2017-18

Example High School Band

Handbook
1234 Imagination Dr.
Example, IN.

Director of Bands... Alex Pobocik, Pobocik.alex@gmail.com

Assistant Director..... John Doe, Jdoe@example.in.k12.org
Assistant Director. Jane Smith, JSmith@example.in.k12.org
Middle School Director Sally Mae, SMae@example.in.k12.org
Director of Percussion Ringo Starr, RStarr@example.in.k12.org
Guard Director. Sarah Miller, SMiller@example.in.k12.org
Music Department Chair Deb Something, DSomething@example.in.k12.org
Band Booster President. Cray Z. band mom, bandomomo@yahoo.com

Forward
Welcome and congratulations on your decision to join the exemplary Example High
School Band program! Our program is proud to present a well rounded offering of
activities to our students that includes concert bands, marching band, jazz bands,
percussion ensembles, and winter guard. This handbook provides basic information
about courses/activities offered, student expectations, and events. For more information
please contact Mr. Pobocik, call the band office at 555-555-5556, or visit our website at:
www.exampleHSbands.org.

EHS Band Program Objectives

1. Develop excellent musicians
2. Develop excellent people
3. Enhance the experiences of our school, community, and world.

Music is the universal language of mankind

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Organization
The Example High School band department offers courses year round for students in all
grades. The following is a listing of available courses:

The Exemplary Marching Pride

Directors: Alex Pobocik, John Doe, Jane Smith, Ringo Starr, Sarah Miller, seasonal
staff.
The Exemplary Marching Pride consists of all students that participate in the band
program.* The Pride consists of the winds, color guard, and percussion, and performs
at home football games, local parades, and competes in invitationals and the ISSMA
state contest each season. The pride is an enrolled class offered in the fall (Fall
Band, Color Guard students DO NOT sign up for this class, instead sign up for Fall
Dance). Members are expected to rehearse for a portion of the summer (see EMP
information packet for more details), and are expected to rehearse both during and
after school during the school year. Winds will rehearse in 7th period Monday,
Monday evening 6-9, Wednesday from 7th period until 4, Thursday evening 6-9,
Friday from 7th period until 3:30, and expect competitions/rehearsals on Saturdays
through mid November.
*exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis

Students who have received exemptions from Marching band but still wish to participate
in the band program will meet with Sally Mae during the Fall Band class period and will
work on fundamentals, theory, and chamber musicianship.

Concert Bands
Concert band placement auditions for each year will take place at the end of the prior
academic year and will serve concurrently as a students final examination. Incoming
freshman students will be placed in the concert band. All students must enroll in Fall
Band each fall, although each concert ensemble will not meet until the conclusion of
the marching band season. Students should enroll in their auditioned ensemble in the
spring.

Wind Ensemble

Director: Alex Pobocik

The Wind Ensemble is the top performing concert band at EHS. This band performs
college level literature and performs numerous concerts during the year. Wind
Ensemble Students are required to attend sectionals outside of school time at the
directors discretion; moreover, they are required to participate in ISSMA Solo and
Ensemble Contests. Members of the Wind Ensemble are encouraged to participate in
the private lesson program. The Wind Ensemble performs on all major band
department concerts and participates in ISSMA Group One State Qualification each
year. This group will be comprised of students in grades 10 12.

Requirements: Auditioned for directors, participation in Solo & Ensemble

Symphonic Band

Director: John Doe

The Symphonic band is the second level concert band at EHS. This band performs
college and upper-level high school concert band literature. Symphonic Band students
are required to attend sectionals outside of school time at the directors discretion.
Students are highly encouraged to participate in ISSMA Solo and Ensemble contests.
Members of the Symphonic Band are also encouraged to participate in the private
lesson program. The Symphonic Band performs on all major band department
concerts and participates in ISSMA Group I competition each spring. This group will
be comprised of students in grades 10 12.

Requirements: Auditioned for directors

Concert Band
Director: Jane Smith

The Concert Band is an ensemble open only to freshmen that will focus on developing
the fundamentals skills of musicianship. This ensemble performs intermediate level
repertoire. Concert Band students are required to attend sectionals outside of school
time at the directors discretion. Students are highly encouraged to participate in
ISSMA Solo and Ensemble contests. Members of the Concert band are also
encouraged to participate in the private lesson program. The Concert Band performs
on all major band department concerts and participates in ISSMA Group II competition
each spring.
 Jazz Ensembles
Jazz ensembles will be offered year round at EHS. Auditions for each year will take
place at the end of the prior academic year and will serve concurrently as a students
final examination. Incoming freshman will be placed in Jazz Ensemble II. Students are
encouraged to participate in the jazz ensemble for the full academic year.

Jazz Ensemble I
Director: Alex Pobocik

The Jazz Ensemble I is the premier jazz ensemble at EHS and will perform
professional level literature. Jazz Ensemble I students are required to attend
sectionals outside of school time at the directors discretion. The fall semester of Jazz
Ensemble I will focus on developing fundamental jazz skills such as jazz phrasing,
style, history, and will focus heavily on improvisation, while the spring semester
focuses more on preparing literature for performance. This ensemble will perform one
jazz concert each semester and will perform at various festivals throughout the year.

Requirements: Auditioned for directors

Jazz Ensemble II
Director: John Doe

The Jazz Ensemble II is the second jazz ensemble at EHS and will perform
intermediate level literature. Jazz Ensemble II students are required to attend
sectionals outside of school time at the directors discretion. The fall semester of Jazz
Ensemble II will focus on developing fundamental jazz skills such as jazz phrasing,
style, history, and will focus heavily on improvisation, while the spring semester
focuses more on preparing literature for performance. This ensemble will perform one
jazz concert each semester and will perform at various festivals throughout the year.
 Pep bands
Like the marching band, our pep bands are a very visible component of our program,
and give us the opportunity to represent our school pride at home basketball games.
The pep bands rehearse immediately prior to each home Varsity (Ladies and Mens)
basketball games. As an extension of the concert bands, freshman, sophomore, and
junior members are required to participate in 4-5 pep band performances each winter.
Attendance, participation in, and preparation for pep bands will reflect on the students
concert ensemble grade. Seniors have the option of participating if they wish. The pep
band schedule will be posted sometime in November.
 Class Expectations
As a member of the EHS Band Department you are expected to:
Be on time
Show respect and be courteous to others.
Show respect for property. (Music, instruments, uniforms and facilities)
Help others and promote teamwork.
Bring instrument and/or equipment (in good playing condition), music and a
pencil to class daily.
LISTEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SPEAKING TO YOU.
Follow all school rules.
Come into Band Offices for business only.
Buy supplies prior to the start of class.
Stay in your seat/assigned area unless given permission to move
Be able to perform assigned music.
Attend all performances.
Class Participation/Deviations
To obtain the best results from every rehearsal, discipline must be
maintained. Therefore, the following infractions will result in the grading
penalties:
Talking during rehearsal
Playing when not supposed to play
Chewing gum or eating during rehearsals
Improper care or loss of music
Improper care of instrument and guard equipment
Uncooperative conduct (disrespectful)
Leaving rehearsal without permission
 GRADING
Assessment is the foundation of any class, but as a performing artist it is
paramount. To be a performer means the audience continually assesses ones talents
and skills. With this in mind, our students are held accountable in many ways to
maintain excellence throughout our program. Musical skills will be assessed via playing
tests. To view the criteria for these playing tests, find the applicable rubrics on
blackboard.
When you, as students and parents, make the decision to become a part of the
EHS Band Program, you are making a commitment to attend all rehearsals and
performances.
All Students and parents must submit a signed commitment form by the end of
the first week of band.

EHS BAND & GUARD GRADING SYSTEM

The success of any musical ensemble is dependent on the attendance,

preparation, and participation of ALL of its members. With this in mind the following
grading scale has been adopted. This system will be based on the student's daily
performance and will be determined by playing tests. The student's attendance at
rehearsals, performances, and contests will be graded and at any point, penalties will
be subtracted from the playing grade.
There are two basic types of grades within the music department.
Classroom Grades: Playing tests, written tests, daily assignments and spot
checks. These are the daily and weekly functions of the bands.
Performance Grades: The EHS Bands are performance based classes. Several
performances are scheduled throughout the year. These performances are of the
utmost importance. An attendance grade will be recorded for each performance.

PERFORMANCE/REHEARSAL CONTRIBUTION GRADE

Regular and punctual attendance is vital to the success of all of our ensembles.
Points will be deducted for cutting class, tardy for a performance or competition
attendance block, or unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance.

