Marysville

Junior High

Band Handbook
Jamie Minneman, Director
Dear Band Member,

Welcome to Junior High Band at Marysville. I am looking

forward to an exciting and productive year. Our goal is to become
better musicians and be one of the best band programs in the
league, and I believe that can be accomplished with a lot of
teamwork and effort.

Being a member of the band is a huge commitment, but I believe

that we are all capable of achieving the highest levels of musical
performance while still belonging to other organizations, teams,
and church groups. It will take some extra planning and time as
well as a desire to be the best. I hope you are up for the challenge!

I look forward to getting to know all of you this year. Feel free to
stop by my office if you need anything. You may refer to this
handbook throughout the year, but feel free to ask should any other
questions arise. Lets make this a truly outstanding year for
Instrumental Music here at Marysville!

Sincerely,

Jamie Minneman
Director of Bands
Objectives:
1. Educational: To further develop musical concepts and to develop competent
performers.
2. Service: To provide quality entertainment for the high school athletic and community
events.
3. Recreational: To provide students with an outlet for creative talents and an
opportunity for social interaction among those with similar interests.

Grading: Daily Grade = 25%, Tests = 25%, Performances = 50%

Point Values
Daily Points 5
Quiz/Playing Test 40
Concert Perf. 100

Ways to Lose Points

No pencil -1
No music -3
No instrument -4
Tardy -3
Disrupting class -4
Not Participating -5

Extra Credit
For every 10 minutes of practice, you can earn 1 extra point. You may practice in the
band room before school or after school, or you may practice at home or with a friend.
Dont forget to get a practice form and have it signed by a parent. You can also earn 10
extra points by performing with the high school pep band for football or basketball
games! I will get a list of those of you that want to play before each game. Butyou
must play at the entire game and follow the same procedures as the high school students.

Grading Scale
90 - 100 A
80 - 89 B
70 - 79 C
60 - 69 D
59 & below F
Attendance:
Your attendance is vital to your success in this class as well as the success of the group.
Do your best to always be at every rehearsal and performance on time!
To be EARLY is to be ON TIME.
To be ON TIME is to be LATE.

Absence from a rehearsal

Because this is a performance-based class, you must be present to receive your daily
participation points. If you are absent, you will not receive your 5 daily points; however,
remember you can make up those 5 points by practicing for 50 minutes, which is the
same amount of time as a class period.

Absence from a performance

Band is a performance class and performances will be weighted accordingly for your
grade. Only in cases of extreme emergency or personal illness will a person be excused
from a performance. Excused absences MUST be approved by the director prior to the
performance, or you will receive a zero.

Tardy to a performance
If you are late for a pep band performance, you will lose 5 points. If you are late for the
designated warm-up time for a concert, you will lose 10 points.

Special rehearsals and performances

It is sometimes necessary to schedule extra rehearsal time, or a performance that isnt
listed on the calendar may arise. I will try to avoid this as much as possible because I
know how busy all of you are. However, these are NOT OPTIONAL.

*Only written excuses which are dated and signed by a parent or guardian will be
accepted by the director. The excuse must include the students name and cause of
absence.

Classroom Expectations:
1. No food, drink, or gum in the band room.
2. No personal conversation at any time during rehearsal.
3. Be respectful of yourself, others, and their equipment.
4. Do not play others instruments.
5. All school rules as stated in the student handbook apply.
6. Make the best music possible at all times, and have fun doing it!

If you choose not to follow these rules, the following consequences will occur:
1. Warning/Loss of Points
2. Detention and/or 8th Period
3. Principal
4. Parents
Rehearsal Policies:
1. When the bell rings, you are to be in the classroom.
2. You should bring your instrument, any supplies you might need (reeds, etc.), music
and/or flip folder, and a pencil to every rehearsal.
3. Put your instrument together quickly and quietly and read the board for
instructions.
4. There will be no individual playing during rehearsal. Warm-up will be done together
under the direction of the conductor or drum major.
5. When the band is cut off by the director, immediately stop and listen to instructions.
6. Students are expected to be prepared; music should be played correctly and marching
should be executed correctly during marching band season.
7. Posture is of utmost importance. Avoid crossed legs and slouching.
8. All members must remain at rehearsal until the band is dismissed by the director (not
necessarily the bell.)

