2012-2013 Band Handbook
Mrs. Leslie Phillips
Director of Bands
Mr. Nicholas Hawkins
Assistant Director
Dr. Chris Ferguson
Principal
Powdersville High School
145 Hood Road
Greenville, SC 29611
Email:
*Some of the material contained in The Handbook has been used and adapted from other handbooks and resources. Every effort has been made to give complete bibliographic information. Contributions have been made by the following: Bruce Dinkins, Bowie High School, Austin, Texas; Alfred Watkins, Lassiter High School, Marietta, Georgia; Gary Gribble, Pope High School, Marietta, Georgia; Miller Asbill, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Band Students and Parents:
WELCOME to one of the most exciting experiences in which you can be a part – THE BAND! Now, more than ever, we have information to justify why we do this demanding, yet rewarding activity. Experts have concluded that the study of music helps with spatial reasoning, test taking, and overall quality of life! Factor in social skills, emotional development, leadership training, group interaction, aesthetic perception, music making, and the discipline of being in a band program, and I don’t know why anyone would not want to be involved in a band program like the one we will be building here at Powdersville High School! The ultimate goal is a lifelong understanding and appreciation for quality music and music making!
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THE INFORMATION IN THE HANDBOOK, even veterans. Some of the information has changed, so make sure you’re informed. For new folks, this is the “band bible” that keeps us running smoothly and efficiently. Most questions can be answered by consulting THE HANDBOOK and policies will be adjusted from year to year as the need arises to clarify issues within the program. It is my hope that the information contained in this handbook will be both INFORMATION and INSPIRATION! The advocacy articles, “What Is A Band Parent,” and “How Parents Can Help,” are both designed to give guidance to parents; read them carefully and with insight! Students need to know that we think that what they do is important. You will quickly find that band is truly a FAMILY in and of itself.
This spring has been dedicated to ensuring the success of our students. In all areas of the program, we have planned for growth and indications are that things are only going to prosper. As of this writing, we are looking ahead to some wonderful opportunities for the coming year.
We will perform at home and away football games, competitions, parades, and other SCBCDA events throughout the school year!
Also for the coming year, we would like to welcome a whole new staff to the band family. I am new to the program and will be bringing along several new people to assist us this year! I have hired: Jayme Ramos (Color Guard Technician), Robert Dykens (Percussion Writer/Technician), JD Chevalier (Front Ensemble Arranger/Technician), Lauren Ogburn (Woodwind Instruction), Dustin Bays, (Brass, Marching Instruction), Shane Kelbley (music writer), JR Carlisle (consultant/drill writing), and Jen Barton (Visual Consultant). We will also have some help from interns from Anderson University. I am super excited to have assembled such a high caliber group to lead the MARCHING PATRIOT BAND! Some of these faces will be very familiar to you as we go through camp, and some are helping me behind the scenes.
I have made a commitment to develop our student leadership, as well as, our private lesson program. We have such tremendous potential in both areas. I recently had a band parent tell me that a former middle school band director made this statement: “ In this band program, you are doing your child a disservice by not providing private lessons… they will either quit or be uninvolved.” What a profound statement! We are fortunate to have fine symphony players in the area to teach our students and the other rewards are so great that you can’t afford not to take advantage of this opportunity.
This handbook is designed to answer any questions you might have concerning the program. Please read all of the information and sign the perforated form in the back of the book. I am honored to be your band director and am looking forward to a great year!!
Leslie H Phillips
Director of Bands
To the Students and Parents of the 2011-12 Powdersville High School Band:
Aristotle noted that “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”Nowhere is this more evident than in high school marching band. When individuals come together with a singular purpose, and they bring the dedication and commitment necessary, the result is a visual spectacle of music and pageantry. Whereas there are many schools that have a tradition of excellence, it is up to the 2012-13 Powdersville High School Marching Patriots to ESTABLISH a tradition of excellence that will reach generations to come. I look forward to watching our band grow, improve, and become a unit that is greater than any of the individuals therein. Best of luck to you! Go PATRIOTS!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris J. Ferguson
“If Better Is Possible, Then Good Is Not Enough!”
STUDENT HANDBOOK
(2012-2013)
A STATEMENT OF POLICY
In order to assist band members and parents in understanding areas of responsibility, a statement of band policy is herein set forth. Becoming familiar with this policy will enable each individual to make the most of this great opportunity to be a member of the Powdersville High School band program, becoming a better person and a better musician.
We firmly believe that the student should improve through regular practice. In the Powdersville High School band program we feel that when the student has lost the will to improve him / herself or make a better contribution to the band, he is wasting the time and efforts of his / her fellow members and the community by continuing in this program. The HAPPIEST student is the one who is improving through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He / she must not only know right from wrong, but must be able to stand for principles. He / she must develop a high sense of purpose toward which he / she is willing to work. RESPONSIBILITY is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate all students in learning and bettering themselves.
OBJECTIVES OF THE BAND PROGRAM
· To teach music by its actual performance
· To develop performance skills of the various wind and percussion instruments
· To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community
· To develop discrimination with the regards to the selection of music
· To acquaint the students with Music Theory / History and how history and musical composition relate to students’ current life and musical experiences
· To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self expression, and a healthy social experience
· To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and develop Esprit de Corps
· To foster leadership skills within each student
Did You Know…
Students with band and orchestra experience attend college at a rate twice the national average. - Bands Across the USA.
College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness. - Carl Hartman, “Arts May Improve Students’ Grades,” The Associated Press, October, 1999
American Attitudes Toward Music
Education
According to the NAMM/Gallup Survey reported in 2003:
• 54 percent of households surveyed have a member who plays a musical instrument
• 31 percent of those who played an instrument were between the ages 5 to 17, 27 percent were from 18- 34
• 51 percent of households owned a musical instrument
• 64 percent of instrument owners were college graduates
• 57 percent of instrument owners made more than $45,000 per year
• 40 percent of those playing, became interested through parental encouragement
• 28 percent became interested on their own
• 15 percent were inspired by a teacher
• 54 percent believe that children should be exposed to music before they are one year old
• 50 percent believe that music plays a significant role in preschool development
• 97 percent believe that playing a musical instrument provides a sense of accomplishment and is good
means of expression
• 95 percent said music was part of a well-rounded education
• 93 percent felt schools should offer musical instrument instruction as part of the regular curriculum
• 85 percent believe that participating in a school music program corresponds with better grades
• 79 percent felt that states should mandate music education so all students have the opportunity in school
• 88 percent said playing an instrument teaches children discipline
• 97 percent said playing an instrument helps a child appreciate arts and culture
• 71 percent believe that teenagers who play an instrument are less likely to have discipline problems
• 78 percent said learning a musical instrument helps you do better in other subjects
According to Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM, “This says a lot about the public’s growing awareness of research linking music making with increased brain development in young children, student success in school, and health and wellness in older adults and seniors.”
GENERAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(See back for detailed schedule)
July / Aug: Pre-Camp
Camp and Exhibition
School starts / football begins
September: Football season
Competition season
October: Football games
Competitions
November: Winter Concert
Chair Auditions
Winthrop Clinic
December: Fine Arts Concert
Parade
All-County Auditions
January: Region Auditions
All-State Auditions
All-County/ Symphonic Camp
February: SCMEA Convention
Region Clinic
USC Clinic
March: All- State Band
Concert Festival
April: Auditions
Solo and Ensemble
May: Spring Concert
Leadership Training
Guard/Percussion tryouts
BAND CURRICULUM IN BRIEF
Concert Band
The Concert Band is comprised of all high school students with the performing ability necessary to perform level III/ IV music.
Marching Band
Membership in the marching band requires strenuous physical exercise and the ability to play the difficult literature encountered in the activity. All students enrolled in the band program are required to march with the exception of students outside of the program who are eligible to audition for the colorguard. The marching band performs in the fall.
Jazz Band
Students may elect to audition for Jazz band. The jazz band plays for community events and performs throughout the spring. Jazz band is held second semester, only. This year, it will be held after school. The schedule will be announced.
Chamber Ensembles
During the fall and spring, chamber ensembles will be formed. ALL band members will be encouraged to perform in a chamber ensemble. Possible groups would be Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, Saxophone Quartet, Horn Ensemble, Trombone Quartet, Low Brass Ensemble, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Percussion Ensemble, as well as, additional small groups. There will be a chamber concert in the spring and opportunity for performance at Solo and Ensemble.
Colorguard
Students who are interested in dance, choreography, and movement may choose to audition for our marching auxiliary unit. The Patriot Guard is an extension of the Marching Program and will be coached by Jayme Ramos. Auditions are usually held in April.
Symphonic Camp
The Symphonic Camp is two days of intensive training with a nationally recognized clinician. It will be held at Powdersville High School with a camp concert to be held at its conclusion.
Leadership Workshop
The leadership workshop prepares students to become effective leaders within the band program and beyond. Students may elect to attend a leadership workshop by Tim Lautzenheiser or participate in the Patriot Marching Band Leadership Workshop in the spring. This workshop is required of all students who wish to be considered for leadership.
Summer Instruction
There are many nationally known summer institutes for instrumental instruction. Some of the best are Brevard Music Center, Sewanee, Interlochen Arts Camp, Aspen Summer Music Program, Kinhaven, Keystone Brass Institute, and Tanglewood. There are also regional summer music camps at several local universities. (Furman, USC)
Private Lessons
As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument are the best way to improve performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from the individual attention as opposed to a teacher monitoring a class of over fifty. A recent survey of students in the All-State Band revealed that approximately 80 % of the students in the band studied privately. Students are generally more inclined to practice diligently for a weekly music assignment and this discipline increases the student’s enjoyment with their instrument. The Powdersville High School Band Director will be more than happy to assist in the selection of a private teacher.
All-State, Region, and All-County Band
Members of the band program are eligible to audition for the SC All-State and (Region or District) Bands. Regional auditions are held in January with “finals” auditions two weeks later. The Region Band clinic is held at a location TBA and the All-State Clinic at Furman University.
Disciplinary Actions
Reasons for using disciplinary action are as follows:
Excessive Talking
Unexcused Missed Rehearsal
Tardiness
Missing Materials / No Instrument
Missed Performance
A staff member will handle all discipline on an individual basis. As a general rule, if a student is late or absent (unexcused), he or she will make up the time. If a student interrupts our rehearsal time, they will make up the time they interrupted after rehearsal with meaningful action, such as practicing individually or marching their dots.
MAKE – UP FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Students will make-up unexcused absences by doing one hour of supervised practice per absence.
TARDIES TO MARCHING BAND
Students will serve the amount of time of their tardiness at the conclusion of rehearsal.
SITTING THIRD QUARTER
During marching season, students will sit during third quarter of football games for the following reasons: