Elko High School Band Course Requirements, Performance Agreement and Grading Policy 2007-2008 School Year

The Elko High School Band and Flag Team (referred to hereafter as “Elko High School Band” or “Band”) is an academic co-curricular activity. This means that the events and performances listed on the “Calendar of Events” (listed on the website: http//:www.prideofnevada.com) are considered part of the class and therefore part of the grade evaluation. Students are expected to participate in all performances listed on the calendar of events. All color guard members must participate through the final marching performance and all band and/or jazz band members must participate through the academic year. Students and parents acknowledge that they are subject to all band rules in the band handbook (listed on the website: http//:www.prideofnevada.com) and all school district rules and eligibility requirements.

Grading Policy: The Elko High School Band uses all members for performances listed on the “Calendar of Events” and therefore relies on each student to attend and participate. Excused absences for performances are serious illness or death in the family. Verification of serious illness or death in the family must be verified in writing to the director within twenty-four hours. Absences from performances that are unverified from parent or guardian after twenty-four hours will result in a two-letter drop in the semester grade for the course. The band director reserves the right to make an evaluation of chronic absenteeism and remove a student from a performance or the band, if needed. The practice schedule for marching band listed in the “Calendar of Events” is considered regular scheduled instructional time, and will be evaluated in accordance with Elko County School District attendance policies for the 2006/2007 school year. Absences from marching band practices must be verified with the band director. Any deviation from the scheduled practices or performances must be arranged with the director in advance and memorialized in writing prior to the scheduled activity.

Name of Student: __________________________________ agrees to participate in

(List groups)_________________________________for the 2007/2008 school year.

I/We have reviewed the “Calendar of Events” and agree to the requirements and grading policies stated above. I/We agree to pay the band fee of $300.00 for the school year.

Signature of Student: __________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________________

Date: ____________________________, 2007

This form must be signed by student and parents and turned in before students will be assigned music, a marching position or a uniform.

March 11, 2007

Dear Member of the “Band of Indians”:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you as a member of the Elko High School “Band of Indians.” We are at the beginning of a new year, one that will present us with many great experiences.

Our commitment must always be to excellence. I have no doubt that we can continue to have one of the finest high school bands in the West (marching and concert).

To have the kind of Band that we all want to have presents a serious challenge. We must make positive strides to establish and maintain great attitudes and work habits. We must never settle for mediocrity.

Because of the nature of the organization, Band students and their parents must be willing accept the ideals, principles, and rules of the organization and all of us must be willing to sacrifice.

In as much as Band members are constantly on display, each must always be aware of the importance of exemplary behavior. You should remember that you represent the “Band of Indians”, Elko High School, the Elko community, and the State of Nevada whenever you perform or appear publicly. Any misconduct at any time casts a direct reflection on all those you represent and may well undo the good work of hundreds of loyal alumni, students, and townspeople.

A good Band is built on discipline – discipline is order – with orderliness comes the attainment of things worthwhile.

“EFFORT = RESULTS”

Yours in Music,

Walt Lovell

Director of Bands

GENERAL RULES

1. You are responsible for having a pencil, flip folder, marching lyre, your music, charts, etc. at every rehearsal. Music is your responsibility!

2. There will be a charge for each piece of original music lost. Music should be maintained so that it can be re-used. Do not close folder over edges of music so that it will bend, break, or fray.

3. For travel, wear “Band of Indians” T-shirts, sweats, etc.

4. NEVER ASSUME a rehearsal or performance is canceled because of inclement weather or for any other reason.

5. YOU are responsible for replacement of lost, misplaced or stolen uniform parts.

6. YOU are responsible for repair or replacement of any school property (instrument, music stand, uniform, etc.), which you use.

7. Never leave instruments on the ground, floor, chair, etc. Put them in cases with lids closed. Purses, wallets, and other personal items should be secured at all times. All instruments should be in the proper shelf in the proper attitude when stored in the band room. Storage shelves are not to be used for music, books or any other type of storage. They are for musical instruments and band equipment.

8. Only Band members will sit in the designated Band area during athletic contests.

9. No one is to leave the Band during any performance, including athletic contests, without the permission of the director or a Drum Major.

