Titan Bands

Band Handbook
2020-2021
Bill Cunningham, Director of Bands
Jacob Pickett, Associate Director of Bands
Patrick Lalka, Director of Percussion
Christy Gorberg, Principal

Meet the teacher video link: https://youtu.be/00AskuXruGA

 Table of contents
Preface ................................................................................................................ 3

Overview of Expectations................................................................................... 3

Basic Rules .......................................................................................................... 4

Attendance Policies/procedures ........................................................................ 4

Grading………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Rehearsal Procedures......................................................................................... 7

Performance/Public Procedures ........................................................................ 9

Enforcement of Regulations.............................................................................. 13

Uniforms............................................................................................................ 13

Music ................................................................................................................. 15

School Instruments ........................................................................................... 16

Instrument Maintenance .................................................................................. 17

Auditions/Challenges ....................................................................................... 18

Fundraising/Fair Share ......................................................................................19

Band Boosters .................................................................................................. 21

Handbook Acknowledgement/Cuttime .......................................................... 22

Director Contact Information:

Bill Cunningham- Director of Bands
william.cunningham@ocps.net
Ph: 407-905-6409

Jacob PIckett- Associate Director of Bands

Jacob.pickett@ocps.net
Ph: 407-905-3220
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 Preface
As a member of the Olympia High School Band program, you are expected to set high goals for
yourself and the program. The success of YOUR band program first requires that YOU be 100%
dedicated and committed to doing your part in reaching our goals! The rewards of reaching
those goals are immeasurable in the development of our students as well-rounded human
beings. Additionally, it is our philosophy that “the process is as important as the product.” This
places emphasis on the growth and development of the individual student, not on certain
selected performances. Members of the Titan Band program develop musically, emotionally,
mentally, socially, and physically during their time in the program. Our objectives include
character-building, commitment, cooperation, dependability, determination, discipline,
leadership, punctuality, respect, responsibility, and self-control.

This handbook contains guidelines, regulations, and information to ensure the success of YOUR
band. Please read this handbook carefully so that you may understand at the outset what is
expected of you and what you should expect as a member of the band. Knowledge of the
contents of this handbook will provide each student with an understanding of how he/she may
best contribute to the productivity and overall success of the program, resulting in the superior
individual experience.

Overview of Expectations
Each Ensemble member is expected to do the following:

• Attend all rehearsals and performances – the minimum expectation is 100% attendance!
• Be on time for all classes, rehearsals, and performances.
• Be prepared for rehearsals and performances. Have instrument, drill/dot book, music,
pencil, extra reeds, valve oil, mutes, etc.
• Keep instrument and equipment in performance condition.
• Understand the duties of the Officers to work with them and not against them.
• Practice regularly at home and study privately if at all possible. Practice time should be
spent on scales, music, and etudes assigned by the Directors or private instructors.
• Keep the band facility neat, orderly, and free of clutter. Store instrument and music in
assigned places, NOT ON THE FLOOR. Do not leave personal belongings in the band
room.
• If you use something, PUT IT BACK (i.e. stands, chairs, music folders, etc).
• Keep up with and be responsible for the music and equipment issued to him/her.
• Fulfill “Fair Share” obligation. Fundraising opportunities will be provided.

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 Basic Rules
The band has three basic rules:

1. Be at the right place at the right time.

2. Give 100% (your best effort and best attitude).
3. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Every other policy falls under one of these categories:

• Students must abide by the Orange County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct,
Olympia High School Student Rules, and the OHS Titan Band Handbook.
• Any instrument or equipment not belonging to or specifically assigned to you is strictly
off limits. If it is not yours, do not touch it!
• No gum, food or drink is allowed in the band room.
• No gum is allowed at any rehearsal or performance, or while in uniform or summer
uniform.
• During the regular school day, the band room is to be used for regular classes,
rehearsals, sectionals, and pre-arranged help sessions only. The area is off limits during
lunch unless you are notified otherwise. For security reasons, non-band students are
not allowed in the band room!

Attendance
ATTENDANCE AT ALL REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCES, ETC. IS REQUIRED. The minimum
expectation is 100% attendance. As a member of the band program, you occupy an important
part and space in every band function. The band works as a finely trained team, it is essential
that every member be present for ALL functions which include rehearsals, concerts,
competitions, music performance assessments (MPA’s), football games, parades, and out of
town trips. Any member who is absent makes the band less effective and has an adverse effect
on the morale of the band.

