SAMPLE HIGH SCHOOL

BAND PROGRAM HANDBOOK

Holly Trudell, Director

MUED 352—Administering the School Music Program

Spring 2022
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Table of Contents:

Welcome Letter…………………………………………………………………………………………2

Ensemble Calandar…………………………………………………………………………………….3

General Policies/Procedures………………………………………………………………………….4

Grading Policies………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Performance Attire……………………………………………………………………………………..7

Fees……………………………………………………………………………………………………...9

Handbook Agreement Form…………………………………………………………………………..10

(Sources………………………………………………………………………………………………....11)
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Welcome!

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:

Welcome to the 2022-2023 Sample High School Band Program! I am excited to work with each
of you. The level of our program is determined by the hard work and dedication of each
student– together we will dedicate our time and effort to utmost excellency!

Music performance programs are placed in the public schools not only for a positive musical
experience for our youth, but as character development regardless of intended career
expectations. Besides the musical objectives, the chief objectives strived for by music programs
are character building, cooperation, loyalty, respect, dependability, responsibility, punctuality,
and self- control.

To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, achieve their goals, and have a successful
year, a set of regulations and guidelines has been developed and are stated on the following
pages. Each individual member is responsible for knowing all information presented in this
book- please read it carefully. The information in this handbook is as complete as possible with
the limited space available.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at sampleemail@email.com or call
000-000-0000.

Sincerely,

Holly Trudell
Director of Bands
Sample High School Band Program
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Ensemble Calendar:

Below are a few important dates for this semester, please visit the Sample High School Band

website for the year-long daily calendar.

*July 25-28: Summer Marching Band Camp Week 1

*August 1-5: Summer Marching Band Camp Week 2

August 15: First Day of School

*August 19: First HOME Football Game

*August 26: First AWAY Football Game

September 17: All-State Auditions

October 14: Band Picture Day

October 19: All-County Jazz Auditions

*October 29: Marching MPA

November 20: All-County Auditions

*December 10: Winter Prism Concert

December 16: Last Day of Fall Semester

Participation Statement

Marching Band and Wind Ensemble/ Symphonic Band participation is a requirement of being in

the Sample High School Band Program as they are participation based classes. This is a

standard practice by all Volusia County high schools. THESE ARE CO-CURRICULAR groups

not extracurricular, therefore, each student will receive a letter grade for both Marching Band (in

the Fall semester) and Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band (in the Spring semester). This grade

will be determined based on participation, attendance, rehearsals attendance, playing tests and

performances.
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General Policies/Procedures:

• Be the first, never the last, to rehearsal.

• Always have the needed and required rehearsal materials (music, pencils, mutes, sticks, etc..

• Wear appropriate rehearsal attire (dress for success!).

• Demonstrate desire, spirit, and enthusiasm for learning, working and contributing.

• Be one of those students who is always there and can always be counted on.

• Prepare and master your part of the performance in advance of rehearsal. I am here to help

you!

• Refrain from making extraneous comments or carrying on conversations during rehearsal.

Talking is NOT conducive to productive rehearsals, nor does it show respect for your fellow

musicians/director.

• Stop immediately when a cut off is given.

• Exhibit enthusiasm for practice and understand the need for repetition.

• If you experience failure, analyze it and make a plan to improve and succeed the next time.

We learn from failure.

• Turn work into play! Enjoy rehearsing whether it is hot, cold or rainy. Always remind yourself:

“This ensemble will never be better than my ATTITUDE and contribution.”

• Be humble in your success, both as an individual and as a group. Being boastful will quickly

destroy your image. Demonstrate CLASS in all situations.

• ALWAYS give your 100%. Practice won’t always be easy, but don’t waste your time by giving

less than your best. If everyone gives 100% all the time, just imagine how much farther we can

go!

Grading Policies:
Below you will find the grading policy for ALL PERFORMING GROUPS.
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Daily Class Participation and Rehearsals: 40% of overall grade

Playing/Performance Tests and Performances: 60% of overall grade

Daily Class Participation – 4 points per day

Rehearsals – 100 points per rehearsal (Formative Grade)

Playing/Performance Tests – 10-50 points per test. Playing or performance tests, in

most cases, will be assigned at the beginning of each quarter. Students may play these

tests in person or make arrangements with the director for submitting a recording for a

grade. In most cases the recording will be video recordings so that the instructor can

offer suggestions in ways to correct any performance issues.

