Welcome to the Edsel Ford

Welcome to the Edsel Ford Marching Band! 2017-2018 Marching Band Handbook Sarah Oren, Director of Instrumental Music orens@dearbornschools.org 313-827-1554 (Edsel Ford Band Office) www.edselfordmusic.weebly.com

1 By joining the Edsel Ford Marching Band, we commit to: 1. Attendance at school, rehearsals, performances, parades, and special events. 2. Working hard for yourself and the EFMB family! 3. Keeping your grades up in all classes. 4. Being responsible, respectful, and prepared. 5. EFMB Pride! Go Thunderbirds! When we commit to those things, you will absolutely: 1. Have LOTS of fun with the group! 2. Make amazing friends and become part of an incredible organization. 3. Join a group who will support you. 4. Develop into an even better musician that you already are. 5. Earn awards, patches, and varsity letters for your hard work and dedication. P.E. Credit Opportunity! P.E./Health credit granted for completion of two (2) semesters of marching band. Must have 90% attendance record. An additional.5 (one semester) of P.E. (health) must be taken in the remaining six available semesters. It is imperative that students attend all rehearsals and performances in order to receive P.E. credit and be a committed member of our ensemble. We can only be our best as a group, when we are our best as individuals.

2 Summer Rehearsal Schedule The following times listed below reflect when rehearsal begins. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early and allow for 20 minutes to pack up equipment and listening to post-rehearsal feedback and announcements. Spring Percussion Tuesday, May 16 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Clinic & Audition #1 Tuesday, May 23 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Audition #2 Tuesday, May 30 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rehearsal Thursday, June 8 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rehearsal Thursday, June 22 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rehearsal Spring Color Guard Wednesday, May 17 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Clinic & Audition #1 Wednesday, May 24 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Audition #2 Thursday, June 1 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rehearsal Thursday, June 8 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rehearsal Thursday, June 22 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rehearsal Pre-Camp Rehearsals: June 27-28 @ 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. July 11-12 @ 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. July 25-26 @ 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. BAND CAMP: Dates: Monday, July 31 - Saturday, August 5th See band camp details for further information. Band Camp Performance: Location: Edsel Ford High School Date: Saturday, August 5th Time: 11:30 a.m. Post Band Camp Rehearsals: Monday, August 7 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 9 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 14 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 21 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 28 @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

3 School Rehearsals (start Sept. 5) Please remember: Rehearsal times reflect when we begin. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early and allow for 20 minutes at the end. Percussion students need to play accordingly for days we rehearse on the football field. ** Rehearsals may be added occasionally as we get closer to performances. Every effort will be made to give plenty of notice, and times will be flexible due to student schedules. Weekly Rehearsals: All Monday & Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. MSBOA Marching Band Festival - Festival is held on a Monday afternoon/evening in October. The date is not yet released and will be added to the calendar in place of a Monday night rehearsal. 1. Homework: Edsel Ford Marching Band students are expected to make every effort to achieve in all classes. Use time wisely in order to keep up with academics during the marching band season. Remember, students in the EFMB family are here to support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help. 2. Rides to rehearsal are always available! Transportation should never be an issue if you stay on top of your schedule. We will always help you find a ride, so never hesitate to ask. Use the Remind app to reach out efficiently. Remember, notifications come to Ms. Oren as well, and I will make every effort to help. Performance Schedule All performance schedules are TBD and will be issued in a timely manner. Saturday, August 5 @ 11:30 a.m. - Band Camp Premiere Thursday, August 31 - EFHS vs. Annapolis H.S. Friday, September 8 - EFHS vs. Belleville Saturday, September 16 - Wayne Memorial HS Clinic Friday, September 22 - EFHS vs. Garden City (Homecoming) Friday, September 29 - EFHS vs. Dearborn H.S. Saturday, September 30 - Carlson HS Invitational Saturday, October 14 - DeWitt HS Invitational Friday, October 20 - EFHS vs. Ferndale H.S. Saturday, October 21 - Brandon HS Invitational

4 Attendance We depend on each other to perform our very best! 1. Always be present, prepared, and on time. 2. To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late. 3. Sometimes, you have to make tough choices to support your ensemble. Remember, we rely on YOU! 4. Communicate potential conflicts FAR in advance. 5. There is nobody to fill in for you. Absences hurt the entire ensemble, as every voice is highly valued. 6. Muscle Memory depends on doing things accurately and repeatedly. Excused Absences - Communication is key! Excused absences include the following: Extreme illness (sniffles, tiredness, and a case of the crankies doesn t count) Death in the family Family wedding Injury (If physically possible, you are still expected to attend rehearsals - you can learn by watching, playing your instrument from the sideline, and supporting your group.) 1. Communicate IN ADVANCE - Send a celly message or e-mail directly to Ms. Oren. Do not ask others to communicate for you. It puts them in the middle of an uncomfortable situation and remember, miscommunication does happen. 2. Bring a doctor s note and/or note from a parent the next day explaining the reason for your absence. If this does not happen, your absence will be considered unexcused. 3. If there is an emergency, contact Ms. Oren as soon as possible. Unexcused Absences - What & why they can t happen: Work/babysitting Homework - It is our priority to be academically successful, so this is a great way to learn time management. Ride to rehearsal - We have celly to help with this. Contact a parent/student in advance if you need help with this. We have never had a student miss rehearsal when they reached out.

5 Oops, I forgot.. ISS/Suspension - As part of the EFMB, the way you conduct yourself reflects both you and the ensemble. We want to be a positive part of our school and community, so be a great example. Time missed from rehearsal will affect your P.E. credit, patch, varsity letter, and/or participation in performances. Absence from Rehearsal Prior to Performance You may not be able to perform sections of the show or the entire show. You will not perform sections of the show that hinder the performance of students who regularly attend rehearsals. We are a team, and the only way we are successful is if we are all in this together. Absence from a Performance There are almost no excused absences from performances. Again, this will affect class credit and the group s overall performance. Be a team player. What you need at rehearsal: 1. A positive attitude, determination, and a willingness to improve. 2. Instrument, mouthpiece, working reeds, valve oil, slide grease, or other instrument needs. 3. All music, including warm-ups in a 3 ring binder with plastic inserts. 4. Dot books (small spiral bound notebook), a shoelace, and pencil. 5. Water thermos - There are absolutely no sugary drinks, energy drinks, pop, etc. Water will be provided in coolers, but you are encouraged to bring a personal bottle/thermos for convenience. Avoid plastic, disposable water bottles - they bake in the sun. 6. Comfortable, school appropriate clothing - See the school dress code for guidelines. Avoid jeans for long days, such as band camp. 7. Tennis shoes/socks - Sandals, flip flops, dress shoes, heels, etc. are not permitted. It is a true safety hazard, and you should return home from rehearsal in one piece! 8. Hat - Let s avoid sun burns. 9. A bagged lunch for camp - Do not bring items such as dairy that will spoil if not refrigerated. Dinner is provided as part of your band fees.

6 What you don t need: 1. Cell phones It is policy that they are not allowed on the field. They are a MAJOR distraction and we need to spend our time rehearsing.. Not texting. School policy applies. If you have a phone, you can not have it with you during rehearsal. Ms. Oren and assistant directors will have their phones for emergency situations or ensemble needs. Parents - please contact during rehearsals if an emergency arises. All band staff members have the authority to confiscate a phone if it is out during rehearsal. Students may have their phones returned to them or their parent depending on the individual situation. 2. Negative attitudes Stay positive and focused. The EFMB will help you during tough times, but please allow us to be a part of your life outside of rehearsal. Band Camp Performance Uniform Marching Shoes (new members pay, returning members use previously purchased shoes) - If shoes are lost, the student is responsible for paying to replace them. Show shirt (included in fees) Black socks (purchased by student) Tan/khaki shorts (purchase by student) Formal Performance Uniform Students will be assigned a uniform based on fit and returned for storage after every show. There will be an announcement made when uniforms need to be dry cleaned. It must be done at your own expense, however we have a group discount rate at Westborn Cleaners on 1911 Monroe. Uniforms are not to be hand/machine washed. Color guard - please see instructions on the inside tag of your uniform. Students will be held financially responsible for missing/damaged parts of the uniform. Gloves may be hand/machine washed. Be careful not to shrink them.

