Table of Contents Instruments Riding the Bus
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In order to be a member of the Longhorn Band you must:
4. If you were a member of the Shorthorns Band for 2 years and have not been out of band for more than 2 years, you may enter/re-enter the Longhorn Band by committing to both one year of fresh start band/applied music and by signing up for band 1,2,3 or 4. You and your parents must sign a contract with the band director stating that the director can excuse you from the band program anytime during the year if the director feels you are not progressing on your instrument at a pace that is appropriate for a student on your level.
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Attendance Policy All members of the Tarkington Thundering Horns Band are required to be at after school rehearsals. Check your band calendar to find the rehearsals that affect you. All rehearsals are required of everyone unless it specifically indicates a certain group. We will never exceed the UIL 8 hour rule. Parents may learn more about the UIL 8 hour rule at: http://www.uil.utexas.edu/mus/8hour.html. Please make every attempt to schedule doctor’s appointments around after school practice times. <span background-color: "yellow">We will have most Thursday’s off this year - except during October contest month. </span>Please use this day for doctor’s appointments and other things that will interfere with practice. Keep in mind that when we rehearse full drill, it is impossible for people to practice spacing next to an open spot. The Thundering Horns Band will perform at (but not limited to) all Varsity football games, UIL contests, Tarkington Round Up, Cleveland Invitational Sam Houston Marching Contest. It is extremely important to the success of the entire band that every member participates at every performance. An absence by any individual hurts the entire group. As a result, we must be very strict with these performance and attendance guidelines: an unexcused absence from any performance will result in a ZERO being recorded for a six-weeks performance test grade, and may cause a student to be removed from subsequent performances. Repeated problems will cause a student to be removed from the band program.
Band Absences
Band is one of the few classes where an individual’s absence adversely affects the entire group. The time that is lost because of one person’s absence is something that cannot be made up. The major cause of spacing problems in the performance of a marching drill is a lack of practice time where everyone is present. (It is impossible to practice keeping a three-step interval between you and a person who is not there). Balance problems occur, or a part may not be covered in concert band because of a missing person. Because the well-being and performance level of the entire group must be considered before any individual, students may be replaced simply because they are chronically tardy or absent, even if there are valid excuses.
Sectionals (rehearsals for small groups outside school hours) are scheduled at all times of the year. Attendance at sectionals is very important because many things can be accomplished within a small group and it does not take up the time of the rest of the band. Ex.—if the clarinet section needs additional help on a particular part of the music, it is a waste of time for the entire band to sit in a rehearsal while the director works with the clarinet section. Sectionals allow us to focus on the minute problem areas that need to be “polished” to make our performance the best that it can be. There is an expectation when you sign up for band that you will be a part of every practice, performance and trip. Attendance Procedures: Attendance will be taken at every practice, concert or event. The band director will keep a master list of absences. If a situation arises that an absence must occur, the following criteria will apply. Excused Absence:
Unexcused Absences:
Unexcused absences will have consequences, especially if you miss a performance. All performances are mandatory. Make-up work for an excused absence must be completed in one week from the date you were absent. Questionable and excessive absences will be handled individually with the possibility of the student’s removal from a performance or band. A lot of time and effort have gone into planning and organizing the band calendar for the school year. It is the responsibility of the students to use this calendar. Only the band director can change the calendar, and it is not changed very often. Know when and where you are supposed to be. At least 60 other people are counting on you to do your part. Saying “I didn’t know” is not a valid excuse.
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Students are expected to meet scheduled deadlines for returning forms, money for fundraisers, shirts, trips or any other item requiring payment. If there is a problem meeting a deadline, talk to the director. It might be possible to work something out. Just remember, the director has mandatory deadlines that must be met also.
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Discipline is a quality that must come from within the individual. Because of this fact, each student is responsible for his or her own actions as a member of the Thundering Horns Band. Any student who shows an inability to work effectively in class may be re-assigned to another class at the discretion of the band director. As a group, the band is governed by School and School Board policies anytime we are together for any band function whether it involves all students or only one. The General release form you sign at the end of this handbook will be in effect throughout the year. Any student who violates school rules while with the THS band will be subject to all usual disciplinary procedures. In addition, those students will be subject to the possibility of dismissal from performance or travel with the band. As a representative group from Tarkington High School, the band must adhere to the latest Code of Conduct. We should also be familiar with the contents of the Code of Conduct since it is distributed each year to all the students. Additional copies can be obtained at the front office. The Code of Conduct will be in effect at all school band activities. Disrespect toward any staff member, parent volunteer, or fellow student will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. Students are to remain in designated areas during ALL scheduled band activities. Any departure or absence without parental or staff permission is grounds for permanent dismissal from the band. If a band member separately attends an event where the band is performing, he/she may be dismissed from the band. (Example: a band member attends a football game out of uniform and remains separate from the group during the event). Classroom Management Rules:
First Offense: Verbal Warning Second Offense: Conference With Director Third Offense: Detention and Conference with parents. Fourth Offense: Conference with Parents and Principal to discuss dismissal from band Disciplinary options for Band members include, but are not limited to: Those found in the Code of Conduct. Duties assigned by the Director or Staff. The loss of performance privileges. Dismissal from the band program.
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Instruments:
Personal Appearance
Music
5. There will be random checks of music to see if these items are there. 6. Keep music in a flip folder in marching season and a concert folder in concert season. During marching season, show music and the fight song must be memorized.
Uniforms
Uniform Care Care and maintenance of our band uniforms is the responsibility of each band member. They were designed to be simple and plain. They are very easily soiled. Therefore, each band member must be mindful of the following instructions. These uniforms will last if they are cared for with pride and responsibility. Students will be financially responsible for the damage or loss of any uniform item(s). Be sure your uniform and hat are placed where they will not get dirty, wrinkled, or damaged when not being worn. Never wash or launder your uniform. Uniforms will be dry cleaned periodically by a professional service. When in uniform, avoid dirty, greasy, and muddy areas. Never let a uniform touch the floor or ground. Alteration of Uniforms NEVER, NEVER cut the material in an attempt to alter a uniform. Placing Uniforms on Hangers When not being worn, uniforms should be hung correctly on a hanger as follows: The hanger opening will be pointed toward the right as you face the front of your uniform. Trousers will be folded with the inseams and creases together. They will be placed smoothly on the crossbar and balanced so they will not slip off. The jacket will be hung over the trousers with the shoulders “square” on the hanger and fastened. Uniform Replacement Cost: Coat - $200 Sash - $50 Bibbers - $100 Hat - $75 Plume - $20 Practice Attire Shirts:
Shorts:
Shoes:
Band Activity Account Throughout the year the band will hold fundraisers or otherwise receive money raised on behalf of the band or band students. The money from these fundraisers can be designated in the following manner: 1. Funds will be deposited into the general band activity account with no designation. 2. Funds will be deposited into the general band activity account and credited to individual band students. Money raised through fundraising cannot be refunded to students. It can only be used for expenses directly related to the student’s participation in band. 1. These funds may be used to pay the band debt of the student who earned the funds. Designated money may be shared by immediate family members only unless otherwise approved by the director. 2. These funds may be used to pay for band trips of the designated student or their immediate family members unless otherwise approved by the director. Every two years all student accounts are cleared. Unused money is absorbed into the general band activity account. Money left in the accounts of graduating seniors will be absorbed into the general band account and may not be designated to other students.
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While on band trips, stay in groups and make sure you know where you are supposed to be and when. Find out who your chaperone is and introduce yourself. Every trip we take will be a little different. We will expect different things from you on different trips. An individual’s manner of dress and personal appearance must be meticulous at all times. The individual must remember that as a private individual he will be passed unnoticed; however, as a member of a group the student’s every action will be observed with interest by the general public. School dress code is to be followed no matter where we go, with the exception of water parks. If we go to a water park, then the dress code for the water park is as follows: Guys: You must wear swim trunks. No other type of swimsuit is allowed. Girls: A one-piece bathing suit is preferred, however, if you wear a bikini, you MUST wear a colored shirt over it. The shirt must be long enough so that if you lift your arms, no more than 1 inch of skin shows. If you wear a tankini then when you lift your arms, no more that 1inch of skin shows. All swimsuits worn must have some type of strap that goes over your shoulders, the kind that loops or ties around your neck must be pre-approved by the directors or their designee. Remember that when you are with the band on a trip, you are not only representing yourself, but also the band as well as the school district. It is important that you adhere to all of these rules. These rules are for your safety. We take your safety very seriously. If you do something to jeopardize your safety, there will be a meeting with your parents to discuss your participation and/or behavior on future band trips.
