Syllabus FALL 2011
Expectations of Band Members:
As part of this performance-based course, all members of the Buckhorn High School Band will be expected to:
- Demonstrate commitment to perform to the best of their ability
- Be prepared at EVERY rehearsal with the proper equipment (instrument, music and all accessories)
- Own their own flip folder (with adequate pages) and lyre, bring them and a pencil to rehearsal each day
- Be present at all rehearsals and performances, even those that may fall during school breaks
- Acquire appropriate performance attire (white gloves, white/gray gym shorts, band t-shirt, TALL solid white socks, etc)
- Be a part of the team and show initiative to help others who may struggle
- Be willing to ask for help when necessary
- Set aside time to practice outside of school
- Show respect for musical instruments, music, yourself and others at all times
- Pay ALL dues set forth by the booster organization
($360- band fee, (available in three payments of $120), and $50 band camp fee)
Grading/Attendance Procedures:
60% Test Grades, 40% Daily Grades
- Test grades- are determined by students’ participation in performances. Each performance will count as a test grade. If a student arrives late or leaves early from a performance, the test grade will be lowered at the director’s discretion. If a student does not attend a performance for any reason, excused or unexcused, he/she will receive a grade of ZERO for the performance. IF the absence is deemed “excused” by the director, the ZERO may be recovered. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. (All students who miss a performance will be given an initial “zero”. It is up to the student, if the absence has been deemed “excused”, to ask Mr. Souder for instructions to make up the absence and recover the grade.) Likewise, if a student arrives in incorrect attire or exhibits unacceptable or inappropriate behavior, the student may not be allowed to perform and will receive a reduced grade to be determined by the director.
- Any performance that is adjudicated will count as TWO TEST GRADES. The same attendance and behavior policies apply.
- Daily grades come from participation in class, daily and assigned rehearsals. Students are expected to attend each rehearsal, prepared with all equipment, and in attire suitable for marching band. As with performances, if a student arrives late or leaves early to rehearsals, this grade will be lowered.
UNEXCUSED DAILY ABSENCES, TARDINESS, EARLY LEAVE, MISCONDUCT: If a student misses one or more daily rehearsals, and they are deemed “unexcused” by the director, he/she will receive a grade of ZERO for the daily grade, will be required to attend, but will not be allowed to perform at the following performance. Likewise, if a student arrives in incorrect attire or exhibits unacceptable or inappropriate behavior, the student will be required to attend, but will not be allowed to perform at the following performance and will receive a reduced grade for the daily grade.
EXCUSED DAILY ABSENCES, TARDINESS, EARLY LEAVE: If a student misses one or more daily rehearsals, and they are deemed “excused” by the director, he/she will be allowed to make up the missed work within one week. If not made up within one week, the student will receive a ZERO grade. He/she may still be required to sit out the following performance, depending upon the director’s assessment of the student’s preparation for that performance.
- NOTE: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO CONTACT THE DIRECTOR TO DISCUSS ANY ATTENDANCE ISSUES AND IT IS UP TO THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR WHETHER ANY GIVEN REASON FOR MISSING REHEARSAL IS VALID. IF A STUDENT MUST MISS A PERFORMANCE OR REHEARSAL DUE TO A FAMILY DEATH OR OTHER MAJOR EMERGENCY, THE STUDENT SHOULD RETURN A WRITTEN EXCUSE FROM A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WITHIN 2 SCHOOL DAYS OF THE MISSED ASSIGNMENT.
- Prescheduled social events, doctor, dental appointments, etc. should be scheduled to avoid band rehearsals and performances, as those absences do very much affect the entire performing ensemble and that student’s eligibility to perform that week. (We will have rehearsal each Thursday: 5-7; Friday afternoons and evenings should be reserved for football games) Any additional rehearsals will be announced at least two weeks in advance so students may adjust their personal and work schedules.
Rehearsal Meetings:
Students are required to be in rehearsal appropriate attire for ALL rehearsals and will be expected to be in appropriate clothes and in their rehearsal location, ready to rehearse within the first 5 minutes of class. Failure to do so will be considered tardiness.
- Band Class: Band will meet each day during 3rd block
- Weekly Rehearsals: The band will meet each Thursday for full marching rehearsal from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
- Sectional Rehearsals: Each student will be required to attend weekly hour-long sectional rehearsals. The time and day for these sectional rehearsals will be negotiated among members of the section and should most likely be held immediately after school on Monday or Tuesday. Sectional rehearsals carry the same weight as any other band rehearsal.