7 Instrument Rentals All students must have an instrument during the summer. You will need to practice and have music prepared for rehearsals. That includes band camp. Some instruments may be checked out through Ms. Oren over the summer. Students who do not own their own instrument may ask Ms. Oren for school availability. All others will need to be purchased or rented from a local music store. A & R Music or Anderson Music are both highly recommended. Crescendo Club We need your help! Parent participation is vital for the success of the EFMB. Help is needed to sew flags when necessary, fundraise, volunteer for events, plan events, chaperon, cook for band camp, etc. Please see Ms. Oren or current Crescendo Club (CC) members for information regarding how you can help. There are several areas to choose from, so feel free to either stick with what you re comfortable with or step outside of your comfort zone. Communication Celly Group Name: Marching Band Text @080116 to 81010 This is the best form of communication between the EFMB family including parents, students, staff, and Ms. Oren. The app is free and required for all members of the group. Create a username that makes you identifiable for communication purposes. (first initial/last name, first name/instrument, etc.). All messages will be screened through Ms. Oren, so choose messages carefully. You will NOT be sent spam.

8 Payment Information Expected Fees: $200 Reminder: Turning in the contract is a commitment to paying the full membership fees. Help fundraise to reduce fees! If you put in the work as a group, your fees will decrease and reflect on an individual or whole group basis, depending on the fundraiser. This is where we collaborate to be most effective. Fees do not include instrumental rental from local vendors, basic instrument supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc.), seasonal percussion fees, seasonal color guard fees, or marching band shoes/gloves for new members. FAQ: What do my fees cover? Show t-shirts Wind Instruction - camp Updated equipment Dinners for Band Camp Music*** Custom Drill Color guard instruction - Wind music camp & season arrangement Percussion instruction - camp & season Percussion music arrangement Color Guard choreography Gas expenses to scholastic competitions and MSBOA Festival Payment Due Dates: 1. $50.00 due Tuesday, May 16 (Contracts Due) 2. $75.00 due Thursday, June 27 - Additional fees due for guard, percussion, and new members. See Contract for details. 3. $75.00 due Tuesday, July 25 - This payment may vary depending on band size. 4. If you are able, you are kindly encouraged to pay all fees advance. 5. http://efbandcamp2017.brownpapertickets.com/ Fundraisers: May 5 - Yankee Candle Fundraiser due (individual fundraiser) Business sponsorship - The Dearborn community was extremely generous with Mangia, Music, & More! All students will have a business sponsorship letter that they are able to turn in to local businesses for money towards fees. They will have written verification for tax purposes. (individual fundraiser ) July 8 - Can & Bottle Drive (Is this too close to the 4th?); general fund - everyone participates. Performance Fundraiser (date TBD) - Students perform in front of local grocery stores and collect donations. (group fundraiser)

9 Please contact Ms. Oren for payment plans if this is not feasible. Fundraisers should help immensely. No student should miss out due to financial restraints. Please make checks payable to EFHS Crescendo Club.

