Raytown South

High School
Band Handbook

2014-2015



Mr. Hord and Mrs. Kueck Director



Mr. Hord Schedule
Phone: 816-582-3145
Email: hord18@hotmail.com
Monday-Friday
7:18-8:09 Symphonic Band (Marching band season Guard
and Percussion)
8:14-9:05 Concert Band (Marching band season All
Woodwinds and Brass
9:10-10:01 Jazz Improvisation
10:01-10:30 Deal with Room/Equipment, Travel
10:30-1:00 Raytown South Middle School
1:00-1:24 Travel
1:24-2:17 Plan Period
















Additional performances may be added when they arise!
Concert attendance, participation, and performance are required
for band and are part of the grade in the class.
You will be involved in the concerts in the calendar on the next page.
Each student will receive 100 points for fulfilling all their
performance responsibilities instructed. Please give these dates to
your parents early so vacations can be scheduled around these dates.
You will be excused from concerts if you are sick or have a death in
the family. To be excused from the concert, you need to bring a note
stating the exact reason for your absence. You will be required to
make up the concert participation points before or after school.
Suspension is an unexcused absence, will result in a zero for the
concert, and may not be made up. In addition, choosing to not attend
a concert or not having a ride will be unexcused.
All concerts will last approximately one hour or less. If you have
questions, please contact Mr. Hord.
Students need to wear a collared black shirt, black pants, black shoes
and black socks for all performances. Ladies may substitute pants for
a black skirt (length below the knee, please).



Music Calendar on the next page!



Raytown South High School
2014-2015 Band Calendar of Events
Drum major camp Missouri State: July 8-10
Band camp: check out uniforms Sunday July 20 Teachers: 12-4 Students: 1-3pm
Registration, uniforms, music, issue horns
Drum majors and Team leaders July 21-22; Students and Teachers 8am-12pm; Drum line 1-3pm
All students Wednesday, July 23- Friday, July 25 and Monday July 27 Friday, August 1
7:30am-2:30pm Friday, August 1 (5:30pm parent preview)
New teacher orientation: August 5-15
Evening rehearsals: Thursdays 5:30-8pm First evening rehearsal is Thursday August 14
5:30pm-8:00pm.
First day of school: August 18
Home Football Game: (Senior Night) Friday, August 22 vs. Fort Osage
September 1: No school, Labor Day
Home Football Game: Friday, September 5 vs. Park Hill South
Drummit at the summit September 13 (ACT Test date)
Home Football Game: Friday, September 19 vs. Raytown
Bonner Springs Marching Festival September 25 (Thursday)
Homecoming: Friday, October 3 vs. Belton
Lees Summit North Marching Invitational October 11
October 17: No school, prof. workday
Home Football Game: Friday, October 17 vs. Platte County
UCM Band day and Parade (homecoming) October 18
October 23-24: No school, PTC
(ACT test date) October 25
October 27 - 31: Symphonic band auditions and after school Jazz Band Rehearsals begin!
KU Marching Festival, November 1 TBD?


November 7: District band auditions
November 26-28: Thanksgiving break
December 6: State band auditions
Holiday orchestra, band and jazz band concert, December 9 @ 7PM
December 19: k-12 early dismissal
December 22-January 4: Christmas/New Years break
January 5: first day of spring semester
February 7: ACT test date
Jazz band competitions
Drury: February TBD
UCM: February 21
Mo West: February TBD
March 7: district solo/ensemble LSW register deadline: Feb. 17
March 16-20: spring break
March 31: Pre-Contest Band and Orchestra concert @ 7PM
April 10: state large group LSW register deadline: March 3
May 1: state solo/ensemble
Friday May 8: mini band camp
Tuesday May 12: Final Concert and Band Banquet @ 7PM

















Concerts and Performances- Including all marching band events and
concerts at school or away from school and concert prep rehearsals
Benchmark playing test and quizzes- including sight-reading, rhythm sheets,
scale tests, auditions
Written assignments- i.e. key signatures, musical terms, enharmonics
Daily Performance
Daily Participation/Taking home instrument
Extra Credit/ Worksheets
Private Lesson Bonus Points


A+ = 97 and above
A = 96-93
A- = 92-90
B+ = 89-87 D+ = 69-67
B = 86-83
B- = 82-80 D- 62-60
C+ = 79-77
F = 59 and below
C- = 72-70
C = 76-73
D = 66-63



