spring grove percussion ensemble · 2013-11-25 · the percussion ensemble is a co-curricular...

Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble

2014 Season Handbook

Dear Indoor Percussion Students and Parents/Guardians,

Greetings! It is hard to believe that the indoor season is rising just over the horizon. This handbook is to serve as a

guideline of procedures and starting point to answering any questions you may have. Our goal is to keep you informed

as much as possible and provide the best possible experience for students and parents.

We are very excited and looking forward to this season. This season promises to build on the tradition of excellence

being cultivated in the ensemble. In the past three years we have placed in the top two in our division and finished in

first place the last two years. This year’s show will revolve the theme, “Three Hour Tour.” Our show music will include

the theme to “Gilligan’s Island,” “Come Sail Away” by the 80’s band Styx, an original composition entitled Storm, the

theme to the TV show “Lost,” and “Message in a Bottle by Police.

To stay up to date with information, please be sure to check out Mr. Bupp’s teacher page for weekly information,

schedules and competition times. Please make it a point to stop by the website on a weekly basis for updates and other

important information.

In closing, we are very excited about what is in store for us this year. We strongly recommend that you store this

handbook in a safe place where you can easily access it throughout the year. I am always happy to answer any questions

you may have, but my priority is devoting the maximum amount of time and energy towards meeting the daily needs of

our students.

Sincerely,

Mr. Bupp Mr. Showalter

Percussion Ensemble Director High School/Middle School Band Director

[email protected] [email protected]

225-4731 x.1539 225-4731 x.7606

mailto:[email protected]


PROGRAM – MISSION STATEMENT In partnership with families and communities, it is the mission of the Spring Grove Area School District Music Department to cultivate artistic citizenship through performance, understanding, and appreciation for a lifelong participation in music.

DISCLAIMER The information contained in this handbook is intended to be accurate at the time written, and is subject to change.

Please contact the director if you need clarification of any of the material presented in this document.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Spring Grove Band program has a reputation of high standard of excellence in musical performance. This level of

success requires a great deal of collaborative effort among teachers, administrators, parents, and students.

By enrolling in the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble, you are making a commitment to the ensemble as an organization

and, more importantly, to yourself and the other students in the ensemble. This commitment includes accepting

responsibility for the following.

- Participate as a member of the ensemble for the full season (December-April)

- Do your best to grow musically as an individual

- Maintain a positive attitude and support the goals of the ensemble

REHEARSAL AND COMPETITION ATTENDANCE

Attendance is mandatory at ALL rehearsals and performances. Any problems will be dealt with on an individual basis.

The percussion ensemble is a co-curricular activity. Because of this, the director must approve all absences before they

are considered excused. Members are expected to be at all rehearsals unless they have an excused absence. Please

understand that an absence from this activity has a direct effect on the entire ensemble.

We also understand that “life happens.” An absence from a rehearsal will be considered excused if the absence is due to

being absent from school, family emergencies, religious observances or standardized tests (SATs) or school-sanctioned

events. Please do your best to schedule these items on weekends we do not have a competition. Unexcused absences

are considered as, tickets to a rock concert/sports game, “too much homework,” etc.

Students are expected to be ready to rehearse at the assigned rehearsal time. This means that students should arrive 15

minutes early to rehearsal to prepare their equipment.

Members are expected to make a commitment to school, the ensemble, and the other members of the group. Be

proactive with your scheduling of the events and let the director know about any issues that may arise. If you need a

letter supporting your involvement in the ensemble for your employer, please inform Mr. Bupp. Please communicate

early and often regarding any potential absences.

Emergency absences from rehearsals will be granted on a case by case basis (sick and went home early from school,

death in the family, etc.) In this case, please IMMEDIATELY notify Mr. Bupp of the situation via phone.

Every member’s role in the ensemble is crucial to our success. Unlike a sports team where substitutes are available, all of

our members start all of the time. We cannot rehearse or perform successfully and to the ensemble’s full potential

without every member in attendance. Please remember early communication is KEY to working through scheduling

conflicts that ultimately keep the best interests of both you and the ensemble in mind.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals for the season will be held of the most part on Wednesday evenings at the high school. There are a few

exceptions where rehearsals may be on another night due to building availability. The rehearsal is where we learn and

perfect our show. It is important to the entire ensemble that members are at every rehearsal.

The rehearsal time is not an arrival time. Students are expected to be at the high school ready to play by the set

rehearsal time. Therefore, preparation needs to be made ahead of time for transportation and equipment set up. The

ending time for rehearsal is when we end, packing up in not part of that time. There is usually a ten minute time

between rehearsal ending and actually leaving rehearsal.

Students are expected to be at rehearsal the entire time unless otherwise noted by a staff member. Every member is a

key part of this ensemble and is needed the entire time. Please communicate with the director early and often if there is

the possibility of a conflict.

All members and staff will show respect for one another, music and equipment. This includes, but not limited to, no

talking while someone else is talking, not playing instruments until instructed, not playing another person’s instrument,

etc.

COMPETITIONS

Competitions are used as a basis to measure and appreciate musical excellence. Competition in and of itself generates a

divided position on the part of many educators who fear a misplaced focus on winning at any cost. The Spring Grove

Percussion Ensemble is based on providing a sequential, standards-based percussion education with defined

benchmarks.

Competition in this arena means that we educate the follow:

- Recognition and appreciation of the achievements of you and your competitors

- A barometer where we assure achievement against a set of standards

- A means to recognize your won potential by achieving more than you thought you could

- Putting competition in light of discovery and growth rather than winning as a priority

Competition exists in today’s world in every walk of life. To prepare our youth with techniques that will keep this aspect

in a healthy focus while discovering and enjoying their own excellence may be our greatest gift to students. Within the

abundant opportunities for growth, physical expression, leadership, self-discipline for our members, the directors also

finds the satisfying reward of seeing students realize their potential in such an exciting and positive manner.

We compete in circuit called, “TIA.” TIA stands for Tournament Indoor Association. This is an arm of a larger

organization, “Tournament of Bands.” The TOB is one of the largest competitive band organizations in the country.

Founded in 1972 by the National Judges Association, Tournament has grown to over 400 active schools and

organizations. Tournament provides performance opportunities in field band, indoor guard, majorette, percussion and

dance team as well as comprehensive festivals with instrumental and choral events.

Competitions are held on Saturdays from January through April. The schedule included at the end of this handbook will

outline the competitions we will be attending. Competitions vary in starting times, but are usually all-day and/or evening

events. Because we have two competing groups (including our guard program), we travel together to save on district

costs. Students are expected to follow the code of conduct as outlined in the Spring Grove Area High School (and Middle

School) Student Handbook when both on school property and representing the district at a competition. Please

remember that you are representing our program and school when we are traveling. We take pride in what we do and

competitions are long, tiring, fun AND rewarding, even if they don’t always turn out the way we want them to. Watch

the progress of everyone’s shows from the beginning to the end of the season is a truly wonderful experience!

On Competition Day, all members will have specific duties they will be expected to perform. However, each member

should be ready to go above and beyond his or her duty if asked to do so.

When traveling with the Percussion Ensemble, students will wear the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble show shirt with

khaki pants. This part of this year’s uniform and will allow for casual uniformity, identity, and the ability to discern our

ensemble from the public.

UNIFORM

Uniforms are designed with care and change each year depending on the show concept. Each member will be sized for

parts of the uniform before the season. You will be required to purchase this. Our uniform will consist of: Our show t-

shirt, khaki pants, a Hawaiian shirt, and boat shoes. Uniform information will be handed out at the first rehearsal.

UNIFORM CARE AND PROCEDURES

1. All uniforms are to be kept on hangers and in good condition. You are paying for your uniform. If a part becomes

damaged, you will be responsible for its replacement or repair.

2. When in uniform: NO PDA (you are representing the school), no eating, no swearing, no running or horse play.

3. Never walk alone in uniform. You must always be with another uniformed member of the ensemble. It is a sign

of respect to the uniform to always walk in groups.

4. Everything should be professional while in a performance setting. Unprofessional behavior could be cause for

dismissal from the program.

BUS PROCEDURES

All Spring Grove Area School District bus rules apply on ALL trips. Students will demonstrate proper and courteous

behavior at all times. You are representing the school district and the community. Public displays of affection are not

acceptable behavior at ANY time.

Acceptable Carry on Bus items:

Bottled Water (NO GLASS CONTAINERS)

Jacket or sweatshirt/change of clothes for after the performance

Necessary items and personal items in backpack (money for food, phone, iPods)

Pillow and/or blanket

No one outside of the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble membership and staff are permitted to ride with the group to

competitions. The bus ride is a time for the members to focus on the task at hand: performing a great show.

Nonmembers are not permitted to ride with the ensemble. No exceptions.

PARENT RELEASE

Occasionally parents may need to take their child directly from a competition. This must be taken care of in writing. Prior

to the event, the parent must submit a written note state that the student will be leaving early and with whom they will

be leaving with. At the competition, the parent will sign the student out with the director from his/her roster. Parents

may be asked for identification if we are not familiar with the individual picking up the student. These policies are in

place to protect both you and your child. The student is also responsible for having someone else unload their

instrument and anything else they are responsible for when returning to the school.

LEADERSHIP—WHAT’S MY ROLE?

There is a hierarchy of leadership in place with the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble to provide for an efficient means

of operation for the program. This system allows for efficient flow of information and allows student leadership to

handle everyday responsibilities of the ensemble. We strive to offer leadership opportunities for every member on a

daily basis and encourage the members to develop problem solving skills and apply them to the ensemble, and

ultimately, to the rest of their lives. These are important 21st century skills that will be valuable assets in your child’s

future.

Director

The director is in charge of everything logistical about the group. Show design, finding rehearsal space, communicating

with staff members, contacting administrators and show coordinators, collecting membership forms and other

paperwork, communicating with parents, and running ensemble rehearsals are just a few of the responsibilities of the

director. The director is responsible for the entire program and oversees its operation on a daily basis.

Instructional Staff

The instructional staff is responsible for the education and motivation of the members. Some of their responsibilities

include running ensemble rehearsals in the absence of the director, running sectional rehearsals, contributing to the

show design, and communicating with the director and ensemble members. The staff is the communication link

between the members and the director.

Section Leaders

Student leaders are held to high standards of performance and behavior. They are to be positive role models for all

members at all times. The section leaders are appointed by the director and instructional staff. There is one section

leader for the mallet section and one section leader for the battery section. These section leaders are often the most

experience players and demonstrate leadership qualities in everything they do. Section leaders are responsible for

efficient operations of their sections. They help maintain discipline within their sections, serve as positive role models,

provide individualized instruction and assist staff as needed. The section leader can micro-manage small problems that

come up within their sections to maintain efficiency in operations of the entire ensemble.

Members

The members are all of the performing students in the ensemble. They are to report to their section leaders.

Responsibilities of the members are simple: be punctual and focused at rehearsals and understand and apply

information and instruction given by staff or section leaders. Members are their own leaders and will develop leadership

and problem-solving skills through experience. Members are expected to give 100% effort to the group at all times. The

dedication and participation of the members in the rehearsal is expected and will be directly related to the success of

the ensemble.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parents are the essential key to success for the students, the percussion ensemble and overall music program. Support

your students through encouragement and positive feedback. With classes, homework, extra-curricular activities,

rehearsals, work and more, students can easily feel overwhelmed. You can help by setting up homework schedules and

maintaining a positive atmosphere.

Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend any and all events the percussion ensemble participates in. We greatly

appreciate any help of any kind to the program. Many parents ask what their roles can be in the activity. In conjunction

with the Spring Grove Music Booster organization, there are many things for parents to do, and without their help, our

program would not be able to function. Here are some areas that we always need help in.

Pit Crew/Equipment Handlers

Trying to pack two competitive groups (our indoor guard) and them to and from a competition to perform is no small

task. We use a trailer to transport all of our equipment and props. The trailer has to be loaded and unloaded to and from

the competition. We also need help getting each group on and off the gym floor to compete. We are under strict time

limits that include getting everything into the gym, performing, and getting everything out of the gym—all within a very

small timeframe.

Prop builders and Equipment repairs

We usually need to have things made for our shows such as platforms, backdrops, carts, props, etc. There are also times

when our equipment breaks down and we need some extra elbow grease to get the job done. If you are good with a

hammer, saw, nail gun, screw drive, paintbrush, please let us know. We will have some projects for you to work on!

Spectators and Supporters

IT is always more fun to perform before a loud crowd of supporters than a “polite” audience. The more family and

friends we have in the audience, the more exciting it is for the members. We also ask that you support your child’s

interest in the activity. It takes up a lot of time, but it is a worthwhile activity that cultivates beyond the academic

classroom.

THE “A’S” OF SUCCESS

ATTENDANCE • If you attend rehearsals consistently, you will fulfill your potential for improvement, for reaching the

goal of being the best that you can possibly be.

ATTITUDE • When your attitude is consistently positive and objective, and you are eager to learn despite the challenges

that may arise, you can — and will — achieve the goals you set for yourself and Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble sets

for itself as an ensemble.

AWARENESS • Always be aware of yourself in your surroundings. Understand that you are an essential, yet very small,

piece of a much larger puzzle. Know your role. Demonstrate consistently that you understand your responsibilities.

Doing those things will enhance your day to day experience. You will earn much more than you think by simply being

aware of what’s happening outside your own little world. How well you integrate yourself into the larger effort will

determine the ultimate progression and success of the group.

ABILITY • In the end, your actual performance ability, as opposed to your potential, will be the direct result of the level

of your commitment to the A’s. Your ability improves in proportion to your attendance, to your attitude and to your

awareness. As a member of the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble, you will be measured against those A’s. They are

your standard. Your degree of success will reflect how well you’ve mastered them.

- All members will be held to all instruction given. It is your job to apply the changes given by your instructors, and

maintain them, as you are inevitably going to receive more and more instruction throughout the season.

- All technical comments (i.e. instruction given in regards to the way you are playing/your hands) are to be applied

all season long.

The Mental Approach

The proper mental approach is easy to explain, but difficult to develop.

The following points are the keys to finding your way into it.

Keep your mind open and your attitude positive.

Be ready to concentrate collectively (remember: ensemble) on the same thing for extended periods of time.

Discipline yourself.

Know the program.

Understand the program.

Apply the program.

WEBSITE AND TWITTER

Please visit the percussion ensemble page at http://www.sgasd.org//Domain/255 for more information about

competitions and times. . Lots of important information can be found on the website! For quick updates and

reminders, please follow us on Twitter @SGPercussion.

http://www.sgasd.org/Domain/255

2013-2014 SPRING GROVE PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Date Start Time End Time Event

DECEMBER 2013

Wednesday 11th 6:00pm 8:00pm 6:00-6:30- Parent Meeting in the HS Choral Room (Regular Rehearsal for members in the Band Room)

JANUARY 2014

Wednesday 8th 6:00pm 8:00pm Rehearsal in the High School Band Room


Saturday 18th 9:00am 2:00pm MINI CAMP in the High School Band Room

Wednesday 22nd 6:00pm 8:00pm Rehearsal in the High School Band Room


FEBRUARY


Saturday 8th TBA TBA SPRING GROVE HOME SHOW!



Wednesday 26th NO REHEARSAL (Go See the Musical!)…and practice

MARCH


Saturday 8th TBA TBA HEMPFIELD PERFORMANCE




APRIL

Wednesday 2nd 6:00pm 8:00pm Rehearsal in the High School Band Room

Saturday 5th TBA TBA NORTHERN PERFORMANCE

Monday 7th 6:00pm 8:00pm Rehearsal in the High School Band Room


Wednesday 23rd 6:00pm 8:00pm Rehearsal in the High School Band Room

Saturday 26th TBA TBA CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE @ HEMPFIELD

Permission for Participation and Emergency Care Percussion Ensemble 2013

Print neatly Student’s Name: Date of birth:

Student resides with: Address:

Home Phone:

Student Email: Parent/Household Email:

Father’s Name: Work Phone: , Cell:

Mother’s Name: Work Phone: , Cell:

In case of emergency, if neither parent can be reached, please contact:

. Phone :

Relationship to Student:_________________________________________________________

Medical Insurance:_____________________________________________________________

Policy or Card #_______________________________________________________________

Student has a medical history of: _________________________________________________

Allergies (Including Food):_______________________________________________________

Physician’s Name: _____________________________________Phone:

Prescription and/or Over the Counter Medicines regularly taken:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Date of last tetanus shot:__________________________ May we give the student acetaminophen (Tylenol)? _______________________ For headache or minor pain – We will not administer aspirin or ibuprofen to any student. My child, ________________________, has permission to participate in percussion ensemble activities. The chaperone for these activities has my permission, in an emergency if I cannot be reached, to administer the above medications, and to take my child to the emergency room of a hospital at my expense, and the hospital and medical staff have my authorization to provide treatment which a physician deems necessary for the well being of my child. I understand that all medications traveling with students must be in original bottles/containers, in a sealable clear plastic bag with student's name printed on the bag and in the possession of a staff member. Signature of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________Date:__________________

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO MR. BUPP by 1/8/2014

Spring Grove Area School District

Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble

Mr. Bupp and Mr. Showalter

[email protected] & Phone: 225-4731, 1539

[email protected] & Phone: 225-4731, 7606


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Student’s Name:_____________________________________

Parents, please review these points with your student. Please initial next to each of the items below to indicate

your understanding of each item.

Student Initials

Parent Initials

Expectation of Policy

1. I understand the expectations for rehearsal and competition attendance (p. 2 -3).

2. I understand the expectations of conduct at competitions and how am I to represent the ensemble, school district, and community (p.3).

3. I have received a copy of the “Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal and Performance Schedule” and have noted these dates on my family and work calendars. (p. 8).

4. I understand the expectations that of conduct while traveling on the bus to and from competitions (p. 4).

5. I understand the roles of leadership within the ensemble (p.5).

6. I have recorded the contact information for my director.

7. I understand that my commitment to the ensemble will last for the entire season.

I have read and understand the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble Handbook and am aware of my responsibilities

as a member of the Spring Grove Percussion Ensemble. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in

removal from the ensemble.

_______________________________ ______ ______________________________ ______

Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date

Please return to Mr. Bupp by January 8, 2014.

spring grove percussion ensemble · 2013-11-25 · the percussion ensemble is a co-curricular...

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