Gray Weaver, Director of Bands

2017 – 2018

MiltonHigh School

Band Student Handbook

Gray Weaver, Director of Bands

Michael Schultz, Asst. Director of Bands

Revision –June 5, 2017

Dear Students,

We would like to congratulate you on being a member of one of the finest organizations in the state of Florida, the largest organization on the MHS Campus, and one of the most visible public relations tools for MiltonHigh School…the MHS Mighty Black & Gold Band. Our band program, which consists of eight performing ensembles, gives over 50 performances each school year. Your hard work and shared talents will entertain thousands of people during the course of this upcoming school year…and in that process we hope that our program will have a positive impact in preparing you for greater things beyond high school.

Being a member of the Mighty Black & Gold Band Program brings great individual and family responsibility. This handbook will help you to realize the expectations of a band student. It is an informational tool to assist you in understanding your responsibilities and commitments to our program. This booklet will also serve as the syllabus for the band class in which you are enrolled.

Most of the simple regulations and information contained in these pages have been established for some time and have proven to be successful techniques in maintaining a high degree of excellence in our band program. While it is not possible to cover every circumstance which may arise during the course of a school year with an appropriate rule, policy or response, this handbook will furnish everyone with a working knowledge of what is expected in most situations as a member of the Mighty Black & Gold Band.

At the end of the handbook you will find a student contract. This must be read, signed and returned by both student and parent(s) on or before July 14, 2017.

We are looking forward to another successful year with the Milton High School Band. The positive support and hard work of the students and parents are vital to the success of our program and are greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,Sincerely,

Gray WeaverMichael Schultz

Gray WeaverMichael Schultz

Director of BandsAsst. Director of Bands

5445 Stewart Street, Milton, Florida32570 – Office 850-983-5611 – Fax 850-983-5610

Email: Gray Weaver / Michael Schultz –

MiltonHigh School Band Classes

Grading Policies and Procedures

School Year 2017-2018

Gray Weaver, Director of Bands / Michael Schultz, Asst. Director of Bands

Goals:

Welcome to the classes that make up the Milton High School Band Program. This syllabus is valid for Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Panther Band, Jazz Band, Percussion, and Colorguard Classes. Together, we are going to be working to accomplish some challenging goals during the 2017 – 2018School Year. I hope that you are prepared to accept the challenge. Please review the grading policy and other band policies on your own and with your parents/guardians. A completed returned student contract (included in this packet) will acknowledge that you and your parents understand these policies. This contract will serve as your first quiz grade.

Your grade will consist of the following components:

1. Class Participation (daily grade)20%
2. Rehearsal Attendance 20%
3. Performance Attendance25%
4. Quizzes & Tests15%
5. Semester Exam20%

Class Participation:

Good attendance, punctuality, and proper equipment, in class EVERYDAY! This portion of your grade will also require that you attempt your best every day, and that you participate whenever possible in class discussions along with question and answering sessions.

Equipment needed daily includes:

Your instrument in proper playing condition, ALL of your music, rehearsal attire (when appropriate), a pencil

Rehearsals:

Band classes are considered to be a Co-Curricular subject, meaning that what happens outside of the school day is directly connected with the classroom activities. After-school and evening rehearsals have been scheduled and may be scheduled on a when-necessary basis. Your attendance will always be mandatory. You will be given ample notice when rehearsals outside of the regular schedule are called. Some of the rehearsals may require specific rehearsal attire which will be announced. If you are absent from a rehearsal for any reason, please fill out an Absence Appeal Form and put it directly on Mr. Schultz’s desk. It will be reviewed by the staff and you will be notified of whether or not it was excused.

Performances:

All performances listed on the calendar are MANDATORY. An absence from a performance without prior approval from the directors, or a doctor’s excuse, will affect your grade. This includes football games, parades, concerts, pep rallies, etc. An unexcused absence from a festival or competition will result in your term grade being lowered a full letter grade and may also result in an immediate termination from the MHS Band Program.

Quizzes & Tests:

Quizzes and tests will be given to ensure that students are mastering appropriate performance techniques; completing the required memorization of selected music/routine; understanding performance elements such as terms, history, theories, & concepts; and are aware of the policies and procedures of our band program.

Rehearsal & Performance Attendance Policy – Excused absences will include only the following: sickness, death in the family, or extreme crisis-type circumstances. All absences will be reviewed by the staff on a case-by-case basis. Absence appeal forms MUST be completed the very next day that the student is in attendance regardless of whether you think it will be excused or not and placed directly on Mr. Schultz’s desk. An attempt should also be made to contact Mr. Weaver or Mr. Schultz to report foreseen absences/tardiness from rehearsals and performances. (Band Room 983-5611). You will receive an unexcused absence until a decision is rendered and all make-up work has been turned in. Make-up work may be assigned if the absence is excused.

PHILOSOPHY OF THE MILTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND

(1). To develop a high quality product (performance organization) in which all stakeholders can be proud of. The following characteristics should be evident:

-high energy, entertaining performances

-structure and discipline in rehearsals, performances, and free time

-consistency in all program aspects

-good communication with members and parents

-integrity throughout the organization

-sense of belonging and ownership for all stakeholders (staff, students, parents, etc.)

(2). To instill and reinforce the qualities that will help each member to be successful in life beyond their high school years. These

qualities include integrity, teamwork, self-discipline, responsibility, self-confidence, work ethic, dedication, goal-setting,

communication, and positive attitude.

(3). To provide opportunities for members to create memories and relationships that they can cherish for a lifetime.

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Our Mottos - “WORK HARD…PLAY HARD!” & “IMAGE IS EVERYTHING”!

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MHS BAND STAFF

Director of Bands–Gray Weaver

Assistant Director of Bands-Michael Schultz

Percussion Instructor–John Whiddon

Percussion Staff–Chandler Sedlacek

Colorguard Instructor–Samantha Byrd

Band Bookkeeper–Jan Weaver

Band Tech-Chuck Hendrix & Bill Robey

Head Chaperone-Sandie Kennedy

Announcer-John Everitt

MHS BAND STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Head Drum Major –Mariah Mack

Co-Drum Major –Orey Hendrix

Asst. Drum Major –Adeline Belova

Band Captain –Alex Merritt

Band Co-Captain –Lauren Sauls

Flute Section Leaders –Andrea Weekley & Jessica Herring(asst)

Clarinets Section Leaders –Tiffany Bullard, Amber Burtschell(asst), & Kaitlyn Flint(asst)

Saxophones Section Leaders –Amber Rolin, Emily Gentry (asst), & Alex Merritt(asst)

Trumpets Section Leaders –Alyssa Turner, Sydney Mosley(asst), & Justin Scott (asst)

Horns Section Leader –Sydney Moore

Trombone Section Leader–Justin Wilkins & Alissa Welch (asst)

Baritone Section Leader–Mesa Fitzgerald

Tuba Section Leader–Brittney Kennedy

Percussion Captain –Mitchell Dupre

Colorguard Captains–KarmenProffitt & Meghan Condron

Uniform Officers –Paige Cardwell & Elaina Williams

Music Officers –Jennifer HerreraMyah Perriman

Instrument/Facilities Officers –Jordan Bishop, Hazel Heffernan, Xavier Sapp

BAND STAFF CONTACT INFO

Gray WeaverMichael Schultz

MHS Director of BandsMHS Assistant Director of Bands

Bandroom: 850-983-5611Bandroom: 850-983-5611

Mobile: 850-324-9768Mobile: 850-525-9551

E-mail: -mail:

HEAD CHAPERONE CONTACT INFO

Sandie KennedyTina Beyers

Head ChaperoneHead Chaperone

Mobile: (850) 698-5764Mobile: (850) 293-0995

E-mail:

MHS BAND PARENT ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTACT INFO

Rhonda HarrisTomena Rollo

MHS Band Parent Association PresidentMHS Band Parent Association Trustee

Mobile: 850-382-4204Mobile: 850-313-2895

E-mail: -mail:

Ray GentryTony Pietsch

MHS Band Parent Association 1st Vice PresidentMHS Band Parents Association Trustee

Mobile: 850-313-9470Mobile: 850-232-2084

E-mail: -mail:

Victoria Marcus

MHS Band Parent Association 2nd Vice President

Mobile: 850-218-3285

E-mail:

Sandie Kennedy

MHS Band Parent Association Secretary

Mobile: 850-698-5764

E-mail:

Lisa Needham

MHS Band Parent Association Asst. Secretary

Mobile: 850-910-0798

E-mail:

Keith White

MHS Band Parent Association Treasurer

Mobile: 850-393-3811

E-mail:

Bill Gallaway

MHS Band Parent Association Asst. Treasurer

Mobile: 850-225-6184

E-mail:

FIND US ON THE WEB!!!