For eligibility in the Marching band and other areas of interest you must first
be enrolled in Symphonic Band or Concert Band!
Symphonic & Concert Band
Jazz Band Southern Regiment Marching Band Solos & Ensembles
Color Guard Jazz Band Drum line Pep Band
The Symphonic and Concert Band is the foundation of the Raytown South Band Program.
The many co-curricular ensembles and music classes are offered to supplement the basic
concert ensemble experience.
CURRICULAR OFFERINGS
Symphonic and Concert Band is open to all 9
th
- 12th grade students who have achieved a
reasonable degree of proficiency on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Emphasis will
be placed on basic and individual skills and music theory will be covered in this course. This
ensemble will perform at concerts and other functions. Any fees for the ensembles will be used
from the registration fees collected at band camp registration. Members of the Symphonic and
Concert Band are eligible to participate in the marching band, which is a co-curricular activity
meeting after school one night a week in the fall. Students must be recommended by Mrs.
Kueck or Mr. Hill to be placed in the bands. Auditions for each ensemble will be at the end of
marching band season by the end of October. (Year course - 1 credit)
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Marching Band - The Raytown South High School Marching Band is one of the school's largest
co-curricular activities. This award winning band performs at parades, football games,
community events, and band competitions and represents Raytown South High School
throughout the area, state and Mid-West.
Jazz Band offers an important element of the total band program. Currently there are two jazz
bands. The jazz groups perform at concerts and jazz festivals during the second semester.
Rehearsals are after school three to four days a week following the Marching Band season.
Auditions will be at the end of October for students to be placed in one of the jazz bands.
Students must be enrolled in Symphonic or Concert Band to participate (except guitar, bass,
keyboard). There is a uniform fee.
Jazz Improvisation Class- is a separate class from symphonic and concert band. Students
wanting to improve skills in jazz band performance and soloing on a specific instrument while


gaining knowledge and understanding of the different types and styles of jazz. While also
gaining historical knowledge, musical and stylistic concepts from different genres, and
developing the ability to listen and improve on specific instruments should be enrolled in jazz
improvisation.
Solos and Ensembles - are opportunities for band members to play individually or in small
groups to improve their skills. Much of the rehearsal is on an independent self-study basis. There
are opportunities to perform such as the District and State Solo and Ensemble Competition and
various community events.
Pep Band is formed throughout the year as the needs arise. They perform for a variety of
events such as school assemblies, sports activities, and community events. The Basketball Pep
Band will play at 5 total home basketball games. The Pep Band rehearses one hour prior to game
time when necessary.

Band Lettering Requirements
In order for students to letter in band students music complete the following requirements.
Be enrolled in band for the entire school year
Attend band camp, all evening rehearsals and all Friday night football games
Participate in all marching band competitions
Audition for Symphonic or Concert band in the fall
Attend ALL concerts and perform at the highest level
Be in one of the two jazz bands, and/or attend all 5 pep band games
Participate in at least one band fundraiser throughout the year
Audition for all district band AND/OR take a solo or small ensemble to district contest
OR be in the Southern Regiment Color Guard
Must pass all benchmark playing tests on individual instrument








Practice Information
Individual practice is necessary and should be viewed as homework. The
following suggestions are a vital part of receiving a good grade in class and
becoming a better musician.
Practice every day for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Have a set time and place to practice.
Have a goal or goals for every practice. Avoid just going through the motions.
Practice with correct posture and holding positions.
Always warm-up and warm-down.
Spend every day working on your sound through long tones studies.
Spend every day working on technique.
Spend every day sight reading something.
Work to increase your range and endurance.
Work on musicianship - it is not enough to just play the notes correctly.
Practice all the music, not just what you can already play.
Remember to practice difficult music slowly and gradually increase the tempo.
Remember that practice does not make perfect but perfect practice makes perfect!
Recorded in minutes per week!




140 and above A+
135 to 140 A+
130 to 134 A
126 to 129 A-
122 to 125 B+
116 to 121 B
112 to 115 B-
107 to 111 C+
102 to 106 C
98 to 101 C-
94 to 97 D+
88 to 93 D
84 to 87 D-
83 and below F





A. At Home
1. Show an interest in the music study of your child.
2. Arrange a regular time for him/her to practice.
3. Find a quiet place where he/she can practice without interruption.
4. Help your child with practice as much as possible by counting, studying
music text, etc.
5. Help your student keep a daily record of practice (6
th
grade).
6. Give him/her a safe place in which to keep his/her practice materials.
7. Keep the instrument in good repair with reeds/mouthpiece, etc., in the case.
8. Be very cautious of school owned instruments. The cost of repairs is high.
9. Teach him/her to be on time at rehearsals, lessons and concerts.
10. Make faithful attendance at all activities important.
11. Encourage him/her to play for others when opportunity arises-in the home,
at school, church, and in the community.
12. If possible, seek private lessons for your student so he/she will receive the
maximum musical experience.
B. At School
1. Keep a record of the students various musical activities.
2. Notify the teacher if he/she is to be late or absent to concerts and explain
why.
3. See that he/she take their instrument and music to and from school every
day.
4. Teach him/her to be punctual at lessons, rehearsals, etc.
5. See that he/she keeps up with classroom studies and makes up work he/she
has missed.
6. Attend concerts and show your support for what he/she is doing.
7. Join the Band Aide and offer help when needed.




