EVERETT ALVAREZ

HIGH SCHOOL
MUSIC PROGRAM HANDBOOK
2018-2019

Josh Mack
Director of Bands
(831) 796-7800 (ext.7884)
joshua.mack@salinasuhsd.org
 August 2018

Dear Everett Alvarez High School Band Parents and Students:

Welcome to the Everett Alvarez High School Band Program! We are excited to have you
as a member of our growing family. We are the fastest growing music program in
Monterey County, and as we begin this school year, we have the tremendous opportunity
and obligation to build our reputation and continue to establish and reinforce the
standards and traditions that we have already come to expect of the bands at Alvarez
High School. We have many plans for travel and performances that should keep us
challenged from August to June. Below you will find pertinent information to ensure
your student’s success.

The Everett Alvarez High School Band is an organization comprised of the most talented
students in the school who wish to enrich their lives through the education and enjoyment
of music. Members of the Eagle Band program will have the opportunity to perform at
athletic events, parades, contests, festivals, concerts, and other events in and around our
community. The students will also travel to perform at clinics, competitions, and other
events in and outside of our great state.

Our band program is made up of three levels: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced
Band. All groups work together in the Fall Semester to create the Everett Alvarez
Marching Band. This group performs at our home sporting events, and will participate in
several local parade and community events. Once Marching Band season is over, our
band classes focus on preparing concert band, jazz ensembles, small ensemble groups,
and a wide variety of other instrument groupings to challenge the musicians in our
program on many levels.

The Alvarez Band program thrives on dedication and teamwork from all of its members.
We are anxious to see what great things we can accomplish and the lives that we will
surely touch with our talent and commitment to excellence. I am proud to welcome you
to the band that will set the standard.

Most Sincerely,

Joshua Mack
Director of Bands
 The information listed on these pages is intended to provide students and parents
with the guidelines for success within our band program. The band classes are not "easy"
but we think you will find that the expectations are both fair and clearly spelled out.
Students and parents are expected to have a clear understanding of what is expected so
please read this handbook carefully and as always, feel free to contact us with any
questions you may have. Parents should monitor their child’s progress in this music
course, and encourage them toward daily practice at home to reinforce the skills learned
in class. Students will quickly learn that without improving their skills at home, the road
to success will be slow and difficult. Thank you for your support and please read and
keep a copy of this document to reference in the future.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Everett Alvarez High School Music Program is dedicated to the mission of
continuous improvement, culminating in a significant musical experience for
ourselves and our audiences. With patience, courage, and devotion, we will develop
in each of our members the ideals of leadership, personal responsibility, pride,
respect, and honesty so that we may be a model for our school and community.

SHARED OBJECTIVES OF OUR PERFORMANCE CLASSES

• To provide each ensemble member with a workable knowledge of music, so they
may enjoy, understand, and participate in the aesthetic experience relayed through
music making.
• To help the student understand the nature of community through ensemble
experience.
• To provide a rewarding performance and learning experience for all interested
and qualified students.
• To provide the highest degree of music performance at school or community
functions and special events.
• To represent the school in events outside our community.
• To continually broaden the musical tastes of the students and our community
through the performance of fine wind band, choral, and jazz band literature.
• To promote school spirit!

Our Music Program Laws

1. Respect (in all ways, at all times!)
2. Listen.
3. Thou shall not chew gum.
4. Thou shall not eat or drink in the Band Room.
5. Thou shall not wear/have hats, earbuds or sunglasses indoors.
6. Thou shall not engage in public displays of affection.
7. Thou shall not be “wimpy.”
8. To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late.
To be late is NOT ACCEPTABLE!
Grading Policy
It is important to understand that the grading policy of this class is intended to measure
achievement and progress.
Grading Scale:
A= 90%-100% B= 80%-89% C= 70%-79% D= 60%-69% F= 59% or below

Category Breakdown
Daily Participation/ Performance: 50%
1. Students begin the year with 200 points for their participation grade. Students can lose
points for many reasons including: not having all required materials for class, disruptive
behavior or attitude, being off-task during an instructional unit, or any reason where the
student is not meeting the expectations clearly established by their instructor.
2. Daily, students are expected to be observed giving their best effort, contributing to class
discussions, and working on improving their skills.
3. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performance (points are earned buy fully
participating in these group activities).
Musical Growth: 30%
Over the course of each semester, students will be given worksheets, practice journals,
projects, and other assignments that are meant to evaluate their musical technique and progress.
Demonstration of Skill: 20%
In order to evaluate how the student is progressing, there will be many performance-
based proficiency tests,quizzes, as well as written exams.

Performance and Rehearsal Absence Excuses

Excused absences and tardies (including those involving conflicts with other clubs,
activities, or sports on campus), except in the case of illness or family emergency, must
be cleared with your band director at least two weeks prior to the rehearsal or
performance and must be accompanied with a written explanation from the parent or
guardian. Full credit is given only if the student attends for the entire event; no early exit.

Rehearsal
Rehearsal is, in many ways, the most important time for the members of an ensemble.
Very simply, it is the time when the greatest amount of teaching and learning takes place.
An atmosphere which is “conducive to learning” must be maintained at all times.
Anything which serves to disrupt an atmosphere conducive to learning shall not be
tolerated. Gross disregard for maintaining a learning atmosphere shall result in removal
from the rehearsal setting. Each student is expected to be attentive and make an honest
attempt to improve during each rehearsal. Preparation is essential to maximize learning;
therefore, each student is also responsible for the maintenance of his or her individual
part prior to rehearsals.

Rehearsal Schedule
The marching band will rehearse after school only occasionally during the first Semester.
This is to prepare for participation in local parade events. These rehearsals will be
scheduled well before 2 weeks notice. After marching band season the symphonic band,
and small ensembles will use Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and
evenings to schedule any additional rehearsals needed. All rehearsals will be announced
at least two weeks in advance and will be required. Point value is earned for attendance at
all rehearsals. Rehearsal points cannot be made-up.
 FOOTBALL GAME PROCEDURES

1. Home games are at Alvarez HS stadium.

2. Junior Varsity Games start at 5:30 pm, and Varsity Games will typically begin at 7:30
pm. The Band will assemble in the music room by 5:00 p.m.
3. Section Leaders and Drum Major will report to the Band Room by 4:45pm and stay
shortly after the game to assist in the handling of equipment.
4. Uniforms for our pepband will be polo shirts eventually for indoor performances, and
hooded sweatshirts for outdoor. These items will be available to sale during the first
quarter of the school year.
5. Once you arrive, no Band member is permitted to leave the organization in advance of
group dismissal at any time, unless excused by the director.
6. While seated in the stands, only current Band members are allowed in the ranks.
7. While seated in the stands, students will sit in their respective sections.
8. Solo performance or “hacking/noodling” is strictly prohibited. Sections are encouraged
to work up brief musical selections to aid in the support of group spirit. These “cheers”
must be approved by the director prior to the performance.
9. Food or drink will not be consumed while in uniform except during assigned instances.
No food is allowed in the stands. (3rd Quarter is typically the band’s break to eat, drink,
use restroom).
10. Attention must always be given to Mr. Mack, the Drum Major, Section Leaders, and
Staff. You are encouraged to have fun and cheer at games but always be aware of the
chain of command and discipline associated with the EAHS Band. Never find yourself in
a position that would cause you to miss a command or instruction.

Marching Band Uniforms(for parades only)

Wind and percussion students will be assigned:

1. a marching jacket
2. beret/hat
3. black dress pants
These items will be primarily kept on campus, and will be checked out as needed for each
performance. All of these items must be returned and properly stored immediately after
the performance before returning home.

Students must provide the following items on their own to complete the required
uniform:
1. Black marching shoes. Most plain black shoes will suffice, but the shoe must be:
a. Completely Black (no logos or colored trim)
b. Comfortable (we will be walking/marching many miles in these shoes).
2. Black socks.
3. Undershirts may be worn below our school jackets as long as they are concealed
beneath the collar. No hoodies allowed under our uniforms!
ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS OF UNIFORM PARTS WILL HAVE TO BE PAID FOR
IN FULL TO EAHS. ALL UNIFORM ITEMS (MARCHING AND CONCERT)
MUST BE RETURNED ON EITHER A VERY STURDY PLASTIC HANGAR
(SUITABLE FOR HOLDING A SUIT JACKET AND PANTS, FOR INSTANCE)
OR A WOODEN HANGAR.

Concert Band
The required uniform for our concert band is as follows and must be provided by the
students:
1. White dress shirt (button-up w/ a collar) and a long tie of your choice (director
approval is needed). Ladies may choose this option or may wear a simple white/dress
blouse.
2. Dress pants may be provided from the school, or on your own as requested. Ladies
may wear a black skirt or long dress if it below your knees in length, and you also wear
black tights or stockings.
3. Dress black shoes and socks (formal shoes are best, should be better quality than the
shoe used for marching band.
4. Our official “casual” uniform also includes a performance polo shirt which can be
purchased through our Apparel Catalog. Students may choose which polo (Nike, or
Pique). Please choose a slightly larger size, as you may want to use for multiple years.
Along with this navy polo, please wear khaki style pants (no jeans).

Fundraising
All of our fundraising opportunities (which are very few) are specifically designed so that
our students make the maximum amount of money on each project. These fundraisers are
instituted to allow students to earn money for any trips that are offered this year. Students
have the option of earning all the money by fundraising; earning some and paying the
rest; or paying in full.

Instruments
If needed and if the instrument is available, students may check out a school owned
instrument. Students are responsible for any repairs necessary during the school year.
Students are responsible for keeping their instrument secure. Failure to keep instruments
in a safe place can result in immediate removal of that instrument from the student. The
student will not be allowed to check out another school instrument for the rest of that
year.
In order to maintain the instruments in the best condition possible, students with school
owned instruments are required to: sign an instrument use form and attach a personal
identification tag which includes students’ name, home address, and phone information
as well as our school’s name. Students are financially responsible for the removal of
dents that occur as a result of the student's use of the instrument. If the instrument has
been kept in proper condition, no charges will be assessed for its use.
STUDENTS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
NECESSARY TO REPAIR THEIR INSTRUMENT.
Band Supply Requirements
The following items are suggested and required (R) for students performing in band
classes. These items may be purchased at most music stores in town. Students MUST
have these supplies to properly maintain their instruments. Points will be given once they
have been brought to Mr. Mack. In addition to the following, all students are expected to
have an electronic tuner and metronome. These may be purchased for under $40 at any
music store in town (may be found online as well). Keep your receipt in case you
purchase the wrong supplies.
Flute
Flute Lyre, Marching Music Folio
(R) Cleaning Rod and Cloth
Small Screwdriver for Instrument Adjustment
Clarinet
Clarinet Lyre,Marching Music Folio
Van Doren V45 Mouthpiece
(R) At least 4 at all times: Rico, Van Doren, or Mitchell Lurie Reeds (size 2 ½ suggested)(must always
have a working reed in rehearsal or performance).
(R) Cork Grease and Cleaning Cloth
Small Screwdriver for Instrument Adjustment
Saxophone
Saxophone Lyre, Marching Music Folio
Selmer C Star Mouthpiece or Equivalent
(R) At least 4 at all times: Rico, Van Doren, or Mitchell Lurie Reeds (size 2 ½ suggested)
(R) Cork Grease and Cleaning Cloth
Small Screwdriver for Instrument Adjustment
Trumpet
Trumpet Lyre,Marching Music Folio
Bach 5C or 3C Mouthpiece
(R) Valve Oil, Tuning Slide Grease, Cleaning Cloth and Snake
Horn
Marching Mellophone Lyre and Marching Music Folio
Holton Farcas Medium Deep Cup Mouthpiece
(R) Valve Oil, Rotor Oil, Slide Grease Cleaning cloth and snake
Trombone
Trombone Lyre, Marching Music Folio
Bach 6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece (no 12C)
(R) Slide Cream and Squirt Water Bottle
(R) Turning slide Grease, cleaning cloth and snake
Baritone/Euphonium
Marching Baritone Lyre, Marching Music Folio
Bach 6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece (no 12C)
(R) Valve Oil, Tuning Slide Grease, Cleaning Cloth and Snake
Tuba
Sousaphone Lyre, Marching Music Folio
Bach 18 Mouthpiece
(R) Valve Oil, Tuning Slide Grease, Cleaning Cloth and Snake
All Percussionists:
Marching Mallets and Sticks (1st set is provided by school, replacements are at students’ expense)
1 Vic Firth Standard Stick Bag or equivalent
(R) 1 Practice Pad (many acceptable varieties)
(R) 1 Pair Vic Firth SD1 General Concert Snare Drum Sticks
1 Pair Vic Firth General Timpani Mallets
1 Pair Becker (Mallettech) Xylophone Mallets, and 1 Pair of Mallets (T1 Generals)
1 Pair Balter ProVibe
Lockers
Lockers are available on a limited basis in the band room for instrument storage. Students
will be assigned a locker at the start of the school year. EAHS will not be responsible for
lost or stolen personal property kept in lockers. Students must provide their own
combination lock to secure the locker (and must register the combination with Mr.
Mack). Students are responsible for the maintenance of their locker. If lockers are not
kept in clean and good condition, the student or students responsible may lose use of the
band lockers for the rest of the school year.

Percussion Equipment and Responsibilities

All percussionists are expected to provide their own sticks and mallets. Students are
expected to own several different pairs of sticks and mallets depending upon the
ensemble in which they participate as assigned by the percussion instructors. A complete
list will be furnished at a later date. Students are required to keep all equipment in good
working order and secured at the end of each rehearsal. Failure to keep equipment
secured is a violation of class rules and will be dealt with according to the discipline
policy listed previously. School percussion equipment damaged by student will be dealt
with on a situational basis. Only approved percussionists are allowed to use our school’s
percussion equipment.

Pep Band
All members of the band will perform as the pep band at several functions throughout the
school year. The majority of these functions will be home basketball games. A complete
list of performances will be provided when available. Attendance at all pep band
performances is required. Further details will be provided throughout the school year.

Band Traveling Procedures

1. All members of the EAHS Music Program must complete the SUHSD Drug Contract
Form/Procedure.
2. Alcohol consumption and or use of non-prescription drugs will not be tolerated and
will result in immediate dismissal from band and potential expulsion from school.
3. Any form of tobacco use is strictly prohibited.
4. Music program members are not allowed in any room other than their own after hours.
No unauthorized persons will be permitted to visit.
5. No members of the opposite sex are allowed in hotel rooms.
6. Students are expected to behave at all times in the hotel. You are representing Everett
Alvarez High School and Salinas, California. Anyone deemed guilty of misbehavior will
be dealt with by the director.
7. All students are expected to participate in all activities.
8. ABSOLUTELY NO HAZING OR INITIATION IN ANY FORM WILL BE
TOLERATED.
9. Parents and students will be held responsible for paying any property damages
including lost key charges.
10. Shirts and shoes are to be worn at all times unless swimming, bathing, or sleeping.
11. Rooms are to be locked at all times.
12. There will be no breaking in line in restaurants and cafeterias.
13. No food, glasses, or dishes are to be taken from any dining facility.
14. No one shall play instruments in the hotel rooms.
15. All school rules (including smoking) will be strictly enforced. Both the Music
Department and the school authorities will deal with any infraction of these rules.
16. All students should realize that for the duration of the trip, any personal desires,
uniqueness of character, or other individualities must be considered secondary to the
traits that facilitate large group control and management.
17. Under no circumstances will any student be permitted to leave the motel,
performance area, park, etc. except when with the entire group or with an assigned
chaperone. Any student found leaving the premises without permission from Mr.
Mack would be dealt with severely.
18. Profanity is not a part of the Eagle Band Program. Make sure that your language
is never offensive while with the group.

REMEMBER: Young adults do not roughhouse or damage property. As EAHS Band

members, you reflect not only the values you learn at EAHS, but those of your
community.
BAND MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE
RIGHT TIME, WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT, READY TO GO!

The band director reserves the right to dismiss and send home at the parents’ expense,
any student who disobeys the rules and whose general conduct and attitude towards the
trip and its participants is determined to be detrimental to the rest of the group.