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Central Hardin High School

                      Band Handbook

2008-2009

This handbook is designed to help you better understand all aspects of the marching band program at Central Hardin High School.  Please read through all of the information carefully and complete the last page and return to Mr. Centers (this must be returned in order to participate in marching band).

If you do not understand the information in the handbook, please contact the Band Director or any of the Executive Board Committee who would be able to answer or clarify any questions or concerns that you have.

David Centers

Director of Bands

Central Hardin High School

******************NOTE******************

The Parent/Student Acknowledgment Form and medical Form MUST be completed and signed before any student will be allowed to participate in the marching program.

Band Staff

David Centers - Director

Ken Allen- Assistant Director

Matt Baucum - Assistant Director

John Harris  - Percussion

Kaleena Pizzillo - Color Guard

CENTRAL HARDIN BAND ENSEMBLES:

MARCHING BAND begins in the summer and concludes at the end of October/early November depending on State Competition dates. Rehearsals are mandatory and held consistently after school and are scheduled well in advance so that all members can avoid unnecessary conflicts.  The marching band performs at various competitions throughout the state on Saturdays in September and October, and they perform at ALL home football games on Friday nights.  Attendance at football games and competitions is mandatory.  Expenses are required and are non-refundable.

Notes about Concert and Symphonic Class –

q       Students must have a good quality instrument (often times the middle school instrument is fine, but if you have questions – ask the band director)

o       Some instruments may not be acceptable if they are in poor repair or are inappropriate

q       Woodwind players must use good quality, real cane reeds.  Plastic reeds are not acceptable.  WW players should also have no less than 3 good reeds at all times.

q       Brass players may need to purchase mutes depending on the music being performed (the band owns a limited number of mutes)

q       Percussion students must own a pair of all wood drum sticks (Vic Firth SD-1 or Innovative Percussion CL-1) and a practice pad.

CONCERT BAND is a year-round ensemble.  Rehearsals are a part of the regular school day, and students must be scheduled in one of the two semesters in order to be a part of the group and participate in KMEA solo and ensemble and All-District/All-State festivals and auditions.  After school rehearsals are required on occasion and attendance is mandatory.  Concerts are mandatory and are held once or twice a semester.  Students in Concert, percussion, or Symphonic class can earn A&H credit.

SYMPHONIC  BAND is a year-round ensemble. This is the PREMIER instrumental ensemble at CHHS.  Students for this ensemble are selected through an audition process or by appointment by the band director. Rehearsals are a part of the regular school day, and students must be scheduled in one of the two semesters in order to be a part of the group and participate in KMEA solo and ensemble and All-District/All-State festivals and auditions.  After school rehearsals are required on occasion and attendance is mandatory.  Concerts are also mandatory and are held once or twice a semester.

PEP BAND plays at select home basketball games (boys and girls) and tournament games at the end of the season. The band may get to travel for tournaments. Once members have signed up to participate, attendance is required at all scheduled games. If a conflict cannot be avoided, a substitute player may be used. The pep band shirt is required to be worn for all games.

JAZZ BAND begins after marching season ends.  Students will be selected by audition.  Rehearsals are scheduled after school once a week from 3:30 - 5:30. Attendance is mandatory. This ensemble performs concerts around Hardin County.

WINTER PERCUSSION begins after marching season ends.  Students will be selected by audition.  Rehearsals will be after school and attendance is mandatory.  There are expenses to participate which cover items and fees for competition.

WINTER GUARD will be held after school through the winter months and will consist of a winter camp for color guard to strengthen skills. Students will be selected by audition. There are expenses to participate which cover items and fees for competition. Participation in marching band is mandatory for winter guard members.

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ATTENDANCE

EVERY PERSON IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.  Unlike other teams, we cannot afford to have someone “sit out.”  When someone is missing from the marching form, it can cost the entire band valuable points at competitions and makes it very difficult to perform a show.  When someone misses, they let down the entire band!  We count on you!

