HANDBOOK
2008-2009
Table of Contents*
1.0 Statement of Philosophy
2.0 Attitude
3.0 General Conduct & Requirements
4.0 Rehearsals
5.0 Performances
6.0 Attendance
7.0 Uniforms & Equipment
8.0 Financial Obligations
9.0 Bus Trips
10.0 Funding
11.0 Awards
12.0 Auxiliary
13.0 Leadership Selections
* NOTE:
Throughout this Handbook, the general terms “band”, “marching band”, “Fort Hill
Band” and the like refer to the entire organization including the Sentinelettes,
Color Guard, and Honor Guard. In places
where the auxiliary squads are referenced separately, the wording will indicate
this.
1.0
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
1.1 Welcome to one of the most significant
experiences of your life! The Fort Hill
Band is a very unusual, demanding, involving, and rewarding activity requiring
personal commitment, dedication to a common group goal, and discipline.
1.2 Fundamental to the group’s successes are
respect, integrity, class, self-discipline, and pride. Respect for oneself and one’s fellow members
results in an attitude of cooperation and mutual support.
1.3 Acting with integrity leads one to accept
responsibility of commitment for being part of this kind of an organization,
where everyone depends upon all of the other members of the group for their
individual success. It requires honesty
and sincerity.
1.4 Conducting one’s self with class projects to
others a quality and excellence of style and an elegance of manner and bearing.
1.5 Pride, a sense of dignity and self-respect, is
really the fundamental precept of participation in the Fort Hill Band and a
guide to responsibility. Those who have
pride in themselves will do their honest best to give their maximum effort at
all times and will not engage in any activity that will denigrate themselves or
the organization.
1.6 The Fort Hill Band is not just a musical or
physical activity, but also one of the mind and heart. While all members share in the responsibility
of being “on” and prepared for performance and rehearsal, all also share in the
wide range of emotion, respect, and feeling for one another that comes from
working very hard toward a common goal. We each have to give something of ourselves to the group, but in return
receive much more than we have given.
1.7 In performance the most important thing is not
that we “come in first,” but that we discover the best in each of us, that we
find in ourselves the ability to accomplish beyond that which is easy, to press
ourselves to new levels of achievement. If we do that, if we push ourselves to greater individual
accomplishment, respect for the group will take care of itself. We will be successful at the game of life as
represented by the microcosm of the band experience. We will take the chance of failing and
thereby learn what it means to live and breathe the excitement of success.
2.0
ATTITUDE
2.1 Those who have a positive, cooperative attidue,
regardless of their individual skills, will always have a place in the
organization.
2.2 Regardless of your ability, if your attitude is
not a positive one, where you will do your individual best to improve and see
the group be successful, you should not be a part of this organization. Indeed those who do not project a positive,
cooperative attitude will be asked to change their manner or leave the
group. Even the best performers, if they
do not care about the good of the group, have no place here.
2.3 Those who have healthy pride in themselves will
generally project a positive attitude.
2.4 A positive attitude is characterized by a
generally cheerful outlook toward rehearsals and performances, cooperation in
the preparation and maintenance of facilities, and an eagerness to do what is
necessary to be successful.
3.0
GENERAL CONDUCT & REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Annual physical: All members of the Fort
Hill Band program must have an annual
physical and complete an extracurricular participation contract. These forms are available from the Nurse, the
Main Office, and the Athletic Director. The completed physical evaluation must occur before the start of summer
band camp.
3.2 Common sense: Members of a prestigious
organization such as the Fort Hill Band are expected to conduct themselves at
all times in a decorous manner and to exercise common sense! All rules in this
Handbook are in force at all rehearsals, performances, and trips.
3.3 Instructions: All members are expected to
follow the instruction of any teacher, advisor, chaperone, or student leader
without question unless said instruction violates civil or moral law. Should you be displeased with what is being
requested, follow the request first, then, when the time is appropriate, bring
your dissatisfaction to the attention of the Band Director.
3.4 Scheduling: The band’s weekly schedule is
kept updated on the chalkboard and is announced at every opportunity. The monthly schedule is also posted in the
band room and copies are made available to students. Parents are to get this information from the
students. All members of the auxiliary
squads are to stop by the band room regularly to check for updates.
3.5 Equipment: Members should not play on or
with the instruments or equipment of others. Unfamiliarity leads to potential damage, injury, and a general lack of respect for the
belongings of others. If you see someone
picking up an instrument or equipment that is not theirs, remind them.
3.6 Uniforms: Members should not remove, play
with, hide, or take all or parts of the uniforms or instruments of others. The uniform is an obviously important part of
our performance presentation. If you
have a problem with your uniform, don’t take someone elses’: see your student
leader, a uniform parent, your squad Advisor, or the Director.
3.7 Affection: Members should show respect
for others by being judicious in displays of affection. A somewhat impassioned embrace is more
properly given in privacy rather than with a group. Your guideline should be “Would my family be
embarrassed if they were here?” and “Would anyone who is here be
embarrassed?” The same goes for humor
and boisterous activity – avoid potentially problematic situations by exercising
common sense for you and for the group.
3.8 Critical incidents and injuries: Any time
there is a critical incident (accident, verbal and/or physical exchanges,
injury, etc.) or involving band members
and/or “civilians,” the Band Director is to be notified immediately.
3.9 Private homes and vehicles: Members must
take care to not go into any private vehicle or home from the time they arrive
for a rehearsal, performance, or trip until the time they are released from the
rehearsal, performance, or trip. This is
especially important when we are on-site at a performance or on an overnight
trip. Regardless of who it is, friend,
relative, or someone “friendly,” do NOT go into private vehicles or homes!
3.10 Groups: Whenever we are on-site at a
performance or on a trip, band members should move from place to place in
groups. Do NOT go off by yourself
and explore or go to unauthorized locations.
3.11 Controlled substances: There will be no
smoking by any band member at any band activity or function. Possessing, using, or distributing any
controlled substances may result in the referral to the appropriate law
enforcement agency and definite dismissal from the group.
4.0
REHEARSALS
4.1 It is necessary for us to maximize our rehearsal
time in order to achieve our performance goals. The rehearsal schedule is normally set well in advance, allowing
adequate time to plan other activities and obligations around the established
schedule. All scheduled rehearsals are
mandatory.
4.2 Our goal of true excellence in performance can
only be reached if each band member looks at the rehearsal as the means to that
end. A band member missing a rehearsal
not only does not improve, but those around her/him will have a largely
fruitless rehearsal because of the absence. Everyone is important!
4.3 It is imperative that band members be at ALL
rehearsals except when prevented by significant personal illness or true family
emergency. Students are expected to plan
personal and family activities around the rehearsal schedule. While homework is very important, band
members must learn to budget their time in order to accomplish their homework
and still make rehearsal obligations. This may require starting homework earlier than you are accustomed or
working later some evenings, but it can be done without a great deal of
difficulty by carefully planning your time. Homework is not an acceptable excuse for missing rehearsal; rehearsal is
not an acceptable excuse for not doing homework!
4.4 Likewise, band members must work their other
athletic/school-activity and
out-of-school job schedules around the rehearsal schedule. While the value (and need) of all such
activities is recognized and respected, in joining the Fort Hill Band a
sacrifice of self is made. The
communication from the Band Office of our schedule is adequate, however it is
necessary for band members to communicate with their
coaches/teachers/advisors/etc. in order to achieve true compromise in
scheduling. The band activities must
receive primary scheduling consideration along with everything else a student
elects to do and lack of preparation by the student to work their scheduling
out does not constitute an emergency on the Band Director’s or Advisors’ parts.
4.5 Being on time for the start of rehearsals is a
necessity. Plan your departure time from
home and any carpooling to arrive at school well before the report time. Getting out on time requires that we start on
time!
4.6 Everyone shares in the responsibility of setting
up for rehearsal and helping to clear the area afterwards. Setting up yard markers, podiums, sound
equipment, percussion equipment, etc. is considerably easier when everyone
pitches in to help. We help ourselves by
expediting setup and cleanup and have a feeling of contributing to the betterment
of the whole.
4.7 It is important that we respect and appreciate
the facility that has been made available to us for rehearsal and take care of
it appropriately. Do not leave paper or
other trash (including food/drink waste) anywhere other than a trash recepticle. It only takes a little more effort to assist
in this process. If we all help here, we
won’t have any problems and will all benefit from clean and pleasant
surroundings.
4.8 It is important that no one engage in any
destructive activity. Sometimes this can
be an all but conscious act like playing on a wall, stand, locker, or door with
drum sticks or bumping things with flag poles. Other times it is a more overt act such as throwing pom-poms, dropping
food/drink on or near equipment, or stopping up drains in a restroom. A really classy organization with mature
members will have none of this. It is
everyone’s responsibility to see that these things do not occur. If you see it, stop it. If they won’t stop, inform the Band Director
immediately.
4.9 It is important that everyone be sensitive to
the security of the Music Wing of the high school, including the auditorium and
lobby, hallways, and instrumental and vocal rooms. Do not leave purses and other valuables
anywhere unsecured. If you see anyone in
“our” part of the building that is the least suspicious or out-of-place, inform
the Band Director, another staff person, or school official immediately. Security is everyone’s business.
4.10 Every band member is expected to have her/his
instrument/equipment in working order and all other materials (such as music)
at all rehearsals. Pride and progress go
hand in hand with preparation. Be ready
for rehearsal!
4.11 Cell phones are not permitted to be used during
any rehearsal nor may friends, family,
or “significant others” interact with students as they rehearse.
