SE ELON HIGH SCHOOL

Band Handbook

Director: Ms. A.P. West | Email: awest7@elon.edu | Phone: (336) 266 - 0959
 Table of Contents

Philosophy Statement ...p. 2

Goals and Objectives p. 2

Classroom Policies and Procedures ..p. 3

Grading Policy ..p. 4

Attendance Policy .p. 5

Required Supplies and Materials ..p. 6

Instrument Rental and Purchase Options ..p. 6

Recommended Instruments for Upgrades .....p. 7

Private Lessons .p. 7

Dress Code p. 8

Booster Club .p. 10

Booster Club Interest Form ...p.11

Calendar of Events ....p.12

Media Consent Form/Agreement ..p. 13

Elon High School Performing Arts Permission and Emergency Release .p. 14

Health and Medical Questionnaire ....p.15

Student/Parent Authorization & Release for Off-Campus Activities ....p.16

1
 Philosophy Statement

I believe in teaching students music through performance, technical studies, musicology,

and cultural relevance so students will have a comprehensive understanding and appreciation for
music.
I believe in teaching music through exposure and experiences gained through
performance. I also believe in a program that has several different types of ensembles such as
jazz, wind, marching band, percussion, and small instrumental groups to provide students with a
diverse performance background. I believe in teaching my students the best quality repertoire
available, but I will hesitant to expose them to new types of music. As a teacher, I will be sure
that my students music education in not solely performance based.
I believe in students being able to have a comprehensive understanding of music theory
through technical studies. They will be able to take concepts they have been learning and then
apply them to the songs they will be learning in class. I also believe that students should be able
to aurally identify and convey a concept during class time and in their everyday lives.
I believe that in the study of musicology and cultural significance students will gain an
understanding of the structure, purpose, and qualities found in different compositions.
As a teacher, I understand that each of my students will have a different economic and cultural
background. I also understand that each of my students learning style will be different. I believe
that there is not an end to the road of improvement for me as a teacher and for the program that I
run. At the end of the day I plan on asking myself how each session might have turned out better
than the one prior, and what I can do to make each lesson better and more engaging for my
students. As a music educator my goal is to not only spread knowledge and inspiration to my
students, but to teach them how to be fully alive through aesthetic experiences and knowledge
they gained from learning music.

Goals and Objectives

Goals:

Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of music through the performance, creation, and
promotion of music. Students will be in an environment that promotes and encourages lifelong
learning and personal as well as professional growth. Students will express themselves in a
different, creative manner through the means of music and reach full potential in all aspects of
their lives through the use of music.

Objectives:

Apply the elements of music and musical techniques in order to sing and play music with
accuracy and expression.
Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music.
Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources.
Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances.
Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music

Classroom Policies and Procedures

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Rehearsal/Performance Rules and Conduct
Always be on time!!! If you are not early, you're late!
15 minutes early is 15 minutes late.
The band program will follow all school policies and will not tolerate students that go
against school rules and regulation.
i.e. no alcohol, tobacco or drugs shall be tolerated at any time.
Always be prepared. Students must have all materials needed for a successful rehearsal.
Always have your music, instrument, pencil and mind ready to go!
Students must show respect for all band members, directors, and parents.
Students must show respect for all property. Every area the band visits should be left
in better condition than it was before they entered it.
Students must have music prepared. During marching season, this means having all
halftime show music memorized.
No food or drinks will be allowed at any rehearsal or performance.
This includes gum on the marching field and food or drinks in the stands.
Proper language is to be used at all times! PDA will not be tolerated at any time.

Band Room Policies:

The band room should be kept neat and orderly at all times as it will reflects upon the
pride of the program.
Students should clean up around his/her own area, instruments are to be restored
in their designated places, and backpacks will be left against the wall or in
cubbies. Cases will either be left in cubbies or placed out of the way under the
student's chair
There will be no food or drinks in the band room at any time.
Water bottles used for marching band will immediately be placed in backpacks
upon entrance of the band room.
Gum and candy is also considered a food that will not be allowed in the band.
Students will only handle things that belong to them. No one should touch the
instrument or personal belonging of another student.