ABSENCES FROM MAJOR PERFORMANCES

Excused absences include certified illness or death in the immediate family.
When in doubt about an upcoming absence, ask in advance for our official position.
Unexcused absences include work and non-academic activities. Since performances
cannot be made up, outside make-up work will be given so that a grade can be made
up. Even excused absences may be required to complete make-up work for a grade.
Given the importance of participation in performances and their portion of the final
grade, make-up work will consist of in depth assignments or projects; so for your own
sake plan to attend every performance.
FINAL GRADE
The grading scale for band and guard is given below. Each student may
determine his own grade throughout the marching and concert seasons by the
guidelines below.

A 100-93 A- 92-90

B+ 89-87 B 86-83

B- 82-80 C+ 79-77

C 76-73 C- 72-70

D 69-65 F 64-0
 Concert Attire
The EHS band program prides itself on maintaining professional
quality ensembles. As such, our performers must adhere to a professional
dress code, which will vary by ensemble. For ensembles which require
school supplied attire, a uniform rental fee of $10 (per semester) must be
paid prior to the first rehearsal (only $10 need be paid per semester,
regardless of the amount of ensembles taken).

Concert Bands (all)

Gentlemen:
Tuxedo (School supplied)
Includes jacket, pants, bowtie, and cumerbund
White tuxedo shirt
Can be purchased from the school for $10
ALL black dress shoes
No sneakers
ALL black socks (no logos!)

Ladies:
Concert dress (school supplied)
Black flats

Marching Band
It is a privilege to wear the EHS Band uniform. Make sure you have all parts of
the uniform at each performance. Keep your uniform clean! If your uniform does not
meet the high standard required in the EHS Band, you are subject to being removed
from a performance. This uniform is a symbol of pride and will be worn accordingly. You
must wear all of the uniform (minus the shako) or none of the uniform!

You MUST at all times have the appropriate shirt (either parade shirt or show
shirt, the director will tell you which) and the appropriate pants (either black shorts or
black leggings/tights) on under your uniforms. Eating and drinking soft drinks should
be done before you put on or after you remove your uniform. Students are
responsible for purchasing the correct shoes through the school. If you cannot obtain
shoes for financial reasons please come see a director.

Here are some dos and donts that will help you and your uniform look great at all
times:
 DO: remember the appropriate shirt, black, and marching shoes each time you
will be wearing your uniform.
DO NOT: remove any material from the uniform if alterations are necessary.
DO: transport your uniform in a garment bag and your hat in the shako box.
Every time!
DO NOT: store your uniform in the garment bag. This will cause it to mildew and
get that funny smell. This odor will never leave the garment. EVER!
DO: take extra time and care when hanging up your uniform. Pants hang folded
on the crease, not the seat.
DO: Always store your shako in its box.
DO NOT: attempt to wash and/or dry your uniform at home.
ALWAYS: Remember to thank the parents that help fit, clean, put away, and
hand out your uniforms!

Jazz Ensemble
Gentlemen:
A nice suit and tie
Black shoes AND socks

Ladies:
Something nice AND school appropriate

Pep Band

All:
Pep band shirt (provided by Athletic Department)
Blue jeans
 Performance Schedule:

MB Invitational -- Saturday, September 16 TIME TBD

MB Invitational -- Saturday, September 23 TIME TBD
MB Invitational -- Saturday, September 30 TIME TBD
BOA Regional -- Saturday, October 7th ALL DAY
ISSMA Regional -- Saturday, October 14th TIME TBD
MB Invitational -- Saturday, October 21 TIME TBD
*ISSMA Semi-State -- Saturday, October 28 ALL DAY
*ISSMA State Finals -- Saturday, November 4 ALL DAY
Fall Jazz Concert -- Tuesday, November 14th 7:30
Jazz Caroling -- Wednesday, December 6th, 5:00
Winter Concert Bands Concert -- Thursday, December 14th 7:30
Semester Break
Jazz Festival -- Saturday, January 20th ALL DAY
Jazz Festival -- Saturday, February 17th, ALL DAY
ISSMA Solo and Ensemble -- Saturday, March 3rd ALL DAY
Wind Ensemble Guest Clinic Performance -- Thursday, March 22 TBD
Concert Band ISSMA Send-off Concert -- Thursday, April 12th, 7:30
ISSMA competition/state qualifiers -- Saturday, April 14th, TBD
*ISSMA Concert Band State Finals -- Saturday, April 28th, TBD
Joy Spring Jazz Concert -- Wednesday, May 9th 7:30
Spring Pops concert/potluck (with 8th grade) -- Thursday, May 17th 7:00

*Contingent upon placement

Pep band dates will be posted in November