Robert E. Lee High School Volunteer Band Parent Handbook 2012 2013 The purpose of the band parent organization is: 1. to provide an adult service organization dedicated to the promotion and welfare of the Band and its members; 2. provide support of the Band in matters not covered by existing directives of the North East Independent School District; and 3. strive for close coordination and understanding between the Band, school, and community; 4. support the band, band director, and school authorities in the furtherance of the school music program and objectives. Decisions made by the band director may not always be agreed with by the association but should be respected. If a decision is made by the association which the director does not support, the decision may be reversed after discussion. No meeting shall ever be conducted without a band director present. MISSION STATEMENT It is the intention of the Robert E. Lee High School Band Program to offer every student a well-rounded and enriching music education. Band members are given the opportunities to participate in individual and group performance-based activities. The band experience helps individual members develop the values of teamwork, commitment, pride and accomplishment. The Robert E. Lee High School Band takes pride in representing North East Independent School District and the Community.
BAND ORGANIZATIONS The Robert E. Lee High School Band Program offers the following ensembles: Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, and various pedagogy courses. The MARCHING BAND consists of all students enrolled in the band program. This band performs at all Pep Rallies, football games, and marching competitions. Membership in the marching band is required of all band members. The marching band schedule is outlined in detail at the end of this handbook. Rehearsals are generally as follows: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 4:40 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday No Rehearsal Game Day Friday 7 a.m. 7:50 a.m./pep Rally 8 a.m. Please see calendar for exact dates. With the shortened amount of time scheduled for marching practice, we encourage students to schedule tutorial times around their practices. UIL Regulation states a band may practice a total of 8 hours outside of the school day from Monday through Saturday. If a teacher can only meet during a band practice time, please have the teacher send a note to the band director. Band Members receive a PE, Fine Arts, and elective credit for membership in the marching band. The WIND ENSEMBLE is the top-performing band at Robert E. Lee High School and is based on ability, attitude, participation, and instrument needs. This band performs upper high school level literature and performs numerous concerts during the year. Wind Ensemble students are required to attend sectionals and rehearsals outside of school time each week; they are also required to audition through the all-state process, as well as participation in UIL Solo/Ensemble contest in February. Members of the Wind Ensemble are encouraged to take private lessons on their instruments. Students in this ensemble are dedicated musicians serious about perfecting their playing abilities. The SYMPHONIC BAND is the second level concert band at Robert E. Lee High School and is based on ability, attitude, and participation. This band performs moderate level high school concert band literature. Symphonic Band students will be required to attend sectionals and rehearsals outside of school time each week. Members of the Symphonic Band are encouraged but not required to audition for the all-region band. They are, however, required to participate in UIL Solo/Ensemble contest in February. Members of the Symphonic Band are encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument. The band, if eligibility and instrumentation allows, will enter UIL competition each year. The band performs at all major concerts. This band serves as preparation for the Wind Ensemble. The JAZZ BAND is a secondary ensemble which meets on a volunteer basis at the conclusion of marching season. The jazz band performs at concerts and throughout the community. The COLOR GUARD is the visual component during the marching season and competes independently in the spring.
BAND BOOSTERS The Robert E. Lee High School Band Booster Club is a very active, supportive organization. The success of the band program is due to the dedication and service of the band parent organization. There are numerous areas in which interested parents can be involved in supporting the activities of the band. General Meetings are held once a month at 7:00 p.m.(during football season) and 6:30 p.m. (after football season) in the Lee Band Hall. Different committees ask for help in areas such as concessions during the games and chaperoning. Please assist in both of these major areas at least once during marching season. Concessions are a major factor in earning money for the band program and everyone s assistance is needed. For questions, please contact members of the executive board. FUNDRAISING It is important all members fundraise in order to raise monies for the band program. Expenses are incurred throughout the year for the marching season, color guard, percussion, and other band necessities. In order to be competitive, and provide students with a meaningful band experience, it is necessary to raise funds all year. All money earned will go into the Band Booster fund. The first fundraiser allocated will also assist students in paying band fees. Individual Student Accounts will only be set up during a band trip year. Additionally, to be eligible to go on the Spring trip, each parent or guardian of the Band member must be a member in good standing (attend meetings) of the Band Parents Organization and must contribute thirty (30) volunteer hours to Band Parents Organization activities and such hours must be properly reported to and accounted for by the Band Parents Organization's secretary. Each Band member is subject to and must comply with all applicable state laws, UIL rules, NEISD policies and Band rules at all times during all Band trips and failure to comply with any such laws, policies or rules may subject the member to discipline under the BDP, and such discipline may include immediately sending the member home at the member's (or member's parent's) expense. Furthermore, each Band member is subject to having all his luggage, bags, backpack, purse, other belongings and person searched at any time before or during the trip by any chaperone, Band director, or LHS administrator.
MEMBER FEES Fee Due by End of Summer Band (Payment plans available through September) Fee Cost Covers $25 (separate check made District Fee for cleaning the out to Lee HS Band) band/guard uniforms. Uniform Fee Maintenance Fee $30 (separate check made out to Lee HS Band) District Fee paid by students using a school owned instrument. This fee applies to ALL color guard and percussion students. Enrichment Fee $100 (separate check made out to Lee HS Band) Personal Band Water jug Member Shirt Marching Shoes Uniform Alterations Busses for Contests Competition Fees Rig Maintenance Equipment/Prop costs Tractor Rental Driver for 18-Wheeler Marching Drill Show Music Clinicians & Judges * Fundraisers can be used to assist the band with the above fees regarding competitions, buses, equipment, and rig expenses. If you choose to contribute by fundraising, we ask each individual to participate throughout the year. If you choose not to fundraise, we ask you contribute by paying the amount listed above. Fundraisers cannot be used for Uniform or Maintenance Fees. There will not be individual accounts; all monies will be deposited into the Campus/Student Activity Account.
GRADING Grading in band is based upon performances (40%), daily grades (25%), test grades (25%), and participation (10%). Band students receive a grade of 100 for each performance attended example: football games, concerts, and competitions. Daily grades are based on sectional/rehearsal attendance, preparation of music, etc. Test grades consist of marching tests, memorization of music, and music mastery (playing and written). Participation is based on effort and dedication. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY Due to the No Pass, No Play state law, students may not participate in band, or any other extra-curricular activity, for a period of 3 weeks if they are not passing all classes. Excessive absences from school may also cause a student to be declared ineligible. The band staff works hard in assisting and encouraging band students to pass all classes. Tutoring times are set once a week, after school, for all band members. The Robert E. Lee High School Band is respected because of their 99%-100% eligibility record. We cannot be successful as a band unless our students are successfully passing all academic classes. Frequent academic ineligibility may cause a student to be removed from participating in the band. DISCIPLINE For a violation of any State law, NEISD policy, LHS rule, UIL rule, Volunteer Band rule or requirement, the following disciplinary actions may be imposed: 1. Correction or counseling 2. Parental conference or notification 3. Exclusion from a Band function or functions 4. Loss of marching band spot or concert band chair 5. Exclusion or removal from Band office or other position 6. Exclusion or removal from the Band The disciplinary action imposed in each instance will be at the discretion of the Band director considering the nature and severity of the conduct, the circumstances of the conduct, its frequency and prior warnings or action, consistency of action considering other situations, and other relevant factors.
