Table of Contents

Attendance ...................…...................page 6

Awards .........................…..................page 16

Band Camp Information……………..page 9

Class Expectations/Procedures………page 4-5

Concert Season ............…...................page 15

Course Offerings ...........….................page 3

Grading Policy………………………page 6

Marching Band .............…..................page 8-9

Medical and Parent forms ...................page 17

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STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Congratulations on your decision to be part of the fine tradition that is the Strongsville High School Marching Mustangs! In order to help band members and parents understand their areas of responsibility, a statement of policy is noted. Becoming familiar with this handbook will help each student understand the opportunities available to them through the participation in the Strongsville Ensembles as well as becoming aware of the “Do’s and Don’ts” of the band. Any rule and regulation contained in this handbook is in addition to regular school rules and policies. Please read the entire book and save it for future reference.

The band program at Strongsville forms a vital and important part of the total high school experience. This group represents a quality, colorful, visible and highly disciplined segment of the school.

There are many “main” purposes of the band from musicianship and pride of accomplishment, to citizenship, tradition, morale, spirit, and loyalty. Students must learn to budget their time and discipline themselves to excel not only in band, but other classwork and activities as well. “Responsibility” is a key word in the vocabulary of a Strongsville Band member.

I am very excited as the new director to begin this next chapter of the Strongsville Marching Mustangs. There is such a great tradition here that was built over a long time and we will work hard to continue that tradition.

Mr. Brian KingDirector of Bandsbking@strongnet.org

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Instrumental Course Offerings

Here is an overview and explanation of our programs structure and course descriptions.Wind, Symphonic, and Concert band are by audition only. All freshmen that didn’t audition into an upper band are automatically in freshman band. All Bands combine to be the Marching Mustangs. If you are in band you are automatically part of the marching band as it is part of the course.

CURRENT COURSE OFFERINGS

Wind Ensemble: 1 Honors Credit - This course meets daily and consists of marching band in the first quarter and wind ensemble the second, third and fourth quarters. Literature performed in this ensemble is difficult high school to college music. Because of this, students should be taking private lessons. These students are very serious about improving their musical abilities; therefore, most of these students have invested in professional quality musical instruments. Students must be dedicated and willing to put in extra time preparing their music and are required to attend after school rehearsals and sectionals that are scheduled. Students perform at every football game and between three and five concerts during concert season as well as district and state competition. Solo/Ensemble participation is required. Private Lessons are strongly recommended.

Symphonic Band: 1 Credit - This course meets daily and consists of marching band in the first quarter and symphonic band the second, third and fourth quarters. Literature performed in this ensemble is a medium difficulty level to difficult high school. Symphonic Band members should invest in a professional quality instrument and private lessons are strongly recommended. Students must be dedicated and willing to put in extra time preparing their music and are required to attend all after school sectionals and rehearsals as scheduled. This group serves for many students preparation for the Wind Ensemble. Students perform at every football game and between three and five concerts during concert season as well as district and state competition.

Concert Band: 1 Credit - This course meets daily and consists of marching band in the first quarter and concert band the second, third and fourth quarters. Literature performed in this ensemble is easy high school level to a medium difficulty level. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. A considerable amount of time is spent on technical exercises in order to improve the musical abilities of these students and serves for many students as preparation for the higher-level ensembles. Students perform at every football game and between three and five concerts during concert season as well as district, state, and solo/ensemble competitions.

Freshman Band: 1 Credit - This course meets daily and consists of marching band in the first quarter and freshman band the second, third and fourth quarters. There may be additional performances including festivals and contests. Literature performed in this ensemble is early high school level, as we will be refining music fundamentals and rehearsal skills. Students perform at every football game and between three and five concerts during concert season as well as district, state, and solo/ensemble competitions. Private lessons are strongly encouraged especially on switch over instruments.

Jazz Band: Extracurricular - Schedule to be determined in the fall. They perform jazz, latin, fusion, and some rock. An emphasis on jazz improvisation and ensemble playing is rehearsed, and the group usually performs at concerts, various jazz festivals, and special events throughout the area.

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Pep Band: Extracurricular - This group performs at all home varsity boys basketball games. They perform marching style music and other selected pieces. In the past, they have performed at special functions and events such as Cleveland Cavs games.

