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Valley Center High School

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

DEPARTMENT

PARENT AND STUDENT BAND HANDBOOK

2016-2017

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Dear Parent and Students:

Congratulations on becoming a member of the 2016-2017 Valley

Center High School Hornet Band. The commitment of the individual members

of any organization is vital to its success. Likewise, the Valley Center Music

Program has a commitment to insure the success of every student, maximizing

their potential as a musician and individual. Our goal is to maintain a music

program of the highest quality. The cornerstone of success is discipline and

work ethic, which is fostered through our student leadership, positive attitude,

and determination. As a member of the VC Music Program you are a part of

one of the school’s largest and most important organizations. Your commitment

to excellence is crucial to our success. We hope this year proves to be even

more successful as we continue to build our program not only for today, but for

the future.

You and your family will need to become familiar with the information

contained in the following pages. The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint

and inform all parents and students in the instrumental music program with the

features, policies, rules, and regulations of our organization. This information

will guide you in your journey to becoming a positive contributor to our music

program. We are looking forward to another incredible year! This handbook

may not answer all of your questions; therefore, feel free to contact Mr.

Verboom or Ms. Jolly and they will be happy to assist you. You have the

opportunity to make a crucial difference in the life of your child by supporting

their efforts, not only in music, but in all of the academic areas. As a parent,

you can help us in the “band world” by:

- Becoming fully aware of all scheduled events pertaining to the VC

Band

- Encouraging your student to communicate conflicts with ASAP.

- Reiterating the ideals and policies as stated in this handbook.

- Becoming an active member of the VC Band-Aide.

Let’s make this year a year in which the tradition of excellence continues!!!

Amanda Jolly Jan Verboom

Director of Bands Director of Bands

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What is the purpose of Instrumental Music?

We Play Life

Music is a basic part of all civilized cultures. It is a primary goal of the

VC Instrumental Music Program to offer students the opportunity to gain

a lifelong skill and develop a sense of responsibility to themselves and an

organization. The VC Instrumental Music Program fosters an idea of

competition as inherent to anything worthwhile. Competition is an act,

coming ultimately from a desire to succeed. People compete with their

grades, in sports, for popularity, in business...and in many other areas of

life. Competition is a huge part of society, and has both its good points,

and negative ones to how it affects the community and individuals. How

we orient ourselves towards competition decides whether or not it is

healthy or unhealthy.

Healthy Competition Provides:

- The promotion of sportsmanship and teamwork

- Builds self-esteem and prepares children for life

- Helps people to learn strengths and set goals

- Teaches discipline and self-motivation

- Reduces anxiety and depression

- Forges friendships and builds character

- Develops problem solving and leadership skills

Why Do We Teach Music?

It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor’s score

is a chart, a graph that indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes,

melody, and harmony all at one time with the most exact control of time.

MUSIC IS...

MATHEMATICAL

It is rhythmically based on the subdivision of time into fractions, which

must be done instantaneously, not worked out on paper.

A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

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Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French and the notation is

certainly not English, but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses

symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music are the most

complete and universal phenomenon.

HISTORY

Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often

even country and ethnic background.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips, cheeks,

and facial muscles in addition to extraordinary control of the

diaphragmatic back, stomach, and cheek muscles, which respond

instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.

MUSIC IS ALL OF THESE THINGS, BUT MOST OF ALL

MUSIC IS ART.

It allows a human being to take all these dry, technical, boring, yet

difficult techniques and use them to create emotion. That is one thing

science cannot duplicate... Humanism, feeling, emotion...call it what you

will. That is why we teach music! NOT because we expect you to major

in music. NOT because we expect you to play or sing all your life.

NOT so you can relax or have fun.

BUT...

So you will be human, so you will recognize beauty, so you will be

sensitive, so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world, so you

will have something to cling to, so you will have more love, more

compassion, more gentleness, more good....

In Short...More Life.

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~ GENERAL INFORMATION ~

All rules, policies, and procedures found within the VCHS Student

Handbook will be respected and enforced.

-Members are required to follow the policies, rules, and regulations of

the Valley Center Public Schools and the VC Instrumental Music

Program. School rules and policies are in force at all times that a

member is directly or indirectly involved in any activity sponsored by

or in the name of the Valley Center Public Schools. School policy shall

have priority over instrumental music policy. The use of tobacco,

alcohol, or drugs is strictly prohibited during band and school activities.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in administrative action

and dismissal from the band program. Instrumental music directors

have the authority to amend any instrumental music policy at any time.

- Band is a CO-CURRICULAR class. You receive a grade for your

work, and credit toward graduation. We are part of the Regents

curriculum! We maintain an extensive outside of school performance

schedule in addition to classroom obligations. Since performance is part

of our academic process, students should expect to perform as part of

their grade.

Valley Center Band Aide Parent Organization:

The Valley Center Band Aide is a volunteer parent service organization

dedicated to supporting the VC Instrumental Music Program by

providing financial support (through fundraising), personnel support, and

assisting the directors with various activities throughout the year. They

generally meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month in the high school band

room at 7:00 pm. More information about the Band Aide can be found by

on the VCHS Band website. Anyone interested in joining the Band-Aide

or assisting with various VC band functions should contact Ms. Jolly,

Mr. Verboom, or Band-Aide President Eddie Ciesielski for more

information.

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~ ENSEMBLES ~

Marching Band:

The Marching Band performs at all home and state playoff football

games. This ensemble also performs at different competitions, festivals,

and parades throughout the year. The marching band reaches the largest

audiences of any ensemble throughout the year, representing our school,

community and instrumental music program in the state of Kansas and

beyond.

**Due to the nature of the marching band activity, extra rehearsals will

be utilized throughout the season. Monday evening rehearsals for the

FULL ENSEMBLE will be held weekly from 6:30-8:30, at VCHS,

unless notified otherwise. Thursday morning rehearsals will be held prior

to school at 7:15am, as well as on Game Day Fridays and

Festival/Competition weekends. Rehearsals begin promptly at the stated

time; students must arrive early in order to gather instruments/music/etc.

TO BE EARLY IS TO BE ON TIME, TO BE ON TIME IS TO BE

LATE! The only excused absences for rehearsals will be school related

activities or if a student is out of town. Work, babysitting, or not having a

ride are examples of unexcused absences and will result in a zero for that

particular rehearsal.

Drum line and Color guard:

The Drum line and Color guard are part of the VCHS Marching Band

and have their own rehearsal schedule in addition to practices with the

entire band. The Color guard is a visual representation of the music on

the football field, using the elements of expression, interpretive dance,

and their equipment to tell a story. The Color guard performs at all

venues in which the marching band performs. Prospective members who

are not members of the band will continue to work on dance, equipment,

and musical fundamentals once the marching season comes to an end,

and will also serve as classroom aides should the need arise. Week-long

auditions take place during the spring and are required for both Drum

line and Color guard. All prospective members must audition, even if

they were accepted the previous year.

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Wind Ensemble and Concert Band

The Valley Center Instrumental Music Program has two successful

concert ensembles; the Wind Ensemble and the Concert Band. The

concert band season begins at the conclusion of the marching band

season in mid to late October. Students focus on the fundamentals of

their instrument and will learn through playing different styles of concert

band music and wind literature. Auditions will be held to determine chair

placement; audition material consists of the All-District music that is

given out to students prior to their scheduled auditions, as well as scales.

Students wishing to access the music at an earlier date can go to

www.ksmea.org and look up the music on the State Audition music link.

All students will audition for each ensemble; there is no preference

given to upperclassmen for placement in the Wind Ensemble.

Pep Band:

The Pep Band performs at all home and state playoff basketball games.

Pep Band is open to all members of the band without an audition, with

the exception of set players, pianists, and bass players. Due to the nature

of those instruments and the limited number of spots, an audition is

required to decide membership. Rehearsals are only held for the month

prior to the first basketball game and occur three times/week after school

during this time period. This ensemble performs crowd favorites and is

responsible for providing a supportive and spirit filled atmosphere at the

basketball games. *There are extra fees associated with this activity.

Jazz Ensemble:

The Jazz Ensemble meets during 2nd hour each day of the school year.

This ensemble focuses on jazz fundamentals and various musical styles

such as funk, swing, rock, etc... Specific focus is placed on solo

performance, improvisation, and stylistic characteristics specific to the

jazz idiom.

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~ ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ~

District and State Honor Ensembles:

All VCHS band students are eligible to audition for the SCKMEA

District Jazz and Concert Bands. These auditions occur in early October

and November. Freshman through seniors may audition for district, but

only sophomores and up are eligible to audition for state jazz, band, or

orchestra. It is an extreme honor to be part of these ensembles and

students gain the experience of a lifetime as they have the opportunity to

work with some of the best music educators and conductors in the

country. Audition materials are available from Ms. Jolly or Mr.

Verboom, or may be found on the KMEA website. Sign-up sheets are

posted in September for all those interested in auditioning.

Solos and Small Ensembles:

During the spring semester, VCHS Band students can choose to

participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students choose solos and/or

participate in small ensembles that perform first at the SCKMEA District

Solo and Ensemble Festival, and then at KMEA State Solo and Ensemble

Festival if the soloist or ensemble receives a I (Superior) Rating. Small

ensembles consist of groups from three to twenty members. This is a

fantastic to way to improve on one’s instrument, as well as be exposed to

different types of literature.

Other Honor Ensembles (Sousa Band, WYO, etc.)

There are a number of non-KMEA or non-KSHSAA sponsored honor

ensembles that take place locally, regionally, or on a state level. We

strongly encourage participation in these ensembles; however, the VCHS

Band Program, Band Aide, and USD 262 will not be held financially

responsible for any fees (entry, travel, or otherwise) associated with the

ensemble.

~ DISTRICT FEES ~

-Marching Band Uniforms: $10 per person for uniform cleaning

(excludes color guard)

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-District Owned Instruments: NEW IN 2015-2016. Board approved, $20/month-district instrument rental fee (anyone using a school owned

instrument or equipment, including percussionists). Please note that this

covers normal “wear and tear” only (examples: sticky valves, replacing pads

every 4-5 years, broken drum heads, loose or missing screws. If a student is

found misusing or damaging a school instrument beyond what would be

considered normal (examples: dropping the instrument-don’t let those

“accidents” happen!, sitting on an instrument, leaving it in an extremely hot

or extremely cold car (causes major damage to woodwind pads and brass

valves) throwing or otherwise being rough with the instrument), the financial

obligations for repair fall to the student and his/her family. **This is a board

approved, district fee that was implemented during the summer of 2015.

Exceptions may be granted for students qualifying for free or reduced lunch;

these requests must be submitted in writing to Jamie Lewis and Cory

Gibson. Please direct any further questions to Central Office.

~ UNIFORMS ~ Marching Band:

Check IN/OUT Procedures:

- Uniforms are issued to all marching band members except color guard

during the week after band camp. Students unable to attend check out

must contact the band directors to make proper arrangements for

obtaining a uniform. A Valley Center Band Show Shirt is also required.

VCHS supplies each student with a marching uniform, (bibbers, jacket)

a hanger, duffel bag, rain overcoat, shako, and shako box. All members

are responsible for obtaining black MTX marching shoes, black socks,

and black gloves. Ms. Jolly and Mr. Verboom will order shoes and

gloves upon receiving sizes and payments from the students. Returning

band members may use the shoes and gloves purchased from previous

years as long as they are in good condition. When purchasing shoes

and gloves, checks should be made out to VCHS.

