Goldthwaite High School

Welcome to the 2011 edition of the Golden Eagle Band! Membership in this organization will be an experience that will last a lifetime. While working to maintain a standard of excellence in performance, the band also seeks to provide its erformance, members with a positive environment for social activity and the opportunity for lasting friendships.
Band Website: http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand
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The Golden Eagle Band has four basic goals: To perform at the highest level possible with the resources available To support and serve as ambassadors for our high school through performance at athletic events, pep rallies and contests To enhance the game day experience for our fans with entertaining performances To provide a positive and enjoyable learning experience for our members

This brief handbook has been assembled for your benefit and information. It is a compilation of the policies, rules and guidelines that govern the band and protect its traditions and reputation. Please read this material and keep it for your reference. You are responsible for the information contained in this handbook!

How good will this band be if Everyone Practices and performs just Like me?
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WHAT YOU CAN REASONABLY EXPECT ON A DAILY BASIS

1. The band is an emotional group; expect some ups and downs. 2. The most impressionable year in marching band is the first one. You will learn to walk, stand, breathe and carry yourself in a whole new way. The best way to reinforce this totally new learning is repetition, repetition, repetition. 3. Everybody has feelings, including the director, drum majors, drillmasters, section leaders and captains. When the band is criticized, whether from without or within, everyone feels it. 4. There is always room for improvement. Constructive instructions should be welcomed, even if they make you a little uncomfortable. 5. Anyone can criticize. This takes no skill or background and bears no responsibility. Dont do it to anyone. 6. A more intense rehearsal routine with more drive, spirit and focused concentration means a better performance with fewer mistakes. Drama breeds failure. 7. Real success requires some sacrifice of time, effort and resources on the part of everyone involved. As in the movie Drumline ONE BAND, ONE SOUND. Know what is best for the whole band and do it consistently. 8. Negativism and gossip spreads. Those who dont know better may believe what they hear instead of what they see or know. 9. When problems exist, ask yourself whether you are a part of the problem or the solution. 10. When in doubt, dont do it. 11. Dont confuse being busy with accomplishing anything. 12. Every student will be held accountable for his or her equipment, practice habits and performance. Be prepared, not surprised when called upon to demonstrate your ability.

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GOLDEN EAGLE BAND ATTENDANCE AND GRADING POLICIES

General Band will fulfill the fine arts credit required for graduation by the Texas Education Agency. Marching band also fulfills of 2 credits of physical education required by the same agency. 4 semesters of marching band will meet the physical education requirement for graduation from high school in the state of Texas. The rehearsal schedule* for marching season is as follows: Monday Full band rehearsal at 7:45am Tuesday Full band rehearsal at 7:45am Wednesday Called sectionals at 7:30am Thursday Full Band rehearsal at 7:45am Friday Full band rehearsal at 7:45am Everyday Band class begins at 8am the time of the early rehearsal. Tardies for that rehearsal count as a regular tardy would for any other class.
Band members are expected to be not only present, but early to all rehearsals and performances. This includes away games, post-season games and contests. Tennis shoes or marching shoes are required for all rehearsals. The uniform for performances will be determined by the director the Wednesday before the performance. Remember, early is on time, on time is late, late is laps.

Attendance Procedure Rehearsals 1. For attendance purposes, students are expected to be in the attendance formation on the practice field with all equipment and wearing appropriate shoes at 7:45am for early practices. Attendance will be taken during stretching by the drum majors. Students not in position for the beginning of the stretches is tardy. 2. For all absences, tardies and early departures, students must fill out an Excuse Form found on the band website and turn it in to the director. This form should include a written explanation for the missed time. Excuses for absences must be accompanied with a slip from the office. Being late to rehearsal because of getting an absent slip from the office is still a tardy. A tardy of more than 25 minutes is considered an absence and will be documented as such. Four tardies, excused or unexcused, equals one 4|Page Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

absence. If a performance must be missed because of an illness, the band office must be notified at least 1 hour before departure for away games and 1 hour before kick-off for home games, even if the student was absent that day. 3. Excuse forms must be submitted on the day of the tardy or early departure or the day of return for absences. 4. Required rehearsal materials for instrumentalists: Instrument music, flip folder drill charts or coordinate charts tennis shoes or marching shoes and socks. NO FLIP FLOPS, BOOTS OR BARE FEET IN REHEARSAL.