Band Website –

Your One-Stop for all things MHS Band…photos, calendar, music, performances, handouts, links, etc.

MiltonHSBand YouTube Channel –

Current & Past Performances…go to MiltonHSBandChannel

Facebook Page (Band) -

Band’s Facebook page…run by Mr. Weaver & Mr. Schultz

Can be found on Facebook by searching “Milton High School Mighty Black & Gold Band”

Facebook Page (MHSBPA) -

Band Parent Association’s Facebook page…run by Executive Board & Band Directors

Can be found on Facebook by searching for “Milton High School Band Boosters”

Facebook Page (Black Gold Percussion Ensemble)

Percussion section’s page...run by John Whiddon...our Percussion Director

Facebook Page (Milton High School Colorguard)

Colorguard section’s page...run by Dawn Bremke...our Colorguard Director

Charms Office –

“ENTER/LOG-IN” to “STUDENT/PARENT/MEMBER”

Type in school code of “MILTONHSBAND”

To access student individual area…student last name & graduation year (sometimes add first initial)

Find interactive calendar, personal student information, financial statements, volunteer sign-ups, etc.

Input personal information to receive e-mail blast

REMIND TEXTING PROGRAM – We are now using a texting program created for teachers called REMIND to send out informational texts and reminders to our students and parents…along with Charms e-mail. To sign-up for text messages from us, you simply need to subscribe to the appropriate “groups” below. You should receive a confirmation text after signing-up.

BAND PARENT TEXT GROUPS:

All Band Parents (general info)text @bandadultsto 81010or 850-637-8697

Milton HS Band Parent Association text @parentbpato 81010 or 850-637-8697

Band Trip (for students & parents of trip participants)text @mhstripto 81010 or 850-637-8697

PERFORMING ENSEMBLE TEXT GROUPS (Parents may sign-up as well):

MHS Marching Bandtext @mhsmarchto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Symphonic Bandtext @mhssymbandto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Concert Bandtext @mhsconbandto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Panther Bandtext @mhspanbandto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Band Leadership Teamtext @mhs-leaderto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Percussiontext @mhsdrumsto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Colorguardtext @mhsguardto 81010 or 850-637-8697

MHS Jazz Bandtext @mhsjazzbto 81010 or 850-637-8697

To drop from a group, type “unsubscribe” to the appropriate number.

Charms Office Assistant

We will be using a new office management system this year to keep track of individual student financial accounts, instrument inventory, uniform inventory, absences from rehearsals & performances, and create an interactive calendar. This program is web-based and can be accessed via the internet. In order to access this information, please see the directions below. Please note that you should change your child’s ID number once you’ve entered the site for the first time. If you forget the ID number or if you have questions, please contact the MHS Band Office at 983-5611 or via e-mail at or .

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How to access parent information

BAND * ORCHESTRA * CHOIR

• Log on to
• Locate the “PARENT/STUDENT LOGIN” section of the web page.
• Login to your child’s program account using the following login:

MiltonHSBand

• This will bring up the main parent page. This will allow you to look at your child’s program’spublic calendar, event list, handouts and other files.
• Clicking on an event on the calendar brings up the details for that event, such as times, attendance requirements and equipment/uniform necessities. Clicking on “event list” puts all of the calendar information in a list form for easy printing.
• Whenyou enter your child’s ID NUMBER, Last Name(all lower-case) & Graduation Year (ex. weaver2020)another more detailed screen appears with even more options to view your student’s uniform assignments, music assignments, financial records, forms and inventory. Enter your child’s ID FIRST – then you may create your own, unique password by clicking on the “keys icon”
• One area in which you can help the director maintain his/her records:
• Student information form –you may help make changes to your child’s student information page (such as updating phone numbers and email addresses if they change) to help the teacher communicate with you more effectively.
• Most importantly, the parent page assists both you and the teacher to communicate with each other.