In addition to possible disciplinary action for violation of or failure to comply with other specific rules and requirements, disciplinary action under the BDP may be imposed for any of the following: 1. Violation of any state law, NEISD policy, or LHS rules regarding drugs, alcohol or tobacco. 2. Unexcused absence from any Band function. 3. Unexcused tardy from any Band function. 4. Failure to be properly prepared for any Band function. 5. Failure to properly care for or loss of any Band property including music, instrument or uniform. 6. Failure to check-off music. 7. Using, tampering with or improper treatment of another Band member's instrument, music, uniform, or other property. 8. Failure to timely check-in equipment. 9. Poor participation in any Band function. 10. Improper behavior at any Band function. 11. Improper behavior in or treatment of the Band hall or any Band or school property. 12. Disrespectful or other improper treatment of directors, instructors, parent chaperones, or band officers and student leaders. 13. Failure to follow the instructions and directions of Band directors, instructors, parent chaperones, or band officers and student leaders. 14. Conduct which has a negative effect on the morale or discipline of other Band members. 15. Conduct which has an incidental, but real, adverse impact on the reputation of the Volunteer Band, LHS or NEISD.
PARTICIPATION A yearly band calendar is available at the band website (www.volsband.org) for your use in planning your family schedule for the 2012-2013 school year. Each band student is important to the success of our many activities. We must count on 100% attendance at performances and rehearsals. If a family emergency occurs unexpectedly, please call the band office at 210-356-0884. Occasionally, there will be a family commitment for which we will work with you on an individual basis; this must be discussed well in advance. Student job commitments, baby sitting, etc., are not reasons to be excused from rehearsals or performances. Many band students work and are quite successful in participating with the band. Please take a copy of the band calendar to his/her employer and clear all band rehearsals/performances. If a band student has an unexcused absence from a rehearsal/performance/required function, he/she will receive a 0 as a grade for the event. Please check the band website frequently for updated information and weekly agendas. UNIFORM Uniform items owned by NEISD and issued to members by the Band consist of: 1. Long Jacket and Short Jacket 2. Pants 3. Plume 4. Hat Member Furnished. Each member must furnish the following items to be worn with the uniform: 1. Solid long black socks 2. One pair black marching shoes (Ordered during summer band) 3. One pair black gloves 4. Show T-shirt (price included in Enrichment Fee) 5. Running shorts (black or grey) to wear under uniform Lee Band Show Shirt with Band Logo -Everyone, including Color guard, must have this shirt. This shirt will be worn under your band uniform, or over uniform for color guard. There are no exceptions.
Uniform and Appearance. To achieve the goals of the Band, Band uniforms must, at all times, be carefully cared for and be worn properly and with pride. Issued Band uniform items will be stored and kept during the school year by each member. Each Band member is responsible for his issued uniform at all times and must ensure that it is securely kept and carefully cared for. When not in use, the uniform should be properly hung, the hat should be boxed and all items should be properly stored in a closet or other safe place where it will not fade, be soiled or damaged and will otherwise be ready to wear with pride at all times. During each use of the uniform, members must promptly put on and remove the uniform and not leave it, or parts of it, on the floor or in other locations where it may be damaged or soiled. Uniform items that the members provide shall be kept by the members and washed or cleaned as necessary. Members may not wear any jewelry (including a wrist watch) or clothing other than the proper issued or student furnished items specified for the event, except that senior members may wear their own LHS senior rings. Specifically, for example, members may not wear caps, sunglasses, headphones, etc. at any time while wearing the Band uniform or any part of it. Only light makeup and clear nail polish may be worn with the Band uniform. Hair may not touch the collar of the Uniform and members shall provide sufficient pins, clips, nets or holders of a color as dose as possible to the member's hair color to secure their hair under the hat and off the uniform collar. Hair shall be secured above the uniform collar before the uniform is put on and shall be kept so secured until after the uniform is taken off. Hair shall not be brushed, braided or otherwise styled while the member is at a performance site. Except as permitted by the Band director, and particularly when in public, the uniform should be fully buttoned and otherwise worn properly. Charges and fines. Any failure to comply with these Uniform and Appearance Rules may subject the member to discipline under the BDP, the following fines or charges, or both. Any uniform item that is lost or rendered unusable through the negligence of any member shall be replaced by, and at the sole expense of, that member. (The original cost of the uniform was as follows: pants - $87.50 per pair, coat - $230.00 each, hat -$50.00. Cost at the time of replacement may have increased.) NEISD pays to dry clean the uniforms three times per year and each member must bring the uniform to the Band hall and pick it up at the proper time to take advantage of this service. Any uniform item that becomes soiled, at a time when it is not due for cleaning at NEISD expense, or is not otherwise cleaned at NEISD expense as required, shall be cleaned and the member shall pay all expenses of such cleaning.
