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to the Selinsgrove Area High School Band. As a member of this proud organization, much hard work and responsibility will be expected from you. This handbook was written in the hope in furthering familiarizing you with band policies, traditions, etc Through the following information, you will soon feel like one of the group and truly be a member of the Selinsgrove Area High School Band.
The Band had a great season last year for three basic reasons: A talented group of seniors furnished excellent leadership. This year, the seniors are just as capable and I am sure, will be just as outstanding. Second, Band students worked diligently to reach a high caliber of performance. Third, the highly professional music staff is dedicated to the Selinsgrove Area High School Band program. Image There is something special about being a member of the SAHS Band Program. We have been recognized for our commitment to the excellence and attention to detail that has set us apart from other bands. The Selinsgrove Are High School Band program takes great pride in the successes of its performances in recent years. These successes have been based on an attitude of pride and discipline and hard work by the members of the organization. They have provided a right heritage for the department. It is these same qualities which must be maintained. It is in this spirit that the following guidelines have been established to aid in the successful guidance of students through the Selinsgrove Area High School Band program. Philosophy We, the members of the Selinsgrove Area High School Band, believing in the high ideals of unity through achieving worthwhile goals in musical performance and development of good character, do hereby establish these policies: Purpose A. To promote high ideals of musicianship, character, and discipline among its members. B. To provide opportunity to share in unity and fellowship. Conduct As members of the Selinsgrove Area High School Band, students are charged with the responsibility of setting the standards of conduct and behavior for the entire student body of Selinsgrove Area High School. Band members are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times, especially under the public's watchful eye. They must show respect for the property, instruments, uniforms, and equipment of others. Consideration must be shown to adults and peers at all times. It is imperative that band members keep in mind that they represent their parents, school, and community.
Rehearsal Adherence to the following points will insure productive rehearsals: A. Proper individual warm-up procedures must be followed. Following adequate warm-up, instruments should be tuned. B. Un-excused tardiness will not be tolerated. Do not leave before rehearsal is over unless granted prior permission. C. Play your assigned part. Each member will be assigned a folder for which he or she is responsible. D. Instruments should be repaired prior to, not during, rehearsals. Students are expected to have their instruments in proper working condition at all rehearsals and performances. Forgetting of instrument or music will not be tolerated. E. Be attentive, do not talk between selections, especially when the music staff is speaking. F. Mark all music properly, bring a pencil to all rehearsals. G. Strive to play your best at all times. Remember, the way you rehearse is the way you perform. Play in tune. Use good posture and correct articulations. Strive for good tone and technique. Perfection is the goal. H. No gum chewing or food/drink is allowed in the band room, with the exception of band camp. Uniforms Band members are expected to wear full, correct uniforms at all public appearances. A. Stay in COMPLETE uniform unless otherwise instructed. B. The uniform and hat should be clean. Each uniform will be dry cleaned at the school's expense in December of each year. The student is responsible for additional cleaning if need. DRY CLEAN ONLY. DO NOT WASH.
D. Jewelry must not be worn while in uniform. G. NO shirts should be worn under the red band shirt. Bus Trips A. Keep buses clean. B. Stay in seats until instructed to disembark. C. No loud yelling, whistling, or unseemly behavior. D. Be respectful of the bus driver and chaperones. E. No profane language, no alcoholic beverages, no smoking. F. Disembark by front door only, unless in an emergency. Conduct in Stands A. Remain seated in your section and leave only with permission. Return quickly. B. No exiting by back of bleachers or below seats. C. Play only your own instrument. D. Wear proper uniform and check carefully before performance. E. Listen to directions and follow instructions. F. Be alert and ready to play at a moment's notice. G. No food permited in stands before Third Quarter by any Band or Color Guard Member
Music All music is distributed by the director or student leader during marching and concert seasons. Any music lost of misplaced must be replaced by the student at his or her expense. Musical Organizations SYMPHONIC BAND is organized during the school term. Band members are taught proper concert techniques, and individual musicianship is put to the test. Woodwind, brass, jazz, and percussion ensembles may be organized from this group. Members have the opportunity to audition for chair seating and to challenge, with regard to technique tone sight reading, musical ability, and attendance during the first third of the school term. Ensemble staffs have the responsibly to selecting outstanding section leaders. The Symphonic Band performs two major concerts in March and May. The music is grades 4-5-6 in difficulty and requires much preparation. The Guest Artist Night Concert in March showcases the talents of our students along with local and professional musicians. This joint endeavor gives the concert a professional atmosphere. MARCHING BAND beings rehearsals in late-May. Four or five all day Band Camps are scheduled along with shorter evening rehearsals in June and August. Marching Band members appear at a variety of events and have the opportunity to go on on many educational and interesting tours. In addition to performing at the high school football games, pep rallies, parades, music festivals, and high school shows, the Band has been fortunate enough to be selected to perform at many National League and Canadian football and baseball games. Color Guard is organized and performs dance and flag routines as part of the Marching Band. Participation Requirements/Attendance This course has the same objectives as any other elective course, with the added dimension of the performance of music. The success of our band depends upon the attendance of each member at EVERY rehearsal and performance.It is unrealistic to use the excuse "I know my music." Everyone should know his or her music. Band is not an individual effort, but a group effort to achieve a goal. Attendance will be taken at all rehearsals, during and after school hours. Evening rehearsals are generally held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Special rehearsals may be scheduled prior to concerts or important performances. The director will notify students of all special rehearsals and all performances at least two weeks (usually longer) in advance, except in rare situations. Students are expected to notify their parents. Attendance at these special rehearsals and performances is required. In the event of an emergency, the director must be contacted (372-2222), and a legal absence must be established. Illness is, of course, excused. Any other emergency situation must be discussed with the director. Conflicts with regard to the definition of "legal absence" will be resolved in consultation with the music director. Members with un-excused absences from rehearsals and performances will be subject to a drop in grade, the loss of student eligibility for all awards, future trips, and eventually suspension/expulsion from the program. The degree to which a given situation will effect a grade will be determined by the director, with regard to the individual situation. Should a student not be diligent in music preparation, the director is at liberty to remove the privilege of performance at any given appearance.
Participation for the entire school year is required (marching and symphonic band). Grading System Grades for students are established by the following criteria: 25% individual achievement 40% preparation of ensemble music 35% attitude (diligence to task, commitment to excellence, self-discipline, effort, and initiative) and attendance Lessons Each student is provided with at least one small group instrumental lesson every 2-3 weeks. The prime purpose of these lessons is to provide instruction in basic and advanced fundamentals and techniques. Each group will be composed of students of similar playing levels and abilities. Personal Achievement The members of the Selinsgrove Area High School Band should always strive for personal fulfillment in the field of music. The Band Parent's Association sponsors two awards for graduating seniors along with one from the Catherman family. The recipients are chosen based on individual recognition for superior service, loyalty, performance, musicianship, leadership, service to the organization, dedication, and attitude. The Parent's group also funds two private study scholarships per year open to all band students. All members are urged to audition for the various Honor's groups offered (Susquehanna Valley Band, District Band,etc.) Band Banquet The Band's annual banquet culminates the year's activities. It is a formal affair which includes dinner and/or desert, the presentation of awards and honors, and movies/slides of the past year. All members and their families are urged to attend. Selinsgrove Area High School Band Parents Association The Selinsgrove Area High School Band Parents Association is an organization of individuals interested in fostering the Band Program at Selinsgrove Area High School. Money raised through various fund-raising activities, including the operation of a concession stand at football games, helps underwrite the designated areas of the Band Program. The group also provides chaperones, drivers, and equipment management throughout the performing season. It is the responsibility of each band member to strong encourage his or her parents to join, help, and regularly attend the meetings of the Band Boosters. |
