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The Band Handbook
Please click on one of the following topics:Click here for a Word Document to print this page. · CHAPTER I Philosophy and Objectives · CHAPTER IV Staff, Officers, and Duties · CHAPTER V Colorguard Qualifications · CHAPTER VI Check Out Procedures
Philosophy and Objectives Music is a universal language, a pure and unique method of communication. Through music a person can achieve an understanding of beauty, expression, and the appreciation of the finer things in life through the actual participation in them. In addition to the cultural values, there are many nonmusical values taught in band including personal, physiological and vocational reasons. Music is an important and continuing factor in fulfilling the philosophy and general education. There are many objectives of the instrumental program. All of these objectives lead to a broadening of musical experiences. Each student is expected to increase appreciation of all types of music, improve musical skills, and develop an understanding of music. The group should offer recreational opportunities, respect, and pride through musical performances. Providing high standard musical performances is to be expected in route to becoming a better citizen and making the community a better place to live.
CHAPTER II Qualifications In order to become a member of the William Byrd High School Band, each student should have some experience on his/her instrument. Each student will audition to determine what group the student should enter. Recommendation of the student’s director may be accepted instead of auditions. Each student is expected to know a chromatic scale and a minimum of seven major scales by memory. Additional requirements will be added from year to year in order to retain membership status.
CHAPTER III Organizations Concert Band (1) Credit Our Concert band rehearses everyday for 45 minutes. This group is open to all winds and percussion and performs a variety of music ranging within the grade III and IV level. Symphonic Band (1) Credit Our Symphonic band rehearses for 90 minutes within the alternating block schedule. This group is open through audition only and performs a variety of music ranging within the grade IV, V, and VI level. Jazz Band (1) Credit Our Jazz band meets everyday for 45 minutes. This group performs many styles of music including Jazz, Latin, R&B, Funk, and Rock. Music Theory (1) Credit This class is designed for students who wish to pursue creating and composing music on their own. Marching Band (.5) Credit Available for any musician enrolled in any of the major ensembles for an additional ½ credit. This class meets after school 3 times a week. Performances include Friday night football games, various marching band festivals, and parades. Marching Band Colorguard This group is the visual appeal of the marching band. The schedule and practices are the same as the marching band. This group is open through audition only.
CHAPTER IV Staff, Officers, and Duties
Two very important groups in the band are the band staff and officers. These groups are directly responsible for the welfare of the band including administration, policies, and activities.
The band staff, officers, and their duties are:
Director - administers all functions of the band. Assistant Directors - administers all functions of the band. Corps Commander – is in charge of the Marching Band.
DUTIES 1. Will attend every function of the marching band. 2. Will set a positive example at all times and motivate others to work hard. 3. Take needed responsibility when the director is not present. 4. Assist the director in teaching drills. 5. Inspect section leaders. 6. Act as field leaders of the marching band. 7. Assist in monitoring discipline of the marching band. 8. Assist with inspections before marching performances. 9. Works with all section leaders in teaching music and marching fundamentals. 10. Conducts the band at all performances of the marching band. 11. The drum major must have been a playing member of the marching band and a concert band a minimum of one year and must remain enrolled in a concert band class upon selection. 12. The drum major(s) will be selected by the director or his appointed representatives at an audition held at a time and place designated by the director.
Generals and Squad Leaders— Qualified band members in good standing who assist the director in all aspects and coordinates the student staff.
DUTIES: 1. Upholds the highest traditions and spirit of the band. 2. Takes attendance at muster formation at all marching band functions. 3. Coordinates all student leaders of the band. 4. Reports to the director any problems or suggestions that may improve the band program. 5. Promotes band activities (i.e. social, educational, etc.). 6. Maintains discipline in the band room each day before and after rehearsals. 7. Will hold periodic meetings to discuss the welfare of the band, plan activities, troubleshoot possible solutions to problems, and evaluate student morale, conduct, and performance. 8. The officers, who are selected by the director, must be members in good standing of both the marching band and / or band class.
Color guard Captains - Are in charge of the colorguard including the duties of drum majors mentioned previously.
Section Leaders - Are selected based on leadership qualities and musicianship. Duties include inspection of ranks for proper uniforms, music preparedness, cleanliness of instruments, proper marching techniques, communication with section members, and loading crew. Leaders are expected to remain at rehearsal until all sectional duties are complete.
Section leaders must be members of both Marching Band and a Concert Band Class. Bus Captain - Is responsible for taking attendance on all bus trips. Loading Crew - Is responsible for loading all equipment, hats, uniforms, instruments, and luggage on the busses properly. The person in charge of the loading crew will designate members of the loading crew. Uniform Captain and Uniform Assistants - Are responsible for the distribution of all uniforms. It is also important that the uniform captain maintains order and cleanliness in the storage area and report dirty uniforms to the director so that they can be cleaned. The person appointed as uniform captain will oversee all other designated uniform captain assistants. Band Secretary – The person designated as the band secretary will keep a detailed record of attendance of all Marching Band rehearsals and performances. Absences, tardies, and early dismissals will be recorded along with infractions to the band rules and regulations for future documentation. The band staff shall help set a good example at all times and is responsible for knowing and enforcing all rules and regulations. Any officer not fulfilling his responsibility is subject to removal from the band staff.
Band Rule: All members of the Marching Terrier’s are expected to work for the band, be proud of the band, and love the band SIR!
CHAPTER V Colorguard 1. The Colorguard shall have no set number of members, and is open to any student who is affiliated with William Byrd High School. 2. All practices, including extra rehearsals must be attended. 3. All make up and dress shall not detract from the group while in uniform. 4. The band director or appointed people will select the members of the group. 5. Any negative conduct will result in suspension or dismissal from the group. 6. An overall grade average of “C” should be maintained for membership.
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