The Brighton High School Band

Members Handbook

MEMBERSHIP: Students who have been enrolled in a band class within a Tipton County Public School for the previous year and have the full recommendation of their previous band director are automatically approved for membership as a wind player or percussionists. Students who have not been enrolled in a band class must apply and audition with the BHS Band Director. Color Guard & Winter Guard members must audition yearly to obtain/retain membership within these performance groups. Other factors that effect membership are attendance to camps, auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Membership within any BHS Band Program may be revoked and/or terminated when deemed necessary by the director.  Band Fees are non-refundable.

PLACEMENT: In order to maintain the consistency and quality needed to fulfill the high expectations of our community and school, we utilize an alternate line that performs at football games but does not perform at competitions. Some band members will initially be placed in the alternate line based on their performance throughout the first few days of full band camp. A large majority of the alternate line is comprised of freshmen band members due to their inexperience and the level of performance required. Once a member is placed in the alternate line he or she may pulled from the line into the drill at any time throughout the season depending upon the time available for re-writing, availability of positions, and individual performance. All band members who are placed in the alternate line are still required to attend every rehearsal in addition to performances and competitions, in full uniform, in full capacity as a member of the Brighton High School Band. Members placement within all the BHS Band Programs will be determined by the director and staff members and may be changed when deemed necessary for the benefit of the individual or ensemble/group as a whole.

GRADING: Band, Color Guard, & Winter Guard member’s grades are based on many factors. With many different performance groups there are different criteria for grading each group. Below you will find our three groups’ grading criteria.
1. Marching Band (& Color Guard)- for the 1st two nine weeks, band members’ grades will be mainly based upon attendance to rehearsals & performances, and fulfillment of individual responsibilities. (see individual responsibilities on next page) At times members will be required to pass off certain pieces of music or performance routines. This requirement must be fulfilled within the specified time to avoid receiving a drop of one letter grade for that current nine week grading period and/or change of placement within the band. This is all done to ensure a quality sound and clean visual element throughout the band by making sure that each individual member is contributing his or her best efforts to the ensembles’ performance. The Marching Band & Color Guard rehearse every Tuesday & Thursday from 2:35 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. during the fall semester. The Marching Band & Color Guard perform at every Varsity Football Game & Numerous Saturday Competitions throughout the fall semester.

ATTENDANCE/GRADING POLICY
One unexcused absence from a rehearsal = one letter grade drop for that nine week period.
One unexcused absence from a performance = an “F” for that nine week period.
Note: Absence from the band class (1:02 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.) does not fall under the same guidelines as rehearsals.
An absence is deemed excused when:
-In the event of a personal medical emergency for the band member themselves or an
Immediate family member.
-Funeral/visitation of a family member
-personal illness accompanied by a doctor’s “permission to return to work/school form”
Upon return to school.
-PRE-approved by director one week in advance.
ABSENCE DUE TO WORK OR FAMILY VACATION IS NOT DEEMED AS EXCUSED.

 

2. Concert Band/Symphonic Band- Throughout the 3rd & 4th nine weeks, band members’ grades will be based upon behavior in class, playing tests scores, completion of pass-offs, completion of playing assignments (both concert & technical), attendance to after-school rehearsals, and attendance to performances. The same attendance/grading policy from the fall applies to spring rehearsals and performances. (see previous page)
NOTE: Color Guard members do not sign up for 2nd semester band unless you play a band instrument.

3. Winter Guard- Winter Guard is not a class but an after-school activity that is school sponsored by the BHS Band and financially supported by the BHS Band Boosters. This activity allows students to continue training in the different areas of Guard throughout the second semester.

PERFORMANCE: This is what sets band apart from all other academic curriculum. Our class is evaluated on many different levels-by the student body, administrators, teachers, judges, other bands’ members, and last but not least, by our community. Performance is what we are all about. We strive for a better performance every time we stand before the public eye and “put it out there”. Every member, regardless of their role, must give 100% in rehearsals, sectionals, individual practice, and performance. We should never take for granted the fact that an audience is watching, That is who we’re playing for. We do make modifications for different audiences but we always give our best efforts toward entertaining our audience and making a lasting, positive impression.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES: You will hear these two words a lot here in our band program because It is the fulfillment of Individual Responsibilities that enables us to function and do what we do. NEVER assume that someone has taken care of something for you and if you don’t know, ASK! As a member you will have many specific things that you are responsible for. Here are just a few-

UNIFORM- You will be issued a uniform from the band office which will consist of bib pants, coat, baldric, hat, gauntlets, and gloves. It is your responsibility to check-out & check-in this uniform at performances. Before you check-in your uniform you must make sure that everything is hung on the hangers neatly and the bag is unzipped to allow the uniform to air-out. It is your responsibility to keep this uniform clean in appearance and smell. No personal items are allowed to be stored in the uniform bag. Please keep socks, gloves and shoes in a separate bag, and make sure you have them for every performance. Periodically throughout the year every uniform be laundered by Band Parents.

SOCKS & SHOES- It is the responsibility of wind players & percussionists to obtain and maintain a pair of MTX marching shoes. Any other shoe is not acceptable to be worn with the band uniform unless approved by the band director. During Band Camp of each year a representative will schedule a date to come in and take orders and funds for MTX marching shoes. These shoes run approximately $36.00. This is your private property and will not be checked in & out by band boosters. Each band member will also have the responsibility of obtaining and maintaining a pair of solid black socks which will be worn with the band uniform at all times.

INSTRUMENT- Each member should maintain their band instrument to ensure playability and cleanliness. Brass instruments should be polished regularly to add that visual flash. If you have a problem with your instrument please bring it to the attention of your band directors as soon as possible. Sometimes your band directors can quickly repair the instrument and return it to playing condition, sometimes they can not and if it is an AMRO instrument, will send it out for repairs at your personal expense.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS- Some members will be issued a school band instrument to utilize throughout the marching season. It is your responsibility maintain this instruments playability through regular cleaning, oiling, and polishing. You are required to report any problems with the instrument to your band directors immediately. Please be kind to these instruments! Many band members have worked hard through fundraisers to raise the money to buy these instruments. If a school instrument issued to you is found to be damaged due to your neglect then you will be held responsible for the repair costs of returning the instrument to it’s original condition at the time it was issued to you.

PREPAREDNESS: Each member should always be aware of the agenda for the day, especially at performances. Being at the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment for both rehearsals and performances is a BIG part of being a band member. The band will not continually wait for individuals who can not fulfill their individual responsibilities. If you don’t know…..ASK! New members should feel comfortable with asking questions like “what do we do next?” or “what do I do if…….?” so returning members, please be patient with the new guys and help them out.

EXTRA ASSIGNMENTS- Some members may be given extra assignments or duties to perform at any given time throughout the year. Most of the time these are assigned to individuals that have exhibited maturity and responsibility. These duties/tasks are not assigned as a punishment but as a request for help in the logistics of our band program. If you are assigned an extra duty/task that you would rather not be responsible for please let your band director know.

SELF MAINTENANCE: Each member has a responsibility to maintain their individual health to be able to contribute to the performance of their ensemble. Take care of yourself. This includes making healthy choices in your diet to provide you with the energy needed for band. Please make sure that you are always hydrated with plenty of water especially during the warmer months when the physical demands are so high.

Keep a water bottle at all rehearsals. Also, please make sure that you maintain a clean body. Two of the cheapest items on earth are Soap & Water, use them regularly! With a healthy regiment of food, sleep, and cleanliness, you should be able to contribute great things to great performances.

PRIDE FOR YOUR SCHOOL: When we travel we represent Brighton High School, meaning we represent the student body, teachers, and administrators. Remember that you are Brighton and they know when we’re coming. When you travel with the band program not only do the school rules apply but so do the consequences. Study your school handbook (agenda book) and always keep in mind that if you are found violating any school rules during a trip, you will be handed over to the administration immediately upon return to campus. If needed, you will be isolated to the custody of a chaperone throughout the remainder of the trip.

OUR BOOSTERS: You are so fortunate to have THE BEST BOOSTER ORGANIZATION ON THIS CAMPUS! Our boosters/parents are a vital and precious element of this band program. Each band member must understand that these people are volunteers who want nothing more than for this band to excel. If you have a conflict with a booster, remember that these people are your band Moms and Dads who are here to look out for you. You will usually find these people doing things for you like giving you food, water, fixing uniforms, and carrying equipment -
“Please” and “Thank You” go a long way with these people, don’t forget that! If these people stop coming, then we stop going.

FUNDRAISERS: We have the huge task of funding our band program’s many needs. In order to meet these needs we will conduct many fundraisers throughout the year.  Our fundraisers will be in conjuction with the  middle school band and ALL Brighton band members will be out in full force selling.  We do not have fairshare requirements but we do ask that you sell a pre-determined amount with each fundraiser to do your part.  If we want nice things then we’ll have to raise the funds to acquire these materials.

FEES: Band fees ($250.00) are required in order to acquire things such as music literature, instruments, instructors, entry fees, transportation, and materials. A Non-refundable $100 deposit is due in the band office no later than May 7^th, 2009.  Colorguard members need to have their deposit turned in no later than May 29^th. The remaining $150.00 is due no later than July 31^st.  The band office is willing to work with you if a payment plan is needed.  ALL CHECKS NEED TO BE MADE OUT TO BRIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL.  Band Fees are non-refundable.

CAMPS: We hold camps during the summer where we build our band and our fall show. Not only do we work on the music but we build our drill and marching show. Full attendance and cooperation in the assigned camps is required. To miss a day here and there throughout the camp schedule is unacceptable. Individuals who can not attend and cooperate in the appropriate summer camps will be denied membership and removed from the tentative band roster. All camps are held at BHS, Monday through Friday.

Percussion Camp- July 13^th, 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, & 17^th  Times will be posted on the band website and mailed in the summer letter.

Colorguard Camp – July 13^th, 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, & 17^th  Times will be posted on the band website and mailed in the summer letter.

Freshmen & New Members Camp – July 13^th, 14^th, & 15^th  Times will be posted on the band website and mailed in the summer letter.

FULL BAND CAMP (including guard & percussion) EVERYONE IN THE SHOW!

July 20^th – 31^st  Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Meet the BHS Band (our debut show) July 31^st @ 6:30 p.m. BHS Stadium.

Our 2009 Performance Schedule Will be posted on the band website as soon as it is available.