The Purpose of “Marching Bulldogs”
The purpose of the "Marching Bulldogs" marching band is to serve as a creative and academic outlet for all students with a band background who might wish to participate. Simultaneously, the "Marching Bulldogs" will strive to serve Fines Arts Department, the Onslow County community, and the student body through its performances.
Objectives of the “Marching Bulldogs”
- To support Dixon High School through performances at athletic and other public events.
- To serve as a highly visible recruiting arm of the Onslow County Schools and the Music Program
- To project a positive image for the Dixon High School and the Music Department.
- To inspire students’ enjoyment and enthusiasm for music and visual performance.
- To promote a pleasant social climate and working condition within the Music Department.
- To serve as field experience for future music lovers.
- To perform at the highest possible level at all times.
Code of Conduct
All band members are here by choice and will be treated as adults. In return, he or she is to remember his or her role as an “Ambassador of Dixon High School”. Band members are expected to treat others with respect and courtesy. Any behavior deemed disruptive or inappropriate in rehearsal or at performances by the Director of Athletic Bands or any staff member will result in one’s removal from the rehearsal or event. If the deviant behavior occurs during an off campus trip, the student will be sent home at his or her personal expense. If any student receives ISS/OSS or any other type of suspensions that the length of time occurs over an event, the student will not be able to attend the event.
Attendance Policy
Because marching band is an academic course, certain rules must be followed. Starting at band camp, attendance will be taken by Band Director or the drum majors at every rehearsal and performance.ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH REHEARSAL, EVERY PERFORMANCE AND EVERY LEADERSHIP MEETING. For a necessary absence, excuses will be granted on an individual basis. Repeated absences from rehearsals after school can result in being sidelined for the up coming performance.
The procedure for being excused from a performance is as follows:
1. Submit a written request for an absence from a performance to the director at least four (4) weeks prior to the performance. Requests should be limited to events of vital importance.
2. In the case of illness, follow the same procedure as a missed rehearsal.
NOTE: Mr. Saenz is the only staff member allowed to excuse members from a rehearsal or performance.
Tardiness should be avoided. If you realize that you will be late, contact the band room office immediately. Any unexcused tardy can result in a lowering of your grade. The Director will give special consideration to those who have conflicts if they contact him in advance. Each band member is expected to arrive to each rehearsal with music, instrument/equipment, pencil, coordinate sheet, and any other item required for rehearsal.
Failure to have all materials is considered an absence from the rehearsal.
Off Campus and Overnight Trips
Occasionally, the marching band will be required to participate in functions that are off- campus. The School will provide transportation when distance and feasibility prohibit the use of student-owned vehicles. When distance prohibits one-day trips, students will be provided with adequate housing as well as money for food or provided meals. In such cases, a trip schedule containing departure points and times will be distributed. Any student who is not present at the departure time will be left. They will then have to provide their own transportation to the destination. If a student misses the connection with the ride, he or she is expected to arrange for emergency transportation. No student is unimportant to the DHS “Marching Bulldogs”, therefore any absence will weaken the strength of the band. Students will be expected to follow both the written and/or verbal trip schedule.
Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances are not allowed on buses or any other vehicles used to transport band member to or from performances. Violators will be prohibited from participating in band activities, will be subject to Dixon High School disciplinary action, and will receive a failing grade.
Smoking is not permitted at any time during school events such as Football games, rehearsals, and competitions. Any smoking related damage will be the financial responsibility of the smoker.
Music and Coordinate Sheets
Each band member will be issued a coordinate sheet and each musician will be issued music. Those items will be considered the appointed text for the Marching Band Class. Therefore, failure to present these items to one of your section leaders while attendance is being taken will result in a deduction of your daily grade. All members will receive show music and coordinate sheets at the beginning of camp and are responsible for having materials at all rehearsals. Each member of the wind section and battery percussion section is required to provide their own flip folder in order to keep their stands music organized. These can be purchased before arrival at camp or as soon as possible before school starts.
NOTE: If all your music is lost, it will cost $5.00 to replace on a rehearsal day and $10.00 to replace on a performance day. Each piece of music will cost twenty-five cents to replace. All music will be collected at the end of the semester. A failure to return music can result in a fine of $5.00 to replace the music. All solos in the show will be chosen by audition. The final decision will be made by the Director of Athletic Bands. Every member who would like to audition is welcome.
Hazing
North Carolina Law 14.03.9
It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section hazing is defined as follows: "to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group." Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.
The “Marching Bulldogs” will not tolerate any hazing what so ever. In the event that this occurs, YOU will be reported to the school where legal action may be taken!
School Property
DHS is pleased to provide the service of distributing certain School owned instruments and equipment. However, the lendee must accept certain obligations in order to transact a loan.