Bus Trip and Trip Policies:

All normal bus rules apply to bus trips. All rehearsal/performance rules and conduct
apply on the trip. There will be consequences to any student who does not abide by these
rules.
Students will make sure to leave the bus better than they found it. No belongings or trash
shall be left behind.
Be Early for any trip the band might take.
Students must check in with ALL their materials before departure.
When the bus arrives at a particular location, stay seated and wait for an adult sponsor or
the director to give you instructions before getting off the bus.
Only band members and parent/guardians/chaperones are allowed to ride on the bus.

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 Grading Policy

Class Participation 40%

Test written/ playing 20%
Quizzes written/playing 10%
Performance Concerts 30%

PARTICIPATION 40% CLASSROOM WORK:

Students will receive a weekly participation grade. Students should be on time, have all the
necessary materials for class and conduct themselves according to all class conduct rules listed in
this packet. Students that do not have the correct materials will have participation point taken
deducted from their grade for the day.

TESTS 25%
Written and individual playing test will be given as needed to assess each students
comprehension of material covered in class. It is also necessary for all students to practice at
home to prepare for the test and concerts. Most playing tests will be announced well in advance
or we will have worked on the material in class.

PERFORMANCES/ CONCERTS 30%:

Performances are a culmination of hours of practice in all band groups. We perform to entertain,
but performing is also a valuable learning experience. Group success in performance settings
relates directly to individual student responsibility and achievement. Students will receive a
grade and are required to be at each performance.
For an absence to be excused, a note from the parent is to be given to the director 3 weeks prior
to or in case of an emergency, immediately following the performance. Students who miss a
performance and are excused will still need to make up the grade for that performance by doing
an alternate assignment. This makeup work is necessary to complete the grade. Unexcused
absences cannot be made up.

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 Attendance Policy

In order to have and maintain a high quality band program, attendance from all members is
essential. While the Elon High School band follows all school and district policies and
procedures, the following additional guidelines outline the attendance procedures and policies
apply.. These attendance guidelines also apply to activities held outside of the school day.

Roll Check:
Roll will be checked and documented promptly at the start of rehearsal.
Tardiness:
Students not in their designated area at the appropriate time will be marked tardy.
A tardy will be converted to a mark of absent 15 minutes after the rehearsal begins.
Excused Tardiness:
Tardiness may be excused at the discretion of the directors.
Prior excuse for tardiness, with written documentation, are made and approved by a
director.
Unexcused Tardiness
Students who have more than one unexcused tardy shall make up missed time. This will
be arranged and under the discretion of the the director.
Loss of marching privilege (for one game) at a football game
Requirement to stay after rehearsal or report early to next rehearsal
Requirement to do makeup activity with his/her section leader
Absence
Students not present at the appropriate time may be marked absent.
Excused Absence
Absences will be excused at the discretion of the directors.
Absence due to personal illness requiring medical attention, death in the family, or other
extenuating circumstances (approved by director) may be considered for excused status.
Students who are continually ill may be required to provide a doctors note
releasing them from participation in order to ensure the wellbeing of the child and
to reduce concerns of the band directors.
Unexcused Absence
Students who have an unexcused absence may be subject to one or more of the following
consequences at the discretion of the directors:
For marching band: loss of spot as a primary marcher, loss of marching or
attendance privilege or for one game.
For concert performances: student with an unexcused absence will complete the
same assignment as those who had excused absences in addition to another
assignment provided at the director's discretion.