10. Everyone should cheer as a unit during athletic contests.

11. No one shall leave a performance until it has fully concluded and Band has been excused.

12. Any Elko High School regulations not otherwise contained above shall be enforced.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

The Band of Indians rehearses daily during the 5^th period of the school day and continues until 12:20 p.m. This entire rehearsal time is required. Attendance is also required for one sectional of 1 hour per week and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday evenings during the months of August through November. Certain other extra rehearsals will be required at times during the school year on a non-regular basis.

UNIFORMS

Students are required to wear the appropriate uniform at performances.

During marching band the entire uniform is to be worn at all times. Students should not wear the uniform half off. Students are to wear white cotton gloves and the appropriate band shoes with black socks. Students are to wear only shorts and a T-shirt or long johns under the band uniform.

For Concert Band the appropriate attire consists of:

Gentlemen – Black turtle neck shirt with gold senior key or single strand gold chain. Black dress slacks, black socks and black dress shoes. No Levi’s or athletic shoes are allowed.

Ladies – Black calf length dress or pant suits with gold senior key or single strand gold chain. Divided skirts or culottes are suggested for those who play clarinet, saxophone, oboe, etc. Black hosiery and black shoes

INSTRUMENTS

Instruments are to be kept in proper working order at all times. Students should get their personal and school instruments to the repair shop for nominal maintenance no less than once per semester. Instruments should be kept polished and clean. Students should have extra reeds, clean mouthpieces, working slides and tuning fixtures, etc. Percussionists should have practice as well as performance sticks and should realize that they are responsible for the appearance and condition of their instruments.

______________________________________________________________________

Students should remember that the Band room is a place to make music. It is not an athletic complex. Rough play, running, throwing anything, etc., is never tolerated. Loud talking, abusive language or vulgarity is unacceptable. Using the equipment located in the band room that is not a personal possession is not allowed without permission of owner. School equipment will be assigned to students. Pianos, drums, stereo equipment, etc., are to be used only with the Directors’ permission.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travel shall be consistent with Elko School District policies. Trips are planned as educational – learning experiences. The following rules apply to all bus excursions.

1. No food on the bus without the specific permission of the Director or an assigned chaperone. Students are responsible for the cleaning of all buses during and at the end of trips.

2. When the bus is in motion, the noise level shall be kept to a minimum. No CD players, mp3, i-pod, Tape decks, etc., will be allowed to be used without earphones.

3. Objects are not to be thrown inside a bus.

4. All isles and emergency exits must be kept clear.

5. All passengers shall remain seated while a bus is in motion. State law reads, “The driver may not move the bus until everyone is seated.”

6. NO ONE MAY DRIVE TO A PERFORMANCE! ALL STUDENTS MUST TRAVEL WITH THE BAND. NO STUDENT MAY BE RELEASED WITHOUT THE PROPER PAPER WORK, PER ELKO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY!

AS A RULE, STUDENTS SHOULD REMEMBER THAT IF SOMETHING IS IN BAD TASTE OR COULD CAUSE HARM OR EMBARRASSMENT; THEY SHOULD NOT BE DOING IT.

IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU MUST DISOBEY A BAND RULE, ELKO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY, OR DO SOMETHING THAT IS AGAINST THE LAW – PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL. IN FACT – REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE “BAND OF INDIANS” AND SAVE ALL CONCERNED THE TROUBLE AND EMBARRASSMENT OF HAVING TO CATCH YOU BEING DISREPUTABLE.

PERFORMANCE IS

WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!

IT IS ABSOLUTELY

ESSENTIAL THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS

AND ALL PERFORMANCES

OF THE

“BAND OF INDIANS.”

WE ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS OUR LAST PERFORMANCE. THEREFORE, WE MUST ONLY CONCERN OURSELVES WITH BEING BETTER THAN WE WERE THE LAST TIME WE PERFORMED. THE ONLY GROUP WE MUST BEAT – IS US!

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE

The Elko High School Band in its many forms (Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, etc.) performs many times each year, usually beginning before the first day of school. Any student who becomes involved should be aware that they are required to be at every rehearsal and performance!

Students who participate in other school activities are required to be at all band functions unless a direct conflict results from the scheduling of athletic contests or other school activities at the same time as band performances. Performances take precedence over practice in all cases. The band director shall be informed not less than two weeks in advance of a students decision to be involved in a game or school activity which will facilitate his/her missing a band function. Failure to comply will result in the students’ grade being lowered.

If you volunteer for Pep Band, you are required to perform whenever the Pep Band performs.

Band rehearsals and performances are NOT optional!

A few things that we seem to overlook that effect all the members of the “Band of Indians.”

Hair		Hair that is longer than collar-length must be worn up in the hat.

Jewelry		No jewelry shall be worn, with the exception of stud earrings, wedding rings, and watches.

Face Paint		Face paint is not permitted unless specifically approved by the Director.

Winter accessories (hats/headbands, gloves)		Gloves must be white or must fit completely under the white marching gloves. Hats or headbands may be worn under the shako so long as they are not visible.

Sunglasses		Are not allowed with the exception of those with prescription sunglasses.

Bandanas, “do”-rags, and other uniform modifications		Must be “all or none” within each Section and must not show while wearing the uniform.

Band members must attend the entire performance unless approved by the Director.

Remember: there are no excused absences for performances.

You are expected to be on time (on time is early) and to participate until the game/performance is over and the band’s post-game/post performance activities are complete.

After games, all uniforms must be properly hung and returned to the uniform room.

All band-owned equipment must be properly cleaned and stored.

Travel

The band may travel to a competition or to a post-season game. As much notice as possible will be given to the band members so that plans can be made. Trips are considered performances, and the same policies apply. You are expected to read the itinerary and be on time for all events and departures. Follow the basic principles and remember: your actions reflect not only on you, but on the band and the entire school.

Please use caution and common sense when on trips. Travel in groups and be careful about where you go. Be courteous and aware at all times. Carry your student ID card and your legal identification with you at all times.

UNIFORMS

For Marching Band the students are required to wear the appropriate uniform at performances.

During marching band the entire uniform is to be worn at all times. Students should not wear the uniform half on. Students are to wear white cotton gloves and the appropriate black band shoes with black socks. Students are to wear only T-shirt and shorts or long johns under the band uniform.

For Concert Band the appropriate attire consists of:

Gentlemen – Black turtle neck shirt with gold senior key or single strand gold chain. Black dress slacks, black socks and black dress shoes. No Levi’s or athletic shoes are allowed.

Uniform Care

Do not clean or wash the uniform yourself!

If your uniform needs cleaning, give it to the Uniform Manager. Uniforms will be taken to a professional cleaner periodically and as needed.

All necessary alterations will be handled by the Uniform Manager.

Do not attempt to alter your uniform yourself.

The uniform must be hung up on the provided hanger when not in use. Be sure the creases of the pants are folded correctly. Place the uniform inside the uniform bag and hang it neatly before returning it to the uniform room.

The vinyl portion and the plastic brim of the shako should be cleaned with a soft cloth and soapy water, or with disinfectant glass cleaner. If you have recently dyed your hair, particularly with a non-permanent brightly colored dye, please clean the hat thoroughly immediately after wearing to avoid staining.

Plumes should be lightly fluffed before being worn. After being used, they should immediately be stored in their cardboard tubes inside the plume box. Avoid excessive handling, as the feathers will become dirty from oils on your hands.

Avoid exposure of the plume to water. If the plume gets wet, allow it to dry in a clean area before returning it to the plume box.

Travel Uniform/Pep Band Uniform

All members will be issued a T-shirt to be used when we travel. The issued band shirt should be worn with clean pants as a travel uniform.

The pep band shirt is used as the uniform for the basketball pep band.

The same rules apply for travel uniforms as they do for band uniforms.

These uniforms are to be worn only at band functions. They are not part of your personal wardrobe. Only the designated shirt is to be worn under band uniforms, other shirts will be designated for travel. Pep band shirts are only for pep band.

Use of Band Facilities, Harassment, Abuse, and other conduct

· Unauthorized entry into or use of Elko High School facilities will result in action by the administration and may result in your being dismissed from the band program.

· Theft of or damage to property of Elko High School or to property of any of its members or visitors, or knowledge of possession of stolen property will result in action by the administration and may result in your being dismissed from the band program

· Harassment of an individual or group, where harassment is defined as a course of conduct which subjects a person or groups of persons to unwanted physical contact or the threat of such contact, or which seriously threatens or alarms a person or group will result in action by the administration of Elko High School and may result in your being dismissed from the band program.

· Physical abuse of any person will result in action by the administration and may result in your being dismissed from the band program

· Disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct will result in action by the administration and may result in your being dismissed from the band program

· Behavior that would constitute a violation of local, state, or federal law on Elko High School property, or off campus, when such behavior has a substantial adverse effect upon the Band, Elko High School or upon individual members of the Elko High School Band will result in action by the administration and may result in your being dismissed from the band program.

· Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of a person will result in action by the administration and may result in your being dismissed from the band program.

Personal Matters

The band staff cares greatly about the well being of each student in the organization. We are not, however, certified counselors. We strongly suggest that you take personal matters to appropriately qualified professionals. The counseling office in the main building is an appropriate starting point if you have concerns.

Important Keys for Academic Success

1. Attend class: Go to class! It cannot be emphasized enough that there is a direct correlation between classroom attendance and academic success. Tests are most often based on the material covered in class.

Accordingly, attend your classes-- not just regularly, but every time one of your classes meets. You should inform your teacher if illness requires you to miss a class. If you are going to be away from campus for a performance, alert your instructors ahead of time. Get your assignments in advance, if possible, and determine when the work is due. Let your instructor know when you are ill. Your class attendance may be one criteria used by your professor when assigning final grades.

2. Go to class prepared: You should have all reading and written assignments completed on time. If you go to class unprepared, it is often difficult to understand the material presented in class. Also, your instructor may tag you as a student with a poor attitude, which may influence your grade.

3. Know your instructor: Introduce yourself to your instructor; if you have any questions relative to your course, meet with your instructor. Your teacher is interested in your performance in the classroom and will generally be happy to discuss material related to your course.

4. Make a good impression: Go to class on time. Entering class late causes a disruption. Do not read newspapers, listen to radios, etc., in class. Be respectful: remember “Sir,” “Ma’am,” “thank you,” and “please.”

5. Don't let little problems become big.

6. Time Management: Plan out what must be accomplished in one semester. On a calendar, list the days when quizzes, essays, and special projects are due. Also, list your performance days, etc., when you will not be able to follow your usual study routine. Find the conflicts. Is there a week when tests and projects are due? Plans ahead, don’t leave the studying until that week. Complete special projects in advance during light periods. It often helps to make a weekly schedule. List your classes, practices, meetings, study time, rest time, etc. Plan to study at approximately the same time of day, if possible. By having a schedule, you can easily see what time is available for studying and what assignments must be completed in the time available.

7. Planning study time: Commit to a regular study time every day. Let this time become part of your daily routine. Join helpful study groups. If you participate in group study sessions, don't let them turn into "bull sessions."

8. Get help if you need it: Elko High School provides free tutoring and academic advising, as well as resources for finding personal tutors. Study groups often improve academic performance. Usually, teachers are happy to help their students overcome problems with the material.

Basic Habits of a Winner

Winners develop the habits of doing things that losers don’t like to do.

• Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain. Think of ways to improve the situation. The big rewards are paid for finding solutions, not difficulties.

• Show real, honest, and heartfelt appreciation – remember that a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

• Think positive thoughts about others and yourself.

• Give before you get. Always give others a reason to agree with you before asking something of them.

• Smile often. It generates enthusiasm, friendliness, and good will.

• Remember names. A person’s name is the sweetest, most important sound they hear, and it instantly captures his or her attention each time it is used.

• Be an effective communicator by listening. Encourage others to talk about themselves by asking questions – when, where, who, what, how and why.

• Think, act, and look happy and successful, and you will begin to think, feel, and be happy and successful.

• Don’t be part of “worry” conversations or participate in gossip sessions.

• Always greet others with a positive, cheerful statement – not “How are you?”

• Respond to another’s “How are you?” with an enthusiastic, sincere “Terrific!”

• Look for and expect good things to happen to you!

Elko High School

“SCHOOL SONG”

Words by Alan Thorpe

ON YE INDIANS, ON YE INDIANS,

FIGHT FOR ELKO HIGH.

GALLANT MEN IN MAROON AND WHITE

ALL BOUND TO DO OR DIE.

RAH! RAH! RAH!

ON YE INDIANS, ON YE INDIANS,

CROWN OUR SCHOOL WITH FAME.

FIGHT FOR OLD ELKO HIGH, WE’LL

WIN THIS GAME!

All members of the Elko High School Band are expected to be able to sing the School BAND HANDBOOK

YOUGOTTAWANNA!

PRECISION WITH PRIDE!

“The Pride of Nevada”