Introduction Welcome to Northeast High School Music Department, Home of the Hurricane Band.

The Hurricane band has a long history with many traditions. One of those traditions is pride in its performing groups and all of its members. The music department is also proud to represent Northeast High School and the community in its endeavor to build one of the finest music programs in Broward County. This Handbook will help familiarize you with band policies, procedures, rules and responsibilities. Please read and keep this booklet for reference during the year. Please feel free to ask the director any questions regarding the contents.

Philosophy The goal of the Hurricane Band is to provide musical expression to all interested students of Northeast High School. The emphasis is on desire and an attitude that each member will strive for personal growth within him or herself. Along with personal growth, students will develop musically as a group, performing publicly when possible, and participating with a commitment to the bands musical goals. It is also expected that students will respect each other and will work as a unified group to achieve this goal.

OFFICERS The role of the student officers as well as student participation is an integral part of the band and the student body of Northeast High School. The officers help and assist the band director and students in the operation and performance of the band. The officers will represent the band in any student government positions or activities requested by the band director and/or administration. All officers are to be given the respect of their position and responsibilities. The students, with the approval of the director, will select all officers. The selection process will take place in the spring for the following school year. The director reserves the right to make changes in the responsibility and selection process. The position of an officer should not be based on popularity but on leadership quality, maturity, musical knowledge, and the attitude to do the job in the best way to make the Hurricane Band one of the best bands in Broward County. CAPTAIN - the position of Band Captain is the highest student officer position. The duties of captain are to work closely with the director, members of the band, school administration and student government. The captain will coordinate activities, functions and represent the band at any student government activity. The captain must work to achieve the goals and directives of the band director but be aware of the needs of the band and its members. This position will be open to seniors unless the director chooses to open it up to other classes. GPA 3.0 or above. (Must keep a 4.0 GPA in Band) Drum Major - the position of Drum Major is to lead the band at all marching functions. The drum major must also assist in teaching drills at rehearsals. However, due to the nature of the position, the drum major will also find him/herself assuming conducting responsibilities in non-marching situations. The drum major must constantly maintain decorum and control of the band at all times. The drum major must be capable of making mature

and responsible decisions on his/her own as well as carrying out the directions of the director. The position of drum major will be open to seniors or possibly upper classmen, at the discretion of the band director. GPA 3.0 or above. (Must keep a 4.0 GPA in Band) 1st Lieutenant The 1st Lt. will assist the band director, captain and drum major. In a situation where the captain and drum major are not available, the 1st Lt. will be in charge. The 1st Lt. will also assist in rehearsals if needed and will help implement the directives of the band director, captain and drum major when asked. GPA 2.0 and above. (Must keep a 4.0 GPA in Band) Librarian - the Librarian will be responsible for the distribution, collection and filing of all music. The librarian must be organized and capable of being self-directed. GPA 2.0 and above. (Must keep a 4.0 GPA in Band) Section Leaders - the band director, along with the recommendation of the officers, will select section leaders. The section leader will be responsible for seeing that every member of their section is capable of playing their part. In addition, the section leader will conduct music checks as required by the band director, captain, or drum major. (Must keep a 4.0 GPA in Band) Drum Captain- The drum captain will be responsible for the percussion section in marching and concert band. The drum captain must have an understanding of rudiments, and mallet parts. The band director, through an audition, will choose the drum captain. (Must keep a 4.0 GPA in Band)

ANY STUDENT INTERESTED SHOULD TALK WITH THE BAND DIRECTOR OR OFFICERS. AUDITIONS TAKE PLACE IN THE SPRING. *Audition Requirements are in the Appendix

Description of Bands ALL BAND STUDENTS MUST MEET BAND REQUIRMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ENSEMBLES* Hurricane Marching Band The Hurricane Marching Band is open to all students who would like to participate in a marching unit. The marching band performs at all Hurricane football games. In addition the band performs for various community functions, parades, and other events. The marching band meets after school in the fall to prepare for its performances. Membership is based on attendance at rehearsal and performances. All students who are enrolled in Band are required to participate in Marching Band to receive their performance credit and grade in the class, as found in the course description of band in the department of Education. All participants must perform at the District Music Performance Assessment in fall. Concert Band The class meets regularly during the day and after school rehearsals may be scheduled if needed. The concert band is our normal band class during school hours. This group will learn the fundamentals of music, music theory, playing techniques and educational repertoire. The concert band performs throughout the year. The concert band also will perform at the District Music Performance Assessment in the spring. Jazz band Students interested in Jazz and Pop can join the NEHS Jazz Band to learn skills needed to perform various styles of music and the art of improvisation. All students that are selected must pass an audition. The Jazz band performs throughout the year and attends various festivals. * Ensemble requirements can be found in the appendix of handbook.

Conduct Every member of the Northeast High School band and its various ensembles will be expected to act in a manner the will show respect to the school, teachers, parents and other members of the band while participating in any school or band activity. In order to make sure there is a mutual understanding of what is expected, the following rules will serve as a guideline. The rules of behavior for the band are not limited to those below. Please use common sense and courtesy and remember that any infractions can and will effect membership in the band as well as your grade. 1. All members will respect all officers, teachers, fellow bandsmen, band parents and students at all times. 2. Every member is expected to give his/her best and work as a team. 3. All students are expected to be ready to play when designated. Remember If you are on time you are Late. Please try to arrive 30 min. prior to call time. 4. All students are expected to have their instruments ready in playing condition. 5. Students will respect all equipment regardless of ownership. 6. Band members will be expected to remain presentable while representing Northeast High School and while you are in uniform. 7. There will be no drug, alcohol, or tobacco products use while on any band event. No Exceptions UNLESS DOCUMENTED MEDICAL REASONS. 8. NO USE OF PROFANITY 9. No visible signs of affection while in the band room, band functions or in uniform. 10. Attendance is required at all scheduled band events, performances, and rehearsals (refer to section regarding excused and unexcused absences.) 11. No one is allowed to leave any band function until dismissed by the band director. 12. NO ELECTRONICS ARE TO BE USED OR IN SIGHT DURING ALL BAND ACTIVITY. Including keeping electronics on stands!!! (electronics- cell phones, mp3, portable gaming systems, etc.)
In addition to the rules set forth in this handbook all students must also adhere to the school discipline code, FBA policies, FMEA policies and any others that may govern any band activity.

BAND is a performance-based class; a grade is given based on your participation. All students are required to attend rehearsals and performances Rehearsals Rehearsals are vital to preparing the band for public performances and advancing musical skills. Band students are required to attend all rehearsals unless excused. This includes ALL rehearsals, those during band period and those scheduled before or after school. Failure to attend will result in disciplinary action affecting grade, membership or both. Rehearsal schedule can be found on the band calendar. Performances Performances are the culmination of all the efforts put forth by the band. Skills and music learned during rehearsals are displayed in performances. All members are required to attend all performances unless a permitted absence is secured from the band director. Students will be asked not to attend band performances if they do not meet the requirements for performances. I.e. Learning parts or skills to perform accurately. ALL absences must be reported to band director in writing!!!! Excused Absences Excused absences are absences that in NO WAY can be avoided, such as illness, or a death in the family. Students will need to verify their excused absence with the band director. The band director must approve an excused or permitted absence. All excused absences will be given a make up assignment so students grades do not suffer. Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are those that are not excused or those that have not been approved by the band director. Reasons such as work, transportation, suspension, detention or no instrument are unexcused. The band director will handle conflicts with other school activities on a case-by-case basis. Students are responsible to be aware of all scheduled rehearsals and performances. Students are expected to make all necessary arrangements to avoid conflicts.

Football Games In the fall, The Hurricane Band performs at all football games. The band performs at halftime and in the stands during the game. Members are expected to maintain decorum and discipline and are encouraged to show support and school spirit. However, members must always be alert for directions from the director and the drum major. Members will assemble where and when designated. Lateness will not be tolerated. Those students designated to load and unload equipment must do so at the designated time. Students are responsible for their individual instruments. BAND PARENTS DO NOT LOAD OR UNLOAD EQUIPMENT! Before each game the band will stand for inspection. During inspection each band member will be checked for neatness and completeness of uniform, Instrument, and music. Any infractions will be reflected in band grades or membership. During the game the band will be performing music. To avoid confusion, everyone must be attentive to directions. Our primary goal is to provide support, spirit and entertainment. All members are required to stay with the band at all times. No one is allowed to leave the group without permission of the director and must be assigned a chaperone. NO EXCEPTIONS!! After Halftime is over a short break will be allowed as designated by the band director. ALL HALFTIME MUISC MUST BE MEMORIZED! At times, the band will be required to travel by bus. All members will abide by the rules of the bus driver. The bus driver will determine what is or is not allowed. In addition no one will be allowed to put any body parts outside the windows, no talking at railroad crossings, no playing of instruments and no use of the emergency exits (except in emergency).