5. Required materials for auxiliaries: all equipment for the drill drill charts or coordinate charts tennis shoes or marching shoes and socks. NO FLIP FLOPS, BOOTS OR BARE FEET IN REHEARSAL.

Performance 1. For home games, attendance will be taken by section leaders during warm-up in the band hall. 2. For away games, attendance will be taken on the bus by section leaders before departure, and the bus chart will be filled out by the accompanying sponsor for that bus. 3. If any student is absent from a performance, whether excused or unexcused, the student must submit an Excuse Form the following school day and a composer report WITHIN 3 DAYS OF THE MISSED PERFORMANCE(described in the Grading Policy section). NOTE: THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR AN ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR A RARELY AUTHORIZED PREEXCUSED ABSENCE GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR. Going to see a relative for the weekend is NOT an excused absence.

Pre-excused absence All requests for a pre-excused absence from a band function, rehearsal or performance should be submitted on an Excuse Form found on the band website at least ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE PROJECTED ABSENCE. Absences can only be excused by the director and are dealt with individually. Simply telling the director is not sufficient. The Excuse Form must be submitted. It is not likely that a preexcused absence will be granted for a performance of any kind.

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A pre-excused absence from a performance will result in make-up work. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in make-up work and an administrative write up.

GRADING POLICY All students in the Golden Eagle Band will be given an A provided they are in attendance, properly attired at all rehearsals and performances and they complete their assignments in a timely and satisfactory manner. If at any time during the semester a students grade drops below a B, that student will be benched (described below under Consequences).

Earning the grade 60% Preparation and Participation. Preparation and responsibility and are big parts of marching band. Forgetting materials or bringing the wrong materials or equipment that doesnt work to a rehearsal will cost 10 points off the weekly responsibility grade of 100 points. Doing the same at a performance will result in the student being benched (see below) and losing 40 points. Participation is a big part of being in the marching band, too. Each student is awarded 100 points for participation during each week. Any unexcused tardy or early departure counts off 10 points. Any unexcused absence counts off 20 points. Any missed performance counts off 50 points. THIS INCLUDES ABSENCES BECAUSE OF ACADEMIC INELIGIBILITY (see description below). Each of these absences from a performance must be made up through the Composer Make-Up Assignment available through the director or on the band website. 40% Testing and Performance Individual accountability is also a big part of being in the marching band. Weekly memory or playing tests will be required of each student. They are also worth 100 points and are all due on Thursdays by the end of the school day. The tests will be taken in a two phase process. First, the student will play the assignment from memory for a drum major or section leader in a small group. Once the student is approved to continue, the test will be taken individually for the director. This process must be finished acceptably by Thursday afternoon for full credit. Make up work for absences from a performance is a composer report. The form with instructions and list of recommended composers is available from the director only upon request or may be printed off of the band website and is due 3 school days after the absence. Failure to turn in the report will result in benching and/or a reduction in the students overall grade. This years band will include an alternate squad. These students will perform on Friday nights, but will act only in support roles at any competition. Students will be assigned alternate status through the testing procedures described above and can earn a performance place by improving the performance grades to an A.

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Additional considerations 1. Any band member missing more than two full band rehearsals during any given week, whether excused or unexcused, will be benched for that weeks performance at the directors discretion. The students performance grade will drop 40 points for that week. 2. Disciplinary issues can also result in benching, pending the directors discretion. The students performance grade will drop 40 points for that week.

GOLDEN EAGLE BAND EXPECTATIONS AND DISCIPLINE MODEL Performance The Golden Eagle Band strives for the highest level of performance possible with the resources available. As a member, you are expected to give your best effort at every rehearsal and performance to execute the music and marching assignments given to you. The director recognizes that the ensemble is composed of individuals with varying backgrounds and ability levels. The expectation is that students will improve as musicians through participation in the band and strive to enhance their contribution to the ensemble as the season progresses. Each students playing and marching abilities will be evaluated during summer band, at regular rehearsals and through memory and playing tests. Students are expected to meet a minimum standard for participation in the ensembles performances.

Conduct The Golden Eagle Band takes pride in its outstanding behavior. The band has a tradition and a reputation for friendliness and politeness, not only to the general public, but also to other bands and opposing fans. Please do everything possible to preserve this tradition. Remember, to be treated well, you must treat others well. Uniformed Golden Eagle Bandsmen represent Goldthwaite High School not only to our own fans, but opposing teams and fans. The actions of individuals reflect upon the group as a whole, especially when those actions are irresponsible. Therefore, responsible behavior and a positive attitude are expected of all members at all times. Members who display irresponsibility or patterns of behavior that damage morale or the bands concept of teamwork within the organization will have to face the consequences of their actions. Violation of one of the following three rules may result in permanent benching or an involuntary change of schedule at the semester break.

