatory comments toward them.
10.~~~~~When entering the stands, remain at attention until the entire band is ready to be seated.
11.~~~~~Always remain in full uniform (hats, gloves, etc.) ~Unless instructed other wise.
12.~~~~~After 3rd quarter breaks, be ready to go by 1 minute left in 3rd quarter.
13.~~~~~Never leave the stands without permission from the director.
Bus/Travel Etiquette:
1.~~~~~~Role will be taken before leaving; you may not switch buses after role call. ~Students must remain silent during role call.
2.~~~~~~Seniors board buses first, this is a privilege.
3.~~~~~~Loud yelling, bad language, etc. will not be tolerated.
4.~~~~~~Rough play and “close contact” will not be tolerated.
5.~~~~~~You must remain quiet while inside city limits.
6.~~~~~~Yelling out the window, littering, or hanging arms, etc. out windows is not tolerated.
7.~~~~~~You must travel to and from performances with the band. ~Any exceptions must be taken up with the Director by a parent/guardian prior to that performance.
Uniforms:
The uniform for the 2007-2008 School year will consist of the following
Marching Season: Band T-shirt, Pullover, Khaki Pants
Concert Season: White and Black Attire
Use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs:
See the school policy outlined in your school handbook for any questions.
______________________________________________________________________________
Keep the handbook. ~Cut, sign, and return the slip below to band director.
Date: _________________
I have read and understand the rules outlined in the Marion Band Handbook.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________
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