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Blackhawk HS Band |
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Blackhawk School District Home Page
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Blackhawk HS Band Handbook for 2001/2002 (Page updated on September 23, 2001) The index below will take you to the indicated topic by clicking on the topic or you can read the entire Handbook by scrolling down the page.
WELCOME TO THE BLACKHAWK HIGH SCHOOL BAND! The Blackhawk High School Band is one of the most active musical groups in our school. Band members make a strong commitment of time and effort to make the group a model of excellence. After hours of hard work in rehearsal and home practice, band members have that special feeling which comes from a good field show or concert. Coupled with the social experience of the band "family," this will be a series of high school experiences you take with you and will always remember. Like anything worth having, you must plan to work hard to achieve both personal and musical success. We are serious about being a good musical organization. We want to uphold a tradition of musical excellence in our performances. In a book of quotations, Inspirations For Success, compiled by Suzanne Starck, Russell H. Conwell states our expectations:
This handbook is designed for two purposes:
This handbook does not intend to be totally inclusive; rather, you will learn about many other aspects of the Band by experiencing them on a daily basis.
The BHS Band must have full attendance at every rehearsal and performance. It is very difficult to practice and perform with empty spots or parts from missing students. Students receive a grade for all performances and practices. Each student earns a grade for each activity in which they participate. We realize there are times when the student cannot attend a practice or performance. The following guidelines will help you decide whether the absence will be excused or unexcused:
PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the BHS Handbook and the PA School Code, to be excused for Personal Reasons is an Unexcused Absence. All excuses for missing band rehearsal or performance should be submitted, when applicable, seven (7) days before the event. Each case is reviewed on an individual basis. The awards program (both District and Band Boosters) for band students is based on student participation in the activities, i.e., attendance. Missing rehearsals may be grounds for suspension from a performance, show, etc. in addition to forfeiture of the grade points or awards earned for the activity. Students with jobs should be sure to keep their band schedule in mind when making their work schedule. Employers are usually helpful scheduling work hours if given advance notice. Remember, your band schedule comes out two-three weeks in advance. After-school practices during marching band end at 4:15 PM. Remember, missing rehearsals or performances for work is always an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. It is required in the BHS Student Handbook that students attend school the day of an activity. Students must be in school for at least half of the school day. Any exceptions to this policy must be cleared in advance with the principal and the band director.
All rules contained in the Blackhawk High School Student Handbook must be observed at all times. The BHS Student Handbook takes precedent over any rule contained in this handbook. Students involved in a school-related activity, whether during or after school at a performance, practice, or trip, are subject to all rules of both handbooks. Any behavior in violation of these rules will be handled under guidelines established by the Blackhawk Board of Education in the BHS Student Handbook. Failure to observe these rules can also result in suspension or expulsion from the Band should the situation warrant such extreme action. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE You must come to rehearsal prepared to work on the goals for that session.
The following guidelines will make every rehearsal a productive and advantageous experience for all members:
BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE THE BANDROOM It is everyone's responsibility to keep the rehearsal and storage areas clean. It is not a place for the storage of books, gym supplies, etc. Each band member is given a storage slot for their instrument. Use the slot for storing your instrument and music only. Music folders may be stored in the folder cabinet in the band room. Do not leave folders or music on your stand. Do not leave your instrument on the floor or in the hallway. Practice rooms are available for your use during the school day. They provide an additional opportunity to learn your music while at school. A pass from study hall can be obtained each morning before school starts from the band director. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE The BHS Band relies heavily on student personnel to perform various roles and duties. Student leaders carry out the direct requests of the band director. The need for complete cooperation is essential for student leaders to fulfill their duties. Student leadership is very important and necessary as the Band continues to grow. The drum major(s), captains, section leaders, and squad leaders are a vital part of the marching band. Expanded responsibilities are given to students capable of handling their assignments. A student-elected Band Council is active in giving ideas to the band director to facilitate the decision-making process of the Band. Any time students are placed in leadership positions, personalities may clash. If anyone (students or parents/guardians) have a problem with a student leader, the band director must be made aware of these concerns. Information can be relayed through the drum majors, captains, section or squad leaders, etc. to the band director. Direct contact with the band director is always welcome and appreciated. The drum major has the most difficult job in the band, balancing a commitment to the group as well as his/her friends. The drum major is instructed by the staff/director to act upon the principle of mutual respect: He/She respects the contribution of each individual while the band member must respect the role of the drum major as the band director's agent. The drum major is selected by audition each year.The position of drum major is open to any member of the Blackhawk Band who plays a traditional band instrument. The student must have been enrolled in marching band for at least one year and enrolled in marching band the year of the audition. The drum major must be present at all marching band activities (practice and performance). The drum major must observe all rules found in this handbook. It is assumed the drum major will make a 100% commitment to all band obligations. Other activities of the drum major must be placed in a secondary role during the marching season. This will enable the drum major to serve as a role model for attitude and discipline for all students. It is required the drum major attend a summer camp dealing with drum major preparation. The camp choice will be decided by the band director. Monetary considerations will be addressed as needed. As required by the BHS Student Handbook, the drum major must be in school the day of an activity. Should the drum major attend an event as a nonmember without excuse, disciplinary action will follow. This may result in suspension or dismissal as drum major. The BHS Band has elected officers to help the band director carry out various functions of the band. Together, the following officers form the Band Council: President (Seniors Only!) Senior Representative Vice President Junior Representative Secretary Sophomore Representative Treasurer Freshman Representative Auxiliary Representative The Band Council will supply input to the director(s) in determining eligibility of student excuses, forfeiture of awards, and in the general day-to-day happenings of the Blackhawk High School Band. Members of the council may also be asked to assist in various duties to further enhance the productivity of the band. Section Leader - A Senior and/or first chair player responsible for their section First Chair - First chair player in each section (based on audition) Squad Leader - Assist in rehearsals, marching; ends in parade block Office Staff - Perform band office duties during band year Banquet Skit Committee - Prepare students for the traditional Banquet skit/parody of the Seniors Special Committe(s) - Any other leadership duties which may occur during the school year. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGEStudents will be required to audition for placement in various musical ensembles that make up the Blackhawk High School Instrumental Music Department. Students are required to audition for chairs in the Concert (Symphonic & Prep) Bands. Presently, these groups consist of the Marching, Symphonic, Concert, Prep, Jazz, and Pep Bands, Pit Orchestra, and miscellaneous Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles. Senior High Band is an all-year class receiving one credit toward graduation. Senior High Band has two performance segments determined by type of performance and time of year - Marching Band and Symphonic Band. Students are required to participate in both marching and Symphonic Bands; there are not two separate classes. This is a school regulation and any exception must be brought before the high school principal and band director. Each case will be judged on its own merits. A brief description of each band organization follows:
Evaluation for Performance Groups Students must audition for their "chair" or rating in the major groups forming the Blackhawk High School Band. A chair audition is a playing test graded by the band director and consists of a previously practiced music selection, scales, and sight reading. The chair audition is used as a grade for each student in the six-weeks grading period the test occurs, usually in November or January.Periodic scale examinations are given as well as regular testing on music currently being rehearsed. The evaluations are used to determine the musical improvement each student achieves on their instrument. A high importance is placed on the chair audition and individual testing. A written semester final (both first and second) is given during the time determined by the high school principal. Material will be taken from the music/material prepared during the respective semester. Challenge Because the chair audition is a one-time evaluation, a procedure exists for a student to change their seating/ranking within the section. The format is called a The procedure is:Honors Bands and Festivals There are several supplementary musical events students in the Blackhawk Band may elect to participate. These events are sponsored by the Beaver County Schools, various colleges and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). These events are listed below:
Solo and Ensemble Participation
Band awards are based on participation in the Blackhawk High School Band and its related performance groups. To be eligible for any band award, the student must fulfill ALL requirements of the Blackhawk Band Handbook as well as the BHS Student Handbook. Any student violating these rules will forfeit their right to an award the year of the violation. Students who miss rehearsals and/or performances will not be eligible for the district-sponsored awards. Students who drop from the program are not eligible for either district or Band Booster awards. The Blackhawk School District currently provides the following awards: 1st year student - Letter "B" Graduation year numberals 3rd year plaque 4th year plaque The Blackhawk Band Boosters currently provide an award jacket and blanket to eligible band students. These awards are based on the number of performance events each student attends. Instrumental band students are eligible for an award jacket after attending 55 scheduled events. Auxiliary members, not participating as instrumental players, are eligible for a jacket after attending 40 scheduled events. Instrumental band students are eligible for an award blanket after attending 80 scheduled events. Auxiliary members, not participating as instrumental players, are eligible for a blanket after 65 scheduled events. A scheduled event will be considered any performance opportunity the Blackhawk HS Band or its related performance groups participate. These events DO NOT include practice. Attendance will be kept by the band director and posted regularly. It is each student's obligation to check the posted attendance list and correct any mistakes with the band director as they occur.
The Band has new uniforms purchased in 1999 by the Blackhawk School District at a cost of over $50,000. We must insure the uniforms remain in good condition for a ten-year period. Complying with the following information insures the continued good condition of the uniforms. Uniforms will be given to students in early August. Every attempt will be made to find an uniform which best matches the student’s size. Alteration of uuniforms may be necessary. A student may alter their uniform (coat sleeves and pant cuffs) as needed. Material is NOT cut off the uniform; adjustment is made by "tacking" the material. It is each parent's responsibility to have alterations made. Band uniforms cannot be washed. All dry cleaning will be done by a qualified dry cleaner. At present, the school district pays for a regular dry-cleaning schedule. The uniforms are to be left at school at all times. Arrangements can be made to take the uniform home for any special occasions, i.e., pictures, etc. Raincoats and plumes are issued at each game as needed. Each instrumental student is responsible for the uniforms parts issued. These include: 1. Coat 5. Raincoat 2. Pants 6. Plume(s) 3. Hat 7. Cape 4. Helmet 8. Garment Bag Each auxiliary member is responsible for the uniform parts issued. These include: 1. Jacket 2. Pants 3. Raincoat 4. Garment Bag Any item lost or damaged while in the student's possession will be charged to the student at replacement cost. This includes the raincoat and plume when issued. Each student will need the following personal uniform items: 1. Black marching shoes - NO TENNIS SHOES! 2. Black socks - no colored stripes or logos 3. Gloves, when needed 4. Tights - auxiliary members 5. Black AND/OR Tan dancing shoes - auxiliary members 6. White stockings - auxiliary members 7. White body suit - auxiliary members We will provide parents and students the opportunity to purchase shoes from a reputable band company in early August. Gloves and suspenders are available in the band office. There is no obligation to purchase these items through the school.