Music All students will be issued music. At the appropriate time, the librarian(s) will collect all handed out music. Any students who lose their music will be assessed 1.00 per piece. Students are responsible for their music. Theft or negligence will not be accepted as an excuse. Music is very precious and expensive. Please be responsible in order to keep our library complete. Instrument Rental The Broward County School Board provides certain instruments for rental. These instruments can be rented for $20.00 per year. All percussion members must pay the rental fee. Students who rent instruments are responsible for the maintenance and playing condition of their instrument. Anything beyond normal wear will be the financial responsibility of the renter. Normal wear does not include damage that is caused by misuse. Examples are misuse would be Drumhead breakage due to excessive tightening or playing, dents or scratches from dropping the instruments, pads missing etc. County instruments can be asked to be returned at any time if students are not following the rules stated in the instrument rental contract. All Renters must complete a weekly practice log to keep their instrument. Due to the fact that usually we have more students than instruments. All county instruments will be rented at a first-come first-serve basis. If the band runs out of instruments, students will have to rent or purchase their own instrument from a music store. Please note that County instruments are to be used by serious students, if the student is not practicing or maintaining a passing grade in the class the band director can ask for the instrument back without refund, so that the instrument can be given to another student.

Band Bullying Students are required to follow the policies on bullying set forth by the Broward County School Board at all times. This section is applying those policies to a Band Climate. Laughing or treating a student in a rude manner while they are playing will not be tolerated and will be considered to be an act of bullying. Making fun, teasing, ridicule, or degrade any student based on playing ability will not be allowed in the band. Examples: 1. A student is taking a playing test and other students are laughing at their performance. This would be bullying. 2. A student is practicing during lunch and a student says you sound horrible. You need to get out of band cause you suck. This would be bullying Non-Example: 1. Student plays a section incorrectly and the section leader says That is wrong you need to practice more. This band is only as strong as the weakest player this is not bullying. 2. Student is playing during lunch and a student walking by says hey that is wrong. Let me see what you are doing. Ok, try doing this. This is not bullying Please use common sense. When critiquing students playing be helpful rather than judgmental. CRITIQUE THE PLAYING NOT THE PLAYER.

Overview of Importance Events 1st Semester Weekly Football games All State Auditions Music Performance Assessment FBA Marching Festival Holiday Concert 2nd Semester All State Convention Solo and Ensemble Festival Music Performance Assessment Concert Festival Spring Concert Band Banquet Alumni Concert Lakeside Jazz Festival Graduation

FUNDRAISING To keep cost for students down, fundraising is a must. Every student is required to do their fair-share during all fundraising activities. The band director calculates the fair-share amount for all fundraisers. Fundraisers help with: Instrument repair Band supplies: valve oil and reeds Field trips Transportation to away games Purchasing of new instruments Uniforms Scholarships to summer camps, and college If students do not do their fair-share, the cost of field trips, repairs, supplies, and uniform will be the responsibility of the student. NEHS Band asks only for your son/daughters help with fundraising so that we can keep your cost down. Remember that some other programs ask parents to pay the students fair-share amount as a band fee. Some schools have asked for up to 1,000 dollars a year from parents. I do not agree with this, but I see why some schools do this and it is always because students do not do their part when fundraising. Fundraisers that we have done: Band shirt sale Coupon Books Candy sales Donation letters Pizza Cards Parents please encourage your son/daughter to participate and do their fairshare. So many opportunities can come from the money that is raised that will only benefit the student.

Appendix A Officer Requirement Sheet Section I: (1) 12 Major scales under 2 min. two octaves when possible (2) Prepared Piece ____ (3) Officer training with current officer _____ (4) Theory fundamentals test score _____ (5) Participate in FBA Solo and Ensemble Section 2: _______

1) Essay Prompt: To be an officer goals are important. What goals would you make for this band and how will you be a part of achieving that goal in the position you are applying for? 2) 2 Teacher recommendation letters 3) GPA requirement for the position applying 4) Candidate speech to class 5) Student voting 6) Interview with Panel

Appendix B Section Leader Requirement Sheet Section I: 1) 12 major scales ___ 2) Attendance _____ 3) In class GPA ____

Section II: 1) Officer recommendation 2) Interview with Director

Appendix C Band Requirements

Performing Marching Band 1) 2.0 GPA in all classes during season 2) 100 % attendance to all rehearsals and performances 3) Must memorize following pieces: a. Star Spangled Banner b. Alma Mater c. Fight Song 4) Sign Handbook and pass Handbook test Performing Concert Band 1) 2.0 GPA in all classes during season 2) 100 % attendance to all rehearsals and performances 3) Must receive a 3.0 or higher on all band tests 4) Sign Handbook and pass Handbook test Jazz Band 1) 2) 3) 4) Must complete audition Have a GPA of 2.0 Must know all 12 major scales Must know Bb blues scale and F blues scale on their instrument

5) Must attend all rehearsals and performances 6) Sign Handbook and pass Handbook test