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 Required Supplies and Materials

Concert Band:
Instrument and accessories (cork grease, slide oil, etc)
Assigned music folders and all assigned music
Notebook and pencil
Marching Band:
Instrument and accessories (cork grease, slide oil, etc)
Flip Folder and Lyre (if necessary).
Water Bottle
For only class and camp: Pencils and highlighters
For only performances:
Garment Bag
Black Shoes and Socks
Band Shirt and Shorts
Rain Coat (if needed)
Uniform Apparel (including gauntlets and gloves)
Hair Accessories (hair spray, gel, bobby pins)

Instrument Rental and Purchase Options

Each student is expected to furnish his or her own instrument by purchasing or renting from one
of the area music stores. The school has a few of the larger, more expensive instruments that
will be assigned to individuals. Students using a school-owned instrument are responsible for
providing their own mouthpiece, must fill out an instrument loan form and are responsible for the
care of that instrument and any damages that occur. Please place an identification tag with name,
address, and phone number on the instrument. Parents are encouraged to keep the instrument
brand name and serial number on file at home as well.
It is strongly recommend that any student owned instruments not covered under a rental
insurance plan be placed on a homeowners renters insurance policy. Storage facilities such as
band room cubbies and lockers are provided as a convenience. The district is not responsible for
any lost, stolen, or damaged instruments.

** Please contact the director if you have any questions or concerns in regards to acquiring an
instrument**

**Horns A Plenty provides an opportunity for students to view and try a large assortment of
step-up instruments. Students will be able to try out instruments of different brands, make, and
pricing. Music and Arts will also provide several payment options. **

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 Recommended Instruments for Upgrades

Flute: Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Altus, Powell, Burkart, Azumi,

Clarinet: Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha (select)
Saxophone: Yamaha, Selmer, P. Mauriat , Jupiter, Antigua, Buffet

**Since certain models of the following brands may fit better one student better than the other,
students should play different brands and makes to find one that suits them**
**Students that are serious about pursuing a degree or life of music should approach the director
if they are inquiring about specific vendors for professional grade instruments**

Private Lessons

All students are encouraged to take private lessons in order to improve their individual playing
skills. While directors are skilled instructors on the various instruments in the band, there is
simply no substitution for private instruction received from someone who is considered to be a
professional performer on a particular instrument. Private lessons are a must for serious band
students. Individual instruction from a qualified specialist on an individual musical instrument
can make a large impact on a students progress on his musical instrument, thus making for a
more enjoyable experience in the students ensembles. A complete listing of private music
instructors are provided below.

Flute:
Name: Linda Cykert, Adjunct Instructor in Music at Elon University
Phone: (336) 278 - 5525
Email: cykert@elon.edu
Oboe:
Name: Thomas Turanchik, Adjunct Instructor in Music at Elon University
Phone: (336) 278 - 5525
Email: tturanchik@elon.edu
Clarinet:
Name: Mark Payne
Phone: (919) 837 - 5316
Email: mpayne@chatham.k12.nc.us
Saxophone:
Name: Jinny Whittaker, Adjunct Instructor in Music at Elon University
Phone: (336) 278 - 5411
Email: vwhittaker@elon.edu

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 Dress Code

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concerts:

Ladies: Black knee length skirt (covers knees when sitting down) or dress pants, white shirt,
black dress shoes.
Gentlemen: Black dress pants, white dress shirt, solid tie, black dress shoes (black socks)
Important:
Students will not be allowed to wear shorts, jeans, or athletic footwear.
Students, if they already have attire, should check to make sure that their items still fit.
All concert attire must be SCHOOL DRESS CODE appropriate.
A student will not be allowed to perform, which will have negative consequences on their
grade, if the student is not dressed appropriately under the guidelines that are provided
above.
If you have specific question regarding the concert dress code, please contact Ms. West.

