1

Joseph Alessi
High School
Marching Band
Handbook
2017-2018
Mr. Tyler Harr,
Director of
Bands

Table of Contents
Note to Students and
Parents
3
Philosophy
3
History
3
Calendar of Events
4
Band Camp Schedule
9
Rehearsal Procedures
11
Fundraising
11
Attendance Policy
11
Grading
12
Marching Band Uniforms
13
Concert Band Attire
13
Band Room Rules
13
Music
14
School Owned Instruments/Guard Equipment 14
Instrument Repair
14
Private Lessons
14
Trip Policies
14
Leadership Opportunities
15
Awards
15
Concert Etiquette Basics
15
School Songs
16
Contact Information
17
To be turned in:
Medical Form
18
Emergency Contact and Handbook Agreement 19

To the Students of Alessi High School and their

families,
Welcome to an exciting year of band! I hope you all thoroughly
enjoyed your summers. My name is Tyler Harr and I am a recent
graduate of Eastern Illinois University. I am new to the New York area
and look forward to joining the great team here at Alessi High. We are
planning on some exciting marching shows this year full of lots of great
music. I hope that we will have an exciting year of making wonderful
music.
Thank you in advance for the parents of the band program. I look
forward to getting to work with all of you. Parent involvement is so
important in the success of a band program, and thank you for your
support and provision.
A special welcome to all new members of the Marching 76 and
hope you will enjoy your first year of high school. I believe that the
Alessi Band program is one of the best ways to get involved at JAHS,
learn teamwork, and leadership, become an excellent musician, and
make memories that will last a lifetime. It is our hope for you that
2017-2018 is the best school year youve ever had! I look forward to
meeting you all at your first events:
July 6, 1:00pm-6:00pm
Color Guard and Drumline Auditions
July 12, 10:00pm-4:00pm
All Wind Players
Musically Yours,
Mr. Tyler Harr, Director
Joseph Alessi High School Bands

Philosophy
Music should be learned in the public school curriculum because
it can provide opportunities for students. Music can be applied
interdisciplinary throughout subjects, as well as provide meaningful

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leadership and social experiences. Music is also an art form of great
expression and provides students with unique aesthetic experiences.
JAHS and the Marching 76 stress an importance of personal student
growth and improvement. I look forward to growing and improving with
you!

History of JAHS and the Marching 76

The Marching 76 has been the pride of Joseph Alessi High School
and has performed around the United States. Most recently the Wind
Ensemble has played at Carnegie Hall and performed with numerous
guest artists. The Marching 76 have performed at all JAHS home games
as well as appearances throughout the community. All ensembles at
JAHS have students 9-12th grades and are open to all students at the
school.

Calendar of Events
July 6, 1:00pm-4:00pm Color Guard and Drumline Auditions
ALL PROSPECTIVE GUARD AND PERCUSSION STUDENTS
JAHS Band Room
July 7, 1:00-4:00 Guard and Drumline Mini-Camp
All Guard and Drumline members
JAHS Band Room
July 10,
1:00pm-6:00pm Leadership Workshop Day 1
Student Leadership Team
1:00pm-4:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
July 11,
1:00pm-6:00pm Leadership Workshop Day 2
Student Leadership Team
1:00pm-4:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
July 12,
1:00pm-4:00pm Rookie Camp
ALL NEW MEMBERS!
1:00pm-4:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
July 13,
1:00pm-4:00pm Rookie Camp
All New Members

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1:00pm-4:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
July 14,
1:00pm-6:00pm First Rehearsal
ALL MARCHING 76 MEMBERS
6:00-8:00 Band and Parents BBQ!
JAHS
July 15, 9:00am Car Wash Fundraiser
at Ace Hardware
July 17, 1:00pm-9:00pm Band Camp Day 1
See Band Camp Schedule
JAHS
July 18, 1:00pm-9:00pm Band Camp Day 2
See Band Camp Schedule
JAHS
July 19, 1:00pm-9:00pm Band Camp Day 3
See Band Camp Schedule
JAHS
July 20, 1:00pm-9:00pm Band Camp Day 4
See Band Camp Schedule
JAHS
July 21, 1:00pm-9:00pm Band Camp Day 5
See Band Camp Schedule
JAHS
July 22, 10:00pm-2:00pm Community Service Day
Help out the Community and build relationships
More details to come!
July 24, 6:00pm-9:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
July 25, 6:00pm-9:00pm Woodwinds and Brass Rehearsal
JAHS
July 27, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
July 31, 6:00pm-9:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal

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JAHS
August 1, 6:00pm-9:00pm Woodwinds and Brass Rehearsal
JAHS
August 3, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
August 7,
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
6:00pm-9:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
August 8, 6:00pm-9:00pm Woodwinds and Brass Rehearsal
JAHS
August 10, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
August 14, 6:00pm-9:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
August 15, 6:00pm-9:00pm Woodwinds and Brass Rehearsal
JAHS
August 17, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
August 18, First Home Football Game
4:30 Band Cookout
6:00 March to Stadium
6:30 Pregame
7:00 Kickof
August 21, 6:00pm-9:00pm Guard and Drumline Rehearsal
JAHS
August 22, 6:00pm-9:00pm Woodwinds and Brass Rehearsal
JAHS
August 24, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
August 25, Home Football Game
4:30 Band Cookout
6:00 March to Stadium

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6:30 Pregame
7:00 Kickof
September 4, Labor Day Parade: No School
Call 8:30am at the Forrest Park Pavilion
Band Potluck at JAHS after Parade
September 5, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 7, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 11, 7:00 Band Concert: Tribute to America
6:00 Call Time
Featuring the JAHS Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
September 12, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 14, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 16, 8:00am Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
More Details to come!
September 19, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 21, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 26, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 28, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
September 29, Homecoming Weekend
Pep Rally During School Day
3:00 Parade
4:30 Band Cookout
6:00 March to Stadium
6:30 Pregame
7:00 Kickof

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October 3, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
October 5, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
October 10, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
October 11, District 6 Music Parents Spaghetti Dinner
The Marching 76 as well as JAHS choirs, bands, and orchestra will
perform
Parent volunteers needed!!!
JAHS
October 12, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
October 13, Home Football Game
4:30 Band Cookout
6:00 March to Stadium
6:30 Pregame
7:00 Kickof
October 17, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
October 19, 6:00pm-9:00pm Full Band Rehearsal
JAHS
October 20, Home Football Game: Senior Night
4:30 Band Cookout
6:00 March to Stadium
6:30 Pregame
7:00 Kickof
October 30, 7:00 Hauntcert
6:00 Call Time
Featuring the JAHS Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
Possible Football Playof Dates to come!
November 4, 6:00pm Marching 76 Band Banquet
Location TBA
December 19, 7:00pm Winter Festival: A Night of Band Music

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Call Time 6:00
Featuring the Bands of Joseph Alessi High School

Band Camp Schedule

Brass:
1:00-1:15
1:15-1:45
1:45-2:15
2:15-2:45
2:45-3:00
3:00-4:00
4:00-5:00
5:00-6:00
6:00-6:30
6:30-7:00
7:00-8:00
8:00-9:00

Stretching, Calisthenics
Brass Warm-Ups with Mr. Harr
Marching Basics
Drill Learning with Mr. Harr
Snack Break
Music Sectionals-with Section Leaders
Dance/Movement
Dinner
Marching Basics
Full Music Rehearsal
Drill with Music
Parade

Woodwinds:
1:00-1:15
1:15-1:45
1:45-2:15
2:15-2:45
2:45-3:00
3:00-4:00
4:00-5:00
5:00-6:00
6:00-6:30
6:30-7:00
7:00-8:00
8:00-9:00

Stretching, Calisthenics
Woodwind Warm Ups with Drum Majors
Marching Basics
Music Sectionals with Section Leaders
Snack Break
Drill Learning with Mr. Harr
Dance/Movement
Dinner
Marching Basics
Full Music Rehearsal
Drill with Music
Parade

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Drumline:
1:00-1:15
1:15-1:45
1:45-2:15
2:15-2:45
2:45-3:00
3:00-4:00
4:00-5:00
5:00-6:00
6:00-6:30
6:30-7:00
7:00-8:00
8:00-9:00