The Blackhawk High School Band Auxiliary squads will consist of the Cougar Kittens, Flag Corps, and Winter Color Guard. These positions are open to any student enrolled (or will be enrolled) in Blackhawk High School in grades 9-12. Students earn a position on each squad through a competitive tryout. Tryouts for each group will be held in the Spring for the next school year. Practice/clinic sessions will be held for each group to aid the student in their audition. Required material for the audition (routines and fundamentals pertinent for each group) will be taught at these sessions. A classroom teacher evaluation of each student will be part of the audition. Students chosen for the squad are required to take a study hall during Eighth Period during the Fall. This will insure their participation with the Band class. Students who have previously be selected to a squard are required to re-audition each year. Members of each squad are subject to all rules contained in this handbook. Failure to abide by the rules of the handbook may result in suspension or dismissal from the squad and the forfeiture of any privileges or awards. Because the auxiliary members do not receive a grade for their participation, special attention is given to failure to abide by the rules. Since there is a high degree of importance placed on attendance, missing practice can result in a suspension of performance privileges for the week(s) involved. Failure to pass periodic evaluation of the presented material can result in removal from performance until remedial help is given and satisfactory testing is achieved. The Band Council with guidance from the directors and auxiliary representative may also determine the forfeiture of awards and/or performance credit is warranted. The squads are also subject to rules governing academic eligibility based on the BHS Student Handbook. Students receiving failing grades in their classroom work for a particular week receive warnings the first week they fail a course. The second consecutive time the student fails that class, a failure notice is issued. Failure notices from two or more classes in a given week will result in the student's suspension from participating and practicing with the squad for the next week.
The Blackhawk High School Band, in conjunction with the Blackhawk Band Boosters, have an average of five major fund raising events each year. These activities are needed to raise funds necessary to operate an active music program. The Band Boosters realize the strain door-to-door selling activities place on students, parents, and the community. The organization is committed to keep these activities to a minimum. The Craft Shows and marching band festival are examples of this direction. Each student has an "account" established with the Band Boosters at the beginning of their band career. This "account" is used to help the student pay for any band-related expenses, such as band camp, trips, band-sponsored activities, etc. This helps students and parents eliminate major expenditures of money. The "account" is funded by the profit on fund raising activities the student participates. Unused money in each account carries over for student use the next year. Money left in a student "account" upon graduation may be placed into a brother or sister's account. Written notification from parents or guardians is needed. Money left in an account with no directions as to its use will be deposited in the Band Booster's general account. Cash is not paid out of "accounts" to students. One notable exception is the "Bank" set up during major trips. This "Bank" avoids students carrying large sums of money. The "Bank" will give cash to students who have deposited money for this purpose. Generally, each student receives 80% of the profit they earn on each fund raising activity. The Band Boosters reserve the right to change the profit margin on special projects announced in advance. An example:
Students (and parents) may elect to bypass fund raising activities. Money may be deposited in student "accounts" instead of fund raising. Money may be deposited as needed. In the event of unusual home financial situations, the parents or student should contact the band director. Conferences will be held in strict confidence. The purpose of the band is to provide all band students an opportunity to participate in musical activities without the added worry of financial difficulty. If a student is willing to help in the various fund raising activities, the Band Booster organization has shown a willingness to help the student. Money raised by fund raising activities is used for band trips, band camp, student awards, halftime equipment and supplies, uniforms, student social events, and the Band Banquet, as well as general equipment and supplies.
It would be very hard for the Blackhawk Band to function without the efforts of the Blackhawk Band Boosters. The Band Boosters are a dedicated group of parents and friends who help many aspects of the band program. The Band Boosters exist as a service organization. They provide help by sponsoring fund raising activities, chaperoning band events, organizing a telephone committee, providing band awards, sponsoring the Band Banquet, maintaining and distributing uniforms, constructing marching band props and equipment, maintaining and providing a driver to transport the band trailer, maintaining equipment during football games and competitions, and many, many other support services. This is a great aid to the band and its directors. The Band Boosters operate with their own set of bylaws and exist independently of the Blackhawk High School Band. Officers are elected each Spring and guide the booster organization in providing its assistance to the band program. Membership in the Band Boosters is open to any family of a band member as well as friends and supporters of the Blackhawk Band program. A membership fee is assessed. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the high school band room. The following events are traditional BHS Band performances and events. This list is ONLY an overview of our performance year; events may be changed. Each student will receive a monthly performance and practice schedule during the year.
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