Festival Competitions for Concert Bands:

When students are performing on stage for the competition, they will follow the guidelines for
concert dress. Once students get to the park, they are required to wear their Elon High School
Band T-Shirts while in the park. Students will wear khaki pants or shorts, but they must fit the
school guidelines

Marching Band Competitions and Parades:

When students are not in full uniform, they will be dressed in their Elon High School Band attire.
All students are required to have the show t-shirt for the year as well as the gym shorts. Students
will have the option to buy a hoodie and sweatpants for colder weather. Students are expected to
follow the listed uniform guidelines. No variations will be allowed.
General:
Uniforms will be issued during summer band camp.
Uniforms will be stored at school in the uniform storage area.
Students will be held financially responsible for the uniform(s) and all
components.
Issue and Return:
Students will pick up their uniform from the storage room or rack no later than
fifteen minutes prior to the call time for any event.
Students will follow the posted pick-up/return guidelines. Students who do not
follow these guidelines will be sent back to the end of the line.
Students will have an assigned number, which should be memorized or
readily accessible, which will used during pick up.
Students must correctly hand their uniform up to help maintain uniformity.
Donning the Uniform:
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR UNIFORM WITH PRIDE.
Students will only wear their uniform as a complete unit when in public.
Students will not take off their jackets and hats until instructed to do so by the
director.
Loading crew is the only one exempt from this during hot months.

8
 The band T-shirt is to be worn under the uniform. The band shirt will be part of
pre-performance inspections.
Students must wear approved black band shoes and black socks (part of
inspections)
Jewelry, hair ribbons, and bright colored nail polish etc. are unacceptable while in
uniform.
Band students with long hair will need to put it up under their hat during
performances. Hair must not touch the collar of the jacket and must be above the
top of the ear or pulled behind it. No visible hair on forehead.
No consumption of food and drinks (other than H2O) while in uniform without
permission.
Alteration and Care for Uniforms:
The Elon High School Band Boosters will hire tailors to perform the initial
uniform alterations.
In the unusual circumstance that you are asked to alter your own uniform, never
cut any material from the band uniform.
The pant leg should come to the top of the band shoe. An elastic stirrup should be
added to the hem of the pant to keep the pant down on the top of the shoe
Keep the collar hooked and the jacket zipped while hanging to retain the shape of
the coat
Always hang the pants by the crease, careful to avoid wrinkles, and lock the
dowel into the metal catch to keep the pants secure.
Students should have a label for uniform garment bag.
Color Guard:
Make-up, hair, and accessories will be worn as instructed by the director.
Color Guard Uniforms
A seamstress will alter the color guard uniform.
Wash the uniform separately in cold water on the delicate cycle.
The uniform should be laid flat to dry. DO NOT hang uniform to drip dry.

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 Booster Club

General Information

The Elon High School Band program receives very little funding from the school system. It is
imperative that additional funds be raised to cover the cost of new music, supplies, instruments,
and travel. The Elon HS Band Booster Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 in
the high school band room. Please plan to join and support this organization. General meetings
of the boosters are held throughout the school year; however, numerous committees do most of
the booster organization planning. We cannot grow this program without adequate funding and
parental support. Please fill out the interest form if you wish to participate.

Fundraising Information

Not only do we do fundraisers to help the band program but most fundraisers give students an
opportunity to earn money for things they might need throughout the year. Students will earn a
percentage of what they sell and it will be added to their student band account. Students may use
this money for most anything in band. Students in the past have paid for their entire spring trip
by selling a few items for each fundraiser.
Fundraisers are not required but it is greatly appreciated by the Band Boosters. The money raised
from fundraising activities will be credited to an account held by the Booster Club and is subject
to all state laws. This money will be used only for the direct benefit of the band program.

Individual Account Guidelines

Profits gained from individual fund-raising projects are placed in the student activity
accounts in the students name.
A students individual account is non-transferable to another student (does not apply to
siblings).
If a band student drops from the band program, moves, or is removed from the band
program, all fundraising monies in his/her individual account revert to the general
account.

How Can You As a Parent Help?

There are many ways a parent can help make the Band Booster Club successful!
Attend the meetings of the Booster Club. The Club meets the second Tuesday of each
month at 7:00 in the high school band room.
You can volunteer your services to work at the events where there is a concession stand.
Chaperone band trips. Sign up to chaperone trips at booster meetings prior to the event.

