50% Weekly Test
     Football Game (includes early practices, inspections)
     Marching Performance
     Parade, Public Performance
     Called practice (not a regular practice)
     Concert Sight-reading Contest
     Playing off Contest music

50% Extra Credit
     District Tryouts plus 10 points if making it
     Region Tryouts plus 10 points if making it
     Area Tryouts plus 10 points it making it
     State Tryout plus 10 points if making it
     Solo Ensemble participation
     Solo Ensemble advancement
     Other (special events noted by Director that pertains to Band)

25% Semester Exam Grade
     Fall and Spring concerts


A. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
1. Mental and physical discipline
2. Citizenship through group endeavor
3. Physical conditioning
4. Cultural growth
5. Ability to make musical value judgements
6. Music theory
7. Proper instrument technique

B. PARTICIPATION
1. Classroom
2. Concerts
3. Contests
4. Before or after school rehearsals
5. Parades and school programs
6. Individual competitions such as solos, region band, etc.
7. Inspection check-list prior to events

C. TEST
1. Written
2. Verbal
3. Instrument (playing scales, excerpts, etc.)
All band performances that are co-curricular will count as a test grade. Spring Concert and Christmas Concert are examples of co-curricular performances. The procedure to make up missed performances is as follows:
1. The student must approach the director for a makeup test with a note from a parent explaining the absence.
2. The make-up test may be written, playing or both at the discretion of the director.
3. The make-up test must be done in a timely manner. (within 5 class days)
4. If, after 5 days, the student has failed to make up the test grade, the grade will be recorded as a zero.


PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

A. Members are expected to practice every day during band period.
B. There will be extra practices before or after school as needed.
C. Being late results in consequences.
D. A doctor’s note is required for not participating in practice.


CLASSROOM RULES AND CONSEQUENCES
1. Be in your seat with all materials before the bell rings. This includes, but is not limited to instrument, pencil and music.
2. Students may not bring food, drinks, or gum into the band hall.
3. Give full attention during rehearsal. No talking, no playing instrument out of turn or while director is talking.
4. Show respect to director, fellow students and yourself.
5. Keep your hands to yourself.
6. Student I responsible for putting all materials away properly and in a safe manner.

CONSEQUENCES
A. Verbal warning
B. Written assignment or detention.
C. Contact with parent by phone or letter
D. Parent conference with directors and student
E. Parent/Student conference with principal and directors
F. Severe behavior problems will result in immediate dismissal to the office.

BAND REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are called by the director and are mandatory. If there is a reason you cannot be there, it is your responsibility to have notified the director. The quality of this BAND depends solely on the attitudes and goals that each individual sets for it.

DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE:

All band students will comply with the school policy on use of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Violation of the school policy will include suspension or expulsion from the band program, at the discretion of the directors.



FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT:

A. It is the responsibility of the students, parents, and directors to maintain the equipment and facilities provided by the school district.
B. The band Hall has very limited space for individual or small group practice. Sign up for these in advance.
C. To maintain the carpet and instruments; food, gum and drinks of any kind are not allowed in the Band Hall unless specified by the directors.
D. The band department has stands that are available for student use.
E. Students are expected to take care of their band instruments. All instruments will be stored in their cases (which are shut and fastened), and in the proper assigned locker
F. Students will be assigned a cubby hole. All students are expected to store only their instruments there.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

The Grandview Band Department has school owned instruments that are available for student use. The decision to allow a student to use a school owned instrument is left to the discretion of the directors regarding availability, financial need, and other factors.
There will be a rental fee of $30.00 per year when using a school instrument. The student will be responsible for repairs due to misuse or neglect. Each school instrument issued will be in good working order. Percussion students must have their own sticks and mallets when using school percussion and pay the school use fee of $30.00 per year.
The student will be responsible for the purchase of his or her own mouthpiece for the instrument.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

These guidelines should be followed when using a School instrument
1. Do not chew gum, drink sweet drinks or eat before or during practice.
2. Keep instrument in the case when not in use.
3. Do not let anyone besides you play the instrument.
4. Any student using a school horn will be required to purchase the necessary cleaning and maintenance materials (oils, grease, swabs, polish cloth, etc.) to properly take care of the horn.

INSTRUMENT REPAIR

An instrument repairman comes to the school once weekly to service and repair instruments. Any band student can have the repairman service or repair their personal instrument. In the event of a major repair, the repairman will contact the owner before taking the instrument to the shop. The student is responsible to pay all repair bills when receiving the instrument back from the music store. No students will be allowed to take the instrument until the repair is paid in full.
HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
Band Camp
Band Camp is scheduled the first week in August. Freshmen and new members will report 2 days prior to the beginning (July).
During band camp students will learn all marching fundamentals, show music, and the first part of the UIL marching drill. Positions for the contest show are assigned during Band Camp.
Band Leadership
Student leaders for the High School are either auditioned or elected. All drum majors, squad leaders, and color guard are selected through tryouts held in the spring of the previous year.
All student leaders are given certain responsibilities and are expected to lead by example. All band members are expected to follow and respect all student leaders. The directors have the right to remove anyone from his or her position for failing to adhere to these responsibilities.
Color Guard
All color guard members are members of the band and will play instruments. They are expected to practice their instruments during football season and continue to contribute to the success of the band by playing in stands and during concert season the the second semester.
The color guard is a valuable asset to the marching band. Members are expected to adhere to all policies and rehearsal schedules. Consequences for not doing so include not performing during halftime or suspension from the group.

PE CREDIT
Students receive PE credit for participating in marching band. As such, physical conditioning exercises will be a part of warm-ups to help prepare students for marching performance, endurance and to reduce injuries.
Exercises will include jogging, running, push-ups, etc.; these will also be used as consequences for breaking attention and for violating other band policies.

PERFORMANCE IN THE STANDS
1. No playing of instruments unless under the supervision of drum majors or directors.
2. Students have an assigned seat in the stands and are expected to remain there during the entire game.
3. No food or drink is allowed in the stands without permission of the directors.
4. Students should be prepared to play at all times and must have their own music in a flip folder.
5. Third quarter will be given as a break for those students who abide by the above rules.
6. Marching in to the stadium before the game and marching out after the game is considered a part of our performance. Students will display the same performance attitude as above.


REHEARSALS
After summer band camp is completed, the band begins the following daily schedule:
6:45 a.m. - Band Hall is open
6:50 – 7:00 a.m. – Students are expected to be in the Band Hall
7:05 a.m. – Marching Band – In place with all equipment on the practice field for
warm-ups
7:15 a.m. – Marching Band Rehearsal begins, tardies recorded. Consequences for tardy for marching rehearsals: one lap for every 1-5 minutes.

EXTRA REHEARSALS
When extra rehearsals are called, 100% attendance is expected. Every attempt will be made to allow time for planning ahead for jobs, etc.
Note: Parents cooperation is appreciated for helping students get to every rehearsal on time. Many students are available to carpool. Contact the band office for a list of students close to you.

CONSEQENCES FOR REHEARSAL ABSENCES AND TARDIES
1. Unexcused tardies or absences from rehearsals may result in losing your position to another member.
2. Band members will be expected to run one lap for 1- 5 minutes of an unexcused tardy. The directors will make the decision of excused or unexcused. For early morning rehearsals, roll will be checked at 7:15 sharp.
3. Excessive tardies will result in losing your position or not marching the Game on Friday night.
4. Unexcused absences for a missed rehearsal results in a deduction of 50 points from your band letter points. They may also result in losing your marching position in the show and/or losing the right to perform at the game. Absences due to work schedule will be considered unexcused.

PERFORMANCES
1. Attendance is required at all performances (games, parades, concerts, contests, etc.)
2. Most, if not all, performances are on a written schedule. It is up to you to work out scheduling problems for jobs, etc., ahead of time.
3. Excused absences for a performance will be given if students have an excused absence from the office at school for that day.
4. Unexcused absences can result in losing your position for at least one game or suspension from the band at the discretion of the directors.
5. All co-curricular concerts are also a part of the student’s six weeks grade ( see grading procedures).
Note: The band is a team and requires team effort and cooperation. Missing a rehearsal or a performance hurts the band. Make a commitment!! Be at all events!! We are counting on you!!



THIRD QUARTER
1. The band will report to the stands to play during third quarter.
2. A third quarter break may be given to the band for a job well done during the previous week and at halftime. This is a reward, not a right.
3. Individual members of the band may be required to stay in the stands with no break during third quarter. (at the discretion of the directors for discipline reasons.)
4. Students will have a required manner to wear the uniform on third quarter break!
5. Students may have snacks on their third quarter break if they can finish before the beginning of 4th quarter!!
6. Students must be in their place at beginning of 4th quarter ready to perform. The consequence for being tardy will be the loss of 3rd quarter privilege for the following game.

BAND UNIFORM
1. Band uniforms are furnished by the school.
2. Students are responsible for proper care of the uniforms. Any lost or ruined uniform parts will be paid for by the students.
3. Students will pay a yearly uniform cleaning fee of $20.00.
4. Black band shoes are to be purchased by the students from the band office.
5. White band gloves are to be purchased by the students from the band office.
6. Before every game performance, students will be inspected. This will insure that all uniform parts are being worn correctly and are in good condition.
7. All students will wear band uniforms in the same manner. Students will not be allowed to add hats or anything else unless approved by the directors.
8. Students will not be allowed to remove any uniform parts unless given permission by the directors.
9. The band shirt is a part of the band uniform and will be worn at every performance.
10. Students who fail to comply with the above rules will dealt with severely.

PERFORMANCE ETIQUETTE
The Thundering Herd Band has a reputation for excellence and pride. The band is constantly in the public eye; therefore all students are expected to display the highest level of behavior and pride.

PRACTICE ROOMS
The High School has 4 practice rooms available for student use under the following guidelines:
A. No more than 2 students in one room at a time. (unless given prior permission)
B. Door windows will be kept uncovered and lights on.
C. When leaving, doors should be left open.
D. No snacks are allowed in the practice rooms.
E. All personal belongings will be removed after use.
LETTER REQUIREMENTS FOR BAND
To earn a letter in band, a student must complete the following:

1. perform with the band at UIL Marching Contest
2. perform with the band at UIL Concert-Sightreading contest
3. tryout for all region band (300 points if you make it)
4. perform a solo or an ensemble for UIL Solo-Ensemble contest
5. earn a minimum of 300 points during the year
NOTE: Even if a student earns 300 or more band points during the year, he or she cannot letter in band unless the first 2 requirements are met (1,2)

Those who letter in band will be awarded at the banquet at the end of the year. The award will include a certificate, letter jacket (if student does not already have one) and a letter bar. A second award will be given for 400 points and a third for 500+ points. Points may be earned as follows:

Early morning rehearsals (on time) 1 point each
Performances 7 points each
Sectional or extra rehearsal 5 points each
Tryout for all Region Band 10 points each
Make Region Band 300 points
Make Area Band 100 points each
Make State Band 100 points each
Perform a solo or ensemble at UIL 10 points each
Earn a first division on solo or ensemble 20 points each
Go to state on solo or ensemble 25 points each
Perform a first division with band at any contest 30 points each
Sweepstakes 50 points each
Band Camp 25 points each
Summer Band Camp (HPU) 25 points each
Passing off music with a “1” rating 5 points each piece
Attendance at a college or professional concert 5 points each
Work at Band Booster concessions 5 points each time
Other assigned duties or activities Discretion of director

DELETIONS OF POINTS: Points will be deleted for the following:
---Missing a scheduled rehearsal unexcused: 50 points
---Missing a scheduled performance unexcused: 100 points

EARLY MORNING REHEARSALS:
All students who have 100% attendance at all early morning marching rehearsals during football season will receive double points for the entire set of rehearsals.
(100% means present, on time, when roll is checked)


















OFFICERS























Grandview High School Band

Participation / Permission Form



Name: _____________________________________ Age: ____________


Address: ____________________________________________________


City/State: ________________________________Zip: _______________


Telephone #: _________________________________________________


Instrument: ___________________________________________________


Freshman _____ Sophomore _____ Junior ________ Senior ________


I have read the handbook and rehearsal/performance schedule concerning the Thundering Herd Band 2000 activities and understand my obligations as a 2000-2001 Marching Band member.


Signed: __________________________________


I hereby give permission for _____________________________ to attend all events with the Thundering Herd Band program.


I have read the handbook concerning my student’s behavior and understand that failure to follow the rules will result in disciplinary action. I waive any liability of the school staff, or Grandview H. S. Band Boosters for injury or damage sustained by my student or his/her possessions during trips.


Parents Signature: ________________________________________


Date: _______________________


(Please complete and return this page to the Director)