Band
Online Information Book
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ALTERNATE SYSTEM
ATTENDANCE POLICY
AWARDS
BAND BOOSTERS
BAND FEES
BAND OFFICERS
COLOR GUARD EXPENSES
DAILY SCHEDULED BAND CLASSES
ELIGIBILITY
EQUIPMENT
FACILITIES
FUNDRAISING
GENERAL DIPLOMACY
GRADING POLICY
MARCHING BAND
MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
MUSIC
PERFORMANCES
POLICY FOR SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
PURPOSE
REQUIREMENTS
TEAM SPORTS MEMBERSHIP
TRIP GUIDELINES
UNIFORMS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this information handbook is to provide you with information
concerning the general operation, policies and procedures of the Pine
Forest Hgih School Band Program.
ELIGIBILITY
Membership is limited to musicians who are students at Pine Forest High
School or West Technical High School grades 9-12 who have either successfully
completed
a middle school band program and obtained a recommendation from their Band
Director at their school or who satisfactorily completed an audition with
the PFHS Director and staff.
REQUIREMENTS
Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average. Band
is a full year course. The State of Florida and the Escambia County School
District require that band members participate in concert and marching band
(both semesters) in order to receive credit. Musicians must demonstrate sight
reading skills, major scales and proper understanding of techniques necessary
for high school level musicianship. Color Guard members must successfully complete
a training period followed by an audition.
DAILY SCHEDULED BAND CLASSES
Students are placed in one of four regular daily classes based on the skill
level in method book progress, playing of scales and sight reading.
1: Symphonic Band – the most proficient musicians.
2: Concert Band – those needing to improve their basic skill level
3: Beginning Band – students just beginning learn to play an instrument
4: Percussion Ensemble – percussion students not on a begging level
MARCHING BAND
Although marching band is not the only performing ensemble in the fall semester,
it is the primary performing ensemble during football season. The marching
band requires after school full band rehearsals. Attendance at practices
and performances in connection with the marching band is mandatory for completion
of class requirements. Please refer to the attendance policy portion of this
handbook for information regarding absences from rehearsals or performances.
Once school begins, in addition to the regular class period, you will also be expected to rehearse after school with the full band. The rehearsal times are usually very firm BUT may sometimes change due to performance obligations, weather, etc. The rehearsal times for 2004-2005 are in the master schedule contained in this handbook.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
There are only two excuses that will be accepted that will not need prior approval:
1. A death in the family.
2. Serious illness which will cause the student to miss a rehearsal or performance
(requires doctor’s written excuse or written statement from parent or guardian.
The student shall call director and notify him during the school day so arrangements
can be made).
In the event that an emergency should arise which would cause you to be absent from or tardy to a rehearsal or performance, you should make every attempt to contact the director and advise him of the situation as soon as possible. After or during school hours you can reach the Band Room by calling 941-6150 extension 249.
Any other excuses from performances or rehearsals must be in writing and signed by the student's parent(s) or guardian. If you have a personal conflict of importance on a rehearsal or performance date you will notify the director IN WRITING AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE of the time you want your request to be considered (CONSIDERED does NOT necessarily mean GRANTED OR HONORED). This will give an alternate ample time to learn your assignment or give the director time to make any adjustments that are necessary. If the director considers your request valid, it will be granted. In making a request, give the director enough information for the situation to be adequately appraised.
Although prior notice does not guarantee an excused absence being granted, ANY absence without notice constitutes an unexcused absence.
NOTE:
Anytime an important religious holiday conflicts with the band, the absence
will be excused. However, please observe the paragraph above concerning advance
notice.
A detailed calendar is provided as a part of this booklet in order to give
parents exact times for rehearsals to end. Students should be picked up within
30 minutes of that time. Although exact times are not feasible for ballgames
and other away events, students should be picked up within a reasonable amount
of time. Two and three hour waits by the staff/director is unacceptable and
can result in suspension from the performing group.
JOBS
Although work is important and often necessary, it may not be possible to hold certain kinds of jobs without having a schedule conflicting with band rehearsals and performances. Please consider this when applying for a job.
MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Band students who are members of other organizations on campus are to be admired.
They have achieved that delicate balance between commitment and casual interest.
These students are an asset to our organization. However, students who miss
band rehearsals due to memberships in other organizations are liabilities.
Their absence ultimately leads to lesser quality performances that reflect
on their entire ensemble.
In the event that a band member holds membership in another organization which has meeting times that conflict with band rehearsals, BAND MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE and is a participation-oriented class. Absence from class (rehearsal) is virtually impossible to make up. Tardiness, early dismissals, and/or absences due to these meetings must be approved. Your performing status and grade will reflect any conflict in this area. Exceptions are possible but do require sufficient notice and documentation.
TEAM SPORTS MEMBERSHIP
There are certain types of sports on campus in which a student may participate
along with Band. However, this requires the student and the coach to compromise
greatly. Absence from band rehearsals and performances due to memberships on
sports teams is not excused unless prior approval from the director has been
given. The Band will try to do what is fair for all students. Our consideration
of these absences is given as a courtesy. Sports are a worthwhile endeavor
and the Band endorses its full support to the Athletic Department. However,
since Band is a class carrying a grade and granting credit, our cooperation
has its limits.
THE ALTERNATE SYSTEM
Any performing organization, whether in sports or the fine arts, protects its
quality and scope of performance through an alternate system. Each student's
needs are very important and every effort is made to meet and protect those
needs. Because of the frequency of performances that exist for today's bands,
an alternate system has been implemented to enable us to give a high quality
performance even when there are absences during the rehearsal week. Any student
who is absent from a rehearsal for any reason, be it excused or otherwise is
subject to replacement by a qualified alternate for an undetermined amount
of time. The circumstances surrounding the absence, prior attendance records,
and pending performance obligations will all be factors involved in assessing
a student's return to full performing status. All alternates must abide by
the same attendance policies as performers.
Alternates are a vital important part of our band program. They enable us to systematically train our lesser-experienced members while including them in our program. They also provide a measure of insurance to protect our quality of performance. An alternate's attendance and attitude can create end roads toward performance status faster than anything else can!
Because of a limited rehearsal schedule, students should schedule orthodontist appointments, jobs, etc. on days other than rehearsal days. The Alternate System and Attendance policy sections of this handbook apply to members on all ensembles sponsored by the Pine Forest High School Band.
There will always be students who cannot attend band camp or who move into our school district after camp. These students will be placed in the program according to their individual abilities and the needs of the band.
Attendance at all practices is MANDATORY. Any exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the director.
GRADING POLICY
Students enrolled in regularly scheduled band classes offered at Pine Forest
High School shall be graded according to the policies set by the State of
Florida and the Escambia County School District. Students should keep in
mind that since very little written work is assigned, grades are based primarily
upon PARTICIPATION, PERFORMANCE, ATTITUDE AND EFFORT .
Students who enroll in band classes should realize the commitment to after school practices and performances, and understand that these practices and performances determine the majority of their grade. The student should realize that unexcused absences or lack of dedication and/or cooperation will result in a lowered grade (possibly a failing grade and/or dismissal from the performing group).
Grades are primarily determined by attendance to rehearsals. Five (5) points will be deducted from the student’s grade for each unexcused rehearsal absence. Twenty-five (25) points will be deducted from the student’s grade for an unexcused missed performance. (Please realize that missed rehearsals hurt the band's potential for being the best)
PERFORMANCES
All members are required to take part in every performance as required by
the Florida Bandmaster’s Association unless a member’s grade point
average falls below 2.0 during the preceding semester. At that point, the member
becomes a non–performer for any state sanctioned event and possibly for
all performances. The student has the option to remain in the class and improve
their grade point average the next semester, thereby restoring eligibility.
BAND FEES AND FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
There is a $300.00 band fee that must be paid in full by the first game. The
band members and boosters feel that our students deserve a quality band program.
To do this we need to provide additional instruction for all sections, half
time “show” development and instruction, competition fees and transportation
as well as the other expenses. This upcoming year’s budget total is $54,000.
We do offer an option to the parents as a way to offset the cost. There are
a number of organized fundraising events that the band participates in, i.e.
fish fry, rummage sale, concessions for the home football games, civic center
concessions, etc… You may work up to four of these types of fundraisers
and receive $25 credit towards the band fees for a total of $100 if you work
four events. That would then leave a balance of $200 that is owed. There are
opportunities for the students to raise money toward fees by participating
in individual sales fundraising, grocery bagging, car washes, etc.
If you are unfamiliar with the details regarding these opportunities call any
of the Executive Board Members and they will be happy to explain it and put
you in touch with the person organizing the fundraising opportunity you are
interested in. It is important that each band member be willing to contribute
their share towards the program. If band fees are left unpaid it could prevent
your child from participating in the graduation ceremony their senior year.
In the event of a family hardship we will be more than willing to work with
the student and his/her parents. If that is the case please contact Mr. Krostag
at 941-6150.
All students must follow these guidelines before they will be able to perform.
Since the school system furnishes the band with very little resources, most
of our funds come from fees and different fund raising events.
A budget is set in May in which the band director gives an estimated budget to the band boosters. A list of how the money is spent can be attained from the band director.
An individual accounting of each member’s financial obligation is maintained throughout the year. Students and parents are given opportunities during the year to earn monetary credit for their student’s account through several fundraising avenues. Monies are maintained by the director and band boosters in a separate account just for students. All payments made and funds raised will be kept in individual student’s account until a transfer made. This money can be used for band fees, trips and other band related expenses such as reeds, mouth pieces and instrument repair.
All financial transactions must be accompanied by a monies collected envelope (located in the band hall). All information on envelope should be filled out completely. All cash monies should be receipted at time of payment. Signatures are required for all transfers.
The PFHS Band Boosters operate the concession stands located in the Lon R. Wise Eagle stadium to help finance the band. The boosters also operate a concession booth at the Pensacola Civic Center with a portion of those proceeds going into the general operating fund and a portion going to the individual worker’s account. Fundraising opportunities will be announced throughout the year for both students and parents. To keep band fees as low as possible, it essential to have full parental participation in band fundraising events during the school year.
POLICY FOR SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
There is a $50.00 rental charge for using a school owned instrument. This nominal fee is necessary in order to help keep up the instruments. Students who use school owned instruments will be issued an instrument in good working and playing condition. Any major repairs to the instrument will be provided at no expense to the student. Abuse to school owned instruments will not be tolerated.
The color guard expenses are very high. Therefore we require that the students buy certain things. Rifles, sabers and other equipment are to be bought by the students. The uniform will be bought by the color guard member and will be given to the student at the end of the year. The things the band boosters provide include: performance flags, flag poles, crutch tips for flags, and special instruction during the year.
TRAVEL
When transportation to an event, performance, etc. is furnished by the school
system or band boosters, STUDENTS MUST TRAVEL WITH THE GROUP. If you wish
to return after the activity by any means other than those which have been
provided,
your parent(s) or guardian must personally hand the director a note signed
and dated, stating the conditions of the request. There is no problem in
granting this request as long as the conditions stated above are met.
The reason for all the rules and regulations should be obvious when one considers the large number of people involved. We have responsibilities to each other, to your parents, to our school, and to our community. For any trip to be enjoyed there must be 100% cooperation from EVERYONE.
Conduct: Act like ladies and gentlemen at all times. In public places such
as lobbies, tour activities, or restaurants, people will be viewing your behavior
as a basis for forming opinions about band students and young people in general
from Pine Forest High School.
Appearance: Be very neat and attractive at all times. Remember you are representing
many people other than yourself. Dress codes will be given according to the
circumstances involved.
Visiting Other Rooms: Boys are not allowed in girls' rooms, and girls are not
allowed in boys' rooms FOR ANY REASON.
Alcoholic Beverages and Mind Altering Drugs: Involvement with either substance will result in a collect call to your home and removal from the performing group. As a general rule, presence of such a substance will incriminate all members of the room. Violation may also result in suspension from school and/or being turned over the law enforcement officers.
Smoking: Smoking will not be permitted.
Public affection: Excessive displays of affection will not be permitted. You will receive one warning, and then be separated for the rest of the trip.
Curfew: Hours will be announced and expected to be abided by.
Hotel Regulations: Will be dealt with according to the trip.
Bus Rules: Chaperones are very important to us. They will need your co-operation and silence when calling roll, taking head counts, and giving you instructions! The chaperones are there also to make sure you are following the rules and regulations set forth by the director. Disrespect to chaperones and/or refusal to comply with guidelines will not be tolerated.
1. There should be no loud talking, laughing, or yelling.
2. Unnecessary movement up or down the aisles should be avoided.
3. No sitting on arm rests.
4. Radios are to be used only with earphones. If a radio is heard on the bus,
it will be taken and you will lose it for the rest of the trip.
5.When stopping for meals, you are to wait until told to leave the bus, then
depart in an orderly manner. If the buses split up, you are to stay
with your group.
Music is very expensive and we do not have the financial resources to provide each band student with more than one copy of music. It is therefore necessary for each student to keep up with his/her music. When a student loses his/her music, they will be responsible for replacing it.
The band librarians are responsible for ensuring that everyone has music. Please ask them for help if you need some music.
MUSICIANS: Part of the band fee covers the up-keep of the uniforms. It covers the cost of dry-cleaning the uniform. As stated before, the performance fee should be paid BEFORE uniforms are issued. Each student is responsible for proper care of maintenance of their uniform.
STUDENTS WILL NOT MAKE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE UNIFORM WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR.
Lost or damaged items will be handled case by case.
The students will not take band uniforms home unless instructed to do so by the director. They will be issued before each performance and taken up after each performance.
Shoes must be purchased separately.
COLOR GUARD: Uniforms will change from year to year. Check with the band director for instructions concerning this.
Each member is responsible for his/her own equipment on campus and off. When performing away, the loading crew will place the larger instruments on the truck after all members place them in the prescribed location. It is each member’s responsibility to make sure their own instrument is transported safely and correctly. Each member is responsible for properly stowing instruments in the band hall instrument room when returning from a performance.
We must maintain a clean and healthy environment for rehearsals and class. No food, drink, gum or tobacco is allowed inside the doors of the music suite. The custodial staff is not responsible for your personal items, books, music clothing, etc…
The band officers are an important part of the band. They provide leadership for the band and are considered "junior staff" members. They will help the band director with the necessary tasks that are done during the year. With the respect they receive from all band members, they will set the right example for everyone. These leaders will be expected to do more for the sake of the band. All members will be expected to do what the officers ask in order to ensure that things are done correctly.
The Band Officers are:
Drum Majors - Dionne Haas
Lucy Studebaker
Band Captain – Robert Phillips
Section Leaders:
Flutes – Katie Coseo
Rachel Brabec
Clarinets – Nicole Brabec
Saxophones –
Trumpets – Lawanda Bishop
Michael Henderson
Low Brass– Jenny Gibson
Tubas – Robert Phillips
Percussion –Tim Phillips
Carmen Hollingsworth
These are the appointed leaders of the Pine Forest High School Super Sound Band. If there are any questions, you should ask your section leader first! All band members are expected to follow the instructions of the band officers. No insubordination will be tolerated during rehearsals and performances. In order for the PFHS Band to be successful, every student must be willing to do his or her part for the good of the band. Each section leader is allowed to assign assistants if needed, but the appointed leaders are the students who are in charge.
Other Events
There will be other activities that we are involved in which require special practice or performance times. These dates and times will be given to you, as they become available to the director. Every effort will be made to cooperate with existing commitments when impromptu rehearsals become necessary.
The Pine Forest band booster organization is the primary means of financial support for the entire band program. They meet regularly in the band hall at 7:00PM on the first Tuesday of every month. ALL band parents are invited to come to the meetings.
In order for the students to succeed and to reach the band’s true potential, parent participation is a must! We need many parents to help chaperone games, fund raising activities, loading instruments, etc.
This is a perfect way to become actively involved in what your child is doing! Please give a booster officer a call if you can help us in anyway.
For more information on membership or fundraising opportunities you may contact any of the 2004/2005 officers listed below:
President: Mike Whetstone 587-3010
Vice President On Campus: Marilyn Coseo (day ) 484-2305
(evening) 456-6435
Vice President Off Campus: Rose Briggs 931-0710
Secretary: Kebbie Hollingsworth 457-4515
Treasurer: Susan Studebaker 944-7917
Ways and Means: Sonja Cook 457-3538
Telephone Chair: Lafanette Woods 475-1988
Hospitality: Rhonda Sapp 941-8635
Service awards are given each year to students who have shown dedication and cooperation and proper esprit de corps. Attendance at ALL BAND PERFORMANCES will also be a major factor in attaining these honors and can lead to award loss. The awards are listed below:
First year LETTER
Second year SERVICE BAR, MEDALION
Third year SERVICE BAR, MEDALION
Fourth year SERVICE BAR, MUG & MEDALLION
Outstanding Freshman Bandsman and Guardsman - TROPHY
Outstanding Sophomore Bandsman and Guardsman - TROPHY
Outstanding Junior Bandsman and Guardsman - TROPHY
Outstanding Senior Bandsman and Guardsman - TROPHY
Outstanding Musician Award – TROPHY
Outstanding Service Award - TROPHY
Bandsman of the Year - PLAQUE
Guardsman of the Year - PLAQUE