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 Booster Club Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in our booster club! EHS Band Boosters Club grows bigger and
better every year simply because of our wonderfully talented parent volunteers. Many stay and
serve for years because of the rewarding results and positive relationships made while serving
our children and teachers. The program would not be able to function as smoothly and grow
without your support!

Please check the following boxes if the questions or prompt applies to you.

Have you participated in the the Band Boosters Club before at Elon High School prior?
Have you participated in another Band Boosters Club before Elon High School?
Are you interested in serving on a specific committee within the booster club? If so, please
check the boxes of the committee you would be specifically interested in.
Membership
Ways & Means
Equipment & Props
Concessions
Volunteer Coordinators
Publicity/Social Coordinator
Treasurer Secretary/Historian
Food Services
Are you interested in receiving email notifications about Booster meetings and activities?
Are you interested in receiving emails containing the minutes from the meetings?
Student(s) Name: _____________________________________________ Grade(s): _________

Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s): ___________________________________

Home Telephone(s): _______________________ Cell Phone(s)#: _______________________

Email (if you checked yes above): _________________________________

Again, thank you for your interest! We look forward to seeing you over the course of the year!

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 Calendar of Events

Marching Band students and parents should refer to their preseason packet for the dates for the
home and away games, pep rallies, and competitions that we will be performing at.

Fall Semester 2017

October 5 Fall Concert for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

October 12 Fall Community Concert for Jazz Band
November 30 Winter Concert for Jazz Band
December 7 Winter Concert for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

Spring Semester 2018

March 15 Spring Concert I (pre-competition workshop) - Symphonic Band

March 22 Spring Concert I (pre-competition workshop) - Wind Ensemble
March 29 Spring Community Concert for Jazz Band
May 24 Spring Concert Jubilee for Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band
June 10 Graduation (combination of Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble)

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 Media Consent Form/Agreement
For Elon High School Band

I,_____________________________________ give full permission for any Band Director, Band

(Print parent/guardian name)
Booster, or approved staff member affiliated with the Elon High School Band to photograph
and/or record (audio or visual) my child, _____________________________________, during
(Print student(s) name)
any band function, rehearsal, performance, or social event.

I further grant the Elon High School Band, Elon High School, Alamance Burlington School
System, and any additional media outlet (Times News, WRAL, etc.) all rights to use these sound,
still, and moving images and other reproductions of physical likeness in any medium for
educational, promotional, advertising, or other purposes that support the mission of the band
program, school, or school district. I agree that all rights, including the unlimited distribution,
advertising, promotion and exhibition to the sound, still, or moving images belong to the Elon
High School Band, Elon High School, and/or Alamance Burlington School System.

By signing this form, I am agreeing to all portions of the statement above.

_____________________________ _______________________________
Student Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Name (Print)

_____________________________ _______________________________
Student Name (Signature) Parent/Guardian Name (Signature)

_____________________________ _______________________________
Date Date

13
 Elon High School Performing Arts Permission and Emergency Release

As part of its educational program, the Elon High School has organized a variety of
educational and learning activities and trips in which your child will have an opportunity to
participate. These trips and activities are designed to benefit students by providing unique
learning experiences and exposure to new and different people and places in a supervised setting.
School personnel will keep you informed of the upcoming activities in which you child will have
the opportunity to participate.
I, the undersigned, the parent and/In the event of an emergency necessitating medical
attention to the student identified below, I hereby authorize that treatment be given by qualified
and licensed medical personnel. I understand that I will be notified as soon as possible and that
all expenses incurred in treatment will be assumed either directly by me or by my insurance
coverage as noted.
I, the undersigned, the parent and/or legal guardian of the student identified below, a
minor, hereby acknowledge that said minor is presently under my care, custody and control. I
hereby give the student identified below my express permission to travel with school personnel
on the educational enrichment activities and trips the school has planned and to participate in all
scheduled activities involved in the trip or activity.