Stretching, Calisthenics
Drill learning with Drum Staf
Music Sectional
Marching Basics
Snack Break
Music Sectional
Dance/Movement
Dinner
Marching Basics
Full Music Rehearsal
Drill with Music
Parade

Guard:
1:00-1:15
1:15-1:45
1:45-2:15
2:15-2:45
2:45-3:00
3:00-4:00
4:00-5:00
5:00-6:00
6:00-6:30
6:30-7:00
7:00-8:00
8:00-9:00

Stretching, Calisthenics
Guard Fundamentals
Drill Learning
Guard work
Snack Break
Guard work
Dance/Movement
Dinner
Guard Rehearsal
Guard Rehearsal
Drill with Music
Parade

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Rehearsal Procedures
1. All rehearsals are required. See Attendance Policy
2. Students will be well-prepared for all rehearsals
Have your instrument, music, charts, lyre, PENCIL, etc.
3. Many rehearsals will be working in sectionals where the student
leaders will help run these. Strict attention to section leaders is
expected. Same goes for Drum majors.
4. Whenever the director, drum majors, etc. are on the podium the
group will give their full attention.
5. Excessive talking will not be tolerated.
6. NO CELL PHONES. If caught will a cell phone during rehearsal it
will lead isolation from the group.
7. Use your student leaders to answer questions and to clarify if
needed
8. Rehearsal ends the director ends it, not before then.
9. Never leave instruments or uniforms unattended
10.
Your full cooperation with directors, drum majors, and
section leaders is expected.
11.
These rules also apply to the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic
Band, and Concert Band.

Fundraising
JAHS will have many fundraising opportunities each semester
help fund students private band funds, as well as help fund the overall
program. Here is a list of some of the planned fundraisers for the year.
July 15th Car Wash
September 16th Pancake Breakfast
October 11th, District 6 Music: Spaghetti Supper

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As well as Little Caesars, Butterbraid, and Yankee Candle to help fund

student accounts.

Attendance Policy
1. Students are required to attended all rehearsals and
performances they are apart of
2. Being tardy will not be tolerated and can lead to isolation from
the organization
3. Students are responsible for notifying the director of missing any
rehearsals or performances well BEFORE the event occurs.
4. Students may be excused for the following reasons
School Activities
Sickness (Doctors note needed)
Family Emergency
Any other circumstances let Mr. Harr know right away.

Grading

Grading will be based on these characteristics.

10%10%10%10%30%10%20%-

Attendance, Participation, Attentiveness in all rehearsals

Concert/Performance Attendance, and Performance etiquette
Concert/Performance Reflections
Semester Independent Project/Presentation
Playing Exams
Midterm Written Exams
Final Written Exam

Attendance, Participation, Attentiveness

Students must attend every rehearsal (See attendance policy)
and must be participating and trying. Weekly scores will be taken
will be taken and given to students. This also includes other
small assignments, projects, etc.
Concert/Performance Attendance
Students are expected to be at all performances, we need the
whole TEAM all the time. Students are expected to be respectful
and exhibit excellent concert etiquette AT ALL TIMES.
Reflections
After each concert or marching band show, the students will have
to fill out a worksheet with how they feel about their progress
and the growth of the ensemble as a whole.
Semester Independent Project
Students will have to work on a presentation over a band
composer, conductor, musician, or any topic of their choice. By
the first month of school students will conference with Mr. Harr
on their project idea. A draft will be due by midterm.

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Playing Exams
Students will have to record videos of certain etudes, excerpts,
solos, etc. and submit them to Mr. Harr. Grading on exams will be
based of of these categories:
Musicianship
Technical Facility
Intonation
Preparedness
Professionalism
Exams
In Accordance with JAHS policy, midterm and final exams will be
10% and 20% respectively. These will cover composers, theory,
music terms, and reflection as the semester continues.

Marching Band Uniforms

Because the uniforms must last several years, each student is
responsible for the care of his/her uniform. Each part is numbered and
issued to the student. Any uniform part that is not returned at the
conclusion of the marching season will be the financial responsibility of
the student to whom the uniform was issued. Do not trade uniform
parts, and do not make alterations to the uniforms, any problems with
uniform fitting should be brought to the attention of the director.
Uniforms will be hung up correctly AT ALL TIMES, and taken care of.
Students must provide their own:
Long wristed black gloves
Long black socks
Black DrillMasters, Marching Band shoes
Hair must be maintained and be orderly. More specifically:
Men: Hair not exceeding past the ears, not touching the collar,
clean shaven
Women: Must be easily put up in a tight bun under the hat. No
make up and no jewelry of any kind.
If any of these requirements are not met, that student will not be
allowed to perform

Concert Band Attire

This will be covered in the handbook specifically for your concert
ensemble but will require concert black:
Men: Black dress pants, black dress socks, black dress shoes,
black long sleeve dress shirt

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Women: All black, must have sleeves, must be modest, dresses
or skirts to touch knees or below. Black hose or tights must also
be worn.
If any of these requirements are not met, that student will not be
allowed to perform

Band Room Policies

1. The band room and practice rooms should be kept clean and
orderly AT ALL TIMES. It should exemplify the pride and
organization that reflects the program.
2. Backpacks, cases, etc. should be stored in proper places and not
left out
3. There will be NO FOOD OR DRINKS in the band room at any time.
Water bottles will be tolerated.
4. Hats that cover the ears will not be worn during rehearsal
5. Non-Band students should not be in the band room.
6. Be respectful of the students around you.
7. Bullying will NOT be tolerated and be should be reported
IMMEDIATELY.

Music
Music should be taken care of with the upmost respect. ONLY
PENCIL should be used on music, this means no ink pens! Music and
folders are checked out to students and should be returned in the
quality that it was received. Violations of these rules will result in a fine
for the sheet music and/or the folder.

School Owned Instruments/Guard Equipment

JAHS owns a limited number of musical instruments. All students
are advised to use their own instruments when possible. Large
instruments, such as mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, and
percussion, are available for all students who do not normally own
these instruments. Any student who checks out a school instrument is
a responsible for its care, safety and repair as if it was it were his/her
own instrument. The student is financially responsible for any loss or
damage to a school instrument beyond normal wear and tear. These
characteristics also apply to guard equipment, flags, rifles, etc. These
will also be checked out to the student.

Instrument Repair
A limited number of tools and equipment are available for minor
repairs. The director can perform minor repairs on instruments.

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However it is recommended that the students instrument receive the
professional treatment of a repair specialist. The director can asset you
in getting your instrument to a reputable music dealer for specialized
repair.

Private Lessons
Students are encouraged to take private lessons from an expert
on their instrument. This is not a requirement, but can help a student
progress quickly. See the website for a list of private instructors in the
area.

Trip Policies
1. All normal bus rules apply to bus trips. There will
consequences to any student who does not abide by these
rules.
2. Students will make sure to leave the bus better than they
found it. No belongings or trash will be left behind.
3. Be early for any trip the band might take. To be early is to
be on timeto be on time is to be late!
4. When the bus arrives at a particular location, stay seated
and wait for an adult sponsor or Mr. Harr to give you
instructions before getting of the bus.
5. Only band members and chaperones are allowed to ride
the bus.
6. Excellent behavior is expected. Any thing less will not be
tolerated.

Leadership Opportunities
Marching band provides students with the opportunity to become
section leaders, drum majors, guard captains and etc. These students
get a great experience with teaching their peers, working with the
director, as well as being role models for the band. Drum majors will
have auditions and interviews in the spring. Section leaders will have
an application process and be selected in the spring as well. Here are
some of the positions open to students:
Drum Majors (Field Conductors)
Wind Section Leaders
Guard Captains
Drum Sargent
Rookie Leaders
Band Council Members

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Awards
Many students will receive awards at the marching band banquet
on November 4th at 6:00. This will be a night of celebration of the
accomplishments made by the Marching 67 for the year.