- Uniforms must be returned and checked in before the end of the FALL

SEMESTER. A uniform check in date will be scheduled and shared

with all students. If a student is notified that damage beyond normal

wear is found on their uniform the student and parent/guardian will be

billed for the repair or replacement of the uniform. Senior students

who have been billed for repair damages or the cost to replace the

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item(s) must pay prior to Graduation Day. School policy states

that students with outstanding balances will not be allowed to walk

at Graduation.

Do’s and Dont’s

- Hemming – Our uniforms come with snaps that adjust the length of

bibbers and jackets. Uniforms should NOT be hemmed under any

circumstances unless permission is given by a director!

- Cleaning – Uniforms are cleaned at the end of each marching season by

a professional dry cleaner. Students who get a uniform extremely dirty

over the course of the marching season are responsible for getting it

cleaned on their own (dry clean only). Wet or damp uniforms need to

be hung in the open to dry-do NOT close up a wet uniform in a garment

bag!

- The uniform should never be taken home, unless given prior approval

by a Director.

- Remember that the UNIFORM IS A SYMBOL OF THE SCHOOL

AND THE BAND AND SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT.

- Plumes must be returned at the end of each performance.

Concert Band Apparel:

Men (Concert Black Attire)

- Black Slacks or Dress Pants

- Black Dress Shirt

- Black Dress Shoes - MTX Shoes will work

- Black Socks

Women (Concert Black Attire)

-Black Slacks or Dress Pants-NO SKIRTS. If you have a formal, full

length concert dress you may wear that. If you come wearing a skirt or

any other dress, you will not be allowed to perform, and will lose your

performance points.

- Black Dress Shirt or Blouse-no backless shirts, shoulders must be

covered

- Black Dress Shoes - MTX Shoes will work

- Black Socks

NO LOGOS, COLORS OR DEVIATION FROM THIS OF ANY

KIND WILL BE ALLOWED! ALL BLACK ONLY!

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~ EXPECTATIONS/PROCEDURES~

Football Games:

- A graded uniform check will be performed before every game; the

performance begins when we march to the stadium and does not end

until the end of the game. Show shirts MUST be worn under the band

uniform.

- Following the half time performance students will receive 3rd quarter

off. It is imperative that proper behavior and respect for the school,

band and uniform be maintained during this time. The uniform must be

worn properly at ALL times. Jackets remain ON unless otherwise

specified.

- Football players are expected to perform halftime of football games

with the band, unless you are a starter for the evening.

- Students will return to the stands ONE MINUTE PRIOR TO THE

END OF 3RD QUARTER. If this is violated the band will not be

given 3rd quarter off at the next football game.

- ALL students will remain in full uniform and play until the conclusion

of the game, and the entire band will be dismissed as a whole from the

stands.

- Good sportsmanship must be observed. The band is one of the primary

spirit units of the school and will support the team with enthusiasm.

Any negative cheers or comments toward visiting teams or our own

team is strictly forbidden.

- Water will be provided to all band students.

- No trash is to be left in the band section-LIBTYFI!!!Section Leaders

will be responsible for making sure that their sections clean up after

themselves.

Competitions/Parades/Trips/Travel:

- The marching band will attend at least 2 competitions/festivals during

the fall marching season and participate in at least one parade (VC Fall

Festival).

- All band members are required to perform in the parade. Cheerleading

and dance team members are the exception.

- Information about trips will be available online, via letters, and

additional classroom handouts as deemed necessary.

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- When the band travels, we travel together on buses. The general rule is

that we travel to the site together, but you may ride home with parents

once we have finished for the day. Band directors must see the student

and parent together before leaving. All school and band rules are in

effect while on trips-use common sense on the bus and respect all of the

directions given by chaperones, staff, drivers, and directors.

- Bus must be cleaned and clear of all trash BEFORE exiting!

