Wylie “Pure Gold” Band Handbook

 

Introduction

WACKER DEFINES “CLASS”

 

Class is respect for others. It is a deep and genuine respect of every human being, regardless of his status in life.

 

Class is having manners. It is always saying “thank you” and “please”. It is complimenting people for any and every task that is done well.

 

Class is treating every other person as you want them to treat you in a similar situation.

 

Class never makes excuses for one’s own accomplishments, and never tears down or diminishes the achievements of another person.

 

Class does not depend on money, status, success or ancestry. The wealthy aristocrat may not even know the meaning of the word, yet the poorest man in town may radiate class in everything he does.

 

If you have class, everyone will know it and you will have self-respect. If you are without class, good luck, because no matter what you accomplish, it will never have meaning.

 

CLASS --- THINK ABOUT IT!

 

 

YOU HAVE TALENT!

 

If you use your talent “Some of the time”, then your lifestyle is one full of inconsistencies.

 

If you use your talent “Most of the time”, then your lifestyle has potential.

 

If you do not choose to use your talents to their fullest, you have cheated the music in which you are performing. You also cheat yourself of that performance! BUT THE WORST INJUSTICE that you have done is to cheat those who admire and love what you do, for they cannot do it themselves, but rather they choose to praise you who have achieved greatness.

 

If you choose to use your talent to the extremity, then you achieve greatness!

 

LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES

 

The following is called the A.S.K. triangle. It stands for total musicianship in all forms. It shows a goal set and made. It is the cog that makes mankind work. It shows exactly what it takes! Have a look at it:                       

                       

 

A - ATTITUDE - This is the most important part of the triangle because it pulls the other sides together. “Nothing great was ever achieved without the proper attitude”. Proper attitude will help overcome anything. Ned Smith was a very fine drummer and if you closed your eyes while he played, you would not know that Ned only had just one arm. Have you ever heard of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, or Ronnie Milsap? I bet that a bad attitude did not figure in their rise to stardom. Remember, it’s not “I can’t”, it’s “I CAN AND WILL”. If you think you can ... you can! Let that good attitude rub off on your fellow bandsmen to help build up your band program.

 

 

S - SKILL - Some people have more natural ability than others and some do not have much natural ability at all. Take what you have and build from it. Skill involves the technical and musical aspects of playing your instrument and yes, even marching. Skill is really no problem. Get some method books, take private lessons (we can give you a teacher list and hand out), listen to your director and go to work. PRACTICE !!! Skill does take some time and a little dedication to build. Some people think playing a musical instrument is easy. These people are called idiots! It takes years of work to master a musical instrument. The time spent will pay great rewards.

 

 

K - KNOWLEDGE - What is a whole note? What does ritard mean? What is vibrato? If you don’t know something, ASK! Professionals will love to help if you ask. Don’t guess. Build up a library of textbooks on music. Read, learn, listen and ask questions. Listen to your director. Build up a CD or cassette library in all styles of music. Listen, imitate and learn. Improve your music knowledge level. How can you perform well if you know nothing about it!

 

Music is fun. The better you play the more fun it is. The most important thing to remember is that MUSIC IS FOR LIFE!

Work on your A.S.K. triangle a little each and every day.

 

 

 

 

WHAT DOES A.S.K. SPELL?

BAND INFORMATION AND POLICIES

 

ABSENCES AND TARDIES

Absences and tardiest for any reason should be kept to an absolute minimum. Please do not ask to make-up work in other classes during band class. The only exception would be if a band trip or function caused you to miss time in that class. Each performance is assigned a participation grade. Absence from performances will result in “make-up” work as assigned by the director.

 

All students must be in their proper places for roll check when the tardy bell rings. This means all instruments, chairs, stands, music, reeds, etc. should be ready and the student ready to play. Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their proper place when the tardy bell rings.

 

Students will not be permitted to leave class unless a permit is obtained from the main office, another teacher, or from the band director(s) before class begins. Approval to leave class will be left to the discretion of the band director(s)

 

If a student is absent from three practices or one performance for any reason, they may be removed from their position in the performing unit. This includes all practices and performances. Excessive tardiest will also be cause for removal from the performing unit. Removal from the performing unit of the band will be at the discretion of the band director(s).

