August, 2019

Greetings Batavia Students, Staff, and Parents,

Welcome to the 2019-2020 season of the Batavia Marching Bulldogs! We are looking forward to
an exciting season ahead with several exhibitions, competitions, and parades. I am looking
forward to make music with each of you!

I would like to introduce our show for this season, entitled, “Wild West!”. We will open with the
Magnificent Seven theme, then “Ghost Riders in the Sky by Johnny Cash, and closing with the
main title from How the West Was Won. This will be a very high energy show, and I am very
excited to bring the Wild West alive with all of you.

Please review the contents of this handbook carefully as it covers many of the basic procedures,
logistics, and operations of our organization. I would ask that you play special attention to the
season schedule, indicating our marching, concert, and jazz concerts and rehearsals. I also ask
that after reviewing the information, both student(s) and parent(s)/guardian(s) complete, sign,
and return the program contract at the end of the handbook. This should be returned to Ms.
Harrison by August 20th (the first day of band camp).

Again, I am looking forward to a fantastic year of rehearsals, performances, parades, and

competitions! On behalf of our band staff and myself, I want to welcome our returning members
and parents back to the Batavia band program.

Sincerely,

Sophie Harrison
Director of Bands

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 Objectives of the Band Program

The primary objectives of the band program are:

1. Cultural - To foster the continued development of music appreciation and

understanding through the study and performance of the best in music.

2. Educational - To develop interested and discriminating listeners, provide a

well-rounded musical education and prepare members for musical activities beyond high
school.

3. Service - To lend color and atmosphere and provide for the musical needs to certain
school and community affairs while promoting and enhancing the dignity and reputation
of Batavia High School at all appearances.

4. Citizenship - To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of the group,

to enhance the member’s ability to interact with others in a positive manner, to foster
leadership skills within each student, and to develop the ability to function as a
responsible member of the community.

5. Recreational - To provide all members with the opportunity for worthy use of leisure
time, a means of self-expression, an emotional outlet, and good social experiences.

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 Resources

Music Stores Near Us​: ​ Private Lessons​:

Hometown Music Flute: Davina Miaw (804-992-2239)
1365 Nick Warmuth Ave Clarinet: Janelle Harris (804-332-3432)
Richmond, VA 23227 Saxophone: Erica Unroe (804-222-4487)
French Horn: Bailey Furrow (804-332-3234)
Noah’s Music Store Trombone/Euph: Sarah Dodge (804-221-2134)
1200 Main Street Tuba: Mitchell Evans (804-666-9876)
Richmond, VA 23229 Percussion: Sophia Kadi (804-345-8876)
Trumpet: Alexis Anderson (804-664-9835)
Oboe/Bassoon: Keith Brown (804-598-7725

Community Music​:​ ​ Educational Websites​:

Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra www.musictheory.net
Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble www.smartmusic.com
Greater Richmond Youth Jazz Band www.soundtrap.com
Youth Jazz Guild of Richmond www.flat.io
Richmond Percussion Collection www.noteflight.com
Monday Jazz jams at Emilio’s www.therhythmtrainer.com
Thursday Jazz night at VMEA

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 Master Schedule 2019/2020

* The asterisk and “italicized” events do not apply to everybody

RT-Report Time The Report Time (RT) is when members of the band must have their
instruments out and ready to play. Students must arrive earlier than the
Report Time to ensure that this happens.
GT-Game Time The Game Time (GT) is when the sporting event begins.
PT-Performance Time The Performance Time (PT) is when the concert begins.

Friday September 15 RT 6:15/GT 7:00 Football vs. Turtle Mountain – Full Game
*Sunday September 17 RT 6:00/PT 7:00 Music Boosters Concert (Theater) – Blue Jay Jazz
Ensemble
Friday September 22 RT 3:30/PT 4:00 Homecoming Parade
Friday September 22 RT 6:15/GT 7:00 Football vs. Bismarck St. Mary’s – Full Game
Thursday September 28 RT 6:20/GT 7:00 Volleyball vs. Mandan (Jerry Meyer Arena)
*Fri/Sat Nov 3-4 TBA Northwest Festival
*Monday November 20 RT 6:30/PT 7:00 Buffalo Mall – Blue Jay Jazz Ensemble
Monday November 27 RT 6:30/PT 7:30 Band Concert (Theater)
*Wednesday December 6 TBA Sax/Percussion Festival
Thursday December 7 RT 6:45/GT 7:30 Boys’ Hockey vs. Bismarck Demons (Wilson
Arena)
Friday December 15 RT 6:45/GT 7:30 Boys’ Hockey vs. Bismarck Century (Wilson
Arena)
Thursday January 4 RT 6:20/GT 7:00 Girls’ Hockey vs. Mandan (Wilson Arena)
Tuesday January 9 RT 6:20/GT 7:00 Girls’ Hockey vs. West Fargo (Wilson Arena)
Thursday January 18 RT 6:00/Done 8:00 Basketball vs. Bismarck Century (Wilson Arena)
*TBA January TBA Jazz Showcase Concert – Blue Jay Jazz Ensemble
*Wednesday February 7 TBA Bismarck Woodwind Festival
Monday February 12 RT 6:30/PT 7:30 Band Concert (Theater)
*Monday March 5 RT 5:45/Done 7:00 Choir Pops Concert – Blue Jay Jazz Ensemble
*Thursday April 12 RT 7:00/PT 7:30 MS/HS Jazz Concert (Theater) – Blue Jay Jazz
Ensemble
*Sunday April 15 3:00-5:00 Music Boosters Concert (Theater) – Blue Jay Jazz
Ensemble
Monday April 16 RT 6:30/PT 7:30 Band Concert (Theater)
Sunday May 27 RT 1:30 Graduation (Civic Center)

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 ​GRADING POLICIES:

A (90​-100) B (80​-89) C (70​-79) D (60​-69) F (0​-59)

1. ​Individual Performances 40%

a) Individual Playing Tests 20%
Students will periodically be given playing tests. These tests will measure the student’s
ability, their effort and preparation time, and their understanding of the musical concepts
introduced during rehearsal and band camp. Students will have at least 3 playing tests per season
Each playing test is worth 50 points.
b) Rehearsal Etiquette 20% Students are expected to be prepared for rehearsal musically
and must also use correct ensemble behavior for each rehearsal.
2. ​Group Performances 35%
a) All Public Performances students are required to be at every performance with the
band including all concerts, clinics, and contests. Students are given notice of all events well in
advance and should make sure that they are always on time and prepared for each event. Being
prepared at each event means having all music fully prepared, being appropriately dressed, and
using appropriate performance etiquette. Failure to attend events without excuse will result in
grade reduction.
3. ​Daily Points 25%
These points are given to students everyday for attendance, showing up on time (which
means showing up early), being ready to rehearse with instruments out and warmed up, and
having all music and materials needed for that particular rehearsal. Students will get 5 points
everyday for coming prepared to rehearsal and on time. If they are tardy 2 points will be taken
off. If they are absent and it is unexcused they will lose all 5 p​oints.

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 ATTENDANCE​:

1. Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances for

the organizations they choose to take part in.

2. Attendance is figured in to every student’s grade. Points will be given

everyday for attendance and for every rehearsal and performance.

3. Students are responsible for notifying the director of missing any

extra rehearsals or performances well before the event occurs.

4. Excessive tardiness and/or absences will affect the student’s

eligibility and participation in the performing ensemble.

REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE RULES AND

CONDUCT​:

1. ALWAYS BE ON TIME. If you are not early, you are late! You should be ready to start
rehearsal on the dot.

2. The band program will follow all school policies and will not tolerate students that go against
school regulation. For instance, no alcohol, tobacco or drugs shall be tolerated at any time.

3. Always be prepared. Students must have all materials needed for a successful rehearsal.
Always have your music, instrument, pencil and mind ready to go!

4. Students must show respect for all band members, directors, and parents.Whether they are
apart of our organization or apart of another organization, it does not matter.

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE RULES CONTINUED​:
5. Students must show respect for all property. Every area the band visits should be left in
better condition than it was before they entered it.

6. The uniform must be worn correctly at all performances. Students

will wear their band shirts underneath their uniform jackets and
all jackets and pants are to be fully buttoned and zipped at all
times. The uniform will be worn correctly or not at all.

7. Students must have music prepared. During marching season, this means having all halftime
show music memorized.

8. No food or drinks will be allowed at any rehearsal or performance. This includes gum on the
marching field and food or drinks in the stands.

9. Each marching rehearsal, we will all meet in the band room 10 minutes before rehearsal times
starts, and walk out to the field together. On game days, we will meet in the band room, and get
dressed in uniforms directly at 6pm. We will go outside the band room to warm up at 6:30pm.

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net
 Band Camp
Location​:
● Band camp will take place in the band room, as well as on the practice field, located
behind the baseball diamond.
● Each day, we will start out on the practice field promptly at 8:30am. You will drop off all
instruments and belongings to the band room before heading out to the field. If
instruments are needed for the morning, Mrs Harrison or a student leader will inform you
by having instructions on the board.

Dates​:
● Rookie camp will take place August 12th-16th (Monday-Friday). All new members will
attend from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
● The first half of the day will be spent learning how to march, and the second half will be
working on show music. 1:00 will be lunch time, so make sure to pack a lunch! All
members are welcome to come to school at 1pm to eat lunch with the new marchers.
● ALL MEMBERS will report at 2pm during rookie camp to work on music as a large
ensemble or in sectionals. Student leaders will be there from 8:30am to 4:30pm each day
during rookie camp.
● Full band camp will take place from August 19th-23rd, and then again August 26th-30th.
Everyone is expected to be there for each day of camp from 8:30am to 4:30pm. A
schedule for each day will be closer to the time of band camp, and will be changed if
needed to due weather or other issues.

Parent/Guardian Support​:
● Parents/guardians are asked to donate at least 1 hour of time in preparation for/ during
band camp. Parents also will be asked to donate a small amount of snacks for students to
have mid-day through band camp (15 days).
● There will be a parent meeting the week before band camp starts, in which arrangements
will be made about what each parent/guardian will be able to contribute.

Batavia High School Marching Band - 227 Mitchell Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 223-8872 - ​www.bhsbands.net