newport high school music department · 2020-07-29 · newport high school music department...

Newport High School Music Department

Greetings Marching Band Students and Parents,

Welcome back for the 2020 edition of the Newport Marching Buffalo Band! For any who

don’t know, my name is Ms. Donna Stuller and I am the marching band director. I’m very excited

to get this season started and I’m looking forward to working with all of you to put on a great show.

This year’s field show will feature music from the movie “The Greatest Showman.” There

will be three movements: “The Greatest Show,” “Never Enough/From Now On,” and “This is Me.”

Music will be handed out on the first night of band camp. You are expected to practice your music

outside of rehearsal so that rehearsal time can be spent fixing finer details. As the phrase goes,

practice time is for learning your own part, rehearsal time is for learning everyone else’s.

We will be adding some new music and cheers in the stands and taking out some past ones.

Remember that Band Camp is MANDATORY!!! Unless you have made other arrangements, you

MUST be at band camp all days, for the full day.

This letter will cover important COVID information, dates, times, policies, and general

happenings of the band. It is sure to be a fantastic show and we’ve got a lot to look forward to. So

get excited people, and get ready for another great season of Marching Band!

Sincerely,

Ms. Stuller

Marching Band Director

[email protected]

(717) 567-3806 ext. 2537

2020 (tentative) Schedule August 3-7 - Band Camp from 5-8pm

After band camp: Rehearsal every Thursday from 6-9pm

August 28 - Football Game

September 4 - Football Game




October 2 - Football Game





TBD: Canal Day, Halloween Parade, Veteran’s Day Parade, Playoff games

COVID Information

Prior to starting marching band, all students and parents MUST sign the COVID form attached at the end of this handbook. Students will not be allowed to participate if that is not signed and/or if they fail to follow any of the guidelines pertaining to social distancing and wearing masks. Parents, DO NOT send your students to rehearsal if you believe they may have been exposed or are sick. Students will need to answer a few COVID related questions prior to entering the band room for each rehearsal/performance and may be subject to a temperature check. If they have any symptoms, including a fever, you will need to pick them up immediately (this includes at games). If they are sick or have a fever, DO NOT pump them with fever-reducing medication in order to have them pass a temperature check, just keep them at home. We will NOT tolerate mask shaming. As the director, I do not care what your personal beliefs are regarding the virus – in order for us to be allowed to have marching band this season, there are certain rules we need to follow, whether you like them or not. Students may NOT share anything: water bottles, pencils, food, instruments, flags, drums, sticks, etc. For colorguard and percussion, we will find a way to label flags/sticks so that each student knows which is theirs without having to touch or pick them up. Due to COVID policies, we will not be having the regular full-day band camp this year, but rather evening rehearsals the week of August 3-7. We were asked to minimize rehearsal lengths as much as possible to reduce the amount of time spent together. Because of this, we will be doing a stand still show with some added body motions. You may see some other schools marching a full show, but in discussion among the whole staff and the school administration, this is how we saw best to proceed this year. This season will require great flexibility as we all navigate these very strange times.

Attendance Policy All members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. If members are unable to attend a rehearsal or performance, a written excuse must be given to Ms. Stuller or Mrs. Mullen before the missed event or the next day by dismissal time. Acceptable reasons for excused absences include illness, emergency, death in the family, or a conflict that has been discussed with directors. Absences are considered unexcused if there is no written excuse or for an invalid reason such as feeling tired, forgot to do homework, made other plans, etc. Any student with an unexcused absence will not be allowed to march in the next performance but is still expected to attend the event. All members are expected to be on time. This means you arrive BEFORE rehearsal to get your instruments/equipment ready so that you are ready to go when rehearsal begins. Remember, “to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable.” Any member who is late three times will not be allowed to march in the next performance and may also be subject to consequences such as pushups.

Rehearsals After Band Camp, there will be rehearsal every Thursday from 6:00-9:00 unless otherwise

stated by staff. These rehearsals will continue until the end of the season.

Parents All parents are encouraged to take part in the Newport Band Boosters, an organization that fundraises and supports the band. We are very lucky to have an incredible group of parents that do so much for our students and we are always thrilled to have more help. Letters with more details for parents will be distributed soon.

Academic Eligibility Remember that this is a school activity and to participate, grades must stay above the standard. Any student who is currently failing two or more classes is ineligible to participate in marching band. All ineligibility rules apply until you have met your academic requirements. If you are in danger of failing a class, there is no shame in asking for help. Marching band has a lot of smart people and your staff is pretty clever too. We would be happy to help in any way we can because we want all of you to be able to enjoy your full marching band experience.

Conduct At any rehearsal, performance, or event, you are representing the Newport School District, the NHS Music Program, the band, your community, and yourself. All members are expected to act accordingly. Remember, when you are wearing your band shirt or uniform, that is an outward sign that you are associated with Newport. Certain actions are unacceptable when participating in marching band: fighting, swearing, drinking/smoking, leaving without permission, inappropriate dress, etc. These actions may lead to suspension from band activities and in extreme cases, dismissal from the marching band.

Bullying I have a very simple bullying policy. DON’T. This includes all forms of bullying including cyber bullying. We are a team and a family. A marching band cannot function if there are internal problems. If there is an issue, bring it to a staff member. If you see any bullying, put it out and see a staff member. If you find yourself involved in bullying, walk away. If an incident of bullying continues, those at fault are subject to discipline as laid out in the conduct section.

Equipment YOU are responsible for maintaining your own equipment. This includes instruments, music, flip folders, uniforms, flags, any and all items pertaining to the Newport Marching Band. If there is any issue with equipment, report it IMMEDIATELY to staff so the issue can be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Dress/Uniforms Make sure that you are dressing appropriately at all band functions. This means when performing out of uniform, wear band shirts and jeans (capris for color guard). If shorts are allowed, they must be appropriate length, meaning fingertip length and nothing unwanted is to be showing. At rehearsals, the same rules apply. Shirts must be worn at all times. SNEAKERS must be worn at rehearsals. You cannot march correctly in sandals or cleats and you do not want to ruin dress shoes. A major dress code problem will be addressed and may result as an absence or lateness. When wearing uniforms, members are to conduct themselves accordingly (see conduct). All parts are to be checked before leaving for an event. And before returning. Besides the parts of uniforms provided, members are expected to have black socks that do not reveal any skin with uniform pants on and Dinkles band shoes. Missing parts of uniforms including socks and shoes will result in non-participation in the event. Also remember that marching band takes place from the summer into the late fall (later if the team does well) and it will start hot and get cold quickly. Make sure to check weather and dress appropriately. We don’t want anyone getting sick.

Busses and Health A permission form will be distributed to all members. It is very important that this form is returned and the health portion is filled out. If it is not, you may not travel with the band on any trip. We must know any health conditions you may have and what medicine you are to be given in case of an emergency. If you have a legitimate health problem, be sure to let staff know when you are not feeling well enough to rehearse or march. You are still encouraged to come to all events, but we will make appropriate accommodations. All health information is strictly confidential. On busses, be sure to act respectfully. If the driver asks for quiet, please sit quietly. No one should be standing when the bus is moving, etc. No flashlights or flash photography when it is dark on the bus. Before you get on the bus, do a check of all your uniform parts and equipment. When you step off the bus, you should be in full uniform and ready to warm up.

Stands The band performs in the stands at all home and away football games. There are certain rules of conduct from PIAA, so we must make sure to be respectful to the other team and to the other band. This means no inappropriate comments are to be made about the other team. All members are expected to take some part in the stand performances. While we are in the stands, you may take off your band jacket and hat, but make sure to fold the jacket and place both neatly in a place where it will not get dirty or fall underneath the bleachers. The band section of the stands is for band members ONLY. Friends and family members who are not volunteers must wait to see you later. The band gets the third quarter off to get some food. Food and drinks are not permitted in the stands with two exceptions; water is allowed and if the game is on mercy rule by the third quarter, you may bring food in the stands. Be careful not to get anything on your uniform. You are allowed to have a cell phone in the stands, but keep it put away until the third quarter. There will be no calls, texts, etc. when we are playing or when the other band is performing.

Staff/Leadership Please keep in mind that whatever you may be told by a staff member, it is for your good and the good of the band, even if it makes you upset. This applies to all staff. So if a staff member gives you direction on or off the field, you are expected to be respectful and follow the direction, even if that staff member is not necessarily someone who normally directs your section. Student leadership is chosen based on merit and demonstrated leadership skills by the staff. They, again are there to help. They may be your classmates, but when it comes to marching band, consider them team captains. Follow the examples of the leadership and listen to directions from them. If there is a problem, please be mature and talk to the staff about it. You do not need to retaliate or badmouth them. They are not doing anything to personally hurt you; they are just doing their job.

If you have a problem or issue, find yourself on this diagram, and direct it to the person directly above. If the person directly above is unavailable or the problem is not solved, direct it up the chart.

Ms. Stuller |

Staff (Mrs. Mullen, Mrs. Ebling, Ms. Sonya, Mrs. Young, Mr. Young, etc.) |

Drum Majors |

Section Leaders |

Upper-classmen |

Under-classmen

Band Camp Band Camp will be held from August 3-7. These days are mandatory for all members as the bulk of the field show will be learned during this time. Below is an outline of days* and a checklist of things to have with you. *Please note, the daily schedule is subject to change at the director’s discretion

Monday, August 3: 5-8pm

5-6pm - Stretch, Basics, Marching Technique

6-6:15pm - Break

6:15-8pm - Music

Tuesday, August 4: 5-8pm

Same as Monday, August 3

Wednesday, August 5: 5-8pm


Thursday, August 4: 5-8pm


Friday, August 5: 5-8pm


Band Camp Check List

Instrument/Flag

Music/Flip Folder

Water Bottle

Sneakers

Light Clothing

Sunscreen

Bug Spray

Rain Gear

Medications

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Newport High School

Music Department

2020 Newport Marching Band Student Info Sheet

Student Name

Street/City/State/Zip

Home # Student Cell #

Grade 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th

Marching Band Instrument(s) and # of Years Played

Concert Band Instrument(s) And # of Years Played

Parent(s) Name

Parent(s) Cell #

Parent(s) Email

Please list any other activities that you participate in (sports, work, youth group, etc.)

Band Director Use Only

Permission Form Student Info Sheet _____ Photo Consent Form Band Member: Shoes Gloves Jacket (#) Pants (#) Guard Member: Shoes Pants Top

Newport School District - Extracurricular Activities Participation Acknowledgement for Communicable Diseases Including COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented extracurricular activities in schools with a myriad of

challenges. The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that primarily attacks the upper respiratory system. The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), among others, has found that while children do get infected by COVID-19, relatively few children with COVID-19 are hospitalized. However, some severe outcomes have been reported in children, and a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread the infection to others who may be far more vulnerable. While it is not possible to eliminate all risk of furthering the spread of COVID-19, the current science suggests there are many steps schools can take to reduce the risks to students, coaches, and their families.

The Newport School District will implement the necessary precautions, recommendations, and requirements from the federal, state, and local governments, CDC, PA Department of Health, as well as the NFHS and PIAA. The School District realizes that knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments become available. The following precautions will be implemented and adjusted as needed as new information becomes available in order to decrease the risk of exposure for our staff, students, and spectators, to include but not be limited to:

1. Participants and Staff will undergo a COVID-19 health screening prior to any practice, event, or meeting. The type of screening will be dependent upon the available resources and the Phase level. The purpose is to check for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and will include a questionnaire and temperature check, as needed.

2. The staff will promote and participants and staff will implement healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing, using hand sanitizer, cough in your elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, face and mouth, and support etiquette that includes no spitting, no gum chewing, and no handshakes/celebrations (high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, hugging).

3. The School District will intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities. 4. Participants and Staff will encourage social distancing with and between participating students through

increased spacing, small groups, and limited mixing between groups, if feasible. 5. The School District Staff will educate participants and staff on health and safety protocols 6. Anyone (participants or staff) who is sick will stay home from a District event (practice, event, meeting

etc.). 7. Staff will operate with a plan for if a student or employee gets sick while attending a District event. 8. The School District will regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities,

employees, and families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures. 9. Participants and Staff will provide their own water bottle for hydration. Water bottles will not be shared.

Refill Stations and Water Fountains will NOT BE Initially AVAILABLE! 10. PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and situations warrant, or determined by

local/state governments. Masks/Face Coverings will be utilized by District employees when they are within six feet of other staff members and/or students. Face Coverings will not be used for participants while practicing or competing.

11. The District will identify Staff and students who may be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions. (See – CDC “People Who are at a High Risk for Severe Illness”).

In consideration of the above requirements, I, on behalf of the Student, and I, the Student, acknowledge

the following: -Participating in voluntary out-of-season workouts may include a possible exposure to a communicable disease, including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. I/Student must be an active participant in my/his/her own healthcare. -In consideration of my/his/her voluntary involvement in workouts, I have had an opportunity to carefully read the current CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 virus related health risks and understand the recommended precautions, along with the above requirements. -I voluntarily and willingly choose to have Student participate in returning to District workouts.

-I willingly agree to comply with all procedures, protocols, and requirements put into place by the District in order to provide for safe athletic participation, to keep myself and others safe, and to limit and reduce the exposure to and spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. -I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks related to the COVID-19 virus. I acknowledge that while particular recommendations and personal discipline may reduce the risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist and I assume full responsibility for my/his/her participation.

Extracurricular activity: _____ ____________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian:_________________________________________ Date:______________ Signature of Student Participant:__________________________________________ Date:______________

NURS 5/2015

X

Newport School District Field Trip Permission Slip

I give permission for __________________________________, Grade _____, to accompany the (Full name of the student) _________________________ on a field trip to ________________________ on __________________. (Name of the group) (Location) (Date of trip) I understand that transportation is by (check one): _____ Private Car _____ Bus _____ School Van _____ Other In the event that your child is injured while participating in this trip, or while traveling, and requires immediate medical attention, Newport School District’s standard procedure will be:

1. Take the student to the nearest medical facility. 2. Contact the parents. 3. Contact others named on this form in the order presented.

In case of an emergency, please provide the following information: Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________ Home Phone: ____________ Work Phone: ____________ Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________ Home Phone: ____________ Work Phone: ____________ Person to contact if parents are unavailable:

1. ______________________________________________ Phone: _____________

2. ______________________________________________ Phone: _____________

3. ______________________________________________ Phone: _____________

Family Physician: _______________________________________ Phone: _____________ Medical Conditions, Allergies, and/or Medications being taken: _______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Special Instructions: __________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ I have read and understand the above information regarding this field trip. I also understand that the Newport School District is not responsible or liable for any personal items taken on the trip that may become lost or stolen. Such items include but are not limited to cell phone, camera, iPod, lap top computer, wallet, and purse. Signed: ___________________________________________ Date: _____________ (Parent/Guardian Signature) Please return to Miss Stuller, Mrs. Mullen or Mrs. Ebling no later than August 7, 2020 . (Teacher’s Name) (Date permission slips are due)

*Please Complete and Sign Reverse Side of Form* Newport School District

Newport Marching Band Various Locations: Football Games, Parades, Performances 2020-2021 Marching Band Season

NURS 5/2015 Field Trip Permission Form

Dear Parents/Guardians, Your child’s safety and well-being are our first concern, especially on field trips. All parents/guardians MUST complete the appropriate section and sign where indicated. Parents who have children with medical conditions needing skilled treatment or prescribed medication (ie; Diastat, Insulin, Glucagon, blood sugar testing) on a regular or daily basis MUST indicate the appropriate treatment or medication. This form will need to be returned to school within ONE WEEK prior to participating on the Field Trip. Student Name:____________________________ Date:_______ Teacher: ________________

My child does not require any special medical needs or medication and may attend the field trip. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If your child does require special medical attention and/or medication (s), please choose from the options listed below for field trip medical management.

My child will not participate in the field trip. My child will not require his/her medication on the day of the field trip.

My child may participate only if an RN, LPN is available on the field trip.

I will be available on the field trip for my child’s needs.

I have arranged for ____________________, guardian, to be available to attend to my child’s needs during the field trip. My child has a physician order to carry and self-administer their Epinephrine auto-injector or asthma rescue inhaler during the school day to include field trip activities.

Please list all medications and/or medical procedures that will be required:

1. ______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

The school must receive this completed and signed form 1 week prior to the date of the field trip. Your child may not participate in the field trip without your signed permission.

I HAVE READ THE ABOVE STATEMENTS REGUARDING MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION ON FIELD TRIPS. I

UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THESE GUIDELINES. Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________ Date:____________ Parent/Guardian Name PRINTED: _________________________________

Parents/guardians,

Over the course of the season, there will be many opportunities for our band to be featured in local newspapers or on our own marching band website. We would like to ask your permission to use pictures of the students for this cause. Please do not feel compelled to say yes; we will respect the wishes of any parent or guardian who does not feel comfortable having a picture of their child used. Thank you for your time! Sincerely, Donna Stuller Marching Band Director Please circle “give” OR “do not give” I give / do not give permission to the Newport Marching Band program to take and use pictures of my son/daughter for the purpose of promoting the Newport Marching Band. ________________________________ ______________________________ ____________ Student Name (Please Print) Parent Signature Date

newport high school music department · 2020-07-29 · newport high school music department...

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