Putnam City West High School

Putnam City West High School Bands Handbook Director of Bands Edward L. Hudson Jr. Assistant Director of Bands Brad Gray

Mission To cultivate a meaningful relationship with music and learn to appreciate the arts in its entirety. To form lasting relationships with whom we encounter through the bond of music. To give an overall respect to the bands program and acknowledge its importance and equality to all other subjects. To communicate that music is a universal language and most importantly, the greatest of all arts. The Spirit of West Creed We represent the spirit of West, Whose true devotion, in time will test. Truth, Honor, and Loyalty our values instilled, Forever and ever, internally sealed. Music's the bond that keeps us strong, through every obstacle, we persevere on. For when we depart on our own separate paths, We are greater, on the music's behalf. For the band is the staff, on which music is written And we are the notes, on which the staff is in-scripted. Both working together, our pride will soar Sounding together our harmonious chord. Truth, Honor, and Loyalty

Welcome Welcome to the Putnam City West High School bands program. We are excited about your participation with our organization and look forward to building strong relationships with watch and every one of you during your time at West. We believe that what we teach here in band not just applies to music, but include life lessons that will be applied to "real world" situations in your child's future. We build our program based on three essential values: Truth, Honor, and Loyalty. These values, when applies correctly, will make successful individuals out of anyone. Being a part of a new school can be intimidation for many. But, you will soon see that the band is a tight knit group that treats our members like a family that nurtures and cares for each other. Each incoming student will be assigned a section member that will take him/her under their wing. This should help eliminate some of their anxiety and promote unity. This band has a very demanding work ethic that is essential to the success of our program. Your child will be encouraged to practice daily on their instrument. I expect parents to support this and make it just as important as their daily homework. Students need to understand that the classroom is not the time for them to learn their part, but to learn everyone else's part!!! Finally, I expect everyone to be at all rehearsals on time and well prepared with all materials. Parents, please ensure that your children get to all performances and rehearsals on time. There will be consequences for students that arrive late to rehearsals. If this behavior is consistent, it could compromise their membership within the group. Remember, we are preparing your children for the "real world". This year is going to be very fun and entertaining for you and your children. Remember that your child's success depends on your participation and assistance. Also, your participation in the booster program is highly recommended!!! This groups "behind the scenes" element that provides all of the necessities for the kids and assists the director with the program's needs. The booster's meet every 3rd Monday of each month. If you have a child in band, you are a booster. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact me via phone or e- mail at anytime. Welcome to the PCW band and I look forward to working with each and every one of you!!! Musically Yours, Edward L. Hudson, Jr. Brad Gray Director of Bands Asst. Director of Bands Putnam City West High School Putnam City West High School ehudson@putnamcityschools.org bgray@putnamcityschools.org 405-787-1140 ext. 2474 405-787-1140 ext. 2353

Performing Ensembles PCW Band program is a one year long elective. Those individuals whom only want to participate in either concert band or marching band must receive approval from the director of bands before enrollment. All members of the bands program must have prior experience/membership in a band program, or have special permission for enrollment from the director of bands. "The Spirit of West" Marching Band This ensemble is the most influential group of the PCW bands program. It performs numerous amounts of times during the course of the fall semester and encompasses many hours of rehearsal and personal dedication. This ensemble requires rehearsals outside of normal school hours. All members of the marching band must be available at every rehearsal. This ensemble is a competitive group that will participate in numerous contests over the fall season. All members must be in "good standing" with the school and must not be on the ineligible list. All students must comply with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) rules and regulations. PCW Symphonic Winds This ensemble meets during the spring semester and is composed of instrumental winds and percussion. This ensemble will perform numerous times and compete in state OSSAA contest. All members must be eligible with all rules and regulations with OSSAA. PCW Concert Band This ensemble meets during the spring semester and is composed of instrumental winds and percussion. This ensemble will perform at numerous events and compete in state OSSAA (E) contest. All members must be eligible with all rules and regulations with OSSAA. West Jazz This ensemble is meets all year during second hour. This ensemble is audition only and requires extra time outside the normal school day.. This ensemble will compete in a state OSSAA contest at the end of the spring semester. Small Ensembles All students are encouraged to be a part of a small ensemble for their particular instrument. These groups will be involved in district and state contests that occur during the spring semester. All participants must follow the OSSAA rules and regulations for contests. Information concerning these groups will be given during the spring semester.

Financial Obligations PCW band program has a band fee that offsets the cost of many necessities that is required to perform. This fee pays the cost of transportation to and from games and contest, provides meals for the students, pays for instrumental upkeep, and many other obligations needed for your child's success. The fee for the band program for the school year is $150 dollars ($75 per second child) and $200 for Color Guard members. This fee can be paid to our band booster program. Your child will have the opportunity to fundraise to receive credit for the band fee. Fundraising opportunities will be provided during the school year. Other ensembles, color guard and small ensembles have separate fees which will be discussed. Materials Students must provide the following materials during the fall semester for marching season: Water bottle Pencil Athletic Shoes Bibbers (provided) Music (provided) Drill charts (provided) Students must have the following for the uniform during contests and football games. uniform (provided) Black socks Dinkles Black marching shoes ($26.00) Marching Band t-shirt ($10.00) During concert season, students must have appropriate concert dress for all performances. Men: Concert tux (provided), Black shoes, black socks. Women: Appropriate cut Black dress (provided), Black shoes, Black socks/stockings. Rehearsals and Contests Expectations Rehearsal time is very important for the success of our program. We must understand that all time must be utilized effectively and efficiently to perform at our highest level of excellence. All rehearsals must be attended by all individuals and any absences or tardiness will not be tolerated. Etiquette Students are expected to rehearse in a professional manner that will be communicated to them during camp. There will be no tolerance for misbehavior at rehearsal. Any student doing so will serve

consequences as provided by the director of bands or staff. Attentiveness at all rehearsals is required with no talking during instruction. All questions will be given a chance for answers during the appropriate time. Timely manner All students are required to be at rehearsal on time with all materials ready to rehearse. Students must have all materials and instrument on the marching lot/field five minutes prior to rehearsal begins. Any student that ignores the timely manner cause will be penalized with appropriate consequences. Manners and Respect All students are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity. There will be no tolerance for any negativity during any rehearsals at any time. PCW bands promote a positive atmosphere that is conducive to the learning environment. Sectionals All students are required to have mandatory sectionals after school once a week. Each instruments sectional (Woodwinds, Brass, & Percussion) will be determined during band camp. Each sectional will take place during the agreed upon time throughout the school year. Attendance is mandatory. Bus Ride Etiquette Students will be provided with a seating chart that designates where they will be seated on bus rides. Students must sit in their designated section. All items brought on the bus must be removed by the person that brought them on. All trash must be removed of accordingly. The use of musical devices is accepted but must have headphones for their own personal enjoyment. No boom-boxes or external music devices will be permitted. All buses will be loaded appropriately by the loading crew which will be assigned during band camp. Game Day Procedures PCW marching band is required to perform at all football games of the regular season. On game days, there is a procedure that must be followed in order for all activities to be carried out smoothly and correctly. Students will arrive at PCW at the designated time with all materials needed (i.e., black socks, marching shirt, athletic shorts, black marching shoes). Students will then check out their marching uniform and place the bag on their seat. The student will change into the uniform at school prior to checking in on bus. Uniform inspection will commence before departure to PC Stadium. Any student that does not pass inspection will be placed on probation until final inspection at stadium. At that time, the student may contact parents to bring items to the student at the stadium. Once at the stadium, the students will unload items from buses and trailers and place them in stadium. After rehearsals, students will eat from the food provided by the concession stands. Students will get fully dressed and return to block formation for final

uniform inspection. Any student that does not follow code will not be allowed to perform. Students will perform in pre-game activities and return to the stands. Students will be given designated sections to sit and will remain in those sections during the duration of the game. Students will perform half-time show and have the third quarter off for break. Students will be informed when they must return back to the band section. Students that are late will cause the entire band to lose the break for the following game. After the game, the band will perform the post-game rituals and return to the buses to load trailers and return back to West. Students will check in uniforms after returning to the high school. Students must be picked up by parents or guardians up to 45 minutes after returning to the school. Any student that has not been picked up by that time will be returned home by the Oklahoma City Police Department. Grading Scale Course grades during marching band are based on attendance, participation at both daily rehearsals and performances. Students will be tested periodically on music memorization and drill tests during marching season. Grading Details Rehearsals (Morning & Evening) (20%) 100 points per rehearsal 80 points if tardy or leave early 0 points if absent Performances (30%) 300 points per performance 0 points if absent Music Progress (10%) 100 points per assignment/test Daily Work Habits (20%) 5 points per day for following class rules, having proper equipment and being prepared for class Final Exam (20%) 100 points

Please read the following for excusable and un-excusable absences for a performance or rehearsal: Excusable absences: Sick and not in school Death in the family Religious holiday Inexcusable absence: Driving test Homework (time management is important) Attending a rock or sporting event Birthday Work Trips (vacations) without proper advance notice (at least two weeks) No transportation (section leaders can assist you with rides if you need one)!!! General Band Rules No food, gum, or pop in the band room at anytime No Alcohol, Drugs, or any use of tobacco will be tolerated and will be punished by the consequences as stated in the PCW student handbook. Public displays of affection will not be tolerated Respect other people's property No use of foul language at anytime Respect all members of the PC West staff at all times There will be no tolerance for Hazing at all!!! School Spirit One of the most essential elements of our program is the value of school spirit. All students must represent the organization and the school with the highest utmost respect. At all times we must support the school in all of its endeavors and provide a positive support system for all activities.

PUTNAM CITY WEST BAND Medical Consent Form Student s Name First MI Last Address: Street City/State Zip Home Phone (405) Cell Phone: (405) Work: MOM DAD BOTH PARENTS NAMES: WHO DO WE CALL FOR EMERGENCY WHEN WE CAN T FIND PARENTS? ( ) Name Relationship Phone We/I do hereby give permission to Edward Hudson, Brad Gray, or the adult Putnam City West Band sponsors to seek and obtain medical assistance for: in case of medical emergency. We/I also realize that we are responsible for any medical related costs that are incurred while on any school related activity. Signature Date Signature Insurance Company Policy Number Physician Phone Number Please list below all medications you are taking and any medical situations that may need our attention: Medications Allergy Medical Situations