West Point  Beemer

 

 

Junior Senior High

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band Hand Book

 

 

2007-2008

Mr. Raymond Worden

Director

 

 

Welcome

 

 

Welcome to membership in the West Point Beemer Junior-Senior High Band. As a member of the band you have the unique opportunity to represent the communities of West Point and Beemer in a number of positive settings both in our respective communities and also in other communities. This hand book has been prepared for you so that you will be familiar some of the policies and band procedures that will be followed. It will also communicate to you the expectations required of a West Point Beemer band student. Please refer to it often

 

Facilities

 The music room at West Point Beemer public schools is a shared facility. This means that it is used daily and throughout the year by the bands and the choirs, and other school groups. Therefore please refer to the following guidelines regarding the use of the music room.

 

  1. No outer wear (coats etc.) should be left in the music room.
  2. If books are brought into the music room they should be stored under your chair, band is not a study hall.
  3. No food, drinks, or gum is allowed in the music room. The only exception is that you may have a bottle of water.
  4. Every band member should return his or her music and instrument to the proper place provided.
  5. The storage rooms must double as practice rooms. It is the responsibility of all members to keep these areas neat, so that the next person may use that room.

 

 

The Role of the Band Program

 

The role that the Band plays at West Point Beemer Junior Senior High School varies as music as an academic art form, interscholastic competitions, entertainment, and school spirit. Not every band member, nor does every student, parent, teacher, or member of our community have the same perception of music and the band program. Therefore every performance of the band (in whatever mode perceived) is viewed as an experience for growth of the members of the band. We the West Point Beemer bands are our own best support group. By supporting one another we develop unity, strength and self esteem. No one member of the West Point Beemer Band is more important than another member. Every member is important and makes a positive contribution.

Performance Standards

 

Every musical group should strive to maintain a high standard of performance. If we maintain high standards we will receive positive feedback from our audience. I will strive daily to set the band up for success. Some things I want you to remember as we begin our school year.

 

  1. To be successful we must choose success.
  2. Failure is not an option, unless we choose that option
  3. It takes less energy to develop a positive attitude, than to maintain a negative attitude.

 

We must always strive for a high level of performance, choose to be successful, and maintain a positive attitude.

 

 

Interpersonal relationships

 

I want you to know that I am always available to you and your parents if you are having problems in band, or school. My door is always open. You are free to talk to me at any time that I am available. If you are having personal problems, I am a good listener, and do care about each and every one of you. In some instances I may be able to offer you some advice. I am however not a trained counselor, and in most instances I will encourage you to seek out the school counselor.

 

 

Flag Corps

 

The members of the flag squad are considered to be an integral part of the band during marching season. Since the flag corps is an important part of the marching band all members of this unit will enroll for band during the marching season. Once marching season is over, I would like to see the flag corps remain an active unit. In this way the corps can continue to perform at other athletic events, and possibly at winter flag corps competitions that are held in various locations throughout Nebraska.

 

Cadet Band Policies

 

 

  1. Band members are held to a high standard of behavior not only during rehearsals, but also at public performances. No member of the band should do anything that will diminish the status of the group, the school, or the community.

 

  1. You must be in uniform and ready to perform at the given time. You must be neat in appearance and polite in demeanor. You are expected to conduct yourself in a mature manner.

 

  1. Use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are strictly prohibited at any school sanctioned event. Violation of this policy could result in your expulsion from the group. Please refer to school policy which is located in your student handbook.

 

  1. The use of profanity is not permitted.

 

  1. Each student is responsible for his or her own uniform, music, and music folder. If any of these are lost, a fine will be assessed.

 

 

Rehearsal Procedures

 

  1. Rehearsal begins promptly at the bell. Arrive early enough so that you are ready to begin rehearsal. You will be counted tardy if you are not in your seat and ready to rehearse at the bell.
  2. Have a pencil to mark suggestions in your music.
  3. You may begin to warm up before rehearsal begins. Please note there is a difference between making noise and warming up.
  4. Arrange your music as it is posted on the board.
  5. Do not talk during rehearsal. Please feel free to ask the director questions about the music.
  6. Maintain correct playing position and posture. You will be instructed how to maintain correct position and posture for your instrument.
  7. Listen carefully to all instructions and announcements.
  8. Return all materials such as folders and instruments to the designated location at the end of the rehearsal.
  9. Resolve to grow musically during each rehearsal. This will make you a better player, and in the long term make our band better.

 

Please note that if I call you by name during rehearsal, I am not criticizing you. I am only trying to help you correct a mistake. Please do not take it personally. I am only trying to help you become a better player, and the band to become a better ensemble.

 

 

Attendance at Concerts and Performances

 

Attendance at concerts and performances is required of all band members. If we are missing even one member of the band it diminishes the quality of our performance. Please remember that the end result of all our hard work is the performance. When you miss a performance you not only let yourself down, but you also let your fellow band members down. I will let you know well in advance the date and time of any concert or performance. Please arrange your work and personal schedule accordingly so that you will not need to miss a performance. If you do miss a scheduled performance, your grade will be affected. I do understand there may be times when an emergency will occur, and you will need to miss a performance. Please consult with me on an individual basis if this happens and we will work it out.

 

 

A special note for those of you who are out for athletics.

 

If you are a member of an athletic team and are suiting up for the game at which the band is scheduled to play, I understand that you need to be with the team. I realize that you cannot be at two places at the same time. If however you are able to join the band for a portion of the game or the entire game, I would appreciate that.

 

Band Performances

Football and Volleyball Games

 

September 7th Home Football Game

September 14th Home Coming

September 28th Home Football Game

October 12th Home Football Game

September 11th Home Volleyball

September 18th Home Volleyball

October 10th Home Volleyball

 

The band will either march or play as a pep band at all home football games. The band will play at as many volleyball games as possible depending on instrumentation availability. A more detailed list of concerts and performances will be given to you when the schedule has been finalized.

 

 

Grading Policy

 

Band Grades are based on the follow Criteria and Percentages.

 

  1. Individual improvement and musicianship. 10 Percent of the grade
  2. Attitude and effort. 15 percent of the grade
  3. Behavior in rehearsal and in the public 15 percent of the grade
  4. Attendance. To include daily attendance, and performances. Performances include concerts and games. 60 Percent of the grade
  5. Bonus Points may be added for individual lessons with the director and documented practice outside of school time. Please see Mr. Worden for more details.

 

 

Purchase of Accessories

 

Band members from time to time may need to purchase instrument accessories. I will keep a supply of the most common accessories on hand. This will include items such as reeds, valve oil, cork grease etc.

Payment for these items must be made at the time you receive them. I will not be able to run a tab for you, because this money must be turned in to the office. Please be aware that if you do not have the correct accessory items to make your instrument function, it is just as if you are not in class and missed a rehearsal. Please refer to the section on grading regarding a missed rehearsal.

 

School Owned Instruments

 

Some instruments for student use are owned by the school. These instruments are checked out at the discretion of the director based on instrumentation needs. There is no charge when using a school owned instrument. You will be given an instrument loan agreement at the time you check out the instrument. This agreement must be signed, and will be kept on file at the school.

 

Band Lettering System

 

Students enrolled in High School band may earn a letter by accumulating 1000 points.  

 

Please review the following breakdown regarding earning letter points.

 

Enrolled for Band:  75 points per semester 200 points if enrolled for both semesters.

 

Perfect Attendance at Rehearsals: 25 points per semester. 100 points if you have perfect attendance both first and second semester

 

  • Please note: An excused absence does not count against perfect attendance

 

 

Audition for an Honor Band 25 points per honor band

 

Selected for and Honor Band 75 points per honor band

 

Audition For All State Band 50 Points

 

Selected for All State Band   75 Points

 

Play a Solo at District Music Contest   25 points

 

Play in a small ensemble at District Music Contest   50 points per Ensemble

 

Take a private lesson   25 points per semester

 

Attendance at Daily Rehearsals 3 points per rehearsal

 

Selected for Jazz Band 25 points

 

Attending and Playing at all Pep Band Performances 50 Points

 

Additional points may be awarded at the discretion of the director for other activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to all the activities listed below. Documentation will be required for any of these types of activities.

 

Performing in Church 

Attending College and University or Professional concerts

Help with filing music

Attending a summer music camp

Attending a leadership camp

Bonus points may be awarded for other activities.  Please see Mr. Worden for specific approval and requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Band

 

 

Jazz Band will begin at the end of marching band season. The jazz band will be a select auditioned group. Auditions will take place each semester. Depending on the number of people who audition, we may be able to have two Jazz Bands. Jazz Band will rehearse in the morning before school begins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirmation Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read the West Point Beemer Band handbook. I have been given an opportunity to ask questions, and by signing below I agree to abide with the rules and regulations stated above.

 

 

________________________                                     ________________________

Student Name                                                        Student Signature

 

__________________

Date Signed

 

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

          Please sign below to indicate that you have read the West Point Beemer Band Hand Book. If you have questions before you sign this page, please contact me at school. Thank You.

 

 

_____________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature

 

_______________________

Date Signed