- Individual Practice: Students should create a solid practice schedule, if not already a habit, of practicing their instrument every day. This is the quickest way to see personal and band-wide progress.
Forms:
EVERY student must complete and submit the following forms before they are allowed to perform as a member of the Buckhorn High School Marching Band.
- STUDENT HEALTH INFORMATION FORM
- MCBOE EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION WAIVER
- OUT-OF-COUNTY/OVERNIGHT MEDICAL RELEASE FORM (MUST BE NOTARIZED)
- INSTRUMENT RENTAL CONTRACT (IF USING A SCHOOL INSTRUMENT)
- THIS SYLLABUS
Professionalism:
As a performance based organization, professionalism is paramount to our success. All members of the Buckhorn High School Marching Band will be expected to demonstrate the utmost respect and professionalism. Students should remember that at all times, in uniform and out, their behavior represents them, their family, this organization and this school.
- Students will be expected to adhere to the following rules while in uniform, at all band functions and in the band room:
a) No foul language - this is an educational institution and we should be intelligent enough to find words to express our feelings without cursing.
b) No PDA (public displays of affection)- In accordance with the Madison County Board of Education policy, students will not be allowed to express public displays of affection, including but not limited to hugging, kissing, hand holding, etc….. this includes friends and members of the same sex.
Bullying:
- Bullying WILL NOT be tolerated in this classroom. If a student is caught participating in the harassment or bullying of another, they will immediately lose their marching privileges and will be punished to the fullest extent of the discipline policy set forth by the Madison County Board of Education.
Attire/ Etiquette:
Each student is responsible for his/her own appropriate attire (adhering to Madison County Board of Education Dress Code Policies) at all rehearsals and performances.
- REHEARSAL ATTIRE:
Band is an athletic activity and students should be prepared accordingly for rehearsal. Every student should attend rehearsal prepared with the following:
a) Athletic shorts/track pants/sweat pants (NO JEANS- Jeans inhibit movement and are absolutely not conducive to marching.)
b) Athletic tennis shoes/sneakers WITH LACES
c) NO INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING WILL BE ALLOWED – i.e. (Gentlemen will keep their shirts on, shorts must be fingertip length, no midriff exposure, tank top straps 3 fingers wide, etc…)
***It is the responsibility of the student to choose clothing that is weather appropriate. Marching band is held outdoors during very hot and very cold weather. The student should plan accordingly and not wear clothing that will inhibit their performance.***
- PERFORMANCE ATTIRE:
In order for the Buckhorn Band to be uniform in appearance and take pride in the way we look, we will abide by the following rules while in uniform (note that the following applies to both young men and young ladies):
APPEARANCE/HYGEINE:
a) Only clear fingernail polish will be allowed
b) Hair must be pulled back completely and all hair longer than the collar on the uniform must be pulled and/or pinned up into the shako.
c) No unnatural hair colors or distracting hairstyles will be permitted.
d) If a student chooses to wear facial hair, it must be groomed and well kept
e) Hair ties must be natural colors so as not so stick out, no bows, flowers, etc.
JEWELRY:
a) Earrings will be limited to SMALL pearl, diamond, or silver studs, (ONE IN EACH EAR) and approval is up to the discretion of the director. No hoops. Young men will not be permitted to wear earrings.
b) No necklaces that can be seen while in uniform- if it is seen, the student will be made to remove it, no questions.
c) No other jewelry will be worn while in uniform. (rings, bracelets, facial jewelry).
UNIFORM APPAREL:
Each member of the Buckhorn Marching Band will need to have the following uniform accessories:
a) Yearly Issued Band T-shirt
b) SOLID GRAY OR SOLID WHITE gym shorts (NO STRIPES, NO DENIM)
c) SOLID GRAY OR SOLID WHITE long underwear (for cold weather- NO PATTERNS OR STRIPES)
d) Tall SOLID WHITE socks (NO ANKLE SOCKS)
e) Solid white cotton gloves
f) Marching shoes (Can be ordered through the Bandwagon)
UNIFORM AND INSTRUMENT PERFORMANCE PROCEDURE:
a) BEFORE each performance, students’ uniform and instrument will be inspected. All students, especially brass players, will be required to clean/polish their instrument before EVERY performance. Students are expected to wear clean, un-torn gloves and polished shoes at every performance. Students are expected to complete all that is necessary to abide by these guidelines BEFORE performance time. If a student forgets to polish their horn, wear clean gloves, etc. and as a result, is late to a performance or call time, this constitutes as tardiness and the student will receive a reduced grade
b) AFTER each performance, students will report to their section leader so their uniform may be checked for needed repairs or cleaning. Section leaders will give any uniforms needing mending or washing to a designated band parent. IF a student fails to do this, and their uniform is found in unacceptable condition at the next performance, both that student AND their section leader will be held accountable.
