Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Member Name:_________________________________________________________________
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Table of Contents
Page # Contents
6……………………………………………………………………………….Attendance Policy
9………………………………………………………………………....Rehearsal Expectations
10…………………………………………………………………………..Uniform Information
12…………………………………………………………………….......Equipment Information
14……………………………………………………………………..Leadership Opportunities
17…………………………………………………………………....Performance Requirements
18…………………………………………………………………………...2020-2021 Schedule
21……………………………………………………………………………….Lettering System
22………………………………………………………………………………….Band Boosters
23…………………………………………………………………………………….Fundraising
25……………………………………………………………………………...Equipment Resale
34………………………………………………………………………………..Signature Form
35………………………………………………………………………..Handbooks Referenced
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Welcome Letter
Dear parents and students:
Welcome to the Rydell High band program for the 2020-2021 school year! The purpose
of this handbook is to allow students and parents to be informed on the Rydell High Band’s
expectations, policies, procedures, and goals. This handbook will be discussed in class during
our first class period, but please take the time to thoroughly read through the information so that
you may be informed on all things Rydell Band! Please feel free to contact me using the
information below with any questions regarding any of the information in this handbook, or
anything that was not clearly stated.
IMPORTANT!: At the end of the handbook, you will find the following forms:
● Personal Info Questionnaire
● Instrument Rental Form (when applicable)
● Marching Band Uniform Rental Form (for your reference)
● Social Media Policy
● Travel Expectations
● Substance Policy
● Medical Release/Emergency Contact
● Code of Conduct
● Signature Form
Please take the time to carefully read each of these documents and return them with a
signature from the student and a parent/guardian no later than the end of the first full week of
classes (Friday, August 21, 2020). It is necessary that these documents are returned by every
student in the case that disciplinary action is needed or in the case of a medical emergency.
Contact Info
Sarah Wolfe
swolfe@rhs.com
1234 5th Street
(123) 456-7890
(316) 755-6475 (cell phone)*
*Please only contact me by my cell phone number in the case of an emergency. If you should
text this number, please begin the message with your first and last name.
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Our Mission Statement: The Rydell High band program will create an environment that allows
students to grow in their musical capabilities, as well as teaching important life skills such as
leadership, accountability, and respect.
Program Goals
By the time students leave the Rydell High band program, they will:
● Develop the disposition to find ways to constantly improve themselves.
● Be able to speak about music in an educated way.
● Develop skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and integrity.
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Attendance Policy
All members are required to attend each rehearsal and performance. It is encouraged that
all students arrive at the given event at least 15 minutes in advance (to be early is to be on time!),
but they will not be counted tardy until after the official call time for the event, and they will not
be counted absent until they have proven to not be at the event by the time it ends.
Tardies: All tardies during the school day will be handled according to the Rydell High
policies. Tardies that occur for rehearsals/events outside of the regular class period will result in
partial loss of credit for that event. It is up to my discretion how many points will be deducted
Absences: All absences during the school day will be handled according to the Rydell
High policies. All students must notify Ms. Wolfe of known/scheduled absences at least 2 weeks
prior to the date the student intends to miss. This may be done with the Absence Request
Form, which can be found in the mailboxes outside the band office. If the student must miss a
scheduled band rehearsal or event due to a sport/activity, the student must still communicate that
Grading Policy
The main components that will determine a student’s grade in this class is their
punctuality and preparedness. If a student arrives to class/required events at the appropriate time,
has all of the necessary materials for class and has completed their assignments on time and to
the best of their ability, they will be more likely to receive a higher grade, as opposed to a
student who is frequently late and not prepared for class. Grades will be given in class, and also
for events that occur outside of class such as rehearsals and performances.
Grading Breakdown:
Performances 60%
Achievement Expectations
possible. With that, we require students to participate in several events that allow for
performance experience.
● Students will be expected to audition for the district concert ensemble or jazz ensemble at
● If the student is placed in the district concert ensemble or jazz ensemble, they will
● Students will be expected to perform in at least 1 solo or small ensemble at district solo
● If a student earns a I rating on their district solo and ensemble festival performance, they
will be expected to perform at the state solo and small ensemble festival.
● All students will participate in the marching band and a concert ensemble (with the
exclusion of color guard members who are not also members of the concert band).
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Rehearsal Expectations
All members are expected to be at each rehearsal, unless they have followed the correct
absence procedures (please see Attendance Policy section). Regularly scheduled rehearsals will
occur at the following times (extra rehearsals may be called at Ms. Wolfe’s discretion):
All students are expected to be punctual, prepared, and positive during each rehearsal!
Failure to do so may result in point deductions for the given rehearsal. It is necessary that
students have their instruments, proper attire, and charts at each rehearsal. If any student does not
Uniform Information
Marching band uniforms are checked out to students on the days leading up to band camp
(July 23, 24, 25). Uniform checkout takes place from 8a-12p and 1p-3p on each of those days.
Drum majors and section leaders are asked to sign up for at least one 2-hour shift on one of these
days. We also ask for parent volunteers to aid in this process. Students are given the following
uniform parts: jacket, overlay, pants, gauntlets, hat, hat box, garment bag, and optional duffle
bag. Students are asked to purchase gloves ($5) and marching shoes ($35 new, or students may
purchase a used pair for a lower price). Both of these items may be ordered during uniform
checkout. Should any student miss the scheduled uniform checkout dates, they will be fitted and
checked out a uniform during band camp. We ask that parent volunteers run this part of the
checkout process.
Uniforms are taken to the cleaners each summer, so students will not need to worry about
cleaning the uniforms themselves. However, students are responsible for keeping their uniforms
unreasonably dirty way, the student who that uniform is checked out to will be responsible
for the replacement of that uniform part. Unless stated otherwise, students will wear all parts
of their uniform for performances. Underneath the uniforms should be the marching band shirt,
Uniforms and hats will be stored at the high school, unless students are asked to take the
uniforms home (this sometimes is the case for festivals). Students will be assigned a number that
corresponds with a numbered spot on the uniform racks, where they should hang their uniforms
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after each performance. Uniform check-in will take place after the marching season is
completed.
It is expected that students will wear “concert black” for all performances (black on
black). Skirts and dresses are allowed, but it is required that the hem of the skirt be below the
knees. Shoes must be close toed, reasonable and comfortable to walk in (maybe rethink your six
inch heels). The black shoes that are used during marching band are acceptable, as long as they
are in a presentable condition. ALL pieces of clothing should be black, including socks, belts,
and any undershirts that may be visible. Jewelry is allowed, but it must be reasonable, black, and
Equipment Information
Lockers: Students will be checked out a locker for their instruments during the first week
of classes. It will be necessary for students to purchase a lock for their respective locker. If this is
not possible, there is a limited supply of locks that may be checked out as well. At the time of
checkout, a form will be filled out with the student’s name, locker number, and the combination.
Instruments: If a student does not own their own instrument or plays a different
instrument for marching band than they do for concert ensembles, they may check out an
instrument at the end of the school year to be used for the following summer/school year. There
is a $35/semester fee for instrument rentals. Students will also fill out a form to confirm the
rental. If a student is using a school instrument, that instrument will already have its own locker
and lock/combination. If a student chooses to use their own instrument, it is only asked that it is
Repairs: Repairs on school owned instruments will be paid for from the instrument
repair budget. Students will only be responsible for letting me know when the instrument is not
working properly. We ask that student owned instrument repairs be attended to personally,
unless it is a small problem (stuck key, popped spring, things that can easily be fixed in the
classroom). If your instrument (or any other piece of equipment) becomes damaged, please do
not hesitate to tell me! I would rather you tell me when the incident occurs so it can be taken care
of instead of you waiting until the end of the year to tell me what happened!
Flip folders/Lyres: Flip folders and lyres are used at football games while playing in the
stands. Students may purchase these items on their own (they can be found at inexpensive prices
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at local music stores or online), or they may borrow one or both of these items from the school.
There is no rental fee for these items, but if lost or severely damaged, the student will be asked to
If an instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged: Before anything else, please tell Ms.
Wolfe what the situation is. If a personal instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged, students may
take advantage of the rental program for as long as they need. If a school owned instrument is
lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost of replacement or repair will be given to the student and their
family.
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Leadership Opportunities
In order for our program to run successfully, certain responsibilities must be delegated to
a group of student leaders. Our team of student leaders must exhibit signs of respect,
accountability for oneself and others, discipline, and responsibility. These students should set the
example for others to follow. However, students do not need to be in a named leadership
Drum Majors: The role of the drum major is not just to conduct the band, but to set the
ultimate example for each of its members. They will also help with the tasks of teaching their
peers, passing out music, taking attendance, etc. Auditions for drum majors occur in April, and
consist of an interview session and a brief conducting audition. Drum Majors are required to
attend a Drum Major/Leadership Camp each summer. Further information on this camp will be
provided after the drum majors are selected and as summer approaches.
Section Leaders: Section leaders have several responsibilities. While also having to set a
good example for other band members, section leaders must teach our marching style and
techniques during band camp, run sectionals during rehearsal, etc. Auditions for section leaders
occur in April and consist of an interview section. Section leaders are not required but are
encouraged to attend the Drum Major Leadership camp along with our drum majors.
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Color guard
Carly Doherty
Keri McKnight
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For the marching band season, parts are assigned by grade: juniors, seniors, and section
leaders will be assigned the top parts, and freshmen and sophomores will be assigned the second
parts. If a section exceeds two different parts for a given piece of music, that will be addressed
accordingly. Also, given the event that the numbers of upperclassmen vs. lowerclassmen would
create an unbalanced band sound, some lowerclassmen may be asked to play a higher part, or
vice versa.
Auditions for our concert ensembles will be held during the week of finals. This audition
will count as the final exam for the Fall semester, as students must audition for chair
placement/band placement. As long as the student completes their audition, they will earn a
100% on their final. Due to our large number of participants, we are able to divide our students
into two large concert ensembles. Students who earn the highest scores on their auditions will be
placed in the Wind Ensemble, and other students will be placed in our Concert Band.
Students will be placed in their respective ensembles, regardless of age of grade classification.
The audition will consist of a prepared excerpt for each instrument (usually the same
excerpt used for district and state Honors Band auditions!). This material will be provided for the
students starting December 1 either on our band webpage or hard copy (by request). Students are
asked to prepare this excerpt to the best of their abilities. Along with this, the audition will
include a short sight reading excerpt and 1-2 scales. All students will be graded using the same
rubric. This rubric and the students’ respective scores will then be used to determine their chair
Performance Requirements
Unless stated otherwise, every performance is required for each band member. If a
student knows in advance that they will be missing a performance, they must follow the
appropriate Absence Policy procedures (please see the Absence Policy section above). If a
case-by-case basis. Missing a performance without an excused absence will result in a grade of 0
Students are expected to have all of the necessary equipment for each rehearsal (uniform,
instrument, flip folder/lyre, music etc.). Failure to bring these items will result in a deduction of
2020-2021 Schedule
ACT testing dates have been included for your convenience. Please use this to plan your testing
Event Date
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Lettering System
Students who earn a minimum of 25 points over the course of the year will earn their
band letter. These points will accumulate over the course of the student’s high school career.
Students may receive points from the same activity multiple times, but only once per year.
Private Lessons 1
Jazz Band 1
Pep Band 1
Band Boosters
The Rydell High Band Boosters are a volunteer based parent group dedicated to
supporting our program. The responsibilities of this the band boosters are:
● Organizing fundraisers
This group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00p in the high school band
room. If you would like more information about the band booster program, the first meeting of
the 2020 school year is August 27. You will be able to sign up for this organization at the first
meeting or any of the meetings following that. Please feel free to contact me with the
Fundraising
There will be several opportunities for students to fundraise throughout the year. For each
fundraiser, each student will earn a portion of money that goes directly into their student account.
This number may be viewed with permission of Ms. Wolfe. Students may use this money in
order to pay off fees (uniforms, travel, etc.). If the student so chooses, money from their account
may also be transferred to another student’s account. Should the student still have money in their
account at the time of graduation, the money will be transferred to the band program account.
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It is encouraged that all students who show interest in taking private lessons do so! Below
are several contacts for private lesson instructors in the area. Please contact any of them or Ms.
Percussion
Robby Cannon
rob.cannon@att.net
(123)738-2993
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Equipment Resale
Resale information such as reeds, oil, rosin, etc. Certain items that students will need to
participate in class will be available for sale at all times. Students simply need to ask Ms. Wolfe
for whatever item they need. Payment may be upfront and in cash, or a tab may be opened and
Individual reeds $3
Cork grease $2
Valve oil $5
Slide grease $3
Any and all other items that a student may need in order to participate may be purchased
Instrument:________________________________________________________________
Do you take private lessons?: Y N Are you interested in taking private lessons: Y N
Please select all ensembles that you have participated in while at Rydell High:
Address:______________________________________________________________________
Student Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________________________
Parent Email:________________________________________________________________
Instrument #:________________________________________________________________
By signing below I acknowledge that I am responsible for the safety and care of this
instrument. If the instrument or anything included is lost, stolen, or damaged I will be
responsible for the repair or replacement of it. By signing this I also agree to the $35/semester
instrument rental fee. This fee is non-refundable. I agree that I will return this instrument in the
same condition it was in when it was checked out to me. The instrument may be taken home, but
should be stored in its assigned locker when left at school. This instrument will be returned at the
end of the semester should it not be needed or if further check out arrangements have not been
made.
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
Address:______________________________________________________________________
Parent Email:________________________________________________________________
By signing below, I acknowledge that all parts of this uniform have been issued to me in
a reasonable condition and will be returned in the same condition. All parts will be returned at
the end of the season. If any uniform parts are lost, damaged, or stolen, I will be responsible for
the repair or replacement of those parts. All parts of the uniform should be kept together at all
times, and all parts should be brought to every marching band performance.
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
There will be no tolerance for vulgar, derogatory, or negative comments regarding Rydell
High Staff, students, activities, or any other school’s programs, staff, and students on social
media. If this should occur, the necessary disciplinary actions will take place, depending on the
By signing below, I agree that I will abide by the above rules and acknowledge the
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
safely and efficiently, travel rules and expectations must be put into place. By signing below, I
agree to abide by the following list of rules and expectations, and acknowledge that failing to do
1. Only bring necessary and appropriate items on buses. If an item is deemed unnecessary
or inappropriate by a staff member, the student may be asked to dispose of the item or
leave it behind to be retrieved upon our return. Staff members also reserve the right to
2. Buses and the area around them must be kept clean and looking presentable. Upon our
return, everyone will help to clean up any trash or messes that may be left on the buses.
3. Be respectful to all staff members, bus drivers, and fellow band members.
4. At any event, remember that we are representing our school and our district. Please set
the best example for other members of our band and members of other bands.
5. When a student signs up for a bus, they must stay on that bus for the duration of the trip.
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
Our substance policy is directly in line with Rydell High policy. There will be zero
tolerance of any illegal substances, including drugs, alcohol, and drug paraphernalia. If found
using or in possession of any of these items on school property or on a school sponsored trip,
By signing this form, I agree to abide by the above rules regarding illegal substances, and
acknowledge that disciplinary and legal actions may be taken should I break those rules.
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
Street Address:_______________________________________________________________
Home Phone:______________________________
Emergency Contact:
Medical Information:
By signing this form, I give permission to any employee or representative of Rydell High
or Rydell High Band Staff to obtain medical assistance from a medical provider in the case of an
injury or illness, including transportation for emergency care. I agree to pay for any and all
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
1. Be respectful. Respect yourself, your fellow band members, all staff members, and all of
2. Be responsible. In a way, band creates a miniature version of the real world. In the real
world, you will need to be responsible for yourself and your belongings. This also applies
3. Keep your grades up. Although band is a class too, it should not take away from your
other classes. If your participation in band gets in the way of your success in other
classes, it may be necessary to take action to prevent that. Low grades may also affect
4. Be prepared. Lack of preparation will not only affect your grade, but will also affect the
entire band. Even one member being off of the field will cause difficulties in cleaning
drill, balancing music, and take away from the overall effect of the band.
By signing below, I agree to follow the above rules, and acknowledge that failing to do so may
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
Please sign and date all of the included forms. To ensure ease of turn-in and organization,
please turn in all of these forms together and held together with a staple or paper clip. Please
By signing below, I am confirming that I have read through this handbook and
________________________________________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________ _______________________
Handbooks Referenced
https://126161b2-5f5e-4c3e-a089-19d7c9ef4c51.filesusr.com/ugd/2e6a1b_58fa9357632
4b1b91f1967e6de65ee8.pdf
https://www.k-state.edu/band/login/pride/2020_ksumb_folder_information/2020%20M
mber%20Handbook%20fixed.pdf
https://ks02213491.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/KS02213491/Centricity/Domain/44/2017%
0Marching%20Band%20Handbook.pdf
http://www.hufsd.edu/assets/pdfs/arts/2015/marching_band_handbook.pdf
https://www.holdenville.k12.ok.us/HANDBOOKS/BAND/Band_Hndbk.pdf