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RSHS WOLF PRIDE BAND SYLLABUS
Directors: Kyle Vesely and Shannon Waldo
272-8171 x1204        272-8245 x2340

PHILOSOPHY

The Reeds Spring Wolf Pride Band is a co-curricular activity/performance class that seeks to enhance the instrumental musical talents and abilities of its members through practice, performance, evaluation, and the introduction of new skills, techniques, and concepts both inside and outside the classroom setting.  Students are encouraged to participate in band all four years of their high school career in order to reap the maximum benefits from the program.   The program focuses on teamwork, goal-setting, relationships, motivation, self-discipline, integrity, pride, enrichment, and quality. 

The band program consists of the following performance ensembles: Marching  Band (includes guard), Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Pep Band, Concert Band, Woodwind Choir, and Brass Choir.  Chamber ensemble and solo opportunities are also available. Auditioning for Conference, District, and State level honor groups is encouraged.
The goal of the program is for every student to graduate RSHS with a well-rounded musical background and having established strong, life-long relationships.

OBJECTIVES

Students enrolled in the RSHS Band Program will continuously develop and demonstrate tone, technique, intonation, musicianship skills and marching skills through self-disciplined individual practice, group rehearsals, performance experience and the study of instrumental etudes and literature.

ELIGIBILITY

Members must adhere to the MSHSAA and Reeds Spring School District policies for eligibility by maintaining grades that reflect more than the minimum of a 1.666 grade average per grading cycle and by passing 2.5 credits per semester.  Ineligible students are not allowed to perform with any ensemble of the band program in a competitive or festival/contest type situation.  Concerts on our own campus are excluded from this rule.

GRADING SCALE

Students will earn their grade each quarter by accumulating weighted points.  The points according to their percentage weight will then be applied to the RSHS grading scale.

GRADING POLICY

Points are accumulated in the following categories:

PERFORMANCE SKILLS and ATTENDANCE

·         Required performances = 100 points for concerts, contest, competitions, and exhibitions; 50 points for pep band and football games.

·         An unexcused absence from a required performance will receive a zero which cannot be made up.  Job conflicts are unexcused due to the advance band schedules which provide adequate time for employer notification.

·         Points missed as result of an excused absence (illness verified by doctor’s excuse, death in the family, religious obligation, or parental mandate such as going out of town) may be made up by written reports or playing assignments which are due no later than one week after the performance.

·         If a student is involved in a school sponsored activity and is absent from a band event due to their representation of another RSHS group, no point penalty or make-up assignment is necessary.

·         Band students will be notified of required performances with at least a one week notice.  If a student has an unavoidable conflict, the director must be notified in writing from the PARENT at least one week before the event to be considered for an excused absence.  If no notification is given by the parent, a zero will be earned for the event with no opportunity for make-up.

·         Points will be deducted from a performance for improper equipment or uniform=25, Inappropriate behavior or disrespect of property on a trip or during a performance=50, violation of school policies while representing the band=100.

·         Bonus points may be earned at the discretion of the director.

·         Other performance related grades will be given for playing tests over assigned music including scales (major scales through 4 sharps and 4 flats full range of instrument and chromatic full range of instrument), district audition etudes, band literature, and memorization skills; Written and listening assignments (includes the return of signed parental forms and schedules)

REHEARSAL RULES

• Each student will be in assigned seat with instrument, mouthpiece, sticks/mallets, music, book, stand, pencil, and appropriate accessories (reeds, oil, neckstrap, etc.) within two minute after the tardy bell rings.  During early band, students will be in their designated marching place at 7:20 am.  All saxophone and clarinet players are to have at least 3 good reeds in rotation at all times.  Brass players are to carry valve or slide oil in their cases at all times.  These items are available BEFORE and AFTER class only from the directors or at your local/Springfield music store during operating hours.
• All talking and/or self warm-up stops when the director is on the podium and rehearsal disturbances will never be tolerated.
• Proper playing posture is required during all rehearsals and performances
• NO FOOD, CANDY, GUM, or DRINKS are allowed in the band room at any time unless special permission has been granted by the directors.
• Signed notes and paperwork should be placed in the band office door.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Depending on the severity of the offense and suitability of the punishment, discipline will range from a verbal warning and extra assignments to office referrals and the removal of the privilege of being in band.  Calisthenics and lap running are often used as a disciplinary action in the case of marching band.  All students will be treated in a fair and equitable manner and discipline will follow the framework of the RSHS handbook.

GENERAL BAND GUIDELINES

• Students will exhibit exemplary behavior when representing the Reeds Spring High School Band in any type of performance or while on any type of band trip.  This includes care of the busses, uniforms, and equipment, as well as respect for other individuals and their property.
• Members are expected to follow all guidelines as set forth in the band syllabus and the RSHS Student Handbook.  A higher level of behavior is expected from band students since they are an extremely visible representative of our community, state, and country. 
• Students are not to use alcohol or tobacco products and are to refrain from profanity or any type of crude, immature behavior that would reflect poorly on not only the individual, but also the band and school district.
• All students are to be picked up by a parent in a timely manner upon return from trips.  The directors will make every attempt to communicate return times as accurately as possible.  In the event that we will be returning earlier or later than planned, the students will have access to phones to communicate with parents.  Please understand that there are some circumstances that are beyond the control of the directors and an exact return time cannot always be determined.  The return times given are estimated.  Your student will call for verification of return times.
• An instrument left home or misplaced music will result in the loss of daily points.  If a student’s instrument is being repaired, he or she will still participate in class through observation and attentive music reading.  Repairs must be made in a timely manner.  Arrangements for a loaner instrument should be made if the repair is going to take longer than two days so progress is not undermined.
• 100% participation and focus is expected.
• Horseplay of any kind is strictly prohibited in the band room or marching area.
• The school will not be responsible for the loss of any personal items including instruments that are left in the band room or instrument storage room.  All instruments are to be kept in the instrument storage areas while at school (not in the practice rooms or floor of the main room!)  The doors cannot be feasibly locked at all times, so students are encouraged to put a lock on his or her instrument locker.  Combinations/spare keys must be given to the director.  Parents are urged to keep a record of the instrument serial number in a safe place at home.
• Each summer, required rehearsal dates will be scheduled during June, July, and August.  Dates and times will be sent home in May of the previous school year so work schedules can be worked out and vacations can be planned.  

EARLY REHEARSALS

Early band rehearsal starts on the second day of classes and continues until mid-October.  Band will begin at 7:20 am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.  Students are expected to be in their place on the practice field with instrument, music, pencil, and drill chart no later than 7:20 am.  Old tennis shoes should be worn as the ground will often be wet from heavy dew.  THE BUSSES DO NOT GET STUDENTS TO SCHOOL IN TIME FOR EARLY BAND, SO ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION MUST BE ARRANGED DURING THE FIRST 8 WEEKS OF SCHOOL.  Carpools can be arranged if needed.  Each Thursday, those students who have been tardy to one or more rehearsals will report to the band room by 7:45 am to make up for the previous week’s infractions.  Those who have no tardies do not have to report to band until the regular late-start time.  Students are to be in their places (inside or outside depending on rehearsal elements when they are called to attention.  The consequences for unexcused tardies or absences each day (cumulative throughout the week) are as follows:
                   1-5 mins late-2 laps around the marching grid or 300 arm circles
                   6-10 mins late-3 laps around the marching grid or 400 arm circles
More than 10 minus late-4 laps around the marching grid, 500 arm circles and work detail (rehearsal setup and tear-down of podium, yard markers, pit equipment, or equivalent inside work).  Anyone who fails to complete his/her Thursday make-ups will be subject to further discipline.

TRIPS

A high standard of behavior is expected on all off-campus trips.  Anything other than the best will not be tolerated and guidelines will be strictly enforced.  During the year of a large trip, requirements for participation will be distributed by the director(s) and agreed to by the parents and students.  Infractions of the requirements will result in removal from the trip with no refund.  Other than seniors, all students are expected to commit to the band program for the year following the trip.  Anyone not following through with this commitment will incur a penalty charge as noted in the initial requirement contract.

CONFLICTS

Students are expected to work out conflicts in advance.  Students must realize their obligations to a school group, team, or organization come before membership in similar groups or clubs outside of school.  According to MSHSAA guidelines, when conflicts in practices, competitions, or performances occur, students are obligated to participate in the school practice, competition, or performance.  If a student has a school competition versus any other type of school competition, he or she may choose which event to attend.  If the student has two conflicting practices, he or she may choose which practice to attend with no penalty from either side.  If the student has a practice conflicting with a performance/competition, the student must attend the performance/competition.

ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION

All students in the band program will participate in marching band, pep band, concert band, and woodwind choir, brass choir, or a percussion ensemble.  Membership in jazz band, jazz combo, solo festival, ensemble festival, honor bands, colorguard, and winterguard is optional.

   JAZZ BAND

Auditions for the RSHS Jazz Ensemble will be held in the fall near the end of marching season.  This ensemble consists of brass, saxes, and percussionists from first hour band as well as additional rhythm players from the 6th hour jazz class.  The jazz band rehearses before school (2-5 days a week as needed) at 7:30 am.   The jazz combo’s rehearsal is based on participants’ schedules.  Dress code for jazz groups is the official jazz shirt  with black pants and shoes.

   COLORGUARD and WINTERGUARD

Membership in fall colorguard and winterguard is based on auditions held each spring and late fall respectively.  Rehearsals take place after school and are scheduled by the guard sponsor, choreographer, and directors.

   DRUMLINE

Members of the drumline will be expected to attend special rehearsals with the drum instructor at 7:00 am on days specified by the instructor himself as well as early arrival rehearsals on Saturday Competition Days.  Any additional evening practices requested by the drumline captain must be approved by the band director.

BAND FEES AND REQUIRED ITEMS

• Woodwind players will pay a $20 reed fee.  Once the reed fee is paid, all reeds will be provided by the school.
  
• Students will be charged a replacement cost for any lost or damaged music, uniform items, or equipment. 
• The initial band fee of $25 must be paid by Sept. 1 and includes the band tshirt.  Marching shoes and gloves must be purchased separately.
• Physicals must be on file in the high school office by Sept. 15.
• All students must have insurance coverage in order to participate in an RSHS activity.  A supplemental plan is available for as low as $9 per year through an insurance company that partners with the district.  Forms are available in the High School office.
• Any student using a school issued instrument must pay a $30 usage fee for the year ($10 for marching or concert instrument only).  The guard will pay a $15 fee.   These fees are due by Sept. 15 of the current school year.  (The Winterguard fee of $50 is separate and will be due January 15).  School instruments are the students’ responsibility.  Any damages or repairs will be the financial responsibility of the parent of the student who was issued the instrument or of the student inflicting damage on the instrument.  Required books purchased for students by the directors must be paid for in advance.  The method books are usually around $8.  Special items such as lyres, neckstraps, maintenance items, drumsticks, mouthpieces, etc. must also be paid for in advance or deducted from a supply card.
• All percussion students are to have two pairs of concert snare sticks (one at home for practice and one at school: preferably SD1, 5B, or comparable), a pair of medium yarn mallets, a pair of acrylic mallets, and will pay a $15 percussion fee due September 15 for use of the school’s marching and large concert percussion. 
• All students need to keep a folder which is designated for his/her band music and book.  This may be kept in an assigned slot in the music cabinet during the school day.  All instruments should be kept in an assigned slot in the storage room during the school day and taken home each day for practice.
• All repair bills and emergency items must be paid for within 3 days of receipt.
• Parents are encouraged to upgrade to step-up instruments at this age level for continued progress.  See the band directors or music store for more info on trade in, purchase, or rental options.
• Parents are also encouraged to sign up for free membership in the band booster program.  Forms are available from the directors or in the office.  Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm in the high school media room.

PERFORMANCE DRESS CODE

• Each student must have BLACK DRILLMASTERS by Sept. 7.   Students may order black drillmaster marching shoes for $30 with the help of the directors.  These must be worn with BLACK SOCKS.  All brass and woodwind players will also need $2 by September 7 for white marching gloves.  Guard glove pricing will vary and are the responsibility of the student.
• The Marching attire will be the complete RSHS band uniform.  T-shirts must be worn under the uniform to absorb perspiration.  Jackets will be worn closed or not at all.  Tackiness is never appropriate. 
• The current Wolf Pride Band tshirt will be worn during all pep band games, marching band trips, and special events.  Jeans may be worn with the t-shirt unless an extended trip or special performance requires a more formal look such as khaki or black.  Special uniform requirements for themed shows will be addressed as needed.
• Dress clothes (no jeans, tshirts, or tennis shoes) will be worn for most concerts and contests. 
• Jazz Band attire will consist of the designated jazz shirt, black pants, and black shoes (no tennis shoes or sandals).

LETTERING CRITERIA

Lettering in band will be based on a point system.  To earn a letter, students must accumulate 250 points in one school year by going above and beyond the normal class requirements.  Students will also be required to complete 4 hours of community service per semester.  Earned points will be documented by the director once a student has placed a written request in the band office door with a detailed list.   The deadline for submitting letter points will be the Friday following state music festival.  Points may be earned for the following:

1 year member=5; 2 year member=10; 3 year member=15; 4 year member=20
Band Council=10
Section Leader=10
All-District Band Member=30    Audition only=20
All-State Band= Automatic Letter    Audition=50
Jazz Band Member=50
Private Lessons on a regular basis year-round=75
District Solo/Ensemble I rating=30; II rating=20; III rating=10
State Solo/Ensemble I rating=50; II rating=30; III=20
Band Grade per quarter: A=10
Special Rehearsals, tutoring, or performances=10
Award Recipient=10
Extra Help at Director’s Discretion=10
Attendance at non-school related band concerts or musicals=5 (25 points max)
COC Honor Band=25
Summer Music Camp at a College=25
Summer Band Rehearsals=5 points per day (Extra 10 points for perfect attendance)
Basketball Pep Band=5 points per game (10 point bonus for perfect attendance)
Drumline Member=30 (10 point bonus for captain)
Drum Major/Field Commander=30; 20 for assistant
Play all major scales full range of instrument=5points per scale (60 points possible)
Play Chromatic full range of instrument=10
Play all melodic minor scales full range of instrument=10 points per scale (120)
*An unexcused absence (see syllabus) from a required performance will cause a student to lose 100 letter points.  An excused absence that is not made up by written work or playing assignments will cause a student to lose 50 letter points.

                   PARENT ORGANIZATION

Membership in the band boosters is free and highly encouraged.  Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month in the HS media room.  Meetings are optional but participation and volunteer work is vital, much needed, and encouraged.  In order to be a booster scholarship recipient, a student’s parents must be registered members by January 1 of each year.

If you have questions, feel free to contact the high school band office at 272-8171 ext. 1204 or email kvesely@wolves.k12.mo.us or swaldo@wolves.k12.mo.us.  The directors may also be reached at 272-8245 ext. 2340.

 

Last Modified 06/18/08 09:39