Silence:

- As a matter of self-discipline, respect, and courtesy, talking/playing

stops when the director steps on the podium.

- Listen to all directions and remain focused.

Room Cleanliness:

- Only H2O permitted in the band room. Please eat your breakfast and

keep other drinks in the cafeteria or foyer area. Clean up your trash!

- Store bags, purses, and instrument cases in your cubby or neatly on the

floor out of the way.

- Instruments/music need to be put away at the end of each rehearsal!

- Percussion area must be kept clean AT ALL TIMES. Sticks, mallets,

and auxiliary equipment needs to be put away. Keyboard covers need to

be replaced at the end of each rehearsal.

- Straighten chairs and stands after each rehearsal.

- THIS IS NOT YOUR BEDROOM. Do not leave coats, sweatshirts,

jackets, extra shoes, t-shirts, etc. here in the band room.

- Stack chairs and stands on last day of week.

- LIBTYFI (Leave It Better Than You Found It)

Phone/Electronic Device/Social Media Policy

-Phone/electronic device use is prohibited in class, with the following

exceptions: 1. Drillbook App (marching band) 2. Tuner/metronome (at

the beginning of class only). Failure to follow this policy will result in

one verbal warning, followed by the confiscation of the device for the

remainder of the class period.

-Negative, derogatory, and inappropriate comments regarding VCHS

Staff, ANY VCHS Program or Activity, or an outside band program or

member on any social media platform will not be tolerated.

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Consequences will depend upon the severity, but may include/are not

limited to a meeting with parents/directors/administration, suspension

from the next activity, office referral, or removal from the band program.

Personal Responsibilities

- BE PROFESSIONAL. Be on your best behavior at all times.

Cooperate with whoever is in charge of your group. During rehearsal

we work hard and we play hard.

- KEEP ALL GRADES UP. It is your responsibility to maintain

academic eligibility so you may participate in all activities. KSHSAA guidelines must be followed and upheld. If you cannot

participate with the band, everyone is affected. Your actions have

ramifications on the entire band.

- Strive to be your best 100% of the time. Your effort directly affects the

efficiency of rehearsals and performances.

- Only instrumental music students should enter the band room. Do not

ask someone else to pick up your instrument from the band room unless

it is your parent or guardian.

- BE RESPECTFUL. Respect all members of the program including,

other members, volunteers, Ms. Jolly, Mr. Verboom, staff members,

and most importantly yourself.

Local Music Stores:

Senseney Music Inc. Damm Music Center

2300 E. Lincoln 8995 W. Central

Wichita, KS. 67211 Wichita, KS 67212

316-262-1487 316-773-9060

Wichita Band Instrument Co.

2525 E. Douglas

Wichita, KS. 67211

316-684-0291

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~LETTERING INFORMATION ~

- Letters will be made available for those who qualify by accumulating a

total of 12 points. Points will accumulate over the course of 4 years.

- Points shall be distributed as follows:

1. Obtaining a leadership position - 1 pt. per year.

2. Being selected for All District - 1 pt. per year.

a. .5 - auditioning

3. Being selected for All State - 2pts. per year.

a. .5 - auditioning

4. Regional Solo/Ensemble Performance - per year.

a. I Rating - 1 pt.

b. II Rating - .5 pt.

5. State Solo/Ensemble Performance - per year.

a. I Rating - 2 pts.

b. II Rating - 1 pt.

6. Receiving Private Instruction - 1pt. per year.

7. Participating in Summer Music Programs/Camps - 1 pt. per year.

8. Local Area Honor Ensembles - 1 pt. per year.

9. Jazz Band/Pep Band - 1 pt. per year.

10. Directors may assign points for various other student

participations/actions.

Fundraising:

- Each year the VC Instrumental Music Program will hold a number of

fundraisers. These fundraisers assist in offsetting the costs of specific

expenses that the band may accrue. These fundraisers make it possible

for the band to function at a high level without charging student fees.