 

If a student is chosen as Drum Major or a member of the Flag Corps and has an unacceptable absence or tardy for a practice or performance, they may be removed from their position at the discretion of the band director(s).

 

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, TOBACCO, ETC.

The use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc. is absolutely prohibited for all students while they are representing the band and school. This rule applies to all rehearsals, performances, trips etc. The use of or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, tobacco etc. during any band activity will be considered justifiable reason to remove the student from their position and/or from the band program.

 

ASSEMBLY, BRIEFING, DRESSING

At home football games, the band will meet at the band hall to dress in uniform and then assemble for instructions unless otherwise instructed. For out-of-town football games, the band will meet at the band hall and load all equipment and uniforms and then assemble for instructions. Instructions for all other band activities will be given before the activity begins. All instructions for times, dressing, loading procedures, etc. will be posted on the chalkboard ahead of time. Band members must be on time to dress and meet for instructions.

 

AUXILIARY POSITIONS AND BAND OFFICERS-CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To tryout for Drum Major or the Flag Corps, a student must be a sophomore, junior or senior the following year. The band president and vice-president must be a junior or senior the following year. The secretary, treasurer, historian/reporter, chaplain and student council representative must be a sophomore, junior or senior the following year. The class representatives will be selected from their respective classes. Students selected as an officer must be a member of the band at the time of the election.

 

AUXILIARY POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Students may tryout for more than one auxiliary position. If a student is chosen for more than one position, they will be given their choice of which position they desire. This same policy will be used in the event a student is elected into more than one band officer position.

 

AWARD (LETTER) JACKETS

The University Interscholastic League mandates that a student is eligible to receive only one award jacket during their high school career. This is inclusive of all UIL sponsored activities. This does not include the awarding of an academic jacket. To be eligible to receive an award jacket, a member of the band must meet the following requirements:

 

A. must be in the high school band.

B. must have participated in all required band activities unless excused by the band director

C. must meet the eligibility requirements of the school, UIL, and/or state

D. must not have received an award jacket in any other UIL activity (does not include academic)

E. must have earned at least 100 points based on the following point system:

       1.  15 points awarded for each of the following:

            a.  each semester the student is in the high school band

            b.  entering and competing in district band tryouts

            c.  earning a position in the district band and participating in the district clinic and concert

            d.  entering and competing in region band tryouts

            e.  earning a position in the region band and participating in the region clinic and concert

       2.  twenty-five points awarded for the following:

            a.  qualifying for area band and competing in the area tryouts

       3.  fifty points awarded for the following:

            a.  qualifying for the all state band and participating in the clinics and concert

       4.  points may also be awarded for participation in UIL solo and ensemble contests

                 50/45 points-Class I solo/ensemble-Division I rating

                 40/35 points-Class I solo/ensemble-Division II rating

                 30/25 points-Class I solo/ensemble-Division III rating

                 40/35 points-Class II solo/ensemble-Division I rating

                 30/25 points-Class II solo/ensemble-Division II rating

                 20/15 points-Class II solo/ensemble-Division III rating

                 30/25 points-Class III solo/ensemble-Division I rating

                 20/15 points-Class III solo/ensemble-Division II rating

                 10/05 points-Class III solo/ensemble-Division III rating

F. The band director(s) reserves the right to add or delete points according to the students                       

    attitude, cooperation, attendance, participation and over all contribution to the band program.

G. Students that move into the Wylie district may count activities from their previous school with   

     proper documentation.

H. Jackets will normally be ordered in the fall of each year. Students must have the proper  

     amount of points at the beginning of the semester for the order to be placed.

      

AWARDS

Various awards will be given each year. The John Philip Sousa Award will be given to the outstanding senior band member and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award will be given to the outstanding jazz band member. Outstanding musician awards will be given to students who advance to the area level in TMEA or ATSSB and to students who advance to the state solo and ensemble contest. These awards are given to: reward outstanding band members, to help promote the band, to encourage all band students to greater achievements and to provide stimulus for potential instrumentalists. Some of the qualifications for these awards will be: showing outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, showing loyalty and cooperation, attendance, and for showing the high qualities of conduct which school music strives to impart. There will also be other awards given during the year which may vary from year-to-year.