1. The lendee will follow certain procedures in securing property:
a. Obtain and sign an authorization form (instruments only).
b. Report to storage areas at designated time.
c. Return the property promptly after each semester.
2. The lendee will accept full responsibility for the property:
a. Repair any damage that is the result of negligence or misuse.
b. Replace lost or stolen articles.
c. Compensate the Dixon High School Band for any lost or stolen property at the valueestablished by the Director of Athletic Bands.
Instruments and Equipment
If you need to use a school owned instrument, you will need to fill out and sign an authorization form during registration. At the designated time, these instruments will be available for pickup in the band room.
NOTE: Supplies (reeds, valve oil, slide grease, cleaning solutions, etc.) are not provided by the School.
NOTE: Check your instrument as it is issued and note, with a staff member, any damage. All slides and valves should work properly. It will be the responsibility of the person checking out the instrument to keep it and return it in working condition.
The school will provide all marching percussion instruments. These will also require an instrument authorization form and the lendee will be held liable for any damage incurred during the season that is not a part of the normal wear and tear. This does not apply to drum heads, tension rod casings or tension rods.
Each battery percussionist will be supplied with a set number of sticks at Band Camp to last them for the entire marching season. All battery percussionists are also responsible for supplying their own stick tape or cymbal polish. Auxiliary members will be provided with the equipment that is used in the show and rehearsals. Members are responsible for their own equipment for the duration of the season.
Instrument Damage/Loss Policy
It is understood that wear and tear will occur with any normal use of an instrument. Damage beyond the ordinary will be the financial responsibility of the student. ANY damage to an instrument must be reported to a staff member immediately. The Director of Athletic Bands has the final authority to determine whether or not the damage is considered normal. Background brass, percussion and rhythm section equipment will be stored in designated areas. All other instruments will be kept by the student that the instrument is checked out to. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the instrument from both damage and theft. Any instrument stolen while checked out to a student will be the financial responsibility of that student. If an instrument is stolen, it must be reported to a staff member immediately. Instruments during school, may be stored in the band room or carried with you through out the day. Lendee instruments, under no conditions shall be left in vehicles during the school day. Instruments exposed to extreme heat or cold may be damaged or permanently destroyed.
Uniforms
With the exception of guard, all uniforms will be checked in and out for each performance although special arrangements will be made for out of town trips. Uniform checkout will be held in the Band Room. This room will be opened prior to performances and each member is responsible for checking out and returning their own uniform. Uniforms will be returned after each performance. Failure to turn in your uniform or failure to allow proper dressing time will result in a lowering of your grade.
Winds, Percussion and Rhythm Section Uniforms will be provided by the School and will consist of:
-Black plume -Black shako -Maroon jacket -Gold baldric (detachable) -Black bib style pants
Members must provide the following: -Black cotton gloves (except percussion and rhythm section) -Black plain toe, lace-up marching shoes -Black socks -“Marching Bulldogs” member t-shirt
NOTE: Athletic or aerobic shoes will not be accepted. If you have question, ask the Director
Colorguard
The complete uniform must be purchase and they are yours to keep. Colorguard members will be responsible for washing their uniforms, as they will not be turned in after each performance. Members must purchase the following:
-Show uniform
-Black Show shoes
-“Marching Bulldogs” member t-shirt
Chain of Command
The purpose of the chain of command is to avoid overloading one or two individuals with the task of solving all problems and answering all questions that may arise during the course of the semester. Most problems can be taken care of within each section. However, for situations that arise, please heed the following chain of command:
1. Section Leader
2. Individual in charge of the area in question, such as a Wind Captain/Brass Captain
3.Drum Major
4. Director
5. School of Music Administration
Leadership Interviews
Interviews for leadership positions for the 2016 “Marching Bulldogs” will begin at the end of the marching season. Job descriptions will be posted on the band room door. Drum Majors will be chosen first. After those leaders are announced, interviews for all other staff positions will proceed. All members of the 2016 leadership team are required to attend three leadership sessions during the spring semester. These sessions will be announced at the beginning of the spring semester in 2016.
Drum Major and Colorguard will be held as open tryouts for the whole school! People will be spectating!
Policy Agreement Contract
This contract is mandatory for all members.
This contract must be signed, dated and turned in during the first week of band camp. Failure to turn in this form will result in not being allowed to attend band events such as parades, football games and competitions.
I have read and understand the policies, rules and obligations set forth in the Band Handbook. I understand that band is a commitment for the entire semester and I will inform the Director of Bands if I become unable to fulfill my responsibilities as a member.
I realize that communication is vital in an organization of this caliber and I agree to stay in close contact with the “Marching Bulldogs” staff regarding my participation in this Marching Band.
Student Name Printed Student Name Signed Date
Parent/Guardian Name Printed Parent/ Guardian Name Signed Date