CHARMS OFFICE
CALENDER SYNCING PROCEDURE

With modern mobile devices and calendars, you can keep all your calendars in sync with a few simple settings. (Note - these steps will sync the entire calendar).

Find your device below and follow the listed steps:

iPhone:

1. Go into the Settings app
2. Touch "Mail, Contacts, Calendars"
3. (For iOS 10 touch "Calendars")
4. Under Acounts, touch "Add Account"
5. On the Add Account screen, touch "Other"
6. Under Calendars, touch "Add Subscribed Calendar"
7. For the Server value, enter the URL of the public calendar:
   
8. Touch "Next" in the upper right corner.
9. It will verify the server then show a subscription page. Change the description if you like.
10. Touch "Save" to save the subscription.

Android Phones:

To sync with Android devices, you will need to use your Google account and have a Google calendar created.

In your Google calendar on a real computer:

1. Under "Other Calendars" click the Add link.
2. Select "Add by URL"
3. Enter the following URL:
   
4. Click "Add Calendar"
5. Google will begin to sync your calendar, and it will appear on the screen.
6. Click "Settings"
7. Change the long name of the new calendar to something you will remember such as "Charms Calendar"
8. Your phone should automatically be set to sync with your Google calendar.
9. On your phone: Click on "Calendar", then bring up the settings for the calendar. Click on Calendar Sync. You should see your google account listed already. Make sure Auto-Sync is checked.

Blackberry Phones:

To sync with Blackberry, you must first download the "google sync" and install it on your phone.

1. Log into your Google calendar on the computer.
2. Under "Other Calendars" click the Add link.
3. Select "Add by URL"
4. Enter the following URL:
   
5. Click "Add Calendar"
6. Google will beging to sync your calendar, and it will appear on the screen.
7. Click "Settings"
8. Change the long name of the new calendar to something you will remember such as "Charms Calendar"
9. Your phone should automatically be set to sync with your Google calendar.
10. On your phone: Click on "Calendar", then bring up the settings for the calendar. Click on Calendar Sync. You should see your google account listed already. Make sure Auto-Sync is checked.

Windows Phones:

For Windows Phones with the new "Mango" upgrade you can now sync your Charms calendar:

1. On your PC, open the Windows Live Calendar site for the account your phone uses.
2. Click theSubscribelink (betweenNewandShare).
3. Make sureSubscribe to a public calendaris selected
4. Enter as the Calendar URL
5. Enter "Charms" for the Calendar Name. The color and charm don't apply to the phone.
6. ClickSubscribe to calendar.

Now the calendar from Charms is associated with your Windows Live calendar and will appear on your Windows Phone the next time you sync!

BAND MEMBER EXPECTATIONS 2017

In Rehearsals:

1 – Have appropriate materials (instrument, music, drill charts, pencils, rehearsal attire, etc.)!

2 – Be quiet & attentive!

3 – Demonstrate respect for the directors, band staff, band leadership, & each other at all times!

4 – Practice & memorize music at home so that we can rehearse together!

5 – Remain still & quiet while at attention!

6 – Demonstrate Self-Discipline & Self-Control in all that you do!

7 – Always put away personal items following the rehearsal! Don’t leave anything out in the bandroom or on the field!

8 – Work hard!

In Performances(starts from the time we meet until the time we dismiss):

1 – Always think about the image of the band!

2 – No partial or inappropriate (helmet on backwards, etc.) uniform wearing!

3 – Make sure that your uniform & instrument are neat & clean!

4 – Give 100% in every aspect of the performance(bus ride, march-in, stand music, half-time, etc)!

5 – Be respectful of chaperones, bus drivers, and other bands!

6 – Pay attention / stay focused on your job at that time!

7 – Communicate with parents & friends prior to the game!

8 – In the bleachers…stay in your assigned seat!

9 – No food or drink allowed…unless given to you by the band staffor permission is given by directors!

On Bus Trips:

1 – No drink containers that can spill onto the floor allowed (cans, cups, etc.)!

2 – No Public Display of Affection (hugging, kissing, sitting in laps, etc.)