Hans Decker Marching Band Tech.

Fall 2013 Marching Band Handbook Introduction The purpose of this handbook is to lay down a foundation of procedures and goals for the band to work with in order to be operating as well and efficiently as possible as an organization. These policies are to help establish order and personal responsibility within the band and its individual members. It is not required to be a part of this band/organization, but those who choose to be a part of it are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner and strive to meet the band's goals as well as their individual goals as best as they can. Band Rules and Regulations The members of this band should behave in a manner that reflects positively on the high school as well as themselves. Steps as to how this can be done are included below. 1. No gum or food during rehearsals. There will be time for that at lunch and dinner breaks. 2. No use of cell phones while on the field or in music rehearsal. 3. Wear proper clothing for rehearsal with the weather in mind. Sneakers or tennis shoes must be worn at rehearsal. No bare feet or flip-flops/sandals. 4. All instruments and equipment including music, flip folders, pencils. BE PREPARED.

5. All instruments must be stored properly. Instruments cannot be kept on the floor. 6. Students should show respect towards band instructors, their bandmates, and themselves. 7. Language will be kept at an appropriate manner throughout rehearsals and performances. Failure to meet this regulation can result in dismissal from rehearsal activities, or in extreme cases, not marching for the next performance. Attendance The marching band functions as one single unit and having missing members within the band will significantly lessen our ability to get as much done in rehearsals as we can. Students who are a part of the band must be at every rehearsal and at every performances. If a student is missing a rehearsal, they must notify the director with a note or phone call from their parents one week in advance. Absences from performances cannot happen, yet there are certain circumstances that can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the director. Any student with an unexcused absence from a rehearsal must show up to the next performance in full uniform but they will not be allowed to march the show. Rehearsals and Etiquette Etiquette for different rehearsals will be demonstrated to the band members by the band staff at the first music rehearsal. It is expected that each band member will adhere to these procedures. Music rehearsals will start in the summer before band camp begins. There will be music rehearsals on every Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 beginning in July. Starting the week before school starts will be band camp. These rehearsals will occur on Monday through

Friday from 8:00AM until 3:00PM. After band camp there will be rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:30-5:00. There will be a short rehearsal on Fridays that we have football games from 3:30-4:30. Band members must arrive to rehearsal at least five to ten minutes before the stated call time. Music for pre-game and halftime must be memorized. Deadlines for memorization will be made clear by the band staff. Students should come to rehearsals prepared with WATER. It is important to stay hydrated for marching band since it is a physical activity and we will be out in the sun often. There will be plenty of breaks given throughout rehearsals for students to get drinks of water. As mentioned before, this is a physical activity and because of this students will need to be conditioned properly in order to have them performing at their best while keeping from injuring themselves. There will be time at the beginning of rehearsals for stretching and calisthenics in order for the students to prepare themselves physically. Illnesses and injuries can prevent students from being able to perform to this extent. In these cases a doctor's note should be given to the band director to notify him/her of that student's condition. Football Game Performance The following are some rules that are to be followed during football games: 1. No one can play their instrument unless instructed to do so. We could get in trouble with the referees if there is noise going on during the play. 2. Players should have their own lyre, flip folder, and music with them in the stands. 3. No one may leave the stands without permission from the band staff first. The amount of students leaving the stands will be monitored. We cannot have too many students leaving the stands at the same time or else it will detract from the music.

4. Stand music should be performed with the same standards in mind as with our halftime show music. 5. After halftime, band members must be back in their spots in the stands with five minutes remaining in the third quarter ready to play the rest of the game. Competitions and Band Travel The band will travel to events together and will return together on the bus. Each bus will have two chaperones for all of the band members on one bus. If a parent wishes to bring their child with them to an event, the director must be notified in advance with a note from the parent. Also, if a parent and student have other plans after an event is over, then the parent must physically meet with the band director to let them know that they have their child in their care. This is done as a safety precaution since we do not want anyone getting hurt or lost. 1. This rule is also one that applies with home football games: band members may not leave the stands unless they have permission from the band staff. 2. The bus driver's instructions must be followed at all times. 3. You must stay seated at all times. We do not want anyone getting hurt. 4. When traveling to away football games, students must be wearing their uniforms with the correct attire underneath. Odds are that we will not have a place to change once we get to the away stadium. 5. When traveling to competitions, students do not have to wear their uniforms on the bus but they must be wearing their band T-shirt until after the competition is concluded. We want to

be able to look uniform this way even when we are not wearing our official uniforms. This will also make it easier for band staff and members to locate one another. 6. Everyone must help unload the equipment trailer once we arrive at our destination. We will have props and lots of equipment for the front ensemble and the drumline. The more people who help, the faster we can get moving on to our next task. 7. The bus shall be kept clean and orderly. Respect the driver's vehicle. 8. At competitions we will move as a group. After the band is done performing they will move as a group to our designated area to change out of uniforms. We will then move as a group to a spot in the stands where we can sit and watch the rest of the competition. Students may sit with parents in the stands if they wish and notify the director first. Uniforms The way a marching band presents itself is the first thing that an audience will notice and if a band is out of uniform from each other, it is a poor representation of that band's school, community, and yourself. Your uniform and its upkeep is your responsibility. If something on your uniform becomes damaged, bring it to a member of the band staff so that it may be fixed. Better to let somebody know about the damage than just letting it sit and have it reflect poorly on the band during a competition or halftime performance. The care of the band uniform and behavior while wearing that uniform all goes toward creating pride and unity in the band as well as continuing traditions in the band. Underneath the uniform students must be wearing their band t-shirt and gym shorts. They could also wear spandex, under-armor, or thermal underwear in cold weather. Jeans and sweatshirts are not acceptable due to their bulky appearance.

Uniform jackets must be draped over the uniform hanger with all buttons fastened and zippers up. Pants must be folded at the crease and hung on the pants hanger. These two items must be hung in the uniform garment bag neatly. They are not to be left lying in a ball on the floor. Hats and plumes must be kept in the hat boxes separate from the uniform bags. Make sure that while wearing the hat, it is sitting squarely on your head with the chin strap underneath your chin at a size that is not too loose or too tight. When our plumes aren't standing up straight, it looks unprofessional and we can get points taken off from uniformity while at competitions. Also, do not wear the hat backwards. Even when we are walking from the stands to the band room. If you do not wish to wear the hat properly, remove it and carry it at your side rather than wear it incorrectly. The color guard uniforms will vary with each show that we do. Separate instructions for your uniforms will be given to you by the band staff. As far as marching shoes go, you are responsible for keeping them clean and well-kept. Gloves can be purchased online or through the band boosters. It is best to keep the gloves in your hat box so that you do not lose them. The band must be wearing knee-high black socks with their uniforms. No jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, nose rings, other visible piercings) may be worn while in uniform Any hair that extends past the collar must be put up so that it can fit inside of the hat. This rule does not only apply to the females. Any males with longer hair must follow this rule as

well. Make sure you bring extra hair ties with you. For the guard, hair style changes with the show. No finger nail polish or excessive make-up for the band members. Guard members must stay in accordance with the show as far as make-up goes. After events in rainy weather, uniforms are to be hung up with garment bags left open so that the uniforms can properly dry out. Do not leave them in the bags lying on the floor. Other than that just being unsanitary, it can cause damage to the uniforms over time. Equipment, props etc. will be stored in the band trailer. Drumline and front ensemble equipment will be kept in the drum room and band room respectively. Color guard equipment will be kept in the band trailer. Fundraising/Financial As an organization, we love getting to do what we do for our audiences. However, in order to function at our best and to be able to take part in all of these wonderful opportunities for our band members, we need the funds to be able to do so. There will be band fundraisers happening throughout the year that students and parents are able to take part in. Specific details on what these events will be and when they occur vary from year to year. Whenever a fundraising opportunity appears, details will be posted on the band website as well as volunteer sign-up sheets for parents. Band Boosters If parents would like to become involved with the band boosters organization, there are details on how to do so up on the band website. For those who may be concerned, the band

boosters does not have to be a full-time commitment if you do not want it to be. This organization helps to raise additional funds for the band, fix uniforms, transport equipment, and provide services to the band that we would not receive under normal school circumstances. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the organization, no matter how big or small the contribution may be, is always welcome. Every piece helps! For the Parents... Your son's or daughter's involvement with the band will not only be an experience that is very fun and rewarding to them, but it can be rewarding to you too. In order to do this we ask for simple bit of help in supporting the proper attitude toward music at home. Encourage your child to practice and support them in what they are doing. It is a very giving experience to be a part of an organization like this and having that parental support will help your kids enjoy themselves even more while they are a part of our band. If you have any more questions about our program or would like to contact me please feel free to do so. We always like to be sure that all of your questions are answered. Director: Hans Decker 612-741-7874 hans.decker@drake.edu