Band Student Handbook Welcome to new and returning members of the Medford High School Band program!

This Student Handbook has been designed to answer many of your questions about the concert, marching, and jazz bands. You will learn about the wide array of activities planned for the school year and how the MHS band functions during its many trips and performances. It is very important that you read this handbook carefully and become familiar with you responsibilities as an MHS band student. Please see the Acknowledgement Form at the end of the handbook, which must be signed and returned prior to auditioning.

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Table of Contents INDEPENDENT PRACTICE! GRADING POLICY FOR BAND! ATTENDANCE! LATE POLICY! SPORTS! EXTRA REHEARSALS AND SECTIONALS! PERFORMANCES AND DRESS REHEARSALS! TRIPS! BAND UNIFORMS! MUSIC! SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS! MUSIC ROOMS AND INSTRUMENT STORAGE! SCHOOL POLICIES! SECTION LEADERS! DRUM MAJOR! BAND OFFICERS! PRESIDENT:! VICE PRESIDENT:! TREASURER:! SECRETARY:! FUNCTIONS MANAGER:! WEBMASTER! CANCELLATIONS! BAND PARENT ORGANIZATION! BAND BANQUET! BAND CAMP! BAND HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM! EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION! 4! 4! 4! 5! 5! 5! 6! 6! 7! 7! 8! 8! 9! 9! 10! 10! 10! 11! 11! 11! 11! 12! 12! 12! 13! 13! 15! 16!

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Independent Practice
Daily practice is strongly recommended. There is no set standard amount of time for daily practice. Each student is encouraged to spend at least 45 minutes per day on his or her instrument to ensure the individuals success and the success of the ensemble. Remember, The group is only as good as the weakest playing member, so practice hard and often!

Grading Policy for Band

The Band Director will grade students. The quarter grade will be based on attendance at rehearsals, performances and sectionals, performance in sectionals, and overall musicality. The following list is the actual percentage system to be used in the weighting of each students grade. 50% - Class Preparedness (Coming to class with music prepared, a pencil, music and instrument) 20% - Effort/ Behavior (Representing the City of Medford with a positive attitude and respecting all members and staff of the band, as well as all others we interact with at events and performances) 20% - Concerts/ Events- (Attendance at all concerts/ competitions/ events outside of school hours is mandatory, unless otherwise stated) 10% - Playing Exams- (Given at the discretion of the Band Director on parts that have been reviewed and practiced during class/ rehearsals)

Attendance
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. The Band Director, when possible, will grant excused absences with written parental/ guardian notice given a minimum of 48 hours prior to rehearsals and a minimum of four weeks notice prior to performances. The Band Director will handle emergencies on an individual basis. In such circumstances, parents need to inform the Band Director in writing. The schedule for the year is available to all band students and families (in hard copy and on our websitemedfordband.wordpress.com. Please try to schedule trips, vacations, and work to avoid any conflicts with rehearsals and/or performances. Each member of the band is critical to the total

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performance of the entire group. It is not like a sports team; there are no stars, everyone is part of the performance team. One persons absence from a performance hurts the overall visual and the entire groups performance capability.

Late Policy
It is essential that each member check the schedule to determine the correct time to arrive at rehearsals and performances. Please try to be on time so that rehearsals and performances can start on time and end on time. Section Leaders will take attendance at the beginning of each rehearsal and performance. If you must be late for a rehearsal, you should inform your Section Leader and the Band Director prior to that rehearsal. Remember, To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is hurting the bands progress.

Sports
Students participation in school sports is encouraged. Each year many students participate in both the band and a sports team. Sports are as much a part of ones total education as the band program. Remember to budget your time well. Belonging to a sports team is not an excuse to miss a rehearsal or a performance, unless prior arrangements have been made with your Section Leader and the Band Director. If a conflict occurs between a students band and sports obligations, the Band Director, Student and Coach should meet to resolve the situation in the best interest of the student and each program.

Extra Rehearsals and Sectionals

Extra rehearsals may be needed throughout the school year because of the level of difficulty in the music and performance objectives. Sectionals will be scheduled as needed by the Band Director and Section Leader. Ample notification for extra rehearsals and sectionals will be given.

