Robertsdale High School Golden Bear Band   Student Handbook 2008-2009 School Year   Foreword             The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information about the band program.  To consistently achieve and maintain the high standard of excellence desired by this organization, members should familiarize themselves with the regulations, procedures and traditions of the band.             It is hoped that some of the questions always prevalent with a band will be answered in this handbook. If a problem or question not covered in this handbook should arise, the Director should be consulted for an explanation.     Marching Band             The marching band is a musical marching unit organized during the summer and continues for the duration of football season (and at various other times throughout the school year).  The Marching Band is the most visible of the band ensembles. Each year, the Marching Band performs in front of thousands of spectators at football games, competitions, and parades. Membership into the Marching Band will be earned through audition. Membership requires total dedication, maximum effort, and involvement in all aspects of marching, playing, and performance.             We are building a competitive marching band program and therefore attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.  Failure to do so could result in a failing grade, becoming an alternate and or removal from the band program.  We cannot improve if you are not there.  Everyone is important and must contribute in order for the band to be successful!             All new students must attend “Rookie” camp. Rookie Camp, Band Camp, and Flag Camp are mandatory and must be attended for the students to participate in the Marching Band.  If a student is not able to attend these camps, they may be used as an alternate or removed from band.  This is the most important time for the marching band as the Halftime Show and most of the stand music is learned during this time.  Marching technique is also learned during this time.   Auxiliary Units A. Color Guard             The color guard is a unit comprised of a flag/weapon line that is chosen by audition each spring. All rehearsals are mandatory. The Instructor or Band Director may call extra rehearsals for the guard as needed.  All guard members are expected to participate in Mardi gras parades whether or not they are in the second semester band.  All members will tryout on a yearly basis.   Wind Ensemble             The wind ensemble is the top performance ensemble. Members are chosen by audition. The wind ensemble repertoire consists of well-known and varied works for band of the highest level. The wind ensemble attends the district and state music contests held each spring.  The wind ensemble also performs at various other functions and concerts during the second semester.   Concert Band             The concert band is the second concert band. Members are chosen through audition at the same time as are the ensemble members. Concert band repertoire consists of music appropriate to the ability level of the students.  The concert band attends the district and state contests held in the spring. The concert band also performs at the same functions as the wind ensemble during the second semester.   Grading             All students will earn their grades based on their adherence to band policies, their performance/memorization of music, ability to march correctly, attendance, and punctuality.  Every student will start with a 100 average at the beginning of the quarter/semester.  If the student shows up on time to all functions with his/her materials and puts forth a reasonable amount of effort to learn and perform their music and routines, they will retain their 100 average. 50% of the student’s grade will be based on performance and 50% will be based on participation.   It is the student’s responsibility to bring excuses to the director for absences or tardies. Do not leave word with another student.   Points will be deducted for the following: Unexcused tardy to performance or practice = 5pts Unexcused absence from practice = 10pts Unexcused absence from performance = 20pts Not having music/instrument/uniform/flags/batons/etc. = 5pts Poor performance due to lack of effort = 1 point per performance Pass off of music/routines not complete 10 points per performance Lack of cooperation/disrespect to staff = 2pts per infraction Section and co-section leaders must have all drill charts with them during practice.     Band Fees Personal items such as: pants, shoes, and gloves will not be issued until they are paid for. Fees for all members; Marching Band fee                                                                   $35.00 Concert/Symphonic Band Fee                                                 $30.00 Fundraising obligations                                                            $200.00 Band ($100 per term)                                                                                                 $150.00 Guard                                                                                                 $150.00 Majorettes Shoes/Boots                                                                             $25.00 band                                                                                                 $30.00 guard Bibbers (Band uniform pants)                                                   $50.00 Band only: Uniform cleaning (each semester)                                              $25.00   Auxiliaries: Uniforms                                                                                  $100.00   Band Gloves                                                                             $5.00 (2pair) Guard Gloves                                                                           $10.00     Fundraising Obligation             Students participating in the RHS band program are required to fundraise an amount that will be set yearly by the Band Director.  Each student will have an account set up through the front office. This money is used to meet the financial needs of running the RHS Band. These funds cover transportation, music, instructors, equipment, and the day to day needs of the band.  Please keep in mind that transportation cost of moving the band is in the neighborhood of $10.000 - $15.000 per year and some instruments such as a tuba can run up to $5,000 each. Most of our instruments are 15 to 30 years old and need to be replaced.  We cannot expect our band to be the best in the county while playing on and using the worst equipment!             Students who do not meet the obligation through participating in fundraisers are required to pay the difference between what they raise and the amount that they are obligated to raise.  Most students easily raise the obligation and often times raise more. Money raised by the students is not carried over from one year to the next.     Rehearsal and Performance Procedures Every band member should bring instruments, music, and proper equipment to every rehearsal and performance. There is to be no playing in the halls of the school or anywhere else other than the band room, band practice field, or places designated by the director. There is to be no talking or disturbance during rehearsals. When the director takes the podium, all talking will cease. The board should be read daily to keep up with upcoming events. Students should not write, draw, or post anything on the chalkboards without the director’s permission. Music, instruments, and other equipment should be kept in their proper storage places when not in use. No trash is to be left on the floor in the band room or band field.