Voice Commands
Fall in! Get in line in your correct place.
Band --- Ready! Ready position equal to parade rest except head is up. Band members should assume this position when ever in line or together in uniform (on track, awaiting instructions or waiting in a parade)
Band --- Ten'hut!(and one) Call to position of attention. Two count move. One "and" lift left knee up similar to high step and yell "ten". On "one" snap into full attention position yelling "hut"
Band ----- Parade Rest! (move) Command only called from attention. Left leg steps out to shoulder width, hands down(varies by instrument), head down. Move in one count.
At Ease. Relax and stand as you wish, but stay in place (right foot). You may talk quietly.
FACING COMMANDS
Band --- Right Face. On the next beat, beat one, you extend your left foot forward, turn to your right while pivoting on your toes for beat two, and bring your feet together for beat three. During this move and the other facing moves, band members call "orange" on beat one, "and" on beat two, and "canes" on beat three.
Band --- Left Face. This command is similar to a right face only you extend your right leg forward, pivot on your toes to the left, and then bring your feet together. "Orange and White" is called in this move also.
Band --- About Face. In this command you will be turning completely around. You begin on the next beat one by extending your left foot forward. (For balance it helps to place your left foot slightly to the right as well as forward.) On beat two you will turn around. Stay on your toes and turn to the right. This move is a little awkward at first, so remember to straight and on your toes. "Orange and White" is called for this move.
MOVING COMMANDS
Mark time mark (and). Pick up left foot on "and" and bring it down on the next beat (beat 1). While marking time, heals are lifted to ankle height and lowered down on the beat.
Forward march (and). Right heal goes down on "and". Left foot steps off and begins forward rollsteck(heal to toe) movement.
Backward march (and). Began like Forward March only left foot slides back into backward march. (gliding on toes)
Right Turn March (and). Four count turn to right. Resume whatever movement done before command.
Left Turn March (and). Same as right turn only to left.
To The Rear March (and). Movement to turn around while moving. "And" is called on right foot, pivot on toes for next beat, and continue with right foot for beat two
Right Flank March (and). Quick moving turn. Similar to "To the Rear March" only you pivot to the right. Must go forward after flank.
Left Flank March (and). Similar to right flank only turn to left.
Band ----- Halt (one two). Two count halt. Right foot stops on one. Left knee up (similar to high step) and donw on two. Band answers with "One! Two!"
ALLIGNMENT
Commands used to straighten lines.
Dress right ----- dress (move). On beat four, snap elbows up and both hands on your instrument, or hands together -- make sure arms are straight and parallel to the ground. Look to the right -- except the far right person looks straight ahead. This command may be given at any time, except parade rest, and you may be asked to forward march, turn, mark time or halt while doing it!
Dress center---dress (move). Same as right dress only head turns towards center.
Dress left---dress(move). Similar to right dress only head turns to left.
Ready ----- Front (move). Snap back to attention from dress position (eyes front and hands down).
Band----Horns Up!. On 1, instruments out in front of you. On 2 Instruments to your mouth ready to play. Horns should be pointed upward.
Marching Fundamentals Described
In-Place
Position of Attention:
Heels together
Parallel
Ball of foot on marker/yard line
Horn placement/angle (varies by instrument)
Check posture by raising up on your toes as high as possible, then slowly
lowering yourself until your heels barely touch the ground. While up on your
toes you should be able to maintain your balance (even weight distribution).
Posture Check:
Command: "Heels" Response: "Together!"
"Stomach" "In!"
"Chest" "Out!"
"Shoulders" "Back!"
"Chin" "Up!"
"Eyes" "With Pride!"
Horn Flash:
A one-count maneuver placing the playing position approximately 30 degree;
higher than normal playing position (10'). This is done by raising the chin to
achieve the flash position. Always maintain a proper embouchure.
Mark Time
High Step:
Leg is out and up from attention position
Pivot at the hip joint, with toe leaving ground last
Toe hits ground 1st on return
Low Step:
Toe remains on the ground
Heel of each foot rises to level of the opposite ankle
Forward March
High Step:
Flowing motion - no jerks or hesitations
Ball of foot leaves ground last, hits first
Knee lifted to be parallel to ground
Upper body rigid - slightly back of perpendicular
Low Step:
Foot is rolled from heel-to-toe
Upper body remains motionless
PART II: RULES AND POLICIES
RULES AND REGULATIONS
� Your conduct in school and the community directly reflects upon the band. Each member is expected to represent the MDHS Band with great pride and enthusiasm.
� Outlined below are the rules for the Band Room:
1. No Food, No Drinks, No Gum in carpeted areas of the band room unless specified by director
2. Treat each other with respect
3. Secure your own equipment and belongings. The band is not responsible for lost, stolen or thrown out objects that have not been properly secured.
4. No fighting or wrestling in the band room (People could get hurt, instruments could get damaged)
5. Instrumentalists are not to hold or play with an auxiliary members flag or any other prop. (unless instructed to by the band director or a flag captain)
6. Auxiliary members are not to hold or play instruments in order to prevent damage to the instrument.
� Band Students and their parents are expected to fill out and sign the Band Handbook Contract.
� It is your responsibility to be in the right place at the right time with the right equipment and right attitude
� Chaperones are to be treated with respect
� The telephone is for Band use only. It will be open for use by students at the conclusion of football games, concerts and fieldtrips. Don�t ask
� Students using school owned instruments have signed a contract with their parent�s or guardian�s signature stating that they are responsible for the instrument as outlined by the contract
DISCIPLINE
The discipline for band is based on a hierarchy of officers. The hierarchy goes as follows:
Secton Leader
Captains/Assistant Drummajors
Drummajors
Director
If a band member has a problem with another band member, they must first go to their section leader, then go up the ladder if they are not satisfied. They must talk to the other officers on the hierarchy first before the Drum Majors are to be notified. If the Drum Majors cannot solve the problem, then Mr. Cohen will be notified of the situation.
This year we will be working on a system of demerits for disciplinary matters. Each band member will be allowed three demerits before a referral is written. Every time you are late to a rehearsal or late on getting out to the field, without an acceptable reason, one demerit will be taken from you. This also applies if you �smart-off� or yell at the Drum Majors, or cause a problem within the band. If you receive three demerits and get a referral, the system starts over again. If a band member gets one referral, they will not be able to play in the half-time show, but are still expected to show up to the games in their full uniform. If a band member receives two referrals, that person will not be playing at any of the football for the rest of the season, but are expected to show up in full uniform. Also, they will not be participating in any competitions.
GRADES
� Grades are figured using three criteria:
1. Participation (During class)
2. Performance (At scheduled and announced performances)
3. Attendance (At after school rehearsals)
� Each criteria is worth 1/3 of the final grade. Unexcused absences from rehearsals and performances causes the final grade to lessen
ATTENDANCE
ATTENDANCE TO REHEARSALS, GAMES, AND EVENTS IS MANDATORY FOR ALL BAND AND FLAG MEMBERS. If for some reason you cannot make a rehearsal or a performance (i.e. football games, competitions) make sure to notify Mr. Cohen or the Drum Majors at least one day in advance. Work is not an acceptable excuse for missing rehearsal. If you become suddenly ill before a rehearsal and cannot contact anyone from the band, make sure to tell Mr. Cohen when you return to school so that he may mark you as excused. Also, if you are absent from school for two or more periods, on the day of a night rehearsal, you may NOT attend the rehearsal that night, according to school policy.
DRESS
Games- Full Uniform as specified by the Band Director
DO NOT WEAR:
1. Noticable makeup such as:
- Eyeliner
- Eyeshadow
- Mascara
- Blush
- Lipstick
- Lipliner
2. Nail Polish
3. Any T-Shirt other than your band shirt. (If you have forgotten your band shirt, please notify the drum captain immediately so they can arrange to get a proper shirt for you.)
4. any type of shoe other than your marching shoes.
5. Blue Jeans
6. Different colored socks.
Practices- The dress code for practices is as follows:
Practices during school hours:
1. Shorts in school dress code (A suggestion for girls-Boys' shorts or 100% cotton cheerleading shorts).
or track pants.
2. Light colored shirt-white, athletic gray, ash gray, pastels.
3. Tennis Shoes
DO NOT WEAR:
1. Spaghetti Tanks
2. Shorts that expose unnessecary objects
3. Platform Shoes
4. Flip Flops
5. Swim wear (swim trunks are acceptable)
6. Blue Jeans, dresses or skirts
Practices after school hours
1. Shorts or track pants
2. Shirt
3. Tennis Shoes
***The length of the shorts or the style of the shirt should be in good taste and should cover all under-garments***
DO NOT WEAR
1. Platform shoes
2. Swim wear (swim trunks are acceptable)
3. Flip flops
4. Blue Jeans, dresses, or skirts
UNIFORMS
� Students in the Marching Band will be issued and notified of uniform standards at the beginning of the marching seadon
� The uniform will be maintained as necessary by the student and stored properly
� The appropriate marching shoes and attire should be worn whenever in full uniform.
� The uniform will be worn for all public appearances of the marching band (i.e. Football games, competitions, festivals, parades)
� Students will remain in full uniform for the duration of the performance unless otherwise directed by the Band Director
� Food may be consumed in uniform, but the student is responsible for the immediate dry cleaning expense or replacement of the garment if stained or ruined
� Students are responsible for the cleaning costs of their individual uniform at the conclusion of the marching season
� While in uniform, no jewelry (with the exception of a wedding band)or make-up is to be worn. Unnatural hair colors are also unnexceptable.
� Hair is worn so it does not touch the collar.
FOOTBALL GAMES
� Students are to report to the MDHS Band Room at the announced time lined up and fully dressed for their performance
� Inspection of the student, uniform and instrument will begin at the announced arrival time
� Students are to remain with the Band until the end of the football game when everyone is dismissed
� A break will be provided at the conclusion of the halftime activities. Students are to be in their seat ready to play with 2:00 left to play on the clock during the 3rd quarter. This privilege may be revoked due to student tardiness
Drumline Standards
Equipment
Equipment shall be treated as if it were your own. For the remainder that you are on the drumline, you will treat your drum with the highest respect and you will be required to polish it twice a week and once on the day of a game. Carriers are to be hung on the provided racks along the wall of the drum section. Drum cases are stored on the top shelves along the wall.
Drum Cabinet and Section Area
The drum cabinet has four drawers in which you will store your sticks. The drawers have labels that indicate where you shall store your type of sticks. Cymbals are to be stored on the shelf beneath the right side drawers and all other percussion instruments are to be stored in the remaining shelves. This cabinet is to be kept clean and organized. The drum section shall never have any garbage on the floor-there are garbage cans in the band room for that specific purpose. All sheet music is to be put in the basket on the top of the drum cabinet. If you have lost a piece of music, please look in the music basket before coming to the section leader about it.
Rules
1. Be prompt to all practices and games
2. Bring sticks, fat lil notebook, and pencil to all practices
3. Bring sticks and FULL uniform to games.
4. DO NOT let anyone outside the drumline hold or play on your drum.