SUMMER REHEARSALS (THE “BAND CAMP” EXPERIENCE)
4.12 The summer rehearsal schedule is published well
in advance. Summer rehearsals serve
three functions. First, they keep
everyone playing their instrument, dancing, twirling, and otherwise physically
and musically active. Second, we
continue to develop physically and artistically while getting to know one
another better. Third, they enable us to
learn the music and routines for the Fall so that when school starts we can
concentrate on the integration of the musical and visual aspects of our
show. These rehearsals are very
important!
4.13 Summer band camp is a mandatory two-week
rehearsal session of utmost importance. This is when the visual (drill and
routines) and musical program is taught and all elements are integrated into a
presentation of the whole. The band camp
constitutes about half of the total rehearsal time for the entire marching
season. Students who cannot be present
for Band Camp will not be written into the show – they will be on alternate
status. The Band Camp time is absolutely
critical.
4.14 We hold our camp at the high school to keep
costs low and to have access to complete facilities. You will find we draw a crowd most evenings,
a tribute to your status in this community. Therefore every rehearsal is not only a practice, it is a performance!
4.15 Because of the importance of the band camp
rehearsals, attendance is mandatory. We
simply must have everyone there for the teaching of the visual program. Those not in attendance will have difficulty
performing in the Fall. Any exception
MUST be approved by the Band Director and/or squad Advisor well in
advance. Matters of true family
emergency or significant illness will be considered on an individual basis.
4.16 Students are not permitted to leave the campus
during rehearsal sessions for any reason.
4.17 Students may leave the campus for lunch and/or
dinner each day. During the meal breaks,
the students are operating on their own time – arrangements between parents and
students regarding carpooling, etc. are family matters. The Band Staff will make no decisions or
handle discipline in this area.
4.18 Band Camp is NOT the time to go on a diet! The long strenuous hours in the heat can be
very demanding on the body. This is a
time to eat carefully and well. Drink
plenty of clear liquids!
4.19 As we must learn the drill and visual routines
at camp, we will continue to work regardless of the weather. Dress for extended sun exposure by bringing
loose fitting clothes (auxiliary squads have specific rehearsal attire). Everyone must wear good shoes. No sandals, clogs, flip-flops, or bare
feet. A hat or visor is highly
recommended. Members of the auxiliary
squads will find out the proper attire from their advisor.
4.20 Bring a good sun screen of SPF 30 or above for
your body and lip gloss with an SPF rating for your lips. Trying to do physical and musical work with a
sunburned anything is unpleasant.
4.21 A sneak-preview performance of the band’s summer
efforts will be presented one morning of Week 2 of Band Camp in the stadium
before the camp picnic. Families and
community members are encouraged to attend this event.
AFTER-SCHOOL PRACTICES
4.22 The regular rehearsal schedule for the marching
band and auxiliary after the start of the school year is Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The
process of cleaning the show and routines, improving bit by bit, and learning
new material requires careful work. Here
is where we get that work done.
4.23 Auxiliary groups may supplement this rehearsal
schedule according to their needs as determined by the squad Advisors. Such additions may not supersede the general
band schedule.
4.24 At least one after-school or weekend rehearsal
will be scheduled prior to each band concert to rehearse the combined
selections. Ample advance notice will be
provided.
4.25 Because of our limited rehearsal time, it is
necessary that the marching band rehearse regardless of the weather. Band members should dress accordingly. If there is drizzle or intermittent light
rain, we will often march. Very hot
weather will not keep us from rehearsing, but may cause us to take more
frequent breaks. Cold weather is a
seasonal hazard in our climate and will not prevent us from rehearsing. We must often perform under similar
conditions! We will not normally
rehearse outdoors in a heavy rain, but will rehearse indoors and go out at the
first opportunity. Rehearsal is never
automatically cancelled because of the weather – always report to the
designated location. Plan and dress
accordingly!
5.0
PERFORMANCES
5.1 Our numerous performance opportunities involve
well-over 30 public appearances a year! Such performances include: football
games and other athletic events, parades, band/dance/guard festivals and
contests, pep rallies, band concerts, band adjudications, jazz ensemble
concerts, percussion ensemble concerts, and small ensemble performances! Some performances involve audiences of
between 5,000 and 10,000 spectators. We
are indeed fortunate to have such publicity with a highly devoted fan base.
FOOTBALL GAMES
5.2 The Fort Hill Band performs for all home and
away football games.
5.3 For home games, the band marches down the
traditional “52 steps” into Greenway Avenue Stadium and performs a pre-game
show. During the game, such stands
favorites as “Barbara Ann” will probably never get old. At halftime, we will normally perform our
yearly show and other feature material prepared for the football halftime
presentation. After our performance is
finished, the band marches past the home stands to receive the applause of our
fans. Band members receive the 3rd
quarter of play off for food/bathroom breaks – members are required back around
1:00 on the game clock. We then
reassemble and play through the rest of the game. On the occurrence of a victory, we perform
“Final Countdown” at 2:00 left to play and receive the football team’s salute
after the game ends when they sing the Fight Song to us. This routine as described above can be summed
up as the essence of the spirit of tradition at Fort Hill High School.