Short Trips- The Thundering Horns Band Booster group has a good system of recruiting chaperones for the trips. Many parents enjoy this experience. Here are some of the tasks of a chaperone: giving minor first aid; quick uniform repairing; helping with loading and unloading; passing out food, blankets and cushions; and being the loudest applauder. The band does carry full first aid kits wherever it goes. If your child has special physical needs please be sure the director is aware of the circumstances. All students must use school provided transportation to and from all band events. It is highly stressed that all band students travel with the band. In the event that there must be a deviation from this rule (ex. Testing, illness, family emergency….) the student must present the “Travel Release From a Scheduled Event” form signed by a parent or guardian to the director 24 hours in advance (unless there is an emergency). Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to travel with friends or girlfriends/boyfriends to or from an event. Students will be notified of the time of departure for away football games. They are expected to have instruments and uniforms at school on time. The band will not stop to eat on the way to away games (unless otherwise stated). Therefore, dinner needs to be eaten before departure or a sack lunch/supper eaten on the bus while in transit. Students will be allowed to go to the bathroom during the games in groups of no more than two. Departure for one-day contests will usually be Saturday mornings. Again, students will be informed of departure times. All day trips do have meals planned into them. Students will be expected to pay for their own meals unless otherwise specified. Often lines are very long, and some concessions are high priced. A sack lunch could be considered. The band usually returns from away football games and contests late at night (after 10 p.m.). The directors will give you an estimated time of arrival. The students will be allowed into the band room to make a telephone call and to unload the buses and trailer. Students are expected to be picked up within 30 minutes of returning to school. Students are expected to wear their band t-shirt or designated uniform while on band trips. Blankets and jackets are sometimes necessary and need to be brought along. Students should be aware that schools do not provide changing areas for dressing. These trips are school functions, therefore, all school rules and regulations apply. In addition, bus rules involve staying seated while the buses are moving and only allow music players with headphones. Students must obey all school rules while participating with the band on or off campus. Students will be dismissed from the band program for participating in illegal activities while participating with the band.
Long Trips- The directors will give the students a complete agenda including telephone numbers for interested parents. This will include special dress requirements. Usually normal school attire is appropriate to wear while traveling on the bus. Because of the number of students traveling together, there is usually a limit of one suitcase per student. Remember each person has to carry their own items.
Students are given a choice of who their seatmate will be on the bus and with whom they wish to room. Usually four students will be assigned to a room. Each night there will be a curfew. There will be a full complement of chaperones. Each chaperone will be assigned specific students that are their responsibility during the trip. Chaperones are not there to guard, but to help. They will not be responsible for the students’ money or possessions. Most important is the impression students from Tarkington leave with the area they visited, therefore, all school rules continue to apply. The directors are in charge of discipline. It is not unusual for parents’ to be called and band students sent home via public transport at the parents expense if a student does not follow the rules. Students will not be allowed to leave the band group to visit friends or relatives in the area. They may come to visit the student during the students’ free time with prior approval from the director. All food and transportation expenses are the students’ responsibility. Therefore, these trips are planned well in advance. Students will be informed of the approximate cost. If the costs are high, a system of installment payments will be worked out. Students will also have the opportunity to fundraise to offset the costs. Students must obey all school rules while participating with the band on or off campus. Specific rules and guidelines will be passed out prior to each overnight trip.
Riding the Bus
Football Stadium
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The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs by a band member at ANY band function when the band member is representing the band WILL result in disassociation from the organization with no appeal. All band members WILL have to pass a drug and alcohol test before they can begin practicing with the band. The first initial test will be done in the summer. Dates will be announced. Any band student who does not pass the test will not be allowed to practice or perform with the band for 30 days and a second test must be passed within that 30 days. However, the band member will still be required to attend all practices and performances. The band takes many trips throughout the year. Some are day trips and some are overnight trips. Students who do not pass the drug and alcohol test will not be allowed to attend any overnight trips until they pass the second test. Band students have 30 days after the first test to retest and pass a second test. If a band student tests negative on a second test, then they regain all privileges as a band student. However, if they fail a random drug test throughout the year, it will be their second failure and the student will be removed from band.
