sfhs lead handbook

8/2/2019 SFHS Lead Handbook

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2011-2012South Forsyth High School

Leadership Handbook


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I. INTRODUCTIONBeing a member of the South Forsyth Band program Leadership Council means that you are a bandmember that understands and is committed to following:

HIGH MORAL CHARACTERCharacter is the foundation of what makes us who we are. Moralcharacter helps us to make correct decisions when we have tough choices.

Its not who is right or who is wrong; its aboutWhat is right!UCLA Coach, John Wooden

YOU BEFORE MELeadership is a position of SERVICE. You are in the position to serve and help

the other members in the program that are not as experienced as you or have not had enough time to

build their skills to a high level. You have to be theBESTexample for them to follow.

PROUDLY RAISING THE STANDARD WITH ALL OF OUR ABILITYNever accept the status

quo! We rejoice in our success but are always looking to see where we can make our organization better.

Each of us can make a very personal imprint on the band unit that can last for years. Work to set a newstandard and hold everyone around you accountable to that standard.

Do Things That Make Sense

No Excuses, Just Results

SFHS BAND LEADERSHIP CODE

1. HIGH MORAL CHARACTER

2. YOU BEFORE ME

3. PROUDLY RAISING THE STANDARD WITH ALL OF OUR

ABILITY

SOUTH FORSYTH BAND MISSION STATEMENT

Igniting a passion for excellence, and dedication in young people through a

challenging and superior performing arts education, while creating a strong

legacy for future members.


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WHAT DOES A SFHS BAND LEADER LOOK LIKE?

A Leader in the SFHS Band program.

Arrives early to prepare and stays late to clean up

Has a positive attitude even when things are tough and frustrating

Always looks for ways to make their program better

He or She knows where they need to be and when.

Practices their instrument on a DAILY basis

Can play all of their major scales at any moment

Always learns from their mistakes quickly

Always dresses appropriately and is groomed

Wants to have the ULTIMATE band experienceTHE INGREDIENTS OF INFLUENCE

COMPETENCE + CHARACTER + CONNECTION = INFLUENCE

COMPETENCEMany of us are not great performers because we have natural talent or because we

work very hard to increase our talents and abilities in the band activity. As a leader you must play yourinstrument at a high level for your age and experience.

CHARACTERAs a leadership council member you must exude integrity and honesty in all areas of

your life. The band members must know that you have their best interest in mind. The members MUST

trust you in order for you to lead them.

CONNECTIONYou must know how to connect with the band members. Be compassionate abouttheir struggles and help them. Also be encouraging to their pursuits of excellence in the band activity.

When you combine the above elements you will be able to influence the band members to accomplishgoals and achieve their own!

LIVE BY THE 7 Ps

PRIOR

PROPERPRACTICE

PREVENTS

PERFECTLY

POOR

PERFORMANCE


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II. THE EASY PART: PROCEDURESGENERAL PROCEDURES

LEADERSHIP MEETINGS

You must attend these if you are not on vacation or have a logistical reason. They are filled with

important information. Meetings are Monday mornings at 7:45am. Drum Majors and Band Presidentmeet with the Directors at 7:30am.

Clean/organize the band room at all times after use each day. Pay attention to these areas:

Rehearsal area

oAll equipment is stored properly and percussion cloud is organized appropriately

Make a chart and post in a visible areao All chairs and stands are put awayo All trash and large paper items are thrown awayo No music or personal items are left out

Instrument Room

o All cases are closed and in a locker and on the proper areas of the shelfo All lockers are closed and locks are lockedo All trash and large paper items are thrown awayo No music or personal items are left out

Storage Room (Back Room)

o All areas are organized in the back room Library Guard Uniform Large Percussion Equipment

o Nothing in the middle of the room All chairs and stands are removed from the storage area


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MARCHING BAND SEASON

LIST OF SUPPLIES NEEDED BY ALL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS

Watch

Small binder with 75 page protectors and a strap, taped shut for drill charts

Leadership section of the binder

Metronome and Tuner

All other required rehearsal items

BAND CAMP PRE-PLANNING

Spring CampLast week of May/First week of June

To be completed before the first day of Spring Camp:

Drum Majors

o collect contact information of marching members from Band Director Split into sections and distribute to section leaders

o Make sure PAs are charged and ready by the first day of campo Make sure Dr. Beat metronomes are in working order with back-up batterieso Familiarize yourself with all areas of campus that will be used for rehearsal each day as well as

transporting the band to and from those areaso

Section Leaders with Band President

o Contact sections and remind them of needs for campo Welcome new members and create welcome goodie bags for the first day of camp

Librarians (with help of Leadership Council)

o Copy and organize music to be distributed on the first day of camp Flip Books (with proper music) Show music

Dvorak Chorale Bach Chorale page Fundamental Book Summer Practice Expectations Sheet (Get from Directors)

o Make sure sign-in table and attendance notebook are prepared and ready for first day of camp


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FULL BAND CAMP PRE-PLANNING

(Last two weeks of July or three weeks before the 1st

day of school)

To be completed before the first day of Full Band Camp:

Drum Majors

Dotbooks

o Gather materials from Band Directorso Create Dot Books with the help of Band President and Section Leaders

Band President

Oversee Dot Marker CreationAssign Crews for the marching season

o Field Crewo Sound Crewo Podium Crewo Make sure all crews know what it is expected and how to organized equipment used

Section Leaders

Dot Marker Creationo Gather materials and distribute to section leaders if they need ito Give expectations on needs for dot markers

Shape, color, weight, sizeSummer Sectionalso Each year the Band Directors will assign a certain amount of summer sectionals to be run by the

section leadero At least one of the sectional should be a social sectional. Examples are:

Movie nightPool partyBowling nightLaser Tag/Paintball

o Percussion and Guard willALSO have sectionals assigned by Directors and StaffLibrarians

Organize and copy rehearsal items (some to be received from Band Director)o Drillo Musico Fundamental exerciseso Organize and prepare check in for Camp


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SPRING AND FULL BAND CAMP PROCEDURES

Drum Majors

Each Day, meet with the Band Directors 45 minutes before camp begins

Each Day, meet with section leaders 30 minutes before camp beginsDivide important areas to over-see for the start and end of camp days

o Podium, sound, field crewso Check ino Bandroom

Be available in the morning to answer Band President and section leader questions

Help with visual instructiongive proper specific instruction to individuals

Operate metronome for all rehearsals and large sectionals

Get ensemble to and from meals

Make sure all sections of the schedule begin ON-TIME

Make sure the bandroom and all rehearsal areas are clearedLeave no sign we were ever there.

Band President

Each Day, meet with Band Directors and Drum Majors 45 minutes before camp begins

Along with Drum Majors, meet with section leaders 30 minutes before rehearsal begins

Along with the Drum Majors, make sure that crews are doing their job

During rehearsal give instruction to section leaders on what they are doing well and can do better

Make sure dot books and markers are being used appropriately by communicating with section leaders

Section Leaders

Each Day, meet with Drum Majors and Band President 30 minutes before camp begins

Help guide members to proper location of rehearsals on-time as well as answer any member questions

Meet with section once rehearsal begins and make sure all members have all required materials for

rehearsal

Keep a close eye on your section and their progress through rehearsal; communicate with any individual

that needs special and specific attention.

Make sure that the sections cases and instruments are always left in an organized manner and are safe

from any areas where they may be damaged

Give the members positive feedback and let them know that you are PROUD of them!

Librarians

Set-up and organize check in, report attendance to a Director no later than five minutes into rehearsal.

o Set-up tableo Roster, attendance bindero Paperwork to distributeo Lunch collection and organization into proper bins


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AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS

Drum Majors

Meet with the Band Directors 20 minutes before rehearsal begins

Meet with section leaders 5 minutes before rehearsal beginsHelp with visual instructiongive proper specific instruction to individuals

Operate metronome for all rehearsals and large sectionals

Get ensemble to and from rehearsal locations in an organized fashion, quickly and efficiently

Make sure all sections of the schedule begin ON-TIME

Make sure the bandroom and all rehearsal areas are clearedLeave no sign we were ever there.

Band President

Meet with Band Directors and Drum Majors 20 minutes before rehearsal begins

Along with Drum Majors, meet with section leaders 30 minutes before rehearsal begins

Check board or with Director for where rehearsal location is and make sure that all crews are doing their

job

During rehearsal give instruction to section leaders on what they are doing well and can do better

Make sure dot books and markers are being used appropriately by communicating with section leaders

Section Leaders

Meet with Drum Majors and Band President 5 minutes before rehearsal begins

Help guide members to proper location of rehearsals on-time as well as answer any member questions

Meet with section once rehearsal begins and make sure all members have all required materials for

rehearsal:o Dot bookso Instrumento All music (including flip books)o Water jugo Proper rehearsal attire, gloves for brass

Keep a close eye on your section and their progress through each rehearsal; communicate with any

individual that needs special and specific attention.

Make sure that the sections cases and instruments are always left in an organized manner and are safe

from any areas where they may be damaged

Make sure that all talking is limited during rehearsal

During drill rehearsal check to make sure your section is set properly by checking:

o Doto Formo Interval

Give the members positive feedback and let them know that you are PROUD of them!


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Librarians

Take attendance, report attendance to a Director no later than five minutes into rehearsal.

o Roster, attendance binderDistribute appropriate paperwork from Directors when needed

o Drill, coordinateso Announcementso Other

SATURDAY CAMP PROCEDURESSame as Spring and Full Band Camp Procedures

REHEARSAL APPAREL (for all members)

Official Blue Marching Band practice Shirt (Coming Fall 2011)Official Black Marching Band practice athletic shorts (Coming Fall 2011)Socks and tennis shoesHat/visorRehearsal gloves for brass and guard

Podium crew

This crew is responsible for making sure that the following items are set up correctly before each

rehearsal begins:

All Podiums

All Ladders

Some props

Those chosen for this crew over the summer carry out their responsibility throughout the season. This

crew can receive 10 points toward their lettering total.

Sound crew


rehearsal begins:

All PAs

All Sound sytem items needed for communicating with the ensemble by the Directors

Some props

Those chosen for this crew over the summer carry out their responsibility throughout the season. Thiscrew can receive 10 points toward their lettering total.


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Field Crew


rehearsal begins:

All Cones

Props

Those chosen for this crew over the summer carry out their responsibility throughout the season. This

crew can receive 10 points toward their lettering total.

Percussion Equipment

Be wary that the front ensemble has a great load to do after rehearsal is over. Let them by. They will

appreciate it. There will be times when all will need to help move equipment items when needed.

FRIDAY GAME DAYS

Apparel

This includes wearing your show shirt along with khaki shorts or pants and tennis shoes.

Morning pep rally

Before school at every game, the Marching Band will participate in a pep-rally. Be at school at 7:45

ready to participate. Performance should begin no later than 8:05am in the school commons area.

After school

Home Games

Get out uniform bags and shakos for your section before rehearsal

Set up normal rehearsal day items and crews. Only PAs are used for sound.

We rehearse from 4:15pm to 5:15pmPercussion needs to organize front ensemble and stands in the appropriate stadium areas.

Line up and go to Dinner

Away Games

Get uniform bags and shakos out before dinner report time

All Large instrument sections bring out instrument cases and line up next to trailerPercussion pack trailer using organized chart and proper list of itemsAll report straight to dinner approximately 4:15pm.


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Dinner

Section leader meeting 5 minutes before dismissal

Decide on:

o Marcher-of-the-weeko Section-of- the- week

Inspection

Have members of each section set their belongings in a uniform way, set by you, the section leader.

Make sure everyone is in correct uniform (dinkles, black socks, gym shorts under the uniform, bibbers,

jacket, etc.)

Pre-game

Line up correctly to march onto the field. Once on the field, this is where we will play the National

Anthem, and the Fight Song, etc.

Stands tunes

Offense stands tunes: All the numbers, Wipeout, Run-on, and Head Bangers Ball. Others may be added

Defense stands tunes: Crazy Train, Wipeout, Defense, Run-on, and Head Bangers Ball. Others may beadded

Leadership Meet and Greet

In the first quarter, the leaders from the Home team will visit the other bands leaders. Only one sectionleader from each section may go.

Halftime warm-up

Guard will leave at the beginning of the 2nd Quarter

Percussion will leave at the 9 minute mark of the 2nd QuarterWinds will leave at the 7 minute mark of the 2nd Quarter

3rd

quarter break

You must be back when 1:00 remains on the clock! If you are late, you miss your third quarter break for

next week. Take note of anyone in your section that returns late.

After game procedures

Before you may dismiss anyone in your section, you MUST check to make sure their uniform is put up

correctly. Also remember to put up the uniforms once everyone has turned theirs in.


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COMPETITION DAY PROCEDURES

Schedule

The competition day schedule will usually follow the schedule below:

Morning rehearsalSee After School Rehearsal ProceduresLunch/Pack for ShowTravel to ShowUnpack/StretchWarm-up/PerformReturn to watch other bands performance

o Remind your section on the etiquette that is required. It should be obvious, but somepeople must be reminded.

Awards Ceremony

o Leadership Council in uniformo Set up formation on fieldLeave for home.

SENIOR NIGHT

Senior night is the last home game of the regular season. Our Seniors and their parents will be honoredduring Pre-Game. There will be the following changes to the Game night schedule:

Band will enter the stadium early and wait in the pre-game set off field

Band will go through the normal pre-game routine after the Senior Night honors are completed

MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT

Middle school night is one our biggest recruiting days of the year. All middle school band students that

will be attending South High are invited to come and play during Pre-Game and in the stands. It is ourgoal that we show them a positive experience so that they join band. Here is a general schedule for

middle school night:

ThursdayMiddle schoolers come and rehearse Pre-Game with the High School Band

Time is set up to visit and get to know the potential new members

FridayMiddle school students report and perform during Pre-game

Middle school students perform in the stands with the Marching Band


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III.COMMUNICATIONCommunication is one of the most important fundamentals in leadership. Not only is it important what

you communicate but how you communicate it. When you communicate is also important. The right

thing said at the wrong time is still poor communication.

There are five fundamental words to consider when you communicate with either your section or

leadership peers:

When and WhereWhatWhyHow

Communicating all of the information to the question words above about whatever task, event, or goalwill help in eliminating confusion. It will also help with communicating clear expectations and

instructions.

*The following is taken from Leadership Communication is the Number One Leadership Skill by Martin Soorjooo

A leader who has poor leadership communication will find leading far more challenging than a great

communicator. Respect and confidence on the part of staff, the leadership council and Directors will bemuch harder to earn.

A leader who has strong leadership communication skills, however, will find it easier to:

o Connect with others, thereby increasing trust and respect.

o Steer a country, organization or community through stormy weather.

o Build morale and manage conflict.

o Inspire people to vote, employees to work harder and a country to stay strong during war.

The Key Components of Effective Leadership Communication

To be truly effective as a communicator a leader must:

o Develop the mindset of a leader. Given that our nonverbal communication reveals to the world what

we feel inside, emotional mastery is critical to congruent, credible communication.

o Be able to connect with people on an emotional level. This is important for leaders, because

research has conclusively established that people form opinions and make decisions based on theiremotions. First we listen to our emotional guidance system, then we justify with reasons, then we

rationalize.


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Bill Clinton is a master at connecting with people by making them feel that they matter to him. In the

early years of his Presidency, Clinton, speaking to members of the public, often used the phrase "I feelyour pain".

o Develop leadership charisma. There is an important distinction between 'leadership charisma' and

'regular charisma'. The distinction is that a leader must always maintain authority whilst communicatingcharisma.

There is a popular myth that charisma is a natural quality that cannot be learned or developed. Myth is

exactly what it is. Scientists have confirmed that whilst some individuals may have innate elements of

charisma, much of charisma is made up of a set of behaviors that can be learned.

o Learn to move like a leader. Body language communicates your emotional state to the world. A

leader must become aware of and take control of, the signals they are broadcasting, as these signals maybe at odds with the messages they wish to communicate.

We make our decisions primarily on what we see rather than what we hear. Once you understand themeanings of postures, gestures and facial expressions you are then empowered to be far more effective

in your leadership communication.

When a leader takes the time to master the above leadership communication skills, their ability to steer

their organization through today's challenges will be significantly enhanced.

Modes of Communication

There are multiple resources to use to communicate to your section, leadership peers and Directors.

Please use any of the following:

Cell phone

Email

Leadership Blog/message board

Whiteboard in the Band Room

Announcement Board in the Band Room

As a member of the leadership council you need to make sure you have the following resources:

Leadership Council contact info

Section members contact info

Section members class schedule

You can get these resources from the Directors.


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IV. MOTIVATIONMOTIVATING YOURSELF

Everything starts with you; if youre passionate and motivated about what you do so will your followers.Make sure you are always aware of what signals you are giving off, whether you are motivated or not.

Setting Goals

A common goal gives everyone something to work for, and unites everyone under one effort.

Knowing what a section is working for helps some people motivate themselves.

Have your section make goals and how to get there.

Go over the goals every week to make sure the section is succeeding.

When a section succeeds they will work harder knowing the efforts are going in the right directions.

MOTIVATING INDIVIDUALS

Everyone is motivated in a different way and as a leader it is your job to figure out how to motivate

them.

There are different types of people:

Self Motivated (type 1)

o These people are extremely self motivated and they are normally your leaders. They normallythink how can I make this better and what can I do to help.

o They are motivated by their dedication to the goals and to the team. If you simply remove alllimits and let them excel. Also you can give them small jobs to keep them motivated.

Medium level (type 2)

o This is the most important section because it will most likely be most of your section and alsothese people can go either way. They are people that agree to follow the vision of the self

motivated people but they dont always have the commitment

o These people are motivated by the leader and the other self motivated people. They followexamples very well and they do well with recognition.

Authority Motivated (type 3)

o These people normally only think of themselves and the rewards that they want.o These people are more difficult to motivate because they can be materialistic (trophies, and things

of instant gratification.)

o Normally peer pressure (if they want to be like everyone else) authority (if they like to follow therules) or by force (not the most positive choice and should only be used for a short period of time)

are effective means to motivate them.


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MOTIVATING THE SECTION

If you as a leader work on the individuals, the group will be a lot easier to handle. Every section has

three types of people and the leaders job is to get all of the type 2 people to become type 1. As more of

your section becomes more self-motivated the type 3 people will follow or choose to remove

themselves.

Reward achievement

As leaders we can always get caught up in all of the things we have to do but we need to remember to

reward achievement. This works for all different types of motivated people.

Candy after practice

Release from sectionals early

Just noticing that they are doing a good job

Emphasize teamwork

The more you work on teamwork the tighter your section will be and the more likely the type 1s will rub

off on everyone else. And also teamwork creates a since of responsibility to the other members of thesection. This creates everyone to be motivated for everyone else.

Doing teamwork activities or games

Holding a standard that if everyone doesnt achieve something then no one

achieved it.

Critiquing

Tell your section what they did wrong and how to fix it. The time you spend making sure they know

what to do and to make something better should motivate them. Make the Leadership sandwich:

Always find something positive to say first (The bottom bun)

Give them one thing to work on and improve (The meat of your comments)

Leave them with a positive comment (The top bun)

Set them up for success

Your job as a leader is NOT to give them as many push ups as you can. If someone is not memorizingtheir music or their dots, then find out why. Spend time to help them do it. Your chief goal should be for

everyone in your section to succeed. Success leads to motivation-even if it is a small success.


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V. DELEGATIONWhat is Delegation?

Delegation: distributing tasks to those you lead in order to help them grow into leaders. (Also:

distributing these tasks according to levels of experience and responsibility.)

Why do I need to Delegate?

When you invest enough trust in those you lead to give them a task to carry out, they are morelikely to respect you because you have put your faith in them first (reciprocal trust).

Making all members of the group accountable for some things helps teambuilding and bonding.

Things are more likely to be done well when more than one person works on them. (The titledleader cant do everything.)

When do I need to Delegate?

Assign the task so the person youve assigned it to has enough time to carry it out.

Delegate when you need help to complete all of your assigned tasks or responsibilities well orwhen you are not available to complete a task because of another focus.

Delegate when a member of your section has proved him or herself responsible enough for

whatever level of task you need to assign.

How do I Delegate?

Clearly define the task - Dont tell them how to do it, tell them what you want from it.

Give the authority to accomplish the task - Give the job to someone who has the authority orability to be able to get it done! Youll be setting them up for success, and everyone will benefitin the long run.

Define the accountability involved - Tell the person doing the job what success is and whatfailure is! Make them accountable!

Give guidelines to begin or follow - Give help or guidelines. It will instruct the person that may

not be completely sure what to do and is afraid to ask.

Monitor the task - Dont hang over the persons shoulder, but be aware of whats going on withthe job you assigned and FOLLOW UP!

Give feedback along the way - Ask questions or give advice. Questions can be good because

they make the person doing the job take pride in what theyre doing and feel as though theiropinion on their work matters.


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Reward and recognize effort as well as results - When you recognize effort, you build a team ofpeople who can perform difficult tasks and handle the delegation. Recognition builds

motivation!

Not delegating sends a negative message of distrust in your followers. Also, make the task enjoyable!

Dont put stress or tension into the mix of your team of followers! Get the people excited!

Respect is crucial; if your followers respect you, they will want to perform well and succeed with the

tasks you give them. Team build, and youll have plenty of people who can handle difficult tasks!

VI. ACCOUNTABILITYCHAIN OF COMMAND

In order for the organization to operate at the highest level there must be clear and effective use of thechain of command. When there are issues with an individual or individual section the flow of

information and accountability should be the following:

member meets with section leader Captain Band President Drum Major Band Director

There should be no member brought before the Band Director until they have communicated through allother levels. The Directors will always be available to support each leader through the process with

helpful advice. There are times when members higher up the chain of command might need to step in to

help with an issue. This is usually because the issue is of a sensitive or high negative level. When thisoccurs the Directors should be notified of the issue.

COMMUNICATE

Talking and spending time with an individual will help with understanding them and their issue when it

comes up. Asking questions and not jumping to conclusions always works to open a clear line of

communication when an individual is having a problem.

Use I statements instead of YOU statements. Here are a few examples:

Ifeel like you are not following my instructions instead of

You need to follow my instructions, Now!

No matter the issue, clearly explain the following:

What issue you have with their behavior and actionsWhat you want to see them do differentlyHow they can do what you need them to do successfullyAsk them if they have any questions


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ACCOUNTABILITY NOT EMOTIONS

When you infuse more emotions into an already high level emotional issue it makes things worse, not

better. Many of us are emotional and passionate about our leadership positions as well as our program

and band. This leads us lose our temper, yell, be sarcastic or make personal comments to the individual.

It is always best to take a moment to calm down, gather your thoughts and cool your emotions beforeaddressing the issue. Dont let them see you sweat!

EXPECTATIONS

Clear and effective expectations regarding the activity or section that you are in charge of goes a long

way in making sure it will go smoothly and successfully. Describe to them what you think success is in

the specific activity you are participating in as well as what you dont want to see or hear.

Also let them know what your plan is. Once your section feels like they are clear with what is expected

you will see less behavior issues. Tense moments should turn into opportunities to remind them of your

expectations

EFFECTIVE REDIRECTION (APPROVED)

Here are a few strategies to redirect section members that are being uncooperative:

Have them stand at attentionHave them stand at attention with their horn upHave them stand next to you or you stand next to themRemove them from the sectionalHave them not play

VII.SECTIONALS/PASS-OFFSSectionals are great opportunities to have the most impact on your band program. That impact can be

positive or negative depended upon how well you run your sectionals and what level you hold your

section members to with their music and marching pass-offs. Sectionals are not the time to socialize but

to work quickly and efficiently and achieve specific goals. They are a vital part of the operation of theband program and the maintenance of our high level of performance. There should be sectionals for

marching band sections and all concert band sections.

Here is when sectionals occur:

Summer MonthsUsually three total with a social sectionalDuring Camps(Spring and Summer)Mondays during marching seasonMornings before schoolwhen neededDuring class time(limited and usually for concert music)


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Sectionals allow more individuals to get specific work done as well as maximize focus on just the

individual sectional needs. Section leaders should focus on the areas that need the most work and hearindividuals play as much as possible. Remember and apply the general ideas of individual practice to

your sectional rehearsal:

Always use a Metronome and TunerFocus on what your section cant play not what they canHave a achievement goal in mindAlways be listening and focusing on Tone in all situationsPerformance for Guard

Your sectionals should be organized and include the following:

A Good Fundamental Warm-up

A Clear achievement Goal (ex. Measures 1-26, notes and rhythms)More playing than talkingListen to individuals throughout the sectionalRun through of segmentsCheck of memorization

PASS OFFSA Pass Off is our programs way of ensuring that every member is upholding their individual, sectional,

ensemble musical and marching responsibilities. Our activity is about performance and doing your best

at one moment. Pass Offs and playing assignments give multiple opportunities for our members to

practice their performance material.

All Leadership Council members can and should listen to pass offs. Use the chain of command to

complete pass offs for marching music for leadership council members. They should be completedoutside of the Ensemble rehearsal time. Sectional times are good to listen to members play their parts.

Please prepare for your pass offs by doing the following:

Always have a metronome, tuner, and their music

Make a pass-off chart with everyones name on it to keep yourself organized-this helps you keep

track of who has and hasnt passed off

Print off a measure number chart (like what was used in Wind Ensemble) for each member-

highlight measures that you passed off

Know how all their parts sound and have a copy of all parts

*Make note in advance of sections in all parts that could potentially be problem sections

If they mess up-DONT REACT!

Use our Performance LevelsLevel 1, Level 2 or Level 3where do they fall with their

performance?


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When going through the process please be aware of the following:

All step-offs and musical changes need to be marked in the members parts before they are

allowed to pass offMemorization of notes and rhythms, do they have a BASIC understanding of the music?

Tone quality/intonation-blending in groups, standard instrument sound

Technique/articulation- stylistic changes, accents, fingers lining up with tongue

Musicality- tempo, pulse, dynamics

Recovery- quick fixes, looking for downbeat

Posture-horn angles, standing with feet together, hands in correct position

COMMON PASS OFF STRATEGIES

Have them pass off the entire section or song- if they dont know it make them trythey may

know more than they think

If they make a mistake on one section, isolate it, and let them try it again

If they miss more than one section, the need to re-pass off the whole movement-explain why

they need to pass off again-BE SPECIFIC!

At the end of the re-pass off-ask about how they think they progressed, then give suggestions

PASSING OFF SECTION LEADERS

The same pass-off process pertains to section leaders as wellAll section leaders should pass-off individually or in a group of no more than 2 by a Drum

Major, Band President or Captain

Section leader pass-offs should always be held in advance of member pass -offs

HELPFUL TIPS

MONDAYS-set pass-off days-that way there are 4 more days to pass off before the game

o *members must pass off before the gamePass-Off in groups of 1-3 if they want to pass off by themselves-let them

Notify them no later than Thursday of the prior week of upcoming sectional/pass-offHave check-up pass-offs to ensure they are keeping up with all movements


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VIII. SETTING DRILLGENERAL DRILL SETTING PROCEDURE

1. Tower announces which chart(s) to set.2. Set your dot3. Place dot marker4. Tower announces to reset, run that segment as many times a necessary5. repeat with next set(s)6. Run two sets, etc.

SECTION LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES

As an officer, you are responsible for your drill, as well as you section and those around you. Your

responsibilities include:

Set your drill QUICKLY and proceed to assist your section.

Place a drill marker so you can return to your dot when your section is set

Help your section as soon as you are done, even of they arent confused, to speed up the process

Make sure your section has marked off their dot, not dressed to the form.

When your section is set, go over the counts, unusual step offs, or anything else you see necessary

based on the drill. Also, remind them of where the set is in the music. It helps to have your music on

the field so you can show them

THINGS TO LOOK FOR:

FEET in time and technique, foot placements of direction changes, halts.

Horn angle, side to side and up and down.

Are they going to their dot, or dressing the form (dot to dot first dress later) do they know whereto dress?Are they hitting their dot and halfway point at exactly the right time?

Other drill issues (i.e. collisions, impossibly large step sizes).

Are they playing/ singing. If not do they know their music/ where we are in it?

Visuals- execution as well as timing

More Tips

The entire process is much easier if you are in the middle of the section, not on the end. While this

cannot always be controlled, it helps when assigning drill numbers to give yourself a number towards

the middle. If there is more than one section leader in your section, spread them out evenly, but do notplace them on the ends. If you do find yourself in a remote part of your section or other obscure or

limited view, it is all the more important that you step out and watch to ensure they are doing it right.


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DRILL CHARTS

Drill charts can be an invaluable tool, if used correctly. While it is up to you what you do, it is your job

to make sure you are utilizing your drill charts to the highest degree.

When putting charts in page protectors, keep in mind that you will be looking at it side ways, andorient them accordingly

Some find it helpful to insert backfield sets upside down.

Carry them in such a way that they are easy to get to, yet do not impede your marching. Dog leashes

work well.

Highlight useful information on each chart:

o Youo Your sectiono Chart numbero Counts and Measures

Write/draw other pertinent informationo Your coordinateo Visualso Pathwayso Personal/ sectional reminders (foot placements, stop and go, dont kill the guard)o Mental cues- anything to jog your memory about the drill/music/etc.

DOTBOOKS

Dot books, like drill charts are very useful, when used correctly. Unlike drill charts, every marcher has

one. As an officer, it is your job to make sure your sections are maintaining their dot books.

Requirements for each set:Set number

Coordinate

Cut-out of the drill chart of their dot in the form (highlighted)

Counts & Measure numbers

Music glued to back of chart

Visuals

While the above are required, the following may be helpful:

Pathways

Previous/subsequent sets

Step size

Landmarks (drum major, props, pit equipment)


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Other Info

Dot books are expected to be filled out the rehearsal after the dots are given out. Checks can take place

before or after rehearsals, before or after school, or any other appropriate time. All of the above listeditems should be checked. If it is not filled out to our standards, it will cause members to miss valuable

rehearsal time. It is your job to make sure that your section is supplied with the counts and measures of

each set.

Note: for more on marching sectionals, see the sectionals section.

IX. FUNDRAISINGFundraising is very important and vital part of our band program. By fundraising we are able to help

supply our program so that it may perform at the highest level. We have permanent and expendable

items that all go toward our performances. Instruments, instrument parts and music all can be purchased

with fundraising. Fundraising also goes toward our operating budget which allows us to have clinicians,

a great marching show design, travel expenses and band camp.

The money from fundraising also goes towards all the trips we get to take, on an every other year basis.

Important things to discuss with your section

No Fundraising = No Money

All members are expected to fundraise, it is part of our responsibilities as membersFundraising is a part of being a band member like practicing.Fundraising makes doing band easier, less costs are passed onto members and members families

MARCH-A-THON

The March-a-thon is a fundraiser in which you collect donations from the community to sponsor you

during your 3-6 mile march. It also helps raise awareness of our band program in the community.

March-A-Thon Procedures

Arrival - Pick a parking spot or two for your sections belongings. Please separate bags frominstrument cases as it makes it easier for the loading crew. Take attendance of your section.

Warm up - You will lead your section through a sectional warm-up. See How to Run A

Sectional for more information.

March - We will line up 3-5 across in parade formation in score order. Have fun, but dont berowdy. We are representing the band all six miles that we march. Make a great impression.

Dismissal


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X. SENIOR CLASS LEADERSHIPNo matter how great our individual performers are, we will only achieve success as a team with greatPositive leadership from our Senior class.

Our Seniors must do the following:

Be the most experienced and best example for our new membersBe the most energetic and hardest working group in the bandHave the highest expectations of performance from their fellow band membersBe willing toHELP any member that needs guidance to meet the Senior standardLove band and everything that it representsspeak no negative words or make no negative actions!

Seniors will meet separately beginning at the Spring Camp with the Directors. Before their final season

begins the Seniors should select a leader or Senior President. The Senior President may hold a positionon the Leadership Council as well. Also, the Seniors should decide and present the following to theDirectors:

Vision and Goals for the coming season/yearSpecial events they would like to hold or organize for the program

A Band members final year in the program should be a fun year filled with many positive memories.This will only happen if the Senior members are positive themselves.

sfhs lead handbook

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