Skipper Band/Color Guard Handbook
2010-2011
Mr. Matt Soukup, Director
Stacy Woodall, Colorguard Sponsor
Forward
All members of the Mandeville High School Band are given this handbook containing important information for all members. Parents are asked to familiarize themselves with the material, then sign the enclosed sheet that explains that the parents have read the handbook and understand it. Students are responsible for reading the entire handbook. Please keep this handbook easily accessible for quick reference throughout the school year.
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Music and Your High School Plans Responsibility Rules for Band and Related Activities Attendance Grading Policy Transportation Policy Performance Philosophy Financial Obligations School Owned Instruments Practice Purchasing a New Instrument Uniform Information Fund-Raising Auditions |
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Challenges Band Officers Honor Bands Parish Honor Band District Honor Band All-State Honor Band District Jazz Honor Band Other Honor Bands Solo & Ensemble Festival Band Trip Jazz Band Why Music??? Philosophy and Goals of the Program Forms |
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Music and Your High School Plans
The key to this section is to remember to plan ahead. Make a 4-year plan. Write out your class schedule for the next four years before you start your freshmen year. Think about what you want to do in college and gear your schedule towards that. Check the college and TOPS requirements to be sure you are going to meet them with the schedule you have selected.
When scheduling band: All students must participate in both semesters of band. It is not fair to the program to not have all members participate the full year. When selecting which band class to take please keep in mind, you may only substitute Jazz Band for Marching Band. You may not substitute Jazz Band for Symphonic Band. If you plan to be in Symphonic Band in the spring you must take the Symphonic Band class.
Keep band in your schedule every year. If you do you will have one more positive thing on your resume. If you go through band all four years of high school, colleges see that you are willing and capable of committing to something. This can also benefit you even if you don’t major in music. You can get scholarship money for participating in ensembles in college such as Jazz Band, Marching Band and Concert Bands. Who could complain about free money!
Responsibility
Every musician in every band assumes certain responsibilities simply by being a member. Unlike your other classes, everything you do affects every other person in the ensemble, as well as how the public perceives the group. When you appear with the band, whether it is in rehearsal, in performance, or riding a bus, please conduct yourself with respect. Do everything you can to earn the privilege of being a member of our organization. Make sure you know the exact dates, times, and places of future activities, exactly where and when you have to report, and what you are to wear.
Things you can do to help the MHS Band have a successful year:
Rules for Band and Related Activities
All rules and regulations described in the MHS Student Handbook will be enforced not only during the school day, but also in all out of school performances, practices, and field trips. It is expected that all band members are familiar with and will follow these guidelines.
Attendance
The guidelines governing attendance (both during school and after-school activities) and the effect it has on grading is described below.
Absences: The only excused absences are for personal illness, death in the family, a “once in a lifetime event,” or a school related activity. An absence from an after school rehearsal or performance is not excused unless the student was absent from school on that day. (Please schedule routine checkups and regular appointments around the band’s rehearsal schedule. When one person is absent the whole ensemble is affected.) The only exception is if the student is attending a function for another club/organization on the same day.
Students with conflicts must check with Mr. Soukup before the day of the rehearsal to discuss any conflicts. Mr. Soukup will make arrangements with the sponsor of the other organization/club so that students' other talents can be cultivated as well. A calendar will be distributed the first day of each school year for performance and rehearsal dates. Please let Mr. Soukup know upon receipt of the calendar if you have a previously scheduled appointment. Any conflicts reported after the first week of school will be unexcused. Please check your calendar when scheduling appointments.
Some give and take on all parts will be necessary when a student is involved in athletics or other school-sponsored activities as well as band. Mr. Soukup will work with the students and sponsors/coaches to coordinate practice schedules, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that equal time is allotted for band rehearsals. Performances and competitions will take precedence over rehearsals and practices of other activities.
During marching season (August 9 - November w/o playoffs), the band will rehearse on Mondays 530-830 and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please do not ask to be dismissed early. Tennis shoes are required for all after school rehearsals. The color guard will practice with the band for every rehearsal during marching season.
During rehearsals and performances, the student is expected to have all of his/her equipment in working order and to be on time. Rehearsals will move rather quickly. It is important for students to stay focused at all times. Under no circumstances will talking or moving about be allowed during rehearsals.
Grading Policy
First Nine Weeks
Rhythm Charts
First year band students must complete Charts #2 - #11. All other students must complete five additional charts through Chart #32. After Chart #32, students must complete two charts per nine weeks. Students may schedule an appointment with Mr. Soukup at any time during the first nine weeks to be tested. It is highly recommended that students do not wait until the last week to do this. Get them done early!!!
Attendance and Participation
There is a weekly Participation grade (50 points).
Practices: 2 points per tardy, 5 points per absence
Performances (Football Games): 5 points per tardy, 10 points per absence
Mr. Soukup will take off points if you are unprepared (either did not practice your part, or do not have all of your equipment as explained in the handbook). This includes but is not limited to: music, lyre, instrument, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, tennis shoes, dot book, and pencil. If you do not participate you do not receive a good grade.
Exam
The exam will be a written music theory test. The test will cover many of the main music theory topics we cover in class daily.
Second Nine Weeks
Rhythm Charts
First year band students must complete Charts #2 - #11. All other students must complete five additional charts through Chart #32. After Chart #32, students must complete two charts per nine weeks. Students may schedule an appointment with Mr. Soukup at any time during the first nine weeks to be tested. It is highly recommended that students do not wait until the last week to do this. Get them done early!!!
Attendance and Participation
There is a weekly Participation grade (50 points).
Practices: 2 points per tardy, 5 points per absence
Performances (Football Games): 5 points per tardy, 10 points per absence
Mr. Soukup will take off points if you are unprepared (either did not practice your part, or do not have all of your equipment as explained in the handbook). This includes but is not limited to: music, lyre, instrument, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, tennis shoes, dot book, and pencil. If you do not participate you do not receive a good grade.
Exam
The exam will be a written music theory test. The test will cover many of the main music theory topics we cover in class daily.
Third Nine Weeks
Scales
9-10th grades must pass off all scales up to 4-sharps
11-12th grades must pass off all sharp scales
Attendance and participation/parades
There is a weekly Participation grade. I will take off points if you are late to a rehearsal and if you are unprepared (either did not practice your part, or do not have all of your equipment as explained in the handbook). This includes but is not limited to: music, lyre, instrument, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, tennis shoes, dot book, and pencil. If you do not participate you do not receive a good grade.
All parades are mandatory for all band students. Excuses are on a case to case basis. The students will receive a performance grade for each parade. The grade will be equal to one weekly participation grade. These parades are an important part of our program participating in the community; therefore it is important that everyone be there for all performances.
Fourth Nine Weeks
Scales
9-10th grades must pass off all scales up to 4-flats
11-12th grades must pass off all flat scales
Attendance and participation
There is a weekly Participation grade. I will take off points if you are late to a rehearsal and if you are unprepared (either did not practice your part, or do not have all of your equipment as explained in the handbook). This includes but is not limited to: music, lyre, instrument, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, tennis shoes, dot book, and pencil. If you do not participate you do not receive a good grade.
Final Exam
The exam will be a written music theory test. The test will cover many of the main music theory topics we cover in class daily.
Transportation Policy
All students are expected to ride the bus to and from field trip destinations.
In the event the student will need to use transportation other than the bus provided by MHS, the sponsor (Mr. Soukup) must have a written notice from the student's parent/legal guardian relieving the sponsor and MHS of any liability, PRIOR to the day of the field trip. The person driving must come to Mr. Soukup to have the student released to their supervision. Students are not allowed to drive themselves.
If a student misses a bus, the parent is responsible for making sure the student is driven to the performance. Upon arriving at the performance, the parent will find Mr. Soukup to explain the situation and leave the student. The student will ride home on the bus with the band; he/she may only participate if they are returning home with the band.
Because these rules allow for an accurate roll to be checked, they will ensure that your child's whereabouts can be accounted for during any trip. Rest assured that we will not leave a field trip site until all students who are supposed to be on the bus are, indeed, on the bus.
Performance Philosophy and Guidelines for Athletic Events
The band members must remember that they are "On Stage" every minute the band is out of the building. Band members are expected to follow these guidelines:
· Show pride in the uniform by wearing it in the correct manner.
· Remember to behave in a dignified manner while wearing the uniform, while on the field and in the stands.
· As when in class, there will be NO food, candy, gum or drinks allowed while in uniform with the exception of drinks distributed to all students by a band chaperone.
· No one is to play on any instrument individually. Play only when the entire band is playing.
· Since the seating area is one of the stages for the band's performance, only uniformed members of the MHS Skipper Band and chaperones will be allowed into the area. Students will be expected to help enforce this guideline by communicating this to friends and relatives.
· PLEASE NEVER STEP ON THE BLEACHER SEATS. This is dangerous to instruments left on the seats, as well as leaves dirt that gets on uniforms.
· No high school age chaperones are allowed at band performances. Chaperones must be approved by Mr. Soukup. (i.e., “Friends” cannot march with the band in parades, etc.)
Financial Obligations of Band Members
Every member of the MHS Skipper Band will need to provide, at his/her own expense, the following items:
· Band Shirt and Shorts to be worn for all marching performances
· Black Marching Band Shoes (fitting done during band camp)
· Black socks (no patterns or decorations)
· White gloves (available for purchase through music office)
· Flip folder (available at any music store). This must be obtained by the second week of school.
· Lyre to hold flip folder. (You should bring your instrument with you when purchasing since different brands of instruments may require different lyres.)
· Ear plugs (Percussionists)
Nearly every high school band program in St. Tammany Parish has a band fee. This year, our band fee is $150.00. It will be used to help cover the cost of the music, band shirt and shorts, shoes, upkeep of instruments and uniforms, etc.
School-Owned Instruments
Some students may be issued school-owned instruments for use at home and/or at school. These instruments must be signed out through the Band Director. A form is used, listing the make and brand of instrument, serial number, condition of the instrument, along with any accessories that are with the instrument. Both the student and a parent are required to sign the check out form.
When a student signs out a school-owned instrument, he or she accepts the full responsibility for that instrument. In the event of any damage to the instrument, the student will be responsible for paying for repairs. In the event of a loss or theft or excessive damage, the student will replace the instrument with one of the same brand and model.
Practice
To be successful in any area means to have achieved your greatest potential. Success in music will come only to those who practice regularly. It's that simple. The band's most successful students are those that practice daily. As with any area of study, independent homework builds necessary skills. It is assumed that students who sign up for band want to improve their musical abilities and learn more about music (not simply use those abilities they have accumulated prior to high school).
Purchasing a New Instrument
Please consult a private instructor or Mr. Soukup before purchasing a new instrument.
Parents and students are urged to carefully evaluate the instrument that the student is playing in band. In order to be successful at making quality music, a musician must be working with a quality instrument. There are many analogies available, but the point is many students in band continue to play on instruments that may have been appropriate for a beginner. Frequently, however, these "low end" horns are holding back students who's current ability far out distances the capabilities of the instrument being played. For a high school music student, careful consideration should be given to purchasing a professional quality instrument.
Uniform Information
Students in the Marching Band will be issued a uniform jacket, pants, and hat at the start of the Marching Season. This portion of the uniform will be maintained by the Band Boosters and stored at
Auditions
Auditions for chair placement for the Concert season will occur sometime in November. Students are seated according to their success during their audition. The students will perform their audition behind a screen on their assigned day. Based on the auditions, students will be placed in the MHS Concert Band or the MHS Wind Ensemble. Most members of the Wind Ensemble will also perform with the Concert Band.
Challenges
Students unhappy with their placement at auditions are allowed to work their way up to higher level chairs. The process for challenging is as follows:
A student fills out a challenge form and has the person sitting the next chair higher sign the form (no skipping chairs allowed). Only two persons are involved in any one challenge. If the person does not sign the form, then the person challenging automatically wins the challenge and the students change seats. When both students sign the form, the students are given music by Mr. Soukup. A convenient time for both students and Mr. Soukup is agreed upon.
A student not showing up for the agreed upon time within fifteen minutes of the scheduled time will forfeit the challenge. Most challenges will occur during the school day. This allows other students to listen which will improve their musicianship, as well.
Scales will be used on all challenges along with various musical compositions. The winner of the challenge will be announced immediately. The winner can challenge the next chair higher. Challenges will not be permitted within three weeks of a concert. A student cannot challenge more than once a week.
MHS Band Officers will each have a specific job in helping to administer, operate, and manage the band program. All officers are selected for a one year term. The following is a list of the officers with a brief job description:
1. Drum Major (appointed from tryouts) - Candidates for Drum Major must have been a member of the MHS Band Program for at least one full year. Once selected, Drum Majors are required to attend a one week summer camp as designated by Mr. Soukup. Prior camp experience does not fulfill this obligation. Drum Major responsibilities include:
§ Assisting during the roll check process in class and at all marching band rehearsals.
§ Assisting in the warm-up procedures.
§ Directing selections
§ Assisting band members in learning drill, field checking and “cleaning” forms.
§ Ensuring that all necessary equipment (podium, props, banners, etc.) that is to be used at performances are loaded on the proper vehicles for the trip to and from the event.
§ Conducting visual inspections of all band members’ uniforms prior to all performances and report any infractions of expectations to Mr. Soukup.
2. Percussion Captain - Serves as the leader of the percussion section. Responsibilities include:
a. Assisting with percussion rehearsals.
b. Assisting percussion section members in learning their music.
c. Ensuring that all necessary percussion equipment to be used at performances is loaded on the proper vehicles for the trip to and from the event.
d. Conducting visual inspections of all band members’ uniforms prior to all performances and report any infractions of expectations to Mr. Soukup.
e. Assisting band members in learning drill, field checking and “cleaning” forms.
3. Percussion Co-Captain - Serves in the absence of the captain and as the assistant to the captain.
a. Conducting visual inspections of all band members’ uniforms prior to all performances and report any infractions of expectations to Mr. Soukup.
b. Assisting band members in learning drill, field checking and “cleaning” forms.
4. Librarians (appointed) - Responsible for maintaining order in the music library, assisting with music folders, etc.
5. Tech Managers - Serve as manager for electronic equipment needs.
6. Section Leaders – Assist the Director and Drum Majors with marching fundamentals, drill and assisting your sections members with music.
a. Conducting visual inspections of all band members’ uniforms prior to all performances and report any infractions of expectations to Mr. Soukup.
b. Assisting band members in learning drill, field checking and “cleaning” forms.
The band officers serve in their capacity through the guidance of Mr. Soukup. All recommendations of the officers will be taken under advisement by the band staff for possible action.
Parish Honor Band
The St. Tammany Parish Honor Band will hold auditions in November. See the calendar for the audition, rehearsal, and performance dates. Students that are unable to attend all rehearsals and the performance should not audition. Usually, one rehearsal is scheduled during the school day. The audition material is currently posted on the District IX web page, www.district9.info.
The audition requirements for the Parish Honor Band are as follows:
1. The student must be a member * of their high school band program.
2. The student must furnish a $5.00 audition fee.
3. The student must make arrangements for his/her own transportation to and from the audition and rehearsals/concert (if selected).
The Parish Honor Band is an excellent opportunity for high school musicians. Students are strongly encouraged to audition. Please begin preparations early.
* Member - A student who is registered in the school band program. This is an L.M.E.A. rule.
District Honor Band
The District Honor Band will hold auditions at
The audition requirements for the District Honor Band are as follows:
1. The student must be a member * of their high school band program.
2. The student must furnish a $5.00 audition fee.
3. If selected, student must pay a $20.00 clinic fee.
4. The student must make arrangements for his/her own transportation to and from the audition and rehearsals/concert (if selected).
The District Honor Band is an excellent opportunity for high school musicians. Students are strongly encouraged to audition. Please begin preparations early.
* Member - A student who is registered in the school band program. This is an L.M.E.A. rule.
All-State Honor Band
The All-State Bands will rehearse the week before Thanksgiving. The rehearsal schedule is dependent upon for which group the student is selected. First round auditions will be held in September at
The audition requirements for the All-State Honor Band are as follows:
1. The student must be a member * of their high school band program.
2. The student must pay a $5.00 first round audition fee.
3. If selected, the student must pay a $10.00 second round audition fee.
4 If selected, the student must pay a clinic fee. This fee changes each year.
5. The student must make arrangements for his/her own transportation to and from the audition and rehearsals/concert (if selected).
The All-State Bands are the most prestigious groups in the state. Participating students are awarded many scholarships to study at various universities and are also offered scholarships to many summer band camps. Almost 100% of the students selected for the All-State groups study privately.
* Member - A student who is registered in the school band program. This is an L.M.E.A. rule.
District Jazz Band
The District Jazz Band will hold auditions usually during the second semester. See the calendar for the audition, rehearsal, and performance dates. Students that are unable to attend all rehearsals and the performance should not audition. The audition material is currently posted on the District IX web page, www.district9.info.
The audition requirements for the District Jazz Band are as follows:
1. The student must be a member * of their high school band program.
2. The student must furnish a $10.00 audition fee.
3. The student must pay a $20.00 clinic fee.
4. The student must make arrangements for his/her own transportation to and from the audition and rehearsals/concert (if selected).
The District Jazz Band is an excellent opportunity for high school musicians. Students are strongly encouraged to audition. Please begin preparations early.
* Member - A student who is registered in the school band program. This is an L.M.E.A. rule.
Other Honor Bands
There are several other honor bands in which students can participate throughout the year. For many, membership is determined by audition, and for some, membership is determined by band director recommendation. Following is a listing of honor bands that are highly recommended.
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Honor Band |
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Selection Criteria |
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Southeastern Invitational Honor Bands |
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Previous Merit and Band Director Recommendation |
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U.S.M. All-South Honor Band |
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Previous Merit, Tape Audition, and Band Director Recommendation |
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Arkansas/Louisiana/Texas Honor Band |
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Previous Merit, Tape Audition, and Band Director Recommendation |
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National Honor Band |
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Previous Merit, Tape Audition, and Band Director Recommendation |
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Previous Merit and Band Director Recommendation |
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L.S.U. Chamber Winds Camp |
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Previous Merit, Tape Audition, and Band Director Recommendation |
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Loyola Invitational Honor Band |
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Previous Merit and Band Director Recommendation |
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Previous Merit and Band Director Recommendation |
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Participation in groups such as these looks impressive on a resume for college.
Band Trip
It is planned to schedule a full-band trip each spring. These trips will require some out-of-pocket expense. Every effort will be made to give adequate preparation time to find the monetary resources. All members of the band program in good standing will have the opportunity to attend these trips. However, if a student has had two or more conferences with Mr. Soukup in regards to behavior, Mr. Soukup reserves the right to deny that student the opportunity to attend the band trip. Only students that have been band members for the full school year will be permitted to go on the band trip. Students with two or more unexcused absences for performances will not be allowed to attend the band trip. Students transferring from other schools during the school year must provide documentation to show that they were in band in their previous school.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band members will be chosen, by audition, from the members of the marching and concert bands. The only exception is for piano, guitar, and bass. The instrumentation is as follows: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drum set). Note: When selections are made for Jazz Band, students who are members of the rhythm section of the marching and concert bands will take precedence over a student that is not a member, provided that their playing abilities are comparable. Students must be able to schedule the jazz band class during the fall semester to participate in jazz band. Rhythm section players must schedule jazz band class during the spring semester to participate in jazz band.
WHY I TEACH MUSIC
MUSIC IS A SCIENCE: It is exact, specific and must be 100% correct - 99% is no good. It is unalterable. It demands exact acoustics.
MUSIC IS MATHEMATICAL: It is rhythmically based on the subdivision of time in space into fractions which must be done instantaneously and not worked out on paper.
MUSIC IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French, and the notation of notes certainly is not English, but a highly developed kind of shorthand.
MUSIC IS HISTORY: Since music has always reflected the environment and times of its creation - often even the country or racial feeling.
MUSIC IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION: It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lip, cheek, and facial muscles in addition to extraordinary control of the diaphragm, back, stomach and chest muscles which must respond instantly to the sounds the ear hears and mind interprets.
MUSIC IS ALL OF THESE THINGS, BUT MOST OF ALL MUSIC IS ART: It allows a human being to take all of these dry, technically boring (but fantastically difficult) techniques and use them to create emotion. That is the one thing that science cannot duplicate - humanism or feeling or emotion or call it what you will.
THAT IS WHY I TEACH MUSIC,
not because we expect you to major in music
not because we expect you to play music all your life
not so you can relax
not so you can have fun
not so you can trot around the football field in uniform
BUT: so you will be human
so you will recognize beauty
so you will be sensitive
so you will be closer to an infinite beyond our world
so that you'll have something to cling to
so that you will have more love, more compassion,
more gentleness, more good.....in short, more life.
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live.
THAT'S WHY I TEACH MUSIC. (Author Unknown)
The Band Program at
1. The band program should continually challenge students to demonstrate a high level of achievement in musical performance, both individually and as members of a group. A band program dedicated to high achievement is characterized by:
· Specific performance goals that are clearly communicated to the students.
· A sequential curriculum which results in student achievement of progressively more advanced skills.
· A curriculum which exposes students to a wide variety of musical styles and performance formats.
· A curriculum which incorporates an understanding of the theory and mechanics of music.
· A musical experience which provides students opportunities to achieve positions of leadership and responsibility.
· A willingness to measure achievement through participation in a variety of adjudicated festivals and competitions.
· A commitment to provide opportunities for accessible private study. Please contact Mr. Soukup for a list of private instructors for your instrument.
2. The students in the program should receive school and community recognition for their musical efforts and accomplishments. A program which fosters recognition of the musical efforts and achievements of its members is characterized by:
· Members who exhibit a high level of respect for and pride in the efforts and achievements of the band.
· Parents who demonstrate active support for the musical responsibilities and activities of their students.
· A high degree of visibility in the school and community.
3. The program should foster and expect a high level of dedication from its members. A program whose members are highly dedicated is characterized by:
· Leadership which promotes dedication among band students of all grade levels, including feeder schools.
· Students who strive to achieve both their personal musical potential and that of the band through regular practice.
· Students who honor their commitment to their fellow members by attending all band activities (rehearsals, performances, trips).
· Parents who encourage and facilitate their child’s participation in all of the band's activities.
4. The band program should result in students feeling a sense of achievement and satisfaction due to their participation in band. A program with high levels of student satisfaction is characterized by members who:
· Identify strongly with the group, and derive feelings of pride, friendship, heightened self-esteem and belonging from their association with it.
· Believe they are making a positive contribution to the tradition of the program.
· Demonstrate their enthusiasm for the program and their membership in it.
· Work in an atmosphere of respect for and between teachers and students.
To be included:
Forms – Media release form.
Statement that student and parent have read and signed the book agreeing to all rules, regs and guidelines.
Picture order form
Band booster info
Calendar (school has not posted officially.)