Sample High School Band Handbook

Desert Lily Marching Band

Contact Information
Director: Bonnie Mitson Lead Staff Member
Phone: 520-111-2222 Phone: 520-333-4444
Email: bsmitson@golilies.com Email: besthelper@golilies.com
Desert Lily High School Box: Ask Front Desk

Marching Band Information

It is exciting to be the Director for the Desert Lily Marching Band at Desert Lily
High School! I am excited for the journey we are about to embark on together. I am here
to assist you and your students and want to make your band experience as positive and
rewarding as possible. Should you ever have any questions or concerns, I am always
available via email and will strive to respond in a timely manner.

It is important to be aware of what this bands goals are so we can track

improvement and grow our musicality. Our main goals for this year are the following.
The steps to take those goals will be listed weekly in class.
- Rehearsal: all students are focused, ready for improvement, and prepared to play
their part.
- Performances: all students are relaxed, confident, and ready to have fun.
- Competitions: all students are respectful and prepared.

Mission Statement and Philosophy

Our music programs mission is to provide students with the means to perform
with quality, to think critically, provide audiences enjoyable music, and to experience
healthy competition. Our role in Music Education is to be a visual and audible example of
how hard work towards a common goal may be attained and how active participation in
an ensemble can create a supportive community.

Band Mottos

Quality and Practice for All.

My long tones bring all the crowds to the stands!

Within these two mottos, our bands show the commitment to grow our
skills and our excitement for sharing our music with the community!

Materials
 Below is the list of materials each member ought to bring to each class/rehearsal.
An Instrument specific list of materials will also be handed out as students are assigned
their instrument/part. There will be a separate list for Band Camp Materials in the Parent
Letter.
 Instrument
 Appropriate Instrument
 Pencil
 Note book
 Water Bottle
 Sunglasses/ball cap hat
 Closed toed shoes

Online/Computer Resources
To assist our learning, our band will cycle through a schedule to view videos and
lectures concerning the pieces and techniques we will use in class and in performances. It
is important that each member respectfully use their time at the computer. It is unfair to
you and to your classmate to miss out on the content that will be shared.
Bring a note book notes and to write questions.
Use headphones to hear the pieces.
Share the new videos you find with the Band Director first.

Fall Rehearsal Schedule:

Subject to change. Changes will be posted in the Band Room and students notified.

Desert Lilies Marching Band Schedule of Events 2020

Date Time What Location Who

SEASON KICKOFF
Drumline
Monday, June 3rd 3:00 pm Percussion Placement Audition Band Room Candidates
Drum Major
Tuesday, June 4th 3:00 pm Drum Major Auditions Band Room Candidates

PRE-SEASON
Tuesday, July 9 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Thursday, July 11 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Tuesday, July 16 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Thursday, July 18 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Tuesday, July 23 8:00 - 1:00 pm Wind Sectionals (see schedule) Band Room Wind
Tuesday, July 23 9:00 - noon Pit Sectional Choir Room Pit
Tuesday, July 23 9:00 - noon Color Guard Practice Auditorium Color Guard
Tuesday, July 23 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Wednesday, July 24 9:00 - noon Color Guard Practice Auditorium Color Guard
Thursday, July 25 8:00 - 1:00 pm Wind Sectionals (see schedule) Band Room Wind/Pit
Thursday, July 25 9:00 - noon Pit Sectional Choir Room Pit
Thursday, July 25 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Tuesday, July 30 8:00 - 1:00 pm Wind Sectionals (see schedule) Band Room Wind/Pit
Tuesday, July 30 9:00 - noon Pit Sectional Choir Room Pit
Tuesday, July 30 3:00 - 6:00 pm Drumline Mini-Camp (Mandatory) Band Room Drumline
Wednesday, July 31 9:00 - noon Freshman Marching Camp Band Room All 9th Graders
Wednesday, July 31 9:00 - noon Color Guard Practice Auditorium Color Guard
Drum Major/Section Leader Drum Majors/
Wednesday, July 31 12:30 - 1:30pm Meeting Band Room SectionLeaders

Band Camp
Thursday, August 1 7:00 - 2:00 pm Band Camp - Music and Drill Band Room All Members
Friday, August 2 7:00 - 2:00 pm Band Camp - Music and Drill Band Room All Students
Mag. Park
Saturday, August 3 All Day Band Camp - Music and Drill of Nature All Students
Mag. Park
Tuesday, August 4 All Day Band Camp - Music and Drill of Nature All Students
Mag. Park
Sunday, August 5 All Day Band Camp - Music and Drill of Nature All Students
Mag. Park
Monday, August 6 All Day Band Camp - Music and Drill of Nature All Students
Thursday, August 8 6:00 pm Parent Performance Band Room All Students

Post Camp
Monday, August 19 9:30 - noon Band Camp - Music and Drill Band Room All Students
Monday, August 19 6:00 - 9:00 pm Band Camp - Music and Drill Band Room All Students
Tuesday, August 20 11:30-1:00 pm Teacher Performance Auditorium All Students
Tuesday, August 20 6:30 - 9:00 pm Band Camp - Music and Drill Band Room All Students
Thursday August 22 6:30 - 9:00 pm Parent Premier Performance: 8pm Pract. Field All Students
Friday, August 23 9:30 - noon Band Camp - Music and Drill Band Room All Students
Half-time
Friday, August 23 TBA Football (A) vs. Octorara HS: 7pm Atglen, PA Performance

Beginning of the School Year

Starting August 26th, the marching band will practice every Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Football (H) vs. U. Moreland HS: Pre-game
Friday, August 30 TBA 7pm Stadium Performance
Pre-game
Friday, September 6 TBA Football (H) vs. Kutztown HS: 7pm Stadium Performance
Football (A) vs. Methacton HS: Eagleville, Half-time
Friday, September 13 TBA 7pm PA Performance
Football (A) vs. Pottsgrove HS: PGHS Half-time
Friday, September 20 TBA 7pm Stadium Performance
Football (H) vs. Phoenixville HS: Pre-game
Friday, September 27 TBA 7pm Stadium Performance
DAWHS
Saturday, September 28 TBA Downing West Cavalcade: 6pm Stadium Band Show
Pre-game
Friday, October 4 TBA Football (H) vs. U. Merion HS: 7pm Stadium Performance
OJRHS
Saturday, October 5 TBA Owen J. Roberts Showcase: 6pm Stadium Band Show
 Football (A) vs. Pope John Paul II band not
Friday, October 11 TBA HS: 7pm PJP Stadium attending
Football (H) vs. U. Perkomen HS: Pre-game
Friday, October 18 TBA 7pm Stadium Performance
EAHS
Saturday, October 19 TBA Ephrata Showcase: 6pm Stadium Band Show
Pottstown Halloween Parade: Pottstown,
Tuesday October 22 TBA 7pm PA All Students
Pottstown Halloween Parade Pottstown,
Thursday October 24 TBA Raindate: 7pm PA All Students
Football (A) Championship/Cross Half-time
Friday, October 25 TBA Over Week TBA Performance
Tuesday December 10 TBA All District Holiday Band Concert Auditorium Concert Band

Expectations
Be on time
Be thoughtful
Be participating

Each student has made the commitment to be a part of our band. Being a
band member includes practicing your material at home, being respectful to the
Staff helping you, being aware of the schedule and any changes, willing to help
out your fellow band member, being early to rehearsal to set up, staying late to
help put equipment away, and following our Handbook Guidelines.
Once these expectations have been met daily, there is a lot of room to have
fun, play epic music, and to be proud of being an integral member of a
prestigious ensemble!

Cell Phone Policy

For the majority of the time there will be no need for students to have their
cell phones in rehearsal. Should you need to contact your child, please call the
front office and they will contact me. Cell phones use is primarily prohibited as it
distracts from the student from focusing on the content, it occupies their hands
which are needed for their instrument, and may distract their peers.
Section leaders are given tuners to help with tuning and the metronome
will be used over the louder speakers. If I and a staff member are notified or see a
student engaging in authorized phone usage, the phone will be sent to the front
office. A guardian must be present to pick up the cell phone.
During specified activities, students will be given the opportunity to use
their cell phone to responsibly participate in learning exercises that will be
introduced in class. A notice of these scheduled activities will be displayed in the
band room, thus cell phones should only be present during these times.

Communications Procedure
Our band will communicate through email, calls, voicemails, and printed
schedules in the band office. Please check all four of these communication
 mediums every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to ensure that we are all on the
same page. Students are expected to know the current schedule.

Grading Rubric Policy

Grading Scale. The grade values are the following:
A B C D E
100-90 89.9-80 79.9-70 69.9-60 59.9-0

Grades are given in regards to attendance, participation, and achievement

on playing exams and on content quiz’s. Each student will receive feedback on
their exams and quiz's in order to gain awareness of where improvement is
occurring and where improvement is needed. All grades are final one week before
the end of the last scheduled school day. Please contact me for any questions or
concerns for student's grades before then.

Attendance and Participation: 30% and 30%

Attendance to class, performances, and to Band Camp is mandatory for all
members. Our shows success will depend on each person being present. A
student's absent will literally leave a hole that cannot be replaced. Notice how
participation is grouped with attendance. When you are physically present, you
must also be mentally present.
Participation is seen as a member doing their assigned role, asking for
assistance when needed, and helping another student if needed. Simply put: be
here and be active!

Exam and Quizzes: 20% and 20%

There will be one exam in the middle of the semester (TBD: Date will be
posted two weeks before). This exam is meant to highlight which areas need to be
reviewed. If you are in class and participating, this will be easy! Notice that this
exam is worth 20%. A study session may be scheduled closer to the exam date.
There will be multiple quizzes throughout the semester. They are meant to
strengthen your knowledge on key concepts and performance routines. View
these as an opportunity to show off the hard work you are doing in band!

Tardy and Absent Policy

A student's absent will literally leave a hole that cannot be replaced. To
help your team, Absent request forms may be filled out a week before the date
you need to be gone. 4 unexcused absents will result in a whole letter grade
dropped. Be kind to your report card; use the Absent Request Form.
Being chronically tardy is equal to not showing up. Coming in late means
you've missed warm-up and announcements. 3 tardy's will equal an Absent. These
can quickly add up if you are not paying attention. Please do your best to plan
ahead. Communicate with me, the staff, and your section leader about schedule
needs.

Marching Band Fees

 Band Camp: $250
Uniforms: $50
Travel Fee: $200
Instrument Rental: $20 - $60
Dependent on instrument type. See Instrument Rentals for more details.

Marching Band Staff

The Desert Lilies Marching Staff are hired professionals whose goal is to
help you improve your skills. It is imperative that you treat them with respect and
to be polite when they are offering constructive criticism. Do not speak over them
when they talk. Maintaining a positive attitude will assist you with applying the
Staffs corrections and with them helping 200+ marching band members. Please
see me if you have concerns regarding the Staff.

Student Leadership Information

Each instrument and Guard Squad will have a designated. You can apply
for the role of Section Leader by signing up for the Leadership auditions.
Responsibilities include:
Tuning at rehearsal
Checking attendance for your squad members
Answering musical and Band Handbook questions

Band Camp Information

Band camp will begin with two days of rehearsal at Desert Lily High
School on August 1st and 2nd from 7am to 2pm. During these rehearsals, we
will focus on marching and music fundamentals.
Next, from August 3rd through 6th, we will be at Magnificent Park of
Nature, Flagstaff in Arizona. Travel to Magnificent Park of Nature will take us
five hours by bus, during which we will travel to a higher elevation of 6,909 and
temperatures approximately 30 degrees cooler. We will depart the high school by
8am on August 3rd. Students need to be at school by 7:00am to ensure we leave
on time. We will return from camp on August 6th by approximately 6pm.
The purpose for going offsite is to let the students adjust to traveling with
their new band mates, and learning how to set up and take down our bands
equipment. Most importantly, students will be able to practice marching on a
different field, much like our competitions and away football games will
necessitate!
August 8th will be the Desert Lily Marching Band Performance at
6pm to show off all the hard work our students did!
It is important that everyone attend band camp. We will be spending our
time at camp working on marching basics, music, and will begin setting our show
and stand tunes. If you do not attend camp, you will be about 55 hours behind the
rest of the band! Starting the year with 55 hours behind not only hinders your own
 personal progress, but also greatly hinders the progress of the entire band.
Additionally, you will miss out on invaluable time for team building and
comradery. It is important to realize that our marching band drill will be written
for the number of students attending band camp. Therefore, if you are not at
camp, thein it is unlikely that you will have a permanent marching spot in the
show.
Safety is the key to success. We sent an email requesting an Emergency
Release Form and a Physical Exam Form. There will be an info night explaining
these forms and other details on July 15th. STUDENTS CANNOT GO TO
BAND CAMP WITHOUT A SIGNED EMERGENCY FORM AND AN
APPROVED PHYSICAL EXAM.
Please note, the due date for the band camp fee $250 is July 25th. We
understand money is tight for all of us. When you consider all that the student gets
for this financial investment, the cost is quite economical. Students will receive
five days and four nights of housing, meals, transportation to and from camp, and
a first class music education with professional educators. Please contact me if you
have any questions or needs. We want to work with you as best we can!

Travel Information
We travel for band camp, competitions, and some performances. Each
band member must have an Emergency Release Form filled out before we go on
our trips. More details will be provided near the time of travel.

Uniform Information
The uniforms issued to band members are property of Desert Lily High
School. It is your responsibility to maintain them while wearing them during
performance and at competitions. Uniforms will be stored at school, be handed
out before traveling, and returned once we are back.
Do not drink colored, bubbly, or sticky beverages. Water only.
No eating in uniform. Keep them clean.
Take Jackets off when not performing. This will help the uniforms
longevity.

Instrumental Rental / Maintenance

Each instrument can be rented from the school or from these approved
Music stores.
- Chicago Music
- Instrumental Music Center
- Desert Lily High School
- Future Store That Might Exists

If you are considering purchasing an instrument, YOU MUST email me

the specific one you are looking at. Many instruments sold online or at discounted
 prices are flawed, unplayable, or extreme poor quality. Let's check it before you
get it.

Band Boosters Information

Band Boosters are the Parents of the student involved in Marching Band.
Their purpose is to be a source of happy energy, supportive, dependable, and
cooperative. The Band Booster helps the band to run smoothly and so the Band
Director can focus on creating and guiding a quality show and class environment
for the students.
Band Boosters and Committees
President Vice President
Treasurer Secretary

The President has the authority to appoint subcommittees that serve to the
benefit of the band's needs and goals. All subcommittees must be approved by the
band director to become active. The President is responsible to guide meetings,
and to keep the Band Booster on schedule.
The Vice President is responsible for budgeting, scheduling student
events.
The Treasurer is responsible for Financing, uniform purchases, and paying
travel expenses.
The Secretary is responsible for keeping Meeting Minutes and records of
importance.

The Band Boosters Activities involve:

Finances
Fundraising
Loading Equipment
Transportation and Travel Accommodations
Uniform fitting and purchase
Student Dinners

Fundraising Information
The Band Booster will be the main source for coordinating and organizing
our fundraisers. Dates and themes must be approved by the Band Director to
ensure there are no scheduling conflicts and to ensure school appropriateness. All
proceeds collected at fundraising events will be submitted with the Event
Revenue Form and handed directly to the Band Director at the end of the event.

Band Camp Parent Letter

Dear Desert Lily Marching Band Members and Parents,

 Hello and welcome Desert Lily Marching Band Parents! Before we kick off this
tremendously exciting marching season, we wanted to touch base with you to make sure that you
have the necessary information to ensure you have a successful experience with our band camp.

Band camp will begin with two days of rehearsal at Desert Lily High School on
August 1st and 2nd from 7am to 2pm. During these rehearsals, we will focus on marching and
music fundamentals.
Next, from August 3rd through 6th, we will be at Magnificent Park of Nature,
Flagstaff in Arizona. Travel to Magnificent Park of Nature will take us five hours by bus,
during which we will travel to a higher elevation of 6,909 and temperatures approximately 30
degrees cooler. We will depart the high school by 8am on August 3rd. Students need to be at
school by 7:00am to ensure we leave on time. We will return from camp on August 6th by
approximately 6pm.
The purpose for going offsite is to let the students adjust to traveling with their new band
mates, and learning how to setup and take down our bands equipment. Most importantly,
students will be able to practice marching on a different field, much like our competitions and
away football games will necessitate!
August 8th will be the Desert Lily Marching Band Performance at 6pm to show off
all the hard work our students did!

It is important that everyone attended band camp. We will be spending our time at camp
working on marching basics, music, and will begin setting our show and stand tunes. If you do
not attend camp, you will be about 55 hours behind the rest of the band! Starting the year with 55
hours behind not only hinders your own personal progress, but also greatly hinders the progress
of the entire band. Additionally, you will miss out on invaluable time for team building and
comradery. It is important to realize that our marching band drill will be written for the number
of students attending band camp. Therefore, if you are not at camp, thein it is unlikely that you
will have a permanent marching spot in the show.

Safety is the key to success. We sent an email requesting an Emergency Release Form
and a Physical Exam Form. There will be an info night explaining these forms and other details
on July 15th. STUDENTS CANNOT GO TO BAND CAMP WITHOUT A SIGNED
EMERGENCY FORM AND AN APPROVED PHYSICAL EXAM.

Please note, the due date for the band camp fee $250 is July 25th. We understand
money is tight for all of us. When you consider all that the student gets for this financial
investment, the cost is quite economical. Students will receive five days and four nights of
housing, meals, transportation to and from camp, and a first class music education with
professional educators. Please contact me if you have any questions or needs. We want to work
with you as best we can!

We want each student to be able to achieve their best. The best come prepared! Please be
sure to bring the following items.

Water Bottle Closed toed shoes Extra T-Shirts

Camping toiletries Medicines Sleeping Bag and Pillow
Sunscreen Pencil Camping Toiletries
Sunglasses Hat Insect repellent
A happy smile Healthy Snack One Appropriate Music Joke
Instrument Instrument supplies Windbreaker and Raincoat

It is exciting to be the Director for the Desert Lily Marching Band at Desert Lily High
School! I am excited for the journey we are about to embark on together. I am here to assist you
and your students and want to make your band experience as positive and rewarding as possible.
Should you ever have any questions or concerns, I am always available via email and will strive
to respond in a timely manner.

Go Desert Lily!

Bonnie Mitson
Director of Instrumental Music
Desert Lily High School, AZ
1-800-800-8001
bsmitson@email.arizona.edu

Handbook Acknowledgement Form

This Handbook has been prepared for you reference and understanding of the Desert Lily High
School Marching Band. Please read it carefully.

I am aware of the Desert Lily High School Marching Band handbook and its accessibility
through the website; www.golilies.com. I acknowledge it is my responsibility to familiarize
myself with the contents of the handbook. By my signature below, I acknowledge, understand,
and agree to comply with the information contained in the Handbook provided to me by the
Desert Lily Marching Band Booster. I understand this handbook is not comprehensive in all
areas but is intended to be a resource guide to the Desert Lily High School Marching Band.

_______Initials BY
SIGNING BELOW, I ACKNOWLEDGE I AM
RESPONSIBLE FOR READING THE HANDBOOK

Please sign below and return to the form to the Band Booster.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________ __________________
Parents/Guardian Signature Date

________________________________________ __________________
Parents/Guardian Signature Date

________________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date

Desert Lily High School

Student Absence Form
Student Name: _____________________________________________

Date of Absence(s): _________________________________________

Reason: ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________

Band Director Signature: _______________________________________Date: ___________

Desert Lily High School

Student Absence Form

Student Name: _____________________________________________

Date of Absence(s): _________________________________________

Reason: ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________

Band Director Signature: _______________________________________Date: ___________

 Event Revenue Form
Band Booster

Event Location Date Amount

Fundraising Various MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00

Income
T-Shirt Sales L: 32, M:3, S: 4 MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00
DrumSticks MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00
Car Wash MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00
Donations MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00

Total Receipts: $0,000.00

Expense
Transportation MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00
DrumSticks MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00
Water Bottles MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00
Snacks MM/DD/YYYY $0,000.00

Total Expense: $0,000.00

Projected Budget: $0,000.00

Balance at End of Period: $0,000.00