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1. Possession, use or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances before or during rehearsals, performances or trips will not be tolerated. 2. When representing the Golden Eagle Band in uniform or not in uniform (such as in a rehearsal), do not use profanity or obscene gestures. It shows a lack of class and is not consistent with the image of the Golden Eagle Band. Regardless of the emotion of the moment, behavior must be controlled. 3. Refrain from making loud comments that criticize our team or coaching staff, regardless of how you feel about the team, coaches or referees.

Outdoor Rehearsals 1. Refrain from playing your instrument when walking to and from the practice area. 2. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited. 3. Participate fully in every activity during the rehearsal. 4. Always put away all equipment in the proper storage facility after rehearsal.

At the Stadium 1. Refrain from playing your instrument before instructed to do so. Only play your instrument during the warm-up procedure and in the stands and on the field as instructed by the director or the drum majors. 2. Cell phones are not allowed in the stands. They must be left at home or on the bus. 3. Do not allow anyone to sit in the band section unless they are current members. 4. Restroom breaks will not be granted until after half-time except in the case of nausea. Take care of this before the band gets to the stands. 5. Food is not allowed in the stands before half-time. Water will be issued at the beginning of the game. 6. Everyone will play their instruments in the stands. This includes auxiliaries. All students must produce a quality sound. As your embouchure fatigues, you must work harder to produce that quality sound. Keep yourself and your instrument under control at all times. 7. Everyone will remain in the stadium at all times until dismissed, even at home games. Students forgetting equipment in the band hall at home games will lose 40 points off their responsibility grade for that week. 8. The band will have a break during 3rd quarter to eat and use the restroom. All members will be back in the stands ready to play when the game clock reaches 0:00 at the end of 3rd quarter. 8|Page Check the band website regularly at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

Travel 1. The band will wear a travel uniform to all games. For non-uniformed games, travel uniform includes blue jeans, tennis shoes and the band t-shirt. For uniformed performances, travel uniform includes uniform pants, band t-shirt, marching shoes and black socks. These uniforms will be worn on the bus to the games or contests. Plain clothes may be worn on the way home. 2. Treat bus drivers and sponsors with courtesy and respect. 3. Seats are not assigned. Seniority determines the order in which the busses are loaded, but if a senior member is not at the bus when they are loaded, that member loses that privilege and must take whatever seat is available when they do arrive. 4. Respect the feelings of others. There will be no bumping out of the younger members of the band by older members who arrive late. ONE BAND, ONE SOUND. How can this happen if members are fighting over seats on a bus? 5. Any time the busses stop, band members should remain on the bus until instructed to disembark. 6. When the band has the opportunity to eat as a group at or after a game, the loading crew gets to go first, followed by sponsors and drivers, then members. 7. Overnight trips are the Region Band Clinic and Concert, Area Marching Contest, State Marching Contest and the Disney trip. When these occasions arise, a separate handbook will be issued to deal with the special policies and procedures that such trips dictate.

Facilities The band hall is used by 6 different classes each day and the football field is used several times daily, so care must be given in maintaining the quality of these facilities. 1. No food, drink or gum is allowed in the band hall. 2. Clean up after yourself! Throw away any broken reeds, empty oil bottles, etc. Put away all music and equipment (including sticks) at the end of every rehearsal. 3. Instruments must be identified with your name on the outside of the case. This can be done with a sticker or a nametag. 4. When at the field, whether for a rehearsal or a game, all trash must go in the trash cans.

