PERRYTON

RANGER

BAND

HANDBOOK, RULES, AND

POLICIES

(August 2003)

PERRYTON RANGER BAND HANDBOOK

I - ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility to participate in the Perryton High School Band Program will be governed by regulations as set by the Texas Legislature, Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education, the Perryton Independent School District Board Policies, University Interscholastic League, the Association of Texas Small School Bands, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
PISD Board Policy, UIL Rules, ATSSB Rules, and TMEA Rules regulate the admission to the band program at the beginning of any school year in accordance with state law. Minimum requirements for admission to the program include:
A student in grades nine-twelve may participate in extracurricular activities on or off campus at the beginning of the school year only if the student has earned the cumulative number of credits in state-approved courses indicated below...

  1. beginning at the ninth grade year - have completed all courses required for the seventh grade year and have credit for all but one of the courses required for the eighth grade year;
  2. beginning of the 10th year - at least five credits toward graduation;
  3. beginning of the 11th year - at least ten credits toward graduation;
  4. beginning of the 12th year - at least fifteen credits toward graduation.
    Eligibility to continue active participation in the extra-curricular portions of the band program will be regulated by PISD Board Policy in compliance with Texas Administrative Code and Statutory Citations. Current regulations are:
    PASSING ALL SUBJECTS - In order to be eligible to participate in an extracurricular activity event for a six-weeks period following the initial six-weeks period of a school year, a student ... must not have a recorded grade average lower than 70 on a scale of 0 to 100 in any course for that preceding six weeks period, unless the grade is in a course that is designated as an honors or advanced class under the criteria as stated in the Texas Administrative Code and Statutory Citations.
    SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS FROM PERFORMANCE PARTICIPATION - A student ... (conditions above)... shall be suspended from participating in any extra-curricular performance activity event during the succeeding grading period until the end of a three week period in during which such student achieves a course grade average of 70 in each course. Such suspension shall become effective seven days after the last day of the grading period during which the grade lower than 70 was earned. Re-instatement shall occur seven days after the official three-week grade check period or the end of a grading period in which all subject are passed with a grade of at least 70.

II - UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES

The band department will furnish you with the necessary uniforms, equipment, music and use of certain facilities. This section will deal with your procurement of these items and with your use and responsibilities of such items.

UNIFORMS
It should be considered the highest honor to be allowed to wear the uniform of the Perryton Ranger Band. In order to insure that the uniform remains an item of respect, we have established the following guidelines for its use:
1) Band shoes will need to be purchased by each student. The shoes are purchased in this manner to insure uniformity of style, color, etc.

2) Band shirts need to be worn to all performances and be worn underneath the uniform. These shirts must be purchased by the student.

3) The school will be responsible for the cleaning of uniforms turned in at the end of the school year. Uniforms returned prior to that time must be turned in dry-cleaned or a $7.50 cleaning fee will be assessed. During the year if the uniform becomes soiled the student will be responsible for getting it dry cleaned. Never wash any part of the uniform except the collar liner.
CARE OF THE UNIFORM:
1) The uniform you wear is a direct reflection of your attitude towards the band program. A dirty, wrinkled uniform being displayed by a band member is a reflection that the band member does not have PRIDE in his participation! Keep the uniform dry, on its hanger, and in the bag when not in use.
2) Following a performance at which the uniform is worn, when removing the uniform, hang it up. Do not throw it down in a pile or wad it up in the back of a car trunk. A uniform bag is provided for this specific use -- use it!! ALL UNIFORMS will be stored at the band hall in the assigned room.
3) If alteration is needed to insure a proper fit of the uniform, please DO NOT cut any material from any part of the uniform. A sewn alteration is permissible. If you do not feel that you can alter the uniform, have Perryton Cleaners do it for you.
4) To clean the hats - DO NOT DRY CLEAN - Use a damp sponge and allow the hat to dry completely before storing in the hat box.

5) If any part of the uniform should become wet or damp, do not pack the uniform in the hanging bag until it has a chance to dry completely. DO NOT put the uniform in a dryer; let it dry naturally.

BAND INSTRUMENTS

1) School owned instruments will be available for the following instruments:
Piccolo, Oboe, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, French Horn-Marching & Concert, Bass Trombone, Tuba-Marching & Concert, Percussion-Marching & Concert.
2) Reeds will not be provided with school owned instruments. These items can be purchased at the band hall or through a music store.
3) School owned instruments can be checked out from the band department at the appointed times during summer band, or upon enrollment into the program.

4) The issue of school owned equipment will be done on a contract basis with the student assuming all responsibility for the use, storage, and damage to the instrument. This includes monetary responsibility for all repairs.
5) If it is deemed that a student is failing to meet the proper care needed to maintain the instrument in working order or if a student abuses the instrument, the student may loose the privilege of using any equipment furnished by the school, and will be responsible for any monetary cost in repairs or replacement.
6) School owned equipment will be stored in the assigned storage area, and will be kept in its case (properly stored) with the case closed and latched.
7) Privately owned instruments will also be kept in assigned slots. The band department or the school district assumes no responsibility for damaged or lost (stolen) privately owned instruments. We recommend that you make sure you have the proper insurance related to musical instruments.

THE FACILITIES

Each band member should do his best to keep the band hall in the best shape possible. With almost 100 band students using the band hall each day, there are some guidelines that students must follow:
1) GUM, CANDY, FOOD or DRINK are not permitted in the band hall, or any room associated with the band hall at anytime. (Socials and controlled activities may be excluded) Soft drinks may be consumed in the immediate area of the vending machine or outside the band hall.
2) DO NOT write on the chalkboards, music stands, walls or any other surface not designed for such activity.
3) DO NOT move chairs and stands from or to rooms, or in the rooms without specific instructions to do so.
4) DO NOT touch, move, or use any equipment that does not belong to you or is not checked out to you!
5) The music library room, the uniform room, and the band office are off limits to students unless the student is authorized by a director to use that room.
6) The band hall telephone is a business line and is not to be used for personal calls during school hours. There is a phone outside the school office for your use. The band hall telephone will be available for calls after school hours.

III - REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are the lifeblood of the band program. It is during the rehearsals that all instructional materials will be discussed, passed out and/or used. Rehearsals are your time to learn all you can about your active and successful membership in the band program. It is of the utmost importance that you attend all rehearsals in order to be current and updated on all of the latest happenings. One rehearsal can make the difference of your success or failure on a given mastery or assignment. In order to organize our rehearsals so that we get the maximum benefit from the precious time, there must be some guidelines to follow:
1) Be on time, at the right time, in place, at the right place!
2) Do not play your instrument before rehearsal. It is important that we all warm-up together. A proper warm-up will help you in gaining endurance rather than wasting your embouchure on an improper warm-up.
3) When a director, drum major, band officer or guest clinician steps onto the podium, all talking must cease and you must give your undivided attention to that person. This also applies for marching field practice. The quicker you respond to beginning rehearsals, the faster the objectives can be obtained and the further the band program can go with the allotted time.
4) Acceptable reasons for excused absences are:

a) temporary personal illness;
b) serious illness or death in the family;
c) absences caused by legitimate religious reasons as defined in state law;
d) weddings, involving close family members, not to exceed two days;
e) dangerous roads or weather conditions.

5) Absences will not be excused for the following:

a) work or job related activities;
b) activities that are not school related;
c) truancy.

6) All absences will require WRITTEN NOTE from your parent(s) or legal guardian following your absence with an explanation of the absence.

IV - PERFORMANCES

Any performance by the band is an important representation of the band program, the school, and of our community. Whenever the band is to perform, it will be a required activity for all eligible participants. Your reputation as well as that of the band program is scrutinized each time the band appears in public. It is necessary to have guidelines governing these activities and appearances:
1) Absences from performances will be considered under the same plan as rehearsals, except for any absence to be considered excused, PRIOR NOTICE must be given and a WRITTEN NOTE from a parent or guardian submitted following the absence.
2) Policies for Student Participation in High School Band-

A. Students shall receive grades for participation in all performances, which take place outside the normal school day.

B. Students will be excused from participation in performances in the event of personal illness, family emergency, or dangerous travel conditions. Students will be expected to notify their teachers in advance of all absences from performances. In the case of a sudden emergency, which makes prior notification impossible, a letter from the parent explaining the circumstances must be sent with the student upon return to school. A determination will then be made whether the absence from the performance is to be excused.

C. Performances are graded activities. Students who have an unexcused absence from a performance will receive a "zero" for that activity.

D. Students who are habitually absent from performances for unexcused reasons or due to ineligibility may, at the director's discretion, be removed from the marching block. Students may be removed from the band program at the end of the year if they are unable or unwilling to participate in band activities, or are ineligible because of grades on a continuing basis.

F. Directors may make additional requirements of students in regard to dress, grooming, behavior and preparation for performances.

G. At the beginning of the school year, students and parents will receive a calendar of performances, which have been scheduled at that time. Updates and revisions will be announced as far in advance as possible to allow students and parents an opportunity to make necessary adjustments to their schedules.

H. Each student enrolled in a secondary band program will be provided a copy of this handbook and an acknowledgment to be signed by the student and his/her parent or legal guardian and returned to the band director.

V- BAND TRIPS

Traveling to and from activities is a necessary functional part of the band program's curriculum. Transporting a large number of people to and from activities is a monumental task. To insure the safety and sanity of all involved, a few guidelines have been set.

TRAVEL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

  1. Be on your best behavior at all times. You will be expected to follow sponsors’ and directors’ instructions while on the bus and at all band functions. Trips are an extension of the classroom.
  2. Students must follow student handbook policies at all times. Violation of these policies will result in disciplinary action as stated in the student handbook and any additional action deemed appropriate by the directors.
  3. School dress code must be followed at all times or you will not be allowed to travel with the band. Appropriate attire for out of town football games will be a band shirt and school approved shorts or jeans. Do not disrobe in public unless you have proper attire on underneath your uniform!
  4. Tape players are permitted on the bus only with headphones.
  5. Clean up your mess on the bus and in the stands. Sponsors will pass around bags at the end of the game. Pick up your trash!
  6. Sit in the seats of the bus in the appropriate manner. Do not sit on the arms or lean over the backs of the seats of the Ranger Bus as this breaks the seat. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
  7. Only use the emergency exit of the bus if there is an emergency. Only enter and exit from the front of the bus.
  8. While at the stadium stay in your assigned seat in your section.
  9. Stay in full uniform unless given permission to do otherwise.
  10. Before half-time file down the stairs single file to receive your plume. During the other band’s performance you should be quiet and attentive. Be a polite audience. After half-time file back into the stands and give your plumes to a sponsor and go to your seat until everyone has filed back into the stands. The director will dismiss you for the 3rd quarter.
  11. Having third quarter off is a privilege - not a right, and failure to abide by the rules could result in the forfeiture of this privilege.
  12. Students may ride home with parents. All we ask is that your parent tells your sponsor that you are leaving with them after the game and that we personally see you leave with your parents. Leaving with any other person must be approved by the principal and director in advance and must comply with the policies adopted by the Perryton ISD School Board.
  13. Have pride in yourself and the band.

Note from the director

One of the bonuses of being in the Perryton High School Band revolves around our travel opportunities. While many organizations dream about taking trips together, we are in a position to make these dreams come true. It serves as positive testimony to the work ethic of our band members, and is one of the privileges we enjoy as a group.

There are additional expectations attached to group travel. When we accept an invitation to perform away from our home, we also assume the responsibilities of being ambassadors and representatives of our band, our school, and our community. Individual considerations now become secondary to the entire organization's welfare. The term good behavior takes on an all-new meaning as we assume the role of musical emissaries. Your best effort is now "the norm," and you will be asked to rise above it many times during our trip, displaying the ultimate in appropriate manners and personal deportment.

We will be judged not by our intentions, but by our behavior. There are no second chances at a first impression; therefore, we must pledge ourselves to emulating excellence both in our musical and our social performances. The worth of our band will be based on the attitude generated by our band members. The reputation of our band is in your hands. Treat it with the dignity it has earned...and deserves. Remember, it is your band.

Our administration approved this trip because of the superior track record our band has had in years past. We are enjoying the fruits of labor seeded by your older peers. Our future bands are counting on you to pass on that same heritage so they will have a similar kind of learning opportunity during their high school careers.

Should there be any need for disciplinary action, we will simply address the problem following the trip with the administration. I feel certain this will not be necessary, but we do need to be prepared.

We have a unique chance to show our true colors. I know you will be spectacular artists from beginning to end.

With pride,

Mr. Nance

LOADING GUIDELINES

These guidelines will ease the burden of the loading crew and will make our trips out of town much more enjoyable and expedient. These guidelines are intended to combat the confusion that often accompanies a trip out of town. There will be at least six people on the loading crew. These people are performing an important service to the band so please treat them with respect and help them by being courteous and complying with their requests. Please stay off the instrument trailer and remember not to crowd around the entrance at the back of the trailer. If there is congestion around the back of the trailer nothing will get loaded or unloaded so PLEASE STAND AWAY FROM THE BACK OF THE TRAILER!

LOADING PROCEDURE

  1. When you get to the band hall you need to have your instrument, uniform, hat, music and anything else you need for the performance at your seat in the band hall. The only people not in their seats should be the loading crew. Remember – LOAD YOUR OWN HORN AND UNIFORM! This is your responsibility. Do not assume that someone else will load your stuff. This is a sure way to leave something at home.
  2. After roll is taken, the loading crew should start loading large equipment including the drum major podium, water, etc. The loading crew will inform percussion and tubas when they need to bring their horns to the equipment trailer. We will not load any small instruments until the large equipment is loaded, so sousaphones and percussion need to be early and prepared to load their equipment first. Take your uniforms to the side door of the trailer and hang them neatly on the uniform racks and return to the band hall.
  3. You will need to take your instrument to the trailer yourself when instructed to do so by the directors or drum major. Small horns will be put underneath the Ranger Bus (or taken on the bus with you) and percussion, sousaphones, and uniforms will go on the equipment trailer.
  4. After instruments and uniforms are loaded go back to your seat in the Band Hall and await further instructions. We will load the buses by class. Make sure that you take your hat with you onto the bus. Seats are first come – first serve. Do not save seats. If there are abuses and complaints we can always assign seats for future trips.
  5. After we are loaded we will leave as quickly as possible.

UNLOADING UPON ARRIVAL