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All grades are on the 100 point scale. Major grades and test grades make up 60% of the final 6 weeks grade. Minor grades and daily grades make up 40% of the final 6 week grades. Rehearsal – (Major Grade) Every student will receive a weekly rehearsal grade. This is the single most important grade assigned. It exemplifies each student’s participation, cooperation, daily achievements and over all contribution to the success of the band. Self-discipline is the key and participation as a team is necessary to accomplish class goals and objectives. Performances – (Major Grade) Required performances are the equivalent of a musician’s final exam following hours of practice. Absences affect the quality of the entire ensemble and are taken very seriously. Students absent from performances will receive a major grade of “0” for that performance. Points will be deducted from students who are tardy. Rehearsals or after school – (Minor Grade) Extra rehearsals after school are a necessity. Daily attendance is taken and a rehearsal grade is given. Students who miss will not be able to master the skills necessary for successful performance. This lack of mastery could be reflected in a lowered grade when they are tested in class. Absences affect the entire group. Students who show disregard for group progress through non-attendance will be removed from the show and possibly dismissed from band. Playing – (Major Grade) Students will frequently be evaluated on their ability to perform, collectively and individually, the music being taught. Written Assignments - (Minor Grade) Quizzes, marking music, theory worksheets, and returned forms are given periodically. Alternative Assignments – (Major or Minor Grades) Consists of make-up work and extra work assigned to students.
Ineligibility All students who participate in a UIL performance must be eligible. Students that become ineligible to perform and travel with the band because of failing a class will not be permitted to sit with the band at football games. This is a violation of the state mandated eligibility rules. For questions on UIL eligibility check the website at: http://www.uil.utexas.edu/admin/side/index.html. Students will also be required to turn in a written assignment for the missing performance grade. Ineligible students are eligible to perform at the Christmas Concert, Pops Concert and Spring concert because band is co-curricular and these concerts are considered an extension of the classroom. They are required regardless of no-pass, no-play status. Students assigned to ISS and AEP are not allowed to practice or perform with the group until 3:20pm on the last day they are assigned to ISS or AEP. ALL STUDENTS are eligible to perform at graduation regardless of grades or ISS/AEP assignment. |
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Letter jackets are given to students who meet the requirements below:
3. Student completes 3 semesters of marching band and 3 semesters of concert band.
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The leaders of the band are selected by election, tryout or appointment. The students who fill these important positions should be outstanding students. Good leaders as well as good followers are the key ingredients to an outstanding band. Drum Major-
Squad Leaders, Drum Captain-
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Grade Representatives-
Librarian- a. Appointed by the director Drum Major, Squad Leader Tryout Procedures
Drum Major- 25% Interview 25% Marching 20% Teaching 10% Conducting 10% Attitude 10% Director Recommendation Each percentage point equals 1 point on a scale of 100. The person with the highest total above 80 will be Drum Major. An Assistant Drum Major may be assigned. The interview portion of the tryout will consist of 3 to 5 questions asked by the judge. You are to answer each question honestly according to your opinion. The marching portion of the tryouts will consist of performing commands as called by the director. The teaching portion will consist of teaching one of the standing or moving commands in 90 seconds. The conducting portion will consist of conducting a song chosen by the director. Points for attitude and director recommendation will be given by the director based on the attitude and performances of the student throughout the year. The drum major is expected not to be in any activities that conflict with his/her duties as drum major. Squad Leader 30% Playing 30% Marching 20% Teaching 10% Attitude 10% Recommendation Each percentage point equals 1 point on a scale of 100. The 4 to 10 highest scoring students will be chosen as squad leaders. The playing portion of the tryout will consist of playing a selection, selected by the band director prior to tryouts. This is to be taken care of BEFORE the tryout day. The marching portion of the tryouts will consist of performing commands as called by the director. The teaching portion will consist of teaching one of the standing or moving commands in 90 seconds. Points for attitude and director recommendation will be given by the director based on the attitude and performances of the student throughout the year.
Officer Duties The Drum Majors’ general responsibility will be:
Squad Leaders are expected to:
Band Council’s responsibility will be:
ALL COUNCIL WILL:
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