High School Band Handbook 2011-2012
Click here for a printable version of the Handbook.
Welcome and Introduction
General Information
Transportation Policy
Grading Policy
Discipline Policy
Academic Policy
Lettering Policy
Compliance Statement
Student Field Trip and Excursions Form (provided in class)
Directors:
Mr. Ryan Churchill
417-649-7026 ext. 2636
Mr. Scott Schneider
417-649-7026 ext. 2405
Ms. Erin Smith
417-649-7026 ext. 2636
Website:
The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity
is because it usually disguises itself as hard work.
– Thomas Edison
Bands don’t have Pride because they play well.
They play well because they have Pride!
- Tim Lautzenheiser
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the CJ Bulldog Band. I can’t remember a time in my life when music wasn’t a main area of focus. My earliest memories include listening to music with my dad and singing as he played the guitar. Music has been a big part of my life from the beginning and I am honored to share my favorite subject with students everyday. I could probably spend a lot of time letting you know all the research about music and student performance. While there are many statistical data that back up claims of brain development and increased reading and math scores, I just don’t believe that is why I got into music or why I remained in music. I got into music because of music’s expression and it was certainly an outlet for my creative side. Music was a place where I could hide when I needed to hide and shine when I was ready to shine. I got to compete in music on both a team basis and an individual basis. It is one of the greatest outlets I can imagine for all people. As a team concept it is imperative that students recognize their role in the band program. Each individual makes a contribution to the success of the band. Whether it is knowing your music, knowing your marching spot, or knowing how to act at all times, the success of the program is established in the fact that all the students have a vital role in the program and are expected to fulfill their commitment with good character and dignity, worthy of the CJ Bulldog Band.
General Information
Enrollment:
Enrollment for bands is done in the spring semester. Each student that is permitted and enrolls in the program will be expected to fulfill all requirements of that commitment. Carl Junction High School regulates that schedule changes are not permitted.
Marching Band:
Marching band is open to all band members in grades 9-12 and is approximately the length of the first quarter. The band performs at pre-game and halftime during each home football game and marches in parade and field competition events. Early rehearsals are held Monday – Friday during marching season at 7:00 a.m. Students that are not present when roll is taken are counted absent. Students are allowed 4 unexcused absences and one pre-arranged absence. On the day of the 5th unexcused absence the student is removed from marching the halftime and competitive field show. Band camp is extremely critical. If a student does not attend, he/she will NOT be assigned a competitive field drill position and will be assigned an alternative part in the band. That student may be placed in a spot on the field, if time allows for the position to be learned, when a current marcher is disqualified by attendance. Performance dates are listed on the attached music calendar. Part of the marching band is the color guard, drum line, and drum majors. These are auditioned parts. Students wishing to participate in these activities will need to pass an audition during the spring semester for the following fall semester. These parts are limited and will be filled according to the precision of the audition which is judged by a panel. Students may not be permitted to participate in the fashion they wish, but all band students will be permitted to participate in the marching band performing a part recommended by the instructors.
Concert Band:
The concert band is open to all band members in grades 9-12. There will be two offerings of concert band in the spring semester during 1st Block. Band and chair placement will be determined by audition. Students may be asked to play different parts for the overall strength and balance of the respective ensemble. The concert band season begins after the last home football game. Specific concert dates are listed on the attached music calendar.
Jazz Ensemble:
Membership is open to all high school students who qualify by audition. Auditions are held in the spring semester and rehearsal is during 5th Block. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble must be enrolled in regular band unless they have director approval. The jazz ensemble performs at least two formal concerts and various jazz festivals. Community events not listed on the music calendar may provide additional opportunities for performances. Students will be required to purchase designated performance attire.
Pep Band:
All band members will be eligible and/or required for this ensemble. The band will perform at home basketball games. The schedule is on the website www.cjbands.org.
Instrument Lockers:
Each student will be assigned a locker and lock. If the lock is lost a replacement fee must be paid. The locker is for band instruments and band accessories. Under no circumstances should clothing or other personal belonging be kept there. Locker checks will be done randomly. If unauthorized items are in the locker the offending student will receive a referral and serve detentions.
Uniforms:
The school will provide a marching uniform with the exception of band shoes, gloves and a dry cleaning fee. These must be purchased through the band program.