There is a marching uniform maintenance fee of $48.00* which takes care of end of season dry cleaning and up keep. Those students who use a school owned instrument will also be assessed a $25.00 maintenance fee. This fee is used to offset some of the repair costs for these instruments. Flag team members must purchase certain parts to their uniform at a cost found later in this handbook.

*$48 for marching uniform $15 for tuxedo rental. See uniforms pages 8 & 13

Class Expectations

Classroom Rules Absolutely NO TALKING when the teacher/staff/leadership is working. On a rehearsal cut-off, all playing stops instantly. Electronic Devices are to be kept out of sight. Be on time to class, rehearsals and performances. (BE EARLY) No food, drinks, or gum except water is permitted in the band room. Be prepared for class (includes a working instrument, oil/reeds/sticks, music folder Pencil, drill charts)

Consequenceso Detention – Detentions will be a half hour long with me. I will let you know where and when they will

be held. If you miss a detention, you will receive a referral. Most will never get a detention as long as you adhere to the classroom rules listed above.

o I want us to handle all classroom rule issues between us. I will save calling your parents or sending you to the office as a last resort or if an all school rule is violated.

Disciplinary Plan

One of the most unpleasant tasks of any teacher is the necessity to take disciplinary action against a student. Strongsville High School Band operates on a tradition of excellence and much pride. There are very few rules, as we try to operate on the idea that everyone will do their best at all times. When working with a large number of students it is necessary to have certain criteria that each member is expected to follow. The students are made aware of these and it is their responsibility to follow them. It is my responsibility to insure fairness in the criteria and in any action if said criteria is not followed.

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Rehearsal and Classroom Procedures

Follow all classroom Rules (see classroom rules)

To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late. Arrive around 10-15 minutes early to allow time to get your instrument out and get to your spot before we begin so we can take attendance and start on time. This will be strictly enforced. Parents plan on picking up students 15 minutes after rehearsal.

All instruments are to be kept in the storage areas and lockers. A combination lock that you provide must be used at all times.

Music and folders are to be left in the cabinets only. When you take your music home to practice, please bring it back to the cabinet in the morning so I can coordinate passing out music.

Percussion equipment should always be put away neatly and stored in its proper place. The percussion room will be neat and organized.

Proper dress is required for all performances and rehearsals. Marching band rehearsals require athletic wear type clothing. Athletic shoes (shoes that you can tie and run in) and socks are required for all rehearsals. No sandals, flip-flops, etc.… any time, you may be asked to sit on the sideline and will lose points for that rehearsal. Check the weather and dress appropriately as the weather changes.

Be proactive about the schedule. Please email or call me before you schedule a doctor’s appointment/vacation if you are unsure if we have a rehearsal or performance. Better to check first.

You may use the practice rooms during study halls and free periods during the school day under the following guidelines:

1. Students may only come down if a music director is present and has given a pass.2. Gum chewing, candy, food, beverages (except water), are not permitted in practice rooms.3. Please do not abuse the pianos or set anything on the pianos.

Vandalism with regards to instruments, equipment, music, and school property will not be tolerated. Offenders will be held financially responsible and face school discipline. Please remember there are video surveillance cameras throughout the music department.

ATTENDANCE5

By virtue of being a member of the Strongsville Band Program, you have placed an obligation not only to yourself but also to the entire organization. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is Mandatory!!! There are very few excused absences and they must be cleared well in advance with Mr. King. Many times in large groups, the tendency is to think that one person missing isn’t going to make that much of a difference. In a musical group (marching band) that is not true! When someone is missing the sound is different and it makes it very difficult to work on the choreography/drill. We cannot teach what is not there. You receive academic credit for these classes and the performance is the “Test”. For these reasons, we have a very strict attendance policy and it will affect a student’s grade. Please take the time to read and understand the attendance policy.

A written request must be submitted at the earliest possible time for the director’s consideration. An unexcused absence from a rehearsal will be reflected in the grade and/or possible suspension from the group. Three tardies equal one unexcused absence. An unexcused absence from a performance may result in dropping two letter grades and possible suspension from the group. In extreme circumstances a project to be designed by Mr. King can be done to make up the missed performance to recoup some points.

A schedule of all known performances and marching rehearsals for 2015-2016 is included in this book. Please mark your calendar and do not lose this information. All students are responsible for the dates listed. Also dates are posted at www.strongnet.org. Go to the SHS music Department Website at www.strongnet.org/hs/site/default.asp then click on “Music” under departments.

Reasons accepted for an excused absence:1. Illness with doctor's note2. Death in family3. Family emergency (please specify)4. Reasons stated in the SHS student handbook/ planner

In either case a note must be given a week prior to the absence. In an emergency situation a note afterwards explaining the emergency is sufficient.

Reasons NOT accepted for an excused absence:1. Work2. Concerts, movies, professional sporting events, club sports, vacations, etc.…3. Detention 4. SAT, ACT testing or College visits or/auditions (these can be scheduled at other times)5. Evening courses that conflict with concerts/ rehearsals.6. Alarm clock didn’t go off7. Reasons stated in the SHS handbook/ planner

Parents can help us by not scheduling vacations, doctor's appointments, driver’s education and other activities that could be changed. We realize that sometimes these cannot be avoided, but your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated and help us run a quality organization. Students with excused absences must make up missed rehearsals and performances by playing their assigned music for the director. If it is an UNEXCUSED absence there will be no make up assignment given.

Contest

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We participate in OMEA District and State contests each spring. Those dates are posted on the calendar of this booklet. We do not know exactly which day or time we perform until a few weeks prior so keep both dates open for each contest. Failure to do so will result in a “0” for a grade and there is NO make up assignment for contests.

Class Cut and Tardy Policy

The student will be considered TARDY for class if he/she is not in his/her seat by the designated beginning of rehearsal. All students should be in the music room by the second bell. Failure to do so will result in being marked tardy in accordance to the school attendance policy.

Class cuts will not be tolerated. Students will be reported as cutting if they are not where they are supposed to be. (Example: practice rooms, instrumental storage, or music hall without director’s prior knowledge)

If you need to use the restroom, ask the director before rehearsal so you will not be marked tardy.

Grading Policy

Band is a unique course. It has curricular requirements, just as any other academic discipline, but it also has out-of-class requirements. The strength of our band program is the consolidation of these requirements into one performance based academic course of study. The level of commitment from each individual student is the driving force behind the organization and is reflected in the level of achievement reached by the individual and the program.

The band as an organization provides a medium through which student’s progress academically, musically, and socially. Musicianship, attitude, attendance, punctuality, conduct, and a desire for excellence are absolutely expected from each member of the Strongsville Bands. Few other disciplines in education require the high level of achievement from all participants’ as does musical performance.

Your grade is calculated based on performance in these categories:

Rehearsals – 20%Attendance is required at all rehearsals (see Attendance)Students will be evaluated on:

Following Classroom Rules (See Classroom Rules) Quality of Participation, rehearsal etiquette, evidence of practicing (See Rehearsals and Classroom

Procedures)

Playing Tests and Written Tests 40% This grade may include but is not limited to playing quizzes, music memorization (marching band),

worksheets, and written tests. A written final exam is given every semester.

Performances – 40% Things to consider for performances: were you prepared musically (includes memorization), were you

on time (early), did you have all materials, proper uniform, behavior/attitude. (See Attendance Policy)

USE AND CARE OF MUSIC

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Do not fold, tear or otherwise mutilate music. A lyre/flip folder with extra folio pages will help organize marching music. A concert music folder will be provides to keep sheet music neat and organized.

Absence from school does not relieve students of the responsibility to have the music brought to the rehearsal or performance. See librarians or me before class or right after class.

Use only PENCIL when marking music. Marks should be erased before music is turned in.

Students will be held financially responsible for music that is not cared for properly. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action as well.

Folders will be assigned according to parts and instrumentation. Each folder will be assigned a number that corresponds to a slot in a music folio cabinet.

DO NOT put folders and/or music in your instrument case. Folders and music are not to be stored in instrument lockers.

MARCHING BAND

Here is the Marching Mustang's Chain.

Mr. King

Assistant Directors, Other Instructors

M.B. Band Officers

Squad Leaders

Band Members

Marching Band Camp/Summer Commitments

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Parade Rehearsals on July 13th and 14th from 7-9 p.m. Homecoming Parade on July 15th at 6:00 p.m.Percussion and Flag Camp are to be determined. Check the website calendar often for updates.Leadership Camp for Officers and Squad Leaders takes place on July 22nd from 8:00 a.m. to noon.Freshman plus Leadership takes place July 23rd and July 24th from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Marching Band Camp takes place from July 28 through August 7 2015. We will be rehearsing between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each weekday during this period (August 6th and 7th is only till noon). We break for lunch from 12-1 p.m. This is MANDATORY! We cannot stress enough how important this camp is. 12% of your first quarter grade will come from band camp attendance. We distribute uniforms, take pictures, teach and memorize the music for shows as well as the drills to go with them. We also write the starting pre game and half-time formations that we use the entire season. If students are missing during this time, it is very difficult to include them! It is also unfair to the students and families who have changed schedules to be present everyday and learn the shows. In the past, most of our problems have occurred when students miss part or all of band camp. When you are dealing with 200 + people, it can be a BIG problem. As a result, students missing camp will be present but not march the first few games. The student's first quarter grade will be affected as stated above. (This does not include school-sponsored in-season sports)

Dress: Wear comfortable clothing. Shorts and T-shirts are fine. Try not to wear black as it canget fairly warm in the sun. Please do not wear "baggy pants", or jeans, as it will hinder propermarching technique. Tennis shoes are required. No Sandals! Please remember... this is not a fashion show.

Music: Students will need a Lyre/Flip folder to keep their music in. They can be found at the local music stores for about five dollars. Get extra folio pages to hold all of your music.

Other items: Sun tan lotion, sunglasses, water bottle is required with your name on it. Hydrate often.

Instrument: Please make sure that your instrument is in good working condition. All slides, valves and keys should be working. Be sure to put your name on your case. Please be careful of other people’s instruments before, during, and after rehearsal. If you are playing a school owned instrument you must sign it out and take responsibility for it. Please treat all instruments with care! They are very costly and need maintenance from time to time. If you use a school owned instrument you are responsible to maintain it.

Band camp is not ALL work. We try to also have some fun! There are periodic breaks during the morning where the officers sell refreshments to help finance our end-of-band camp pool party. We also try to organize fun activities for the afternoons such as our movie night, Swings and Things, or the Marching Mustangs Corn hole tournament to name a few. These activities help relieve the tension and stress of remembering your left foot from your right foot so please do your best to attend and get to know each other outside of rehearsal.

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Fall Sports

We recognize that students participating in fall sports may have a conflict with band activities. However, we expect the fall sports students to participate in band activities and try to miss the same amount of both activities. As varsity football performs at the same time we do, these students do not march with the band. Varsity football players play everyday with the band and are responsible for learning the music. One of the reasons camp starts the last week of July is to minimize athletic conflicts as much as possible. Many times there are cases where students do not make the team and are left without any activities. To avoid this, we like them to participate as much as possible until athletic cuts are made. Band is a full year class, and if the student plans to be enrolled in band they must participate in the marching portion of the class unless they are a member of the varsity football team. It is part of the course. Occasionally we run into conflicts and we resolve them directly with the coaches. Communication is key! If the band is going to be taking a trip and football players want to participate, they MUST participate in the Homecoming Parade in July as well as all rehearsals for the trip itself. We require this so that the student gets some training in marching. These students must also be fitted for a uniform in August.

Uniforms

Every student is issued a marching band uniform during band camp. This garment is made of quality material and will last as long as it is taken proper care of. Each uniform and its parts cost approximately $700.00. Each student and parent must sign a uniform contract, which makes the student, AND parent responsible for the garment and all of its parts. A $48 uniform fee is required at the time the contract is returned.

Due to the construction projects in the music department, uniforms must be taken home this year. Uniform are required to be dry cleaned at least once by mid season. Extra special care must be taken with the uniforms! The uniform must be hung up on a hanger the proper way after every performance so it will pass uniform inspection at the next performance (Especially after rainy night). Failure to pass uniform inspection will result in disciplinary action. Do not leave your uniform in the car or balled up in the corner of your bedroom! The student uniform consists of: jacket, pants, hat, cape, white marching shoes, cords, white gloves, white socks and raincoat.

Students should follow these procedures when wearing their uniforms:

1. Before each performance there will be an inspection by squad leaders, directors and chaperones. This will ensure that each member has all uniform parts and that they are worn properly.

2. All members will have a natural color to their hair for performances. This is essential to the uniform look of the band. Students with long hair must wear it up off the collar tucked into their hat.

2. Jewelry, excessive make-up, and face paint are not considered part of our uniform and are unacceptable. (Auxiliary is permitted to wear make-up).

3. When at a performance, the uniform should be on the student at ALL times. Do not take the jacket and cape off or leave the suspenders hanging down. Under NO circumstances is a band member to give ANY part of their uniform to another student. Disciplinary action will be taken as well as loss of points.

4. Students are in full uniform unless instructed by Mr. King. DO NOT CHANGE ON THE BUS.

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Uniforms Cont’d

5. ALWAYS wear your white marching band t-shirt under your uniform. NO TANK TOPS or rolled up sleeves. This is to protect the lining of the uniform.

6. In cold weather students should wear long underwear, or tight fitting running pants under their uniform. DO NOT wear JEANS under your uniform. You will be asked to change immediately.

7. Summer Uniform: White Shoes (Dinkles), White Long Socks, Band T’Shirt, Khaki Shorts (limited pockets, no short shorts), White tennis shoes

Failure to comply with the above procedures will result in disciplinary action, which include but is not limited to: Loss of third quarter privileges, student not being allowed to perform, student being suspended from a performance, student loss of credit for performance, further school discipline.

When you are in uniform you are representing our band, school and community. Please remember this when we are at football games, festivals or anytime we are in the public eye. Uniforms will be worn at all times in a neat fashion (zipped up jackets, suspenders not hanging down, shirts tucked in) at performances. Those students who do not adhere to this will be subject to disciplinary action and loss of credit.

There is a marching uniform maintenance fee of $48.00* which takes care of end of season dry cleaning and up keep. Those students who use a school owned instrument will also be assessed a $25.00 maintenance fee. This fee is used to offset some of the repair costs for these instruments. Flag team members must purchase certain parts to their uniform at a cost found later in this handbook.

*$48 for marching uniform $15 for tuxedo rental. (See uniforms pages 8 & 13)

Flag Team Uniforms and Fees

The Strongsville Music Boosters will purchase uniforms for the flag team. It will be kept at the high school like all marching uniforms. Flag team members will have to pay for shoes, gloves and any other undergarment for the uniform. Flag team members will also need to purchase a practice pole and flag (approx. $15.00).

Prices are approximate and may change slightly depending on vender.

Warm Up jacket $50.00Fred J. Miller Flag Camp Fee $50.00 to $100.00Unitard $40.00Shoes $65.00Practice Flag/pole $15.00Band Uniform contract fee $20.00Gloves $3.50 pair

The school provides these items:

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Raincoat Strongsville Instrumental Music BoostersUniform Jacket Strongsville Instrumental Music BoostersJumpsuit pants Strongsville Instrumental Music BoostersPerformance Flag Strongsville Instrumental Music BoostersGarment Bag Strongsville Instrumental Music BoostersVarious Props Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters

Due to wear and tear and availability some items might need to be purchased from year to year.

School owned equipment (uniform, poles, flags, raincoats, garment bags and props) is to be returned at seasons end. Students are responsible for and must return the specific equipment and garments that were assigned to them at the beginning of the season. Failure to do so will result in assessment at the replacement cost.

School Owned InstrumentsStudents who use a school instrument are required to sign an instrument contract, which requires them to take responsibility for that instrument. The instrument is issued in playable condition and all defects are noted on the contract. ALL STUDENTS USING SCHOOL EQUIPMENT ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE CARE OF SAID EQUIPMENT AND KEEP IT IN GOOD PLAYING CONDITION. All damage to instruments above normal wear and tear will be assessed to issued party. A $25.00 maintenance fee is required of all students using school instruments.

