PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
All band students are permitted and expected to participate in school concerts, parades, sports events, pep assemblies or other school functions in which the band takes part throughout the school year.
The appearance of the band in a public performance is the most important obligation of each student involved. Performance dates will be announced well in advance, when possible, so that individual plans can be made accordingly. Failure to participate in public performances will impair not only the performance capabilities of the band, but also the academic achievement of the student and his or her eligibility with the organization.
GRADING
Grades for each class will be broken up into three areas:
1. DAILY GRADE
2. PERFORMANCE GRADE
3. PLAYING/WRITTEN EVALUATIONS.
DAILY GRADE: Students receive 10 points everyday that they are on time and follow all class rules. When a student is late, or breaks a rule during class, they will not receive that day’s 10 points.
VARSITY BAND ONLY: During marching season and contest season, 100 points per day are possible for attending 7:15 am rehearsals. Points are deducted for number of minutes tardy. Once a student is 20 minutes late, this will result in 0 points awarded for that day. A student is considered “on time” when they are seated, with instrument, ready to perform at 7:15am.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: Each performance that is required is worth 1000 points per performance. Point deductions will be made according to tardiness at 100 points for each 5 minute interval. Students who fail to attend and perform at a required performance will not receive 1000 points. There are no excused or unexcused absences. Required performances are:
HIGH SCHOOL BAND
FOOTBALL GAMES WHICH WE PARTICIPATE IN
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
MID-WINTER CONCERT (CONTEST CLINIC)
SPRING CONCERT
Other performance opportunities such as contest, solo-ensemble, honor bands, basketball games etc. will count as extra credit.
PLAYING/WRITTEN EVALUATIONS:
HIGH SCHOOL BAND: Students will have to perform from memory the marching show music for one of the band directors by the following deadline:
Kung Fu Fighting Aug 29
Hand Jive Sept. 12
Boom Boom Sept. 26
Let’s Dance Oct. 10
Students can make an appointment at their convenience anytime before or after school before the deadline date. Students who meet the deadline, but do not receive an A can replay their assignment anytime during the first semester. The grading scale for each song is as follows:
0 – 2 mistakes = A
3 – 6 mistakes = B
7 – 10 mistakes = C
11 – 12 mistakes = D
13 + mistakes = F
There will also be chair auditions and playing assignments during concert season for chair placement. Details and material will be announced at the end of marching season.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons, while not a requirement, are highly recommended for all students. The musical enrichment derived from private lessons will greatly benefit the student and the group as a whole. There are many qualified private teachers available. Contact the director for recommendations. The only students required to take lessons are those who switch to percussion or secondary instruments. These are required to help the student catch up to the level they were at with their primary instrument.
UNIFORM CODE
A prescribed uniform symbolic of the Deer Creek Band will be worn at all public appearances that are so designated. Each student is expected to become acquainted with the proper and only way to wear and care for the required dress. The required concert uniform is:
HIGH SCHOOL BAND
MEN: 1. White tuxedo shirt
2. Black bow tie
3. Black slacks (no denim)
4. Black belt
1. Black socks
2. Black shoes
3. Tuxedo Jacket (provided)
WOMEN: 1. Concert Dress (provided)
2. Jet black hose
3. Black flats or heels
EVERYONE: BLUE POLO SHIRTS (PURCHASED FROM BOOSTERS) IS TO BE WORN ON FOOTBALL GAME DAYS, BASKETBALL BAND, AND OTHER PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED BY DIRECTORS.
The school will provide the traditional marching uniform, which consists of black trousers, blue coat, detachable collar liner, and hat. The student must provide a blue polo shirt purchased from the boosters, black socks,, and black marching shoes. The marching shoes will be ordered from a local dealer chosen by the director. The marching shoes will be suitable for wear with the concert uniform.
It is the highest honor to be allowed to wear the uniform of your organization. When in uniform, you are no longer an individual - you are a representative of your community and your school. Acceptable jewelry to be worn with the marching uniform shall be post-type earrings and class rings. Jewelry will be allowed with the concert uniform; but, again modesty is the goal. When in marching attire, students with long hair will be required to wear it up under the hat or inside the uniform. When traveling with the group, your uniform is to be on a hanger and hung up while not wearing it. The uniform is a modified West Point military style; therefore, it is to be worn in its entirety and in a proper military manner at all times. At no time is a band member to be seen in partial uniform. There will be uniform inspections on all performance dates. Anyone whose uniform does not pass inspection will not participate that evening.
