2017 KCHS Soundforce Marching Band Handbook

Grading
Rehearsal Attendance and Participation- 40%
Performance Attendance- 20%
Playing Tests- 10%
Assignments- 10%
Written Tests- 20%

Rehearsal Attendance

ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY. Rehearsals are during band
camp, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, starting at 7am, and during 1 st hour (class time).
You must be PRESENT and ON TIME to ALL rehearsals and performances. Failure to do
so could mean removal from the show or the band and will also affect your grade.
Excused absences apply to emergencies, pre-planned family events and school conflicts
ONLY and must be documented IN WRITING and given to Ms. Stevens. Failure to do so
will impact students place in performances and trips.
Excuses are NOT VALID without a written excuse!
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES: If you are on an athletic team or
another school activity, Ms. Stevens will work with you and your coaches to decide what
to do when there are schedule conflicts. If you have conflicts, please talk to Ms. Stevens
are your coaches AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so we can find a solution! YOU are responsible
to sticking to the agreement we make with your coach/sponsor and YOU are responsible
for communicating with both Ms. Stevens and your coach/sponsor about missing
practices. DO NOT except Ms. Stevens or your coach sponsor to do this for you!

Consequences for missing rehearsals/performances can include but not limited to:
Removal from performances
Removal from trips
Grade reduction
Removal from band

We are a TEAM and we can not work together if we are not all there! EVERYONES
ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT! If you are not in rehearsal, you are not prepared and will not
perform with the band.
Rehearsal Participation
To get full participation points, you must be on time, prepared with all materials and ready to
make some music! We cant reach our goals as a band if we do not all participate fully.
Check list for EVERY REHEARSAL: instrument, accessories (reeds, valve oil, mouthpieces, etc.),
lyre, flip folder, ALL music, ALL drill, a pencil, proper marching shoes and clothing and water
The most important part of participation is a GOOD ATTITUDE! If you come to rehearsal ready
to work, following instructions from your director, drum majors and section leaders, respecting
your peers and the equipment, you will set us up for success!

Performance Attendance
This is very important and counts for a large part of your grade. Same attendance policy applies
for performances as rehearsals but the consequences are more severe. If you have ANY
conflicts with performances, you tell Ms. Stevens 2 weeks in advance so we can figure out a
solution. Ms. Stevens will have the final say on whether your absence is approved. In addition
to attendance, you must have all materials and be properly dressed to receive full points. Dress
guidelines depend on the event and you will be notified well in advance of what you are
expected to wear.

Playing Tests
Playing tests will be given periodically throughout the year. You will have a chance to practice
the test beforehand and will be fully aware of what is expected of you. Ms. Stevens will also be
available to help you during and outside of class to make sure you get a good grade. These tests
help Ms. Stevens help you to be the best musician that you can be. They should not be a source
of stress! You will be given all the tools you need to succeed. Ask for help if you need it!

Assignments
Assignments will be small and intended to further your knowledge and musical experiences.
The grading criteria for each assignment will be explained fully and vary depending on the
assignment.

Written Tests
Written tests will occur towards the end of terms and will cover any musical concepts we learn
while in band. We will learn these concepts throughout the year and will review them all before
we take any tests. Again, these tests should not be a source of stress and Ms. Stevens will help
you get the best grade you can. There will be no surprises, you will know everything that will be
tested! These tests will also help prepare you for End of Course exams, which will be a part of
your final grade for the class.
 Date Event Location
7/28 Connie Mack Parade Farmington
8/8 Performance for CCSD Staff Shiprock High School
9/15 Football Game vs. Los Alamos KCHS
9/29 Football Game vs. Shiprock KCHS
10/6 Football Game vs. Aztec KCHS
10/13 Football Game vs. Farmington KCHS
10/21 Pageant of Bands Albuquerque
10/25 District Marching Band Festival Farmington HS
11/3 Football Game vs. Gallup KCHS
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY!
Call time for all football games is 6pm
More specific information and itineraries for Pageant of Bands and the District Marching Band
Festival will be provided as it becomes available.

Have any questions about band?

1. Check the handbook.

2. Check the website: www.kirtlandbands.weebly.com
3. Check the Facebook site Kirtland Central Bands
4. Ask your section leader or drum major.
5. Ask Ms. Stevens
a. Before or after class
b. Sending an email: stevd@centralschools.org
c. Using the Remind App
d. Call: (505) 598-5881 x11020

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle