Band Handbook

 

RANDOLPH HIGH

SCHOOL BAND

HANDBOOK

 

2023-2024 School Year

 

Steve Giovanoni, Director, [email protected]

Hector Perez, Associate Director, [email protected]

 

Dear Band Parent:

 

Welcome to the “Mighty Ro-Hawk” Band. Our band has a long tradition of excellence, made possible by the combined efforts of the students, parents and directors.  In order to have a consistent, successful experience, the band has a system in place to ensure quality year after year.  While recognizing that every organization has a system to ensure smooth operation, ours also has the added responsibility of ensuring a consistent level of quality performances.

 

It is very important that the band and the directors receive your support and cooperation to have a successful year.  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or don’t understand something about the band program.

 

We hope you will be an active, positive influence in our program.

 

We are asking that all parents and band members take the time to read this handbook so you will know what it takes to have a successful band.  Please sign the bottom of this page to acknowledge the receipt of this handbook and your agreement to abide by the information stated within these pages.

 

***Important: Certain band events are competitive and therefore each student earns their spot.  UIL events are competitive events.  Students are expected to do the work necessary to perform up to our standards in order to compete.  This means that a student who has not put in the time at practice can be moved to the sidelines for marching band performances.

 

“I acknowledge the receipt of this handbook and agree to abide by all the rules and regulations set forth for the Randolph Band program.  I also understand that every member of the Band is required to abide by these rules.  Failure to return this sheet does not exempt me from abiding by the rules set forth in this handbook.

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

Band-member signature                                             Date

 

____________________________________            ______________________________

Parent/Guardian signature                                          Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAND VISION

 

Why do band:

I believe band is a community (Family) of students brought together by a shared belief in the value of musical performance for the purpose of providing our school community with intrinsically rewarding musical experiences that create a spirit of unity, enjoyment, and service to each other and our community.

 

How we accomplish it:

In band, the students must commit to personal ownership of their attitude, achievement, music, and equipment in order to be as prepared and productive as possible for every rehearsal, practice, sectional, or performance in order to support and serve the band community.

 

What it looks like:

In band, our students will provide musical experiences to the school community that demonstrate our belief in the value of music performance as an integral part of a quality school community’s culture and identity.

 

 

COMMITMENT

Yes, high school extra-curricular activities require a large time commitment.  If this is your first time in marching band, time management is very important.  During marching season, we have 4-5 hours of rehearsal time plus a football game every week outside of the school day.  Concert season has less of a time commitment as the schedule shows.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students select to join band and are therefore consenting to be part of an organization that prides itself on upholding the great traditions of band performance here at RHS.  They have accepted the challenges of maintaining the highest standards possible day in and day out.  Whether at rehearsal or performance, they must maintain complete focus and effort at all times in order to ensure that all members will have a great experience.

 

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Please review the state and district guidelines for eligibility requirements to participate in school activities.

 

REHEARSALS

Band is Co-Curricular, meaning a portion of the student’s grade comes from after-school activities to include concerts, rehearsals, etc.  ATTENDANCE AT AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES IS A REQUIREMENT OF BAND MEMBERSHIP.  Band members are required to attend all sectionals and/or rehearsals for which they are members.  The summer band schedule will be posted prior to the start of the new year. Additional information will be posted on the director’s web page on the school’s web site.  Please refer to the following calendars as to rehearsal requirements for the year.

 

Summer Band Practice Schedule (July 24- First day of School)

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
July 24 Summer band 8am-2:00pm	July 25 Summer band 8am-200pm	July 26 Summer band 8am-2:00pm	July 27 Summer band 8am-2:00pm	July 28 Summer band 8am-2:00pm
July 31 Summer band 8am-2:00pm	August 1 Summer band 8am-3:45pm	August 2 Summer band 8am-2:00pm	August 3 5pm- Parent meeting 6pm-8pm Practice	August 4 No Practice
August 7 Summer band 6pm-8pm	August 8 Summer band 6pm-8pm	August 9 Summer band 6pm-8pm	August 10 Summer band 6pm-8pm	August 11 No Practice
August 14 Summer band 6pm-8pm	August 15 No Practice	August 16 First Day of School	August 17 Start in school schedule

 

 

In School Marching Band Fall Practice Schedule (First day of School -Last UIL Contest)

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
7am-Sectional Woodwinds & Brass	7am-Sectional Drumline & Front Ensemble	7am-Sectional Woodwinds & Brass	7am-Sectional Drumline & Front Ensemble	7am-Full Band Rehearsal & Courtyard
6pm-8pm Monday night Rehearsal		4:15pm-5:15pm Full Band	4pm-5pm Make-up & Tutorials	GAME DAY

 

 

Post UIL Contest (Last Contest- Last Football Game)

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
		7am-Full Band Rehearsal	7am-Full Band Rehearsal	7am-Full Band Rehearsal & Courtyard
				Game Day

 

 

 

Concert Season Practice Schedule (January-UIL)

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
7:15am Woodwind Sectional	7:15am Brass Sectional	7:15am Percussion Sectional

 

 

BAND BOOSTERS

The main objective of the Randolph Band Boosters is to support and enhance the band program and provide communication to students and parents.   There are many expenses that are not covered by the school district that are very important to our program.  Expenses such as trips, scholarships, meals, props, clinicians, camps etc.  Our boosters support the entire program, grades 6–12.  They rely on parent involvement for everything they do.  They need your help.  Please volunteer.  Every event matters.

 

ABSENCES AND TARDIES

 

PARENTS, PLEASE EMAIL THE DIRECTORS IN ADVANCE OF AN EXPECTED TARDY OR ABSENCE.  THIS WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY BE AN EXCUSED ABSENCE.

 

BOTH UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES MAY EFFECT A BAND MEMBER’S PARTICIPATION IN BAND.  AFTER 3 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, OR 5 TARDIES, A STUDENT MAY LOSE THEIR POSITION IN MARCHING BAND AND BE MOVED TO THE FRONT ENSEMBLE OR ON THE SIDELINES DURING PERFORMANCES.  RETURNING TO PERFORMANCES WILL REQUIRE A PARENT CONFERENCE.

 

WORK IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR MISSING REHEARSALS OR PERFORMANCES. WE MAKE THE CALENDAR AVAILABLE EARLY SO STUDENTS CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS.

 

 

BAND REHEARSAL GUIDELINES

1. No food or drinks in the band hall-Except water. Including your locker!
2. Be seated with instrument, music, pencil and supplies at the start of rehearsal.
3. Show good rehearsal etiquette. Be a team player. Pay close attention to all instructions and mark your music when you receive instructions.
4. Remain on task at all times, do not talk or interrupt the focus of a rehearsal.
5. Maintain proper posture at all times.
6. Raise your hand for all questions
7. Leave cases and backpacks in locker or on the side of the room.
8. Do not leave purses, cell phones or other valuables unlocked in the band hall.
9. Disorderly behavior and abusive language will not be tolerated.
10. Assist with the maintaining of the band hall. It’s our second home almost.
11. Student may not use phones/electronic devices without teacher permission.
12. If a student is too ill to participate, they must provide a note or email from a doctor or parent.
13. All instruments must be kept neatly in a locker.
14. Only band members will be allowed to be in the band hall.
15. Students WILL NOT do homework from another class during Band.

 

UIL Performance/Field Trip Policies

A student’s participation in a band field trip or UIL performance is contingent upon that student meeting criteria established by the director. Students will be given a reasonable chance to fulfill these requirements in the time preceding each event. Some criteria to be met may include: (Grades, behavior in all classes, attendance at performances, student has learned music to a grade of 92% or higher.)

 

Students who choose not to abide by the Band Policies at a concert or other band event off campus may not get to participate in future events and receive a discipline referral.

**The end of the year band trip will be offered only to students who have fulfilled their financial, attendance, and conduct obligations.

Uniforms

All students/parents MUST sign the uniform agreement and abide by its contents.  Only band shorts and band T-shirt are worn under the uniform. 

 

Keep all jewelry and all other valuables at home.  No rings, no earrings except studs, watches, or necklaces are to be worn in uniform.  Ladies, please wear only the most basic make-up and no finger nail polish. We want to achieve a neat, standard military look to go with our uniforms.  Adhere to the same dress code as Randolph High School.

 

 

Student Personal Behaviors

Personal behaviors deal with tardiness and disruptive behaviors. May lead to detention, ISS, OSS, or dismissal from class.

 

Student Academic Behaviors

Academic behaviors deal with grades.  Band students will be graded on a 100-point scale. Students will receive a grade based upon the following criteria:

1. Class Participation in daily rehearsals.
2. Performance on playing tests.
3. Marching assessments.
4. Written tests and assignments.

 

Band Lockers

Each band student will be issued a band locker and lock.  Only school issued locks are allowed. The school is not responsible for items left in band lockers or in the band room.

If a student is caught messing with another student’s lock or locker, they will be issued a detention. The band hall is not a locker room.  Instruments that are left out of a locker will be issued a detention slip.

 

Randolph ISD does not have insurance or any plan that will cover damage, theft, or loss of privately-owned equipment.  If that equipment is to be covered, it must be through the parents’ personal insurance, such as homeowner’s policy, etc.

 

 

 

Financial Obligation

Being in band brings on certain financial obligations that are the responsibility of the band member. Students will be required to provide their own instrument (If playing Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone or Trumpet), accessories (such as reeds, valve oil, etc.), book, and any other expenses that may arise during the year. Please contact the director if you are having problems meeting these obligations and this issue will be worked out confidentially. No student will be denied participation in band due to financial issues.

 

PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOR AND PROCEDURE

 

Football Games and Marching Contests – Be in place and on time to all formations.  We will proceed in an orderly fashion into the stadium.  Stay in place and do not talk to anyone in and out of band once we begin to enter.  You are there to support this school so be ready to play when the time comes.  Please cheer with the cheerleaders.  Band cheers are great, but not when the cheerleaders are working.  While in the stands, you sit in your assigned order.  We are at games and contest to perform!  Only band members are permitted to sit with the band.  We are participating with the band, not talking to others, either in person or on our phone.

 

UNIFORMS MUST BE WORN CORRECTLY AT ALL TIMES!  YOU MUST HAVE DIRECTOR PERMISSION TO REMOVE PART OR ALL OF THE UNIFORM!

 

You MUST have director or drum major permission to leave the football stands for any reason.  Students will go to the bathroom in small groups.

 

Parents MUST contact the directors if they wish to sign out their child after or during the game.

 

Performing is the purpose of band.  You are expected to participate at all times and be prepared for every performance with all the necessary supplies and equipment.

 

Follow all directions from the directors and drum majors alike.

 

Concerts – Be in place and on time to all formations in the designated attire.  Concerts required a different etiquette than football games.  Students need to maintain a behavior that promotes attentive listening from the audience.  Students need to participate at all times and be prepared for every performance with all the necessary supplies and equipment. 

 

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Region Solo and Ensemble Contest.  This contest provides students an opportunity to perform individually or in a small group.  Winners can advance to state competition.

 

 

 

DISTRICT & REGION BAND AUDITIONS

Everyone is strongly encouraged to audition for the Region Band.  This is your best opportunity to challenge your musical growth.  Students who advance compete for a spot in the All-State band and get to perform at the state music convention.

 

OFF CAMPUS TRIP BEHAVIOR

All school rules apply for any school-sponsored event.  Any rude or defiant actions will result in a detention and/or office referral upon return to RHS depending on the severity of the offense.  Future participation could be jeopardized.

 

BUS RULES

All students ride the bus to and from performances.  While on the bus, follow all instructions of the band directors, bus drivers, or chaperones (if directors are not on board). District bus rules will be adhered to. IF A DIRECTOR, CHAPERONE or DRIVER ASKED YOU TO MOVE- YOU MOVE!!!

 

Keep EVERYTHING at home such as:  valuables, purses, and wallets.

DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING UNATTENDED YOU DON’T MIND LOSING.

 

REMEMBER – YOU are representing your band, school, base, family and possibly your State.   From the first step out the front door of your home to the last step before you get back, you are being watched so ACT PROPERLY.  Be courteous to everyone and do not do anything that might discredit the yourself or put the band or school in serious trouble.  DO NOT do anything in public, on the bus, or anywhere else that might negatively affect the band, school, or your family.

 

 

 

REMAIN IN UNIFORM UNLESS THE BAND DIRECTOR HAS ALLOWED YOU TO CHANGE OR REMOVE THE HAT, COAT, ETC.

 

Leave the bus in full uniform after instructed to do so and in an orderly fashion, starting with the front row.  Please allow the loading crew to get off first.  You are responsible for putting any equipment needed in the truck or bus. 

 

 

HEALTH AND TRAVEL FORMS

All band members must be registered in Rank 1 and have completed all necessary paperwork.  Make sure you have informed Mr. Giovanoni about any serious health conditions your child has.

 

BAND FEES AND DEPOSITS

All students are required to purchase the Marching band items listed in the booster packet.

 

BAND INSTRUMENT SIGN-OUT SHEET

All band students who use a school-owned instrument for any part of the school year must fill out a sign-out sheet agreeing to take care of the instrument while in their possession.  See a director to fill out form.  This includes all school-owned equipment (mouthpieces, lyres, flip folders, etc.).  ALL SCHOOL-OWNED EQUIPMENT WILL BE ON A SIGN-OUT SHEET.  When the instrument is signed out a digital picture will be taken to show the condition of the instrument or equipment.  Any damage to the instrument or any parts lost will be the responsibility of the student/parent for replacement or repair. 

 

Student Leaders

The Drum Major, Section Leaders and Officers constitute the student leadership of the band.  Their responsibility is to help organize and lead the band and to assist the directors as needed.

 

Grounds for removal

 

 

LETTERMAN JACKETS

HS Band members who compete at all three yearly UIL events: Marching, Solo & Ensemble and Concert & Sight-reading Contest will be eligible to purchase a band jacket thru Meca Sportswear.  A student who auditions at Area band or advances to State Solo and Ensemble may get their jacket after 2 years of UIL events.  Any student who is selected for All-State band will receive their jacket that year.  Seniors who are in good standing may add a band lyre their senior year.  No one may place a “senior lyre” on their jacket until their senior year.

 

 

BAND OFFICE and LIBRARY

The band director’s office and library are off limits unless the director invites you in to conduct band business.  No one may use the computers in the building unless they have permission from the directors.  This includes the use of any of the equipment in the technology room or at the podiums.

 

Congratulations on being a member of the Randolph Ro-hawk Band.  I look forward to a great year of fun and exciting musical growth.