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Attendance is required at each students sections rehearsal. If an emergency circumstance arises, the student is responsible for informing their Section Leader and the Band Director that they will be unable to attend sectionals. Throughout the year, additional rehearsals are occasionally necessary (for example, prior to a concert). Attendance at these rehearsals is also mandatory. If unexpected circumstances arise that do not allow the student to participate, a written excuse must be given to the Band Director prior to rehearsal.

Performances and Dress Rehearsals

All performances and dress rehearsals are mandatory. Dress rehearsals are necessary, particularly prior to concerts. Failure to attend a dress rehearsal will affect a students ability to participate in the concert or other performance. Each performance is the demonstration to our community of the bands effort and abilities. The absence of even one band member hinders the entire performance. With this in mind, failure to attend a performance, without prior approval of the Band Director, will constitute ground for denial of future band activities and/or performances at the discretion of the Band Director. Failure to attend will also impact the students award eligibility at the end of the year and grade for the quarter. The schedule lists all performances for the year. Additional performances may be added or changed early enough for family planning. In the event that emergencies occur causing a student to be unable to participate in either a dress rehearsal for a concert, a written excuse from a parent/ guardian must be given to the Band Director four weeks prior to the performance. In the case of last minute emergencies, a parent must email the Band Director as soon as possible so that performance adjustments can be made. If the Band Director excuses the student from the performance, it will not affect his/ her standing for awards at the end of the school year or that quarters grade.

Trips
All students will travel to and from all band activities by school transportation. If a parent wishes to take a child at the completion of an activity, or before the activity ends (such as a football game or competition) the student must present a note from the parent/ guardian to the Band Director in advance of the trip. In addition, verbal communication between the

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parent/guardian and the Band Director upon taking the student is required. When riding the school bus, there will be no smoking, drugs or alcohol allowed. Students are to keep their bodies inside the bus. There is to be no physical contact between band members. Instruments will not be played and banging on the sides of the bus is not allowed. All school rules apply while traveling with the band. Remember we are representing the City of Medford whenever we travel.

Band Uniforms
Each student is issued a marching band uniform at Band Camp after returning a parent signed uniform agreement to the uniform manager. Students are responsible for keeping their uniform clean and pressed, and in good repair at all times. The uniform should only be dry-cleaned. Students should not come to a performance with a dirty or wrinkled uniform. Alterations will be done only with the Band Directors consent. Each student must provide his or her own black shoes and long socks and white gloves. The shoes and gloves can be purchased at National Music, Inc., 394 Main St. Woburn (781-933-6300). The concert band uniform is black shoes, black socks; black pants for males, black pants/ a skirt or dress and black nylons for females, and a white length/ long sleeved dress shirt or blouse. Seniors return their marching band uniforms after the Memorial Day Ceremony. They are also responsible for giving the money for a dry-cleaning to the uniform manager so that the uniforms may be clean for next year. Students are responsible for replacing or repairing any damaged or lost uniforms or parts of the uniform.

Music
Every student will receive large quantities of music throughout the year for the different performing groups. Each student is expected to keep all the music throughout the year. Those who lose their music should speak to their Section Leaders. Students who lose original copies of music will also be responsible for paying for replacement music.

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School Owned Instruments

Students who would like to switch to a new instrument or learn a second instrument should speak to the Band Director about making the switch. Those students that play or would like to play a school owned saxophone, trombone, baritone, oboe, French horn, piccolo, bass clarinet, tuba or percussion must fill out an Instrument Loan Agreement and have a parent/guardian and the Band Director sign it. The student is responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the instrument. The school will assume full responsibility for annual repair. There is no cost for the general use of the instrument, but if the student abuses the instrument or it is stolen or lost, it is the student and parents responsibility to repair or replace the instrument. Remember that it is a privilege to use school equipment. The school does not have a large quantity of these instruments, so use will be determined on a first come, first served basis. A students instrumental switch also depends on that years current ensemble instrumentation needs.

Music Rooms and Instrument Storage

The student should always make sure that their instrument is put in their assigned locker to avoid confusion and clutter in the band room. The instrument should not be left out in the music room during the school day, after school, or over the weekend. It should also never be left in the hallway outside of the band room as theft could occur. Music should always be stored appropriately as well, either in ones school locker or assigned locker in the cages. The students should also make sure to not leave their trash in the band room. It the students responsibility to clean up after him/herself, not the Band Directors. Items left in the band room will be placed in the Lost and Found for up to four weeks, and will either be thrown away or donated if not claimed.

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School Policies
Concerning the dropping of any music classes or the violation of any school policies, the parent and student should refer to the MHS Student Handbook that the school provides to every student on the first day of school. School policies are always in force for any band activities in or out of school. Middle School students may be considered for inclusion in the MHS Band or Color Guard at the discretion of the Band Director, to be approved by the administration.

Section Leaders
All students are welcome to apply to become a Section Leader. You do not have to be the best player in your section to become a Section Leader. Interested students should request an application from the Band Director during early April. Completed applications should be returned to the Band Director prior to April Vacation. Section Leaders are chosen by the Band Director and technicians based on the application and observations made of the candidates throughout the year. It is the Section Leaders responsibility to hand music out to their section, to always know his/her parts, to ensure that the other members of their section know their parts, take attendance at all rehearsals and performances, make members aware of all the workings of the band program and let the Band Director know of any problems that may occur within their section. They are also responsible for making any phone calls concerning cancellations, time changes and calling students who do not show up for rehearsal. Section Leaders are also required to attend Section Leader and Officer meetings once a week after school on Wednesdays. During the summer these meetings are one half-hour prior to rehearsal. It is expected that the Section Leader will call additional rehearsals when necessary to help the other members for their section keep pace.

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Drum Major
The position of Drum Major is open to any member of the band. You do not have to be a senior or be the best player to become a Drum Major of the band. Interested students should fill out an application which is available through the Band Director. Students should get the application during early April, complete and return it before April Vacation, and sign up for an interview. The Director and technicians/ instructors will choose Drum Majors. The Drum Major will be chosen on the basis of the application process, conducting the band, giving commands, musicianship and leadership. Drum Majors are also chosen based on observations the Director and technicians have made of the candidates throughout the year. Also, being Drum Major one year does not guarantee a person the position of front field Drum Major for the next year, nor does it automatically qualify them for a second year as Drum Major. The Drum Major is responsible for conducting the band during marching season, running rehearsals and the general direction of the band at all events. They are also required to attend all Section Leader and Officer meetings once a week after school on Wednesdays, and one half-hour prior to summer rehearsals.

Band Officers
All members of the band are welcome to run for office in the band program. At the band banquet each year, band officers for the following year will be elected by their fellow classmates. Any students interested in running for an officer position must sign up prior to the banquet. Students may run for up to 3 officer positions. After the Band Director has approved them, all candidates for officer positions will be listed and elections will be held at the end-ofyear banquet. Officers will be elected in the following order: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Webmaster, and Functions Managers. Votes will be counted by the Band Director and/or by another technician. The results will be announced immediately. The following is a description of the positions that students may run for:

President:
Organize committees for events and fundraisers

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Attend BPO meetings Planning and executing extra-curricular activities Count how many people will attend each event and what we need to provide, etc. Find out what people are interested in doing for activities or trips Delegate responsibility to all other officers Assist Functions Manager when needed

Vice President:
Aids the president in his/her duties Conducts pencil checks Take attendance at all meetings Organize the annual banquet Assists Functions Manager when needed

Treasurer:
Collect and organize money for events and fundraisers Make sure everyone gets all materials needed for fundraisers Meet with the BPO treasurer as often as needed

Secretary:
Write thank you notes when needed Write out invitations to certain people (superintendent, principals, etc.) to concerts and events Send the weekly results from competitions, performances, etc. to the newspapers, principals and the superintendent Make phone calls when necessary (call Section Leaders to call their sections, etc.) Complete all paperwork for competitions Send lists of names to appropriate people for all field trips

Functions Manager:
Make sure equipment and rehearsal sites are fully prepared for rehearsals Organize truck loading crew Get things that are needed for events, parties, etc. ready and bring it to location Regular maintenance of music facilities Preparation for concerts and performances (set-up, clean-up, etc.) Copy music when needed (for concert, marching and jazz bands) Hand out music to section leaders Keep the original copies filed

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Collect and organize music when weve finished with it Keep scores filed for Drum Majors and instructors

Webmaster
Is!in!charge!of!maintaining,!designing,!implementing,!debugging!and!updating!all!of!the!bands! online!accounts!and!webpages! Is!in!charge!of!all!graphic!design!for!the!band! Head!of!all!technical!work!done!in!or!outside!the!Band!including,!but!not!limited!to! Prepared!to!put!together!and!edit!presentations!and!other!materials!for!the!band.! Takes!the!responsibility!for!content,!quality,!design,!and!style!for!all!online!and!graphic!design! material.! Should!be!prepared!to!spend!almost!all!time!and!many!resources!outside!of!Band!to!preform! their!duties.! Any!other!technology!or!design!duties!can!be!added!at!the!Band!Directors!discretion!within! reason.! A!failure!to!carry!out!these!duties!in!a!timely!fashion!on!numerous!occasions!will!result!in!being! stripped!of!the!position.!

Cancellations
If a performance or rehearsal has to be cancelled due to weather conditions or a last minute emergency, the Band Officers and Section Leaders will call all members of the band as soon as a decision has been made and website will be updated as soon as possible. If you do not receive a telephone call and the website has not been updated, you should still arrive at the scheduled time for the event. If you feel the need to call someone, please call your Section Leader.

Band Parent Organization

The Medford High School Band Parents Organization holds their meetings the first Monday of every month. Please be sure to check the schedule for the year, because sometimes holidays land on the first week, and the meeting date has either been moved up or back one week depending on the month. Meetings will be held in the Band Room of the high school and will start at 6:30 PM. All parents of band and color guard members are encouraged to attend these meetings. Without parents support, the band would not be able to carry out the many activities it plans every year. We hope to grow the BPO so that we can have more successful fundraisers

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and hold events throughout the year. We hope to see many parents at the first BPO meeting in August (August 5th).

Band Banquet
Every year the MHS BPO will host the annual Band Banquet and awards night for all band students. This event gives students in the band a chance to receive awards for all the hard work they put into the program. In order for the student to be eligible for the award at the end of the year, the student must participate in all performances with the group during the school year, and do various activities and jobs during the school year, unless the Band Director has excused them. The awards are as follows:

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA BAND AWARD BAND DIRECTORS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE HORGAN AWARDS TEACHERS PET BEST MARCHERS UNSUNG HEROES MOST IMPROVED MVP

Band Camp
Band camp is a two-week experience (9am-12 noon and 4pm-8pm) in August designed to begin preparations for the upcoming football games, band competitions and parade seasons. During these two weeks, music will be practiced, students will learn to march and play their instruments, and in some cases, students will relearn how to march and play. In addition, the band will be learning the drill for the field show. We require all students to participate during the two-week period, because it is very difficult to teach drill formations when people are absent. If there is rain, rehearsals will take place in the Band Room and Cages. All students should report rain or shine.

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During the day, there will be breaks for rest and hydration. There will be a 4-hour break from 12 noon- 4pm. Students may go home for lunch or bring a lunch. Students should always eat a good breakfast in the morning before arriving and be ready to work hard! Students should dress for the weather because it can get very hot on some of the days. It is strongly encouraged that all students wear a hat to keep the sun off their heads, wear sun block to prevent sunburns, and sunglasses. Students are required to dress appropriately in athletic wear- no jeans, skirts, dresses, sandals or flip-flops. If a student does not arrive appropriately dressed they will be sent home to change. Students should also come with a water bottle labeled with their name (we will have water to refill bottles, but we will not be providing cups) and plenty of snacks. Every year after the last day of Band Camp (Friday), there is an end of band camp cook out. It takes place at 5PM. All members/ sections will be assigned something to bring. So, come to the high school and enjoy some food and the groups first performance of the season!

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Band Handbook Acknowledgement Form

I have read all the information in the band handbook and understand all the procedures concerning rehearsals, duties and most importantly, performances. I also understand that not following these rules could result in one or more of the following consequences: a lower band grade at the end of the quarter, exclusion from a major performance and not being eligible to receive awards at the annual band banquet. I understand that it is my responsibility to adhere to the guidelines in the handbook in order to be a responsible and dedicated member of the MHS Band.

Student signature

Date

Parent signature

Date

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Emergency Contact Information

Students Name Last

First

Students address

Students telephone number(s)

Parents Name Last

First

Relation to student

Parents address (if different from student)

Parents telephone number(s)

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