14
 Health and Medical Questionnaire
Students will not be permitted to participate in any outdoor activity until this form has been received.

Students Name: _____________________________________ Sex ______ Age _______ Date of Birth __/___/___
Last First MI

Present Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Street City State Zip

Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s): __________________________________ (relationship): _____________________

Home Telephone(s): __________________________
Cell Phone(s)#: __________________________
Business Telephone(s): __________________________

Alternative Emergency Contact: _________________________________ (relationship): _____________________

Home Telephone(s): __________________________
Cell Phone(s)#: __________________________
Business Telephone(s): __________________________

Health Insurance Co.: _______________ Policy Number: ________________ Health Ins. Tel. #
________________

Medical History of Student: (Please check Yes or No) **Please check medication your child can receive
Yes No Yes No Yes No
Diabetes ____ ____ Dizziness ____ ____ Acetaminophen (Tylenol) ____ ____
Drug Allergies ____ ____ Convulsions ____ ____ Ibuprofen (Advil) ____ ____
Asthma ____ ____ High Blood Pleasure ____ ____ Throat Lozenges/cough drops ____ ____
Epilepsy ____ ____ Heart Disease ____ ____ Antacids (Tums) ____ ____
Fainting Spells ____ ____ Stomach Disorder ____ ____ Lotions, Creams, ointments ____ ____
Kidney Disease ____ ____ Hay Fever ____ ____ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) ____ ____
Liver Disease ____ ____
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Surgery/ies (within the last year): __________________________________________________________________

Emotional problem (i.e. hyperventilation, hysteria): ___________________________________________________
Serious medical problems not mentioned above: ______________________________________________________
Tetanus (last injection date): ___________________ Allergies to drugs:
___________________________________
Allergies to foods & other agents:
__________________________________________________________________
List ANY medications the student might have cause to use on a trip (i.e. anti-convulsive, anti-histamine, insulin, any
tranquilizer, etc.) _______________________________________________________________________________
Please describe any medical/mental problems which the student might have which have not been covered on this
form and about which you think the directors should know.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

15
 Student/Parent Authorization & Release for Off-Campus Activities

The Alamance Burlington School District (ABSS) offers a variety of learning activities
at designated off-campus locations in which students will have an opportunity to participate. I
hereby give permission for my son/daughter to participate in the various off-campus activities
associated with the Elon High School band program. I understand that ABSS may not provide
transportation to and from all activities. Students are expected to use school transportation to and
from ALL activities, if provided. In the event that ABSS does not provide such transportation, I
further understand that I must provide transportation for my son/daughter as a condition of
his/her participation in that activity. In consideration for allowing my son/daughter to participate
in off-campus activities, I knowingly and voluntarily agree to assume full responsibility and
assume all risk for any accident, loss, damage, and injuries he or she may sustain as a result of or
arising out of any aspect of the activity.
Furthermore, I, on behalf of myself, my son/daughter named below, and our respective
family members hereby agree to release, acquit, discharge, and hold harmless all of the ABSS
agents, employees, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, actions or
causes of action, of whatever kind or character, whether known or unknown, whether arising out
of federal, state, or local statute or common law, including claims resulting from negligence, that
I or my son/daughter may sustain arising out of any aspect of the off-campus activity, including,
but not limited to, driving or riding to or from the off-campus activity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parent/Guardian - Student Release and Agreement

I have discussed and reviewed all the information in the handbook with my son/daughter, and I
understand its contents and my responsibility as to these policies and conditions. My
son/daughter has my permission to attend district and out-of-district trips and school-sponsored
extracurricular activities and cocurricular activities. I understand that Elon High School will not
be liable for injuries and medical costs for students. My signature also serves as permission for
my son/daughter to obtain medical treatment on a school-sponsored trip.

_____________________________ _______________________________
Student Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Name (Print)

_____________________________ _______________________________
Student Name (Signature) Parent/Guardian Name (Signature)

_____________________________ _______________________________
Date Date

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