10 Student and Parent Contract - The initial deposit is due with this contract. Student Statement: This statement is to certify that I,, am committing myself to be a member of the Edsel Ford Marching Band for the 2017-2018 season, including involvement in all scheduled activities, including but not limited to band camps, rehearsals, football games, pep rallies, parades, rehearsals, etc., throughout the calendar school year. I am aware that the success of the entire group is dependent upon my involvement. I realize that the time commitment involved with rehearsals, performances, and school activities will demand that I stay current with school work, in addition to managing my time wisely for conflicts. I have read and understand the marching band policies, procedures, and typical schedules, associated with joining the marching band and promise to do my best to aid in the development of the band and myself as a musician/color guard member. I also understand that as an individual in a group activity, I have a responsibility to the group to maintain a positive attendance record, display respectful behavior, and maintain a positive attitude according to the Edsel Ford Code of Conduct. I understand that inappropriate actions will be subject to disciplinary action by Director(s) and will have a negative effect on the group s and my own performance level and image. I further understand that all marching band policies are subject to change at any time by authority of Ms. Oren and may be impacted by changes in EFHS or school district policy. Student Signature Date Parent Statement: This is to certify that I have read and understand the policies and procedures for my son/daughter s involvement in the Edsel Ford Marching Band, including, but not limited to: the EFHS Student Code of Conduct, strict attendance requirements, requirements for missing a rehearsal/performance, financial responsibilities (including fee-reducing fundraising), equipment needs, etc. I realize that this is a group activity, dependent upon my son/daughter to be responsible for certain requirements of membership that affect many others besides himself/herself and I will do my best to support my son/daughter in his/her involvement. I understand that if there is a conflict with driving my son/daughter to or from rehearsal/performance, other parents may be available to help with transportation by speaking with Ms. Oren and arranging a ride, and that this does not constitute an excused absence on my child s part. I also understand that the EFHS Crescendo Club is available for parents of all EFHS fine arts students, in which I am encouraged to be a member on a completely voluntary basis, if I choose. Lastly, by signing this form and turning in the registration form, I understand that the EFHS Marching Band is planning the budget and will purchase materials for the entire marching band season based on my commitment. I will be held responsible for the entire EFHS Marching Band fee, regardless of whether my son/daughter drops or is dismissed for any reason after Tuesday, May 16. Parent Signature Date

11 Student Shirt Size - Circle one adult size below S M L XL 2XL Additional Shirts: ($8.00 per t-shirt and $25 per hoodie) Type of Shirt (circle one): t-shirt hoodie Size: S M L XL 2XL Type of Shirt (circle one): t-shirt hoodie Size: S M L XL 2XL Type of Shirt (circle one): t-shirt hoodie Size: S M L XL 2XL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Woodwind & Brass - Additional Fees, Circle which items you need You do not need to purchase these if you already have them. Marching Drillmaster Shoes - $30.00 Shoe Size: Gloves - $3.00 Glove Size: S M L XL Unknown --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Color Guard - Additional Fees, Circle which items you need You do not need to purchase these if you already have them. Marching Drillmaster Shoes - $30.00 Shoe Size: Gloves - $13.00 Glove Size: S M L XL Unknown Season Fees for all members - $20.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Percussion - Additional Fees, Circle which items you need You do not need to purchase these if you already have them. Marching Drillmaster Shoes - $30.00 Shoe Size: Season Fees for all members - $20.00 Percussion and Color Guard - Additional fees are applied for a variety of reasons. Students in the woodwind and brass sections are required to purchase or rent their instruments, in addition to being responsible for maintenance and supplies. These fees cover things like, but not limited to, maintenance of your instrument or flag, and new equipment for the season. As students who utilize these materials, we must update, maintain, and replace as necessary. This is why these fees are only applied to percussion

12 and color guard students. EFHS Marching Band 2017-2018 Information Form Student Information Student Full Name: Student e-mail: Student Phone Number: Student s Grade in 2016-2017: Instrument/Guard: Food allergies/accommodations (i.e. vegetarian, halal, etc.) Parent Information Parent Name(s): Parent e-mail: Parent Phone Number: Home Address: Cres. Club Position (if applicable): *Please turn in this form even if you are undecided about joining marching band*