2006-2007 Enka High School Band Handbook
This handbook has been written to answer questions on the various aspects of the Enka High School band program. The regulations stated within were designed to encompass the overall interests of all the members of the entire organization. Rules are necessary in large organizations such as the band to maintain some semblance of order and efficiency in the organization.
Our regulations are made for a reason; not to inconvenience any one member, but to establish a common ground from which all individual members can best accomplish their own musical goals, as well as the musical goals of the organization. Making exceptions to the regulations serves only to breed discontentment and confusion. Help make the band an enjoyable and productive activity fro yourself and your fellow bandsmen by accepting and following the regulations stated within this handbook.
General Regulations
1. All band members will be present for all band functions.
2. It is the responsibility of the individual student to obtain PRIOR approval from the director for anticipated absences. The director has the option of dismissing the students from band if this procedure is not followed.
3. The consumption or possession of drugs or alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated while participating in, or attending a band function. Violation of this rule will result in expulsion from the band.
4. Uniforms are to be worn with respect, and students are to keep their uniforms completely fastened while in public view. (Hats and gloves may be carried when not performing.)
5. General misconduct as exemplified by profane language, songs, gestures or acts unbecoming to young ladies and gentlemen will not be tolerated.
6. At football games, all band members are required to sit in assigned seats. Sitting with boyfriends or girlfriends, whether from within or outside the band is not permitted.
7. Amorous activities in public (kissing, etc.) while in uniform are not permitted.
8. Wind players are not allowed to enter the percussion section in the band room. We have to take care of our equipment, so keep your hands off!
9. Due to the size of our group, percussionists and tuba players are not allowed in the instrument room.
General Rules Concerning Travel
1.Heads, arms, and feet are to remain totally inside buses at all times.
2. Students are not allowed to exit through the back door of the bus.
3. Students are not to make comments out of bus windows to strangers, especially in hazardous places.
4. Students are required to honor the requests of parent chaperones and bus drivers. Any disagreement with chaperone requests should be discussed with the director in private.
5. When staying at a hotel or motel, students are not permitted in a room of the opposite sex at any time for any reason.
Attendance
All band members will be present for all band functions. If you consider yourself a band member, you are then responsible for all the functions of the band. There is no such thing as a part-time membership. You are either in the organization or you are not in the organization. Absences recognized by the school office would be the only absences recognized by your band director. Excessive absences from rehearsals (school-excused included ) can result in a student losing their chair position for failure to show for either performances or rehearsals.
All band members will be present in their seats or company front at the designated time for rehearsal. This simple procedure involves each member arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled rehearsal time to assemble equipment, music, and take care of his/her place in band. DO NOT BEGIN ARRIVING AT THE DESIGNATED TIME FOR REHEARSAL!!
During rehearsal you will be expected to give your undivided attention and cooperation to the director. When the director stops to rehearse individual sections of the band, all other sections should sit quietly and listen to the instructions being given to that section. The director stops the band to advise the individuals and sections on problems that he sees and hears during the rehearsals. Talking during rehearsals cuts down on the overall effectiveness of the rehearsal and wastes valuable rehearsal time. Instructions should not have to be repeated. Ultimately, good rehearsal etiquette in any given situation is a positive way to show your consideration for your fellow bandsmen and his property.
Fund-Raising
If an organization such as the Enka High School Band is to offer its members experiences above and beyond the average, it must be willing and able to raise large sums of money in order to finance the projects it undertakes. Although our band is fortunate enough to have a very active booster club to help with these projects, it is the individual band member who must accept the responsibility for raising the bulk of the needed funds. Although it is easy to say, "Let the other guy do it," it is obviously grossly unfair. Even if you are not planning to go on a particular band trip, your commitment to the organization morally obligates you to do your part for the good of the order promptly when asked to do so. Many hours of planning are involved in organizing your band trips. Although you may dislike selling with a passion, it is somet5imes necessary to put the band as a whole above yourself as an individual. Be sure you can always say, "I did my part."
Policies for Trip Years
1.All students will have to maintain a B average in Band class to be able to go on the trip.
2. If the trip is to occur during school hours, each student must maintain an overall C average.
3. If the student is put into ISS more than once, the student can not go on the trip.
4. Students that have to be disciplined several times will not be allowed to go.
5. Students who miss a required performance during that year will not be allowed to go on the trip.
6. If the marching band's trip is to occur during the 2nd semester, students who are not enrolled during the 2nd semester will be allowed to go with the group, but will have to pay a higher price, but not be allowed to perform.
Challenge System
The challenge system becomes effective immediately after auditions are held. This system is used to protect the student who has been places lower in performing rank within his/her respective section than what he/she feels he/she is capable of playing.
Challenges will be one week after both students are informed of the challenge. Sight-reading, scales, and a short solo will be included. The director will pick the challenge music. A student cannot challenge the same person more than three times if that person has lost every time.
Challenges will cease two weeks prior to any given performance. the freezing of chair positions in the band make it possible for individuals to become adjusted to their positions within the section. the larger sections have a chance to solidify and refine their ensemble playing. The director has the prerogative to place any member where he thinks he/she can best serve the overall needs of the ensemble.
Auditions and challenges are usually tape-recorded. The person judging the challenge or audition will not know the student's name. They will be assigned a number of letter. The judge will simply pick by number or letter who won or what chair placement was. the only person knowing the number or letter will be the person doing the recording. In sections where there is more than one part involved, a student must challenge the last chair of that part first. If that student wins, he/she can challenge anywhere within that part.
Student Band Staff
All members of the band staff will be expected to participate in the operation of their organization. they will be expected to set an example for their fellow bandsmen. Band officers will be elected from the pool of students who audition for both All-County and All-District Band. The band is your organization - be concerned, as an officer, that you are providing the leadership that leads to constructive work by your fellow bandsmen. If a student officer misses more than two functions of the band, or two unexcused absences from a rehearsal, that person will no longer be an officer. All officers must be in marching band. Consult the following list for officer eligibility and requirements.
President Junior or Senior Ballot
Vice-President Junior or Senior Ballot
Drum Majors Open Chosen by Director
Historian Open Chosen by Director
Section Leaders
The director appoints section leaders. Section leaders have to be a member of both semesters of band. They are not considered band officers but simply leaders within the band. The section leader is not necessarily the 1st chair player. They are the ones that the director feels can best lead the section. The director also appoints the Flag captain. The Flag captain is not considered a band officer. The Flag captain must also be one of the playing members of the band and in good standing as far as attendance and attitude! The Flag captain is considered a year round position and will be chosen in January of each year. Since it is a year round position, athletes cannot be flag captain. They will be required to assist in the recruitment of incoming freshmen. Section leaders will be required to complete some type of leadership training that the director deems appropriate. Section leaders will be dismissed if they miss a performance, or if their attitude is not conducive to the band environment.
Awards
Only students that audition for both All-County and All-District Band are eligible for awards. Students cannot have missed any required performance by the band. The director will pick from only these candidates. Students will receive a medal for making both All-District and All-County bands. Students who make the State Honors Band will receive a plaque.
Grading
During marching band season, each missed performance will result in 2 letter grades off. Since Band is a performance class, performances cannot be made up. Class participation also counts. During concert season, class participation and performance both count as part of the grade. The ratio between performance and class participation can change each six weeks during concert season according to how many performances there are.
Letters
Band members will receive a letter after 4 consecutive semesters of band. Two semesters must of course be marching band. To receive a letter, the student must attend all performances. If a performance is missed for an unexcused reason, the director will have the option of not letting the student have the letter until the performance is made up the next year. Letters for marching band will be given out at the annual Spring concert. The only way a freshman can receive a letter is to make the All-Western District Band. A freshman must also have marched while maintaining a B average. These letters will be handed out at the March concert.