Table of Contents
I. Philosophy and Objectives
II. Qualifications for Membership
III. Organizations
IV. Staff
and Duties
V. Colorguard
VI. Checkout Procedures
VII. Grading System
VIII. Chair Tryouts and Challenges
IX. Awards and Letters
X. Rules and Regulations
XI. Care of Equipment
XII. Fundraising
XIV
Director/Student Leaders
CHAPTER I
Philosophy and Objectives
Music is a
universal language, a pure and unique method of communication. Through music a
person can achieve an understanding of beauty, expression, and the appreciation
of the finer things in life through the actual participation in them.
In addition to the
cultural values, there are many nonmusical values taught in band including
personal, physiological and avocational reasons.
Music is an
important and continuing factor in fulfilling the philosophy and general
education.
There are many
objectives of the instrumental program. All of these objectives lead to a
broadening of musical experiences. Each student is expected to increase
appreciation of all types of music, improve musical skills, and develop an
understanding of music. The group should offer recreational opportunities,
respect, and pride through musical performances. Providing high standard
musical performances is to be expected in route to becoming a better citizen and
making the community a better place to live.
CHAPTER II
Qualifications
In order to become
a member of the George Washington High School Band, each student should have
some experience on his/her instrument. Each student will audition to determine
what group the student should enter. Recommendation of the student’s director
may be accepted instead of auditions. Each student is expected to know a
chromatic scale and a minimum of seven major scales by memory.
Additional
requirements will be added from year to year in order to retain membership
status.
CHAPTER III
Organizations
Wind Ensemble
- The top performing group involving advanced instrumental students. This class
is for the most advanced and interested students. Students in grades ten
through twelve receive advanced credit for their participation in the
ensemble, and are required to complete extra projects, attend musical events, or
perform solo literature. Extra rehearsal, individual practice, and numerous
performances are required of all members. Membership is by audition only
and balanced instrumentation is a factor in membership selection. All
Wind Ensemble members are required to participate in Marching Band unless they
are involved in a fall sports activity sponsored by
George Washington High School, or are physically
unable to do so.
Symphonic Band
- A performing group involving some
extra practices and performances. Emphasis is on training the individual
students for advanced performance techniques. Individual practice and numerous
performances are required. Members are given the same opportunities as Wind
Ensemble members including the opportunity to audition for district bands and
honor ensembles, and marching band participation.
Band Auxiliary
– All Color guard Members not enrolled in music classes at G.W. are expected to
enroll in this class. Emphasis is on learning and perfecting marching band
routines and indoor guard work. This is a ˝ credit fine arts class.
Pep Band –
A smaller ensemble designed to
support and provide music and entertainment for basketball games and pep
rallies. The pep band is comprised of any student who plays an instrument who
wants to participate on a voluntary basis. Five to six selected performances
are required each year.
Jazz Band
- A small ensemble designed to learn and perform jazz and popular music. Many
public performances should be expected. Emphasis is on jazz style and
improvisation. Membership is restricted to certain instruments needed for this
type of music and selection is made by audition. This is a non-credit
activity.
Marching Band
- A non-credit performing group active primarily in the fall of the
year. Most practices are outside the school day. The G.W. Marching Eagles
participate in many contests, festivals, and parades in the fall and select
events in the spring in addition to supporting many school functions. Most
awards are based on membership in this group. All extra practices are required
for membership in the group.
CHAPTER IV
Staff, Officers, and Duties
Two very
important groups in the band are the band staff and officers. These groups are
directly responsible for the welfare of the band including administration,
policies, and activities.
The band staff,
officers, and their duties are:
Director
- administers all functions of the band.
Assistant Directors
- administers all functions of the
band.
Drum Major(s)
– is/are in charge of the Marching Band.
DUTIES
1. Will attend every
function of the marching band.
2. Will set a
positive example at all times and motivate others to work hard.
3. Have full
responsibility when the director is not present.
4. Assist the
director in teaching drills.
5. Inspect section
leaders.
6. Act as field
leaders of the marching band.
7. Assist in
monitoring discipline of the marching band.
8. Assist with
inspections before marching performances.
9. Works with all section leaders in
teaching music and marching fundamentals.
10. Conducts the band
at all performances of the marching band.
11. The drum major must have been a playing
member of the marching band and a concert band a minimum of one year and must
remain enrolled in a concert band class upon selection.
12. The drum major(s)
will be selected by the director or his appointed
representative at an audition held at a time and place designated by the
director.
Band Captain/Lieutenants
– Qualified band members in good standing who assist the director in all aspects
and coordinates the student staff.
DUTIES:
1. Student representatives of the band at
all functions including the Band Booster meetings.
2. Upholds the
highest traditions and spirit of the band.
3. Coordinates all
student leaders of the band.
4. Reports to the
director any problems or suggestions that may improve the band
program.
5. Promotes band
activities (i.e. social, educational, etc.).
6. Maintains
discipline in the band room each day before and after rehearsals.
7. Will hold periodic meetings to discuss
the welfare of the band, plan activities, troubleshoot possible solutions to
problems, and evaluate student morale, conduct, and performance.
8. The officers, who
are selected by the director, must be members in good standing of
both the marching band and band class.
Color guard Captains -
Are in charge of the colorguard
including the duties of drum majors mentioned previously.
Section Leaders
- Are selected based on leadership qualities and musicianship. Duties include
inspection of ranks for proper uniforms, music preparedness, cleanliness of
instruments, proper marching techniques, communication with section members, and
loading crew. Leaders are expected to remain at rehearsal until all sectional
duties are complete. Section leaders must be members of both Marching
Band and a Concert Band Class.
Bus Captain -
Is responsible for taking attendance on all
bus trips and maintaining order and respect among the students and adults during
our bus trips.
Loading Crew
- Is responsible for loading all equipment, hats, uniforms, instruments, and
luggage on the busses properly. The person in charge of the loading crew
will designate members of the loading crew.
Uniform Captain
- Is responsible for the distribution of all
uniforms. It is also important that the uniform captain maintains order and
cleanliness in the storage area and report dirty uniforms to the director so
that they can be cleaned. The person appointed as uniform captain will
oversee all other designated uniform captain assistants.
Band Secretary
– The person designated as the band secretary will keep a detailed record of
attendance of all Marching Band rehearsals and performances. Absences, tardies,
and early dismissals will be recorded along with infractions to the band rules
and regulations for future documentation.
The band staff shall help
set a good example at all times and is responsible for knowing and enforcing all
rules and regulations of the band and seeing that there is complete silence
whenever the director or any officer is speaking to the group. Any officer
not fulfilling his responsibility is subject to removal from the band staff.
CHAPTER V
Colorguard
1. The Colorguard shall have no set number
of members, and is open to any student who is affiliated with George Washington
High School, or any school that feeds into George Washington High School.
2. All practices,
including extra rehearsals must be attended.
3. All make up and
dress shall not detract from the group while in uniform.
4. The band director
or appointed people will select the members of the group.
5. Any negative
conduct will result in suspension from the group.
4.
An overall grade average of “C” should be maintained for membership.
5.
Color guard members must enroll in the Band Auxiliary Class unless
already enrolled in a music performance class at G.W.
CHAPTER VI
Check Out Procedures
Instruments
1.
Obtain brand name, serial number, and Dan Number.
2.
Inspect the instrument for damages or dents.
3.
Fill out appropriate forms.
4.
Pay maintenance if applicable.
5.
Obtain receipt.
6.
Students are responsible for any damage.
Uniforms
1.
Be fitted by uniform captain(s).
2.
Purchase black gloves, black shoes, and black socks.
3.
If the uniform is dirty, let the uniform captain know so that he/she can
take it to be cleaned immediately.
4.
The band T-Shirt is a part of the uniform and must be worn underneath the
jacket.
5.
Proper undergarments must be worn underneath the band pants in order not
to detract from the overall look of the uniform.
CHAPTER VII
Grading System (CLASS
BANDS)
Each student will be evaluated as an individual
relating to the performance of the band. It is understood that both subjective
and objective evaluations must be included in any artistic endeavor. Each six
weeks grade will be determined from specific portions of this plan. Individual
student grades will be generally based on the following items:
1. PARTICIPATION (40%)
A.
Attendance
1.
Regular Rehearsals
2.
Extra Rehearsals
3.
Tardiness
4.
Excused and/or unexcused absences will be differentiated
5.
Classroom etiquette
B.
Having required materials at all times
1.
Reeds, Mallets, sticks, etc.
2.
Music, Folder
3.
Instrument
C.
Individual Performance
1.
Classroom Performance
2.
Individual assignments, homework, home practice
2. ASSIGNMENTS
(50%)
A.
Written (reports, research)
B.
Listening
C.
Scales, etudes, etc.
D. Playing
Tests and quizzes
E.
Other
3. GROUP
PERFORMANCE (10%)
A.
Teacher evaluation of the group
B.
Professional evaluations
C.
Attendance (all
performances are required – Concerts are co-curricular and you will receive a
grade for your participation).
4. EXTRA WORK
(EXTRA CREDIT)
A.
Solos
B.
Ensembles
C.
Concert attendance
D.
Other
Every unexcused absence or
tardy from rehearsal will result in points deducted from the participation
grade.
An unexcused
absence from a performance will result in a failing grade for that portion of
the six weeks grade. In every case the director must be notified in advance or
the absence will count as unexcused. You must also make sure that you
attend school the day of any performance or you will not be allowed to
participate in the performance.
CHAPTER VIII
Chair Assignments * Tryouts * Challenges
Chair assignments will be based on tryouts. These
tryouts will be held approximately once each year and will include scales,
prepared selections, and sight readings.
Each player has
the right to challenge players ahead of him/her. Music used must be approved by
the director. Students must play the challenge no sooner than three days after
the challenge has been issued. Students may challenge only two chairs up at
each challenge. The proper forms should be obtained from the band director and
filled out. The band director has the option to determine the amount of times a
student may challenge during each grading period.
Changes in chair
position cannot be made less than one week prior to any scheduled performance
without specific approval of the director.
The challenger
must notify the person he is challenging in writing of the time, date, and the
music to be played. The person being challenged must then sign the written
notice. This notice is then dated, signed, and given to the band director.
Remember that challenges improve everyone. Therefore, there are no losers.
CHAPTER IX
Awards and Letters
The George
Washington High School Band presents many awards each year to outstanding
individuals in the band program. The following is a list of the awards and the
criteria for each:
A certificate
of participation is presented to all first year members who have
completed an entire season without absences or financial obligations to the
band.
The band
letter is presented to each marching member who completes two
marching seasons and has participated in all performances and has no obligations
to the band. This is a reward for completing these years. If a member is
unable to go on additional band trips for any reason, the director will
determine eligibility for a letter.
Third year
members of the marching band will receive a stripe upon completion of
a complete three seasons of marching. There must not have been any absences
from performances or obligations to the band. If a member misses any additional
band trips, the director will determine eligibility for awards.
Fourth/Fifth
year senior members of the marching band will receive a senior
plaque upon graduation and the completion of at least four seasons of
marching. If a senior misses any additional band trips or functions, the
director will determine eligibility for awards.
Individual awards may
include:
Outstanding freshman,
sophomore, Junior, and senior awards
are based upon playing ability and attitude.
Outstanding Musician
Awards are presented to members who
best demonstrate musical competence throughout the year in both marching and
concert bands.
Outstanding Colorguard
Members will be recognized as
warranted by performance of the group. Deserving students will be selected by
the director.
Outstanding Leadership
Awards will be presented to section
leaders, percussionists, drum majors, and other students as selected by the
director based on their contributions and fulfillment of all duties to the band
program.
Semper Fidelis Award
will be presented to the student who holds the highest level of pride and
musicianship in the band and is currently a first chair player.
Louis Armstrong Jazz
Award is presented to the outstanding
member of the jazz band. This is selected by the director.
The Director’s Award
will be presented a deserving student selected by the director based upon
leadership, attitude, and service to the band.
The John Phillip Sousa
Award is presented to the student
based upon attitude, group support, desire for improvement, sacrifice for the
group, and is a member of both the marching band and a band class.
The Outstanding Band
Member Award is the highest award
presented to the member who demonstrates leadership, scholarship, musicianship,
and attitude, and is a member of both marching band and a band class.
These awards are to be
presented at the annual band awards banquet each spring. If no one qualifies
for an award it will not be presented.
Honor Bands include All
District Band, College Honor Bands, and All State Band. An audition for these
groups is an individual effort. Each student is responsible for preparation of
audition materials, entry fees, and transportation. The director and boosters
will assist in most of these preparations. All qualified students are
encouraged to attend.
CHAPTER X
General Band Rules and Regulations
Because of the
nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict. Band students and
parents must be willing to accept the ideals, principles, and rules of the
group.
A Superior band
is built on discipline. Discipline is order, with orderliness comes
attainment of goals worthwhile.
1. Band members are
expected to adhere to the policies of the school and the band. Use of
alcohol, tobacco, or any other drug is strictly prohibited! Violations
of this rule will result in immediate suspension from the band and full
punishment from school officials.
2. Band members will
be responsible for instruments, uniforms, equipment, and music belonging to the
band.
3. All performances
and rehearsals are MANDATORY for all members. This includes
afterschool practices, sectional rehearsals, etc. Too many absences from
practice, even excused may result in temporary removal from a performance. If
excused this will not count as a suspension or punishment.
4. Tardiness is a
disease. Avoid the problem. It hurts not only the individual but also the
entire band family. You will be disciplined for any infractions. This includes
all practices and performances. To be on time is to be early!
5. Horseplay will
never be tolerated on the band field, in the band room, or in surrounding areas
of the campus.
6. Chewing gum is
NOT PERMITTED during practices or performances.
7. Members must ride
to and from all events with the band. Only the band director can make
exceptions in advance. Written permission must be provided by the parents.
Students may be released to the parents at the end of a performance, but to no
one else.
8. Wind players and
percussionists are required to provide ground cloths to lay
instruments on during breaks from practice.
9. Be prepared! Each student is expected to learn
all music and drill. Practice until you get it. All music and drill sets must
be learned by the end of camp!
10. No food or
drinks shall be allowed in the band room, or in the stands during football
games. This rule is designed to promote cleanliness of our facilities
and protect the student while in uniform. The band is granted third
quarter off to get refreshments. Please finish them before returning to the
stands.
11. A person’s third
quarter privileges may be taken from them if they cannot perform to their
expectations. All students are to uphold the highest standards of the band and
our school while in uniform. Any infraction will result in punishments and
possible suspension from the band program.
12. PUBLIC
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA) is not permitted while in uniform or while
participating in any school related activity or function. No unreasonable
PDA at any other time. This includes bus trips and rehearsals.
13. Take suggestions
and criticism from fellow band members regardless of their number of years in
band. Everyone makes mistakes, even seniors and officers! Suggestions and
criticisms should be made in a respectable manner!
14. The band uniform
should be worn properly at all times as instructed by the section leader. No
jewelry, watches, fingernail polish, or excessive make-up is to be worn while in
uniform (even earrings on ladies or gentlemen!). The band
T-shirt and clean, solid calf -length BLACK socks (No Logos!!) are
required and will be checked by the section leader prior to performances.
Hair should be groomed neatly and pulled back so that it fits nicely underneath
the band hat.
15. The telephone in the band office is for business
purposes only. It will be available for students to call home after trips and
special rehearsals. Students should not ask to use the phone at other times.
16. There should be no
excessive talking during any rehearsal. Each student should have a pencil at
all indoor rehearsals.
17. Each student should
keep their “set” notebooks and pencils with them at ALL times during
and after band camp while the band is on the field.
18.
It is MANDATORY to wear hats during all outside rehearsals.
19. NO STUDENT
should leave valuable items such as pocketbooks, instruments, and other personal
belongings in the bandroom area unattended.
George Washington High School Band will not be
responsible for your negligence.
20. All band
members are expected to treat section leaders, officers, and one another with
respect. If there is a problem, notify an officer or the
director.
21. Tennis shoes MUST BE
worn at all practices to ensure proper marching technique.
22. There will be NO
HAZING allowed at any time.
23. Keep your language
CLEAN! You never know who might be listening!
24. You are a CLASS ACT!
Do not do anything that would have to be explained. Always conduct yourselves
as ladies and gentlemen.
SPECIAL BAND TRIP RULES
Remember: School rules
are in effect at all times! Young adults do not roughhouse or damage property.
As GWHS band members you reflect not only the values you learn at GW, but those
of your community as well.
1. Adult chaperones will be
on each bus.
2. Put all trash in trash
bags. Designated individuals will see that all busses are cleaned when we get
home.
3. Adults should be allowed
to board and exit the busses first at all stops. The order of boarding for
students will be as follows: loading crew, seniors, juniors sophomores,
freshmen. For time purposes, the order of exiting the busses will be from front
to back.
4. There must be
silence while the bus captain checks roll on each trip.
5. Tape and CD players
should only be played with earphones or permission of all those around.
6. The bus driver has the
right to set rules as needed.
7. Each trip will have an
itinerary and special instructions. These will be given to students prior to
each trip and announced by the bus captain on each trip.
8. When the lights go out
there must be silence on each bus. Please respect other’s rights to sleep or
rest quietly.
9. For nighttime bus rides
there will be no co-ed sharing of seats!
10. Keep a minimum noise
level on the bus. No yelling, singing, sitting on arms of the seats, or walking
up and down the aisles while the bus is in motion.
11. All members must
practice good habits of personal hygiene while participating in band activities.
Because band
members are constantly on display, each must always be aware of the importance
of good behavior. The student should remember that he/she represents his/her
band, school, and community whenever he/she performs or appears in public. Any
misconduct casts a direct reflection on our school and community and may well
undo the good work of hundreds of loyal students. Any hint of misconduct
or activities that are not acceptable or defined in this book will result in
possible expulsion from our program.
PUNISHMENTS
Infractions in the above listed rules can result
in the following punishments (in any order) by officers or the director:
1. CONFERENCE
WITH THE DIRECTOR. As a first means of discipline, a student may be
asked to have a conference with the director.
2. LOSS OF
THIRD QUARTER PRIVILEGES. As a form of punishment a member may not be
allowed to leave the stands during the third quarter of football games. A
bathroom break may be taken accompanied by a chaperone. This punishment can
only be assigned by the director as a last result.
3. SUNSET
SQUAD. A form of punishment given by the director, drum majors,
officers, or section leaders requiring members to stay 15 minutes after the
rehearsal for extensive marching and other physical activities with their
section leader.
4. OTHER
PUNISHMENTS. Cleaning the band room after rehearsals and trips, running
laps after rehearsals (maximum of 2 at one time), and push-ups.
5. SUSPENSION
FROM A PERFORMANCE. When a member is suspended from a performance
he/she will not be allowed to perform or travel with the band. This will be
considered an unexcused absence and will result in possible loss of band letter
or awards.
Failure to adhere
to given punishments will result in a conference with the band director and the
director shall make further decisions. Discipline and respect are mandatory and
attitudes will not be tolerated.
CHAPTER XI
Care of Equipment
The purchase of a
musical instrument represents the investment of a large amount of money, whether
it is owned personally or by the school. It is good common sense to take good
care of it so that it will remain in good working order and last as long as it
should.
Keep it dry and clean.
Avoid sudden temperature
changes.
Know special cleaning
instructions for each instrument.
Care of the Uniform
1. Always hang up the
uniform neatly after each performance.
2. Cover hats and
plumes in the rain.
3. Use proper uniform
bags, rain gear, and storage facilities at all times.
4. Never wear coats,
jeans, or outer garments under the uniform.
5. Do not cut
any material from the uniform. Alter by hemming only!
6. A uniform inspection will be held
before each performance. All equipment will be subject to inspection at any
time.
7. The
designated band T-shirt is the only shirt worn under the uniform.
8. Always wear
clean, calf length, solid black socks!
9. Band shoes
must be clean at all times.
10. Report all spots and stains on the
uniform to the uniform captains so that they can be cleaned immediately.
CHAPTER XII
Fundraising
Fundraising is a
major part of our organization. All members are expected to participate
in these activities. Those students that do not must solicit donations to
support their part of the activity or pay a fundraising fee of $10.00.
1. Attend all Fundraising activities such
as carwashes, bake sales, special events, etc.
2. Call in orders to the fundraising
captain on the specified date. Calls should be placed before
8:00pm.
3. Pick up all materials from the
designated place on time. This is important because any unclaimed items will be
the responsibility of the student who sold the items..
4. Turn in all
collected money ON TIME.
5. An individual cannot participate in
the next Fundraising project until his/her outstanding money is turned in.
There will be no exceptions.
CHAPTER
XIII
Director/Student Leaders
GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL EAGLE BANDS
2008 - 2009
DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Reginald Purvis
DRUM MAJOR
Rob Ballard
BAND CAPTAIN
Kiara
Marable
BAND LIEUTENANTS
Andy Emerson
Graham Holman
Jill Roach
Elizabeth Tucker
SECTION LEADERS
Upper Woodwinds - Kiara Marable
Saxophones – Mitch Long
Mellophones – Kevin
Newton
Trumpets - Andy
Emerson
Trombones/Baritones – Graham Holman
Tubas/Low Reeds - Carl Russel
Percussion
– Shanice Jordan
Colorguard - Ashley Athey
| 