Performances – 100-300 points per performance (Summative Grade) If a student

misses a regular performance their grade could drop 2 full letter grades or more,

depending on the number of performances during that quarter. Band, orchestra and

guard are performance based classes and each student is expected to attend and

participate in all performances.

Attendance Policy: It is expected all students attend class, rehearsals, and performances.

- Class Absences – All performing groups are a participation based grade and therefore

each day is a Formative grade as stated in the grading policy. Each day your student is

absent they will lose those points. If those days are marked as excused from the school,

then the students will have 1 week from the last absence to make up the points by

submitting a recording of them playing their music, scales or other work designated by

the director.

- Rehearsal absences – rehearsals are considered Formative grades and will NOT be

allowed to be made up. Please schedule doctor’s appointments and other appointments

on other days besides a rehearsal day. We only rehearse 2 days a week after school

and it is imperative that everyone is present. If a student is absent from a rehearsal the
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day of or the day before a performance, the student MAY not be allowed to perform at

the following performance out of safety for the student and students of the ensemble.

This will be at the director(s)’ discretion. However, the student will be expected to attend

the performance. Again, this will be at the director(s)’ discretion.

- Performance absences – All performances are mandatory as it counts for a Summative

grade.

- Pre- MPA/Performance Rehearsals – Every rehearsal the week of a performance or

MPA will be graded as a double weighted formative grade. See formative grade policy

above.

- Pre-Arranged Absences - It is understood that things do come up from time to time that

cannot be avoided. Some emergencies, severe illness, wedding, funerals etc. Here is

the Policy for pre-arranged absences from a rehearsal in order for an alternative

assignment to be given at the directors discretion:

- An Email must come from the parent or guardian explaining the need for the

absence.

- “Johnnie will not be at rehearsal…sorry…we had something come up” is not

acceptable.

- Do not email me the day of the absence. At least 1-2 weeks’ notice is required.

(Emergencies are the exception).

- Other on Campus Activities Absences– It is the responsibility of each student to

communicate with both the director and the coach/advisor of the team they are a part of.

In all cases the director and coach compromise so that the student can participate in

both groups. However, it is the responsibility of the student to COMMUNICATE before

the day of a rehearsal or a grade infraction may be the result.

- Tardies– Each tardy will result in a loss of participation points. This excludes students

with a pass.
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Attendance is required…show up and receive an “A.” it is that simple. The success of the group

depends on EVERYONE being present.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Performance Attire:

Besides being adjudicated on our musical performance, we are also adjudicated on our
appearance and professionalism at every performance. Each performing group will be expected
to follow the proper Performance Attire at ALL performances unless otherwise noted by the
director. Everyone in the program will have the same attire– If a student does not have the
correct performance attire they will not be allowed to perform on the stage. The purpose of this
is to create a cohesive program where students can participate in multiple ensembles without
having to purchase different performance attire for each group.

There are two different uniforms the musicians can choose to wear:

Dress – Floor Length Black Tuxedo– White Shirt

- Black Cummerbund AND Bowtie
- Black Socks
- Black Dress Shoes

The cost of the dress

(which will last all 4
years) is $68 from
Formal Fashions. If you
cannot purchase this
dress due to financial
concerns,
then just let the Band
Director know and other
dress arrangements can
be made for your
student.
In most cases one can find the
white tux shirt, bow tie and
cummerbund as a package
deal at a local clothing store
for about $15-20 (Burlington
Coat Factory, JC Penney,
etc.). You are allowed to
purchase your Tuxedo
anywhere you’d like– please
make sure your pants are
black, not “kind of” black!

https://www.formalfashionsinc.com
Search “4882CS”

Sample High School has a very limited number of Dresses and Tuxedos that
students may borrow on an as-needed basis.

Jazz Band Performance Attire

All students will wear:
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- Black Dress Shoes

- Black Dress Socks
- Black Pants
- Jazz Polo (in most cases)

However, when multiple groups are performing at the same event, then the regular concert attire
is fine.

Guard Attire:
All Guard costumes, Marching and Winter Guard, will be included in the fee and will be
purchased by the boosters and remain as property of the program even after alterations.
Members will be responsible for the costume that is issued to them.

Band Fees:
The Sample High School Band is an extremely active, full-year co-curricular activity that
depends on many resources to provide the finances necessary to provide students with a high
quality and enjoyable music education in high school. Students are assessed financial
obligations in specific areas described below to cover expenses that are incurred throughout the
school year. These assessments only cover a portion of our actual expenses, but our goal is to
keep these fees as low as possible.

Although we ask that everyone contribute their fair share of these expenses as listed
below, no student should ever feel discouraged from participating in band for monetary
reasons.

Fair Share Assessment - $200

(Instrumentalists) This assessment helps cover the cost of instruction by our expert staff
members/clinicians, transportation, competition/FBA fees, music, show design, show shirt,
uniform cleaning/replacement, socks, gloves, and much more. This is paid annually by all band
members (instrumentalists and guard).

(Guard) This assessment helps cover the cost of instruction by our expert staff
members/clinicians, transportation, competition/FBA fees, music, show design, show shirt,
costumes, and much more. This is paid annually by all band members (instrumentalists and
guard). This DOES NOT include any fees or costs associated with Winterguard (spring season).

Marching Band Shoe Assessment - $40

This amount is required by all new members as well as any other students who need new
shoes. The shoes are the same from year to year, so this is usually a one-time expense.
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Instrument/Equipment – Rental/Maintenance Assessment - $50 per semester

Students are assessed $50 per semester for the use of school-owned instruments and
equipment to help cover the costs of maintenance and cleaning. This includes all school-owned
instruments and percussion equipment (all percussionists pay this fee). The fee is $50 per
semester, regardless of how many instruments are issued to that student. (This is only
$10 per month of school, which is very reasonable.)

Payments
Assessments can be paid in full at the beginning of the year or in payments. All assessments
must be paid off by April 1 to avoid being sent to the school obligations list.

*Early Pay Incentive - If assessments are paid IN FULL (all assessments for the entire
year) by the end of August, you will receive a $50 discount.

*Sibling discounts are available for families with more than one child in the band.

SAMPLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM HANDBOOK FORM

DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM WITHOUT READING THE HANDBOOK FIRST.

THIS MUST BE SIGNED BY BOTH THE STUDENT & PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN.

It is strongly advised not to sign this form unless you have read and understand all the contents
of this handbook. The parent/legal guardian and the student should take the time to understand
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this document together. If you have already read through the handbook, the please sign this
form, with sincere gratitude from the director.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I, (student name)____________________________________, have read this handbook

completely, and I understand I will abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this document.
As a Sample High School Band member, I do solemnly swear that I will always conduct myself
in the greatest manner to represent myself, my program, school, and community. In addition– if
at any time, it has been determined that I have been mistreating others, bullying, been
disrespectful or have had a consistently bad attitude, conducted myself in any way to bring the
integrity of the program into question (during program events or outside of program events),
posted inappropriate or hurtful things on social media, hurt others verbally or non-verbally, I
understand that I can be removed from the program and will be expected to get a schedule
change immediately. I will always treat others as I would desire to be treated and
respectfully work through any differences I may have with others.

_________________________________ _________________________________
Student’s Signature Date

I, (parent/guardian name)____________________________________, have also read this

handbook and I understand and will help enforce the rules and regulations set forth in this
document. I understand that attendance is required for rehearsals and performances beyond
regular school hours. These include but are not limited to: Rehearsals/sectionals, MPAs,
Concerts, Performances for community, schools, etc., Football games, and Parades. It is
understood that attendance at these functions is mandatory, and an unexcused absence may
result in lowering a student’s grade.

_________________________________ _________________________________
​Parent/Legal Guardian’s Signature Date

Sources:

Leimer, Monica. “DeLand High School Band Handbook.”

Jarrod Koskoski. “University High School Band Program Handbook.”

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