HS Band Syllabus

Scheduled Performance - an unexcused absence from a scheduled performance may result in a overall grade deduction and will be at the discretion of the directors.  Two unexcused absences will result in a failing grade per grading period.  Please remember that students who fall below a C in band will be dropped the following semester.

  Scheduled Rehearsals– an unexcused absence from a scheduled rehearsal will result in a  drop in grade for each occurrence during that grading period.

 Participation Grade

Students will lose points for every day they attend a rehearsal and do not actively participate.  Example – a student does not participate because they forgot their instrument, don't have a reed or flag.   Students that have medical excuses or verified instrument repair issues will be exempt from penalty.

Schedule Changes

In the event a change is made in a scheduled performance or rehearsal, students are encouraged to make every effort to adapt to that change.  If ample notice of the change (2 weeks) is not possible the policy on absence will be adjusted accordingly at the director’s discretion.   

Skills/Music Memorization Grade

During each grading period, students will be accessed individually on their performance skills i.e. music memorization & preparation, marching skills, dance or flag routines.  Students will receive a pass or fail evaluation.  After two consecutive failed evaluations students will not be permitted to perform with the band until they can successfully pass their skills evaluation. 

Tardy for a rehearsal or performance

Each tardy will result in a grade deduction. 

Band Camp

Band camp is scheduled before the start of school each year and is when the band learns it’s pre-game, half-time, and post-game shows.  In addition to the show music, stands tunes and parade music are prepared and marching techniques and drills are polished.  Band camp is mandatory for all students.  If you need to miss, you must provide us with a valid reason for your absence.  Keep in mind that making up what is lost by missing camp is nearly impossible.  Students who miss camp will not have a choice in parts and may be placed as an alternate on the field.

BAND CAMP ATTIRE

1. Dress for the weather!!!

2. Bring rain gear!!!

3. SANDALS, FLIP FLOPS OPEN TOED OR FLAT SHOES, etc. are not permitted

4. Students should wear socks and tennis shoes.

5. Avoid perfume, hair spray, hand lotions, creams, etc. they attract pests such as bees, wasps and drummers.

6. USE SUNSCREEN.

7 Bring sunglasses and a hat

8. BRING A WATER COOLER OR WATER BOTTLE! (You may want to bring snacks, but only if you share with the band directors.)

Any student not appropriately attired (especially footwear) will be asked to sit out.  This will influence your participation grade.

Behavior Policy

Band members are expected to follow all Bolivar School District policies regarding appropriate student behavior.  Violation of the following will be handled through existing school policy: boy/girl relationships, class cut, destruction of school property, disrespect, drugs, fighting, gambling, knives or weapons, profanity, sexual harassment, smokeless tobacco, smoking, and stealing.  In the event existing school policy does not cover a negative student behavior, the band directors and staff will evaluate behavior and appropriate disciplinary action will be determined based upon the severity of the incident and its impact on the band.  Based upon the severity of the incident appropriate school officials will be notified. Discipline may include sitting a student out of one or more performances, 10% deduction (one letter grade), for that grading period (45 days), exclusion from a special band trip or expulsion from the band.    

Behavior/Attitude

Any negative behavior i.e. disrespect for the directors, fellow band members, chaperones, student leaders, bus drivers, or tour guides will result in appropriate disciplinary action being taken.

Student Leaders

Senior students play a major role in the success of our program.  Leadership positions include Drum Majors, and various student leaders for marching, music, flag team, clerical, inventory, music library, and band manager positions.  Drum Major and Co Captain positions are selected by audition and student leaders are selected through an application screening process.

Drum Majors:

Drum majors act as assistants to the director.  Drum majors are selected by audition during the spring for the following year and are required to attend a drum majors camp over the summer.  The responsibilities of the drum majors include, but are not limited to, helping run rehearsals, warming up the band, teaching marching fundamentals, assisting in musical interpretation, and acting as field commanders during shows.

Section Leaders:

Section leaders are responsible for a particular section of musicians.  They take roll and report to the drum majors on those people in their section who are absent or late for rehearsals and/or performances, and they encourage their section members to try their best in terms of participation and attitude.  Section leaders also help set and monitor drill and marching style.  Section leaders do not assign responsibilities to other band members that they would not do themselves. 

Performance Policy

The entire football game is considered a performance situation, and all parts of the uniform must be worn properly at all times, unless otherwise specified by the drum majors.

Students may be asked to sit out of a performance for any of the following reasons:

1)                   Wearing the uniform in an inappropriate manner.

2)                   The uniform looks unkempt, stained or wrinkled due to poor care.

3)                   Shoes are not properly cleaned & polished.

4)                   Long hair is not tucked into the band hat..

5)                   Failure to remove all visible jewelry.

6)                   Do not know their music or drill.

7)                   Cannot stay in step for extended periods of time.

8)                   Behavior infractions.

9)                   Do not have their instrument/equipment/prop.

10)               Chewing gum.

11)               Fail to complete and return forms and information.

12)               Unprepared due to extended absence.

13)               Missing a practice prior to a performance.

14)               Cannot perform the routine in the style and technique taught.

Travel / Transportation

Students are expected to travel with the band to and from all activities.

In the event a parent finds it necessary to drive a student to or from a band activity (where group transportation is provided) the following policy will apply:

1) Prior written notification must be received in advance of the event and approved by the director.

2) Students will only be permitted to leave with their parents or an adult authorized by the parents. You must be checked out by a director!

3) Students will not be permitted to come or go with boy or girl friends, classmates etc.