Policies

Brandon High School Bands

 

Russell R. McMartin, Director

Laura J. Ketchum, Director

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Brandon High School Band program has been designed to expose students to a variety of musical experiences.

 

PROGRAMS

 

Marching Band- Marching activities primarily take place in the fall during the 1st marking period.  They include half-time shows for all home football games, the District Marching Festival and marching exhibitions.  Parades, college band days and other activities are also possible during the year.  Marching band begins the first week of August beginning with Band Camp.  Additional rehearsals will also take place on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 PM.  All rehearsals and performances are required.

 

Marching Band Camp- This is an intensive week of marching and musical rehearsals.  At this time, the band learns the shows they will be performing at football games and festivals.  A staff is hired to assist with instruction and parents accompany the band as chaperones.  The camp is held out-of-town, Monday through Friday.  Recreational activities are also scheduled in the afternoon and evening.  Attendance is extremely important!  If you do not attend you will not be guaranteed a spot on the field for the show.  Please do your best to plan vacations around Band Camp!

 

Color Guard- This is an auxiliary unit for the marching band.  Membership is by auditions, which are held in the spring of the previous school year.  They have a separate instructor who works with the band director.  Members must be willing to commit to extra time outside of regular band rehearsals.  Attendance to pre-camp and marching band camp prior to school is required.

 

Concert Band- This activity is very important to the band program.  It has been a continuing source of pride for Brandon High School and it is expected that the students entering the program will appreciate this and commit themselves to maintaining that excellence.  Regular performances include concerts, MSBOA festivals, the Ice Cream Social, and Commencement.  Other activities, however, may be scheduled throughout the year.  Sectionals are required during the 2nd and 3rd marking periods.

 

Jazz Band-  Jazz Band is offered 7th hour.  Students who take jazz band will receive a grade on their report card and will have the same attendance policy as a regularly scheduled class.  Performances include concerts with the concert band, the Ice cream social, MSBOA Jazz Festival and various other special events.

 

Brandon Band Classroom Policies

 

1.      Students are expected to be in their seat, warming-up, when the bell rings.  During marching band season, students should assume that we are going outside and dress accordingly.  Students will be expected to be inline on the field 5 minutes after the bell rings with all necessary materials (instrument, set book, and music).

2.      When the conductor steps on the podium, all talking and playing will stop.  This will make rehearsals more productive.

3.      Absolutely no gum, food or beverages will be allowed in the band room at any time.

4.      Upon entering the classroom, students will be expected to check the blackboard for material to be covered and immediately begin individual warm-up prior to the start of rehearsal.

5.      All equipment will have a place for storage.  When not in use, equipment, instruments, and music will be stored properly – with locks locked!!!  Improper care of equipment may affect the participation grade and/or result in discipline. 

6.      Travel – at any time a trip is taken, all school transportation rules and school rules will be in effect.  It is school board policy that all travel to and from an activity must be with the band.  An exception will be made only with written permission from a legal guardian and Dr. Ferguson.

7.      All performances and rehearsals are required and will be graded.  Mark you calendar now! 

8.      Conflicts with athletics are handled on an individual basis.  As a general rule, extra band rehearsal vs. game = game, band performance vs. game or practice = performance, band rehearsal vs. athletic practice = compromise (usually split the time).

 

Grading

 

Performances = 50 Points each

 

Extra Rehearsals = 10 Points each

 

Playing tests = 5-10 Points each

 

Participation points = 5-10 per day (not recorded every day)

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

Parents and Students:

 

I have read and understand all of the policies required to participate in the Brandon Band Program.

 

Student Signature: _______________________________Date:____________

 

Parent Signature: ________________________________Date: ____________