Private Lessons:
All band members are encouraged to take private lessons. If you are interested the band instructors will help you find a teacher.
Equipment Needs:
Each learner must bring to class everyday: a sharpened pencil, instrument/sticks and mallets in good working condition, assigned music/show sheets with folder, and a good attitude.
Drug Testing Policy:
All students participating in band must sign a drug testing consent form provided by the school. This form will be handled through Homeroom. It is imperative that students be in compliance with this rule and the deadline be met. If a student refuses to comply or misses the deadline, that student will be terminated from the band program. The deadline for the Drug Testing Consent Forms is August 29th. Please turn in Drug Testing Consent Forms to Mr. Wall.
Good Citizenship Policy:
All students participating in band and any other activity, must sign a Good Citizenship consent form provided by the school. A copy will be handed out in class. If a student refuses to comply or misses the deadline, that student will be terminated from the band program. The deadline for the Good Citizenship Consent Forms is August 29th. Please turn in Good Citizenship Consent Forms to Mr. Churchill.
Transportation Policy
It is the policy of the Carl Junction School District that all band members ride school transportation to away events. Students may ride home with parents providing they have submitted a parent signed note prior to leaving for the event. The form in the back of the handbook must be filled out and returned.
Grading Policy
Rehearsal Attendance and Playing Tests
Performances
Rehearsal Criteria (weekly grade):
Student on time for rehearsal
Instrument and appropriate materials
Attentive and exhibiting good conduct
Attendance to all rehearsal sessions
Performing music at a proficient level
Performance Criteria (grade for each performance):
Student on time for performance
Instrument and appropriate materials
Attentive and contributing to a good performance
Individual part performed at a high level of proficiency
Playing Tests (grade for each test):
Scales
Music exercises
Excerpt of music being rehearsed
Grading Scale
A 96-100
A- 90-95
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 0-59
Discipline Policy
Discipline will be handled in the classroom unless the severe discipline clause is in effect. Not all offenses are the same and, therefore, they will not all be treated the same. It is expected in the band class that rules should be followed and the self-discipline of respect and dignity be your guide. However, at times, rules get broken. Please use the rules as a reference to guide your behavior. The general course of action for offenses can be found in the consequences section, but because not all offenses are the same, the director staff reserves the right to move to more severe consequences at their discretion.
Rules
1. Refrain from talking while rehearsal is in progress
2. Raise your hand and be recognized by the teacher before speaking
3. Have appropriate materials in class. This includes music, handouts, pencils, instruments and necessary accessories.
4. Refrain from eating, drinking and chewing gum.
5. Respect and Dignify yourself, others and property at All Times.
Consequences
1st Offense – Student/Teacher Conference/Possible Detention
2nd Offense – Student/Teacher Conference/Parents Contacted/Detention
3rd Offense – Student/Parent/Teacher Conference
Severe Discipline Clause
In the event that a student blatantly and/or maliciously causes a serious classroom disruption, the severe discipline clause will take effect and the student will immediately be taken to the principal's office.
Academic Eligibility
Eligibility will be determined every three weeks. Students failing any class at the end of three weeks will be placed on an academic watch list. Students on the list must attend tutoring in the Media Center twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15-3:45 until they are passing all of their classes. Students may bring a Students First Report to Mr. Churchill at any time showing they are passing all classes and will no longer have to attend tutoring. As long as students attend all tutoring sessions while failing a class they will be eligible to perform in full standing. Students who are failing a class but do not attend tutoring will not receive letter points for performances that occur during the eligibilty period. Students who repeatedly do not attend tutoring sessions will receive further consequences on an individual basis as determined by the band staff and school administration.
Lettering Policy
Students will have the opportunity to earn letter points throughout the year. They do this through:
- Performances
- Honor band auditions
- Solos and ensembles
- Pep Band
- Honor Band Performances
- Extra Rehearsals/Clinics
Students who have unexcused absences will not receive letter points for the performance they missed, and they will also have additional points deducted. (Does not include pep band)
Any student who has an unexcused absence from State Concert Band Contest will not receive a letter.
See the website for a sample lettering form. www.cjbands.org
Compliance Statement
I have read, understand and agree to the rules, guidelines and consequences in the current CJHS Band Handbook.
Student Signature___________________________________
Parent Signature____________________________________
Student Name (Printed Neatly)_________________________