It is recommended that your uniform be cleaned at least four times during the marching season. Proper care of the uniform is paramount. The entire uniform should be cleaned at the same time. The detachable collar liner can be machine washed, but let it air dry. The remainder of the uniform is to be DRY CLEANED ONLY!! After a performance the uniform is usually soaked with perspiration. The coat and trousers should be hung separately and left to dry. DO NOT HANG A WET OR DAMP UNIFORM IN A GARMENT BAG OR OTHER TYPE OF BAG!! To prolong the life of the uniform please hang it on a formed hanger. This will keep the coat in its proper shape. Failure to comply with these uniform care rules could result in the student being required to replace the uniform. Replacement cost is $500.
EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENT AGREEMENT
Deer Creek Band has a limited number of instruments, which are available to students. It is a privilege for a student to play a school-owned instrument and, therefore, it is understood that the student will take proper care of the instrument, perform with acceptable musicianship, display exemplary discipline, maintain prompt and regular rehearsal attendance, and participate in all required performances. Failure in one or more of these areas may result in loss of playing privileges. The Band Director will contact those students who normally play school-owned instruments. In consideration of the school loaning an instrument to a student, the parent and student must sign an Instrument Agreement Form agreeing to see that the instrument is properly cared for and returned to the school when requested by the director. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY COME TO THE INSTRUMENT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE STUDENT.
It is customary for each student to provide his own instrument, parts and accessories. This includes but is not limited to reeds, ligatures, neckstraps, mouthpieces, mutes and cleaning supplies. The Band Director has a list of acceptable parts and accessories. Please check with him or her before purchasing any equipment.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rules of the classroom are as follows:
1. be in designated area at designated time by the teacher
2. follow the teacher’s instructions
3. no gum, food, drink, of any kind allowed in band room
4. no rude gestures, cruel teasing
5. keep hands feet and objects to yourself
6. do not touch anyone else’s instrument
Consequences for each rule breakage during a class period:
1. warning and loss of 10 point daily grade
2. contact parents
3. sent to office
Students who fail to come to band with their instrument will not receive their 10 points for the day and will be expected to participate in an non-playing capacity such as following along with the music, counting, etc.
MUSIC REPLACEMENT POLICY
The first copy of music is provided. Should you need another copy because of loss or damage, it will be provided at the cost of 25 cents per copy. Marching drill charts will be replaced for $1 Money raised will be put in a fund to benefit the band at the end of the year.
Concert music will be replaced for $1 per sheet.
BAND AWARDS
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS
JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA AWARD
This award is given to the outstanding senior as voted upon by the band membership. This is the highest honor a student can receive. It recognizes that students achievements over the previous 4 years. The winner of this award will receive a trophy, certificate, and a pin to put on their band letter. Their name will also be displayed on the plaque which hangs in the band room for years to come.
BAND DIRECTOR’S AWARD
This award is given to the outstanding student in the band as chosen by the Band Director(s). The criteria is based but not restricted to, individual achievement, participation, leadership, and musical ability. The winner of this award will receive a plaque and their name will be enshrined on the award plaque displayed in the band room.
PATRICK S. GILMORE AWARD
This award is given to the member of the band who has given not only to the band, but has also given to the community at large. This student must be an outstanding bandsman and also determined to be charitable of their free time. Scouting, church work, community service, school organization service group membership, are all good examples of the person who would get this award.
LETTERING IN BAND
(VARSITY BAND)
Band letters will be awarded at the spring banquet to all students who meet the following criteria:
1. No absences from required performances.
2. Perform the 12 major scales memorized in the normal range for his or her instrument. April 28, 2009 deadline
And the student’s choice of 2 of the following:
1. Audition for an area honor band.
2. Participate in an approved solo and/or ensemble contest.
3. Participate in basketball band w/perfect attendance to games
4. Participate with Jazz Band with an A average and perfect attendance to
All performances.
BAND TRIPS
HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY BAND: May 7 - 10 2009 destination TBA
Details will be forthcoming.
All school policies and rules are in effect during the entire trip. Any behavior that would require the use of a law enforcement agency will be handled at the parent’s expense that may include transportation home.
RULES ACCEPTANCE
I, _______________________________, have read and understand the information contained in this handbook. I agree to abide by these rules as stated. Should any question arise, I know to contact the Band Director for the correct answer.
Signature of student
As the parent of _________________________________, I have read and understood the information contained in this handbook. I agree to make all necessary arrangements to support my child’s participation in band and to abide by these rules as stated. Should any question arise, I know to contact the Band Director for the correct answer.
Signature of parent
INFORMATION PAGE ( PLEASE PRINT)
NAME___________________________________________________
ADDRESS________________________________________________
CITY_______________________ HOME PHONE____________
STUDENT’S BIRTHDAY________________________________________
STUDENT EMAIL__________________________________________________
PARENT EMAIL__________________________________________
PARENT(S) NAME___________________________________________________
Emails will be used for band newsletter which will be sent out each Friday for the next week.
