Welcome to the Marianna High School Band! I am excited you will join us and have dedicated this handbook as a reference tool to help familiarize your family with the band policies, protocols, and procedures.

Please look through the sections:

  1. Introduction
  2. Attendance and Conduct
  3. Rehearsal/Instrument Supplies, Uniform & Water Coolers
  4. Grading Policy
  1. Introduction

Purpose

The Marianna High School Pride Band Handbook has been created as a guide for students and their families to gain the most from their time with “The Pride”, as well as to provide insight into the everyday practical experiences of being a part of the organization.

Mission

The mission of the Marianna High School Pride is to provide each student with a high qualitymusical experience in a family-oriented and supportive environment through performances and classroom learning that grows them musically, relationally, personally, and in practical life skills.

  1. Attendance and Conduct

Attendance and Commitment to “BE HERE”

Because The Pride functions as a team and counts on each member’s presence at rehearsal to accomplish the goals, prompt attendance at each and every band function is crucial to the success of this program.

For attendance purposes, a band function is defined as: Any rehearsal, sectional, performance, lesson time, trip, or event scheduled by the Director.

Each member is responsible to “BE HERE” at the scheduled location, properly attired, with his or her instrument and all necessary equipment, beforethe appointed time roll call takes place.

“To be early is on time to be on time is late” Anonymous

The Director will establish a Roll Call time for each rehearsal. Students should be in the scheduled location prepared for this, but should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to this time to allow for unpacking, and other preparation for the rehearsal.

The following guidelines outline the attendance procedures and policies for the Pride:

Tardiness—Students not in attendance at the Roll Call time will be marked tardy.

Excused Tardiness—Tardiness will be excused at the discretion of the director. Most will not be excused unless prior contact or arrangements are made and approved.

Unexcused tardiness—Students who have more than one unexcused tardy shall be subject to one of the following consequences:

  1. Lowering of weekly participation grade.
  2. Loss of marching privilege (for one game) at a football
  3. Requirement to stay after rehearsal or report early to the next rehearsal to make-up lost rehearsal time.

*Consequences will be issued at the discretion of the band director.

Absence—A tardy will be converted to an “absence” 15 minutes after rehearsal begins.

Excused absence

Your grade in the Marianna High School Band will reflect active participation in rehearsal and success as a performer. Coming to rehearsal prepared continues to be of the upmost importance, enabling you to enjoy a successful and prosperous musical experience.

Excused absences are limited to:

  1. Medical Emergency (Doctor’s note required)
  2. Death in the Family

For advance notice absences, students should fill-out an Absence Form and submit it no later than 48 hours prior to the missed rehearsal. For illness/emergency, Students should fill out an Absence Form and turn it in no later than 48 hours after returning to rehearsal.Students who are continually ill should provide a Doctor’s note in case there are special instructions the director needs to follow. If in doubt, an absence should be checked with the Director.

Special note: Attendance at every scheduled rehearsal and performance is expected from every student.

Without question, schoolwork and academics remain the number one priority of all students at Marianna High School, whether or not they participate in a varsity sport or a co-curricular ensemble. With that said, “I had a lot of homework last night…” or “ I had family over last night…” will not suffice as an acceptable excuse for missing a rehearsal. It is up to YOU to learn how to balance your time responsibly. The Director will help with this… but planning is key!

Participation in The Pride means a commitment to not only one’s own time management, and personal improvement, but also to the other members of the Pride. You will be given the schedule multiple times in multiple ways through the school year along with daily/weekly reminders. Any student involved in multiple afterschool activities should have let the Director know early and often about any potential conflict so they may be solved or worked out.

Barring unforeseen medical emergencies or loss of a family member, no further conflicts are expected or accepted. Should an academic conflict arise, parents should schedule a meeting with the Director immediately to discuss possible scenarios.

Unexcused Absences

Students who have an unexcused absence will be subject to one of the followingconsequences:

  1. Lowering of weekly participation grade and Demerits
  2. Loss of marching privilege for one or more games/performances
  3. Loss of attendance privilege for one or more games/performances
  4. If problem persists, Removal from the band

Sectionals

Sectional may be scheduled by the Director or by the Section Leader. These sections are called when a section is not reaching the musical exceptions of the director/section leader. Attendance is required. Sectionals must obtain approval from the Director in advance and give the section at least 48hours notice for all sectionals. Sectional shall be used to play-off and prepare music.

Demerit System

The demerit system is a method of discipline that will be in effect at all times. When demerits are given they will be recorded by the director. Consequences are explained below. As these guidelines cannot cover all situations, the director reserves the right to handle special situations. For an infraction, which repeatedly occurs, a more stringent solution may be in order. These guidelines have been implemented not to punish, but to strengthen each band member’s sense of responsibility to himself/herself and the other students in the band.

