Goldthwaite High School

Flyin' High with the Golden Eagle Band

Handbook

Welcome to the 2013 edition of the Golden Eagle Band! Membership in this organization will be an experience that will last a lifetime. While working to maintain a standard of excellence in performance, the band also seeks to provide its members with a positive and safe environment for social activity promoting the opportunity for lasting friendships.

Dedication, Excellence, Pride

Dedication: Activity without intentional dedication is wasted time. Dedication is the beginning of excellence and must be encouraged in the home, the school, and the community. Excellence: Excellence is a direct result of dedication. Good teaching and good practice habits result in good performances. Excellence, therefore, is a habit, not an accident. Pride: Misplaced pride is only elitism. Pride must come from a job well done. Pride is not bragging about possibilities or potential, but is a result of past performances.

1Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

The Golden Eagle Band has four basic goals: 1. To perform at the highest level possible with the resources available 2. To support and serve as ambassadors for our high school through performance at athletic events, pep rallies, concerts and contests 3. To enhance the game day experience for our fans with entertaining performances 4. To provide a positive and enjoyable learning experience for our members This brief handbook has been assembled for your benefit and information. It is a compilation of the policies, rules and guidelines that govern the band and protect its traditions and reputation. Please read this material and keep it for your reference.

You are responsible for the information contained in this handbook.

What You Can Reasonably Expect on a Daily Basis
1. The band is an emotional group; expect some ups and downs. 2. The most impressionable year in the band is the first one. You will learn to walk, stand, breathe and carry yourself in a whole new way. The best way to reinforce this totally new learning is repetition, repetition, repetition. 3. Everyone has feelings, including the director, drum majors, section leaders and captains. When the band is criticized, whether from without or within, everyone feels it. 4. There is always room for improvement. Constructive instructions should be welcomed, even if they make you a little uncomfortable. 5. Anyone can criticize negatively. It takes no skill or background and bears no responsibility for improvement. Don't do it. 6. A more intense rehearsal routine with more drive, spirit and focused concentration means a better performance with fewer mistakes. 7. Drama breeds failure. 8. Real success requires some sacrifice. Time, effort and resources from everyone involved is expected. Know what is best for the whole group and do it. 9. Negativism and gossip spread. Those who don't know better may believe what you say instead of what they see. 10. When problems exist, ask yourself whether you are a part of the problem or the solution. 11. When in doubt, don't do it. 12. Don't confuse being busy with accomplishing anything. 13. Every student will be held accountable for his or her equipment, practice habits and performance. Be prepared, not surprised when called upon to demonstrate your skills.

"ONE BAND, ONE SOUND"

~ Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones) in Drumline
2Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

Golden Eagle Band Attendance and Grading Policies

General
Band will fulfill the fine arts credit requirement for graduation by the Texas Education Agency. Other courses offered from the music department include the dual credit course, Music Appreciation 1306, and Office Aid in the Band Hall (by approval only). Band members are expected to be not only present, but early to all rehearsals and performances. This includes all football games, contests and concerts. Tennis shoes or marching shoes are required for all rehearsals. The uniform for performances is the full dress uniform unless otherwise stated by the director. Remember, early is on time, on time is late.

Attendance Procedure
Classroom During marching season, attendance will be taken during warm-ups. Anyone not participating with all necessary equipment and in appropriate shoes when the tardy bell rings is late. Being late to rehearsal because of getting an absent slip from the office is still late. Plan ahead. See the GHS Student Handbook for additional information about absences and tardies. Performances For home games, attendance will be taken by section leaders during warm-up in the band hall. For bus trips, attendance will be taken on the bus by section leaders before departure, and the bus chart will be filled out by the accompanying sponsor for that bus. If any student is absent from a performance, whether excused or unexcused, the student must submit a composer report WITHIN 3 DAYS OF THE MISSED PERFORMANCE (described in the Grading Police section). NOTE: THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR AN ABSENCE FROM A PERFORANCE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR DEATH IN THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY. Going to see a relative for the weekend is NOT an excused absence. Unexcused absences from performances will result in a grade of zero (0) for that performance with no opportunity to make it up and an administrative write up.

Grading Policy
All students in the Golden Eagle Band can earn an "A" by being in attendance, properly attired at all rehearsals and performances, and completing their assignments in a timely and satisfactory manner. If at any time during the semester a student's grade drops below a "B", that student will be placed in time out (described below under Consequences) until the grade is raised back up to a "B" or better. Earning the Grade 60% Daily Grades - Preparation and participation are big parts of being in the band. A perfect grade on the following weekly requirements will be earned when the conditions stated are met. Responsibility Grade Always has all equipment necessary to sucessfully participate in class and performances and is ready to go when the band starts. Participation Grade Contributes to the advancement of the band by always putting forth the very best effort. Spot Checks Play every note and march every step with sound fundamentals. 40% Test Grades - Individual accountability is also a big part of being in the band. Tests will be a weekly occurrence. 3Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

Playing Tests Individually with music Memory Tests Individually or in small groups without music Marching Tests Individually or in small groups with or without playing, but always without music Uniform Tests It must be clean, pressed and worn properly Performance Tests Every game and contest is a major group test grade. The rubric on which the grade is based is available in the band office.

If a performance is missed for illness or a death in the family, a composer report is required. A grade of zero (0) will be entered into the gradebook and will remain there unless the report is turned in within 3 days of the missed performance. Students unable to pass marching, playing or memory tests will perform only in the stands at games until the missed or failed tests are taken and passed and all current tests are passed. Additional Considerations Absences from rehearsals result in a gap in learning. All students must know their part up to par in order to perform.

Golden Eagle Band Expectations

Classroom/General The Golden Eagle Band takes pride in its outstanding behavior. The band has a tradition and a reputation for friendliness and politeness, not only to the general public, but also to other bands and opposing fans. Do everything possible to preserve this tradition. To that end, there are only 4 rules in the band hall and on band-related trips: 1. 2. 3. 4. Listen to and follow directions. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat or spot. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Respect your bandmates and your director.

Consequences 1. Warning Student will be reminded of the rules in a private manner. 2. Time Out Student will sit outside the band, but in the view of the director until such time that the student is ready to partipate fully. The student will then raise his or her hand and must be able to convince the director that they can now contribute to the betterment of the band. 3. Letter Home A letter will be sent home outlining the rule(s) broken and disciplinary actions taken by the director. It must be signed and returned the following day. 4. Any additional consequence will involve authorities outside the band hall.

4Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

Performance The Golden Eagle Band strives for the highest level of performance. As a member, you are expected to give your best effort at every rehearsal and performance to execute the music and marching assignments given you with a high degree of precision. Each student's playing and marching abilities will be evaluated regularly at rehearsals and performances and must meet a minimum standard for continued participation in the ensemble's performances. Uniformed bandsmen represent Goldthwaite High School as well as the band to our own fans and opposing teams and fans. The actions of individuals reflect upon the group as a whole, especially when, therefore, responsible behavior and a positive attitude are expected of all members at all times.

GEB Procedures
Rehearsals 1. Have all necessary materials aqnd equipment at hand. 2. Refrain from playing your instrument until instructed to do so. 3. Cell phone policy as described in the GISD Student Handbook applies. 4. Participate fully in every activity during rehearsals. 5. Always put away all equipment in the proper storage facility. Performances 1. Play your instrument when and only when instructed to do so. 2. Cell phones are not allowed in the stands. 3. Only current band members are allowed to sit in any designated band area. 4. Students will stay in the stands until halftime at football games. 5. Food is not allowed in the stands before halftime. Water will be issued at the beginning of the game. 6. Everyone will remain in the stadium at all times until dismissed. 7. All members are to be back in the stands when the clock reads, "0:00" after the 3rd quarter break. Travel 1. Travel uniforms are required for travel to all games, contests, etc. Plain clothes may be worn on the way home. 2. Buses will be loaded in the following order: loading crew, seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen, alternates (this includes the students who have lost their spot on the field due to playing or marching deficiencies). 3. Treat bus drivers and sponsors with courtesy and respect. 4. Sit in the same seat on the way to the destination and on the way home. 5. There will be a girls' bus and a boys' bus. 6. Any time the buses stop, members are to remain on the bus until dismissed by the director. 7. When the band has the opportunity to eat as a group at or after a game or contest the loading crew gets to go first, followed by sponsors and drivers, then members. 5Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