Student participation in fundraisers is necessary to further the band

experience.

- Individual student accounts are maintained for all participating students

in grades 9 through 12. Any student in these grades may accumulate

funds in their account by participating in various fundraisers. Profit

will be credited to individual accounts to offset the costs of expenses

based on particular equations per fundraiser.

- Primary fundraisers held annually are:

*Cookie dough

*Car Washes

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*Rusty Eck Ford Car Raffle (goes through Nov. 1, 2016)

Tickets are $10 each. Half goes to student account, half to

general fund.

~ STUDENT LEADERSHIP ~ For any organization to be successful its members must assume a certain

degree of ownership. Only when the members realize that it is they

themselves that are in control of the band, will they learn what it is to

be an independent musician. The student leaders of the VCHS band

consist of Drum Majors, Section Leaders, and Leadership Team. We can

only build success if we continue to have outstanding student leadership.

Student leaders are expected to be the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Good leaders look for jobs that need doing; they do not wait to be asked.

Good leaders know that respect comes from peers only when it is earned.

The leadership team should strive to always set an example by their

behavior.

Drum Majors:

- Drum Majors assume leadership roles in all marching performances of

the Valley Center Marching Band. Auditions for these positions are

held in the spring and awarded to the students who best demonstrate

leadership and musicianship. Drum Majors are required to attend a

Drum Major Camp or Academy each summer.

Section Leaders:

- The section leaders assume leadership roles in their sections. These

positions are awarded to the individuals who demonstrate leadership

and dedication to the band program. Interviews are held in the spring at

the end of the school year. Their responsibilities include, but are not

limited to, scheduling sub-sectionals, tracking attendance, distributing

new music, and rotating music parts.

~ SCHOLARSHIPS/AWARDS ~

It is no doubt that the study of music brings a great deal of joy into an

individual’s life, and provides that individual with a certain set of skills

necessary to be successful in today’s world. Students that graduate from

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the VCHS Instrumental Music Program have many college scholarship

opportunities. Colleges are always anxious to award scholarships to

instrumental students who have a good fundamental background in

music. Students do not need to be music majors in order to take

advantage of scholarship opportunities as well. Many colleges offer

stipends to students who simply participate in the university marching

and pep bands. The hard work each student puts forth WILL pay off in

the future. Please feel free to inquire at any time concerning the

availability of scholarships.

In addition to numerous scholarships offered by various universities

throughout the nation, VCHS offers a music scholarship as well.

Information concerning this scholarship can be found by visiting the VC

Instrumental Music Program website. (http://vcbands.webs.com)

Scholarships:

George Naylor Instrumental Music Scholarship

- A one time award of $500.00 given each year to a graduating senior

who plans to continue the study of music in college. Students enrolling

as a music major will receive first priority for this scholarship-if this is

not applicable, the scholarship will be opened up to those planning to

participate in music at the collegiate level. This scholarship is awarded

by a panel of judges, with at least one administrator on the panel. The

VCHS Band-Aide reserves the right to not award the scholarship at any

time, if the appropriate criteria is not met.

Awards:

- John Phillip Sousa Award: Created in 1955, the award honors the top

student in a high school band and recognizes superior musicianship and

outstanding dedication. The recipient of this award must be a senior

and is chosen by fellow band members.

- Louis Armstrong Award: Created in 1974, this award honors the top

jazz musician in a high school jazz band and recognizes superior

musicianship and outstanding dedication. The recipient of this award

must be a senior and is chosen by fellow jazz band members.

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- Outstanding Classmen Awards: These awards honors a member of

the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior classes who has demonstrated

dedication, hard work, and musicianship. The recipients of these

awards are chosen by fellow band members.

- Hornet Service Award: This awards a senior who throughout their

high school band career has provided a great deal of service, dedication,

and enthusiastic support for the organization.