In order to maintain a successful program, ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY at all rehearsals, events and performances. Students must be at rehearsal ON TIME as well.  All conflicts to rehearsals and performances must be submitted in writing 2 weeks prior to the event.  The following rules are non-negotiable:

1. If a student misses a rehearsal prior to a performance for an un-excused reason, that student WILL NOT PERFORM in the next performance. They will, however, be expected to attend the performance and participate in all other capacities. They will stand on the sideline at attention during the performance.  (Refer to rule #5)

2. If a student has one un-excused absence, that student will make up the time and will be assigned “make up” work by the directors.

3. After the second un-excused absence, the student and parent will meet with the directors and appropriate disciplinary action will occur which can include removal from the band program.

4. Students who are late without an excused absence will be required to make up the time.  Students who are consistently tardy will be subject to removal from the ensemble.

5. If a student misses a performance without an excused absence, THE STUDENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE ENSEMBLE.

Half of life is showing up.

Success does not come from luck, but from diligence, repetition, and hard work.

Hard work shows the character of a person:

some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all  - Sam Ewing

A few examples of:

*EXCUSED ABSENCES*

PERSONAL ILLNESS - A phone call AND a note from the parent is required. A doctor's note is required after the third consecutive absence.

DEATH IN THE FAMILY or SUDDEN ILLNESS - Please send a note and call.

SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES - Arrangements must be discussed with the director and the sponsor of the other activity.

*UNEXCUSED ABSENCES*

WORK

PERSONAL MATTERS - (i.e. doctor's / dentist's appointments not relating to illness, social issues, dates, etc...)

CONCERTS (ex: attending a rock concert)

SPORTING EVENTS

PERSONAL OR FAMILY TRAVEL (especially for contests!)

The list of examples above does not include every situation. The director is ultimately responsible for determining if an absence is excused or unexcused.

If a conflict arises, please inform the band director as soon as possible. The sooner the director is aware of a situation, the more likely a problem can be solved.  Please write down the situation on paper and turn in to the director.

Don’t wait until the last minute or your request will probably be turned down.  When in doubt, ask!

YEARLY AWARDS FOR BAND

Bars will be given for every successful completion of one year in marching band. A “band” emblem or bar will be awarded for every successful completion of a year in concert/symphonic band. Successful completion of the band year is defined by:

·         A passing grade for the year in Concert Band/Symphonic Band

or

·         Successful participation in Marching Band (appropriate attendance and attending ALL performances/competitions)

Additional Recognition will be given for successful completion of the following ensembles and events:

·                      Pep Band Games

·                      Jazz Band

·                      Winter Drumline

·                      Winter Guard

·         Solo and Ensemble

·                      All-District Band

·         All-State Band

·         Honor Bands

 BAND RULES

1. Appropriate behavior is expected at all times!  Professionalism and responsibility is required from every student! (School policies apply, and dismissal from the ensemble can occur if rules are broken.)  Inappropriate language will not be tolerated by anyone associated with the band.

2. Take care of your things!  Each student is responsible for his/her own music and equipment. Any repairs and/or problems with music or equipment must be taken care of before rehearsal.

3. No food, drinks, or gum will be allowed in the band room. PERIOD!  This is your room - take care of it.  Our room should show our professionalism.

4. No public displays of affections/inappropriate behavior.

5. Students will sit together at contests and at football games.  Band members will sit in appropriate sections without moving throughout football games.  While at competitions, always support ALL other bands.

DRESS CODE Marching Band

All students wearing band uniforms must wear under the uniform:

·                      BLACK SOCKS

·                      WHITE T-SHIRT with sleeves

·                      SHORTS

ALSO,

·                      Long hair will be pinned up and secured under the uniform hat.

·                      Summer shirts will be worn to all contests and most football games. Khaki shorts are required for the summer uniform.

Students will remain in full uniform at each contest until otherwise instructed by the band director.  DO NOT WALK AROUND IN HALF UNIFORM!!! 

 BAND CAMP and EARLY WEEK

Early Week will be held from June 16 - 20, 9:00 – 4:30.

Band camp will be held from July 14 - 25, 8:00 - 8:00.

