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Handbook to view and print in MS Word Format SVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVSVS
STEEL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND 2005/2006 HANDBOOK Compiled by: BRADLEY S. THOMPSON, BAND DIRECTOR Revised Winter 2005 Band Website: www.steelvalleymarchingband.com
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INTRODUCTION
All rules contained in this
booklet are to be adhered to by all members of the Steel Valley Marching Band.
Each rule is designed so that the education and the performance will be at its
utmost. If a quality performance is our goal, then these rules will help us to
attain that quality performance. All information in this packet and any other pertinent information will be posted on the Steel Valley Marching Band Website.
Band Rehearsal Schedules: All rehearsals for the Steel Valley Marching Band are mandatory. An excused absence would be illness or family emergency. Unexcused absences’ will result from suspension of band opportunities to your dismissal from the marching band. YOUR JOB IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE FOR MISSING REHEARSALS! During the summer rehearsals with the exception of band camp, family vacations will be accepted as an excused absence. Absences require Mr. Thompson to be notified by calling the band office and via e-mail or note signed by your parent/guardian. There will be no make-up sessions for anyone. Members are expected to learn what they have missed while on vacation BEFORE returning to practice. All work and other activities must be scheduled around rehearsals.
1. Those members enrolled in band or band aux/glee club will receive 1 credit for your participation and those students who are in grades 9-12 will receive community service hours for community events attended. Students with scheduling conflicts and who don’t have band or band aux/glee club on their schedules will have the opportunity to receive community service hours as well. Those scheduling affected students must participate in all activities of the marching band throughout the school year. Failure to participate will result in suspension of band opportunities to your dismissal from the marching band. 2. Missing a band practice for any unexcused reason will eliminate the band member from performing that weekend. Only the most serious of excuses will be accepted. We all must make the commitment and sacrifice for the entire organization. Certain exceptions are understood (i.e. college visit, apprenticeships...). These exceptions must be cleared in advance through Mr. Thompson. 3. Excessive absence, either excuse or unexcused by a student from rehearsals and performances will permanently remove the student from the field show. The student will not be eliminated from the organization and will be required to attend all performances and rehearsals upon returning. The student will be required to participate in all other band events. 4. Any student deliberately undermining the productivity of a rehearsal or performance (by disrupting other students, talking at inappropriate times, being uncooperative with any staff member or chaperone, etc.) will be removed from that rehearsal or performance. This will count as an unexcused absence from a rehearsal. A student who continually undermines the organization will face more serious disciplinary actions, from suspension to removal from the organization. 5. No member will be permitted to practice unless permission slips are completed by a parent/guardian agreeing to all policies. 6. No one will be permitted to observe a practice session for safety reasons. Friends may wait for the band members outside of the rehearsal area or, get a permission slip and have them join the marching band. Parents are asked to refrain from coming into a rehearsal area during rehearsal. 7. All members of the Steel Valley Marching Band must adhere to all rules of the Steel Valley School District. Any violations will result in immediate action taken by the school district and band staff. This includes all forms of probation given by the school district. 8. Students in grades 9-12 will be given the opportunity to participate in other activities permitting that there are not major conflicts in performances or rehearsals. Each student’s needs will be addressed on an individual basis. 9. Should a need arise to discuss any situations regarding a member of the band; all matters are to be brought to the attention of the band director. It will be the director’s determination as to what staff members may need to be involved in the situation. No staff member is to be approached before, during, or after a rehearsal and they are not to be contacted at home or via e-mail. 11. In the event of a rehearsal or performance changes or cancellations, the phone tree and e-mails will be activated. Every attempt will be made to contact every member in a timely fashion. SHOULD A STUDENT MISS A
SCHEDULED REHEARSAL OR PERFORMANCE FOR ANY REASON, A PARENT OF GUARDIAN MUST
CALL THE BAND OFFICE AT 464-3686 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE
AND/OR EMAIL MR. THOMPSON Steel Valley Marching Band Proper: The purpose of the SV Band Proper is to provide a musical story, giving the SV Visual Ensemble the ability to enhance the music visually.
1. Each member will be required to pay a $100 fee prior to the start of the 2005/2006 season. New members or those needing new shoes will be required to pay a $130 fee. All monies are due by the last day of band camp. Fundraising opportunities will be given to help defray the cost. This fee covers the following items: a. Band shoe purchase. (if applicable) b. Band shirt purchase. c. Wind suit purchase. d. Any other possible additions cost permitting. 2. Wind players are responsible for the upkeep of their instrument whether it is a school instrument or their own. You must purchase your own reeds and oil, etc. And they may be purchased from the band. Battery percussion players will receive 1 pair of sticks. If replacements are needed, you must purchase them. Pit percussion members will also receive mallets. If they break or are lost, you must replace.
3.
Equipment: Some members of the band proper will be issued school
owned instruments or equipment. If a student decides that this activity is not
for him/her, or the season comes to an end, he/she must return the instrument or
equipment or a replacement fee will be charged to the student. The instruments
and equipment are the property of the Steel Valley School District. They are
not toys for siblings or friends. Performances: Appearance is vital to the Marching Band. Therefore, the following must be strictly adhered to at all times: a. Costumes/Uniforms: Must be clean and pressed for all performances. A wrinkled or soiled costume or uniform will result in the student missing that performance. In addition, any student missing a piece of their costume/uniform will not be permitted to perform, but will be required to attend the performance. A checklist for the Visual Ensemble will be provided before the season. Keep it handy at all times. If damage is caused to a member’s costume/uniform, that member will be charged a repair or replacement fee depending on extent of damage. b. Make-up/Hair/Jewelry. Visual Ensemble will be given specifics to this. Band Proper must have hair pulled up under hat, and NO jewelry of any kind is permitted. Any student deviating from the guidelines will not be permitted to perform that evening, but will be required to attend the performance. If a member of the band proper’s hair is long, and needs to be tucked, that member should braid their hair regardless of gender. This presents a cleaner appearance when the hats are not being worn. c. Change of clothing: Each Marching Band and Visual Ensemble member should bring a change of clothes for competitions. This includes shoes! Students should wear white or very light colored shorts under their uniforms for changing purposes. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative uniform will be worn. d. Band Proper students must wear plain white shorts or sweats with a plain white shirt or band shirt and white socks under their uniforms. White ankle socks are not acceptable. e. Equipment: Any member who does not have a full set of equipment will not be permitted to perform, but will be required to attend the performance. Students are responsible for each piece of equipment given to them at the beginning of the season. Any lost or stolen items will have to be replaced by the student. f. A Drum Major may be selected by the end of the 2004/2005 school year. Selection will be based on an audition as well as ATTITUDE, talent, attendance, and must be a two-year veteran of the band proper.
g.
Visual Ensemble Captain and assistants will be selected based upon
ATTITUDE, talent, attendance, and must have been a two-year veteran of the
squad.
PERMISSION SLIP I have read and understand the information and am willing to abide by the information given by Mr. Thompson and the Steel Valley Marching Band Staff. I understand that my child will be responsible for any replacement costs as a result of damaged or lost equipment, which has been loaned by The Steel Valley Marching Band. I also understand that the equipment, which is loaned to them, must be returned to the band in the event that my child chooses not to participate in the marching band. I also understand that all equipment is to be returned to the band immediately after the completion of the season. I also understand that as a member of the Steel Valley Marching Band, I must purchase the necessary costumes, equipment, and accessories. No student will be able to participate with the band until all forms have been returned and checked. I furthermore give my son/daughter permission to attend all functions of the Steel Valley Marching Band.
_________________________ Student Signature
_________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
__________ Date
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