**ALL CLOTHING MUST ABIDE BY MADISON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DRESS CODE GUIDELINES, INCLUDING THE CLOTHES INTENDED TO BE WORN UNDER THE UNIFORM. STUDENTS NOT FOLLOWING THE DRESS CODE WILL BE SENT HOME TO CHANGE.**
- ETIQUETTE
Good Sportsmanship: Students are expected to display proper etiquette on the field, in the stands and in the band room at all times. Students will show good sportsmanship at all football games and competitions and will refrain from any activity that might tarnish the reputation of the Buckhorn Band.
Food/Drink in Uniform: Due to the high cost of uniform cleaning and maintenance, students are not permitted to eat while in uniform. Drinks will be limited to plain WATER only. No clear sports drinks will be allowed as many of them contain sugar and other ingredients that are difficult to remove. The students will be provided with a bottle of water after each performance. If parents choose, they may bring students a bottle of water in the football stands.
Non-band members in football stands: Only band members, chaperones of the current event, instructors and the director may be in the stands with the students during a football game.
Uniform guidelines: Each uniform is custom fitted at the beginning of the season for each student so as to appear professional and clean. The students will be instructed and shown how to wear each part of their uniform, including proper pant length, cleanliness of shoes and gloves, gauntlets, baldric, etc. ALL STUDENTS WILL REMAIN IN FULL, ASSEMBLED UNIFORM IN PUBLIC. ANY STUDENT WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW THE UNIFORM GUIDELINES WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN “INCORRECT ATTIRE”.
NOTE: ANY STUDENT WHO FAILS TO MEET THE ATTIRE/ETIQUETTE POLICY, IN PERFORMANCE OR REHEARSAL, WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN “INCORRECT ATTIRE”, AND MAY BE SENT HOME AND/OR NOT ALLOWED TO PERFORM AT THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE, THEREFORE RESULTING IN A DAILY AND/OR PERFORMANCE GRADE OF ZERO.
Respect:
Students are expected to show respect for each other, themselves, music and their musical instruments.
a) Musical Instruments- all students will be required to show the utmost respect for all musical instruments, regardless of whether the instrument is their own, someone else’s or school-owned.
-All brass players will be required to wear solid white cotton gloves at all rehearsals. This will protect the lacquer and prolong the life of the instruments, as well as help the brass players become accustomed to wearing gloves while playing and maneuvering.
-School owned instruments: any student needing to use a school-owned instrument may do so by signing a rental contract and paying a rental fee of $40 upon rental OR $10 a month August-December ($50)
***IN THE EVENT THAT A SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT IS DAMAGED WHILE IN THE STEAD OF A STUDENT, THAT STUDENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL REPAIRS. ARRANGEMENT FOR PAYMENT FOR REPAIRS MUST TAKE PLACE IN A TIMELY MANNER***
-Students should not touch instruments that do not belong to them- too many damages occur as a result of mistakes made due to inexperience and carelessness.
b) Music- students will be expected to keep track of the music they are given and to care for it as they do their instrument. Many weeks of hard work will go into writing, customizing and printing the music for the Buckhorn Band this year. We are fortunate this year to have a completely custom show with hand-written drill and custom music. There will be a charge of $.25 for each duplicate copy of music.
c) Respect for self and others – This organization is as much about building up its members as it is about instilling discipline and value for hard work. At no time in this organization will we allow students to treat each other, instructors or teachers with disrespect. There will be severe penalties for doing so.
Equipment:
As a part of this course, students will be expected to play instruments that are in good condition, so as to be conducive to the student’s musical advancement, and all musical instruments will be required to be traditional in appearance, i.e. (non-traditional colors will not be allowed). All brass players will need to use metal mouthpieces. The Buckhorn Band is fortunate to own many instruments that are available for rental to students. If a student does not have access to an instrument that fits these guidelines, they may rent one through the Buckhorn Band program, contingent upon availability, for a fee of $40 per semester in one installment OR $10 a month for 5 months ($50).
I have thoroughly read the FALL 2011 requirements of the Buckhorn High School Marching band and hereby state my understanding of all rules, policies, procedures and consequences. I agree to abide by all contents mentioned in this syllabus and understand that other policies, procedures and expectations not included in this text will be communicated otherwise, will carry the same weight as the aforementioned criteria and will only be introduced or applied so as to provide equal opportunity and fairness among members of the band.
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