Late payments – 1/day

Leaving an event early (practice or a game) – 2

Failure to follow through with assigned duties – 2

Absent to practice/sectional – 3

Only exceptions will be a major illness with doctor’s note or death in family)

Absent from an event (games/performances) – 5

Only exceptions will be a major illness with doctor’s note or death in family)

Tardy to practice game, meetings – 1 to 2

Failure to participate in post-game meetings and activities – 1

Insufficient knowledge of music or drill– 1

Excessive talking during practice- 2

Not keeping locker neat and tidy-1

Eating, drinking, or chewing gum in uniform or practice – 1

No food or drinks in the stands while performing

Uncooperative attitude at practice or event – 2

Using profanity in class, at practice, games or events – 2

Not in correct uniform – 1 per article of clothing

Use of cell phones during games – 1

Talking to spectators during games – 1

Unsportsmanlike conduct – 3

Traveling to a game or returning home with unauthorized person – 5

Notifications of unfavorable teacher comments – 3

Each day in ISS - 3

Disrespect or rudeness to Director, Captain(s), other band officers, or each other – 5

Consequences of Demerits

Demerits are final. They cannot be worked off. 20 demerits will result in losing all performance privileges with the band for the semester.If a student receives OSS, they will lose marching privileges for a full week from the date they return to school.

Merits

Extra-afterschool practice-1

Private lessons-2

Allstate honor band auditions-3

District honor band-2

Solo and ensemble particapation-2 per event

Outside clinics-2

Jazz band membership-2

Individual or group instrumental performance unrelated to the Marianna High School Band- 2

Youth/community orchestra-1 point per rehearsal

General Conduct/Expectation

Band members will observe all policies set forth by the Jackson County School Board, in addition to the following, as they pertain to the instrumental music setting:

  1. All students are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times.

Display of profanity, temper, flagrant violation of rules, etc., will not be tolerated.

Individual behavior during band functions is a reflection of the group.

  1. Students will follow Director Instructions
  2. Students will be in their assigned rehearsal area ready to work at the set rehearsal time.
  3. Students will bring equipment including music, instrument, pencil, and all supplies to rehearsal daily.
  4. Students will keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves at all times.
  5. Students will bring no food, drink, candy, or gum into the Band Room without permission of the Director.
  6. Students will not play on equipment they do not own or have permission from a director to use. Students will not touch, handle, borrow, or use anyone else’s instrument, uniform, or personal belongings.
  7. Students should ask for permission to speak (during rehearsal) by raising their hands and waiting to be acknowledged. All rehearsals are expected to be extremely quiet so that our time will be utilized wisely.
  8. When allowed in the Band Room, either before, during, or afterschool, students will not disrupt any rehearsal in progress.
  9. Students may be allowed to use the phone before or after school with permission from the Director at his discretion.
  10. Students will respect the property of others, and return their equipment to its proper storage place when not in use. Each student is responsible for keeping his or her storage area clean and neat in appearance. Students who demonstrate great difficulty with this will lose the privilege of having a storage area in the Band Room.
  11. Student will not enter the Directors office without permission.
  12. Students will not deface or mark on music stands, walls, equipment, freshmen, etc.
  13. Students will utilize their assigned storage slot/locker for instrument cases during rehearsal. Cases should not be brought into rehearsals unless requested by the Director.
  14. Any behavior, which is not representative of good citizenship, as perceived by the Director, Band Staff, and Band Boosters, may result in the students dismissal from the activity at hand as well as the band program. This also applies to actions of Student Leaders in both public and private events.
  15. NO CELL PHONES ARE TO BE USED OR SEENin the stands at football games, during rehearsals, or in concert performance. Cell phones may be used on the buses or after a rehearsal to phone home, but will be taken by the Director if seen during a game, rehearsal, or performance.
  16. At no time should a student be without permission from the Director in the ensemble room, uniform, or practice rooms.
  17. Students will not leave their chair, the band stands, rehearsal area, or performance area without permission from the director.

Travel guidelines

The band will frequently travel on both school and commercial busses. Students conduct is expected to be at the highest level on any trip.

  1. Students must travel to events and return from events on the bus. Any student wishing to arrive or leave with his / her parent must notify a director in writing prior to the event. A decision will be rendered based on the circumstances provided.
  2. Students must have all necessary forms completed and returned, to travel on any trip, with the band.
  3. While on the bus students will:
  1. Remain seated at all times
  2. Sit properly in a forward position
  3. Keep the bus clear of food, drinks, debris
  4. Keep all body parts inside the bus
  5. Remain silent when addressed by person in charge on the bus
  6. Refrain from loud, boisterous talking, screaming, whistling, etc…
  7. Refrain from public displays of affection.

Special Note:

Students are reminded that all performances / concerts start and conclude at the Band Room. As a member of the band, you are a representative of your school. Always be on your best behavior. If you are in doubt about an action, DO NOT DO IT ! Your conduct should positively reflect the school, the band, your home, and your community.

Chaperones

Our chaperones bring together the finest volunteers at Marianna High School to ensure the safety of our band members while on trips at away games and competitions. Students should afford chaperones the same respect they would the Director or member of the Marianna High School Administration.

Performance / Rehearsal Expectations for the Concert Ensemble

Concerts and performances are frequent occurrences with The Pride. Concerts/performances are considered to have three parts: warm-up, performance, and listening. The concert begins at the student at the warm-up. Punctuality is essential. A concert concludes when the last group performs and the director has given permission to be dismissed.

