PURPOSE
The Central High School Marching Band Handbook creates a structure for all events and activities related to the Central High School Marching Band. This handbook is an extension of the Central High School Student Handbook and was written to inform band members and their families of the responsibilities of membership in this organization. Students and parents should be familiar with this handbook and consult it as the primary source of regulations and procedures of the Central High School Marching Band.
ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Marching Band is a co-curricular activity for students in grades 9-12. The Marching Band allows students who play a band instrument an opportunity to perform a wide variety of music, in many public performances, and to serve the Spring Cove community through music. Members of the Guard provide a visual enhancement aspect to the musical performances. The term “Marching Band” is inclusive of the band proper, drumline, pit (if existing) and Guard.
The Marching Band performs at all Central High School varsity football games (including any and all postseason play), local band festivals, community parades and events, school pep rallies, and other school events.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
In addition to staff, students are expected to respect and follow the guidance of the designated student officers. Depending on instrument/section, students report to Section Leader(s), who in turn report to the Commanding Officer. Students may address issues with the Band Director and Staff at any time, but are encouraged to work within their peer chain of command first. Whenever a student has a conflict with their Section Leader or Officer, it should be taken directly to the Band Director or other member of the Band Staff.
Chaperones are to be respected as adult authority figures at all times. However, chaperones are not to be relied upon for completion of band members’ responsibilities (examples include loading and unloading of the band trailer, cleaning of garbage from the stands, uniform care issues, etc.).
The Band Director and members of the Band Staff are the only people who can grant permission to leave the premises of the band room or stands, to be excused from rehearsal, to use electronic devices, etc.
Failure to comply with the chain of command, (a.k.a. insubordination) will be punished in the same manner as a violation of the behavior policy.
SELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Drum Major, Commanding Officer, and Section Leaders are the designated student leadership in our organization. They will be selected by the Band Director with appropriate input from Band Staff, other teachers and administration. These officer positions require significant extra time and effort.
The student officers will be held to a higher standard of attendance, academic performance in their other classes, behavior and musical excellence. Officers who are unable to maintain the criterion will meet with the Band Director and/or Band Staff for a performance review. If the overall performance of the officer does not improve after the review, the officer may be removed from the position or subject to remediation.
REHEARSAL
Regular rehearsals take place Tuesday evening. Rehearsal is mandatory.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Unlike many other activities, in Marching Band, every student is essential to the success of the entire group at all times. Therefore, all scheduled rehearsals and performances are mandatory.
When there are conflicts between Marching Band and another school-related activity, the band member must attend at least half of the scheduled rehearsal time for that week to be permitted to perform.
EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: In general, absences that would legally excuse a student from a day of school will qualify as an excused absence, and absences that would not excuse a student from a day of school will not be excused.
The following will be considered specific excusable absences:
HOW TO EXCUSE AN ABSENCE: If a student must miss a scheduled event, excused absence is granted only with prior, written notification. Electronic “written” notification is acceptable.
In the case of illness or emergency, a signed note from a parent/guardian or e-mail verifying the reason for the absence should be submitted to the Band Director by the next attended rehearsal/performance to be considered excused.
PRE-CAMP AND BAND CAMP ATTENDANCE: Attendance at all Pre-Camp and Band Camp activities is mandatory for all students in the program. With little exception, students who cannot make this two-week commitment will be unable to participate in the Marching Band, and members of the organization are expected to make summer arrangements around these activities. Dates for Pre-Camp and Band Camp are given months in advance.
TARDINESS: A student will be considered tardy if they are not present at the specified scheduled report time. Examples of report times are meal, field and rehearsal report times at band camp, report times for away game departure, 3rd quarter report times at football games, etc. Given times are not the time students are simply expected to show up—start times are the times that students are expected to be ready to start working. To be on time is to be late. To be early is to be on time. To be late is not acceptable.
SCHEDULE CHANGES: In the event that a change is made to a scheduled performance or rehearsal, students are expected to make every effort to adapt to the change. When ample notice of the change is given to students and families, the attendance policy regarding excused and unexcused absences will still apply.