Concert Etiquette Basics

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

No talking or making any other unnecessary noise

Text messaging during a performance is extremely inappropriate
Food and drink is not permitted
Do not applaud in-between movements
Turn off your phone
Do not leave during a performance

School Songs
Alma Mater:
Seventy-six trombones led the big parade
With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand.
They were followed by rows and rows of the finest virtuosos,
the cream of ev'ry famous band.
Seventy six trombones caught the morning sun,
With a hundred and ten cornets right behind.
There were more than a thousand reeds springing up like weeds,
there were horns of ev'ry shape and kind.
There were copper bottom tympani in horse platoons,
thundering, thundering, all along the way.
Double bell euphoniums and big bassoons,

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each bassoon having his big fat say.
There were fifty mounted cannon in the battery,
Thundering, thundering, louder than before.
Clarinets of eve'ry size and trumpeters who'd improvise
a full octave higher than the score.
Seventy six trombones led the big parade,
when the order to march rang out loud and clear.
Starting of with a big bang bong on a Chinese gong,
by a big bang bonger at the rear.
Seventy six trombones hit the counter point,
while a hundred and ten cornets played the air.
Then I modestly took my place as the one and only bass,
and I oompahed up and down the square.
Fight Song:
We are loyal JAHS,
Were loud and have a slide
Though we may not have slide grease,
We still will play in first!
So fight you trombones, for the glory of our dear name,
Fight on for JAHS, come on trombones lets win this game!
Ra Ra JAHS, Go Trombones, Lets Go!

Contact Information
Mr. Tyler Harr, Director of Bands
Email: tsharr@JAHS.org
Office Phone: 767-676-7676
Joseph Alessi High School
5555 S. Slide Street
Boneville, New York
76767-6767
School Phone: 222-222-2222
Local Music Dealer:
Zarlinos Music
11 Primo Prattica Lane

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Boneville, New York
Thanks again for embarking on the exciting adventure that is marching
band! I look forward to working with all of you and making some
fantastic music. Attached is a medical form that music be submitted by
July 14th, the first full Marching 76 rehearsal. There is also an
emergency contact form. Thanks!
-Mr. Tyler Harr

Joseph Alessi High School Band

Health Insurance Information
Students Name______________________________ Birth
Date:_____________________
Address:______________________________________________City/Zip:
_______________
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________ Relationship:
_________________
Home Phone: _______________________Alternate Number:
_____________________
Second Conatact, if above Parent/Guardian cannot be reached in an
emergency.

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Name: _______________________________________ Relationship:
___________________
Known Allergies:
_______________________________________________________________
List and Prescriptions Being Taken:
__________________________________________
Cause for Prescription:
_________________________________________________________
Family Physician: ___________________________Phone:
___________________________
Medical Release Form
I, ____________________ hereby give my permission and consent for my
child _________________ to be given the medical treatment, aid, or care
they need by a medical doctor or hospital as required on an emergency
basis, in the event that the said student become ill or be injured while
participating in any Band event or excursion. I am aware that this is in
the event of a non-life threatening injury if I cannot be reached.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________
Date: _______________
Health Insurance Information:
Insurance Company: _______________________________ Name of Insured:
_______________________________
Insurance Company Address: ______________________________Company Phone Number:
_____________
Insurance Policy Plan/Group Number: ___________________________

Travel Release Form

I, _____________________, request that my child, __________________, be
permitted to attend all excursions approved by the Music Department
during the current school year. I understand that only general
supervision can be given at the se activities and will not hold any
school employee responsible for any injury the student may obtain on
such activities.
Signature of Parent-Guardian: ___________________________________ Date:
__________________

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Emergency Contact Form

Students Name: ______________________ M/F: ______________Birth Date:
________________
Students Email: ____________________________Students Phone #:
______________________
List Any Additional Extracurricular Activities:
______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________
Name of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________ Relationship:
______________
Parents Email: _____________________________ Parents Phone #:
_______________________
Second Phone #:_________________________
Please List the Best Times to Call You:
____________________________________
Second Contact: __________________________________ Relationship:
_____________________
Email: _____________________________________________ Phone #:
__________________________
Third Contact: ____________________________________ Relationship:
_____________________
Email: _____________________________________________ Phone #:
__________________________

Handbook Agreement
I have received a copy of the Joseph Alessi High School Marching Band
Handbook. I have read and reviewed all of the band policies. I
understand the expectation that are to be upheld by the band students
and will encourage my child to abide by the rules set in place and fulfill
their obligations to the band.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: ________________________________ Date:
________________