What to WEAR:

·                      TENNIS SHOES - REQUIRED (NO other shoes are permitted)

·                      SOCKS - REQUIRED (you will get blisters if you do not protect your ankles.  Sitting out for blisters that were preventable will be considered an UN-EXCUSED ABSENCE!)

·                      Comfortable summer clothing (Dress smart and appropriately)

·                      Wear a cap or hat (this will protect you from the sun and keep you cool)

·                      SUN BLOCK !(min. of SPF 30) - (YOU WILL BURN IF YOU DO NOT PROTECT YOURSELF.  Sitting out because of sunburn will be considered an UN-EXCUSED ABSENCE if it has occurred because you did not protect yourself.)

What to Bring:

·                      WATER!  Each student should bring a smaller Coleman-type cooler with ice-water for each day. 

·                      SUN BLOCK! - very important - (bring extra) see above

·                      Music, Instrument, Pencil

All students should eat a good breakfast before coming to camp, you WILL need the energy.  Everyone will be working hard and it is difficult to do so on an empty stomach.

·                      DO NOT DRINK MILK and other foods that may sour on your stomach.  

·                      The school will provide a FREE lunch for the students.  However students may bring their own food or walk to McDonald’s to get food.

·                      Do not bring any type of carbonated drinks on the field.   Water or sports drinks like Gatorade are best for this type of activity.

******NOTE******

Students will NOT be allowed to leave campus during band camp, except they will be allowed to walk to the McDonald's nearest CHHS.  NO DRIVING WILL BE PERMITTED.                  

                       MEDICAL FORMS

A completed medical form and physical is required for each student. These forms will be in the possession of the Band Director or head chaperone at all times. These forms must be completed by the student and a physician and must be submitted before band camp.

NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED. THIS IS A SCHOOL AND BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY!!

Unfortunately accidents do occur. A first aid kit is always available. We also try to have someone with medical experience travel with the band. On the overnight trips we will always have a medical person with us. (i.e. registered nurse, aid, technician, paramedic, etc...)

EXPENSES* FOR MARCHING BAND MEMBERS

It is very costly to run a successful competitive band program.  The booster organization does a fantastic job of fundraising to help provide services that the band requires on a regular basis. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to raise all of the money needed, so each student asked to reimburse the boosters a portion of the cost for the individual student incurred throughout the season.  Some of these expenses include props for show, transportation, music, drill arrangements, recordings, guard equipment and uniforms, percussion equipment, food and beverages for contest days... 

The following is the reimbursable expenses for the 2006 marching season:

          $350

          This can be paid in installments. 

          $100 needs to be paid by the end of Early Week

          All fees need to be paid by the end of Band Camp

MONEY CAN BE EARNED FOR STUDENT ACCOUNTS THROUGH FUNDRAISERS!  MANY OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE PROVIDED - IT IS POSSIBLE TO PAY YOUR FEES WITH FUNDRAISER PROCEEDS!

*Money should never be a determining factor in anyone participating.  We want to make sure that everyone who wants to participate can do so.   There are some options, if needed, for paying the band expenses; Payment plans, and fundraisers are available to those who are interested. Please see the director or booster president for any money issues. 

Payments may be placed in the black box in the band room.

If you have questions about your band account, expenses, or finances, you can talk with the band director and/or Mike Richardson, Band Treasurer

                                    ****NOTE****

All paid expenses are NON-REFUNDABLE

EXPENSES FOR COLOR GUARD and PERCUSSION MEMBERS

Additional expenses may be required for certain color guard equipment and percussion equipment for personal use and practice (such as color guard undergarments).  Details will be given when the show design is completed. 

TRIPS

TRANSPORTATION

School buses transport students to contests, concerts, parades, etc.... Students are assigned to buses and a student list for each bus is in the band room for general information.  There is no cost to the students for school bus transportation. 

Students will ride the bus to and from each contest.  It is asked that all students return home with the band unless there are extenuating circumstances*.  We are one band, we work and perform as one band, and we will travel as one band. 

*If there are extenuating circumstances, a written letter of request must be given to the band director for approval no less than 3 days before the event/trip in question.  Exceptions for medical and family emergencies will be made.  The parent is then responsible for getting in touch with the head chaperone to let him/her know that their child will be riding home with them.

No student will be allowed to drive to any competition!

Each student will conform to the code of conduct set forth by the State Board of Education, Hardin County School Board and the bus driver.

We encourage all guests to attend band related functions.  Only band members, teachers, and parents (depending on room) are allowed to ride the buses.  No boyfriends/girlfriends are allowed.

CHAPERONES

WE NEED YOU!  Parents serve as chaperones on band trips.  There is one chaperone for every 10 students.  Chaperones will be in charge for the duration of the trip.  Chaperones should ensure that rules are followed and that every student conducts himself/herself in a manner that promotes a positive image.  Chaperones are not responsible for direct supervision of the students while the band is in warm-up or performance.  ANY discipline that may be needed is the sole responsibility of the directors.

Chaperones should behave with professionalism at all times with appropriate language and attitudes.  Always be positive and supportive.

CONTEST SEATING

Cheering parents, friends, alumni, classmates, etc...are encouraged to sit together as a group to cheer for the band during the performance.  The supporting crowd for the band often has a positive effect on the judges as well as our own Marching Band Members.

CONTEST PARKING

Parents and spectators are NOT permitted to park with the school busses and equipment truck while at competitions.  Separate parking for spectators will be provided at each competition.  Please follow the signs and instructions of the hosts of each contest at which we participate.

CONTEST ETIQUETTE

Parents,  Spectators, and fans of the CHHS Band should show support for ALL bands at the competitions.  BOOING, JEERING, and RUDE COMMENTS are considered inappropriate and reflect poorly on our students, school, and staff.  Please remain positive of all bands that perform. 

GENERAL BAND ETIQUETTE

Please remain positive at all times when around the students and on school property.  Cursing around or at students is inappropriate.  For the well being of our students, please refrain from smoking in the general vicinity of our students, especially around the rehearsal areas, school busses, and equipment vehicles.

BOOSTER ORGANIZATION

WE NEED YOU!!!!!!!

The band booster organization is a non-profit, tax-exempt group whose membership is composed of all parents/guardians of students in the band program and any individual having an interest in the band program. The booster's goals are to promote interest, goodwill, financial support, support of the program, and are required to be the CHEERING SECTION for the band and school to show their BRUIN PRIDE.

The group operates on a budget developed by the officers, board of directors, band directors, and approved by the general membership. Upon request, the budget will be made available for review.

         Booster meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, except during marching season when meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

The following is a list of some of the things the booster organization provides for the band:

·    The show for marching season, i.e. music, drill, drill writer, etc.....

·         Assists in purchasing band instruments: tubas, percussion equipment

·         Assists in purchasing new band and guard uniforms

·    Band camp expenses (above the amount collected from students)

·          Scholarship funds

·    Office expenses (postage, stationary, etc..)

·         Percussion, Guard, and band camp Instructors

·    Field Commander’s Camp

·         Guard Equipment and uniforms

·         Equipment and food for concession stands (football games, the Heartland Festival, Cecilia Days, Glendale Days)

In order to provide funding for the above expenses, the booster organization has numerous fundraisers. Listed below are some of the events, which the boosters are involved.

·         Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby

·         Concessions for all high school home football games

·         Selling discount cards

·    Yard sale

·         Heartland Festival

·         Cecilia Days

·         Glendale Days

·         Classic Car Show

·    Papa John's Pizza

·          Craft Fair

·          Hosting Band Competition

·    Many different fundraisers sold throughout the year i.e. lollipops, footballs, cheer sticks, umbrellas, barrel bags, megaphones, etc...

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to volunteer their time and effort to the band booster organization. It takes all of us to have a successful band program!!! If you have any questions or ideas for fundraisers, please get in touch with the 2nd Vice President who is in charge of the Ways and Means Committee or any other Executive Board Member.

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT AND AGREEMENT