Claremont High School
CHS Band and Color Guard
Student Handbook 2009-2010
Bands & Color Guard
2009 - 2010
Student Handbook
Claremont High School Bands and Color guard
Welcome!
Welcome to another wonderful year with the award-winning Claremont High School Band and Color guard! This handbook has been written to give parents and students an idea of what to expect both financially and in terms of time commitment. You are also encouraged to visit our Yahoo! group at www.chs_music_yahoogroups.com for additional information.
The Claremont Instrumental Music Boosters
If you have a family member in the Band, then YOU are a Booster!!
Purpose
The Claremont Instrumental Music Boosters is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the goals of the instrumental music program at Claremont High School. The hard work and dedication of our staff and students are the main reasons for the success of the program. It is the job of the Boosters (Parents) to provide the support hours necessary to organize the equipment, transportation, uniforms, and other support services a dynamic organization like the Band requires. In addition to time and effort, the Boosters (Parents) are responsible for raising the money necessary to augment the financial support provided by the Claremont Unified School District. Through annual donations and various fundraisers, the Boosters (Parents) are able to generate the funds needed for a superior instrumental music program.
Membership
Any person who is a parent or guardian of a student in the Claremont High School Instrumental program is a member of the Claremont Instrumental Music Boosters. Any other person who has an interest in the Band may become a member upon written request with CHIMB Board approval.
Meetings
Whether you have one hour a month or one hour a day to give to our program, we would love to see you!! The Boosters meet on Tuesdays once a month at 7 p.m. in the staff lounge at Claremont High School. This is a great time to meet other band parents, buy Scrip, get the latest news about band activities and accomplishments, and sign up to help with future activities. Elections for the new Booster Board are held on the Tuesday meeting in May.
GOALS OF THE CLAREMONT HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
•To create a premier ensemble through student unity, achievement and excellence.
•To develop in its members the proper skills that will help them be successful in their future careers.
•To enhance the reputation of the CHS Music Program throughout the community, and the state through the positive qualities and demeanor of our members.
•To support Claremont High School and increase community spirit.
Course Description
Marching Band May be repeated for credit.
Grade Level:9-12
Prerequisite:Successful completion of Band Camp.
Marching Band is a one-semester course. Participation in second semester music classes is by placement or audition only.
Marching Band is a strenuous physical activity. To improve physical endurance, students will stretch, work out and perform calisthenics. Any student with limiting medical conditions must provide the Director with a doctors note detailing those conditions and limitations. A students level of participation may be affected by such circumstances.
Band Camp for ALL Students
The band program officially begins during Band Camp, which starts August 17th through the 23st. During this camp, the band and color guard will go further in depth with the field show music, drill, and appropriate music. Band camp hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: ATTENDANCE AT BAND CAMP IS MANDATORY!
The band and color guard will perform their fall show at field competitions and home football games (which are great practice for field competitions).
Please make sure that your student remembers to bring the following items for camp:
•Sunscreen & hat
•Water jug (extremely important)
•3-ring binder with sheet protectors (not needed for color guard)
•3x5 note book for drill
•pencil!!!! (A good musician always has a pencil with them)
•Instrument, sticks, etc.
•Positive and working attitude
On Sunday, August 23rd there will be a family BBQ at 6:00p.m, sponsored by the Band Boosters. It is very important that all parents and students attend. The band will perform the field show, to the extent that it has been learned. This is also a great time to become acquainted with the staff, Booster Board members, and other band parents and students. It is also an opportunity to ask questions, learn about the various events throughout the year, and volunteer to help the band in some manner. Please plan to attend. This is a great way to kick off the year and support the students.
Conduct
The success and enjoyment of participation in the Claremont High School Marching Band depends on the combined efforts of all members. The considerate treatment of fellow students, Booster members, and instructional staff enhances our time together. Each members expressed individual attitude about participation, either negative or positive, affects everybody within sight or earshot. Please be a positive inspiration to those around you.
Please handle only equipment that belongs to you or for which you are responsible. All personal business (e.g., changing clothes, getting equipment, using restrooms, making phone calls, etc.) is to be completed prior to the beginning of each rehearsal.
The Band Room is our home away from home. Because this area is used by over one hundred people daily, it MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND ORDERLY. NO FOOD IS ALLOWED IN THE BAND ROOM. The Band Office is for official business only. Please knock before entering the office. Office equipment, such as the telephone and copy machine may be used only by designated individuals or with permission of the Director.
While on free time at an event, it is recommended that students stay in groups of three or more for their safety. At the conclusion of an event, stay with the group and listen carefully for instructions. Always applaud at the end of another units program because they work as hard as we do and deserve our support.
As a member of the Claremont High School Marching Band, we are in the spotlight of the school and the community. Because of our many public performances, each member must demonstrate the highest level of behavior and maturity, both in and out of uniform. We represent our school, community, and family. We must display pride in ourselves and the people we represent in everything we do! Any student bringing dishonor to the Band or the instrumental music program by violating major school or band rules, can and will be removed from the group.
Attendance/Grading Policy
Attendance is crucial to the success of the CHS program and will be strictly enforced. Grades are based on effort, preparedness, performance, attitude, and participation. Students are expected to be at every practice and it will count towards the students credit for participation. It is the students responsibility to notify the Director before she/he misses a rehearsal or performance and to explain the reason for the absence.
Please note that not all absences will be excused. Participation grades will be lowered for the following reasons:
•Unexcused Absence from rehearsal 1/4 letter grade per rehearsal missed
•Unexcused Absence from performance 1 full letter grade per performance or possibly result in the removal of the student from the Marching Band.
•Four unexcused tardies to band class or rehearsal 1/2 full letter grade
•Three unexcused absences from rehearsal Dismissal from the Band
If the student is ill and will miss and Band/Guard rehearsal, please leave a message on the Band Room answering machine, (909) 624-9053 as well as calling the attendance office.
Excused absences do not affect a students grade. Excused absences include:
•Extreme Illness Director notification is required
•Family Emergency (death/baby being born, someone in the hospital) notification is required
•Unforseen emergency (car accident on the way to practice)
•Another school event given approval by the Director.
If an absence is not cleared in advance, it will not be excused.
Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
•Work Take a calendar to your boss and explain that band and the rehearsals are an academic part of class that you cannot miss.
•Medical appointment
•Teacher conference & tests
Recognition
The success of the Marching Band is built on the talents and skills of each individual member. Students are recognized and thanked for their contributions at an awards banquet at the end of the marching season. In addition to awards for outstanding achievement, students are recognized as follows:
First Year Member Special patch commemorating our field show
Second Year Member Claremont Marching Wolfpack jacket
Third Year Member Chenille (letter)
Fourth Year Member 4-year medallion
Responsibility of Instruments
Students are responsible for their instruments at all times. Claremont High School is not responsible for instruments left in the Band Room. Students are responsible for maintaining their instruments in top playing condition at all times. Students are required to bring their instrument and all related accessories (slide oil, reeds, etc.) to all classes, rehearsals and performances.
Miscellaneous Equipment: Recommended Mouthpieces and Reeds
ClarinetVandoren M303
Reeds Vandoren 3 ½ or stronger,
Mitchell Lurie 4 or stronger
SaxophoneSelmer C-Star (S-80)
Reeds Vandoren (medium strength or harder)
TrumpetsBach 3 C or Bach 1 ½ C
Trombones & BaritoneBach 6 ½ AL
If you are taking private lessons and your teacher recommends a different mouthpiece or reed, please take your private instructors recommendation. Call Anaheim Band (714) 999-5015, or MI Music (626) 332-8800 for any questions and pricing.
