2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR COURSE SYLLABUS/HANDBOOK FREEPORT AREA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND All rules and regulations contained in the booklet are to be adhered to by all members of the band. All items are set up so that the education and the performance will be at its utmost. If a quality performance is our goal, then these rules MUST be followed. This handbook has been approved by the high school administration. This handbook will serve as the course syllabus for Marching Band course, as offered in the Freeport Area Senior High School Course of Study Catalog for.25 credits during the school year. All policies and procedures are effective from June 1 st through May 31 st. 1
***Students are reminded that all items mentioned in this Handbook, including all rules of conduct, will be enforced for the entire academic year. Also, all rules in the Freeport Area School District Student Handbook applies to all members of the band at all bandrelated activities.*** Marching Band is a co-curricular course, as part of the Freeport Area High School Course of Study. All students must be scheduled for Marching Band in order to participate in the organization. Pre-requisite for instrumentalist participation: scheduled concurrently in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble course (based on grade level). Pre-requisite for color guard and majorette participation: successful completion and acceptance after the district-approved auxiliary tryout. Section 1---Attendance 1.1---Rehearsal Attendance Attendance occurs at the beginning of rehearsal. Ex. 6:30 8:00 rehearsal, 6:30 attendance Attendance will be taken by the student leaders assigned to this task. If a student is missing, without the prior notification to the band director, there may be a call home to locate the student s whereabouts. All members must send e-mail notification for any/all absences to the appropriate staff member. Unless otherwise noted, all rehearsals and sectionals shall be mandatory. The Official Excuse Form must be submitted with Parent/Guardian signature for all absences or tardies. All excuses must be submitted by the next Marching Band scheduled event. Unexcused absences are assigned for any absence that does not have the Official Excuse Form returned by the next event. Excused absences shall include the following - Sickness o You must call or email the band director and/or appropriate staff member before the scheduled start of said rehearsal to notify him/ her of the absence. o If your whereabouts are unknown at the start of rehearsal, a phone call could be made to the parent or legal guardian. o An official excuse must be filled out and signed by a parent of legal guardian and returned to the band director within one week of the absence. - Family Emergency o An official excuse must be filled out and signed by a parent of legal guardian and returned to the band director within one week of the absence. 2
- Long standing commitment(s) that was scheduled before the rehearsal/performance. o See Section 1.5 - School Sponsored Events o See Section 2 - Other reasons deemed excused by the band director. Tardiness - Attendance is tracked daily. If a student is between 1 minute and 10 minutes late, it will count as 1/3 of a demerit. Upon receiving 3 tardies, a student will be given 1 demerit. - If a student is over 10 minutes late, he/she must have an approved excuse provided. Otherwise, it will become an unexcused absence with demerits given. Consequences to Absences o See Demerit System (Section 6) when appropriate. Sectionals - If given at least 2 weeks notice, all sectionals will be deemed mandatory. 1.2---Performance Attendance - Attendance occurs at the call time, with the student leaders taking attendance. - All absences will require an excuse, just like the rehearsals. - A formation will be followed. Directions will be given by the Marching Band Staff before the first performance. 1.3---Health Insurance ~ All students must be covered under a health insurance provider, and this documentation must be provided on the approved Music Department Health form and provided to the School Nurse (when appropriate). Any student that does not have health insurance will not be permitted to travel to any performances or events with the Marching Band. 1.4---Report Times for All Events ~ All provided report times are exact times when rehearsals/warmups/check-ins begin. Students will plan on arriving at least ten minutes early in order to be prepared for the assigned, exact report time. 1.5---Longstanding Commitments vs. Last Minute Scheduling Conflicts ~ Since the schedule is provided many months in advance, all student members must report longstanding scheduling conflicts no later than 30 calendar days before the scheduling conflict via Official Excuse Form. Conflicts that are reported before the 30- day limit will be considered excused. Conflicts reported 29 days or closer to the scheduled conflict will result in consequences (including demerits) and will be considered unexcused. The only acceptable excuses closer to the scheduling conflict will be family emergency or illness. 3
Section 2---School Related Conflicts 2.1---Other extracurricular activities (including all athletics) - Students in more than one extracurricular activity must split rehearsal and practice time evenly between all organizations. o Ex. Band rehearsal 3:00-5:00 and Football Practice from 4:00-6:00. If this situation were to arise, the student would attend band from 3:00-4:30 and soccer from 4:30-6:00. This gives each organization 1 ½ hours of your time. - An Official Excuse Form must be returned on a weekly basis (at the beginning of the week or the end of the previous week) during any/all weeks with scheduling conflicts. - If a coach changes a schedule at the last minute with an impending conflict, please contact the Marching Band Staff member immediately. Another Official Excuse Form must be completed for an excused absence. Section 3---Performances 3.1---Etiquette - When entering the bleachers or seats, all band members will stand at attention until all members of the band are in place. At this time, the student leaders will instruct the band to sit. - While in the bleachers or seats, only band members, staff, and assigned chaperones will be permitted in the band s reserved section. - All band members must sit with their respective sections while in the bleachers or stands. - Unapproved jewelry, nail polish, tattoos, or makeup will not be tolerated. Only auxiliary members may wear jewelry that is uniform with the rest of their respective sections and by permission of the color guard or majorette instructor. Jewelry that cannot be removed must be totally covered with a nude-colored bandage (at the students expense). Students will not be permitted to perform with exposed, unapproved jewelry or tattoos and will received demerits. - If a student member plans getting new piercings, tattoos, or hair color, please wait until after the football season. - Whenever the band plays, all instrumentalists will play. Auxiliary members will stand with the band. 4
- Water bottles (clear/unopened) will be permitted in the stands. When instructed by Marching Band staff during football games, students will be permitted to bring his/her own snacks in the duffle bags. Food will only be permitted to be eaten during Third Quarter only. Food is not permitted to be delivered to students from anyone at any time while in the stands. Optional food purchases may be permitted through our Booster Concession Stand during home games (TBD). - ALL BAND MEMBERS WILL ALWAYS BE COURTEOUS AND POLITE TO OTHER BANDS. - Instrumentalists are not permitted to play their instruments when not instructed to do so, especially during football games and festivals. Please follow playing instructions by the Marching Band Staff and Student Leaders. - All members of the band are representing the school from the time of departure to the performance until dismissal from the performance. - Absolutely NO personal displays of affection that would go against school rules. 3.2---Breaks during performances - Bathroom breaks will be given while we are in the stands during games and festivals. Students will be dismissed by groups called by the members of the staff. - Students may not go to the concession stand or have food brought to them while in the stands. All members are encouraged to bring their own snacks in their duffle bags. 3.3---Ability to perform at any/all performances ~ If a student member is not prepared to perform for any reason (most likely because of excessive absences), it is his/her responsibility to learn and master any/all missed material. Though we are here to help all members succeed, it is not responsibility of the Marching Band Staff or Student Leaders to provide individualized instruction for missed work. Students are encouraged to seek help from his/her Captains or Section Leaders at a mutually convenient time. Section 4---Uniforms and Equipment Section 4.1---Uniforms The purpose of a uniform is for the entire group to look uniform. All students and their parents/guardians will be financially responsible for their uniform from the time of distribution to the time of collection. All students are responsible for keeping their uniform as clean as possible throughout the entire season. 5
All Members - Uniform/Costume Assignment & Necessary Alterations: The Staff and Boosters try their best to assign uniforms and costumes that work best for a student. However, we have a limited supply of uniforms/costumes to complement all members of the organization. Necessary alterations are needed to help create uniformity. All alterations are completed by an approved seamstress throughout the summer months. Any alterations for auxiliary costumes are at the expense of Parents/Guardians. An individual bill/invoice for alterations will be provided after the alterations are completed. Instrumentalist uniform alterations are not charged, as parents/guardians are paying for dry cleaning services. Parents/Guardians are asked to pay the seamstress directly after alterations are completed. Parents/Guardians are not permitted to alter uniforms and costumes with another vendor, as our approved seamstress are aware of the specific, approved alterations necessary for our specific uniforms/costumes. Any/all members that required Band Aids to cover jewelry and/or other items will not be provided Band Aids from the First Aid Bag. Please plan accordingly. Instrumentalists Only - Dry Cleaning: The Staff and Boosters will arrange dry cleaning services once or twice throughout the school year. Parents/Guardians will be required to provide the necessary funds for dry cleaning services as part of the Required Apparel Order Form. The required funds should be provided during the mandatory apparel order. Parents/Guardians may dry clean the uniforms more often at their own discretion and expense. Auxiliary Members Only - Hand Washing: Parents/Guardians are responsible for cleaning their student members costumes throughout the season. Costumes must be hand washed only. Instructors will discuss how to properly clean the costumes during the summer rehearsals. The students are responsible for the replacement of a part of the uniform that becomes damaged or missing because of carelessness or negligence. - The wind and percussion player uniform will consist of the following. o Uniform and marching hat (school-issued) o black gloves (instrumentalists must have an extra pair of gloves at all times) o black shoes o black socks o music department t-shirt o ball cap o rain jacket (school-issued, when necessary) o other accessories deemed necessary by the Band Director - The color guard uniform will consist of the following. o Costumes (school-issued) o black marching shoes/socks o wind suit o specific jewelry and make-up 6
o other accessories deemed necessary by the color guard instructor - The majorette uniform will consist of the following. o majorette uniform (school-issued) o tights o tan baton shoes o wind suit o specific jewelry and make-up o other accessory items deemed necessary by the majorette instructor - All members of the band must perform in the specific uniform requirements noted by the Staff. If a student forgets a part of the uniform, he/she may be removed from the performance and will receive demerits (see Demerit System). Parents/Guardians are responsible for purchasing any/all apparel items required for his/her child s participation in this group. There will be no refunds for apparel purchases. Detailed expectations are provided in the spring. By signing this Handbook contract, both participating member and Parent/Guardian have agreed to the Uniform Responsibilities as well as apparel purchasing expectations. Section 4.2---Equipment Students are responsible for their own instruments and equipment at all times, with the exception of when it is in storage (in the trailer, storage room, etc.). Parents/Guardians are responsible for any/all repairs of musical instruments and equipment. Section 4.3~~~Service Awards Students will receive the appropriate service bars per each year of service. Additional pins as well as letters can be purchased through FAMBA. Letter eligibility is provided to students who have completed two complete seasons as a performer in the organization. Students will be recognized for their years of service during the annual banquet. Section 5---Leadership Section 5.1---Musical Leadership Roles The marching band may include student leaders assuming the following leadership roles: ~ Commanding Officers o The commanding officers are the student directors of the marching band. The number of Commanding Officers may vary from year-to-year. o Auditions for commanding officer will occur during April or May. o The commanding officers are expected to be a positive role model for the entire group. o Commanding officers are in-charge of marching drill, uniforms, attendance, music distribution/collection/organization, and other activities deemed necessary by the staff. o Commanding officer positions are available to 2+ years members. 7
- Drum Majors o The drum majors are responsible for conducting the marching band and being good role models. o Auditions for drum major will occur during April or May. o Any current marching band performing member may audition for drum major. o If a student is awarded the position of drum major, it does not guarantee that particular student will hold that position for more than one year. - Section Leaders and Captains o The section leaders are responsible for peer to peer operations in their particular sections. o Captains will be available for auxiliary positions, and in-depth audition criteria is provided with auxiliary auditions in April or May. o The staff will make a final decision on each position, if available. o Section Leaders will be announced before the official start to Band Camp. o The number of section leaders (and their assigned sections) are determined by the Marching Band Staff only. Section 5.2---Band Council (for Instrumentalists Only) - President o The president shall be a senior and a member of all bands. He/She is elected annually. The president shall preside over meetings of the band council. - Vice President o The vice president shall be at least a junior and shall serve as president if the elected president is absent. The vice president shall assist in presiding over meetings of the band council. - Secretary o The secretary shall be at least a sophomore. He/She is elected annually. He/She records the minutes at all band council meetings. The secretary shall send any necessary invitations, cards, notes of appreciation, etc. when needed. - Treasurer o The treasures shall be at least a sophomore. He/She is elected annually. The treasurer shall work with the director in matters concerning the financial status of the band and is responsible for collecting money with the guidance of the band director. ***The band director has the prerogative to assign additional duties to members of the band council and any student member as deemed necessary.*** Section 6---Demerit System The accountability and discipline will be administered through a demerit system. The system is designed to ensure the best possible performances for Freeport Area Senior High School Marching Band. Since each member is expected to be a responsible and 8
dedicated member, there should be no difficulty in following the rules. Further, each band member is expected to be accountable for himself/herself and his/her equipment. These rules will be fully enforced. The demerits will be included in the Marching Band Contract. Both guidelines and the demerit system should be reviewed and require a signature by both member and parent acknowledging that he/she has reviewed them and understand the consequences for infractions or inappropriate behavior. The demerit system is the main portion to the Accountability Grade for the first marking period. The demerit system will go into effect from June 1 st to May 31 st each year. Once a member has accumulated 5 demerits, he/she will be ineligible to perform at the next event, but will be expected to be present in uniform with the other members. Based on the severity and consistency of inappropriate behaviors or actions, a student may be removed from a performance or the organization. These decisions will be decided upon by the Marching Band Staff and High School Administration. All decisions to remove a student from a performance and/or the organization will be communicated with the individual student s Parents/Guardians. For each demerit a student receives, he/she will receive points deducted from his/her Accountability Grade for the first marking period (this is a co-curricular course). For actions that are severe (or close to a performance or special event), a student member may lose their ability to perform and/or attend a certain event. Demerit Totals with Infraction Explanations Illegal absence for performance (3 demerits) Illegal excuses for a practice (as noted in the Handbook). At the director s discretion, the student may be pulled from the next performance in addition to the demerits. (2 demerits) No member will leave practice or an event unless approved by director and with a signed note by parent/guardian. (2 demerits) Arguing on the field, in the stands, or during a practice will not be tolerated. Also, bullying or manipulation over other students including the student leaders is not acceptable behavior. (2-5 demerits) The wearing of any jewelry or nail polish during a performance will not be tolerated. The member will be expected to remove the items or nail polish or will be pulled from the performance in addition to the demerits. (2 demerits per event) Tattoos will not be tolerated. The member will be expected to completely cover the item will concealer (or another approved way by the instructors), or will be pulled from the performance in addition to the demerits. (2 demerits per event) 9
The member is expected to wear the proper apparel to each performance. At the director s discretion, the student may be pulled from the performance in addition to the demerits. During the A formation, students apparel will be checked before every performance event. (1 demerit per event) Three late appearances to rehearsals/performances (1-10 minutes late). (1 demerit) Shoes, uniforms, and accessory pieces must be clean, pressed (if appropriate), and neat for each event. In addition to demerits, you may be pulled from an event if you do not have a neat appearance. (1 demerit) No cell phones permitted out during practices, announcements, or performance events. This includes during dismissal announcements and while sitting in bleachers. (1 demerit) Equipment assignment for practices and events will be inspected. If a person fails to fulfill their obligations, demerits will be issued. (1 demerit) Members are expected to perform in the stands when called upon by drum major, director, auxiliary director, or captains. Further, members are not to have friends sit in the stands with them. (1 demerit) Lack of effort (not playing, not at attention/detail, etc.) (1 demerit) Misplacing or leaving items (1 demerit) Changing, Adding, Removing Uniforms and Costumes when not permitted (1 demerit per event) Lack of proper excused documentation on Official Excuse Form (1 demerit per event) All members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, kindly, and mannerly at all times to other teams, parents, auxiliary director, band director, students, band members, and auxiliary members. They must understand that their behavior reflects not only themselves and their families, but the band unit, the school, and the community. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. This includes behavior on the bus. Demerits will be assigned based upon the severity of the infraction. (demerit amounts TBD based on specific infraction) Any inappropriate situation that arises that is not discussed in this list will have demerits issued based upon the severity of the behavior. This includes blatant disrespect to staff, community, and any other persons (including leaving the field or stands when not appropriate). It could result in the immediate removal from a performance/event as well as school discipline during the school day. School policies, including detentions and suspension policies are always applicable. The number of demerits will be determined by director or marching band staff. 10
Section 7---Grading This course is a point value system under the following scale: 1000 points total - Accountability Grade Accountability Grade (out of 1000 possible points) The total available score for this item is 1000 points. This grading system will make individual assessments on a student s participation level, effort, as well as be the summative assessment grading for the year. As a reminder, attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances will be factored into the final grade for the school year. Though you receive a formal grade during the fourth marking period, grades will be adjusted accordingly throughout the school year if students do not follow the attendance policy. This includes attendance at all playoff games, festivals, parades, and rehearsals. How the grade is determined: All students start out with the maximum score possible (1000), and the score is decreased by each infraction. 1% deduction per demerit (10 points) Multiplied by 2 for receiving the same demerit o Ex. A student received the same demerit three times for being late. Therefore, the student s grade will reflect 1% deduction for the first demerit, 2% deduction for the second demerit, and 3% deduction for the third consecutive demerit for the same infraction. The total deductions for this same demerit is 6% from the Accountability Grade. Attendance at all events is expected. All regulations and procedures set forth in this Band Handbook will be strictly followed. Points will be deducted for every infraction at every performance (based on the demerit system and Handbook items). As a reminder, a student should reconsider participation in the marching band program if he/she cannot perform. The purpose of this class is to perform in a marching band, group setting. Please contact Mr. Shipman if you have any questions/concerns about this policy. Section 8---Transportation 1) Many events, as noted on the online Band Calendar as well as the monthly schedules, will require transportation via bus. These events include Kennywood, parades, festivals, football games, trips, and any other event as notated on the schedules. 2) In order for a Parent/Guardian to take his/her child from Kennywood Park after the parade, he/she must report to the bus loading area and sign his/her child out of the Marching Staff member s care. Only parents/guardians may sign out his/her child from the Marching Staff s responsibility. In addition, there will be a permission slip stating as such provided beforehand to each member, if desired. 11
3) Parents/Guardians are responsible for providing reliable transportation to and from the pick-up or drop-off locations, as noted by the Marching Staff. 4) Students will not be permitted to leave football games, parades, or festival performances by any other mode of transportation except the marching band bus. The only exception would be a rare emergency or specific exception, and approved by the Marching Staff beforehand. In that case, the Parent/Guardian must report to the Marching Staff member in-person to be permitted to take a student from the Staff Member s responsibility at that specific event. All parents/guardians must provide written documentation as well every time. 5) By signing this Handbook contract, both participating member and Parent/Guardian have agreed to permit transportation for any and all activities. Section 9---Miscellaneous 1) There may be other items that cannot be anticipated, including items that need reviewed or amended by the School District, and will be reviewed at that time. Communication will be provided to parents/guardians when necessary for any other approved changes to this Handbook. 2) The Marching Band Staff reserve the right, with approval of Administration, to modify the contents of this Handbook in order to follow the District policies and procedures conducive to the High School setting. 12
***Contract*** We the parent/ guardian and the student involved have read, understand, and agree to the terms set forth in the 2018-2019 Freeport Area Senior High School Marching Band Handbook (provided online on Mr. Shipman s teacher webpage). No student will be permitted to participate in the marching band organization without this contract returned and signed. This contract will serve as the Course Syllabus Agreement and Permission for Transportation for both students and parents/guardians. *This is a copy of the form provided in your Big Packet. Your signatures are required on the same form located in the Big Packet, due in May. Do not return this copy, please return your entire Big Packet only. 13