5.4 For away games, the band travels to the game
site together and sits together in the stands for both halves of the ball
game. At halftime, the band normally
performs some or all of the yearly show and feature material within the time we
are alotted. Band members, staff, and
chaperones only are permitted in our section of the stands and we must all be
constantly vigilant for theft. Unfortunately some sites we visit have limited seating and special
arrangements may need to be made. Every
attempt will be made to insure every student has a place sit.
5.5 For home games with visiting bands, our halftime
routine may be adjusted to accommodate time constraints. Such adjustments are necessary and the Band
Director will make such decisions in the best interests of all students.
5.6 When we are at football games, band members are
expected to conduct themselves in a decorous manner befitting that of which
they represent. The uniform will stay
complete and neat unless the Band Director instructs otherwise. Band members will check with the Band
Director or their Advisor when it is necessary for them to go to the bathroom
or to leave the seating area for any reason. Only a few students will be dismissed at any one time and these students
must be accompanied by a chaperone.
5.7 During cold weather, bring heavy gloves, warm
hats, heavy coats, warm blankets, etc. for protection against the weather. All such items are to be RED, WHITE, or BLACK
in keeping with our color scheme.
PARADES
5.8 Parades are a necessary part of our activity as
they serve a community function and give us exposure within our immediate
area. Typically we participate in at
least any parades in our “territory.” When other parade opportunities come-up, they are considered on an
individual basis.
CONTESTS OR FESTIVALS
5.9 The contest is a fraction of the marching band
experience at Fort Hill. Our ongoing
success at this effort is a result of the work we put forth every year to be
the best at what we do, not what others do.
5.10 The contest experience carries with it a tremendous
amount of emotion. Because of the amount
of time, work, and discipline necessary to produce a top-level band, we become
very close to each other. We share
hardship, discomfort, at times unending tedium, fatigue, oppressive heat,
chilling cold, disappointment, tears, joy, and success.
5.11 The marching season is one of considerable
tension where individuals often react in somewhat immature ways. Working together, we learn to avoid these
normal reactions to stress and to channel our energy and attention toward the
most careful preparation in the pursuit of excellence… the ultimate
performance.
5.12 We learn to stand with pride when results are
announced and accept the results. We
learn to respect those who have earned the right to score ahead of us and to
gracefully accept our own successes. We
will often find competitors who will not understand our being able to
congratulate those who are ahead of us and our being able to appreciate their
performances. These are the unfortunate,
for they will never know the real meaning of competition and the reasons for
participating. They will think that
coming in first is the same as winning. Our turn in the winner’s circle will come when we deserve, through our
preparation and performance, to be there. When we do have our turn, we will have created many friends along the
way to share the moment with us. Until
then, we know winning in the truest sense is every individual having done
his/her best and taking the chance, enduring the hardships, in the pursuit of
excellence.
5.13 Our image depends upon every individual. Our public manner, appearance, and projection
of pride and organization are everyone’s (staff, student, parent)
responsibility.
5.14 The contest and festival schedule changes from
year to year and may vary in the number of performances because of scheduling.
BAND CONCERTS & ADJUDICATIONS (including Jazz,
Percussion, and Small Ensemble)
5.15 Band concerts are given on three regular
occasions each year: Winter, County
Adjudication, and
Spring. On the event we make it to
states, an additional Adjudication is added to the schedule. Any group at any time may be called upon at
any time to perform for the school or community as needed. Specific dates for the year are usually
published at the start of school and following the Winter Break.
5.16 Preparation for band concerts and adjudications
provide excellent opportunities for students to learn about and perform a wide
variety of historically significant and musically rewarding compositions. Student musicians are expected to continue
the high level of commitment and cooperation required of them during the
marching season.
PEP RALLIES
5.17 The band will perform at pep rallies as
necessary. Music selection will be by
the Band Director and squad Advisors and will be announced well in advance.
SPRING AUXILIARY PERFORMANCES
5.18 Following the conclusion of the Fall marching
season, the auxiliary squads often continue their practices and performances at
any number of events. The group Advisors
are resposible for these events and communication regarding them will come from
those staff members. Students are
reminded to not forget what they are a part of and maintain their pride and
decorum regarding who they are, what they do, and how they represent it.
6.0
ATTENDANCE
7.0
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
8.0
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
9.0
BUS TRIPS
10.0
FUNDING
11.0
AWARDS
12.0
BAND AUXILIARY
13.0
LEADERSHIP SELECTIONS
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