Concert Attire:
For concerts and festivals, students will wear concert black attire. This consists of black
slacks, white button shirt, black socks and shoes for boys. Girls may wear a black dress
or black skirt with white blouse and black dress shoes.

Marching Attire:
Students will purchase the same band t-shirts as the high school. These can be worn for
home football and basketball pep band and will be worn for the Band-O-Rama
performance with the high school marching band on October 20.

Football/Basketball Game Conduct and Procedures:

1. Band members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all
times. Each student should support the team.
2. Abusive language or unsportsmanlike conduct is not appropriate.
3. All band members are to remain in full uniform for the entire game unless
the director specifies otherwise.
4. It is recommended that you wear extra clothing under your uniform when it is
cold. Blankets and coats will be allowed in the stands during cold weather.
5. Non-band members are not allowed to sit in the band section during the game.
6. You may not leave the stands without the permission of the director.
7. Never wear any part of your uniform incorrectly or inappropriately.
8. Sit with your section in its designated place in the stands.
9. Be ready to play at all times. Pay close attention to directions given by the director
or drum major.
10. Do not play individually in the stands.

Travel and Bus Conduct:

1. Students will not be allowed to drive their own vehicles to band events.
2. Follow directions given by the bus driver, director, and sponsors.
3. Do not bring glass containers on the bus.
4. Leave the bus better than you found it. Put all of your trash in the trash can.
5. Please do not forget to thank the bus driver and sponsors.

Supplies:
There are several good sources for your supply needs. Toms Music House in Concordia
(800-Go 2 Toms) and Manning Music in Topeka will send representatives each week.
You can order online or let Mrs. Minneman know what you need and they will bring it to
you. Some websites that sell these products offer them at a discount, but may charge
shipping costs:
www.music123.com
www.wwbw.come
www.musiciansfriend.com

Equipment:
Band instruments and equipment are very expensive and all members are expected to
maintain the proper conditions of their instruments. If your instrument needs repaired, let
me know ASAP!! The following is a list of accessories that you need (even if you use a
school instrument you must purchase the following also):

Flutes Reed Players Brass Percussion

Tuning rod At least 3 good reeds Valve oil 1 pair of snare sticks
Cotton cloth Reed guards Slide grease (Preferably VF SD1)
Pencil Cork grease Mouthpiece brush Pencil
Flute folder/lyre Swab Snake Stick bag
Neck Strap (saxes) Pencil Flip Folder
Pencil Lyre
Lyre Flip Folder
Flip folder

School Owned Instruments:

You are responsible for that instrument. Please fill out an instrument check out sheet and
return it to me by September 1. If at any point during the year you are asked to switch
from your instrument, please fill out an instrument checkout form, and return it to me the
next day. There will be no charge for this, however, any damage or misuse will be the
responsibility of the student. Misuse will be determined by the director and
administration.

Junior High School Band

2017-2018 Performance Schedule
Please mark these on your calendar and note that there may be some changes or additions
as we get into the school year. Those in bold type are required of all band members.

September 15 6:00 pm Tailgate, Homecoming Show

October 6 6:15 pm Home Football Game, Senior Night
20 6:15 pm Home Football Game, Combined JH Show
26 6:15 pm Home Football Game
December 1 5:30 pm First Pep Band
5 5:30 pm Pep Band
8 5:30 pm Pep Band
18 7:00 pm 7-12 Winter Concert
19 5:30 pm Pep Band
January 5 5:30 pm Pep Band
9 5:45 pm Pep Band
13 All day KMEA Mid-Level Honor Band
30 5:30 pm. Pep Band
February 10 All Day Holton Honor Band
16 5:30 pm Pep Band
20 5:30 pm Pep Band
March 28 All Day JH Band to Baker
April 30 7:00 pm 6-8 Spring Concert
May 5 All day 6-8 Wamego Festival

Parents please tear this page off and have your child return to Mrs. Minneman by
September 1.

I have read the band handbook and understand the requirements both in class and outside
of class.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Student Date Parent Date