Maui High School Band

Introduction

As a member of the Maui High School Band, you are involved in one of the most highly visible and active organizations in our school. As with any other organization, the success of the band depends on the dedication and cooperation of all its members. He or she must give the band a great deal of interest and effort by observing all the rules, which are a necessary part of any good effort. Be neat in appearance, punctual at all rehearsals and performances, and sincere in your desire to contribute your best effort at all times. The rules outlined on the following pages are simple, sound, and easy to abide by.

I. Rehearsals

The success of the band depends on how it rehearses, and on the conduct and cooperation of the students. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes, and your director will do his best to help you correct them as quickly as possible. In order to do this, the student must cooperate by being patient, attentive, and careful in observing the following:

1. Proceed to the band room as quickly as possible.
2. Warm-up should consist of playing long tones and scales.
3. Immediately stop warming-up or talking when the director or band officer stands on the podium. Pay attention to all announcements. Have a pencil on your music stand at all times.
4. Be sure your music stand is adjusted to the proper height. NEVER LEAN ON OR MISUSE THE STAND.
5. Maintain correct posture. Your back should be straight, and your feet flat on the floor.
6. Watch and listen to the conductor while playing. Your instrument must be in playing position at least TWO TO FOUR MEASURES ahead of time.
7. Be tone and intonation conscious by making every note a well-executed tuning note.
8. Observe key changes, dynamics, and all expression markings.
9. Play with your best tone possible within the style of the music and blend with your section and the other sections of the ensemble.
10. Folders are not to be left out. They are to be taken with you, or placed in your locker after every rehearsal. Any folder left out will be confiscated and you will be fined $1.00 in order to get it back. You are responsible for all the music in your folder. The student must replace any piece of music which is lost!
11. The band room must be kept clean and orderly at all times. All music, instruments, stands, and chairs must be kept in their designated places.
12. Do not leave rehearsal until dismissed or if you have permission from the director.
13. Players who are ill and have music at home have an obligation to the other members sharing that folder to see that it is returned to school for rehearsal on that day.
14. Gum chewing, eating or drinking of any kind is not allowed in the band room. The band director may permit eating and drinking on special occasions.
15. It is the student's responsibility to be on time for rehearsals.
16. All students will be expected to attend all rehearsals. When a conflict occurs, the student must present a written request from his or her parent the day after the absence occurs. Students participating in athletics MUST attend the band rehearsal first and stay for the entire rehearsal. Rehearsals are extremely important for the development of the band, and arrangements must be made with your athletic coach or advisor to make these rehearsals. Exceptions shall be made when a game is scheduled on the same day as a rehearsal. No one will be allowed to miss the last rehearsal before a scheduled concert.
17. When a student represents their school, community, and him or herself, that person is not only judged by his/her conduct in that performance, but also by appearance. To enhance this appearance, the student is expected to be well groomed and neatly dressed. Both grooming and dress reflect on your self-pride, pride in the school you represent, and pride in your performance.
18. At no time will a student be allowed to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while directly connected with the band in rehearsals or any of its functions. Disregard of this rule will result in disciplinary action by the director and AUTOMATIC DISMISSAL! The same rule applies for drugs!
19. All members should do individual practicing accordingly.
20. Sectionals and rehearsals will try to be posted one (1) month in advance. It is the student's responsibility to check the calendar and adhere to it.
21. For security reasons, students are asked not to bring their non-band friends in the band room without securing permission from the band director first.
22. Each student is responsible for keeping his or her instrument in perfect playing condition at all times. This includes having extra reeds, valve oil, etc.
23. During marching rehearsals, a high degree of discipline must be maintained. It is suggested that you wear comfortable clothing, sneakers, and have a cooler of water. The spirit of the marching band is determined in and through each member. It can be a very rewarding experience if this spirit and cooperation is developed and maintained. This depends on YOU!

OTHER RULES

1. Do not vandalize. Respect all instruments and facilities as if they were your own.
2. No horseplay in the band room.
3. Remove shoes when entering the band room. Line up shoes neatly by the doorway, leaving a clear path of exit.
4. Do not enter unauthorized rooms unless given permission.
5. No loitering in the band office. You are allowed inside only on official business.
6. Phone may be used only with permission. Phone calls are limited to one minute. No paging is allowed from the band room phone, unless given permission.
7. "Please" and "thank you" are required if expecting favors from anyone. Good manners and politeness are essential in working together!

II. Auditions and Challenges

During the course of the year, members of the band will be auditioned for their respective seats. Once set, he or she will have the opportunity to challenge for a higher seat. This will be based on playing ability with no regard shown for grade level.

1. Times will be set aside for challenges. The band director will determine the method and time of the challenge.
2. All members are encouraged to take private lessons. This is a tremendously important phase of the music program and should not be overlooked.

III. Grading Policy

Grading procedures are relatively simple and easy if all members of the band follow some simple rules and use common sense. Quarter grades are based on three areas: Playing tests, attitude & behavior, and attendance & participation. (Please see the sample grading sheet on pg. 10)

1. Each student will take an average of 2 to 3 playing exams each quarter. The areas tested are normally the more difficult sections of the music. In most cases, these areas will be tested more than once in the same quarter. With the amount of repetition the students will do on any given piece, the student will naturally improve each time he/she takes their exam, provided that they also put in individual practice time. I try to look for improvement each time they take an exam. For example, a student takes three playing exams and receives the following grades: C, B, A If I were to average the grades together, this student would receive a "B" (3.0). Instead, I will allow the student the opportunity to retake any test in which they scored low and try to receive an "A." All exams must be done within two (2) weeks of the initial exam. I always try to encourage students to put in a little extra time besides class time to improve themselves. I will always give the students the benefit of the doubt in order for them to receive the higher grade. But, if a student starts to abuse this privilege, they will find that it will be harder for them to receive a "GOOD" grade.
2. All athletes are required to attend their scheduled rehearsals after school BEFORE going to their practices. Rehearsals are scheduled about once a week for two hours with the exception of two (2) weeks prior to a performance, in which we will have two (2) rehearsals per week. Allowances will be made if a game is scheduled on the same day of a rehearsal. Should a student miss a rehearsal, they are required to make up that rehearsal by making an appointment with the director to come in after school or on a weekend. Students are allowed one (1) absence without receiving any type of penalty. After that, each absence results in a lower grade (attendance) with the possibility of not being able to perform at the concerts.
3. All students are required to stay for the entire rehearsal. Rehearsals will try to be scheduled at least one (1) month in advance. Work, doctor appointments, etc. are not considered valid excuses for missing a rehearsal. If you miss a rehearsal due to illness, a note must be given to the director the day you return to class.
4. Absolutely no one will be excused from a performance unless a family emergency arises, or if you are ill. Athletes with scheduled events are required to attend the concert. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN.

IV. Organizations

The following is a list of the various instrumental organizations in the band program:

1. CONCERT BAND
   Consists of freshmen, performances include Spring and Aloha concerts, Maui District High School Music Festival, and concerts within the community.
2. SYMPHONIC BAND
   The top performing group consisting of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and a few freshmen. Performances include winter concerts, Spring and Aloha concerts, Maui District High School Music Festival, and concerts within the community.
3. WIND ENSEMBLE
   Comprised of the top students from both the Concert and Symphonic Bands. Admittance to the ensemble is done by audition or selection by the band director. Performances include Spring and Aloha concerts, Maui District High School Music Festival, and concerts within the community.
4. JAZZ ENSEMBLE
   A select group of students who play jazz as well as popular music. Members are required to obtain the director's approval.
5. MARCHING / PEP BAND
   The marching band offers the student another outlet to further their musical interests and growth. It fosters a sense of unity not only among the students, but within the school and community as well. It also recognizes the talents and efforts of young musicians and from my perspective is an effective public-relations tool for both promoting the school and visibly encourages the growth of the school music program. Performances include football games, Homecoming show, County Fair Parade, basketball games, and performances within the community.
   The first rehearsal of the season begins on the last week in July with a Rookie Camp. The following weekend, the first weekend in August, is our full band camp. Rehearsals continue throughout the first semester of school.

V. Uniform

1. CONCERT & SYMPHONIC BAND members must purchase:
   GIRLS:
   Floor length black dress
   - No spaghetti straps
   - No slits
   - No low cut or see-through portions
   Black shoes (covered toe)
   Band aloha print dress/white sandals (open toe OK)
   BOYS:
   White long sleeve collared shirt
   Black dress slacks
   Black belt
   Black tie (no print)
   Black socks and black dress shoes
   Band aloha print shirt
   
2. MARCHING / PEP BAND members must purchase:
   Blue band polo shirt
   Blue jeans
   White marching shoes
   All students will be fitted for a marching uniform.
   A. The only proper performance shoe to be worn with the marching uniform is the white marching shoe purchased through the band director. NO TENNIS SHOES OR SNEAKERS!
   B. While in uniform, no jewelry can be worn.
   C. Members may be responsible for having their marching uniform dry cleaned.

VI. Performances

The climax of all the work that has gone into tryouts, challenges, and rehearsals is evident when the band makes a public appearance. This includes the same amount of care and attention for all public appearances no matter how large or small in nature. All events call for the rigid observance of the following rules:

1. All band members are REQUIRED to attend all performances.
2. Sudden illness is the ONLY valid excuse for absence unless other arrangements have been made in ADVANCE with the director. For students participating in athletics, if a game and band performance are scheduled on the same day, you are REQUIRED to attend the band performance. Remember that this is a credit course.
3. For pre-arranged absences, a written request from the parent must be presented to the director at least five (5) days prior to the absence.
4. In the case of an excused absence, a written note from the parent must be presented to the director at the next rehearsal.
5. The director will announce all information concerning performances. Students are to check the calendar in the band room for any information. Performances and rehearsals are usually announced one to two months in advance. Excuses such as "I DIDN'T KNOW" will not be tolerated!
6. The band members must report at least one hour before a scheduled performance in order to take care of any last minute details, and to warm up properly.
7. Make sure that at all public appearances, your uniform and personal appearance is in good taste. Come to every performance dressed in your concert attire. NO HATS ALLOWED!
8. Insubordination at ANY performance and/or rehearsal will result in possible removal from the band program.
9. Failure to attend any scheduled performance without a valid excuse will result in the lowering of your grade (attendance & participation).
10. Students with outrageous styled and oddly colored hair will not be allowed at performances. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!

VII. Football Game Procedures

All members of the marching / pep band are required to attend all football games. Each year we also do marching shows, parades, and other field performances.

1. Call times will be announced for each performance. Uniform for the game will be blue jeans, blue polo shirt, and white shoes. When marching halftime, uniform shall be the marching coat, pants, helmet, and shoes.
2. Sit in your assigned section in the stadium. No one is allowed out of their seat without permission from the band director. FRIENDS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SIT WITH THE BAND.
3. Cheers, etc. are to be done by ALL members. Show your spirit by cheering together as a band.
4. Bring rainwear to every game. Woodwinds especially should keep their cases nearby so that they can put their instruments away at the first sign of rain.
5. No unnecessary playing of instruments in the stand allowed. Organized cheers utilizing instruments are desirable, but must be in good taste. Cheers done in bad taste or utilizing improper language WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
6. Make sure you have made proper arrangements for transportation home. DO NOT BRING OUTSIDERS INTO THE BAND ROOM WITHOUT SECURING PERMISSION FROM THE BAND DIRECTOR! THIS IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND SECURITY!

VIII. Color Guard

The color guard is made up of female members of the band or those who want to try out. Tryouts will be held, and girls will be evaluated on marching form, posture, grooming, and attitude. Tryouts will be held on the following basis:

1. Clinics will be held to help prospective members prepare for upcoming tryouts.
2. These clinics will be held free of charge. It is mandatory that prospective members attend these clinics.
3. The director and color guard captain will be chiefly responsible for selecting the new member. Their decisions will be final.
4. The members of the color guard will be required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
5. The band director and color guard advisor will determine the position of color guard captain.
6. Each girl is expected to purchase her own uniform and/or equipment as deemed necessary by the band director and color guard captain.

IX. Band Officers

The band officers will be nominated and voted for by the band members, or picked by the band director. Officers will be asked to assist with the discipline of the band, plan social functions, and to be the voice of the band to make recommendations to the parent group.

X. Band Boosters

The principal objective of this organization shall be to promote and support the activities, welfare, and educational programs of the Maui High School Band and it's components. Parents who have children in the program are encouraged to participate in the booster organization.

XI. The Values and Benefits of the School Band Program

1. Develops responsibility and self-discipline.
2. Builds self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
3. Develops a lifelong appreciation for music.
4. Cultivates creativity.
5. Develops social skills and the ability to work with others.
6. Improves communication.
7. Develops coordination.