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Skipper Band/Color Guard Handbook 2007-08 Mr. Matt Soukup, Director Stacey Woodall, Color Guard Sponsor
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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. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - § - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Click on any of the following topics for more information.
Why I Teach Music Rules for Band and Related Activities Performance Philosophy and Guidelines for Athletic Events Financial Obligations of Band Members The Importance of the Instrument in Achieving Success Honor Bands
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - § - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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,
BUT: so you will be human 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 Mandeville High School strives to provide a rich and rewarding musical experience for its students. The program will be guided by the following basic principals: 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:
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:
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:
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:
Music and Your High School Plans While many university entrance requirements can appear forbidding and academically oriented, there are some thoughts that you should keep in mind while considering whether or not to take or continue music in high school. Music courses are indeed academic. Performing is a skill that transfers to other types of learning. Virtually every major university in the nation, including the service academies, has performing musical ensembles as a part of the accredited curriculum. These schools recognize the value of music to the individual and accept the need for continuity in musical participation throughout the high school years as preparation for college performing. A well-balanced course of study in high school that includes a music class each year will prepare a student for acceptance in any college in the country. Music is not a frill, and a well-balanced individual is usually well versed in one or more of the arts. Most great national figures, whatever their field, have a good working knowledge in at least one of the arts and a developed fine taste in the other arts. Music is an activity which all students should consider. Preparation for a lifetime of enjoyment, either as a consumer or as an adult member of a community music ensemble, is a valuable benefit of a high school music curriculum. Set music as a priority; make up your mind that you will find a way to take it. If you place music on your schedule first each year and leave it there, the other blanks will be sufficient to meet your needs. Simply determine that music is important and then work around it. It is very important that you consult your high school counselor and/or college catalog when you have a question concerning your program.
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, you are no longer identified by your name, but as part of the Mandeville High School Band. 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. The guidelines governing attendance (both during school and for after-school activities) and the effect it has on grading is described below. 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. Afternoon appointments for regular checkups with doctors, dentists, orthodontists, etc., are not excused absences. 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. Whenever a student misses or is tardy to an after-school rehearsal or performance, he or she is required to complete a "Reason for Absence/Tardy" form. The form MUST be completed and turned in within two days of the tardy/absence or it will be automatically UNEXCUSED. Both the top and bottom of the two-part form must be signed by the student, the parent, and Mr. Soukup. Once the form is turned in and signed by Mr. Soukup, one part will be maintained by Mr. Soukup, and one part will be kept by the student and/or the parent. If there is a discrepancy about whether an absence is excused, the student must be able to produce his/her copy of the form to prove the absence is excused. If the student is unable to produce the form (signed by the student, parent, and Mr. Messoma), the absence is not excused. 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 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. During marching season (August 14 - November 17), the band will rehearse on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:50 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Please do not ask to be dismissed early. Tennis shoes are required for Tuesday and Thursday after school rehearsals. The Flag Team will practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons during marching season. During rehearsals and performances, the student is expected to have all of his/her equipment 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.
First Nine Weeks
20%
of
grade:
Rhythm
Charts 20% of grade: Four Memorization Performing Tests - Marching music 60% of grade: Attendance and participation in rehearsal Second Nine Weeks
20%
of
grade:
Rhythm
Charts 20% of grade: Performing Tests - Winter Concert Music, Scales 60% of grade: Attendance and participation in rehearsal Third Nine Weeks
40%
of
grade:
Rhythm
Charts 40% of grade: Performing Tests - Festival Music 20% of grade: Final Exam (TBA) Fourth Nine Weeks
40%
of
grade:
Rhythm
Charts 40% of grade: Performing Tests - Spring Concert Music, Graduation Music 20% of grade: Final Exam (TBA)
After the grade is averaged for each
quarter,
points will be deducted for absences, tardies and
other infractions as
follows:
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 must have a written notice from the student's parent/legal guardian relieving the sponsor and MHS of any liability, PRIOR to leaving for 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. 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 MHS Skipper Marching/Pep Band is involved in two distinct functions during each game. First, the band provides musical and visual support to the team. It is the band's responsibility to be ready to play for each scoring play by the Skippers. The band is also there to provide entertainment for the fans. It is the band's objective to play as often as practical and put on a professional-quality performance. The band members must remember that they are "On Stage" every minute the band is out of the building. To earn the respect of the community, the students must demonstrate self-respect and show that it has pride in itself. To achieve these ends, band members are expected to follow these guidelines:
Every member of the MHS Skipper Band will need to provide, at his/her own expense, the following items:
Nearly every high school band program in St. Tammany Parish has a band fee. This year, our band fee is $100.00. It will be used to help cover the cost of the half-time show/drill/music/buses.
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.
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). This involves regular practice. Each student should work to schedule one-half hour of solid practice daily. Students who practice regularly find their skills increasing to such a degree that they view their practice time as enjoyable, not as “work.”
Because band activities involve the coordinated efforts of all members, punctuality is an especially important trait for the individual member. Whenever a rehearsal is occurring, it goes without saying that all members must be in attendance to maximize the efficiency of the rehearsal. Wherever "holes" are left in marching formations, intervals cannot be properly established. Whenever instrumentalists are missing from playing rehearsals, balance and blend cannot be adequately addressed. All material covered and progress made by the group is negated when absentees return and need to be "caught up" on missed achievements. Productive rehearsals can only begin once every member of the team is present and ready to fully participate. It is out of common courtesy for the other members of the organization that you should arrive before rehearsal starts to get equipment ready and get in place for the start of rehearsal. We will start every rehearsal warming up together unless otherwise instructed. Do not warm up on your own. Punctuality with respect to deadlines is also a highly regarded virtue in band. There are numerous administrative tasks connected with the smooth operation of classes. Often, information or money must be obtained from members before these tasks can be completed. It is out of both a mature sense of responsibility and a regard for doing one's part to avoid the wasted time involved in redoing or delaying the completion of administrative projects that all members respect and meet all deadlines. In any team activity, every member must recognize that each individual is very important to the team. Everyone must do their part. Every member must realize also that individual privileges above and beyond those extended to the rest of the team are unfair to the management and functioning of the team.
The Importance of the Instrument in Achieving Success 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.
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