Morley Stanwood High School

Morley Stanwood High School
Band Handbook
2010-2011 School Year
Musicianship. Pride. Success.
Welcome to the instrumental music program at Morley Stanwood! Our program focuses on three main
concepts: Musicianship, Pride, and Success. With pride we strive to support each other and work as one
unit or one band. Musicianship focuses on our musical training and developing leadership skills that can be
used in all aspects of life. Success is what happens when our pride and musicianship work together. These
three components rely on each other to produce our program at Morley Stanwood.
I. Organizations
The Concert Band: The concert band consists of all the students in the band program. The concert band
performs quality band literature and focuses on many musical styles. Performances include concerts,
festivals and community events.
The Mohawk Marching Band: The Mohawk Marching Band consists of all the students in the band
program. Performances include all home football games, parades, community performances and the
MSBOA marching festival. The marching band meets as an ensemble through the football season and then
transitions into the concert band.
The Pep Band: The pep band performs at basketball games and school assemblies and performs lively
music to excite the team and spectators. Members of the pep band are already members of the
concert/marching band. Other students that are not in the band program may participate with the directors
approval. Participation in Pep Band is mandatory for all concert band members. An attendance policy will
be attached to the pep band schedule.
Jazz Band: A Jazz Band may be formed based on student interest. The Jazz Band consists of the
Saxophone family, the Trombone Family, Trumpets and Rhythm Section (keyboard, bass, guitar, drum set).
Students must be enrolled in band unless given permission by the instructor. Auditions may be necessary if
sections fill up. The time and date are still to be determined due to schedule.
Other Ensembles: Other ensembles may be formed as interest is formed. Examples could be Instrumental
Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Quintets etc.
II. Objectives
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To demonstrate the reading and interpretation of music
To perform music alone and in ensemble settings
To describe, analyze, and create music
To evaluate music by using critical thinking and listening skills
To demonstrate aesthetic awareness and a sense of history and cultural heritage.
To participate in the cultural/musical life of the community through exposure to local and regional
music/arts opportunities
To represent Morley-Stanwood Community schools in a positive fashion
To promote school spirit and pride
III. Membership
Membership is open to students with previous instrumental instruction. High School Band is a year long
course and is scheduled year round. Students who drop a trimester of band will not be allowed back into
the program unless permission is given by the director. Special arrangements will be made for students in
the Math Science Center or Career Center.
IV. Band Officials
Student officials are an important part of any band. They are a source of spirit and pride to the ensemble
and perform valuable functions for the total program. The band uses the following officials based upon
recommendations of the Director:
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Drum Major – Responsible for conducting the marching band during performance and assisting the
director when needed. An audition is required for the drum major position when it is vacated by a
graduating senior.
Drill Leaders – Responsible for marching style and formations on the field
Section Leaders – Responsible for taking questions and holding sectionals.
Librarian - Responsible for maintaining the band library.
V. Maintenance of the Band Room
Students in the Morley Stanwood band must take pride in the equipment and the appearance of their band
room. Guidelines concerning the band room will be strictly enforced.
1. Food, drink and gum are to remain outside of the band room and rehearsal facilities.
2. Any person defacing walls or property will be subject to school administrative action.
3. The Band Room is to remain locked outside of class hours unless special permission is obtained.
4. Take pride in your band room by keeping it clean and always take your personal property when you
leave.
VI. Maintenance of Equipment
Only students who have signed out a school instrument may use that instrument. You will be responsible
for any unnecessary damage done to the instrument.
• Only use instruments that belong to you.
• Percussionists will be the only people that play percussion instruments.
• All percussionists will own and maintain a stick and mallet bag. The school will not be providing
any mallets except for the bass drum and specialty mallets.
Students are expected to provide their own accessories for their instruments (example: mutes – straight,
cupped, oils, reeds, grease, swabs, and lyres). The school will have some accessories for emergencies. In
case of financial need, arrangements should be made with the director and will remain confidential.
School Owned Instruments – Students may be issued a school owned instrument based on need of the
individual or need of the band. The School maintains a repair contract will Marshall Music however the
repairs are not 100% free. It will be the responsibility of the student using the instrument to pay the $15
deductible.
VII. Music
Students will be responsible for any music assigned to them. Lost music must be replaced by the student.
A fee of $0.25 may be charged for lost copied music. Mark music in pencil only. (continued next page)
Folders must be kept in the music cabinet. Music is worn quickly when students store it in their case.
When taking music out of the band room, take the entire folder. Extra parts can be obtained by asking the
director or student aide.
VIII. Uniforms
Marching and concert uniforms will be distributed in the early fall. The uniforms will only be worn for
band functions. The student is responsible for maintenance of the uniform. It should be kept clean and
pressed at all times. Students must purchase special marching shoes with their uniform. When the uniform
is worn, the complete uniform must be worn, not just parts. Improper wearing of the uniform will affect
grading. There will be a charge for dry cleaning issued by the school. A form will be sent home and
money must be collected before the uniform is issued. In case of financial problems contract the director,
your information will be kept confidential.
Uniform Care – Proper fit of the uniform is important for both good looks and comfort. The jacket should
have enough room in the shoulders to enable you to move easily. A good test is to touch your hands with
your arms extended. If the back of the jacket around the shoulder blades fells excessively tight, it is too
small. A good rule in determining sleeve length is to remember in what position you must play your
instrument. When you are in this position, the sleeve should come down to the bottom of the hand (skin
should not show between the glove and the sleeve). The jacket should be long enough to come about to the
middles of the rear end. The pants should be 3” from the floor while standing at attention. Suspenders
should be used to adjust the length to some extent. The hat is worn straight on the head, not off to one side,
tipped back, or on the bridge of the nose. The chin strap should be all the way under the chin, not right on
the point of the chin. The brim of the hat should be pulled down so that it is even with the eyes when
looking forward.
The uniform must be worn properly at all times. This means that the entire uniform is worn or none of it is
worn. At performances, you must come fully dressed. Remember, you are resonsible for showing pride in
your school by looking good and displaying proper behavior at all times.
Below is an estimated price of replacement costs for all uniform parts. These prices may change without
notice.
Hat
Coat
Pants
Suspenders
50.00
150.00
70.00
10.00
Gloves
Plume
Tie
2.00/pair
25.00
7.00
IX. Rules and Rehearsal Procedures
Rule – Be a productive member of the ensemble.
Procedures and Responsibility
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Food, gum and drink are to be left outside of the band room and all rehearsal areas.
All cases, books and unnecessary material should be put on the instrument shelves.
Only yourself, your instrument, music and material you need to perform will be allowed in the set up.
Check the whiteboard for rehearsal order and organize your music before rehearsal.
Percussionists should set up their section and have ready all equipment they will need for the rehearsal.
You may quietly warm up and tune your instrument. Excess noise is detrimental when preparing for
the rehearsal
Rehearsal begins when the director steps on the podium.
Unexcused absences or tardiness from regular or extra rehearsals will result in a lowering of your
grade and communication with parents and school administration.
9. Outside work is to be done outside of rehearsal.
10. All rehearsals will be conducted in a professional work atmosphere with emphasis on improvement. If
students come unprepared, it may become necessary to hear individuals or change chair assignments.
11. Restroom Policy – (Student Handbook) Only one boy and one girl will be permitted to leave the
classroom to use the restroom and one time. Your teachers are encouraged to keep bathroom passes to
and absolute minimum, so students would be wise to use the restrooms between classes whenever
possible. (Band) Ask permission first. Leave during a time when the band is not actively rehearsing,
go around the back of the room and not across rows.
12. All rules and polices of the Student Handbook apply to Instrumental Instruction.
13. Percussion Only – Percussion will perform a series of rudiments for warmup each rehearsal
14. Percussion Only – All percussion members will be responsible for learning all parts in any given
concert series by following a rotating schedule.
X. Extra Rehearsals and Sectionals
It may become necessary to schedule additional band rehearsals or sectionals. These will be posted in
advance to allow students to adjust schedules. Any section leader or 1st chair may call sectionals and it is
the responsibility of each individual to attend. Failure to attend will be a lowering of grade in the final
sectional points.
If a student has a conflict and cannot attend an extra rehearsal or sectional, he/she must notify the director
before the rehearsal. A signed note form the student’s parents should be sent to the director upon his
request.
XI. Performance Policy
Public performances with the band are school requirements, just the same as written tests. A student who
misses a performance because of illness, death in the family, or a planned school absence will be deemed as
having an excused absence from the performance. In this case, the student will be given a special playing
exam to earn the points which are normally assigned to every student for each public performance. The
director must be informed of a planned absence at least five days prior to the performance by a signed note
form the student’s parents in order for the absence to be excused. The student must also complete make-up
assignments to meet the requirements that were missed at the performance. The director will determine the
nature of such make-up assignments. In the case of personal illness or emergency, the director should be
notified as soon as possible in the band office at 856-4444 ext. 324 or email
[email protected]
If a student misses a performance for reasons other than those stated above, the absence is deemed
unexcused. In this case, the student will be assigned negative points which will lower the overall grade.
XII. Challenge Procedure
When you desire to challenge for another chair, the following procedure must be followed:
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Tell the person you are challenging. You may only challenge up one chair at a time.
Together with that person, go to the director and declare your intentions.
A minimum of three days is required before a challenge.
Challenges will be held at a time decided by the director and students
The director will choose the challenge material and dictate what part shall be played.
If, after winning a challenge, you want to challenge higher, the same procedures apply. If you lose the
challenge, you must wait a minimum of two weeks before declaring another challenge.
(continued next page)
The following rules apply to all challenges:
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There will be no three-way challenges under any circumstances.
If three people in chair order in a single section want to challenge, the director will hear the challenge
that is declared first. If the challenges are declared at the same time, the director will hear the
challenge of the two persons sitting in the highest chair first, and will reschedule other challenges to
conform with the three school day rule.
If the person being challenged refuses the challenge the challenger automatically receives the chair.
The director is given the right to cut off challenges before a concert or festival or other public
performance, or to choose only certain challenges to hear during the time of performance. He also has
the right to postpone the changing of a chair placement until after a band function if the director deems
it necessary
XIII. Awards
The following awards are given to Morley Stanwood Band members each year.
John Philip Sousa Award – Given to that senior band member for outstanding leadership, and service to the
band program. Recipient is elected by student vote.
Directors Award – Given to a senior band member by the director. This student is recognized by the
director by the overall contributions he or she has made to the program in the past seven years.
Other awards will be issued as appropriate
XIV. Grading System
Points will be accumulated according to the schedule found below. Total points will be determined and
scaled on a 10% basis. Therefore, grades would be figured as follows:
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90% of all points – A
80% of all points – B
70% of all points – C
below 70% of all points – Failing
Point System:
Positive Points:
• Main Performances
• Daily Rehearsals
• Playing Tests/Auditions
• Extra Rehearsals
• Class Performances/Quizzes
• Extra Credit/Help
• Sectionals
300-500 points
20 points
50-150 points
25 points
50 each
30 each
To be determined by marking period
Negative Points
• Unexcused absence-performance
• Unexcused absence-rehearsal
• Tardies
• Misconduct in rehearsal/performance
• Improper care of instrument or uniform
• Improper uniform at performance
• Lost music/forgotten instrument
500-700 each (200 to be made up)
75 each
50 each (one excused, lunch detention follows)
50 each
50 each
50 each
20 each
Morley Stanwood High School Band
Performance Schedule 2010-2011
This is the 2010-2011 Band Calendar. Please take a moment to enter the dates to your
calendar. Please note that any community performances that are scheduled during the
year will be announced immediately with information sent home to give you ample time
to prepare. A Pep Band Schedule will be distributed when the basketball season is closer.
All performance listed below are mandatory performances for all band students and do
reflect in the students grade. For information about grading and performance procedures,
please refer to the 20010-11 Band Handbook. A month-to-month calendar may also be
viewed at morleystanwoodbands.org
First Day of School
Morley Stanwood vs. Reed City
Morley Stanwood vs. Big Rapids
Morley Stanwood vs. Lakeview
MSBOA Marching Festival
Rain Date
High School Honors Band @ White Cloud
Middle School Solo Ensemble (Hosting)
Holiday Arts Concert
High School Solo & Ensemble
High School Festival Concert and Rehearsal
High School Concert Band Festival
State Solo Ensemble @ CMU
Spring Collage Concert
Graduation
Memorial Day Parade
Last Day of School
September 7
September 17
September 24
October 9
October 13
October 20
November 4
November 13
December 8
January 29
TBA (March 3-7)
TBA (Febuary 24-25) or
(March 10-11)
March 26
May 11
May 22
May 30
June 8
Band Camp 2011
August 1-5
www.morleystanwoodbands.org
www.morleystanwoodbands.org
If you or your family use the internet, the band website is a great way for you to keep
informed of all band activities and functions. All forms and papers sent home will be
posted on the website for you to download.
By registering an account at morleystanwoodbands.org you can receive copies of all
handouts via email, download music, communicate with other students and parents, keep
informed of upcoming events, listen to concert recordings, view the photo album and
much more.
!
Band Handbook Agreement Form
I have read, reviewed and understand all sections of the 2010-11Band Handbook. I realize it is my
responsibility to follow the procedures outlined in the handbook so that I may be a positive contributor to
the Morley Stanwood Instrumental Music Program.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
I have read and reviewed the 2010-11 Band handbook with my son/daughter. I have also been given a
copy of the 2009-10 performance schedule for the entire year and reviewed the performance policy.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
This agreement must be returned by September 17th for credit
If you have any questions, please call or email Mr. VanStrien in the band office at 856-4444 x324 or
[email protected]
Please write all performance dates into
your family calendar!