8. Overnight travel includes the Region Band Clinic and Concert, Area Marching Contest, State Marching Contest and the Disney Trip. When these occasions arise, additional paperwork will be issued to deal with the special policies and procedures that such trips dictate. Facilities 1. No food, drink or gum in the band hall. 2. Clean up after yourself. 3. Put away all equipment in the proper locker, zip zippers and latch latches. Equipment 1. Store and transport instruments in their assigned cases and in their designed position with all latches closed. 2. Remove mouthpieces and reeds before storage. A mouthpiece left on a tuba or baritone is especially damaging to the leadpipe. 3. Keep instruments greased and oiled. 4. Place instruments in assigned locker when not in use. 5. If you get caught in the rain, dry your instrument before putting it in the case. 6. If an instrument is lost, stolen or damaged, the student is responsible for the cost of replacing the instrument. Checking out an instrument from the school is a contract. Instruments will not be exchanged with other students or for another one in the inventory without proper paperwork. Instrument replacement costs are as follows: Piccolo - $500 Flute - $800 Alto Sax - $1200 Tenor Saxophone - $1500 Clarinet - $800 Bari Sax - $2000 Trumpet - $800 Mellophone - $1200 Baritone - $1500 Trombone - $800 Sousaphone - $5000 Tuba - $5000 Snare Drum - $1900 Tenor Drums - $2500 Bass Drum - $1700 Cymbals - $600 Uniforms The band department furnishes each student in band with a uniform jacket, pants and garment bag at no cost. The band's uniforms are 10 years old and need to last another year or 2. Students are expected to make every effort to maintain the condition of the uniforms. Students are responsible for the purchase of their band shirt, marching shoes and long, solid black socks. 1. The only alterations to the uniforms allowed are adjustments to the hems in both the jacket and the bibbers (pants). 2. Hang the uniform with the pant creases together and the coat zipped up. 3. Do not store damp uniforms in the garment bag. 4. Place the hat in the hatbox top side up. In the event that the uniform is lost, stolen or damaged, replacement costs are as follows: Coat - $350 Pants - $45 Hat - $50 Garment Bag - $75 Appearance 1. Never wear an incomplete uniform. Not even waiting in line to enter the stadium. 2. The jacket should be zipped and the bibbers properly hemmed. The hat's bill should be worn at eye level, marching shoes should be clean and solid black socks should be at least calf length. 3. No jewelry in uniform. 4. No sunglasses while marching to the stadium or during a performance. Sunglasses may be worn during the game, but must be left in the stands for halftime. 5. No caps. 6Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

6. Travel uniform is mandatory for admission on the bus and includes bibbers, band shirt, marching shoes and solid black calf length socks.

Breaking Rule #4 and Consequences

Being disrespectful to students or teachers can take many forms, but can be categorized as any behavior or attitude that reduces the focus, spirit, drive, reputation or ratings of the Golden Eagle Band. These behaviors might occur inside or outside of class. Examples of such behaviors or attitudes include, but are not limited to: Physical confrontation Verbal confrontation Gossip Poor public relations such as being disrespectful to fans or other students Poor moral or ethical construct such as, but not limited to cheating, public foul language, immoral or illegal activities. These may or may not occur during school hours. Negativism regarding the band or its performance Consequences are described earlier in this handbook. NOTE: A composer report is not a consequence of poor behavior, but of being absent. Likewise, being assigned to the alternate squad is a consequence of sub-standard marching or playing preparation. Warnings will never be issued for absenteeism or poor preparation.

Performance Schedule
Download and print all of the band's performances and competitions from the school's District Calendar at www.goldisd.net. This calendar is frequently updated, so it will have the most accurate set of dates.

Requirements for Lettering in Band

OR OR 7 UIL band contests in two 3 UIL band contests and place 4 UIL band contests and school years in Region Band or higher or qualify for TSSEC in one advance to Area in either school year Marching or Concert in one school year

UIL Solo and Ensemble

To qualify for participation in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, a student must have participated in the UIL Marching Contest the previous fall semester, be academically eligible and meet other criteria as set forth in the current edition of the UIL C&CR. Any eligible student may enter a solo, but only those who have earned a medal in a previous UIL S&E will be allowed to participate in an ensemble with the exception of percussion and medium ensembles. Class 3 pieces may only be played by freshmen or ensembles consisting mostly of freshmen. Class 2 pieces are required of sophomores and higher, but may be played by freshmen with special permission. 7Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

Class 1 pieces are required once a medal is earned in class 2, and will only be allowed in those circumstances. Memorization of the piece is required in order to qualify for the TSSEC.

Student Accounts
Students may be assigned a financial account with the Band Boosters with parent permission. Charges added to it will include band shirts, shoes, reeds, oils, repairs due to neglect or abuse and trip and camp savings. Students may pay into these accounts directly or may participate in fundraisers to offset the balance. The balance may be viewed online at any given time. A monthly statement will be issued and receipts will be given for each deposit. All accounts must be paid in full by the end of each semester.

Auxiliaries
Auditions Auditions for twirler, color guard and drum major will be held the 3rd or 4th Saturday in April. Practices will begin 2 weeks prior and will count toward the audition. There is no set number of members in either of these groups, but can be estimated on the following ratios: 1 color guard member for every 10 band members 1 twirler for every 25 band members 1 drum major for every 25 band members Practices All practices will be held during class and before school under the supervision of the band director. As long as a homeroom period is available, that, too, will be used for practices. All practices must be in the presence of the band director or another school employee designated as a sponsor. Performances All auxiliaries are subject to the same performance requirements as the rest of the band. Any student not performing satisfactorily will be benched until the performance is acceptable. Deadlines will be set on a weekly basis. Attendance and Grades All policies regarding attendance, tardies, grades and quality of performance are applicable to the auxiliaries as they are a part of the band. Special Consequences Because of the special nature of auxiliaries, one additional consequence will be added to the full band consequences. The first time ISS is assigned, the student will be benched for any performance occurring during the ISS assignment and the performance immediately after the student comes back to class. Upon the second assignment to ISS, the student will not be allowed to audition for the auxiliaries for the following year.

8Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

Volunteer Opportunities for Parents

Band Boosters - The Band Boosters are a group of parents and community members who have a vested interest in the success of the band. The Band Boosters' main focus is raising money for equipment, supplies, storage and trips for the band students in all band classes and offer a scholarship to up to 3 seniors graduating from the band program. The Band Boosters also sponsor trips and help out with other activities as needed. As such, it is a tax-exempt organization run and manned exclusively by volunteers. Officers include president, secretary and treasurer. Meetings will be held as needed. The more parents that are involved in this most necessary of organizations, the better it is for the band. Sponsoring a Trip - Every time the band loads a bus, a parent volunteer is needed to meet us at the other end of the trip. This year, there will be approximately 50 students in the band requiring 2 buses and at least 3 sponsors for every trip we take. Responsibilities include taking roll, monitoring loading and unloading, and escorting students to and from the restroom during the game. Perks include free meals, entry to the games and the undying love of feisty teenagers. Please contact the band office to volunteer at 325-648-3081, ext. 214, or 325-451-0232. You can also sign up online on the band website's Parent Page. Concession Stand - This is the single biggest fundraiser that the Band Boosters sponsor. It operates during football season and is open at every home game, include those on Thursday nights. Because of the money and speed involved in working the concession stand, students are not allowed behind the counter. Positions in the concession stand are set up crew, cook, counter, crock pot crew and cleaning crew. Support positions for the concession stand are buyer(s), scheduler and caller. Call the band office at the above numbers to volunteer or sign up on the band website's Parent Page. Parents who work in the concession stand will earn money towards their child's financial account (see above under Student Accounts). Fundraisers - Because the State of Texas does not seem to value education in general or the arts in particular, funds are continually being cut for every program at every school across the state. This leaves any subject not evaluated on the TAKS or STAARS tests in a real bind. Fundraisers like the concession stand, brochure sales, cake auctions, etc., are a necessary part of maintaining a functioning and growing band program. Parents are asked to help with fundraisers by manning booths, making calls, handing out brochures, publicizing the band and its functions, and especially making sure that students are meeting deadlines.

9Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

SIGNATURE PAGE This page is due the second day of school. A grade will be taken. I have read and understand the expectations outlined in this handbook and have noted the schedule on my personal calendar. _________________________________________ ____________________________________ Student Name (please print) Student Signature ________________________________________ ____________________________________ Emergency Contact (please print) Emergency Phone To be completed by a parent or guardian I understand that all charges for supplies are due at the end of each semester and may be offset by fundraisers. I also understand that camp and Disney 2016 costs are approximate. $50 nonrefundable deposits are required for these savings plans, and any money set aside through fundraisers is non-refundable because of tax law. Student accounts may be viewed at www.charmsoffice.com. The school code is Goldthwaite Bands and the student password is their cafeteria ID number. Please allow my child to charge the following supplies and/or save for the following trips: Supplies _____Reeds-$3-$5 _____Oils-$3 _____GEB Shirt-$22 _____GEB Shoes-$34

Savings _____Band or Leadership Camp-$350-$500 _____Disney 2016 (7th-10th only)-$500-$600 The band director may give my child the following medications (check all that apply): _____Tylenol _____Pepto-Bismol _____Advil _____Cough Drops _____Band-Aids _____Hydrocortisone Cream

_____Bug Repellent _____Feminine Hygiene Products

I have read and understand the expectations outlined in this handbook and have noted the schedule on my personal calendar. ________________________________________ ____________________________________ Parent Name (please print) Parent Signature 10Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand