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 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.

PLACEMENT: In order to maintain the consistency and quality needed compete in large band division, 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 difficulty that we compete at. Once a member is placed in the alternate line he or she may pulled from the line into the competitive 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 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- for 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. The winter guard’s membership within the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit is contingent upon the availability of an instructor and the level of participation & dedication within the winter guard membership.

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. 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 director as soon as possible. Sometimes your band director can quickly repair the instrument and return it to playing condition, sometimes he 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 director 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. To instill confidence that everyone is doing their part to help generate these funds, we hold “fair share” fundraisers that require each band member to generate $60.00 of profit per fundraiser. ($180 for the entire year) We will utilize 3 fair share fundraisers throughout this school year, 2 during the 1st semester and 1 during the 2nd semester. There are many other fundraisers that do not carry this required profit generation so it will be announced repeatedly when a fundraiser is a “fair share” event. Some students and parents prefer to give a “donation” to the booster organization to fulfill their $60.00 profit requirement. All donations are due at the time of sales collections. If you have any questions concerning fair share fundraiser requirements please contact Mr. Findley immediately.

FEES: Band fees are required in order to acquire things such as music literature, instruments, instructors, entry fees, transportation, and materials. Band fees are due no later than July 21^st (first day of FULL camp) Please make all checks payable to:

BHS BAND BOOSTERS

COLOR GUARD FEE - $200.00 WIND PLAYER FEE - $200.00 PERCUSSIONISTS FEE - $200.00

ALL PERCUSSION, GUARD, FRESHMEN, & NEW BAND MEMBERS- Your sectional and/or orientation camp will be held July 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, & 18^th - 7:30 a.m. - 12 noon

July 21^st through August 1^st, Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

August 15^th -Football game

August 22^nd-Football game

August 29^th-Football game

September 5^th -Football Game

September 12^th-Football Game

> September 13^th-Ripley (USSBA)

September 19^th -Football Game

> September 20^th-U.T. Martin Competition

September 26^th-Football Game

> September 27^th - Briarcrest Marching Contest

October 3^rd - Football Game

> October 4^th - Dyersburg Marching Competition

October 10^th - Game

> October 11^th - No Competition (Fall Break October 13^th - 16^th)

October 17^th - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Band Camp / Football Game that night

> October 18^th - Bandmaster’s Championship

October 24^th - FootballGame

> October 25^th - Union City

October 31^st - Football Game

> November 1^st - USSBA Southern States Championship / Chattanooga, TN