Procedure for Absence

Naturally, sickness and other hardships make it necessary to miss on a rare occasion. The
PARENT must notify the director as far IN ADVANCE as possible if a student must miss a
rehearsal or performance by:

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  EMAILING both Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Pickett the reason for absence and;
 SENDING WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION (Absence Form) in signed with the student.

After following the procedure above, the absence will fall into one of three categories:

1. PERMITTED (Advance notice given was at least 10 school days) Reason: OHS Sanctioned
activity.
(Student does not lose points for the activity/event)
Note: A permitted absence may not be granted for a day on which the band
gives a public performance.

2. EXCUSED
Reason: Family Emergency or Illness
(Student loses points for the activity/event; make-up is allowed at the discretion
of the directors)

3. UNEXCUSED
Any absence which is not permitted or excused.
(Student loses points for the activity/event; no make-up)

Consequences for Absences

1. The first unexcused absence to a performance or rehearsal (outside school hours) will
result in being benched for the next upcoming performance.
2. The second unexcused absence will result in DISMISSAL from the performingensemble.
3. Missing two band classes may result in being benched for the performance that week.
4. Missing ANY out-of-school rehearsals may result in being benched for the performance
that week.

A benched person must attend all band functions, sit in the stands and play in uniform. If
you are benched from an event and do not show, that will count as an unexcused absence.

Please understand that rehearsals and performances are the same as exams in other
classes. We cannot divert teaching time from those who have been in attendance in order
to mainstream a student who has not been in attendance. Since there is no way to “make
up” these events, missing a rehearsal or performance is equivalent to not taking an exam
and receiving a zero as a grade. However, ANY outside rehearsal or performance missed
for an acceptable reason must be made up by completing an assignment approved by the
Directors. FAILURE TO MAKE UP AN ABSENCE WILL RESULT IN LOWERING OF THE BAND
GRADE.
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 Procedure for Tardy
Tardiness will not be tolerated. Tardies cause delays in time schedules and are discourteous
and irritating to your fellow band members who have to wait for YOU. All tardies are
unexcused unless excused by valid reasons or a written pass. The procedure for tardies is
the same as that for absences.

1. Excused (student does not lose points)

2. Unexcused (student loses up to 1/3 of points for the activity/event; nomake-up)

FIVE MINUTES EARLY IS TEN MINUTES LATE!

Unacceptable Excuses
Excuse Solution
1. “I Had to Work” 1. Make arrangements with your
employer early.
2. “Couldn’t Get a Ride” 2. Be responsible – Check with
someone in your section or another
member.
3. “Didn’t Know About It” 3. Be Responsible – You’ve been given
advance notice.
4. “Parents Leaving Town 4. Clear your schedule in advance.
Calendars are available in May on
the website.
5. “Parents Made Me Stay Home To Do Work 5. Attendance is required! This is a
Study” co-curricular graded class.
6. “Had an Appointment” 6. Do not schedule appointments
during a band activity.

Students do NOT pick and choose the band events in which they wish to participate. If
the band performs or rehearses, everyone is to be there very time! Conflicts with other
activities (i.e. sport practices etc) are to be resolved as far IN ADVANCE as possible (not
the day of the event!)

If an outside event appears to be “rained-out,” always report to the band room for
indoor activity. Rarely is an event completely cancelled due to rain.

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 Performance takes precedence over practice concerning other school activities. Only
reasons of GRAVE EMERGENCY should be used for missing a performance or rehearsal.
These arrangements must be made in advance.

Remember, excuses, even good ones, will not produce a superior band.

Grading

As indicated in the handbook earlier, the final PERFORMANCE is the goal for each unit of study in a music
performance class. The grading structure reflects this philosophy. Grading will be on a point total scale and
consist of the following elements:

Classroom Preparation and Participation: 15 %

(how well are you understanding and applying the concepts addressed in class)
Rehearsal Technical Fluency: 15 %
(how well are you understanding and applying the concepts addressed in rehearsals)
Playing proficiency evaluations 20 %
(Technical exercises, scales etc. to develop mastery on the instrument)
Performance Grades 50 %
(Adherence to the principals of quality performance including proper attire, prompt reporting time,
active engagement with the ensemble, quality execution of the musical repertoire)

Rehearsal Procedures
Rehearsal time is short and every moment must be used for actual rehearsal purposes. If you
delay the rehearsal for even one minute, you have wasted a great deal of time because every
other member of the ensemble has been forced to waste one minute. The following guidelines
are used in all fine performance organizations and are the foundation of our rehearsal
procedure:

Instrument Storage Room

• If your instrument is not stored in this area, do not enter at all. Ever.
• If you instrument is stored in this area, use the following procedure:
1. Enter quietly.
2. Unlock your locker as fast as possible.
3. Remove your instrument (still in the case) from your locker.
4. Place your personal belongings (backpack) in its place.
5. Place the lock back on your locker. Lock the lock.

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6. Exit quietly.
7. Enter the band room before you remove the instrument from its case.
8. Store the empty case (during rehearsal) directly underneath your seat or asdirected.
9. At the conclusion of rehearsal, return instrument to its case before you leave the
band room.
10. Return to the instrument storage room and enter.
11. Unlock your locker as fast as possible.
12. Remove your backpack and place your instrument case inside the locker.
13. Close and lock your locker.
14. Exit immediately.

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Every student will be issued an appropriate-sized locker for their instrument and school-owned
lock. Students will be responsible for 1) being the only person to know their combination and 2)
maintaining the security of their locker by keeping it locked at ALL TIMES.
Due to previous misuse of this facility, there will be ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY regarding such
irresponsible behavior as placing a lock over another locker, disturbing another student’s
belongings, etc. Students MUST be held responsible for maintaining the security of their own
lock. The student whose lock that is found in violation of this policy, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER
THEY COMMITED THE BEHAVIOR, will be issued a referral and their parents will be notified.

Rehearsals in the Band Room

• Required Items- instrument in good working order, music in order, pencil, no less than 3
working reeds, necessary mutes, valve oil, etc.
• Before rehearsal begins, you may warm up individually (long tones on low register and
scales) until the director steps onto the podium, three minutes after the bell rings. At
that moment, all playing and talking will STOP. Your full attention must be given to that
person and nothing should be allowed or able to distract you.
• Correct posture is essential to proper breathing and concentration. Sit on the edge of
your seat with shoulders relaxed and head held high. Percussionists will stand.
• If you need to ask a question during rehearsal, raise your hand and wait to be
recognized. Otherwise there will be NO TALKING DURING REHEARSAL, EVEN IF IT DEALS
WITH THE MUSIC.
• Cell phones will not be out or used in the band room or during any rehearsal. Violation
of this policy will result in 1) parent contact, 2) referral, 3) removal fromprogram.
• Do not leave your seat unless given permission to do so.

Marching Rehearsals
• During football and competitive season, full marching band rehearsals are generally
scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Refer to the calendar on titanbands.org
for further details.
• Two-quart cooler filled with ice WATER is required!
• “Dressing out” or wearing appropriate clothing (i.e. shorts, t-shirt, etc.) is required.
Sneakers must be worn at all times. No sandals, flats, pumps, boots, etc. areallowed.
Each student is required to have a backpack with the following items at EVERY
REHEARSAL:
o A 1” 3 ring binder with sheet protectors for show and stands music
o A 3x5 Drill book with string and a way to keep it dry

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 o Sunscreen
o Rain Gear/Garbage bag to keep dry (IT WILL RAIN)
o Highlighter/pencil/and pen to properly mark music
o Extra valve oil for brass players and extra reeds/etc for woodwindplayers
• Drum Majors and Sergeants have authority until Directors reach the field.
• Members are expected to respect the authority of student leadership.
Failure to do so will result in a meeting with directors and lowering of
rehearsal grade
• It is understood that physical conditioning is part of the marching activity,
however at no time will a physical activity (running, push-ups, etc.) be used
as a punishment for behavior or attendance.
• There will be no playing in transit to and from practice fields. Violation of this policy
will result in loss of points from overall band grade.
• Alertness is required – one should react immediately to all commands andinstructions.
• Marching rehearsals will be most efficient if all members are diligent in correcting
mistakes quickly and thinking ahead to the next move. Above all, take pride in every
minute of rehearsal so that we can all take pride in our final product – the performance!

SUPERIOR Bands are the result of SUPERIOR rehearsals!

Performances/Public Procedures
• All members are expected to attend every engagement in which the band participates.
If you are unable to attend a performance, you must inform the Director IN ADVANCE.
Severe illness or death in the family are usually the only legitimate excuses for missing a
performance.
• Notices of all performances/appearances will be posted on the calendar on the website.
It is the responsibility of each student to check the calendar regularly for all pertinent
information.
• Rules of conduct regarding rehearsals are in effect during public
performances/appearances. Let your conduct both before and after the performance
be above reproach. Your conduct reflects not just on you, but on your band, your
school, and your community. Proper language is to be used AT ALL TIMES!
• Appearance must be neat at all times when in uniform or while under observation as
representatives of the band program and school.

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• A performance or appearance is not completed until students are officially dismissed
from pertaining activities. No band member is permitted to leave the organization in
advance of group dismissal at any time unless excused by the Directors prior to the
performance.
• Be sure that you have properly taken care of instruments, uniforms, music, etc. before
leaving.

Football Game Procedures – Home Games (and Away Games Played Locally)

1. Attendance will be taken at Report time in the designated area. Check in with your
section leader. Arrive wearing the under-uniform attire.
2. If away game, take the instrument out to the loading area.
3. Retrieve uniform and get dressed. Take the shako with you in the box.
4. Inspection will occur prior to departure. Section leaders will check their sections’
uniforms, instruments, and necessary equipment.
5. Board busses in a neat and orderly fashion. Attendance will be taken and directors will
give signal for departure.
6. Upon arrival at the stadium everyone is to stay on bus until directors and staff signal it is
okay to disembark.
7. Upon disembarkation, people with large instruments report to trailer to get instrument,
small instruments immediately begin assembling inspection block.
8. Once assembled, march toward seats. File into seats; do not sit until instructed to do so.
9. Rules to be observed in stands:
a. The band seating area is off limits to everyone except band members, staff, and
chaperones.
b. There will be NO FOOD OR DRINK brought into the seating area except water or
ice. Chewing gum in uniform is NEVER ALLOWED!
c. Students will remain in their assigned seats in appropriate column during the
entire time we are in the seating area. All playing will be directed; no individual
playing is allowed.
d. Members are reminded that the band is providing a public performance at each
game. We have a job to do, therefore, WATCH the drum majors at all times
when they are standing in front of the band. LISTEN for directions, get the music
out quickly and be ready to play.
10. When the signal is given, the band will stand and file row-by-row out of the seating
area and down to warm-up for performance.

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11. At the conclusion of the performance, the band will file back into the seating area.
Remain standing until everyone is at their seat.
12. Once the band is seated, members will carefully position their instruments so that they
are secure, then CAREFULLY fold the uniform jacket as has been demonstrated and place
the jacket on top of the shako on your seat. After each member has neatly folded their
jacket, the band will be dismissed for third quarter break. This policy will continue only
if the privilege is handled with maturity and band members can manage to be back in
their assigned seats and ready to play on time at the conclusion of the third quarter.
13. Concessions - Use your own judgment about what to eat or drink. When the jacket is
on, there is ABSOLUTELY no food or drink (water is the exception) consumed.
14. At the conclusion of the game, pass all trash to the end of the row to be collected. Make
sure you have all of your belongings. The band will file out of the stands in an orderly
fashion and back to the busses. Load all equipment onto the trailer and report to your
bus for roll call. After roll, the band will depart.
15. Upon arrival at OHS, everyone will remain on the bus until the Directors give final
instructions.
16. Procedure for wrap-up:
• Pick up instrument and equipment and put it away in its proper location.
• Turn in your uniform following specified procedure.
• Locate your pre-arranged transportation home.
• Officers may not leave until dismissed by Directors.

Travel

• Transportation will be provided or approved by the school. All students must ride
the busses as assigned. School policy dictates that no student may return by any
other mode of transportation other than the band busses, except by the following:
1. When written permission is submitted BEFORE departure from school.
2. The PARENT takes custody from the director post-performance.
• A band officer and at least one adult chaperone will be placed on each bus. They
have complete authority. Respect is imperative. They will take roll and communicate
important information to you regarding the appearance ahead. Absolute quiet must
be maintained during roll call.
• Each student is responsible for seeing that his/her instrument and belongings are
loaded at the departure point, after the performance, and unloaded upon return.
This includes cleaning up trash after any band trip.

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 1. When traveling on school busses, each band member is responsible for
placing instruments and equipment to be loaded on the equipment vehicle
located in the designated loading area. Smaller instruments (flutes, clarinets,
alto saxes, trumpets) will be carried on the bus.
2. When traveling on charter busses, place instrument and equipment on the
curb next to your bus or as directed. Loading crew will load the cargo bays.
Flutes and Clarinets will be carried on the bus.
• Standard rules of conduct for school busses are in effect for all trips. Obey the
instructions of the bus driver. Putting hands, arms, heads, etc out of a window is
strictly prohibited. NEVER throw anything out of a window for any reason.
• Upon arrival EVERYONE will remain seated on the buses until the Directors give
instructions.
• Courtesy must be maintained while in public places. Speak quietly and clean up your
area when finished.

Overnight Trips

• Room assignments will be made in advance.

• All school and band rules will be in effect:
a. No boys in girls’ rooms and vice versa.
b. All students are to be in their rooms at or before the designated curfew
hour. They are not to leave their room after curfew for any reason.

c. Do not leave the hotel grounds unless told to do so by the Directors.

d. Students and chaperones are to be courteous to all hotel employees and
guests. Their conduct should bring credit to themselves and the
organization. Don’t slam doors, run, or speak loudly!

e. NO PDA (Public Display of Affection). Students may hold hands except

while in uniform.

• The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or drugs which could modify
behavior is absolutely forbidden at all times. Violation will result in dismissal from the
performing organization. Prescription medication authorized and administered by an
Orange County Public Schools official is permitted.

• Any infractions of the rule will result in immediate removal from the ensemble and
further disciplinary action from Olympia High School.

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 Enforcement of Regulations

The simplest method of enforcing regulations is to withhold the privilege of participation in

our band for a specified period of time. Only the Directors may take this action.
Withholding may be done in several ways:

1. Replacing a person in the show. This would be done primarily in the case of disruptive
behavior, negative attitude, not being prepared, or absence.
2. In the case of extreme misbehavior or disrespect, for the good of the band, the student
may be expelled from the band program.
• A penalty will be administered for all tardies, misbehavior, disrespect, disruption,
defiance, disobedience, off-task activity, inattentiveness, destructiveness, or any
acts that cast discredit and/or embarrassment upon the band or the school, no
matter the reason.
• For serious or continual infractions, band members may also be suspended,
meaning that they will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of
the band, but will not be allowed to participate until the problem causing the
suspension has been corrected. Failure to comply with the terms of suspension
may result in expulsion from the band program.

Infractions of conduct mentioned above or those listed below are grounds for severe
disciplinary action including suspension or dismissal from Olympia High School and/or
the band program.

• Destruction of school property and or equipment.

• Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any mind altering substance on
or before a band activity.
• Physical or verbal altercations at school or at band functions.

Uniforms
Marching Uniform
The Titan Marching Band Uniform should provide each member with a spirit of unity and a
sense of purpose and pride. You should therefore give the utmost care to the uniform and in

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no way become careless with it. A uniform will be issued to every student and stored in the
uniform room. Students will be held responsible for the uniform issued to them. The loss or
destruction of a uniform, or any part thereof, will be financially assessed and charged to the
student. Replacement of a lost or damaged uniform could cost as much as $380.00. Uniforms
will be kept at school and cleaned as needed.

Each student is responsible for having and maintaining the following components of the
uniform:
• Black under-uniform shorts
• Black Marching Shoes (to be ordered through OHS)
• Black (tall) dress socks
• Marching Gloves (provided by OHS)
• Official “Titan Marching Band” t-shirt for under uniform (provided by OHS)

Uniform Regulations:
• There is no running in uniform. Ever.
• Shakos must be worn at the correct angle and never backwards. Hair must be up under
shako (Ladies and gentlemen with long hair will be given specific instructions on how
their hair should look in uniform).
• No visible jewelry.
• No colored nail polish allowed.
• The uniform is to be worn with PRIDE, correctly and entirely.
1. Always have it buttoned up and zipped up.
2. Gloves clean and shoes polished.

More specific guidelines will be given to ALL TMB Members at the beginning of Marching
Season. Violations in Uniform Etiquette will be handled immediately by Student Officers.

Summer Uniform
Sometimes due to extreme weather conditions (consistent rain, EXTREME HEAT, etc) the
directors will need to opt out of wearing the marching uniform for a public performance.
In that event the following summer uniform will be used:
• The Current Year Titan Marching Band T-Shirt
• A pair of BLUE JEANS with NO HOLES OR TEARS, or a pair of Khaki Shorts. (at director’s
discretion)
• A pair of athletic shoes (cross trainers, running shoes)

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 • A black belt (the shirt will be tucked in)
• Socks
As much notice will be given as possible when we need to wear the summer uniform. However,
these circumstances usually arise last minute, so it is recommended that students have all of
the elements for the summer uniform handy in emergencies.

Concert Uniform
All students in Wind Ensemble will be issued a concert tux for or a concert dress for. Students
are responsible for providing their own tux shirt. All students will wear black dress shoes and
the appropriate socks when wearing the concert uniform.

Students in Symphonic and Concert Band will be required to wear the following items for
concerts:
• Black dress pants, White pressed long sleeve dress shirt, long solid black tie, black socks,
and black dress shoes.
• Black dress or black skirt and black top (skirt must cover the knee). Black formal shoes.
No open-toed shoes or sandals.

Jazz Uniform
• As specified by the directors, typically comprised of all black.

Music
Replacement of lost music is expensive and time consuming. Each band member is responsible
for the music issued to him/her. The following guidelines will be observed:

Marching Music
• No Sharing – each student will have his/her own binder.
• Each student is to put his/her name on the top right corner of each piece of music.
• When not in use, the folder – with all music in it – will be kept in the case with the
instrument or in the instrument storage area, never left out in the Band Room.
• Replacement of music will cost 25 cents/page. Give request and money to librarian.

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Concert Music
• Each student will have their own folder. Each student will have his/her own copy of the
music for practice. Names will be printed neatly in the upper right corner of each piece
of music. Make appropriate markings neatly and always in pencil.
• When not in use, the concert folders will be stored in the assigned music cabinet slot
only. No other location will be acceptable.
• Replacement of folder will be $15/folder.
• Replacement of music will cost 25 cents/page. Give request and money to librarian.
Jazz Music
• Everyone will have his/her own music. There is only one of every part.
• Replacement cost of jazz music varies ($2.50-$5.00 per piece).

School Instruments
All school-owned instruments must be checked out through an Equipment Leader or Band
Director by filling out an Instrument Rental/Liability Form. Once issued, the instrument
becomes the responsibility of the student for proper care, maintenance, and protection from
damage or theft. The student will be responsible for and charged for any damages or loss
incurred to the instrument during the rental period. Due to the “shared” nature of percussion
instruments, all percussionists will share collectively in the responsibility for damage or loss of
percussion instruments/equipment. The rental fee is $25.00 for the summer and $25.00 per
semester.

Private Lessons – Honor Bands – Solos and Ensembles

• Private lessons are strongly encouraged. The value of one-on-one instruction
with a professional on a student’s instrument cannot be overstated. Private
instruction is key to the advancement of individual skills and integral in achieving
students’ highest potential. Anyone searching for a private teacher can speak to
the directors for assistance.
• All-State Bands – Auditions are held in September each year. Students who
qualify will travel to the Florida Music Educators Association conference in
Tampa in early January. They will rehearse with top students from across the
state and present a concert the last day of the conference.

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 • OCPS All-County Bands – Orange County has some of the finest All-County Bands
in the country. Students are selected by audition and will rehearse and present a
concert in late January each year.
• Solo and Ensemble MPA- Usually held in early February. Students prepare a
music selection for district-level evaluation. Those who earn a superior (playing
grade V or higher) will qualify for the State Solo and Ensemble MPA in late
March.

Instrument Maintenance
All Instruments must receive regular maintenance. The basics are provided below. For more
detailed information, please consult with your private instructor or band director.

Woodwinds
General • Avoid damage to heads by using the

• Swab the bore after each playing session. proper sticks or beaters for each
Periodically oil the keys. instrument.
• Wipe the keys and body clean with a soft • Become familiar with proper techniques of
cotton cloth after playing. changing heads, tuning, and routine
maintenance.
Flute • Keep each instrument clean and dry.
• Periodically check the positioning of the
tuning cork. Brass
General
Clarinet and Saxes • Run lukewarm water through the
• Rinse the mouthpiece with warm water instrument at least once a week and giveit
and avoid mouthpiece brushes. a bath at least once a month. Never use
• Always have spare reeds. Rotate them so hot water.
that you have at least three broken in at a • Never use brass or other metal polish on
time. brass lacquer finish (shiny gold)
• Buy a reed guard and use it. It will pay for instruments. Use a clean cotton cloth and
itself within a few weeks. water to wipe instruments clean. On
silverplated instruments, use a
nonabrasive silver polish such as
Double Reeds
International, Twinkle, or Wright’s.
• Soak Reeds before playing on them to
• Use tuning slide grease on all tuningslides.
avoid cracks.
• Periodically check corks on water keys to
• Learn to make your own reeds or at least
make sure they are sealing properly.
to adjust the ones you buy commercially.
• Occasionally vacuum your case to keep
sand and dirt from scratching the
Percussion instrument finish.
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Piston Valve Instruments
• Use fresh valve oil as needed.
• Be sure fingers remain curved while
playing so that the valve action is straight
up and down. This will avoid uneven wear
on the pistons.
• Check felts to make sure they are not
worn or compacted. Replace as needed.
Trombones
• Use trombone slide cream such as
SuperSlick and a spray bottle of water on
the slide. Do not use oil.
Rotary Valve Instruments
• Use rotor oil, not valve oil.

Auditions and Challenges

Auditions are held prior to or at the beginning of each semester. They will be either live or
recorded (material TBA). Students will be placed according to these auditions, but changes
may be made at any time after the original assignments have been made.

Music Challenges are open to any band member who wishes to improve his/her chair position.
The guidelines and procedures are as follows:
• Challenges may only be made to the next highest person.
• Challenges will consist of a music selection made by the challenger and one made by
the challengee.
• Challenges must be submitted in writing to the director at least 5 school days in
advance of the challenge. Both parties must agree on the date and time.
• Challenges will be heard blind by both directors.
• If a challengee loses, he/she will move down one chair and the challenger will take
over the position.
• If a person refuses a challenge, the seat is automatically forfeited.
• Challenges are for SEATING positions. Solos are at the discretion of the director.

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 Fees – Fundraising – Fair Share
What is “Fair Share”
Each of us must do our “fair share” if the band is to travel and purchase necessary
equipment. It is not fair for a few to work or pay the way for all. Each band member is
expected to do his/her “fair share” of the fundraising – minimum of $100, in lieu of, or in
addition to fundraising participation. Tax-deductible donations are always welcome.

The Fair Share will cover the band’s planned operating expenses for the entire year. Budgeted
items include instruments, repairs, travel (in state), MPA/Competition entry fees, uniform
maintenance, marching and auxiliary equipment, adjunct staff, guest clinicians/instructors,
student awards, etc. Students will not be assessed for band trips, with the exception of “outof-
state” trips. The student’s Fair Share requirement is designed to cover all other necessary
expenses.

Ample fundraising opportunities will be provided for students and families to help earn their
fair share. Proceeds raised by a student are credited toward their fair share due, lowering the
amount they need to pay directly to the band. If a student raises in excess of the “fair share”
due for that school year, the money will go into the general band fund or to assist other needy
students.

Those who prefer to pay or fund-raise the Fair Share in increments may do so following the
scheduled deadlines. The deadlines for payments or for fundraising accomplishments are listed
clearly below and will be published on the band website. Students who fail to pay required
share or raise required share will have their name placed on the schools financial obligation
list. Nobody wants to penalize or exclude students who have financial hardships, but if those
families do not contribute by fundraising their Fair Share, then it is unfair to those who have
paid. Special financial hardship payment plans can be made by contacting the Director of
Bands via email and scheduling a meeting.

 Fees and Fair Share payments are non-refundable. The

annual budget is based on the needs of the band program divided equally among
the program enrollment. Failure to participate in the band program will not relieve
the student of his/her responsibility. Failure to maintain academic or discipline
eligibility will not relieve the student of his/her responsibility.

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 Payment Procedure
• Make checks payable to “Olympia High School.”
• When provided, please use the appropriate “SchoolPay” link sent via email.
• Write the student’s name and purpose of check in the memo section of check.
• As a general rule, Olympia High School will no longer accept Cash payments.
• If using “school pay” to pay by credit card, please notify Mr. Cunningham that
payment was made, otherwise we may not be able to track the money into the
proper account.
• Meet deadlines or contact Band Directors for other payment arrangements.

Payment Schedule
TBA
Due to the changing nature of the coming school year the schedule
for Fair Share Payments is yet to be determined and will be added
at a later date.

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 Band Boosters

By definition, the role of the booster organization is to “boost” the band program in a
positive manner. The purpose of the Titan Band Boosters is to advance the best interests of
the Titan Band Program by providing support, as requested by the band directors. All parents
or guardians of students enrolled in the band program are eligible members of the
organization. Maintaining a thriving band program requires support and funding beyond that
of the school system. The band boosters association, a non-profit corporation, was formed in
2012 to provide this support. Specific objectives include:

• Purchase and maintenance of uniforms.

• Provision of funds for purchase/repair of instruments, equipment, music, etc
requested by directors
• Furnishing chaperones/volunteers for band and guard events.
• Organization and implementation of fundraising activities.
• Encouragement of new parent involvement.
• Stimulate and maintain an enthusiastic interest and support for all phases of the
band program.
• Support and advocate for music programs in the public schools.

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 Cuttime Registration

The Titan Band utilizes Cuttime, an online organization and communication system
that will track information for each student. Parents and students have access to a
personal profile the can be managed from home. With Cuttime you will have access
to your individual student account, uniform information, calendar, etc. To access
your Cuttime profile:
1. Log on to www.cuttime.net
2. Select parent or student/parent sign up
3. Enter school code “Olympia Titan Band"
4. Complete registration questions and register

*Students must register first. Parents can then register and LINK themselves to
their student's profile. A separate parent regsitration will just add to the confusion.

If you experience any issues with Cuttime please notify the band director(s) as soon
as possible.

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 Olympia High School
Music Theory Program

Instructor: Mr. Bill Cunningham

william.cunningham@ocps.net
Classroom: 527c
Office: 827 (Band Room)

Music Theory Needed Supplies

1. 1 ½” Three ring binder with 5 dividers with the following labels:
a. Class Notes
b. Homework
c. Dictations
d. Tests/Quizzes
e. Score Examples
2. Staff/Manuscript paper (can be purchased in books online or simply printed out online.
Must be 3-hole punched to fit into binder) You will need over 100 pages.
3. School provided laptop each day WITH earphones/earbuds for ear training exercises.
4. School provided Textbook

Grading Policy and Procedures:

Grades are calculated on the standard OHS Scale.

Grades will be given for Homework, dictations, quizzes and tests.

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In certain circumstances, opportunities for test corrections will be given.

If absent, students will be expected to get assignments on canvas and are required to make up
all missed work per OCPS and OHS guidelines.

Many assignments will be hand written however, there will be some assignments done
electronically. All policies above pertain to electronic assignments.

IMPORTANCE OF BINDERS:
Music theory is a very hands on, practice by application subject. In class MUCH of what we do
must be done with paper and pencil. Students will be assigned a homework grade for
having their binders with them and organized as indicated above by Friday, August 21.

AP MUSIC THEORY
Course of study will be based upon requirements for the AP Exam. The AP curriculum centers
around 4 main concepts: Pitch, Rhythm, Form and Musical Design.

Units of Study Will Include:

Quarter 1
1. Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter and Expressive Elements
2. Minor Scales and Key Signatures, Melody, Timbre and Texture
Quarter 2
3. Triads and Seventh Chords
4. Cord Functions, Cadences and Phrase Structure
5. Chord Progressions, Predominant-Dominant Function
Quarter 3
6. Embellishments, Motives and Melodic Devices
7. Secondary Dominant and Leading tone Functions and Uses
Quarter 4
8. Modes and Large Scale Musical Form

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