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Equipment It is a priority of the Golden Eagle Band to provide its members with the finest equipment and facilities possible with the available resources. Consistent with this priority, Goldthwaite High School provides a school owned instrument to each student playing a Sousaphone, Euphonium, Marching French Horn, Tenor Saxophone, Bari Saxophone or Percussion. Some of these instruments are only a few years old and some are brand new. The remaining instruments are in good working order and are very clean. Golden Eagle Band members are expected to treat the school owned instruments as though they were his/her own. 1. Store and transport instruments in their assigned cases. 2. Do not rest the instrument on the bell or leadpipe. 3. Remove mouthpieces and reeds before daily storage. A mouthpiece left on a tuba or euphonium is especially damaging to the leadpipe. 3. Keep instruments clean, oiled and greased. 4. Place instruments in the assigned locker when not in use. 5. If you get caught in the rain with your instrument, dry it off before putting it in the case. If an instrument is lost, stolen or damaged, the student is responsible for the cost of replacing the instrument, not for the lost, stolen or damaged instruments current value. Checking out an instrument from the school is a contract, and you are responsible for the serial number that is signed out to you at all times until it is returned. Instruments should not be exchanged with other students or for another one in the inventory without proper paperwork. If you think an instrument has been stolen, report it to the director immediately. Instrument costs are as follows: Piccolo - $500 Clarinet - $1000 Euphonium - $1500 Tenor drums - $2500 Flute - $1000 Bari Sax - $2000 Trombone - $800 Bass drum - $1700 Alto Sax - $1200 Trumpet - $1000 Sousaphone - $5000 Cymbals - $600 Tenor Sax - $1500 Marching French Horn - $1500 Snare drum - $1900

Uniforms Except for shoes and socks, the band department furnishes each student in marching band, at no charge, with a complete uniform. The bands uniforms are only 5 years old and need to last another 5 10 | P a g e C h e c k t h e b a n d w e b s i t e r e g u l a r l y a t http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

years, so students are expected to make every effort to maintain the excellent condition of the uniforms. Caring for uniforms : 1. Under no circumstances is your uniform to be altered excepting only the hems in the pants and sleeves. The pants should barely touch the shoe in the front with no break in the pressed front seam, and should not touch the floor in the back. The pants must be hemmed using a hidden stitch (no straight machine stitches!). 2. Hang the uniform with the pant creases together and the coat zipped up. Any slight wrinkles will fall out if this is done. Hanging the uniform incorrectly will result in more wrinkles and a deduction of 25 points in your responsibility grade for the week. 3. Do not store damp uniforms in the garment bag. They will mildew. 4. Rain ponchos must be air-dried. They will also mildew. 5. When you put away your hat, place it in the hatbox top side up. In the event that the uniform is lost or stolen, replacement costs for the uniform are as follows: Coat $350 Pants - $45 Hat - $50 Rain poncho - $10 Garment bag - $49

Appearance When you wear the uniform, you will not only be representing Goldthwaite High School, but you will be recognized as a member of the Golden Eagle Band. The high school staff, administration and fans expect your appearance to promote rather than defame the image of discipline and personal and organizational pride associated with the Golden Eagle Band. 1. In public, even when lining up to go to the field, DO NOT WEAR AN INCOMPLETE UNIFORM. You must wear all of the uniform (except the hat) or none of the uniform. 2. The jacket should be zipped at all times, the pants should be properly hemmed, the hats bill should be at eyebrow level, black shoes should be clean and black socks must be SOLID BLACK and at least calf length. 3. No jewelry in uniform. 4. No sunglasses while marching to the stadium or during performances. Sunglasses may be worn in the stands. 5. No public displays of affection while in uniform or at any band function. 6. Travel uniform is mandatory for admission on the bus and includes band pants, band t-shirt, black shoes and black socks. 11 | P a g e C h e c k t h e b a n d w e b s i t e r e g u l a r l y a t http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand

SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR ISSUES AND CONSEQUENCES Behavior infractions are any behavior or attitude that reduces the focus, spirit, drive, reputation or ratings of the Golden Eagle Band. These behaviors might occur inside or outside of class. Examples of such behaviors or attitudes include, but are not limited to: Physical confrontation Verbal confrontation Gossip Poor public relations (i.e. being ugly to small children when in uniform) Poor moral or ethical construct (i.e. engaging in acts or practices that are contrary to a good moral or ethical example for small children. Noteworthy are cheating, public foul language, immoral or illegal behaviors) Negativism regarding the band or its performance

Consequences are incremental and dependant on the severity and/or frequency of the problem behavior. Consequences include, but are not limited to: 1. Warning 2. Student-Teacher conference in a private setting 3. Student-Teacher conference with phone call to parent immediately after class and after school detention 4. Clean-up duty 5. Losing 3rd quarter privileges 6. Benching for one performance 7. Referral to principal Please note that a composer report is not a consequence for poor behavior, but is a result of an absence and that being assigned to the alternate squad is a result of sub-standard marching or playing skills. Discipline Model The band uses the check system. Depending on the environment of the offence (whether at a performance or during a rehearsal), consequences will be issued as shown in the table below. Number of Checks 1 2 3 4 During Rehearsal Warning Student-Teacher conference Phone call and Detention Referral to Principal At a Performance Warning Clean-up Duty or Losing 3rd Quarter Privileges Benching for one Performance Referral to Principal

