CRAIGMONT SENIOR HIGH BAND

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BAND CLASS

&

BAND PERFORMANCES

FOR

2001-2002

BAND CLASS POLICIES

There will be no food, drinks, or gum allowed in the band room. This includes breakfast, lunch, and after school snacks.

The equipment room is for storage of musical instruments only, not for textbooks and students’ personal belongings. There will be no socializing in the equipment room!

Students are expected to participate in rehearsals during class time every day.

Students should have their instruments, music, and a pencil for every rehearsal.

Students are expected to be on time for class. Tardies will affect the daily grade in band as well as result in appropriate consequences according to school policy.

Students returning to class following an absence must show an admit slip to the band director for a signature. Unexcused absences will affect the daily grade and the opportunity to earn a grade for assigned material for the day. Unexcused absences will also deny Seniors an exemption from semester exams. Class cuts, home suspensions, and board suspensions are considered unexcused absences.

Talking, doing homework for other classes, or other such unproductive behavior is inappropriate during rehearsal time.

Afternoon rehearsals are sometimes called prior to important performances and competitions. Advance notice will be given.

‘BAND AND ORCHESTRA NEWS OF THE WEEK’ is given to students each Monday. This page of information contains important dates, times, and reminders that students and parents need to know to stay current in the band program. Students and parents can also get important information from the calendars and bulletin board announcements posted in the band room.

It is the students’ responsibility to get the information and act on it accordingly. Verbal announcements interfere with rehearsal time and will be kept to a minimum.

BAND PERFORMANCE POLICIES

Absences from performances must be documented with a note from a parent or guardian.

Excused absences include:

***personal illness resulting in an excused absence from school on the day of the

performance

***death in the family

*** conflicting school activity discussed with band director prior to the event

(may entail make up work)

***special circumstances as determined through private discussion between band

director and student or guardian--documented with a note

PERFORMANCE GRADES THIS YEAR WILL REFLECT STUDENTS ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY (WARM UP TIME IS USUALLY BETWEEN 30-45 MINUTES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE ACTUALLY BEGINS), PREPAREDNESS (HAVING ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES), AND ADHERENCE TO THE SPECIFIC UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS (SEE PAGE CONCERNING UNIFORMS).

BAND UNIFORM POLICIES

The band has two uniforms based upon the nature of the performance.

MARCHING UNIFORM

Band uniforms will be kept at school. Students may check them out after school on a football game day, but all uniforms are to be returned to the band room after every performance. We are purchasing new black uniform pants this year.

Black socks and black shoes are part of the required uniform and are provided by the individual student. Athletic shoes of any type will not be acceptable. Black band shoes can be purchased at Kaufman’s in Memphis, other shoe stores, or ordered through the band director. Any uniform-type (medical, military, etc.) black shoe is acceptable. White gloves are purchased each year by the director for Homecoming and parades.

A solid white or gray T-shirt is to be worn underneath the band jacket. No bright colors should show through the back of the band uniform.

Jewelry is not appropriate with the band uniform.

Students must remain in full uniform at all times when in public. This includes breaks during football games.

Students who damage uniform parts or soil them beyond repair will pay for replacement uniform parts.

CONCERT UNIFORM

Ladies will wear a solid black dress or pant suit, black hose, and black shoes. The dress should not reveal the shoulders, back, chest, or knees (while student is seated). Large, flashy jewelry is inappropriate.

Gentlemen will wear black dress pants, pleated tuxedo shirt, black cummerbund and bow tie, black socks, and black shoes. The tux shirt must be neatly ironed, and a colorful T-shirt should not be seen through the back.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION AND/OR REMOVAL FROM THE PERFORMING BAND.

FUNDING OUR PROGRAM

BAND FEE

The Memphis City Schools Board of Education provides little funding for band programs, except for the director’s salary, the repair shop for school-owned instruments, and a small allowance for equipment.

Therefore, in order to maintain the expected quality of excellence in instructional materials and performance opportunities for our young musicians, we must rely on support from the families.

Instead of charging the students small amounts of money throughout the year, I am offering the opportunity to pay a onetime sum of $75.00 to cover our operational expenses for the year. This amount will cover:

*uniform maintenance

*new white gloves for marching

*transportation to all performances requiring a bus

*use of classroom technique books, newly purchased and previously purchased

*new music arrangements for concerts and contests

*entry fees and other costs surrounding band contests *miscellaneous maintenance of our equipment and facilities

*two entry fees to WTSBOA events (All-West auditions, solo &

ensemble, etc.)

This amount does not cover events such as All-West trips, optional activities, Spring band trips, and fees for additional individual competitive events not covered above.

Students may, if they wish, prepay additional entry fees to All-West auditions and up to three Solo and Ensemble events to avoid the hassle later in the year.

Please pay the band fee by October 1 (or October 20 if you are purchasing a jacket this year). If you would prefer to pay in installments, I will be glad to work with you about such arrangements.

BAND JACKET INFORMATION

(PURCHASE IS OPTIONAL)

Students are offered the opportunity to purchase a band letter jacket, similar to those worn by the athletic teams.

The price of the jackets this year is $90.00. (Add $20.00 for 4XL.)

The jacket money must be paid in full on or before September 20, 2001 so that we may have the quickest delivery time and receive the jackets by the time colder weather sets in.

Payment is accepted in cash only.

I cannot place the order without payment in full.

Each year students can earn letters, citation bars, and merit medals to wear on their jackets for maintaining good grades (A’s and B’s) all year and participating in school and West Tennessee Band Association events.

All-West and other honor patches as well as Solo and Ensemble medals can be displayed on the jacket.