Band Handbook
Mission of the NLHS Panther Band
The mission of the North Lamar Band program is to prepare our students to live and work successfully in a changing world. Through the program, a student will learn the value of creativity, discipline, organization, teamwork and evaluation. The band program strives to promote a positive environment for which a student can grow and mature physically, intellectually, aesthetically and emotionally in a secure environment, as well as, stimulating both logical and intuitive thinking. Participation in the North Lamar Band will heighten the awareness of the importance and value of music in our community and world. Furthermore, the student will better comprehend the life- long effects of music on individual lives physically, mentally and emotionally.

GRADES AND ASSIGNMENTS
In determining the band student’s grades for each six weeks, two areas comprise the average:
1. Performance Grades - includes: class assignments, section rehearsal assignments, six-week  objectives, chair tests, and playoffs of performance music.
2. Participation Grades - includes: correct marking of music, care and maintenance of instruments, punctuality to rehearsal and performances, and participation in required rehearsals and curricular performances.

ELIGIBILITY
All students are eligible to participate in curricular activities. Students must meet eligibility guidelines to participate in extra-curricular activities. Most of the activities associated with Marching Band are considered extra-curricular (including football games and contests). In order to be eligible for extra-curricular activities by TEA, UIL, and NLISD requirements, students must meet the guidelines set forth in Senate Bill

1. Students who fail a course will be ineligible for 3 weeks (beginning 7 calendar days after the last day of the grading period). Students who receive an Incomplete are considered ineligible until the Incomplete is changed to a passing grade. Students who fail a course will become eligible only if they are passing all courses at the end of the 3rd week of the next six weeks period. (They are eligible the Friday of the 4th week at the end of the school day)

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT PARENTS AND STUDENTS STAY IN CLOSE COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS EACH SIX WEEKS AND IF POSSIBLE EVERY THREE WEEKS. ATTENDANCE

The band is dependent on all its members. Unlike other classes where individuals may succeed or fail by themselves, band students' success is dependent on the full participation of all those who have accepted a part. The following attendance policies are to be strictly adhered to.

1. Section rehearsals must be made up if missed. There is no such thing as an excused absence from a section rehearsal. Make-ups must be completed before the end of the grading period.

2. Excused absence from a rehearsal or performance will only be accepted for extreme illness, family emergency, or tutorials. These absences will be considered unexcused until a written note from a Doctor or parent is given to the Director. (It will be appreciated if every effort is made for a student not to miss rehearsals due to doctor appointments.)

3. Marching Rehearsals – if a student is present at school during the day, the student is expected to be at the after school rehearsal.

WORK SCHEDULES and other non-school activities must not interfere with the rehearsal and performance schedule of the band.

Students enrolled in other school activities such as athletics, choir, drama, etc. need to plan ahead to avoid conflicts that cannot be resolved. The Band Directors will work with other teachers and sponsors to give each student the opportunity to participate in other organizational activities.
 
MARCHING UNIFORMS
The NEW (2008) uniforms of the NLHS Band are worn at most outdoor functions of a formal nature, unless weather prohibits. In addition, each student needs the following items to complete the uniform:

1. Black socks that go above the ankle. (Black marching shoes are provided by the school district and will be ordered in August.)

2. Band T-shirt - ordered during August practice Estimated cost - $15

UNIFORM CLEANING
Cleaning is done once by the school district shortly before UIL Marching Contest. Additional cleaning, if necessary, is the responsibility of the student. Uniforms are DRY CLEAN ONLY. (Classic Cleaners on HWY 271 N is the preferred establishment.) The replacement value of the uniforms is $450.00. Hang your uniform properly when not in use.

ALTERATIONS
Alterations can be done if necessary. However, Do not cut off any material without permission from a Director. Most alterations can be accomplished without cutting. Please check at the time of fitting to see if all buttons, zippers, cords, etc. are intact and functional. Replacement buttons are $1 each if requested later.

CONCERT UNIFORMS
Tuxes for the men and formal dresses for the women will be furnished for the Concert Season (the tuxes and dresses may not be used for any function outside of band related activities unless permission has been given by the directors).

In addition, each student will supply the following items to complete their attire:
 
Men - Black socks that go above the ankle.

Women- Black dress shoes/hose

(Never cut any material when making alterations.)

SUPPLIES
Students are responsible for bringing all required materials and supplies to every rehearsal. In addition to having your instrument, Korg Tuner, and microphone in good working order, you will need the following supplies: (those in bold must be brought to every rehearsal)

BRASS: pencil, cleaning cloth, valve (rotor) oil, and slide grease, cleaning snake and mouthpiece brush, Trumpets should have a Bach 3C mouthpiece and a Joral Straight Mute

WOODWIND: pencil, cleaning cloth/swabs, 5 or more good playable reeds (Brand: Vandoren; strength: 3 ½-4; Oboes and Bassoons need 3 reeds),  bore oil (for wood only), additional/not required: small screwdriver

PERCUSSIONIST: pencil, binder with clear sheets, and will also be charged $40 at the beginning of the year for additional mallets throughout the year.

SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS
A limited number of the more expensive instruments are owned by the NLISD for the purpose of balancing the instrumentation district wide and maintaining performing bands at every level.

There is a $40 fee for the use of school instruments, and the student is responsible for expenses related to normal maintenance, minor repairs, or accidental damage short of total replacement. If, in the opinion of a NLISD Director, a school owned instrument is not being properly maintained or cared for at any time of the school year, it is the Director's prerogative to remove the instrument from the student's care.

MARCHING BAND
All band members in grades 9-12 are members of the Marching Band. The Marching Band performs at all football games and several other marching events during the fall, including UIL Marching Contest. You will be given a calendar of events in August. Attendance is required at all events. Should the Football team advance in the playoffs, the band will continue to perform at all halftimes and will use an abbreviated rehearsal schedule.

To perform in any extra-curricular event, a student must first maintain grades for eligibility. For more information and guidelines on eligibility, see ELIGIBILITY, page 2.

Effort will be made to allow every eligible band and Danceline member to perform sometime during the Marching season. HOWEVER, contest performances will be limited to those students who demonstrate the most advanced skills for performance. Students who are alternates at any given performance are an integral part of the performance and will assist the directors with field equipment and organizational needs. Being an alternate does not excuse a student from any band practice or performance.

MARCHING PERCUSSION
Percussion will be assigned instrumentation during “Percussion Camp”. The director will take into consideration skill levels on each instrument and the level of marching skills when assigning instrumentation. Although all eligible percussionists will play during the performances, not all percussion instruments are can be marched. Those students assigned to instruments that do not march (Front Ensemble) are as important as any other performer on the field and are necessary for a well-balanced performance. To acquire a musically balanced band, certain instruments (marching and front ensemble) will be limited in their numbers.

BLUE DIAMOND DANCELINE
The Blue Diamonds Danceline is a performing marching group selected by audition in the Spring. Danceline members must meet the same requirements as all other band students. Placement for performing positions in the show will be done in the same manner as for all other band students, as stated above in the Marching Band category.

MARCHING REHEARSALS GENERAL
1. Be early for rehearsals.
2. Afternoon rehearsals are hot - you may want to bring shorts to change into if you have time. (Don't be late to rehearsal because you had to change clothes!!)
3. Wear comfortable shoes that support and cushion your feet. (No boots, sandals, flip flops, etc.) 4. Drink liquids to prevent dehydration.
5. Eat three meals a day. Now is not the time to diet.
6. Never lock your knees when standing at attention. (Locking your knees may cause you to pass out).
7. Put trash in its place.

RULES AND EXPECTATIONS ON THE MARCHING FIELD
1. Talking on the practice field is not allowed.
2. Gum and candy is not allowed on the field.
3. Students should be on time to marching rehearsals.
4. Show respect for directors and student leaders and follow all instructions given by directors and student leaders.
5. When any director or student leader steps in front of the band, get quiet and pay attention.
6. Students must have all necessary materials on field (instrument, music, coordinate sheets, water bottle or camel pack).

CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH MARCHING BAND RULES AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:

Students will be held over after rehearsal for 10 extra minutes of marching fundamentals.

****If a student has an unexcused absence from an after school rehearsal, the student may not be allowed to participate/attend the football game with the band THAT week. Remember – if you are in school you are expected to be at marching rehearsal that day.

WATER BREAKS
Water and rest breaks will be given to the band as a whole or as sections while other sections continue to work. Do not abuse this opportunity by wasting water, yelling, chasing or doing anything that would interfere with the rehearsal that is still in progress. All students are required to have a water bottle.

FRIDAY REHEARSALS
We do not schedule Friday rehearsals as a part of the regular rehearsal week. However, we may add a Friday rehearsal on weeks we have home games if the directors feel it is necessary for our best performance.

MEMORIZATION OF MUSIC
All music from the contest show will be memorized. Playoff deadlines will be assigned to test your music memorization. (Don't wait until the last minute to try to memorize your music.) A major part of the grade for the first six weeks is meeting the deadlines for the music memorization.

U.I.L. AREA/STATE MARCHING CONTEST
Every other year Class 3A Bands are eligible to compete in the U.I.L. State Marching Contest. To qualify, a band must first make a Superior Rating ( I ) at the Region Marching Contest. The next level is the Area Marching Contest. From there, two bands (or one band for every five over fifteen) are chosen to represent the Area at the State Marching Contest in San Antonio.

FOOTBALL GAMES

PRE-GAME WARM-UP
1. The time for Pre-game Warm-up will be announced during the week. You are to be in your seat in full uniform.
2. Roll will be taken.
3. There will be a brief warm-up/instruction period and then the band will line up for uniform inspection.

INSPECTION
Inspection will take place before each football game and contest. Items inspected will be:
black socks (must cover ankles)
black band shoes (clean and polished)
correct trouser and sleeve length no missing buttons
clean and polished instrument (especially brass)
music, flip folder and lyre
clean hat and gloves

DURING THE GAME
1. Support the football team, but don't make a fool of yourself.
2. Stay in your assigned seat. No movement among rows.
3. No food or drink in the band section during the game. Water will be provided. (Do not throw water over the side of the bleachers.)
4. No non-band members are allowed in the band section at any time.

HALF-TIME
1. When plumes are being passed out, it is time to focus on the halftime performance.
2. Never throw plumes or try to pass them more than 2 at a time.
3. After the performance is over, wait to be dismissed by the Directors or Drum Majors.

THIRD QUARTER
1. Third quarter free time is a privilege - Don't be late coming back or you can lose third quarter privileges.
2. Remember you are still representing the North Lamar Band during third quarter and appropriate behavior is expected.
3. Your uniform remains on and buttoned at all times (unless instructed otherwise by a Director).
4. After half time, the Band Boosters will provide drinks at the home games. (Don't forget to thank them.).
5. Don't forget - No food or drinks are to be taken back to the band section.

OUT-OF-TOWN GAMES
1. The above guidelines as well as NLISD rules apply during the entire trip.
2. Departure time will be announced during the week.
3. Before boarding the bus, be sure you have every part of your uniform.
4. You may ride home from an out of town game with your parents only. Mr. Jones/Mr. Smith/Mr. Neal/Mrs. Gifford must see you with your parents before you may leave and your parents must sign you out.
5. A Return time will be announced during the week. Your transportation is to be at the band hall at that time. The phone will not be available.

CONCERT SEASON
All members of the Band Program are assigned by audition to a performance band, which meets as a curricular class. Various performing ensembles allow directors to teach more developmentally appropriate skills in relation to the student’s years of experience and skill level. Auditions are held as needed, usually following marching season, the Christmas Concert and summer vacation.
 
SYMPHONIC BAND
The Symphonic Band is recognized as one of the outstanding concert ensembles in our Region and state. This ensemble prepares and performs music above the required grade level. Sectional rehearsals once per week are required during contest preparation (see Attendance pp. 2 & 3). Additional rehearsals may be scheduled in the evening as needed. Performances will include UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, one or more invitational festivals, and a spring concert.

CONCERT BAND
The Concert Band is very important to the success of the NLHS Band Program. This ensemble prepares and performs music above the required grade level. Sectional rehearsals once per week are required during contest preparation (see Attendance pp.2 & 3). Additional rehearsals may be scheduled in the evening as needed. Performances will include UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, and the Spring concert.

Sectionals
Sectionals will be held during the months of March and April. They are for the purpose of helping each section and each individual of the band to achieve the level of proficiency needed to perform the music chosen. Each section will meet after school one day a week for 90 minutes. Sectional attendance is required; therefore the sectional schedule will be set up in the month of January or first part of February. Every effort will be made to work around other school related activities. Items such as a job, driver education or other non-school related activities will not be excused. If a student is in school the day of his/her sectional, they will be expected to attend. If they are absent from school on the day of the sectional, the sectional will have to be made up within one week. If the sectional is missed with an unexcused absence, stronger discipline will result with possible removal from band.

RULES AND EXPECTIONS IN CLASS REHEARSALS
1. Talking is not allowed while director is on podium.
2. No gum during rehearsal.
3. Students must use good posture while playing their instrument. This includes sitting up straight in chair, holding instrument properly, good hand position.
4. Students must have all materials everyday – music, instrument, reeds, oil, and pencils.
5. Students must be attentive when instruction is given – be ready to play!
6. If horn is in shop, we must have a written note from parent or guardian. Consequences for failure to comply with rehearsal rules and expectations: Student will be assigned a 30 minute after school band detention. This detention is served in the band hall or practice room. If the student does not attend this detention, a notice is sent to main office and the student will be assigned regular after school detention.

Tardy policy is the same as school policy - see student handbook.

ENRICHMENT

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS
One goal of our program is to assist each student in the development of his/her maximum musical potential. To achieve this goal, we strongly recommend participation in the individual competitions and festivals offered throughout the year.

ALL REGION BAND - Tryouts involve the finest students from schools in our region and is the first step in advancement toward All-State Band. The music is announced in August and the tryouts are in December. All academically eligible students are encouraged to participate in the tryout process. (All members of the Symphonic Band are required to tryout for the All-Region Band)
 
FRESHMAN ALL-REGION - Participation is required by all 9th grade students. (The director has the right to make alternative plans for individual 9th graders where necessary.)

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST - This event takes place in February resulting in non-competitive ratings and medals. Gold medal winners (Superior rating) at Region may advance to the "State Solo and Ensemble" Contest. Although participation in individual competitions is not a band requirement, those students wishing to be considered for student leadership positions or who wish to receive a lettering award, need to participate in these individual competitions.

PRIVATE LESSONS
The single most important factor in the development of a successful band program is the development of the individual player. The amount of individual attention your directors can give is greatly limited by the number of students they teach. Private Lessons may be taken during band class or after school as scheduling and the availability of private instructors allows. The Private Lesson Program is supported by individual parent donations and concession stand revenue. Private Lessons are offered as enrichment, not as remedial instruction. Private Lessons are encouraged for the complete development of each student’s potential as a performing musician. A student’s place in Band and their grades are not dependent upon participation in the Private Lesson Program.
 
SCHOLARSHIPS for private lessons:
Several types of scholarships are available to band students.
See Mr. Jones or Mrs. Logee for more detailed information.

BAND BOOSTERS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Through an application and interview process, NL Band Booster Club offers a college scholarship to one Senior band student who will be a Music major or minor.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Many colleges offer music scholarships for students who wish to participate in their band program. Scholarships may also be available to students not majoring in music. Be sure to ask the Financial Aid advisor of your university for further information.

NL BAND LETTERING
A Lettering Award will be presented to any student who fulfills the following obligations:
1. Tries out and participates in All-Region Band and/or
2. Earns a first division rating on a class 1 solo at District UIL

NL BAND LETTER JACKETS
1. Student is of Junior level classification and has qualified based on above qualifications

Exception: A student making All-State Band before their junior year will automatically earn a Lettering Jacket.

2. All seniors will automatically receive Letter Jackets.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Requirements for Officers, Squad Leaders, and Drum Majors:

All those selected for leadership positions will be expected to fulfill the following criteria as part of their leadership responsibilities:

1. Be academically eligible at the time of the tryouts and remain eligible throughout the school year. 2. Provide leadership through example, promote the highest expectations for other band members, and show no tolerance for negative behavior.
3. Attend summer Leadership Camp
4. Organize and perform in the 4th of July Parade
5. Attend all summer band practices
6. Tryout for All-Region Band

THIS HANDBOOK IS NOT INTENDED TO COVER ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE NLHS BAND PROGRAM.
 
ANY TIME THE BAND MEMBERS ARE TOGETHER AS AN ORGANIZATION OR IN A SMALL GROUP THEY REPRESENT NORTH LAMAR ISD. AS A SCHOOL ORGANIZATION, THE BAND IS GOVERNED BY SCHOOL AND SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES. ANY STUDENT WHO VIOLATES SCHOOL RULES WHILE REPRESENTING THE NLHS BAND WILL BE SUBJECT TO ALL CUSTOMARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES..