PRINCETON
HIGH SCHOOL
HANDBOOK
Approved by Princeton Board of
Trustees
April 14, 2003
FORWARD
As
a member of the Princeton Band Program, you are a part of one of Princeton
ISD’s most respected organizations.
The success of the Band will depend on the LOYALTY, COOPERATION, and
DEDICATION of each and every member.
The
guidelines outlined on the following pages are simple, sound, and easy to
understand and follow. They reflect
years of experience and hours of careful thought and planning. In following them, you are meeting an
obligation that you owe to your band, school, community, and most importantly -
TO
YOURSELF!
To
teach an appreciation and understanding of the performing arts and how music
influences and reflects history and culture.
To
teach the importance of self-discipline, cooperation, loyalty, and respect for
others, as well as the importance of responsibility.
To
create in students a desire and appreciation for excellence in performance of
any endeavor.
To
teach students how to set individual goals and how to accomplish those goals.
To
teach students the skills and tools needed to perform to the best of their
ability.
THE BAND MEMBER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Be
regular in attendance and account for all absences.
Become
responsible for and expect to assume the consequences of his/her actions.
Be
personally clean, neat, and dressed appropriately.
Have
the proper respect for those in authority.
Be
personally responsible for all information regarding the band, rehearsals,
events, and schedules and be responsible for relaying such information to
parents and/or guardians.
Follow
all classroom rules, school regulations, and all travel instructions given for
trips.
Be
honest and fair with others concerning equipment, music, and school life in
general.
Cooperate
with fellow band members and share with them the responsibilities and
privileges that are part of the Band Program.
Make
a real effort to learn and improve daily, to read and play music with insight
and expression.
1. Be
prepared for rehearsals and on time (instrument, music, pencils, etc).
2. Be prepared for performances and on time
(all necessary items).
3. Give 100% effort during all rehearsals and
performances. Do not disrupt or
disturb
rehearsals with inappropriate activities.
4. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum is not
allowed in the band hall at any time.
5. Play your
instrument only and no one else's (without director approval).
6. Instrument, case, music, books, etc. should
be kept in their proper place before, during, and after rehearsals.
7. Play
your instrument in the right way, time, and place.
8. Always conduct yourself with honor and
integrity. Horseplay and pranks are activities that are not allowed.
9. Absences should be reported in advance, in
writing if possible, to be excused.
Notification of an absence after an event is excusable only under extreme circumstances, such as an emergency. Excessive absences are unacceptable, and could result in a failing grade, being placed on alternate status, and ultimately dismissal from the program (Director of Bands discretion).
10. All high school band students are issued a band uniform for performances. Each student is responsible for the upkeep of the uniform. Any damage to the uniform is the responsibility of the student. Students will need to provide black socks, black gloves, black marching shoes, an instrument lyre, and a band t-shirt. Most of these items will be purchased from the band program in August of each year(excluding auxiliary units).
11. Always maintain a positive attitude
toward achieving your goals as a band member, during the tough times and the good times. NO ONE IS EXPECTED TO BE PERFECT…BUT
EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO GIVE THEIR ALL!
Exemplary
behavior is expected of all band members at all times. You are a representative of your band, your
band is a representative of your school, and your school is a representative of
your community.
The
following infractions are some of the more obvious that qualify for
disciplinary action and / or removal from the program.
1. Any disrespectful behavior such as foul and
or abusive language to students or teachers.
2. Excessive tardiness or absences at rehearsals
or performances.
3. Any misuse or abuse of school property and or
school facilities.
4. Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use at any time
(school activity or otherwise).
5. Any action which dishonors or disgraces the
Princeton Band or the school in any way.
6. Other
infractions of the rules as stated in the Princeton ISD Student Handbook or as
stated in this document.
The Director of Bands reserves the right to make decisions regarding disciplinary action / removal from the band program.
Grades
of students in instrumental music classes are based on participation and skill
development. The following are areas
that students are subject to be graded on.
PARTICIPATION How
the student attends rehearsals and performances, and etiquette on dress,
behavior and promptness.
How the student shows interest and desire to learn in class.
How the student shows respect for instructors, peers, and self.
How the student enters and leaves the band hall.
How the student
maintains his / her instrument, learning materials, and storage area.
SKILL How the student progresses on his / her instrument (tests).
How the student
contributes to the ensemble in skill and attitude, as evidenced in performance
and behavior.
General: All students
auditioning for an auxiliary position in the Princeton Band Program must first
supply a letter of acceptance, signed and dated by the student and parent or
guardian. No student will be allowed to audition without this letter on file.
Students
who are not able to attend all auxiliary rehearsals and performances will not
be allowed to participate with these units (for example, volleyball, football,
cheerleading, etc.).
Flags:
Flags will be chosen by audition. The number of flags will be determined each
year by the Director of Bands. Extra rehearsals should be expected and are
mandatory. Any student having difficulty attending rehearsals may be removed
from the flagline at the Director of Band’s discretion. The rehearsal schedule
will be approved by the Director of Bands. Flags will be required to purchase a
performance and pep rally uniform. The Director of Bands has final authority on
all matters concerning the flag uniforms. The program will make every possible
consideration to keep the cost of these uniforms as low as possible. All money
for these uniforms is due by a date set each year by the Director of Bands.
Drum Majors:
Drum Majors will be chosen by audition. The Director of Bands has final
authority on all matters concerning the Drum Major uniform. The program will
make every possible consideration to keep the cost of the uniform as low as
possible. Drum Majors must in no way jeopardize good standing in the band
program. Any situation involving a Drum Major which the Director of Bands deems
to be a compromise of the program’s integrity, can and most likely will result
in the immediate dismissal of that Drum Major from his / her duties. In that
event, the Director of Bands may use his discretion whether to replace that
person or not, and the process by which a replacement will be chosen.
A
jazz studies class is offered to any high school band student wishing to
explore this area of musicianship.
These students are expected to maximize their musical potential through
performance and refining their playing skills.
This group performs several concerts each year, not all of them are
during the school day. Grades are based
on participation only. Students are
accepted into this class by audition, or Director of Band’s discretion.
Entry fees for
band contests will be paid by the band program. If a student is entered in a contest at their request and later
decides not to perform, that student will be responsible for re-paying that fee
back to the band program.
Full
instructions will be given before leaving for the destination. All band members will travel to the
performance destination with the band on school approved transportation. Students may be allowed to ride home from a
performance with their parent if the parent signs the student out at the
performance. Students will not be allowed to leave with anyone but their own
parent unless arrangements are made prior to the trip, with approval from
the principal and the band director.
Only radios with headphones will be allowed on the buses.
Band
Trips: Traditionally, the high school band attends a
major festival / performance every two years.
The cost of the trip is the responsibility of the students. Fundraisers are provided to help defer the
cost of these trips. The cost to each
student can range from $300 to $600.
The students are encouraged to begin saving funds as soon as their 8th
grade year. Examples of past band trips are: Winter Park, Colorado…Orlando,
Florida…Colorado Springs, Colorado…and Washington D. C. Travel plans are usually confirmed and
announced to students and parents eighteen months in advance. Parent chaperones are considered and chosen
based on their participation in the Band Booster Organization.
All
graduating band seniors are eligible for college scholarship money. Students do not have to be a music major to
qualify. Nearly all of our students who
seek a scholarship are offered great discounts on tuition, out-of-state fee
waivers, along with the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the
excitement and camaraderie of being in a college band. Students need to take the initiative to
start the process of auditioning and applying for the scholarship by contacting
the music department at the desired college.
The Director of Bands at Princeton High School will assist each student
as needed.
Princeton
Band Scholarship: At the annual high school band banquet,
held each spring, the Princeton Band Scholarship is awarded to a graduating
band senior who will be attending college.
This scholarship will be used to further the students education no
matter what field of study said student is pursuing.
Princeton High School can award one letter
jacket to students who meet the lettering criteria for a high school
organization. Once a student is awarded
a letter jacket by an organization, no other organization may duplicate that
award.
To receive a letter jacket from the Princeton
High School Band, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Students who are awarded a letter jacket will receive the jacket, a letter, and a music emblem for the letter. Any other patches or decorations for the jacket must be purchased by the student. Ordering of letter jackets will be at the discretion of the Director of Bands.
All
band parents are encouraged to become a member of the Princeton Band Booster
Organization. This organization is the
support group for the band program. The
Booster’s responsibilities are to service the band program through fund raising
and other support as needed. This
group’s primary goal is to provide financial support for the students. Everything this organization does is for the
students. The Band Booster Organization
does not participate in policy making or implementation within the Princeton
Band Program. The Director of Bands
serves in an advisory role to better guide the Band Booster Organization on the
needs of the program.
PARENTS WHO HAVE STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND, ARE EXPECTED TO BE ACTIVE BAND BOOSTERS.
BAND BOOSTER MEETINGS ARE HELD EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, AT 7:00 PM, AT THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND HALL.
Participation
in the Princeton Band Program is dependent upon effort and a true desire to
succeed.
The
guidelines stated in this handbook are easy to understand. The Director of Bands and the administration
of the Princeton Independent School District feel that these rules are fair,
just, and are in the best interest of the overall band program, school, and
each individual who participates.
The
final decision is yours. There is no
place for weakness and complacency in this Band. An organization is only as strong as its weakest link.
The
Princeton Band Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, or handicap.
My
child and I have read the Princeton ISD Band Handbook and understand fully the
content contained and the spirit of intent by which it is written. We also understand that if at any time, and
for any reason, my child can not follow the policies and guidelines set forth
by the Director of Bands, classroom teachers, or school administration, he /
she will be subject to consequences as stated in this handbook, as well as the
Princeton High School Handbook and the Princeton Independent School District
Extracurricular Activities Handbook.
Furthermore,
I acknowledge the accomplishments of the Princeton Band Program and realize the
duties and responsibility my child assumes as a member of this outstanding
school organization.
We
acknowledge our intent to contribute positively, as parent and student, to the
Princeton Band Program.
Parent
/ Guardian
signature______________________________________Date___________________
Student
signature______________________________________________Date___________________