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GAME SCHEDULE Band is a year-long activity and will have many more performance dates than just those on this brief calendar. The calendar below is for Marching Band only. Please check the official school calendar for additional performances. Students will be notified in writing of any required performance not included on this calendar or the official school calendar two weeks prior to the date. August 1-5 -Summer Band, 1-5pm 12-Meet the Eagles hamburger supper, 6:30pm 26-Thrall @ Home September 2-San Saba @ Home 10-Callisburg @ Alvarado (SATURDAY GAME) 16-Grape Creek @ Grape Creek 23-Mart @ Mart 30-Marion@Fredericksburg October 1-Fredericksburg Marching Festival 7-Reagan County @ Home 8-Early Marching Festival 21-Winters @ Winters 22-UIL Marching Contest 28-Mason @ Home 29-UIL Area Marching Contest

November 1-UIL State Marching Contest 4-Eldorado @ Eldorado

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SIGNATURE PAGE This page is due signed and completed the second day of school. A GRADE WILL BE TAKEN!

I have read and understand the expectations outlined in this handbook and have noted the schedule on my personal calendar. I also understand that I will have to get myself organized and practice on my own to satisfactorily complete all required assignments and performances and that Marching College is NOT a punishment, but rather a tutorial. I agree to abide by it all.

___________________________________________ Student Name (please print)

_______________________________________ Student Signature

____________________ Date

____________________________ Cell Phone

__________________________ Email

___________________________________________ Emergency Contact (please print)

________________________________ Emergency Phone

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This section is to be completed by parents or guardians. Please list any medical conditions and medications that will be needed on trips. These medications will need to be turned in to the director with written instructions before the trip begins. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Please check any over-the-counter medication you give permission for the director to dispense on trips. _____ Tylenol _____Pepto-Bismal _____ Advil _____Cough Drops _____Band-Aids _____Hydrocortisone Cream

_____Insect Repellent _____Feminine Hygiene Products

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I have read and understand the expectations outlined in this handbook and have noted the schedule on my personal calendar. I will aid my child(ren) in fulfilling his or her responsibilities and commitments to the Golden Eagle Band. I further understand that my child(ren)s attitude about band is more than likely a direct reflection of my own and that a positive attitude all around is foundational to the success both of the band and each individual in it, including my own child(ren).

_________________________________________ Parent Name (please print)

_______________________________________ Parent Signature

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Band Boosters The Band Boosters are a group of parents and community members who have a vested interest in the success of the band. The Band Boosters main focus is raising money for equipment, supplies, storage and trips for the band students in all band classes. The Band Boosters also sponsor trips and help out with other activities as needed. As such, it is a tax-exempt organization run and manned exclusively by volunteers. Officers include president, secretary, and treasurer. Meetings will be held as needed. The more parents that are involved in this most necessary of organizations, the better for the band. Sponsoring a trip Every time the band loads a bus, a parent volunteer is needed to meet us at the other end of the trip. This year, there will be approximately 60 students in the band, requiring 2 busses and at least 3 sponsors for every trip we take. Responsibilities include taking roll, monitoring loading and unloading, and escorting students from the stands to the restroom. Perks include free food and entry into the game. Please contact the band office to volunteer at 648-2718 or 451-0232 or sign up online on the bands website at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand Concession stand This is the single biggest fundraiser that the Band Boosters sponsor. It operates during football season and is open at every home game, including those on Thursday nights. Because of the money and speed involved in working the concession stand, students are NOT allowed behind the counter. Positions in the concession stand are cook, counter help, crock pot crew and cleaning crew. Support positions for the concession stand are buyer, scheduler and caller. Call Janice Smith at 938-2563 or 451-0955 to volunteer or sign up on the bands website at http://teacherweb.com/TX/GoldthwaiteISD/GoldenEagleBand Fundraisers Because the State of Texas does not seem to value education, funds are being cut for every program at every school across the state. This leaves any subject not evaluated on the TAKS test in a real bind. Fundraisers involving the students are a necessary part of maintaining a functioning and growing band program. Parents are asked to help with fundraisers by manning booths, making calls, handing out brochures, publicizing the band and its functions whenever possible, and especially making sure that students are meeting deadlines.

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