White Knoll High School Band

Parent Handbook

2014-15

Welcome!

Being a member of the White Knoll High School (WKHS) Band Program will bring your child an exciting and fulfilling educational experience. Your child will learn how to work with others, as well as self-discipline, two life skills that will enable them to become successful in the real world after high school.

This guide will answer some important questions a new band parent will have, and also like provide some “insider” information on what it takes to be a band student, and a band parent!

Staying Informed

The WKHS Band website ( and “Charms Office Assistant” are where you will find the latest information about upcoming events and fundraising opportunities, as well as photos of the band’s activities. On the Charms website ( you can sign up to help with fundraisers and view your student’s account, and make payments. The school code login isWKHSBAND (This is NOT case sensitive). For instructions on setting up your Charms account see “Attachment A” of this handbook.

The White Knoll High School Band uses Charms Office Assistant to manage communication with band students and parents. On Charms you will find:

  • CALENDAR: The official band calendar with all band and color guard events listed.
  • EVENT LIST: A useful list view of the calendar events.
  • FINANCES: This is where you will find all of your account balances, credits and payment options.
  • VOLUNTEER: The place to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
  • HANDOUTS & FLIERS: This is where students and parents find music, forms and more.
  • RECORDING STUDIO: A technology that students can record and upload audio files.
  • PRACTICE LOGS: A place to record and submit student practice logs.
  • PERSONAL INFO: A place to change and update your personal contact information.

All students will need to turn in their registration forms. First year or new students will receive their Charms login via e-mail upon completed registration forms. If you are a returning student or if you are unable to access your Charms account please e-mail .

Parent Involvement

The White Knoll High School Band Boosters is a tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the band program. The band needs supportive, dedicated parents to help provide every student the opportunity to be successful. As Band Parents, your involvement in the program is a vital factor in the success of the program. The program needs your support!

7 Easy Ways to Support the Band Program

  1. Give your child(ren) support & encouragement for being in band! Tell him/her how proud you are of what they are learning and how they are changing!
  2. When picking up your kids from practice or an event come early to watch the kids’ progress and socialize with other band parents. Building relationships with other adults in the program will benefit both you and your child!
  3. Come to the Monthly Parent Meetings! Meetings are the 2nd Tuesdayof each month at 7:00 p.m. in the band room. Here you will be able to ask questions you might have about certain topics.
  4. Pay your Fees on time. We know it’s not easy, but it is important to the existence and future of the band program. We are working hard to provide convenient payment options to assist in your budgeting. We also have many fundraising opportunities through the year to assist in individual financial obligations as well as that of the general band program.
  5. VOLUNTEER - Join a committee!! We need you time and talents to help make this program a success. See the list of committees in this packet.
  6. Attend football games and competitions to cheer for our students! Our students ALWAYS perform better with a large cheering block behind them.
  7. Help with FUNdraisers! The more hands, the easier the work.

The Program...on a budget

Band is a co-curricular activity that receives little funding from the school system. The cost of funding this worthwhile activity is shared equally by all the students and is referred to as a student’s “Band Fees.” Paying “Band Fees” is part of the commitment of being in the program. Currently, that amount is $550.00. Band Fees partially fund things from purchasing music and supplies for the season, maintaining uniforms, and paying staff/consultants, to bus transportation for competitions, large instrument maintenance, and the general operating budget for the band program.

First Year marchers have the option to pre-pay the full amount of their band fees, or they may opt to pay the $100 Band Camp fee by June 1. The remaining $450 can be then raised through fundraising activities. ALL FEES MUST be paid or raised no later than December 19, 2014.

Veteran marchers BAND FEES are due by September 27, 2014. See fee schedule in ”Attachment A, Student and Parent Commitment for 2014-15 Season” form for payment instructions.

When turning in money of any kind, please use an envelope that includes the student’s name and what the money is for. Place the envelope in the “Silver Dropbox” outside Mr. Barfield's office. It is NOT recommended that students place cash in the collection box.

Fundraising Opportunities

You and your student will have several opportunities to take part in fundraising activities to support the band. While some fundraisers are intended to support the band’s general operating fund, others are specifically designated to help offset the cost of the Band Fee. Most families pay for all or nearly all of their Band Fee by participating in fundraising opportunities. Fundraisers are also a time to work together with fellow band members and band parents, and are a great way to make new friends.

Sponsorships: Sponsorships are 100% profit in your student’s account, up to $550 (Marching Season) and for Winter Ensemble (fees TBD). Amounts in excess of FEES will be split 50/50 between the student’s account and WKBB. Sponsorships forms are attached.

Fruit Sales: The WKBB Annual Fruit Sales are held in October and February; Students receive 100% of the Profit from their sales. This money is placed in to your student’s account, and can be used to pay future band or trip fees.

Concession Volunteering: The Band Parents volunteer to work concessions events for various corporations. Working concessions are a major revenue source for the band program, and are profitable for both the band and students.

Participating Restaurants: A number of area restaurants give a percentage for their total sales during a designated time period.

Ink and Toner Recycling Program: There is a recycling box for ink or toner cartridges in the band room. Please only donate cartridges that have not already been recycled or refilled.

Publix Partners Program: With a White Knoll High School Band Boosters key card, a portion of your purchases will be credited to the band. When the band accrues $250 in earnings, Publix will send the White Knoll Band a check. They will be distributed during parent meetings.

Fundraisers to be Announced for 2014-15

  • Script Program
  • Firework Stand: 4TH of July and New Year’s
  • March-a-thon
  • Golf Tournament
  • Band On The Run 5K
  • Plant Sales
  • Silent Auction/Benefit Concert
  • EBay Sale
  • Pancake Breakfast and Classic Car Show

What, Where and When

Without a doubt, marching band is a big time commitment. Marching band requires 100% participation at summer band camp, rehearsals three days a week after school, Friday night football games, and several Saturday competitions. This season’s Calendar of Events is listed below, but can also be found on the White Knoll Marching Band website under the Parent/Student Info tab.

IMPORTANT DATES:

May 27th – 29thSpring Band Camp, 4 – 7 PM Mandatory

May 28thParent Meeting with Fran Kick! 6:30 – 7:45 PM Mandatory!

July 1stMarching Band Rehearsal, 5 – 8 PM

July 8thMarching Band Rehearsal, 5 – 8 PM

July 15thMarching Band Rehearsal, 5 – 8 PM

July 22ndMarching Band Rehearsal, 5 – 8 PM

July 21st – 25thColor Guard & Percussion Camp, 8 AM – 6 PM Mandatory

July 24th – 25thRookie Band Camp, 8 AM – 12 PM

July 28th – August 1stBand Camp, 8 AM – 6 PM Mandatory

August 4th – 8thBand Camp, 8 AM – 6 PM Mandatory

Augusst 9thMarch-a-thon fundraiser (required)

August 11thBand Camp, 4 – 8 PM

August 12thBand Camp, 4 – 8 PM

August 14thBand Camp, 4 – 8 PM

August 16thMarching Band Rehearsal 8 AM – 6 PM

August 16thBand Premier Show and Cookout, 6 PM

August 18thFirst Day of School!

Regular Marching Band rehearsal schedule is M, T, & TH from 4 – 7 PM. Rehearsals are mandatory. Please schedule all appointments on days that we do not rehearse.

Competition Schedule

September 27thSilver Invitational,White Knoll High School (all day) (Exhibition)

October 4thThe Lowcountry Invitational Marching Band Festival

Wando High School, Mt. Pleasant, SC

October 11thBand of America Regional, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC

October 18thWestern Carolina University Tournament of Champions, Cullowhee, NC

November 1stSCBDA 5A State Marching Band Championships, Irmo High School, Irmo, SC

November 2ndLexington Veteran’s Day Parade

December 7thLexington Christmas Parade

Competition departure times and important information regarding the competitions will be posted on the web site. Please check the schedules and make sure your student is prepared for the trips. Parents are encouraged to attend the competitions.

Does My Student Really Have to Be There All the Time? Yes! All camps, rehearsals, and performances are mandatory. If your child is absent or unable to play/march/perform, it will have a negative impact on the efforts of ALL the other students. To put the best musical performance on the field, the director and staff need all members present and prepared each and every time. You should arrange doctor’s visits, family trips, etc., on days that your child does not have marching band rehearsals or performances. Conflicts must be discussed with Mr. Barfield at least two weeks in advance.

Also, remember, “early is on time, and on time is late.” It will always take your child a little extra preparation time once they arrive at school for any rehearsal or performance. Help teach your child time management by making sure they give themselves plenty of time.

Band Uniforms

All band members are fitted for their uniform during band camp. The uniforms are distributed before and collected immediately after every performance.

Band Polo Shirt: ($24.00)

Dress Uniform: (provided) for brass, woodwind & percussion, include the following:

  • Jacket
  • Bibbers
  • Gauntlets
  • Shako
  • Plume
  • Show Shirt (See Attachment A)

To accompany the marching band uniform, the student is responsible for:

  • Black Socks (calf length or higher)
  • Black Gloves (ordered during band camp)
  • Drill Master Shoes (sized and ordered during band camp)

Color guard costumes change each season to fit the theme of the marching show. Each student will be sized during the summer.Cleaning instructions for the color guard uniforms will be issued by the Color guard “Mom.”

SpiritWear: Show your White Knoll Band pride and support by purchasing a show shirt, band polo style shirt, sweatshirt, button or other spirit wear. Wear them at each band function. This also makes us a visible presence in the stands at competition!

Medication Information

  1. Every student is REQURIED to turn in a medical release form.
  2. We are under Lexington School District 1 Medication policy when administrating medication.
  3. See Attached Form. Or download from the Lexington1.com web site.

White Knoll High School Band Boosters (WKHSBB) and White Knoll High School (WKHS) personnel are NOT allowed to administer prescribed or Over-the-Counter medication UNLESS it is directed by the student’s physician.

What to expect.....

At Band Camp

The concentrated time spent during summer Band Camp is vital to the success of the season. Band Camp is when students learn the majority of their marching routines, show music, and pep band tunes. During band camp, students should wear light-colored, loose clothing, bring extra water, and use sunscreen and insect repellent. Only tennis shoes are allowed. They will also need their instruments and all supplies (reeds, oils, etc.) needed to keep them working! Students will not be allowed to leave campus for lunch during marching band camp. Students will need to bring an appropriate lunch with them daily.

At the end of the summer band camps, the White Knoll Marching Band hosts a “Premier Night” performance to showcase their accomplishments! This is held at the practice field and is open to all your family & friends! Following the performance, we will have a cookout in the school cafeteria.

At Rehearsals

Rehearsals are not very different from band camp, but they are shorter. Weekly rehearsals are every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4-7 PM, and are listed on the band calendar. Your child will be unable to go home before practice, so they should bring rehearsal clothes and supplies to school (don’t forget the tennis shoes!). Cell Phone Use is Prohibited during Rehearsals.

At Football Games

Students will have a short warm up and rehearsal after school at a time determined by the band director. After the rehearsal, students will eat, change into their uniforms and line up with their sections for a uniform inspection. The band marches through the school to the lower field next to the stadium for warm up. For all home games, the band performs a pre-game routine. During the game, they sit in a designated section of the home stands. Parents and friends are not allowed to sit with the band, but are welcome in the Band Booster section nearby. During halftime, the band will perform their competition show for the audience’s entertainment. The visiting school band may also perform. After half time, the students are given 3rd quarter off to eat and socialize. They must be back in the stands by the end of the 3rd quarter. After the game, the band will march back to the band room, turn in their uniforms, receive final announcements, and be dismissed AS A GROUP. Students are not allowed to leave from football games until formal dismissal, unless other arrangements have been approved in writing by the director PRIOR to the game. Cell Phone Use is Prohibited in the stands during the football games.

At Competitions

Marching band competitions are like track meets or softball tournaments where many different schools compete/perform. For the band, competitions are their “game days.” Band competitions are hosted by another school’s band program and take place in their football stadium. Bands are critiqued and ranked in different areas of marching band performance by qualified judges. Please come to as many competitions as possible! The band needs your support as a cheering section in the stands! We also need help chaperoning, dressing them, and moving equipment. Competitions are a fundraiser for the host school, so there is a small admission fee charged to attendees (not to marching band members). There are also concessions and other band-related merchandise available. Competitions are on Saturdays, but the band will perform at different times during the day. Once our performance time is set by the host school (often only a week before the competition), the band director sets the competition day schedule. On competition days, students will report to White Knoll High for rehearsal and equipment loading. They will be transported by bus to the competition. Students are expected to remain with the band throughout the entire competition, unless other arrangements have been approved in writing by the director PRIOR to the competition. At the competition Band members change into their uniform and a have final warm-up. The band marches into the performance stadium, plays their show, and marches out. After the performance, uniforms, instruments, and equipment are packed up and students return to the host stadium to watch the remainder of the bands performing. Band members should bring money to purchase snacks or souvenirs on competition days. Also, students should be prepared for different weather conditions. It is often hot during the mid-day sun and occasionally rainy. Be sure to pack a jacket for the cooler weather after the sun goes down! Rain or severe weather does NOT cancel band rehearsals or performances. Students should be prepared to perform in inclement weather

At the end of the competition, an awards ceremony is held. Once awards are given, students return to their buses and travel back to White Knoll High. Back at the band room, students are formally dismissed as a group once everything is unloaded. Students are to be picked up within 20 minutes of final dismissal. Cell Phone Use is Prohibited during competitions and only will be allowed during breaks.

A note of competition tradition, parents park along the sides of the driveway and flash their headlights and honk their horns to welcome the band home when the busses arrive at the school. The students really appreciate the attention they receive.