Brianna Pols

Rules and Procedures Manual

Spring Internship 2023

EDUC 474
Dear Students, Parents, and Families of the Band program:

Welcome to the Band Program! You are now a part of a long lasting tradition of
excellence. This program’s success depends on each individual’s dedication and effort, so I
encourage you to put your best efforts forward. The dedication we put into our band program
individually will allow all of us as a whole to participate in meaningful musical experiences.
This program's values lie in a simple philosophy; participation in music allows students
to reach their full potential in academics, interpersonal relationships, and communication skills
through the practice of artistic expression, collaboration, and proactive thinking. This philosophy
is the benchmark for everything we do in the Band program, and is the guide for the manual.
This manual serves to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Below you will find our expectations, procedures, rewards, and consequences.. Each student will
be responsible for knowing and understanding the content of the handbook in order to create a
productive and structured environment in our program.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to get to know you all, and to working together
musically. Please feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions or concerns. Thank
you!

Sincerely,

Brianna Pols
Director of Bands
 Band Rules and Expectations

These expectations serve as guiding principles for students' time in band. By following these
expectations, students are allowing the band to work as a successful team.

1. Leave any food, gum, and drinks outside of the bandroom. Water is permitted.
2. Attend all rehearsals with appropriate materials (water, music, pencil, mutes, etc.).
3. Be kind and respectful to your band family at all times. This includes using polite
language, remaining quiet during class, and helping each other whenever possible.
4. Students are only allowed in the band room when Ms. Pols or other permitted faculty
members are present.
5. Respect our equipment and space. This means that students should handle all equipment
(instruments, chairs, stands, folders, uniforms, etc.) with care. This equipment allows us
to make music and function as a band, so we must ensure that it stays in the best possible
condition.

If a student is ever unsure about whether their actions align with the band expectations,
they should ask themself, “Are my actions going to better the band?” If the answer is
“yes”- do it! If the answer is “I’m not sure” - ask another band member for guidance.
Finally, if the answer is “no”- don’t do it!

Class and Rehearsal Procedures

1. Enter the band room and set up.

● Students will enter the room and set their backpacks and personal items down in
the designated area.
● If the ensemble is not already set up, students will be expected to set up their own
chairs and stands.

2. Get your instrument and all required rehearsal materials ready. The order of music will be
posted on the board before class begins. During marching season, check the rehearsal
schedule in the band room and then report to the designated rehearsal area outside.
● As you enter the band room, place your personal belongings to the side of the
room to leave space for the ensemble setup. During the school day, class will start
exactly 2 minutes after/before the bell rings to accommodate class changes. After
school rehearsals will start exactly at the specified start time.
● Students will be expected to get their music, pencil, and any other needed
materials (reeds, water, etc.) during this time.
3. Take your seat (or spot on the field) and warm up.
● Students will be expected to warm up before rehearsal starts. Students should
warm up by playing scales, method etudes, or difficult excerpts from our
repertoire. Students should refrain from playing the latest pop hits or other
unnecessary excerpts during their warm up.
● Students will also take this time to stretch. Playing an instrument is both mentally
and physically demanding; stretching is an important step in maintaining our
physical strength and health.

4. During Rehearsal
● Students are expected to use the restroom before or after rehearsal. However, if
there is an emergency, students may raise their pointer finger above their head for
the band director to dismiss them. Students should not verbally ask the band
director to leave as this is distracting to the rehearsal.
● Students' full attention should be focused on the director during rehearsal.
Rehearsal is a time where students do not have to worry about homework,
personal struggles, or what they are going to eat for lunch! Students are expected
to be fully present for rehearsals- this means engagement by way of marking
feedback in their music, participating in all rehearsal activities, and remaining
quiet.
5. At the end of Rehearsal
● Brass students will be expected to “warm down” after each rehearsal. This only
takes 1-2 minutes, and is essential for building good fundamentals. Students will
be given time to do this each day.
● Students are responsible for packing and locking up their instruments and
materials after each rehearsal. Any materials left out will be reported to the lost
and found bin in the director's office.
● All students will help percussion put their equipment away when necessary.
● Students will not leave until the band director dismisses them- this is applicable to
school day rehearsals during class, after school rehearsals, and any other band
event.
 Attendance and Tardiness Policy

Attendance is required for the following applicable events:

● Rehearsals
● Sectionals
● Concerts
● Football games
● Various community performances
● MPA
● Festivals
● Any other event deemed mandatory by the director

These events are mandatory, and it is understood that unexcused absences may result in a
lowered grade or may place the student on alternate status in performances. Exceptions to this
include religious holidays, illness (doctor's note required), and family emergencies. Any
extenuating circumstances will be considered and decided upon based on the band director’s
discretion. Attendance for these events also includes being on time. Students MUST be ready to
begin rehearsal/class promptly at the call time. We are extremely busy in the band, and every
moment counts. Being late not only subtracts from the ensemble experience, but it is also a
distraction to the members who arrived on time.

Communication for tardies and absences is key- life happens! Always communicate with the
director in instances where tardies and absences are unavoidable.

Students must inform the director of planned absences and tardies at least 48 hours in advance.
Students who do not comply may receive a lowered grade, or will be put on alternate status in
performances.

“Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”- Eric Jerome Dickey
 Rewards and Consequences

Rewards
● Performances with the ensembles.
● Traveling and trip opportunities.
● Attendance at the annual Band Banquet.
● Participating in quarterly events throughout the year (movie night, barbeques, etc.)
● Reaching the highest level of individual and group achievement.

Consequences
● 1st Occurence- Student conference with the director
● 2nd Occurence- Student and parent conference with director.
● 3rd Occurrence- Detention or referral depending upon the severity of the discretion.
● 4th Occurrence- Final detention or referral depending upon the severity of the discretion.
● 4th Occurrence- Removal from Band program.
 Parent and Student Acknowledgement

I have read and understand Ms. Pols’s Rules and Procedures Manual. I understand this
handbook governs all policies which concern the band and in the event of a conflict, will be
referred to for clarification.
By signing this handbook agreement, all students enrolled in the Band Program agree to abide by
the principles set forth in the manual.

Student Name (printed):

Student Signature: Date:

Parent Name (printed):

Parent Signature: Date: