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2009—2010 HANDBOOK |
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Welcome to another great year of band at Coffee County Central High School. For many years, the band has provided both an organization that the community can be proud of and one that benefits the students. It is important that everyone follows the procedures that are outlined in this handbook for us to continue the tradition.
Coffee County Red Raider Band- 100% or nothing Sir!!! Purpose The purpose of this handbook is to inform parents and students of the policies, grading procedures, and other information needed to run the band program smoothly. Please keep this handbook in an easily accessible place for future reference. The band program at C.H.S. is primarily a musical organization dedicated to the music education of each student. The band plays an important part in the school and community. The band is responsible for playing at all football games, civic events, and serves many other community and school events through out the year. In order for the band to function at its best, it is important for the band to have 100% participation. The two major groups that make up the band are the instrumentalists and the color guard (or auxiliary). All policies apply equally to both groups unless specifically noted. Other groups that may exist in relation to the band are jazz band, small group ensembles, pep band, Christmas choirs, winterguard, etc. Important information- Music Department Telephone (Info Line)723-5175. Please call the info-line to find out about upcoming events or changes in arrival times from performances. Website: www.redraiderband.com Attendance Everyone is expected to be at every performance ON TIME. Everyone is equally important. If a student is absent from a performance and the absence is unexcused, their grade will be lowered significantly. Band is a team effort. Attending the performance is the responsibility of the students. However, we can provide a ride to any performance. Please call as early as possible. Part of the problem is that students do not plan ahead. If everyone would plan ahead, many problems could be avoided. If for any reason (usually medical) you cannot perform but are still able to attend the game, you will still need to attend the performance. Your grade will not be affected because you cannot perform, but you are still required to be at the performance. This makes it fair for everyone. Always Call: If you are going to be late or absent from a practice or performance, contact Mr. Rogers. You must follow the procedures stated in this handbook. Failure to follow procedures, even if the absence is excused, will result in the lowering of your grade. There is always someone in the band room office a half hour before we leave for a performance or meet for a practice. Please let the phone ring for a while, for we may be trying to get the key to work in the door. The band room number is 723-5175, as stated above. Any absence from after school practice may result in a student not being allowed to perform at that week’s performance. Travel Everyone is expected to ride the bus. If the parents would like to take their child home after a ball game, then the student must present a note to Mr. Rogers before we get on the bus to leave. Then at the end of the ball game or performance parents need to sign the check out list and confirm that you have your child. Mrs. Cantrell will have the check-out list, and she will typically be waiting by the buses. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. No one will be allowed to leave with anyone other than a parent unless the parent in person contacts Mr. Rogers or by phone before we leave for the performance and the procedures, stated later in this handbook, are followed. Football Schedule AUG. 21st - Shelbyville - Away - 7:00pm AUG. 28th - Bradley Central - Home - 7:00pm Sept .4th - Warren Co. - Away - 7:00pm Sept. 11th - Tullahoma - Home - 7:00pm Sept. 18th - Open Sept. 25th - Lawrence Co. - Away - 7:00pmOct. 2nd - White Co. - Home - 7:00pm Oct. 9th - Lincoln Co. - Home Oct. 16th - Cumberland Co. - Home - 7:00pm Oct. 23rd - Franklin Co. - Away - 7:00pm Oct. 30th - Cookeville - Home - 7:00pm Contest Schedule The following is the schedule of the contests that we will be attending. It is very important that everyone plans to attend the entire contest. These are extremely important events to many students and the band is counting on each member to do their part. It would also show all the students support if all of the parents would go to the contest as well, if possible.
Sept. 26 MTSBOA & Columbia Invitational Oct. 3 Traveler’s Rest Invitational (John Overton) Oct. 24 Music City Invitational (McGavock) Oct. 31 Contest of Champions (MTSU)
All of these dates are very important and everyone is expected to be at these performances. Please make arrangements to be there. These contests are mandatory along with all ball games. Grades will be affected if a student has an unexcused absence from a performance. Contact Information CHS Main Office 723-5159 Band Office (Info Line) 723-5175 (Rogers) 222-2016 (Sugg) Band Directors Mondale Rogers William Sugg Band Booster Officers 2009-10 President Sharina Goodrich Vice President Christine Appleton Treasurer Bonita Lowe Recording Secretary Patricia O’Connor Corresponding Secretary Committee Chairpersons Football Concessions Christine Appleton Chaperones Calling Committee Uniform Our uniforms are costly, and we must make sure that they are taken care of. It is the responsibility of each student to make sure that his or her uniform is properly maintained. Uniforms will remain in the band room at all times. However, students may take home uniforms for alteration only. The band will be responsible for taking the uniforms to the cleaners. Uniforms will be cleaned at regular intervals, but this does not mean after each wearing. If there is a special need for a uniform to be cleaned, the student must inform the uniform officer and director. Please follow the instructions that are given. We will be changing before and after the event if time is allowed. Please be advised that the students will be asked to change on the bus, so it is important to wear clothing that is appropriate under the uniform. The pants are made to fit loosely. Do not wear thick jeans underneath the pants. You may wear gym shorts for warm nights, long underwear for cold nights. The items that are needed for each band uniform that is not provided by the school are as follows: Black Shoes - Everyone must have an approved pair of black shoes with black soles. White Gloves - You can obtain a pair of white gloves for the cost of $3.00 from the band. These can be purchased before we leave to go to a ball game. You must arrive early and with exact change. The band directors suggest that each student to carry an extra pair of each in their suit bag, just in case.
BLACK SOCKS with black pants: It would be a good idea to have extra in your case. T-shirt - Everyone must wear the current year’s band t-shirt under his or her jacket. Shorts – and ONLY shorts - should be worn under the uniform or long underwear on cold nights. Blue jeans or other thick pants are unacceptable.
Other uniform information If at any time, there is a problem with the uniform, the student must inform the director so it can be taken care of. If a student has grown over the course of a year, the student will be issued a different sized uniform. A uniform will be properly worn at all times. At no time should anyone wear a uniform that is not properly buttoned and is not complete. Remember that when a uniform is on, the student is representing the CHS Red Raider Band and our school. While in uniform – ALL SCHOOL POLICIES APPLY. In fact, due to being in uniform, many school policies will be enforced in a much more strict manner than at school itself. This includes, but is not limited to, public displays of affection and cell phone usage. At no time while in uniform should students wear ball caps or any other type of hats that is deemed inappropriate by the directors. The common exception to this is toboggans or earmuffs on cold nights.
Cold Night Procedure- We will attend all football games even if the weather is very cold. (Those are the ones that you remember most anyway.) For ball games that are near the end of the season, students may wear long underwear underneath their uniform. Students are welcome to bring blankets, coats, and other clothing items to keep warm. Rainy Weather - Please bring ponchos or raincoats when it looks like rain. Fees The only fees are for uniform maintenance and band camp. The band camp fee is $110.00 and is due at the start of band camp. For uniform maintenance, the fee is $45.00 and is collected at the beginning of the year. This fee is due before the end of band camp. School Instrument Check-out At this time there is no fee for using an instrument that belongs to the school. However, if anyone playing a school instrument would like to make a donation to help with the upkeep of that instrument, it would be most appreciated. A student is responsible to repair any damage that has occurred that is outside of “normal use.” Policies The following are policies and regulations that will help make the band the best it can be. The method for determining grades will be discussed under Grading. (Below) A. CONDUCT While in the classroom, bus, or any activity that is considered a band function, all school board policies, CHS policies, and the band’s policies will be in effect. The director will provide immediate disciplinary actions for any act or behavior that lowers the high standard of the CHS Band. Each rehearsal is a very important time. Full attention and hard work will be expected. Consistent misbehavior will result in the issuing of demerits. Demerits will be discussed in the section under grading. Any student that is a consistent discipline problem, causes interruptions, endangers themselves during school, or on any trip, may be removed from the band program. A conference will be scheduled when there is a serious violation of any rule. Any student that does not display the standards of behavior required by the school or school board policies in ANY CLASS, SCHOOL TRIP, OR ANY SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITY, may be denied the privileges that band students enjoy through participation in band activities. Remember, participation in band is a privilege, not a right. B. UNIFORMS Each student will be issued a uniform in good condition. At the beginning of the year each student will be asked to pay a $45.00 maintenance fee. This fee will be used to help cover every day repairs and replacements. At the end of the year each student will turn in his or her uniform. Each student will be held responsible for turning in each and every part of the uniform. Students should report when their uniform has become dirty or damaged. Because of the extreme cost and wear of each uniform, better care must be taken of each uniform individually. No uniforms will be left in a pile or laid on the ground! When not being worn the uniform must be on a hanger and in a suit bag. The band will provide these suit bags. This applies to guard uniforms as well. Unless cleared by the director, full uniform will be worn at all times during ballgames. Before each performance there will be an inspection of each student in uniform. All parts of the uniform are to be clean and worn properly. Anyone not passing inspection will be issued demerits. Each student will be required to purchase one pair of black band shoes (approved by the director) and one pair of white gloves. C. INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT It will be the responsibility of the parents and students to keep a school issued instrument in the same condition it was issued. The student will be responsible for any repairs that are caused by negligence. All personally owned instruments and other equipment (including guard) should be kept in good repair. However, there may be times that it would be necessary to wait due to special performances coming up, etc. Because an instrument is such an important part of the student’s schooling in music, it is important for the student to have their instrument in good repair and working order. If a student needs to take a personally owned instrument to be repaired, please notify the director in advance! This is to give the director a chance of finding another instrument for the student to use while the instrument is to be repaired, or the director may be able to do the repair and save the parent some money. Instruments should only be played at the proper times. No playing will be allowed on school buses, in stands, etc., unless instructed to do so by the director.
D. MUSIC Each student will be issued a flip- folder during marching season, and music in concert season. Music will be treated just as a textbook in school. When it is time to take up music all music should be there. Any music that is not turned in will be replaced at the student’s cost just like a textbook. Any misuse of music (leaving out folders, wadding up music, etc.) will be dealt with by the issuing of demerits and/or the replacing of music at cost of the student. E. TRAVEL (Football games, special trips) All school board, CHS, and Band rules apply on all school-sponsored trips. On trips that require the full band, or groups large enough to use a bus, all students will be expected to ride the bus. The director must clear any other transportation, in advance. Exceptions may be made if the need arises. However, it needs to be cleared at least a week in advance and a valid reason must be presented. The band performance at home football games starts with our warm-up before the Star Spangled Banner, beginning with line up and inspection. The performance is over when the director dismisses the group (instrumentalists and guard) after the game is completely over. After the director has dismissed the students, all students will be marched up to the middle school so that uniforms can be put up. Except for special circumstances, no one will leave a performance early. A student may leave from a performance with a parent when the director dismisses the group. For out of town performances, parents and students must follow the procedure below:
Ball Game Checkout Procedures: First, all students must dress out of their uniform and place it in the uniform cabinet. Each student will then find the director that is in charge of the bus list and have the parent sign the checkout list. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
If the student is leaving with a close family relative, brother or sister, then the parent must send a note with their signature with the name of the person that is bringing the student home. That person will then need to sign the student out. If the student is leaving with someone other than the parent, brother or sister, then the parent must speak with the director (by phone or in person). In the conversation the parent will need to inform the director of who is taking the student home. The student will still need a note from the parent saying who will be taking the student home. The student will then need to go and sign out with one of the directors. The check out procedure is very important and is done for the student’s protection. Please cooperate with this procedure. No student will be allowed to leave if the preceding procedures are not followed. The Band Room We have to live in the band room! This year we (including the directors) need to do a better job of keeping the band room clean. No food, drink or gum allowed. At no time should students be in band room without a teacher being present or without the director’s knowledge. This is to protect the bands’ property and your own property. At no time should anyone other than a percussionist play the percussion instruments. The band room is not a locker room. Students may keep books and other items in your slot, but not in the floor or in the corner or on top of anything else. GRADING Band is a class offered by the high school and each student will receive a grade that reflects the student’s effort in the class. Band is a class that is almost entirely graded on participation. However, a new system will be put into place after the first two nine weeks. This system will use an audition process to determine chair placement. An explanation of this system will be provided at a later date in full detail. The first two nine weeks be used to determine the student’s grade as stated in the following policies. Only those that the director lists as unexcused will not be able to be made up. These would include unexcused absences, major conduct infraction, and other actions that are of a serious nature. The director hopes that the parents and students will keep a copy of the grading procedure available so there will be no questions of what is to be expected. The director feels this will keep the grading fair and objective. For all other nine-week grading periods, grades will be based on the above as well playing grades. A detailed explanation will be given at the appropriate time. In the previous sections of the handbook certain procedures were mentioned. The following section discusses the consequences and rewards of following procedures.
Attendance Attendance is the most important part of the student’s grade, as it will directly affect the quality of the band. Attendance at every practice and performance is not only expected but also required. Any student that has an unexcused absence from a performance without proper notification will need to schedule a conference with the directors and their guardians before the next scheduled performance. For each unexcused rehearsal absence 5pts will be deducted from the students final grade. If a student misses a performance; football game, concert, contest, etc.., 31pts will be deducted from the students final grade. Following are the guidelines to be used concerning excused and unexcused absences. Because of the nature of public performances and the importance of everyone being there, the only excuses that will be accepted are deaths in the family or the STUDENT’S sickness. If a student is sick, the student must try to reach the director by phone as early as possible. If this procedure is not followed (based on reasonable expectations of the director), then a student’s grade will suffer, regardless of the nature of the illness
Excused or Unexcused? The following are examples of excused absences for a performance: Death in Family Extreme sickness of the student (any other circumstances need to be discussed with the director). *Remember that the director can find rides for you in the case you cannot. Examples of unexcused absences: Work (you should always reschedule) Cannot find a ride Any social activity Shopping Car broke down (get to a phone and call) Attendance grading:
(Before you panic...seeing the director about the work that you might have missed may make up All excused absences. Any class in school expects you to make up the work whether you were there or not.) Public Performances: All ball games, pep rallies, contest, parades, concerts, and school performances are considered public performances and require your attendance. Please read this section carefully. Remember that all excused absences may be made up. Any other absence situation will be dealt on a case-by-case basis. Excessive unexcused absence may result in student being removed from the marching show or possible expulsion from the program.