Concert Guidelines

  1. All concerts are group efforts, thus, attendance is required.
  2. All concerts are extension of the classroom and will be graded accordingly.
  3. Students should be punctual and prepared for each performance / concert.
  4. In the event a performance causes a student to miss another class, the student is responsible to make up all missed work!
  5. The appropriate dress for all concerts will be dress uniform ( See Uniforms.)

Solo and Ensemble

The Florida Bandmasters Association ( FBA ) sponsors District 2 Solo and Ensemble ever spring semester on February 12th & 13th. ALL STUDENTS will be highly encouraged for personal and musical growth to participate in Solo and Ensemble. The exact performance requirements will be at the discretion of director. Soloist must perform with piano accompaniment if an accompaniment is published with the solo. Each student must find his/her own accompanist.

Parent Conferences

The preferred method of contact to the Band Director is by email. Addresses can be found on the Band website. Should a conference be necessary, you may email me to coordinate one.

Band Discipline Plan

For violation of any State law, JCSB policy, MHS policy, or MHS band policy or requirement, the following disciplinary actions may be imposed:

  1. Student correction and/or counseling
  2. Parent notification
  3. Office referral and loss of band privileges
  4. Exclusion or removal from the band program

The above information outlines the general for most disciplinary issues. However, the disciplinary action imposed in each instance will be at the discretion of the Band Director considering the nature and severity of the conduct, the circumstances of the conduct, the frequency and prior warnings or action, consistency of action considering other situations, and other relevant factors.

Medical, Consent, and other Forms Required

To enjoy the privileges of engaging in certain Marianna High School Band functions, JCSB policy requires that members turn in medical forms, consent and/or permission forms, and other documentation as needed on each occasion.

It is the responsibility of the band member to obtain the required documents, seek the necessary signatures, and return them to the proper person or place by the specified time. To function effectively, the MHS Band relies on each of its to follow through on all of the necessary paperwork.

Without all documentation in order, members will not be permitted to attend functions, trips, or events.

III. Rehearsal/Instrument supplies and Uniforms

Indoor rehearsal supplies

The following is list of supplies to have at each rehearsal. This list is not at all inclusive:

  1. All issued music in a binder with Plastic sheet protectors
  2. Pencil
  3. Instrument
  4. All supplies relative to their instrument
  5. All marching related equipment (during marching season)
  1. Drill / ChartBinder
  2. Lyre / Plastic sheets
  3. All issued music in a black binder
  4. Other marching equipment as needed
  1. Tuner & Metronome
  2. Any other book or assisted learning material assigned by director.

Outdoor/Marching rehearsal supplies

The following is the list of supplies REQUIRED to have at each outdoor/Marching.

  1. Your instrument
  2. All marching related equipment (during marching season)
  • Drill / Chart Binder
  • Lyre / Plastic sheets
  • All issued music in a black binder
  1. Athletic / “Basketball” shorts
  2. T-shirt—Maybe be assigned a sectional or class color.
  3. A baseball cap
  4. Sneakers only…. NO TOMS, SANDAL, FLIP-FLOPS, FLATS, CONVERSE, CROCS, OR BOOTS.

Instrument Checklist

Flutes

  • Tuning rod
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Key oil
  • Approved type instrument

Clarinets

  • Three good playable reeds. Vandoran V-12 is the approved reed.
  • Reed guard
  • Pencil box with Ziploc plastic bag for reeds.
  • Proper mouthpiece with cap (Vandoran 5 RV Lrye or B45)
  • Key oil (storage case)
  • Bore oil (storage case)
  • Cleaning swab
  • Approved instrument type
  • Cork grease

Saxes/ low reeds as applicable

  • Three good playable reeds.Vandoran is the approved reed.
  • Reed guard
  • Ligature
  • Proper mouthpiece (Selmer C star or )
  • Pad and neck saver
  • Approved type instrument
  • Pencil box with Ziploc plastic bag for reeds.

Notice For Brass Players only: BERPs can be purchased through the MHS Band. The BERP is the most efficient tool you can use to help you become a better brass player. It is designed to allow you to buzz your mouthpiece while holding the instrument in the regular playing position and will allow for constructive and unique rehearsals procedures and techniques. Each BERP cost a one-time fee of $25 dollars. More information on the BERP:

Trumpets

  • Valve Oil (not “Blue Juice”)
  • Polishing cloth
  • Mouthpiece (Bach 5c or 3c) or other approved by director
  • Approved instrument type
  • BERP

French horn / Mellophone

  • Rotary/Valve oil (not“Blue Juice” )
  • Polishing cloth
  • Approved mouthpiece (Holton Farkas) or (Bach 5c or 3c)
  • Approved type instrument
  • BERP

Trombone

  • Slide cream
  • Small Spray water bottle
  • Polishing cloth
  • Mouthpiece (Yamaha 51, Bach 5G, or other approved)
  • Approved type instrument
  • BERP

Baritone/ Euphonium

  • Valve oil ( not “Blue Juice”)
  • Mouthpiece ( Yamaha 51, Bach 5G, or other approved)
  • Polishing cloth
  • Approved type instrument
  • BERP

Tuba