Rehearsals The marching band meets in four separate sections during the school day according to the four sit down bands. (Wind ensemble, Symphonic, Concert or Freshman Band) Because of this, we need to rehearse outside of school twice a week as one group. These are MANDATORY rehearsals where a lot of the polish is put on the show for that week. These rehearsals are TUESDAYS from 3:00 to 5 p.m. and WEDNESDAYS from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Again, these are the ONLY times during the week that the band meets as one group which makes them extremely important! Tuesday and Wednesday rehearsals are at the high school. Attendance is taken at all rehearsals. If a student misses all or most of Wednesday night's rehearsal they will not march the show that Friday. They will travel with the band in uniform and perform in the stands. Marching Band rehearsals are closed to the public unless permission is granted by the director(s).

Home Games

Home games are played at Pat Catan Stadium behind the high school. The band meets on the side of the school in formation to warm up in uniform and take attendance. We then march up to the stadium to line up for pre game. The high school band room and uniform room are open for students to get their instruments and uniforms. Students are responsible for getting their instrument and uniforms (All Parts!). After the game the band room will be open so students may return their instruments and uniforms for proper storage. ONLY BAND MEMBERS ARE ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING AT THIS TIME.

Away Games

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On days we have away games we will meet earlier so we can change into uniforms, load equipment and board buses. Uniform inspection will take place before boarding the buses. Chaperones will assist with taking attendance. You must ride on the bus you signed up for or that you were assigned to.

Bus behavior must be good at all times. We understand that you are excited before and/or after a game and that your "enthusiasm" can be quite high, but please refrain from screaming on the bus! Our drivers need to be able to concentrate on the road so we can get to our destination and home safely. You are to bring only your music, instrument, and uniform with you on the bus. Do not bring a change of clothes, duffle bags, food, etc. You will not be allowed to enter the bus with these things. Uniform pants are to be kept ON during bus rides!

Parents

We ask that parents who are not designated as chaperones, equipment or uniform helpers, drop off and wait to pick up their students outside. There is a lot going on game day and while we appreciate your enthusiasm, it will help us to stay organized and help things run smoothly. If you are interested in helping out as a chaperone, uniform helper, equipment helper or concession helper please see the SIMB chairperson or Mr. King to sign up for an event! Thank you in advance!

Marching (information (parades) and on the field)

When we are marching to and from stadiums, pre game, half time or parades, it is important that we all concentrate on the matter at hand. Do not talk to the people around you! Pay attention to what is going on in front of you. (You never know when a garbage can, light pole or curb will jump out and hit you!) March correctly. If you take it seriously, others will take you seriously.

Procedures During the Game and in the Stands

Please remember that our performance does not begin and end with halftime. Our performance starts as soon as we get off the bus or enter the stadium and ends when you are dismissed at the end of the evening. People judge us on how we look and sound off the field as well as on. After pre game at home games or when we arrive at away stadiums, we will be sitting in rows. You must be seated at all times with your instrument section. No Wandering. Keep your instrument with you, as we will play in the stands on short notice. This is to give us a better sound when we play, and to give us a more organized look. There will be chaperones at each corner of the band "block" to help students with any problems. Jackets are to be worn at all times unless the head director states otherwise! All band members are not to sit on the ground in uniform (including flag team).

Game Procedures Cont’d

3rd Quarter: This is a privilege for those who deserve it by following all rules. 13

Make sure your instrument is secure and safe before leaving the stands. Do not bring food or drinks back to the bandstand. Do not leave the stadium. Public displays of affection are unacceptable.

You are to be back in your seat ready to play by the time the clock says 2:00 remaining in the 3rd quarter. If you are not back in your seat you will automatically forfeit next week’s 3rd quarter.

Cell PhonesWhere we realize the necessity and convenience of having a cell phone, we do not want students using them during performances or rehearsals. During games they may only use them during third quarter or after the game. If a student is found using a phone any other time it will be taken away and returned at the end of the event.

*There will be NO food allowed in the stands. Third quarter is the time to eat (keep your uniform clean). Water will be provided throughout the game.

We play during time outs, quarter breaks, between plays, and half time. We don’t play when the offensive team is at the line of scrimmage, when a player is injured or when we are so close to the play that it would interfere with the game. Other bands may not follow these guidelines. We are not like other bands! After half-time we will play the fight song for the team as they return to the field, then we dismiss the band for the third quarter to get refreshments, go to the restroom and talk to "civilians" not in the band. All students must be in their seats at the start of the fourth quarter! If you are late, you will lose the privilege for the next game. At the end of the game, we line up the same as when we entered the stadium and march to our buses.

Flag Team

Flag team members are band members and will follow all of the procedures and guidelines discussed in this book.

Auditions will be held the spring of the preceding year.

Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. (See attendance page 5)

Flag team members are responsible for learning routines. You are very visible on the field. Anything less than 100% effort is unacceptable. If you are unable to perform a routine to the satisfaction of the advisor and directors by the previously set deadline, you will be unable to participate in the upcoming performance and any after that until the routine is learned.

Flag team members are responsible for proper care of flags, poles and any other equipment used. Damage beyond normal use will result in the student being charged for replacement of damaged equipment. (Like sitting on flags!)

Flag Team rehearses on Monday and Thursday as well as other scheduled band rehearsals. Because of this, it is impossible to be on the flag team and participate in a fall sport.

CONCERT SEASON

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Auditions

Auditions for placement in Concert, Symphonic, and Wind Ensemble will take place in spring of the preceding year. They are based on musical skills, playing ability and instrumentation. We must distribute by ability and instrumentation across all bands. Scheduling does not dictate which band you are a member of. If you choose to go to Polaris, and it takes you out of SHS during the periods when band is offered, you cannot participate in band.

Uniforms

Uniforms will be distributed after marching season. There will be a maintenance fee ($15.00) for tux rental. Uniforms are as follows:

Gentleman: School provides: Black Tux jacket and pants, bow tie and cummerbund. Student supplies White tux shirt, Black dress shoes, black socks.

Ladies: All Ladies will purchase a green dress for approx. $75.00. This dress is yours to keep throughout high school and you may sell it to underclassmen upon graduation. This will also alleviate the $15 uniform contract fee. Ladies should wear black dress shoes with dress. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS and do not wear pants under dress!

Hair must be a natural color for performances so as not to draw undo attention to ones self. Jewelry and make-up is the same rules as the marching uniform. We want to be as uniform as possible.

It is important to our performance how we present ourselves, so please be sure to have all of the uniform parts and correct colors for performances. Failure to have the correct uniform parts (black dress shoes, black socks, tux shirt) may result in loss of points to not performing at all.

Rehearsals (Class)(See Classroom Rules and Procedures)

SeatingAt the beginning of concert season in November we will hold seating auditions. Once seating is set, it may be changed at the director’s discretion.

Senior ProjectAny senior opting to partake in the senior project must be at rehearsals in class Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week of the three weeks missed and attend the spring band concert.

Awards

Different awards can be earned during the course of each year. The following awards can be earned:

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Freshman Band - This can be earned by participating as a freshman in band for a full year. Students must have completed all scheduled rehearsals and concerts.

Sophomore Pin - This can be earned by participating as a sophomore in band for a full year. Students must have completed all scheduled rehearsals and concerts.

Junior Band Letter - This can be earned by participating as a junior in band for a full year. Students must have completed all scheduled rehearsals and concerts.

Senior Plaque - This can be earned by participating as a Senior in band for a full year. Students must have completed all scheduled rehearsals and concerts.

John Philip Sousa Award - This is a nationally recognized award given by the director to a student who exhibits the characteristics of honesty, musicianship, loyalty and character toward their school band program.

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award - This is a nationally recognized award given by the director to a student who best exhibits the characteristics of jazz musicianship, improvisation, loyalty and outstanding character participating in the school's jazz program.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO YOUR BAND DIRECTOR BY JUNE 4th .

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This form must be turned in along with the emergency medical form in order for anyone to participate in band activities.

You can also mail it to: Mr. King, Strongsville H.S. 20025 Lunn Rd Strongsville, OH 44149

I have read and understand all of the above material and agree to adhere to the guidelines and policies in the handbook. I also give my permission for my son/ daughter to attend all field trips of the band for this school year.

________________________________ __________ _____________________________Parent Signature Date Student Signature

_____________________________________________________Parent e-mail address (home or work)

____ I DO give permission to use my child’s picture exclusively on the SHS band website, and SHS band promotions only.

____ I DO NOT give permission to use my child’s picture on the SHS band website, and SHS band promotions.

Mr. King - bking@strongnet.org

Mr. Chidsey - chidseyc@strongnet.org

Students as well as parents signature must appear above.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL FORM ON OTHER SIDE

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