Leaving any uniform item in an improper place, such as on the floor of the Band hall or a bus, may subject the member to a $5.00 fine for each item so found for the first violation. Any violation of any of these rules concerning care for and the proper wearing of the uniform, including wearing any part of the uniform that is too soiled to wear properly, may subject the member to a $5.00 fine for each such violation or other discipline under these rules and the BDP or both. INSPECTION Prior to ROLL CALL for all Band functions, Band members must be dressed in the complete announced uniform in accordance with the Volunteer Band Uniform and Appearance Rules. Inspections are held before boarding buses and at performance sites. If any failure to comply with the Uniform Policies or failure to have the proper instrument, equipment and music cannot be corrected prior to boarding buses or a performance, the member WILL NOT PARTICIPATE in the Band function, and may be subject to further discipline under the BDP. MEMBERS MUST TRAVEL WITH BAND The Band frequently travels and participates in activities away from LHS. All Band members are required to travel to and from Band functions in vehicles which are provided or approved by the school officials and/or NEISD. Any exception to this rule must be: 1. Made IN ADVANCE upon a written request from the parent/guardian and approved by the Band Director. 2. The head chaperone must be notified IN WRITING before the departure time. 3. Arrangements for the member's equipment must be made before departure. 4. The member WILL NOT be surrendered to anyone other than his/her parent/guardian unless the written request signed by the parent/guardian directs that the member be surrendered to a specifically named, responsible individual. 5. Before a member may leave the Band, the parent/guardian or other individual to whom the member is to be surrendered and the member must together report their departure to the head chaperone or Band director. If this procedure is not followed, the member must return with the Band or may be subject to discipline under the BDP.
SUPPER CLUB Meals are provided for students before games, and competitions, for a cost of $5.00. All meals must be paid for in advance no later than Wednesday for each week. Parents may purchase all of the meals in advance for the entire marching season. All students must eat prior to the game; students are not allowed to eat upon arrival to the stadium. Due to time restraints, it is recommended students not leave after school for food. If students must leave campus to eat, the band department is not responsible for any accidents that may occur. BAD WEATHER DAYS Rehearsals are still conducted in the event of bad weather in the band hall. Students will not be on the practice field if there is lightning. Contests and games will continue until the contest organizer, or athletic director, determine it is unsafe to proceed with the event. If a scheduled event is cancelled, students will be notified and will be given the make up date and day for the event. BAND LOCKER CHECK-OUT Each student will be issued a locker and a lock at the beginning of the school year. Students must use the lock issued to them. All students must keep personal belongings in their locked lockers. We are NOT responsible for items stolen from the band hall. Students are expected to keep their locker clean and organized. A fee of $5.00 will be assessed for lost locks. GENERAL TRAVEL AND EVENT RULES Activities away from LHS require particular responsibility and cooperation from Band members. In addition to other applicable laws, policies and rules, the following specific rules are in effect for and applicable to all members for all such activities, unless instructed otherwise by the Band director. Band Parent Organization chaperones usually accompany the Band on these trips. On trips in which chaperones are not present, the Band director or other supervising adult will perform the functions of chaperones specified in these rules and should be consulted accordingly. Failure to comply with any of the following rules may subject a member to discipline under the BDP. For any questions regarding the band program, or your child, please contact Brannon Baker Director of Bands - at 356-0884