C. Five keys that will open the Door to Music
1. Help your child with his/her practicing.
2. Be generous with your interest and praise.
3. Credit each achievement with some form of recognition.
4. Help him/her develop a habit of daily practice.
5. Encourage note reading instead of playing by ear.



Private Lessons
Those students who want to truly excel musically are strongly encouraged to study
privately with an instructor outside of the school environment. In private lessons, a
professional player, on your instrument, will spend time with you to develop your
strengths as a musician. It is also no coincidence that the vast majority of
musicians who earn spots in District/All State Band and earn college scholarships
in music, study with great private teachers. Speak with Mr. Hord about private
teacher recommendations. Bonus points are given for students who study privately
on their band instrument. The form below can be picked up in the band room and
turned in after each private lesson.








Private Lesson Bonus Points

Name: Date:
Band Instrument:
Private Lessons Teacher:
Print First and Last Name
Check One: Satisfactory Lesson
Unsatisfactory Lesson
Lesson Day and Time:

Signature of Student:

Signature of Private Teacher:

















NO CELL PHONES
No gum chewing, candy, food or drink is allowed in the band room, except during band
camp and evening rehearsals. This is an automatic grade deduction and possible detention
if action is repeated.
Do not interrupt instruction of the class or an individual in class. This will result in an
automatic deduction from your daily performance grade.
Do not play any instrument without being instructed to do so. Senseless blasting or
beating on drums is never an acceptable option.
Students are to be in their seat with their music, pencil and instrument assembled and
ready when the class is scheduled to begin. Just walking through the door or still
assembling your instrument does not constitute being on time. Work out your routine so
you will not be late.
Do not talk when someone else is talking or playing as instructed. Always raise your
hand!
Do not comb your hair or put on makeup in the band room.
Sit up straight and use good horn position. No one will play slouching or with their legs
crossed.
Do not leave trash on the floor. Use the trash cans. When you are dismissed, straighten
your chair and music stand.
Never play anyone else's instrument except your own. This rule applies to piano and
percussion equipment well.
You must bring a note from home to be excused from playing for a medical or dental
reason. The note should state why you cannot play your instrument and when you will be
able to play again. During this time, you will still bring your music and instrument to
class in order to follow along and still earn your participation points.
When you bring your instrument to school OR pick it up at the end of the day, have your
friends wait outside the room. We do not need more people in the room. Failure to do so
may result in detention.
Music, folders, and books do not belong in your instrument case. This is a leading cause
of damage to instruments. Music and folders will be kept in your assigned band cubby
during the day.
All instrument cases must be clearly marked with your first and last name on it in some
way. Failure to have your case clearly marked will result in a grade deduction and
possible detention if not corrected in a timely manner.
Always participate with a positive attitude and willingness to give your best effort.


Raytown School District
Band Equipment Requirements

A. Equipment Requirements for all Students

1. Folding music stand (home practice).
2. Portable Metronome (You can get one starting as low as $20).
3. Each student should have a pencil with him or her everyday. Keep this in your
case.
4. All students should have a good case for their instrument. Repair or replace any
instrument case that does not work properly (this includes latches).
5. All instruments should be in excellent condition. Instruments that do not work
properly hinder progress and will be a source of discouragement.
6. All instruments must have a nametag on them.
5. All students will purchase their own band book, and have it with them every day.

B. Woodwind Instruments (Checklist)

1. Flutes
a. _____ Tuning rod
b. _____ Cotton cloth to use with tuning rod (a handkerchief works well)
c. _____ Band book
2. Oboes
a. _____ Cork Grease
b. _____ Silk Swab (Pull-through)
c. _____ Water Bottle (film canister or medicine bottle)
d. _____ Two Medium Hard Oboe Reeds (Jones recommended)
e. _____ Band book
3. Clarinets
a. _____ Mouthpiece Cap
b. _____ Cloth Swab (Pull-through)
c. _____ Cork Grease
d. _____ Small cloth (a small rag will do) for drying the mouthpiece
e. _____ Reedguard
f. _____ Woodwind Mouthpiece Brush
g. _____ 4 Vandoren 3 strength Clarinet Reeds (no Rico reeds)
h. _____ Band book
4. Saxophones
a. _____ Mouthpiece Cap
b. _____ Saxophone Swab (Pull-through)
c. _____ Cork Grease
d. _____ Neck Strap
e. _____ Saxophone Care Kit
Reedguard
Woodwind Mouthpiece Brush
4 Vandoren 3 strength Alto Saxophone Reeds (no Rico reeds)
Clarinet Swab for Neck and Mouthpiece
f. _____ Band book



2. Bassoon
a. _____ Cork Grease
b. _____ Water Bottle
c. _____ Silk Swab (Pull-through)
d. _____ Seat Strap (provided)
e. _____ Two Medium Hard Bassoon Reeds
f. _____ Band book


C. Brass Instruments and Percussion

1. Trumpets
a. _____ Valve Oil
b _____ Trumpet Care Kit
Lacquered Brass Polishing Cloth
Cleaning Snake
Tuning Slide Grease
Brass Mouthpiece Brush
c. _____ Band book
2. Trombones
a. _____ Slide-O-Mix Trombone Slide Lubricant
b. _____ Trombone Care Kit
Lacquered Brass Polishing Cloth
Cleaning Snake
Tuning Slide Grease
Brass Mouthpiece Brush
c. _____ Band book
3. French Horns
a. _____ Rotor Oil
b. _____ French Horn Care Kit
Lacquered Brass Polishing Cloth
Tuning Slide Grease
Brass Mouthpiece Brush
c. _____ Band book
4. Percussion Instruments
a. _____ Stick Bag for Carrying Sticks and Mallets
b. _____ Mallets (1 pair-Yarn and 1 pair-Hard Rubber)
c. _____ Snare Drum Sticks 2B or SD1 General
d. _____ Band book








Raytown South Band Aide Registration 2014-2015

The band aide program will play an active role in music education for all students.
For those of you who have supported and helped us in the past, Thank you!!! For
those of you that dont know us, please come check out all we do to benefit students in
the Raytown schools!!
The Band Aides are volunteers interested in assisting the Raytown South music
program with events, activities and fundraisers.
Memberships
Return the next page of this form to the music teacher at your students school.
Keep this page for future reference.

Proceeds from membership dues and money-making events in the past have provided:
New instruments, 9-12 grade
All State, vocal and instrumental Senior Recognition
Buying music for 9-12
Technology, programs/hardware
High School letters
District and State awards

High School and College scholarships
Funding for concert events, trips, competitions

Fund Raising Events
Candy Sales (September?)
Fruit Sales or Wreath Sales (Entire month of December)
Car Washes TBD
Fireworks Stand

Scheduled Meeting Dates Our first meeting date is August 11, 2014 at 6:00pm. Band Aide
will then meet the second Monday of each month, unless it is a holiday. All meetings will be at
Raytown South High School. Please enter the building at the south entrance. You will be
reminded via e-mail about the meetings. Please come if you can, we would love to have you join
us!
Membership does not require you to attend meetings, but we would like to see more
parents involved!



Meeting Dates
8/11/2014 10/13/2014 12/8/2014 2/9/2015 4/13/2015 6/8/2015
9/8/2014 11/10/2014 1/12/2015 3/9/2015 5/11/2015 7/13/2015

Raytown South Band Aide Membership Form
2013-2014
Please print!
Parent or Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________ ST: __________ Zip _______________
Home Phone: _____________________ Email ___________________________________
(please print neatly and case sensitive if required)

Your students names:

Name:_____________________________School________________Grade______
Name:_____________________________School________________Grade______
Name:_____________________________School________________Grade______
Name:_____________________________School________________Grade____

Print Name: _________________________Class Hour: ___________



Student Portion:
I have read and understand the contents of the band handbook.
_______________________________
Student Signature Date

Parent Portion:
I have read and understand the contents of the band handbook. Parents,
please make sure to put all applicable performance dates on your
calendar for the school year.
_______________________________
Parent Signature Date

















Acknowledgement Form
I acknowledge that I have received the 2014 2015 Raytown South Band Handbook.



Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Date


Parents(s)/Guardian(s) Date


Student Date

Parents/Guardians, please provide an e-mail address and phone number where I
can contact you regarding progress updates and/or changes in calendar events:

_____________________________________________________
E-mail address(Please print neatly) phone number


These pages must be returned by Friday,
August 22 to Mr. Hord in order to
participate in the band program.