 

BAND COUNCIL (BAND LEADERSHIP TEAM-BLT)

The band council will consist of: Drum Majors, Flag Corps Officers, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Historian/Reporter, Quartermasters, Librarian, Chaplains, Class Representatives, Student Council Representative, Section Leaders and the Band Directors.

 

The band will have the following elected offices: President, Vice-president, Historian/Reporter, Student Council Representative, and Class Representatives

 

The band will have the following officers appointed: Drum Majors, Secretary, Chaplain, Quartermaster, Librarian, Squad Leaders and Flag Corps Officers.

 

The executive board will consist of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Drum Majors

 

BUS REGULATIONS

Students will sign up for buses. Sign up sheets will determine only which bus the student is to ride on each trip, not which seat they are to sit in. Students are to ride the same bus on each trip.

 

There is to be no standing up, changing seats, etc. on the bus when it is moving. Students should always be considerate of others on the bus. Talking, singing, etc. must be kept at a moderate to soft volume.

 

Tape/CD players, radios, etc. may be taken on the bus, but must be used with headphones. The school is not responsible for any items taken or left on the bus.

 

Light snacks may be permitted on the bus as long as care is used in keeping food, drinks, etc. off of the bus seats and floor, clothes, uniforms, etc. Drinks may be carried on the bus if they are not in glass or other breakable containers.

 

All personal items carried on the bus must be able to fit under the seats or in the seat with the student. No items are to be stored in the aisle of the bus. These must be kept clear for emergencies.

 

All trash must be removed from the bus after each trip. If the buses are not cleaned after each trip, the right to carry food and drink on the buses will be forfeited.

 

CAMPS-SUMMER

All band members will be encouraged to attend a summer camp. Brochures from band camps in the area will be posted in the band hall. Students selected to the position of Drum Major or Flag Corps member will be required to attend a summer band camp which will be selected by the band director. At the discretion of the band director, other band related activities may be substituted for the camp for auxiliary members.

 

CHALK BOARDS, BULLETIN BOARDS AND CALENDARS

Students should read the chalk boards, marker boards, bulletin boards and calendars every day. All activities, tryouts, etc. will be listed as soon as they are known. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they are aware of all upcoming events.

 

CONDUCT OF BAND MEMBERS (IN OR OUT OF SCHOOL TIME)

Any personal conduct or manner of deportment contrary to the accepted code of behavior as set by: the school administration, the band director(s), student body, or by civil authorities, shall be justifiable reason to remove any individual from their position in the band.

 

All band members will be expected to cooperate and work with the band director(s) and to have the self-discipline to work without the band director being present. Failure to cooperate with the band director(s) will be justifiable reason for removal of the student from the band program.

 

CONTESTS, CONCERTS, TRIPS

The band will participate in various contests and other performances during the year which will be selected by the band director(s). These will include events such as UIL competitions, invitational festivals, parades, etc. The band will perform at all the varsity football games.

 

The band will also give concerts at various times of the year which will be open to the public. Dates and sites for these concerts will be selected by the band director(s)

 

The two concerts (performances) which scholastic eligibility as set out by UIL does not pertain to are the Christmas Concert and the Spring concert. These two events are considered co-curricular and seen as a direct extension of our class. All other performances are subject to the rules and regulations of UIL’s “no pass-no play”.

 

The “Big” trips for the band will be limited to approximately every other year in an effort to save on expenses. In the event of a “special” invitation, this policy could be revised as needed. This “Big” trip is voluntary for each student. This trip involves multiple nights, hotel accommodations (four to a room), ground/air transportation, meals, activities and a musical performance. Past trips have included Colorado, San Antonio, Orlando and Branson. Quotas have been between $300 and $400. Each student is expected to raise funds and/or pay money into their own account which is held at the high school. The quota amount will be established at least 10 months prior to the scheduled trip.

 

All band members are expected to participate and perform in all other full band activities. Students with conflicts in other school activities which are occurring at the same time as the band activity will need to notify the band director(s) as soon as the conflict is known.

 

DRESS CODE

Students will be expected to dress properly for any band function. The manner of dress must meet school guidelines and regulations. If a specific style of dress is required for any activity, it will be explained by the band director before the activity. Band members must keep hair neat and well-groomed. Flashy jewelry, bright colors of nail polish, caps, bandannas, etc. are not allowed to be worn when the band is in uniform.

 

DRUM MAJORS AND FLAG CORPS MEMBERS-SELECTION OF

The Drum Majors and Flags will be chosen by outside judges and the band director(s). The judges will be chosen by the band director(s) from some of the area band directors or other qualified persons. The date for tryouts will be arranged at least one month in advance and announced to all candidates.

The number of Drum Majors and Flag Corps members selected and the decision of whether there will be a flag captain, co-captains, or lieutenants will be determined by the band director(s).

All decisions about what kinds of auxiliary units are to be used, how many members will be in each unit, etc.. are entirely up to the band director(s).

 

Requirements to tryout for any of these positions may vary from year to year, but will be announced to all contestants in sufficient time to prepare for tryouts.

 

Students trying out for a position and their parents must read the tryout regulations, obligations and guidelines. They must sign and return the consent form before they will be allowed to tryout. These sheets will be given to the students before tryouts.

 

EQUIPMENT - RESPONSIBILITY FOR

All equipment (including uniforms), whether owned by the student or furnished to the student by the school, is the responsibility of the student. The school will furnish a place to keep the equipment while at school, but the school and/or band director(s) are not responsible for the care or safety of the equipment. All damage, loss of equipment, theft, etc. is the responsibility of the student using the equipment.

 

All students are responsible for their own equipment on all trips as well as in the band hall. The loading crew will load all equipment, but each band member is responsible for getting their

equipment to the proper place to be loaded and for returning it to the proper storage place.

Failure to properly care for school owned equipment could result in the loss of the right to use the equipment. Any damages to school owned equipment will be charged to the student using the equipment. This does not include “normal” wear to the equipment, but it does include damage caused by neglect, abuse, accidents, etc.

 

 EXPENSES

The student will be asked to pay for expenses such as: black shoes, black socks, some meals on trips, band travel shirt, instrument supplies, music for individual contests, etc. The school will pay for each student's entry into all band contests. If a student enters an individual contest and does not perform then they will be required to reimburse the school for that entry fee. Individual contests are district, region, area and state band/jazz band auditions and UIL solo/ensemble contests. Students will be responsible for paying for their accompanists in region solo competition.

 

FOOD, GUM, CANDY, DRINKS, ETC.

There will be no gum, candy, soft drinks, etc. while the band is in rehearsal or performance. These “treats” should be limited to specific times during breaks when permission is given by the band director(s). Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

 

GRADING SYSTEM

The grades given in band are symbols of the student’s accomplishments. The grade will indicate the students overall success in the class. The band grade will be determined by considering the following four areas: (1) performance and progress on their instrument as determined by observation and recorded playing grade (some by memory) (2) attitude and cooperation (3) attendance and promptness at all performances and rehearsals (4) director(s) may choose to give written exams on basic music theory and knowledge.

 

INSTRUMENT CASES, BOOKS, ETC. - STORAGE OF

All instrument cases, books, etc. should be left outside of the rehearsal area in the places designated by the band director(s). Flutes and clarinets may store their cases under their chairs during rehearsal if they so desire. Anything brought into the rehearsal area must fit under the student’s chair (books, purses, etc.)

 

INSTRUMENT REPAIR

If an instrument (school owned or personal) needs repair, it should be brought to the attention of the band director either before or after rehearsal, not during the rehearsal. If it is a minor repair, the director(s) will try to make the repair if the student so desires. Major repairs will be referred to an approved instrument repair shop.

 

INSTRUMENTS - USE OF SCHOOL OWNED

School owned instruments are available in certain areas. Any student needing to use a school instrument will need to make arrangements with the band director(s). All school instruments will be checked out to the students by brand and serial number. Students using school instruments will be responsible for the instrument and its care. Any repairs not considered normal wear will be charged to the student. This would include such things as dropping the instrument, breaking the instrument, bending valves/slides or keys, etc.

 

INVOLVEMENT IN OTHER ACTIVITIES

Band members will be encouraged to participate in other activities. The Drum Majors and members of the Flag Corps may not be a cheerleader. All band members may serve as club, class or student council officers, etc. and participate in other activities providing these activities do not interfere with the performance of their duties in their respective band positions.

 

Band members may also be members of the football teams. Varsity players will not be expected to march on Friday nights. JV and Freshmen players will march on Friday nights. Football players will be expected to be in all rehearsals when they are not in an organized football workout. This includes the practices during the August rehearsal. Students serving as trainers will be expected to march on Friday nights. Students are encouraged to participate in any other school activities during the year since there will be very few conflicts with time after football season.

 

Every effort will be made to work out conflicts between activities, but excessive interference from other activities will cause the student to have to make a choice between activities. Band members are responsible for making sure the band director(s) is aware of any conflicts with plenty of time given to allow for a solution to be worked out.

 

JAZZ BAND

Jazz band will be offered as a regular class giving 1/2 credit per semester. Members of the jazz band must also be members of the regular band program. If the proper instrumentation is available, regular jazz band instrumentation will be used. In the event the instrumentation is not complete, small combos will be created. Membership in the class is available to all band members. If there are more than enough trying out for a specific section, then there will be an audition held to select the students who will be allowed to take jazz band class. The normal instrumentation for the class will include: alto, tenor and baritone saxes; trumpets; trombones; trap drummer; keyboard/synthesizer; rhythm guitar; bass guitar; and auxiliary percussion. This instrumentation is subject to change as the need arises. An after school jazz band will be offered if enough students are willing and interested.

 

NON-PARTICIPATION BY BAND MEMBERS

Band members should inform the band director of any inability to participate in any activity (rehearsal or performance) as soon as it is known to the student. Non-participation should be kept to an absolute minimum. Those who continually do not participate will be taken from the performing unit or the class. It should be kept in mind that band is a class for a grade, that the success of the band is dependent upon team work by all members, and therefore all activities are considered a part of the requirements for the band class.

 

Reasons for non-participation should be limited to primarily medical reasons. For any non-participation lasting over one day, students must have a permit from their doctor stating why they may not participate and how long they are to be inactive. Students should bring a note from their parents for any non-participation on a one day basis.

 

OVERNIGHT TRIP REGULATIONS

When the band is staying overnight on a trip, in addition to all of the normal regulation, the following regulations will be observed:

       A. boys should never be in girls’ rooms, girls should never be in boys’ rooms

B. curfew is to be strictly observed; students should be in their rooms at the designated time and remain there until the designated  

     time to leave the room                 

       C. students should never go places by themselves; always stay in groups for safety.

       D. students should never leave the designated areas

       E. students should always take care of the property of the host

       F. students should avoid making excessive noise that would disturb other guests

       G. students should observe all school and band regulations so the school and band will be represented properly

 

PARTICIPATION IN THE PERFORMING UNITS

There will be times when the type of half-time show, eligibility of a student, lack of uniformity, unbalanced instrumentation, lack of preparation on the students part, etc. will require that some members of the band not participate in the performing unit. During football season, if a student is not marching for any reason other than eligibility or disciplinary action, the student will be required to be a part of the band at the game, be in uniform, and play their instrument in the stands with the band. Student participation at all activities will be determined by the band director(s) on an individual basis.

 

PATCHES

Patches for things such as jazz band, first division marching and sweepstakes etc. will be made available to students for them to purchase. These patches will be sold to the students at the price the school pays for them.

 

PLAYING OF INSTRUMENTS

All members of the band must play an instrument. This includes members of the auxiliary units. There will be times when the Drum Majors and Flag Corps members will need to play with the band at pep rallies, ball games, parades, etc. The decision of when they play will be made by the band director(s). Flag Corps members will usually play with the band in the stands at ball games and perform in special sideline routines as selected by the band director(s).

 

REHEARSAL ROOM

All music, stands, chairs, instruments, etc. should be put in their proper place after each rehearsal. Be considerate of the next class since they also have to use the band room. All equipment should be stored in the designated areas at all times. Do not leave books, clothing, coats, etc. in the band hall rehearsal areas. Do not store equipment for other activities in the band hall. You need to take all books, tennis rackets, athletic bags, etc. with you after first period band.

 

REHEARSALS - OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL DAY

There will usually be one night rehearsal per week during football season. There will also be a few night rehearsals immediately preceding concert and sight reading contest in the spring. There will also be some section rehearsals at various times during the year. Extra rehearsals will be called when needed to prepare for contest, concerts, etc. There will be rehearsals before the school year starts. They will start around August 1st and continue until the official school year begins. These “summer band” rehearsals are the most important ones of the year and it is important that you make time to attend.

 

There will be extra rehearsals for flag corps and drum line members every week during football season and at other times during the year as needed. During football season, there will usually be a minimum of two extra rehearsals per week for the flag corps and drum line.

 

Attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals for all members of the band. All extra rehearsals should be considered as required attendance rehearsals.

 

SITTING IN BAND SECTION AT BAND ACTIVITIES

The band will sit in formation in the stands at football games, pep rallies, etc. Only band students will be allowed in the band sections. Band members are not to leave the band section or change places in the seating formation without permission. Members should ask to leave the band section only in case of an emergency.

 

SWEETHEART AND BEAU

A band sweetheart and beau will be selected each year. The sweetheart and beau are to be seniors unless there are no eligible seniors. They must have been in band for at least one year prior to being selected and must also meet all eligibility requirements. They will be selected by nomination of the band members and confirmation by the band director(s) and school officials. The vote will be taken by secret ballot. Students receiving the highest number of votes will be selected.

 

TALKING, CLASS DISRUPTION, ETC.

After rehearsal has begun, there should be no talking or disruption of class. Students are encouraged to ask necessary question by first raising their hand and receiving permission. This will make a much better rehearsal atmosphere and much more will be accomplished.

 

TERMS OF OFFICE OR POSITION

It is to be understood that a student holding the position of Drum Major, Flag Corps member, officer, or any other position for one year in the band is not guaranteed the same position the next year. All positions will be re-elected or subject to tryout on a year-to-year basis. The only possible exception to this would be a Drum Major that has served at least one term and at the discretion of the band director(s), may be appointed for the next year.

 

TRAVEL REGULATIONS

As a general rule, all band members will travel to all events with the band. All transportation must be approved by the band director(s).

 

No student may ride in private transportation without the permission of the band director(s) and in no event will a student be allowed to ride in private transportation unless it contains an adult chaperone approved by the band director(s). No student will be allowed to ride in private transportation unless written permission from the student’s parents is given to the director.

This can be done in two methods which are:

       A. Parents can send a note confirming they are picking up their child. The director will sign the student out on the “sign- out” sheet.

       B. The parent can sign their child out after the performance. You put your signature by your child’s name on the “sign-out” sheet.   

            the sign-out sheet will be in the stands during football games and by the trailer following performances.

If not signed-out, students will return from trips in the same bus/van in which they rode to the event. There will be no switching from one bus to another. These policies are meant to insure the safety of all the students, it is not meant to be an inconvenience. By law and by moral obligation, your director(s) are responsible for your child until you “sign them out”. This is the best method to accurately account for every band student on the trip.

 

UNIFORMS

The school will furnish a performance uniform for each of the band members, the Drum Majors and the Flag Corps members. All other uniforms, shirts and accessories will be furnished by the students. Band members must furnish their own band shoes and high top socks. The shoe style and color will be selected by the band director(s) and may vary from year-to-year.  Sock color must match shoe color selected, either back or white.

       All uniforms, shirts, etc. that are identifiable as representing the band must be approved by the band director(s). All uniforms will be worn in the manner prescribed by the band director(s). All accessories will be decided upon by the director(s) including socks, jewelry, jackets, etc. Bright colored nail polish or lipstick, hair bows, caps, flashy jewelry, etc. will not be acceptable when in uniform.

       Regular band uniforms will be issued by the school to each band member on a seniority basis beginning with the seniors. All uniforms will be kept in the band hall storage area. Uniforms may be checked out for special activities such as pictures, etc. by making arrangements with the band director(s). Cleaning the uniform will be taken care of by the school. Students should notify the director of any problem with their uniform (dirty, buttons missing, torn, etc.)

 

Policy Agreement Form

Each student and their parents must sign the policy agreement form which indicates that they have read, understand and agree to the policies outline in the Wylie Band Manual. 

 

Link to the Policy Agreement Form