Many band events are scheduled throughout the school year. The band performs at every home football game and performs in local parades. In addition, there are always four or five field show competitions the students perform in. Attendance at the home football games, field shows, and parades are mandatory.
Thursday Night Practices
The entire band and color guard meet each Thursday. The meeting time for Thursday practice times are from 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. Your student must be on the football field with their instrument/equipment ready to go at exactly 6:00p.m. Please plan on dropping your student off 15 minutes early. PLEASE NOTE: Students are released from the field at 9:00p.m. to walk back to the band room and put away their instruments and/or equipment. Your student should be ready for pick-up 20 minutes after being released from the field.
Please also plan on having Monday nights available for your student from 6-8 p.m. The band will be having practices on Mondays if more work is needed. More information will be available later in the school year.
Football Games
All band and color guard members must be in their complete uniform by 6:30p.m. so they can warm up and practice before the game. 10 minutes before the game starts, the band will be led by the drum major(s) to the band location in the stands. The football games typically begin at 7:30 p.m. The band plays various songs during the football game.
Since the band marches onto the field at halftime to perform the field show, it is not recommended that band members leave the stands during the first half of the football game. At halftime, the band marches onto the field and performs the field show. When they return to the stands, water and a snack will be provided. The band is then allowed to leave the stands during the third quarter but must be back in their seats when the quarter ends. The game is typically over around 9:45p.m.; however, your student must put away his or her equipment before departing. Usually, your student will be ready to be picked up by 10:15 p. m.
Local Parades
The band will march in some local parades during the fall, depending on scheduling. These parades typically include:
•4th of July Parade
•L.A. County Fair
•Homecoming
•Disneyland (TBD)
For local parades, there will be a call time for your student to meet at the bands starting location. It is your students responsibility to have all of their equipment ready by the call time for the parade. Also, it is your students responsibility to arrange their own ride to the parade starting location. Each parade places its attending bands in a different order; therefore, the CHS band may be marching at the beginning, middle, or end of the parade.
Field Show Competitions
During the fall semester, the primary emphasis of the band and color guard programs are field show competitions. A field show competition is much more than football half time entertainment. The show is a 9 minute blend of pageantry, musicianship, artistry, and athleticism. At each competition, experienced and qualified judges award trophies to those bands that produce the best music, best visual, performance, best percussion, and best color guard.
We purchase music and hire a drill writer, Percussion Caption-Head, Color Guard Caption-Head to compose the show for the fall season. If possible, we hire other staff to aid in the success of the show. This is a tremendous team building experience for your student and the band.
The typical schedule for the day of a field show competition begins with a Saturday morning practice (if possible with the scheduled time of performance. It is three hours), followed by lunch (sack lunches that student brings to practice), loading the equipment and uniforms on the trailers, boarding the bus and traveling to the competition. Once there, the students will change into their uniforms, warm up, perform, change out of their uniforms, be able to purchase a meal at the competition, attend the awards ceremony, then board the buses and return home.
PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE UNTIL ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE UNLOADED FROM THE TRAILERS AND BROUGHT INTO THE BAND ROOM.
An itinerary will be passed out to each band and color guard member before each competition. The itinerary will include directions to the competition site so that parents, friends, and relatives may attend. Please note that the competitions tend to run late into the night and the buses and trailers arrive at CHS late in the evening.
Spring Concerts
In the spring semester the concentration of musicianship and literature is geared toward the symphonic stage. This is where the students have the chance to learn significant composers of wind literature and to broaden their technical abilities. The concert band will perform at several competitions throughout the spring.
For concert season, each student shall provide his or her own dress attire for performances.
Boys:
1.Black slacks to fit & black belt Slacks shall not drag on the ground or drop off the hips. Absolutely no jeans
2.White button down collared shirt Shirts are usually worn with a plain white t-shirt underneath
3.Black Tie
4.Black dress shoes and black socks Marching band shoes, if clean, polished and in good condition may be used. No sneakers. No army boots.
Girls:
1.Solid Black Dress Dress should be knee length or longer (a conservative style) with no spaghetti straps, open backs or revealing fronts. Slits must be on the side of the dress or in the back and no higher than the knee. Please avoid glitter and sparkles. The dress must be comfortable to sit in without fidgeting. If sleeveless, a coordinating black sweater or jacket is suggested (for cold concert halls). If no dress is available, black pants and blouse will also be accepted.
2.Black Shoes Dress shoes that are comfortable to walk in and which stay on the foot. No flip-flops or any type of shoe that makes a slapping sound. Avoid thick platforms.
Transportation
Transportation to and from most performances is provided through the Claremont Unified School District or the Boosters. All students are required to travel with the group. Students are also required to return with the group to assist in unloading and storage of equipment. Group transportation also provides important preparation time for members, which helps develop camaraderie and team unity. The Director, prior to an event, must approve individual schedule modifications.
Winter Guard
During the spring semester, the winter color guard competes at competitions held in Southern California. Through the use of recorded music, a unique program is created that utilizes all of their equipment (flags, rifles, sabers, etc.) and highlights their talents. New costumes and floor mat may be required at this time. The color guard conducts separate fundraisers to help offset the cost of additional costumes and mat, if needed.
Winter Percussion
(Second Semester) Instructor approval. Students must have been part of the Marching Band during the fall semester. Students MUST also be currently participating in the concert band groups (Concert Band and/or Orchestra). Placement in these groups is by audition and/or the SOLE DISCRETION of the director. Any student from the band may audition and join the percussion ensemble. Rehearsals will be announced at the start of the Winter Percussion season. A more in depth schedule will be provided of auditions and rehearsals the beginning of November.
FINANACIAL INFORMATION
There are numerous costs associated with band, mostly related to marching band uniforms and concert attire. The following items are important parts of participation in the band program. If a student is unable to obtain these items, please see the band director.
$30.Black Marching Shoes (Students can keep for following years)
$10.Band T-shirt (this shirt changes every year and the students wear the shirts at field show competitions.
$4...Gloves (black) for marching season (not used by everyone)
Uniforms
Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their own uniforms/costumes, bringing them to each performance, and taking them home afterwards. The condition of each uniform will be noted at the beginning of the school year and care instructions given to every student. The name of one or two dry cleaners will be provided. The uniforms require very special dry cleaning instructions.
Each marching uniform shall be dry cleaned whenever the uniform becomes soiled. Each color guard costume must be kept clean and in good repair. Throwing the uniforms on the ground in the band room or at competitions will NOT be tolerated. They must be placed in a garment bag, on a hanger whenever not in use.
Uniform turn in will be at the end of the marching band season. More information will be provided on the date for uniform check in. Please return the uniform with the garment bag, hanger, and hat. Everything will be inspected during this check in period. Any damage repair or replacement costs will be charged to the student.
It is important that we keep the uniforms in good condition. The following is a list of replacement costs for our uniforms and accessories:
•Jacket.$100.00
•Trousers.$75.00
•Garment bag..$10.00
•Shako (hat)$50.00
•Plume.$15.00
•Baldric$30.00
Explanation of Marching Band Financial Obligations
To maintain the quality of our instruction and offer our students the best opportunities we can, we depend entirely on the student donations and the fund raising efforts of our Music Booster parents. Unfortunately, due to the limited state funding of our schools, the practice of asking for ensemble participant donations is now a common place for high school music programs. We realize that in some cases a family may find it difficult to make the requested payments. Fundraisers will be scheduled during the first months of school for those who wish to raise funds toward this donation. Understand that a student will not be excluded from class activities if they are unable to make the donation. We just simply will have to make cuts in our program if we are not able to collect the full amount from every student. We will continue to do our best to keep the costs as low as we can and always work hard to provide the best program for our students.
Requested Donation Costs and Payment Schedule
Marching Band and Color Guard
Ensemble Donation$500(Includes the $100 Band Camp payment)
Due on November 21st. 2009
The donation covers the purchase of music and drill, tournament entry fees, equipment and instrument repair, transportation costs, snacks, water and meals during the marching season, staff instruction and any unplanned for expenses.
Concert Band
Ensemble Donation$200due January 4, 2010
This donation covers the purchase of additional music, festival entry fees, clinicians, school instrument upkeep and repair.
Each students account status will be available to the parent or family upon request and will not be shared with anyone else other than the booster treasurer. Please monitor your students fund raising progress. If a student actively participates, no parent should ever be required to write a check to make up the difference.
Band Boosters will continue to fund raise throughout the year because the band/color guard program for the entire year can cost from $10,000 to $20,000. With the district allowing only a certain amount of money for the program a year, the remaining funds are raised by the Band Boosters, often with the assistance of the students. This is why parents are asked to continue their fund raising efforts even if your student has already reached his or her fund raising requirement.
All color guard and winter percussion students will be required to raise an additional amount of money for the winter season. More information about the costs for the winter season will be provided in the later part of the fall semester. Once again, this does not reflect the actual cost per student for these programs, but helps offset some of the cost. The students in both programs travel out of town during the winter. The money is used for food on trips, staff, show design, music and other aspects of each program. There will be some smaller fund raisers for color guard and percussion students to raise this money. However, most of the large fund raising opportunities are in the fall. If your student plans to participate in winter color guard or winter percussion, encourage your student to reach the $500 requirement during the fall fund raisers.
Chaperone and Volunteer Guidelines
Chaperones and volunteers are required for every offsite event that the band and/or color guard attend. Please try to chaperone or volunteer for at least one event to get an in-depth view of the hard work involved in each performance or activity.
A chaperone coordinator will schedule chaperones to ride on the bus prior to each event. Two or three chaperones will ride on each bus. There will be no walk-ons the day of the bus trip.
The guidelines for chaperones and volunteers are:
• THE BAND DIRECTOR HAS ULTIMATE AUTHORITY IN ALL SITUATIONS. ANY DECISIONS REGARDING STUDENTS OR PERFORMANCES ARE TO BE MADE BY THE BAND DIRECTOR ONLY.
•NEVER PASS OUT MEDICATION TO ANY STUDENT. However, you may administer first aid, such as applying bandages or cold packs.
•Only give out information that you know is correct.
•Do not discipline or argue with students. Stop the unacceptable act and write down names to submit to the Band Director.
•Do not yell or threaten students in any way.
•Any problem with a student or other parent volunteer should be immediately referred to the Band Director
•Immediately report any problems, such as equipment breakage or loss, to the Band Director.
•Do not call businesses, other schools, etc, using the Claremont High School Band or the Claremont High School Band Booster name unless you have been authorized to do so by the Band Director or the Band Booster Board.
•On bus trips:
Before boarding the bus pick up the following items: First Aid Kit AND Medical release forms
oDo a head count on both departure and returnand make sure the numbers match
oBe aware of what activities the students are doing during the ride (i.e. inappropriate games)
oHelp with hat plumes, equipment, and uniforms as necessary.
oOnly the Band Director or lead chaperone may use the bus VCR. Movie ratings must be G to PG ONLY and approved by the Band Director prior to viewing
oMake sure that bus is clean at the end of the trip.
Emergency Care Cards
At the back of this packet you will find an Emergency Care Card. This form will travel with the band and color guard to each event so that your student may receive emergency care, if needed. The high school will also ask you to fill out the same form. You must fill out both Emergency Care Cards: (1) one is for the school to keep on file, and (2) one is for the band to keep on file which will accompany the Band Director on each out of town trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I truly believe that band is an important part of a school and community. I am excited about the upcoming year and will do everything I can to make it a great experience for your students. It is also important for students to be involved in an activity while in high school. As parents, I encourage you to get involved as well. Get involved with Band Boosters. If you have limited time, choose an event that you could assist on. Your volunteer efforts directly impact the success of the band and color guard program.
Please sign, date and return the following forms on the first day of Band Camp.
•Band Student/Parent Hand Book Agreement Form
•Emergency Care Card
•Roster Information
•Behavior Contract
•Permission for Field Trips
It may seem that there is a lot to learn, a lot of work to do, and a lot of rules to follow, but everyone involved find it to be a rewarding experience, well worth the effort.
EVENT SCHEDULE
FOOTBALL GAMES
Sept. 11Home
Oct. 09Home
Oct. 23Home
Oct. 30Home
Nov. 13Home
ALL HOME GAMES ARE MANDATORY.
PERFORMANCES ~ Field Tournaments (times TBA)
Oct.17SCSBOA _Temecula H.S./Rowland H.S.
Oct.24MBOS _ Eleanor Roosevelt H.S.
Nov.15MBOS Championship _ Eleanor Roosevelt H.S.
Sept.24L.A. County Fair Claremont Day Parade
Disney Land Parade (Date TBD)
Dec. 02Concert Band Fall Concert _ CHS Theatre _ 7:00p.m.
May. 19Concert Band Spring Concert _ CHS Theatre _ 7:00 p.m.
FUNDRAISERS
Aug.25L.A. Times Newspaper sales
Sept.14L.A. Galaxy ticket sales
Code of Conduct
Participation in the Claremont High School Marching Band and Color Guard program is a privilege that elicits great pride in band and color guard members, their families, staff, school and the community. It is a responsibility that demands extra commitment from each member to represent his or her team in a positive manner. For this reason, each member is required to sign this statement indicating that the student and his or her parents/guardian recognize and understand student responsibilities and is willing to adhere to the basic concepts of good citizenship, proper training, regulations, and positive example to be shown by all members.
The following are examples of behavior that are considered to be a violation of the Code, which will result in a conference with the student, instructor, and Band Director. All rules in the Code are in effect at all times throughout the school year:
1.Excessive tardiness to rehearsal and performances
2.Unexcused absence from rehearsal or performances. ALL performances during the school year are mandatory unless otherwise noted by staff.
3.Excessive absences of any kind
4.Being negative influence on the team in terms of morale or effort
5.Being insubordinate/disrespectful to instructors or other members
6.Use of foul language
7.For school citizenship: disciplinary problems such as cutting class, inappropriate behavior, and other acts that are deemed unacceptable by the Claremont Unified School District
8.Not adhering to deadlines (turning in forms, etc)
9.Any other action that may cast an adverse reflection on our band or color guard
10.Vandalism or property destruction,
11.Stealing of any kind
12.Making threatening or violent gestures to anyone
In addition to the above rules, each member recognizes that he/she will:
1.Always give 100% effort and be pleasant, cooperative, and tactful
2.Inform the Band Director or instructor well in advance if there will be an unavoidable conflict with a rehearsal (this note should be in writing with a parent signature).
3.Attend all rehearsals to ensure knowledge of all-time material and techniques
4.Make certain to learn all covered material if a rehearsal has been missed
5.Take good care of all school equipment
6.Use only his/her own instrument, equipment, clothes, makeup, etc unless they have permission to do otherwise
7.Make sure to be well rested and well nourished before each performance and rehearsal. Eat well balanced meals
8.Meet or exceed all fund raising requirements
Basic Rule
Never say or do anything that will bring embarrassment or an unfavorable view of yourself or your school to your teammates, coaches, family, school or community
CHS Band and Guard
Handbook Agreement Form
Volunteer Oppty Form
Agreement for Field Trips
Student
Handbook
Calendar
Boosters
Meet the Staff
Pics and Vids
Bands
Color Guard
Student Page
Our Sponsors
Fundraising Store
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