Any unexcused absence will result in a conference with the student and parents about your future in the band program. Special Note: It is not the director’s intention to sound unusually harsh. However, it is important that everyone is at every performance. If one chooses to participate in the band program at CHS, then they need to make the commitment to make it work. This is an elective class and the student has elected to make a commitment to the band. Ball games or other activities Everyone is expected to be at the designated location at the time they are told to be there. No one should leave the group (get a coke, go to restroom, etc.) without the directors’ permission. Everyone should be on time at the designated places. Usually everyone will be waiting to go somewhere. At a ball game, please be back before the 3rd quarter ends. Demerits may be issued for people that cannot get back in time. Behavior Any act that is detrimental to the band in any way may result in the issuing of demerits. There Shall Be No Action for Which an Explanation is Necessary. All CHS, School Board, and Band rules apply while the band is involved in a school sponsored activity. Any infractions may result in the issue of demerits equivalent to the number of deportment issued for the same offense. Alternative School - Any student that is sent to the Alternative School will need to refer to the CHS Student handbook for the policies that apply to participation classes such as band. Classroom and Rehearsal Behavior Everyone is expected to act in a way that will make each rehearsal efficient in helping the band improve. Talking, disrespect toward other students, late to class, etc., will not help the group improve and therefore will not be tolerated. Everyone should be in his or her place on the practice field or in their seat at the beginning of each rehearsal. At each rehearsal the student should have his instrument, music, drill charts, and a PENCIL. The issue of demerits may occur if these guidelines are not met. Ball Games At all times while you are in uniform, you are representing the CHS Band Program. At no time are you allowed food or drink in the seating area at the game. You may however have water that the band provides. No one other than band members is allowed in the band section. Everyone will need to have a lyre for stands music. Please make sure that you have your stands music at each ball game.
Uniforms Uniforms need to be taken care of and worn properly at all times. Students must follow all school and band policies while in uniform. Students are not allowed to have cell phones on while in uniform and must refrain from inappropriate behavior. Finally, students must hang the uniform appropriately on the hanger. Please refer to the uniform officers or band booster moms in charge of the uniform room.
Consistent misuse of a uniform may mean the student will lose the privilege of having a uniform. Any uniform part that is damaged or lost due to negligence will be repaired or replaced at the student’s expense. Music, Folders At ball games, with the exception of flutes and percussion, everyone will have a lyre. This year the band will play a lot of music and it will be impossible for the student to memorize.
Music is very expensive and needs to be used carefully. Any music that is left out on the practice field or on a stand in band room will cause the student to buy new copies. The student will replace any music that is lost or damaged beyond use. Instruments All school-owned instruments should be taken care of by the student to whom the instrument is issued. Any damage that is inflicted on the instrument while in the students care will be repaired at the student’s expense. If a student needs to have repair work done on his own instrument, the director needs to be notified. The director may be able to fix it, saving the student money, or arrange to have it taken to the shop. If the director is told soon enough, he may be able to obtain a “loaner” horn that the student could play while his is in the shop. The previous section is not intended to put a damper on the activities, which the band is involved. The following section deals with the ways that a student may earn merits. This will not only improve their grade, but also help determine the most outstanding students of the band. Officers The first duty of any officer is to set an example. The director will expect more out of the students that are elected officers. Elections for officers will be conducted in the spring with the exception of two representatives, which will be filled in the fall by new members of the band. The offices of the band are: President Vice-president Secretary 2 Uniform Officers 2 Quartermasters Librarian
Awards Every effort will be made to recognize the outstanding members of the band. Letters Letters will be awarded to each student, at the conclusion of his second semester of band, with a grade average of 92 or better and no unexcused absences from a performance. Guard will receive a letter with the completion of one full marching season and participation in events that take place after marching season. The letter, however, will be given out in the spring along with the other letters. Service Bars will be given at the completion of the first nine-weeks that a student has earned a 98. Other Awards John Philip Sousa Award is awarded by recommendation by the band director.
Most Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior will be based on the person that has earned the most merits through out the year.
Most Valuable Band Member will be elected by the total band for each class. Other awards will be given as needed. Band Jacket The official band jacket is a black wool jacket with red leather arm bindings. These jackets are NOT Mandatory but the director feels that these jackets help identify the student to be a proud member of the CHS Red Raider Band. Jackets will be ordered at the beginning of the year with the distributor that has the lowest price.
Social Events The band traditionally has held two major functions. These are: the Christmas Party and the Awards Banquet. The Awards banquet, held in spring, is where all of the year’s achievements are highlighted. All parents and students are invited. Band Boosters All parents are members of the CHS Band Booster Organization. The primary purpose of this group is to support the band by performing services (uniform maintenance) and fundraising. Feel free to contact the directors if you would like to be a part of the band boosters. Calling Committee Please be aware that from time to time, there will be people calling to ask your help in making our band a successful one. Below are some explanations of some of the duties that Chaperone- On every trip that we take, we will need parents to go along. On trips where we need to change into our uniforms, we will need parents to help with making sure that the uniforms are put up properly. Please note that chaperons will probably not be allowed in the game free. Concession Stand Worker - parents will be asked to work in the concession stand at the football games. We need workers to help bring in income to the band program. We know that you would like to see your child perform. You will be able to see your child at away ball games and contest. It would be great to have a lot of support at out of town performances. Booster Meetings: Booster meetings are on the 2nd Monday of each month. The meetings start at 7:00pm and are in the band room. All parents are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions Following are some questions that are often asked by students. Please read over these because you may have the same questions. Question: What happens if I have an unexcused absence from a performance? Answer: You will receive a lowering of 31 points of your 9 weeks grade. There should not be any reason for having an unexcused absence. More than one unexcused absence may result in being removed as a performing member of the CHS Red Raider Band.
Question: What do I do if I have a conflict with a practice or a performance? Answer: Inform the director in writing as soon as the conflict is found. Once a conflict is realized it is the student’s responsibility in contacting the director.
Question: I woke up sick and we have a contest today. What do I do? Answer: Call the director as soon as possible. You will need to attend the performance without performing if possible. Your illness should be more than uncomfortable. Question: My horn needs repair. What do I do? Answer: Ask the director to look at it before anything else is done. He will give recommendations.
Question: I have some money to turn in to the boosters. What do I do? Answer: Always try to use a check. Cash can be stolen. Unless otherwise stated, all checks are made out to the band boosters. Unless otherwise stated, all money (checks) should be placed in the “White Box” in the front of the band room.
Question: I need to go to the restroom at a ballgame and we are loading the bus. What should I do? Answer: I should go and ask one of the director’s permission.
Question: My boyfriend was supposed to take me home from a ball game and my mom did not get in contact with one of the directors. What should I do? Answer: Get on the bus because the director will not let you leave the group without following the procedures that are outlined in the handbook.
I (student)_____________________________________________ have read the rules and regulations for the band and agree to comply with them.
I understand that I am required to attend the following performances. If there are any performances that I cannot attend I must let the director know when returning this form (by speaking directly to the director) so that changes in the show can be made. (Please initial-both parent and student)
Student ______ Parent_______ Every Friday Night Ball Games from Aug 21 through October 31.
Student ______ Parent_______ Contest MTSBOA & Columbia Invitational Sept 26th
Student ______ Parent_______ Contest Traveler’s Rest Invitational Oct. 3rd
Student ______ Parent_______ Contest Music City Invitational Oct.24th
Student ______ Parent _______Contest of Champions Oct. 31st
Student’s Signature______________________________________
I (parent) _________________________________________have read the rules and regulations for the band and agree to comply with them. I also understand that unexcused absences from a performance will result in a grade reduction of 31 points. Also, any unexcused absence from a rehearsal will result in a deduction of 5pts from the students’ 9 weeks grade. A conference will need to be scheduled with the band director.
Parents Signature ________________________________________
Bus Permission Slip
My child has my permission to travel by school bus to the away ball games and contest that are stated in the band handbook for the 2009-2010 season. I also give my child permission to (circle 1) RIDE on a school bus or Drive his/her own car to practice at the stadium either during 6th period or after school when there is practice at the stadium.
Parents Signature ______________________________________________ |
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Published by Coffee County Red Raider Band Boosters, and is not a part of or funded by Coffee County High School or Coffee County School System. Send mail to ADIMN@REDRAIDERBAND.COM with questions or comments. |
COFFEE COUNTY RED RAIDER BAND |