3. Please make note of the performance dates listed on page 7. Attendance is mandatory at all band performances.

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1 Welcome! I am so excited that you are part of the band program at Gates Chili High School! As a member of the GCHS band you have elected to join an exciting music program that offers a wide variety of activities. From Marching and Concert Band to Jazz and Percussion Ensemble there are great ways for you to continue to grow as a musician and be a part of the community! In this handbook you will find important information to help both students and parents understand and participate in our performing arts program. Inside you will find read about basic policies and procedures as well as important dates and forms. Being knowledgeable of these expectations will help you to have a successful and fun year in band! A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS 1. Once you have read the handbook, please sign the last two pages with your child. Students should return the signature and consent & release forms (last 2 pages) to Mr. Welch by Friday September 22 nd. Should questions or concerns arise, please feel free to or call Mr. Welch or call the music office at ext Help your student set aside a consistent practice time and place. Your student s work outside of our classroom determines our level of success as a band!!! 3. Please make note of the performance dates listed on page 7. Attendance is mandatory at all band performances. A Music Booster organization is in place as a support group for our music program. Volunteer and financial support is absolutely critical to develop and maintain a strong music program. PLEASE GET INVOLVED! Our music boosters meet the first Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. in the band room. The high school music faculty also attends these meetings and can address any questions or concerns you may have. If you are able to volunteer, please contact either Mike Potter, Booster President or Karen Bafford- Bubel, volunteer coordinator at gchsmb@gmail.com Instrumental Music Faculty Chris Oldfield Jeff Welch christopher_oldfield@gateschili.org jeffrey_welch@gateschili.org Important information is disseminated via the following media: CHECK OFTEN!!!! Remind class notifications rmd.at/gcb1112 on twitter (Mr. on twitter (Mr. Oldfield)

2 Mission The mission of the Spartan Band Program is to help students maintain and extend their knowledge, skills, and appreciation of basic and advanced musical concepts through participation in a variety of activities that meet the needs of instrumental music students. Those basic musical fundamentals are melody, harmony, and rhythm which lead to advanced conception of tone production, theory, history, and form. Goals Students learning about music must be able to comprehend all the concepts, skills, and activities that are presented to them in the band program. In addition, learners must be comfortable in their learning environment so their needs will be met, and they will obtain a high level of music competency. To these ends, the following goals have been established, based on the state and national standards for music education. PERFORMANCE WITH UNDERSTANDING 1. To understand the basic concepts of music. 2. To perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 3. To improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. To compose and arrange music within specified guidelines. 5. To become a competent user of musical notation. 6. To become a skillful and acute musical listener. 7. To understand music in relation to history, cultures, and other professional disciplines. 8. To respond to music intellectually, emotionally, and physically. 9. To use music as a means to have a fulfilling and successful life!

3 Band at Gates Chili High School is a YEAR-LONG course offering for 9-12 grade students. The student musician has some required ensembles as well as many optional extra-curricular ensembles to further learn the art of music. The decision to drop instrumental music at GCHS is a serious one, especially during an academic year. Any student considering such a decision is strongly encouraged to speak with a director immediately POLICIES AND PROCEDURES To be a successful band program and ensure that each student becomes more educated as well as realizes their full potential, discipline and classroom conduct is of the utmost importance. With the short time we are allotted each day, efficiency is a top priority. Therefore there are some rules and discipline procedures that are implemented to aid in the rehearsal process. The following guidelines are in place to encourage students and the band itself to grow and mature. If misbehavior occurs, there are certain consequences that will be followed and exhausted to the highest level if necessary. These consequences are normally used after a student is given a verbal warning to stop or change their behavior. They include calls home to parents, detention, visits with the principal, etc. as the directors see fit. Guidelines for Success in the Spartan Band: Always try. Be responsible. Cooperate with others. Do your best. Extend dignity and respect to all. 1. Students will attend all rehearsals and lessons on time with instrument, music, and pencil. 2. Students will spend extra time at home developing and refining his/her musical skills on their instrument. (Practicing) 3. Students will bring their own lesson books/instruments/sticks, etc. to lessons. 4. Students will attend all concerts!!! 5. Instrument lockers are for band related equipment ONLY -- this means NO shoes, books, lunches, backpacks, etc. It is highly recommended that you lock your locker. Locks are provided by Mr. Oldfield. 6. The band room will be left as you found it, if not better than you found it!! 7. Store your instruments carefully so that they maintain good playing condition. 8. The daily schedule will be on the white board and/or SmartBoard at the beginning of each rehearsal. Read it, Follow it! 9. The bulletin board by the door has important information regarding outside concerts, college music programs, announcements, and special events. 10. Check our websites. They are updated regularly and it contains the most up-to-date info on our band program. 11. ALL school policies are in effect at all times while with the band (even outside of school hours).

4 Rehearsals Rehearsal time is short and valuable. We must always take advantage of every minute available for rehearsal purposes. The procedures below are to be closely followed at each rehearsal: 1. BE EARLY! Rehearsals will begin promptly. Be in your spot/chair with your instrument and music ready to go before rehearsal starts. Allow time to warm-up and tune on your own when you get to rehearsal. 2. Be in your chair with all necessary equipment (instrument) and music at the 7:20 bell to stand for the Pledge and listen to the morning announcements. The downbeat for rehearsal will be given promptly at 7:25. -Students not ready at 7:20 will be marked late. 3. When the Director steps on the podium, all talking/playing will IMMEDIATELY stop, and full attention will be given to the Director. 4. All students are required to have a pencil, music, instrument, and any other necessary equipment at all times during the rehearsal. 5. When rehearsals are over, students should carefully disassemble, clean, and pack their instruments in the proper method and/or clean up their section. 6. Before you leave, pickup any trash you might have left. Leave the room cleaner than you found it. Bandroom Rules and Regulations 1. No food, gum, or drinks are allowed in the band room. 2. No hats or visors are to be worn. 3. Student s name should be labeled on instrument cases. 4. Do not play on any percussion or keyboard instrument unless you are a percussionist. 5. Put your instrument away in the appropriate storage area. 6. Do not use anyone else s instrument/sticks. 7. Maintain a reasonable volume on your instrument while warming up. Attendance/Tardies

5 VERY IMPORTANT!! Read on as this attendance policy is important and necessary to the band s success! When you sign the last page of the handbook you are agreeing to this policy as well as the consequences of breaking this attendance policy. Spartan Band Attendance Policy In order to maintain a successful band program, attendance by all members is crucial and with the short rehearsal time we are given, punctuality is essential. Without each vital component, a band will seldom perform at its best. However, it is understood that activities and reasons do arise that conflict with band. If you must miss either a rehearsal or performance, you must notify Mr. Oldfield or Mr. Welch ASAP. The request must be in writing via a signed note from a parent or guardian. You receive a schedule for the whole year well in advance so that you may plan accordingly. We must know well in advance in order to excuse such absences. In certain instances, it is understood that last minute conflicts arise. During the school day, the GCHS attendance policy is in effect. Failure to follow these procedures will result in loss of privileges as well as loss of participation points towards your grade. In extreme circumstances, they could also lead to expulsion from the group. 1) ALL absences require approval of the directors either Mr. Welch or Mr. Oldfield. 2) Jobs are NOT reasons for an excused absence. The calendar is published months in advance so you can adjust your schedule. If you are asked to work on a rehearsal or performance date simply tell them that you are not available due to a prior commitment. 3) PERFORMANCES are absolutely mandatory! A band does not function without ALL of its members. Only in very, very, VERY extreme circumstances will performance absences be considered excused! To ensure each performance we give is the best it can be, each member of our band is responsible for being on time for rehearsal every day (7:20am). Excessive tardiness will be addressed as follows: First unexcused tardy verbal warning. Second tardy phone call home. Third phone call home and an after school detention. Successive tardiness will result in an office referral and a deduction in class participation grade. Extreme tardiness will result in a parent conference. Please understand that our band is a team, and a team does NOT function without all of its members present. Also understand that this policy is for the good of the group. I would prefer not to have to enforce this policy, rather, that everyone simply understands the importance of attendance and will honor the commitment you have made to this band. With simple planning and communication we WILL be successful. How successful depends on each of YOU!

6 Uniform & Dress Wearing the uniform When you are in public, you will be required to wear the complete uniform at all times. You may take portions of the uniform off when instructed to do so, or in private only. As a member of the Spartan Marching Band, you will need to appear and act professional at all times in uniform. Profanity, eating of food or any other beverage besides water is not allowed. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in disciplinary action. The Marching Uniform consists of: coat, trousers, hat, cape, plume, hat box, garment bag, black socks, official Band shoes, official Band t-shirt, athletic shorts, and anything else specific to your group. Again, the uniform is to be worn in its entirety at all times unless specified by the Director and/or band staff. The uniform should be properly stored on a hanger in its garment bag and hung in its assigned location in the uniform room. ***Shoes are not to be stored in garment bags!!! Uniforms are professionally dry cleaned over the summer at the school s expense. Mrs. Skelly is in charge of uniforms. If you have a problem or need assistance please contact her. The Concert Dress is concert BLACK AND WHITE. This means each student is responsible for providing their own black and white outfit. This includes long pants or a long dress/long skirt, long sleeve black or white top, and black socks and shoes. Any questions please see Mr. Welch. Curriculum and Grading 1. REHEARSALS 25% a. Behavioral expectations (preparation, effort, attitude, cooperation, and respect. b. Attendance to rehearsals on time with instrument, music and pencil. 2. INSTRUCTIONAL LESSONS 50% a. Attendance to lessons on time with instrument, music and pencil. b. Weekly preparation of assigned lesson material. c. SmartMusic Assessments on selected band music, etudes and/or scales (usually 2 per quarter). 3. PERFORMANCE 25% a. Students will attend all concerts. b. Students will attend all marching band performances. (Exceptions will be granted on a one to one basis.) Exams: There will be a minimum of one performance assessment each quarter. A final performance assessment will take place during the final month of the school year. Extra Credit: Will be given for participation in Solo Festivals, County/State Music Festivals, and outside of school groups such as Hochstein, Eastman, etc. Please let us know if you have any questions.

7 Music Calendar Date Event Time August 28 th -Aug. 31 st Band Camp September 8 Marching Band Home Game 7pm September 22 Marching Band Home Game & Homecoming Parade 6:30pm September 23 BOTTLE & CAN DRIVE September 29 Marching Band Home Game (senior night) 7pm November 1 High School Fall Chorus Concert 7pm November 3&4 Junior High Area All State (Selected Students Gr. HS November 17 & 18 Senior High Area All State (Selected Students Gr. HS December 5 High School Winter Band Concert 7pm December 20 High School Holiday Choral Concert 7pm January 5 & 6 Vocal Solo Brighton January 12 & 13 Monroe County Senior High Instrumental Solo Festival (Grades 9-12) Minerva Deland MS, Fairport January 18 HS/MS Jazz and Percussion Concert 7pm January 26 & 27 Monroe County Elementary/Jazz Solo Festival Pittsford Barker Rd MS February 3 Jive and Artisan Works 6pm March 5 HS Chorus Winter Concert 7pm March 9 & 10 Senior High All County Festival (select Rochester and Eastman March 7 MIOSM Band Concert 7pm March HS Musical Production March 23 & 24 All County Jazz Festival (selected March 26 MIOSM Choral Concert 7pm March 28 MIOSM Snow Date April Music Department Trip to CHICAGO April 26 High School Spring Band Concert 7:30pm May 7 Tri-M Music Honor Society Recital and Induction 7pm May 15 HS/MS Jazz and Percussion Concert 7pm May 21 HS Spring Choral Concert 7pm May 24 Senior Recital 7pm June 1&2 Gates Chili NYSSMA Solo GCHS TBA June 3 GCHS Music Banquet 5pm June 20 Graduation at RIT TBA We are hoping to finalize parade performances for the Lilac Day Parade, the Pre Memorial Day Parade in Henrietta, the Darien Lake Parade, and the Memorial Day Parades in Chili, Gates and Rochester, soon. They will all occur during the month of May. We will give you plenty of notice on these performances.

8 HANDBOOK COMPLETION FORM I have read the Spartan Band Handbook with my parents and/or guardian, and understand its contents. I agree to abide by the policies and procedures contained within this book (most notably our attendance policy) and will do my best to continue to aid in the progress of this band program. We have marked all the concert dates in our calendar and are committed to be in attendance. If there is a conflict, please contact me as soon as possible. (Student printed name) Student Signature: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: *Return both forms in this packet to Mr. Welch by Friday September 22, 2017

9 Consent and Release Form for Students Travelling to Band Events I hereby give permission for my child to participate in any out of school Band Event Medical Information In order to procure quickly any emergency care that may be necessary for students and at the same time to protect the health care providers involved, your signature below indicates consent for emergency treatment. Be assured that every effort will be made to notify you in the event of an accident or serious illness. Student Name (please print) I consent in advance to medical treatments or procedures that might be necessary for my son/daughter in the event of injury or illness. Such treatment may include, but not be limited to anesthesia, x-ray, and /or procedures in the best judgment of the attending physician. I understand that every effort will be made to reach me in case of injury or serious illness. Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Address Parent/Guardian Signature Date Phone Number Alternate Emergency Contact Relationship Phone Number Medical Insurance Company Policy Number Member s Name Student Allergies Medications Being Taken Physical Handicaps or Limitations Due to Mr. Welch Friday September 22, 2017 This form will be carried by the staff during the trip.