Rehearsals

Northwest High School Viking Band

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

2016-2017

Northwest High School Viking Band

Director, Megan Kuhns

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Northwest High School Band Program! The band staff and I are looking forward to an exciting year, and I am very glad to have you as a member of our band family.

Band is more than a series of performances developed through an ongoing rehearsal schedule. It may appear we are simply completing one event and immediately starting to prepare for the next. Although we do maintain a busy schedule, there is a higher learning taking place that will benefit your child in all of life & discipline.

We all know young people possess unlimited potential for learning, achievement, and personal success. Every individual's self-worth is based on turning potential into accomplishment, and that requires a healthy measure of discipline. Band is a metaphor of life because it is a training ground for developing a solid pattern of personal discipline habits. Band is a collection of artistic values clearly defined and ultimately achieved. This process unlocks the power of commitment, puts human will in action, develops a positive attitude, controls negative thinking, encourages success, and deters failure.

The study of music is a link between inspiration and value achievement; it is a bridge between thought and accomplishment, between ideas and results. This explains the impressive correlation between music study and academic achievement. Our band members are clearly experiencing the value of discipline driven by inspiration, enticed by desire, tempered by reason, and guided by intelligence. Band is grooming them for successful living.

Your child's participation in band is so much more than performance preparation; it reinforces the importance of self-discipline as the fundamental of healthy self-esteem, group pride, personal satisfaction, and aesthetic joy. Being in the band is teaching them how to master the circumstances of life by putting ambition and skill into action.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support. Thank you for understanding music education is a groundwork strategy for the development of more capable minds. Thank you for demonstrating the value of persistence and discipline as we meet the challenges associated with our program's growth. Thank you for being an active parent in our band!

With warmest musical regards,

Megan KuhnsBand Director Northwest High School

"The art of music is so deep and profound that to approach it very seriously only is not enough. One must approach music with a serious rigor and, at the same time, with a great affectionate joy." -Nadia Boulanger

Hello Northwest High School Viking Band Parents!

Welcome to the NWHS Viking Marching Band Boosters!

We are excited your child has decided to join our band program at Northwest High School! We hope you will consider supporting your child through the band boosters! We need your help!

What are we?

We are a non-profit organization of band parents who volunteer their time in support of the marching band.

What do we do?

The band boosters hold several fundraisers during the year, provide meals for our students during events and provide the manpower in getting the students to and from competitions and parades. All parents of band students are automatically members of the band boosters.

On average, the band boosters raise between $3,000 and $5,000 per year. This is to put money aside for future uniforms, provide additional transportation and meals for events, or anything the band director is going to need throughout the year.

How to connect?

The band boosters meet monthly, typically the second Monday of the month, 6pm at the band room. We also have a closed Facebook page for current students, parents and faculty. Just search for Northwest High School Viking Band. If you need to get a hold of us by email, contact nwhsbandboosters@yahoo.com.

The new band director, Ms. Kuhns, has an exciting year planned for the band students. As such, she needs all our support. Please consider becoming an active member of the band boosters. We are all here to support our students, so let’s make this year a great one!

Sincerely,

 

The Northwest High School Band Boosters

Administrative Contact Sheet2016-2017

PrincipalDr. Theresa Muckleroy

Theresa.Muckleroy@cmcss.net

931.648.5675

Band DirectorMegan Kuhns

Megan.kuhns@cmcss.net

931.648.5675 ext. 1155

Viking Band Booster Andrea Russell

President nwhsbandboosters@yahoo.com

Northwest High School Viking Band

Philosophy

The purpose of the Northwest High School Instrumental Music Program is to develop within students a love and appreciation for music that will last for the rest of their lives. This is achieved through several program goals:

1. By grade 12, every student will develop a sound musical technique, including soloistic playing, musically sensitive phrasing, and superior technical skill on his or her instrument.

2. By grade 12, every student will be able to discern quality in a musical performance.

3. By grade 12, every student will have a process through which to evaluate his or her own practice and skill level, and be able to correctly identify areas in need of improvement, as well as methods to correct those areas.

4. Students will develop a sense of professionalism and appreciation for their art.

Components

Concert Band:

Concert Band is the central hub of the program, where the vast majority of the students’ music education takes place. Here, students practice basic to advanced musical techniques, learn to critically listen to music, and develop an appreciation for fine music that will last well beyond their high school years. Students are expected to maintain their instrument, practice outside of school, and attend all after school rehearsals and performances. Concert band will participate in at least two concerts at NWHS, as well as concert festivals.

Marching Band:

During the fall season, the Northwest High School Viking Marching Band works to prepare a marching band show to be performed during all in-county football games, as well as several competitions. The marching band will also prepare music to serve as the “pep band” for football games, and will prepare music for performance in the Clarksville Veteran’s Day and Christmas parades. The marching season begins in July with Band Camp and ends in late October.

The band rehearses two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-5:30 p.m., unless otherwise scheduled by the director.

The marching band consists of several working parts. All of these parts together make up the Northwest High School Viking Marching Band.

· Winds: This group consists of all students who play wind instruments (brass and woodwinds).

· Percussion: This group consists of the battery line (snare, bass drum, tenor drums, and crash cymbals) and the front ensemble (“the pit”; mallets, accessories, etc.).

· Color Guard: The visual element of the performance. These students perform choreographed work including flag, rifle, saber, dance, and any other visual elements of the show.

· Field Commander: Selected through audition the spring before, the Field Commander is the student conductor/leader on the marching band field. Duties include calling band to attention, conducting during marching band rehearsals, full knowledge of marching scores, and aiding directors/staff with teaching of fundamental marching technique.

Honor Band:

Students are encouraged to participate in various extra-curricular honor band activities throughout the year. These include MTSBOA All Mid-State, Gateway Honor Band, APSU Governor’s Honor Band Festival, MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble, as well as others.

General Policies

Instrument Storage Room

The instrument storage room is for your music, instrument, and any needed materials. It is NOT for your textbooks, clothes, leftover food wrappers, etc. The instrument storage room will be cleaned out on a monthly basis.

Instrument Rental

Any student in need of a school-owned instrument may check one out at the director’s discretion. The student and parent will need to complete the Montgomery County Schools Musical Instrument Check-Out Authorization Form and have it returned before the instrument can be taken home. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MAINTENANCE/REPAIR COSTS WHILE THE INSTRUMENT IS IN THEIR POSSESSION.

Rehearsal/Classroom Rules

1. BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR TEACHER AND YOUR CLASSMATES

a. During rehearsal, only speak if you raise your hand and are called on. Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated.

2. COME TO CLASS PREPARED

a. You should be ready to begin class by 5 minutes after the bell. That means that any and all maintenance (oiled valves, soaked reeds, etc.) should be taken care of, and you should be warming up on your instrument. You should have all materials (music, book, pencil) ready to go at the start of rehearsal. Being prepared also means practicing music at home and being prepared to play your parts during class. When viewing the class’s schedule on the board, have the proper music prepared and ready when called for. NO STUDENT WILL LEAVE THE ROOM DURING CLASS EXCEPT FOR EXTREME EMERGENCIES, AND ONLY WITH HIS/HER PLANNER, NO EXCEPTIONS.

3. BE ON TIME

a. If you are not ready when the class starts 5 minutes after the bell, you will be considered tardy. Please see the school Code of Conduct for policy and procedure on excessive tardies.

4. NO FOOD, DRINK, OR GUM IN THE BAND ROOM AT ANY TIME

a. Exceptions can be made with written medical permission.

Student Leadership

Band Council:

As with any organization, the band needs members to serve as leaders within the group. To that end, the ”Band Council” will be selected each fall semester. The Band Council consists of the following officers:

· President-Serves as student leader of the council, and should be the students' representative to the directors.

· Vice President- Serves as assistant to the president, helps in organizing and conducting council meetings. Also will be responsible for making sure water is available at rehearsals.

· Historian- Records the band’s year through photographs. Is responsible for taking photographs, as well as collecting photographs from other students/parents for use in scrapbooks, slideshows, etc.

· Librarian-Organizes and maintains the music library, copy as needed

· Field Commander-See description above

· Section Leaders- After an application process, the director will select the section leaders in late spring for the fall semester. These section leaders are responsible for the success of their section, and are encouraged to be positive and supportive to the members of their group.

The primary role of the Band Council is to work in cooperation with the Director and the Boosters for an outstanding band. They should be available to help fellow band members in developing productive attitudes, a cooperative spirit, and good musicianship, as well as accept delegated tasks from the director, as their office dictates.

Rehearsals

Scheduled Rehearsals:

These rehearsals are mandatory for all members involved. A comprehensive calendar of the band’s activities will be sent home ASAP. Prior notice (at least a week in most situations) will be given for any changes. Absence/tardiness/early dismissals will result in makeup of lost time with the director. Continued absence from rehearsals will result in parental conferences, loss of performance privileges, and eventual removal from the ensemble.

Please note: If parents are not there to pick up students at the end of rehearsal, one of the staff must wait until all students have left. PLEASE ARRANGE TO PICK YOUR CHILD UP AS SOON AS REHEARSALS ARE SCHEDULED TO END!

Expenditures

Concert Band: Students are expected to supply his/her own maintenance equipment for their instrument. These may include (but is not limited to):

· Cleaning supplies

· Setup equipment (reeds, mallets, etc.)

· Maintenance equipment (valve oil, slide grease, etc.)

Marching Band:

The minimum cost to participate in the marching band program is $75.00. This fee is due at the time of camp. If your child is not in marching band, you will not need to pay this fee. This fee is subject to change due to inflation and show needs. This $75.00 fee covers marching band operating costs, such as:

· Special Staff Salary

· Food/Water During Camp and contest days

· Equipment maintenance

· Marching Band T-Shirts

· Drill and music

· Transportation

Extraneous Costs for individuals may include (but are not limited to):

Auxiliary

· Rifles

· Shoes

Percussion

· Shoes

· Sticks

· Mallets

Horn Line

· Shoes

Responsibilities

Practice:

The key to developing an outstanding ensemble is ensuring that every member is doing his or her part. As we learn new techniques in rehearsal, it is CRUCIAL that you take these home and practice. Every student who is a member of this band is expected to practice at least 30-45 minutes a day, MINIMUM! PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Instrument Maintenance:

All members should keep their instrument in top playing condition at all times. This is vital to the success of the group. The condition of each instrument has a major effect on the sound quality, which in turn affects the overall sound of the band. Anyone who has questions about their individual instrument’s maintenance needs should seek the help of the band director.

Uniform Maintenance:

The marching band uniform is a very important visual aspect of the performance. Under no circumstances should a student alter or tamper with a uniform without permission from the director. If there is a problem with your uniform, find a chaperone and ask for help. Uniform bags should be used for storing the uniform only; shoes and other items are not stored in bags. These items may damage the uniform and cause it to develop a “unique” odor.

As a member of the marching band, your uniform will consist of the following:

· Shako Hat

· Uniform Coat

· Gauntlets

· Black Pants (“Bibbers”)

· Black Marching Shoes (student expense)

As a member of the NWHS Concert Band, you will have concert attire uniform:

Men:

· Black, long sleeve, button front Shirt (tie preferred)

· Black Dress Pants (NO JEANS)

· Black Dress Shoes (no athletic shoes)

· Long black dress socks

Women:

· Black shirt or blouse (at least ¾ sleeve length, shoulders covered)

· Black pants or LONG (ankle to floor length) skirt (NO JEANS)

· Black dress shoes (no open toes, no athletic shoes)

The marching band uniform should NEVER be taken home. Shoes are the only items permitted to be taken home to be cleaned and should be done so regularly.

Attendance:

“Early is on time, on time is late!”

It is the responsibility of the student to be on time for every event. Not having a ride is not an excuse; all events are posted well in advance. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE TRANSPORTATION! In the event that you will be late, call the band director and inform her of your situation. We understand that unavoidable occurrences will present themselves and that sometimes you may have to miss a rehearsal. However, it is your responsibility to inform the director of this absence in writing AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. For a band to be successful, it needs all of its members to participate 100% of the time. Unexcused absences will result in a written assignment to fulfill the missed rehearsal.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR OF ANY ABSENCES OR TARDIES.

Etiquette:

IF YOU WOULD HAVE TO EXPLAIN IT, IT IS PROBABLY NOT ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

General Rules:

1. All members will abide by the county and school's code of conduct.

2. Profanity will not be used or be tolerated.

3. Violence will result in the student being removed from band. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Role Model:

Band members are expected to project a positive mental attitude. A positive attitude and teamwork enables the band to effectively achieve the goals set for them. Band members are role models for all Northwest High students. They should uphold good moral character throughout their career at NWHS and not just in band rehearsals.

Trips off campus:

You are ambassadors for Northwest High School and Clarksville Montgomery County Schools.

1. Students will ride the same bus departing and returning. Students will be assigned bus seating. If there is a problem, chaperones may assign seats. No student is to change the final bus list without director permission.

2. You are to follow all bus safety rules at all times.

3. Every student will be silent when asked on the bus. This time should be devoted to mentally preparing for performance. Cell phones MUST be put away and turned off while on the bus, traveling to the performance event. The director will allow phones out on the bus ride home.

4. Students will not leave the group without first notifying a chaperone.

5. Students may return from the event other than on the band busses under circumstances that have been approved by the director and if BOTH of the following provisions are met:

a. The appropriate student check out authorization form is signed by your parents or legal guardian and turned in to the Band Director or head of the chaperone committee. (These forms will be provided for this purpose at the beginning of the year.)

b. Parent, guardian, or other adult authorized on your check out form must come to the bus and sign you out in the presence of the chaperone. The signature on this sign out sheet releases the Band Director, the school, and all associated with the trip of all responsibility for your safety at the conclusion of the event.

c. There can be no exception to this rule, which is made for the safety and protection of each student and release liability of the Band Director, staff, and chaperones.

6. Loading/Unloading:

a. Although it is typically the responsibility of the loading crew to load the equipment trailer, everyone is expected to help. It is also YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get your instrument to the truck. Do not depend on anyone else to get it to the trailer for you. Once we return to the school, it is every student’s responsibility to unload equipment into the school and put it away properly. The director will dismiss the entire group together after all items are properly put away.

Football Games:

Students should report at the designated time and have all materials needed: shoes, black socks, music, instrument, etc.. The band will warm up on the band practice field and then go to the stadium.

In the stands…

Students should conduct themselves in an upstanding manner. Each section will sit together, NO EXCEPTIONS. Football games should be fun and relaxed, but students must be attentive, ready to receive instructions. No student shall play his or her instrument unless instructed by the director. The band will have third quarter free to visit family and friends or to visit the concession stand. Students are allowed to remove their coats during the break, provided they are wearing the NWHS marching band shirt for the current season underneath. The students should be ready to play by the end of the 3rd quarter (1:00 on the clock!). Any student that isn’t back in time for the downbeat will lose their break at the next game. Only band members and chaperones are allowed in the band section: no boyfriends/girlfriends, etc.

After the game…

The band will march back to the band room and put all equipment away. The band room should be cleaned, equipment stored properly, and uniforms stored neatly before any member is dismissed. Roll will be taken before dismissal.

Competitions:

1. Upon arrival, the loading crew will get off the bus and the band will remain seated.

2. Once the equipment has been unloaded, you will get your uniform and travel to the changing rooms. In extenuating circumstances, it may be necessary for students to change on the busses. You are to wear a T-shirt as well as a pair of shorts under your uniform.

3. Once dressed, you will get your instrument and the band will proceed to the warm-up area. After warming up, the band will proceed to the waiting area.

4. After performing, we will return to the busses, change in a designated area, and then return to the stands as a group.

5. While in the stands, you may go to the concessions at your leisure, but inform a chaperone of where you are going and always travel in pairs. You should only come and go in-between band performances!

6. After the competition is over there is an awards ceremony. Representatives picked by the director should return to the field in uniform. The director will find representatives to go change into uniform. We will travel as a group to change and then travel as a group to awards.

7. After arriving back at the band room, no one is dismissed until the equipment has been unloaded, the band room is clean, and roll has been taken.

Parades:

These are much like competitions and football games.

Load and unload at school.

Dress appropriately so that you may put your uniform on in public.

Once again, this is a public appearance and it is imperative that we carry ourselves with pride and dignity as a NWHS ambassador.

Once the parade has concluded, we will follow the same procedure as football games and contests for putting away equipment at dismissal.

Cell Phones

In the modern technology age, many students own a cell phone. School policy states that cell phones may be carried at school, as long as they are concealed and are turned off. This policy will also be in effect for all band rehearsals and performances. During band trips, students may carry cell phones and use them to contact parents. However, cell phones will NOT be carried on to the marching band field, or on the concert stage. NO EXCEPTIONS. This includes rehearsals, either after school or on honor band events. If a student is found in violation of this policy, the phone will be confiscated and CMCSS/NWHS rules governing cell phone use will be followed.

Poor Weather Conditions

Marching band is an outdoor activity. Poor weather conditions are a factor we must live with. Always plan to be outside regardless of weather conditions at football games, marching contests, and rehearsals. The decision to remain outside will be the director’s. We will never march when lightening is a factor.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are the key to developing an outstanding musical organization. Students who study their instruments privately with a professional show rapid improvement in individual musicianship. As these students improve, their excitement towards practicing increases, they continue to improve, and they become a stronger contributor to the overall success of the band.

Private instruction has a great impact on the individual student and on our band program both this year and in the future. Directors will assist you, if needed, in selecting a private instructor. The key to satisfactory results from private instruction is to start as soon as possible…SO START NOW!!!

Grading

As a performance class, it can be difficult to assign a totally objective grade. As such, the grading system for this class will involve many activities, some objective, some subjective (such as judging students’ playing ability).

1. Playing Tests

a. Test excerpts will include selections from concert literature, etudes, chorales, and other exercises. Performances will be graded on a standard rubric. Students may play a test on Smart Music for the before or after school and sometimes during class, or play for the director. The director will also set up a google classroom where the students can record themselves playing an excerpt and upload it to the google classroom. The students will still be graded according to a basic performance rubric.

b. IF YOUR CHILD IS PRACTICING ON A REGULAR BASIS, PLAYING TESTS WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM!!!!!!

2. Written Assignments

a. Periodically, students will be asked to complete a written assignment, either in class or as a homework assignment. Each assignment will include a rubric. These may include:

i. Analytical listening of a piece

ii. Evaluation of a performance recording

iii. Aesthetic response to a listening exercise

iv. Composition/Arrangement Exercises

v. Bellringers

3. Participation

a. As a performance group, your participation is critical to the success of our ensemble. As such, each student begins with 100 points in this category. Infractions that can lower points in this category include:

i. Coming to class unprepared (no music, book, instrument, etc.)

ii. Excessive talking during a rehearsal

iii. Consistent disruptive behavior

b. Students can raise this grade (including extra credit!) by performing the following acts:

i. Participating in an honor band festival, such as Solo and Ensemble, All-County Band, and others approved by the director.

ii. Attending a performance from another ensemble (bring a concert program from the performance!)

iii. Any other activity approved by the director

The Clarksville/Montgomery County School system standard grade ranges are as follows:

A: 100-93

B: 92-85

C: 84-75

D: 74-70

F: 69-0

The purposes of these grading policies are:

1. To create an environment in which student achievement can be accurately measured

2. To create an even playing field, for students of all skill levels

3. To ensure musical development within each student

BAND CONTRACT

I, ___________________________ (parent) have read the handbook and understand that my child and I are in committed to meet the demands outlined. I will do my best to assure that my child is responsible concerning all issues discussed in the handbook. I know that the policies will increase the band’s professionalism and level of excellence. I also understand that if my child cannot adhere to the rules and policies of the program, then my child will be subject to removal from the program. I also agree to be held responsible for any damages/repairs necessary to any uniform components, instruments, or all other equipment used by my child that has been issued by the NWHS band program

I agree to meet this obligation to the best of my ability. I also agree to contact the director if any problem arises that needs discussion.

FAILURE TO RETURN THIS DOCUMENT SIGNED DOES NOT EXCLUDE PARENTS/STUDENTS FROM THE REGULATIONS CONTAINED HERIN

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Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

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Parent/Guardian name (please print)Date

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Student SignatureDate

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Student Name (printed)Date