CONSEQUENCES: At the discretion of the Band Director and staff, students who have an unexcused absence from a scheduled practice or performance may be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled performance. Students will be expected to attend the event in full uniform and perform with the band in the stands, but not in the pre-game or halftime activities.
BEHAVIOR POLICY
The members of the Central High School Marching Band are expected to treat other band members, teachers, parents and any other persons or property with the utmost respect.
Band members are expected to follow all Spring Cove School District policies. These policies can be found in the Central High School Student Handbook. Conduct, especially when wearing the uniform, is expected to be exemplary at all times. The Central High School Marching Band is one of the school district’s most visible representations of our music program, our student body, our school and our community.
RULES AND GUIDELINES IN THE FOOTBALL STANDS
INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Instruments, uniforms and lockers will be checked periodically. Instruments (whether owned by the school or not) are to be well maintained:
TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Students are expected to travel with the Band to and from all activities.
In an event that both the Band Director and parent/guardian agree that it is necessary to drive a student to and/or from a band activity where group transportation is provided, the following will apply:
BUS RULES
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Where applicable, times for drop-off and pick-up are posted on the band calendar on www.centralband.org, and are sent out via group text. In addition, students are instructed to text or call parents/guardians upon the completion of an event for accurate and timely pickup times. With all of this information available, it is a reasonable expectation that parents/guardians ensure that their student is picked up in a timely manner.
Students will be counted as tardy if they are dropped off late to the specified arrival time.
Students are not dismissed until their uniform and equipment are properly stored and the band room is cleaned and straightened. Students who leave prior to fulfilling these responsibilities may face disciplinary measures.
PRACTICE ATTIRE/EQUIPMENT
MEDICAL AND OTHER FORMS
Marching Band is a physical activity and also involves extensive travel to areas away from school. ALL students must have a completed medical history and emergency medical release form on file before they will be permitted to participate.
The Central High School Marching Band Handbook creates a structure for all events and activities related to the Central High School Marching Band. This handbook is an extension of the Central High School Student Handbook and was written to inform band members and their families of the responsibilities of membership in this organization. Students and parents should be familiar with this handbook and consult it as the primary source of regulations and procedures of the Central High School Marching Band.
ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Marching Band is a co-curricular activity for students in grades 9-12. The Marching Band allows students who play a band instrument an opportunity to perform a wide variety of music, in many public performances, and to serve the Spring Cove community through music. Members of the Guard provide a visual enhancement aspect to the musical performances. The term “Marching Band” is inclusive of the band proper, drumline, pit (if existing) and Guard.
The Marching Band performs at all Central High School varsity football games (including any and all postseason play), local band festivals, community parades and events, school pep rallies, and other school events.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
In addition to staff, students are expected to respect and follow the guidance of the designated student officers. Depending on instrument/section, students report to Section Leader(s), who in turn report to the Commanding Officer. Students may address issues with the Band Director and Staff at any time, but are encouraged to work within their peer chain of command first. Whenever a student has a conflict with their Section Leader or Officer, it should be taken directly to the Band Director or other member of the Band Staff.
Chaperones are to be respected as adult authority figures at all times. However, chaperones are not to be relied upon for completion of band members’ responsibilities (examples include loading and unloading of the band trailer, cleaning of garbage from the stands, uniform care issues, etc.).
The Band Director and members of the Band Staff are the only people who can grant permission to leave the premises of the band room or stands, to be excused from rehearsal, to use electronic devices, etc.
Failure to comply with the chain of command, (a.k.a. insubordination) will be punished in the same manner as a violation of the behavior policy.
SELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Drum Major, Commanding Officer, and Section Leaders are the designated student leadership in our organization. They will be selected by the Band Director with appropriate input from Band Staff, other teachers and administration. These officer positions require significant extra time and effort.
The student officers will be held to a higher standard of attendance, academic performance in their other classes, behavior and musical excellence. Officers who are unable to maintain the criterion will meet with the Band Director and/or Band Staff for a performance review. If the overall performance of the officer does not improve after the review, the officer may be removed from the position or subject to remediation.
REHEARSAL
Regular rehearsals take place Tuesday evening. Rehearsal is mandatory.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Unlike many other activities, in Marching Band, every student is essential to the success of the entire group at all times. Therefore, all scheduled rehearsals and performances are mandatory.
When there are conflicts between Marching Band and another school-related activity, the band member must attend at least half of the scheduled rehearsal time for that week to be permitted to perform.
EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: In general, absences that would legally excuse a student from a day of school will qualify as an excused absence, and absences that would not excuse a student from a day of school will not be excused.
The following will be considered specific excusable absences:
- Illness that warrants a student missing school.
- Once-in-a-lifetime family events: birth, wedding, emergency, death in family, funeral, etc.
- Vacation (not excusable for Band Camp)
- Extenuating circumstances with sports or special academic events that directly conflict.
- Work
- Homework/classwork issues
- Birthday parties, picnics, etc.
HOW TO EXCUSE AN ABSENCE: If a student must miss a scheduled event, excused absence is granted only with prior, written notification. Electronic “written” notification is acceptable.
In the case of illness or emergency, a signed note from a parent/guardian or e-mail verifying the reason for the absence should be submitted to the Band Director by the next attended rehearsal/performance to be considered excused.
PRE-CAMP AND BAND CAMP ATTENDANCE: Attendance at all Pre-Camp and Band Camp activities is mandatory for all students in the program. With little exception, students who cannot make this two-week commitment will be unable to participate in the Marching Band, and members of the organization are expected to make summer arrangements around these activities. Dates for Pre-Camp and Band Camp are given months in advance.
TARDINESS: A student will be considered tardy if they are not present at the specified scheduled report time. Examples of report times are meal, field and rehearsal report times at band camp, report times for away game departure, 3rd quarter report times at football games, etc. Given times are not the time students are simply expected to show up—start times are the times that students are expected to be ready to start working. To be on time is to be late. To be early is to be on time. To be late is not acceptable.
SCHEDULE CHANGES: In the event that a change is made to a scheduled performance or rehearsal, students are expected to make every effort to adapt to the change. When ample notice of the change is given to students and families, the attendance policy regarding excused and unexcused absences will still apply.
CONSEQUENCES: At the discretion of the Band Director and staff, students who have an unexcused absence from a scheduled practice or performance may be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled performance. Students will be expected to attend the event in full uniform and perform with the band in the stands, but not in the pre-game or halftime activities.
BEHAVIOR POLICY
The members of the Central High School Marching Band are expected to treat other band members, teachers, parents and any other persons or property with the utmost respect.
Band members are expected to follow all Spring Cove School District policies. These policies can be found in the Central High School Student Handbook. Conduct, especially when wearing the uniform, is expected to be exemplary at all times. The Central High School Marching Band is one of the school district’s most visible representations of our music program, our student body, our school and our community.
RULES AND GUIDELINES IN THE FOOTBALL STANDS
- All Band and Guard members are to sit with their sections in the stands at all times unless otherwise directed.
- Cell phones and/or other electronic devices may not be used at any time unless a student has expressed permission from the Band Director or other Band Staff member.
- The 3rd quarter of the game is the designated time to use the restroom and to have a snack and water (provided).
- Restroom trips should be as limited as possible.
- When needing to use the restroom, students must travel with at least one other person at home games and/or must travel with a chaperone at away games and festivals.
- When needing to use the restroom, students must travel with at least one other person at home games and/or must travel with a chaperone at away games and festivals.
- During the 3rd quarter, band members are “on break.” Officers need to return to the stands by 3:00 left on the clock.
- The stands must be completely free of snacks, water and garbage by 2:00 left on the game clock.
- Abuse of the 3rd quarter policy will eliminate 3rd quarter breaks.
- The stands must be completely free of snacks, water and garbage by 2:00 left on the game clock.
- Uniforms are to be worn and worn properly at all times. Improper wearing of the uniform is disrespectful and gives a bad impression. Hats and/or jackets are only removed if announced by the Band Director, band staff member or Officer (with the Band Director’s permission).
- Guard members are to sit as a group and stand whenever the Band plays. Band members are to stand when they play.
- All Band and Guard members are to remain silent when it is noticed that a player on the field has sustained an injury that requires the game to stop.
- Family and friends of Band and Guard members are not permitted in the band stands at any time for any reason, unless they are approved chaperones for that evening. A family member or friend who needs to see a band member during the game or festival should approach the Band Director or member of the band staff.
- Band and Guard students are not permitted to leave the stands for any reason unless excused by a member of the Band Staff—NOT a Student Officer or Chaperone!
INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
- Instruments and equipment are expensive and fragile. Everything should be handled with care and respect.
- Students are responsible for loading and unloading their own equipment. All Band and Guard members are expected to help with loading and unloading. The percussion section is responsible for coordinating loading and unloading efforts.
- Within reason, students should not be handling instruments or equipment that does not belong to them.
Instruments, uniforms and lockers will be checked periodically. Instruments (whether owned by the school or not) are to be well maintained:
- Brass instruments should be properly lubricated so that all slides and valves move freely. Mouthpieces should be periodically cleaned.
- Wind instruments should be swabbed, corks, pads and springs should be in good condition, and issues with loose or missing screws should be addressed. Mouthpieces should be periodically cleaned.
- Reed players are expected to have and use reeds that are free from cracks and chips. It is recommended that reed players keep a rotation of at least three acceptable reeds.
- Percussionists should be playing with sticks or mallets in acceptable condition and drums, harnesses and cases should be handled with care.
- All instruments should be properly cased and stored when not in use.
TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Students are expected to travel with the Band to and from all activities.
In an event that both the Band Director and parent/guardian agree that it is necessary to drive a student to and/or from a band activity where group transportation is provided, the following will apply:
- Prior written notification must be received and approved by the Band Director.
- Students will only be permitted to leave with parents/guardians or an adult authorized by the parents/guardians. The Band Director or band staff member MUST see the student leave with the parents/guardians.
BUS RULES
- Students are to ride their assigned bus.
- No foul language or loud behavior will be tolerated on the bus. Topics for conversation must be school appropriate.
- No PDA.
- Students are allowed to listen to music if they use headphones—no external speakers are permitted.
- Students are responsible for leaving the bus clean.
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Where applicable, times for drop-off and pick-up are posted on the band calendar on www.centralband.org, and are sent out via group text. In addition, students are instructed to text or call parents/guardians upon the completion of an event for accurate and timely pickup times. With all of this information available, it is a reasonable expectation that parents/guardians ensure that their student is picked up in a timely manner.
Students will be counted as tardy if they are dropped off late to the specified arrival time.
Students are not dismissed until their uniform and equipment are properly stored and the band room is cleaned and straightened. Students who leave prior to fulfilling these responsibilities may face disciplinary measures.
PRACTICE ATTIRE/EQUIPMENT
- DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. In order to do so, you must CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST.
- Have rain gear. Rehearsal can and will take place in light rain.
- Wear socks and OLD tennis shoes (new tennis shoes will increase the likelihood of getting blisters when marching). Sandals, flip-flops, crocs, boots, etc. are not permitted and will result in disciplinary action. Barefoot marching is not permitted.
- Use sunscreen, and UV lip balm/chap-stick
- Use sunglasses and a hat.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Hydrate. Have a refillable water bottle with you. Hydration breaks in rehearsal are not optional.
- At camp, wearing spandex shorts under regular shorts can prevent skin irritation.
- Later in the season, plan to wear clothing under the uniform that will keep you warm as described previously. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you will be comfortable given the weather conditions.
MEDICAL AND OTHER FORMS
Marching Band is a physical activity and also involves extensive travel to areas away from school. ALL students must have a completed medical history and emergency medical release form on file before they will be permitted to participate.