The Band Handbook

 

 

 

 

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General Band Rules and Regulations

 

          Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict.  Band students and parents must be willing to accept the ideals, principles, and rules of the group. A Superior band is built on discipline.  Discipline is order, with orderliness comes attainment of goals worthwhile.

 

1.       Band members are expected to adhere to the policies of the school and the band. Use of alcohol, tobacco, or any other drug is strictly prohibited!  Violations of this rule will result in immediate suspension from the band and full punishment from school officials.

2.       Band members will be responsible for instruments, uniforms, equipment, and music belonging to the band.

3.       All performances and rehearsals are MANDATORY for all members.  This includes after school practices, sectional rehearsals, etc.  Too many absences from practice, even excused may result in temporary removal from a performance. If the absence is excused this will not count as a suspension or punishment.

4.       Tardiness is a disease.  Avoid the problem.  It hurts not only the individual but also the entire band family.  You will be disciplined for any infractions.  This includes all practices and performances.  To be on time is to be early!

5.       Horseplay will never be tolerated on the band field, in the band room, or in surrounding areas of the campus. 

6.       Chewing gum is NOT PERMITTED during practices or performances.

7.       Members must ride to and from all events with the band.  Only the band director can make exceptions in advance.  Written permission must be provided by the parents.  Students may be released to the parents at the end of a performance, but to no one else.

8.      All students should be prepared!  Each student is expected to learn all music and drill.  Practice until you get it. All music and drill sets must be learned by the end of camp!

9.     A person’s third quarter privileges may be taken from them if they cannot perform to their expectations.  All students are to uphold the highest standards of the band and our school while in uniform.  Any infraction will result in punishments and possible suspension from the band program.

10.      PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA) is not permitted while in uniform or while participating in any school related activity or function.  No unreasonable PDA at any other time.  This includes bus trips and rehearsals.

11.        Take suggestions and criticism from fellow band members regardless of their number of years in band.  Everyone makes mistakes, even seniors and officers!  Suggestions and criticisms should be made in a respectable manner!

12.        The band uniform should be worn properly at all times as instructed by the section leader.  No jewelry, watches, or excessive make-up is to be worn while in uniform (even earrings on ladies or gentlemen!). The band T-shirt and clean, solid calf -length BLACK socks (No Logos!!) are required. Hair should be groomed neatly and pulled back so that it fits nicely underneath the band hat.

13.        The telephone in the band office is for business purposes only.  It will be available for students to call home after trips and special rehearsals.  Students should not ask to use the phone at other times.

14.        There should be no excessive talking during any rehearsal and each student should have a pencil at all indoor rehearsals.

15.        Each student should keep their “set” sheets with them at ALL times during and after band camp while the band is on the field. Using a lanyard and wearing your set sheet around your neck is a popular way of keeping track of this.

16.        It is MANDATORY to wear hats during all outside rehearsals.

17.        NO STUDENT should leave valuable items such as pocketbooks, instruments, and other personal belongings in the band room area unattended.  William Byrd High School Band will not be responsible for your negligence.

18.        All band members are expected to treat section leaders, officers, and one another with respect.  If there is a problem, notify an officer or the director.

19.        Tennis shoes MUST BE worn at all practices to ensure proper marching technique.

20.        There will be NO HAZING allowed at any time.

21.        Keep your language CLEAN! You never know who might be listening!

22.        You are a CLASS ACT!  Do not do anything that would have to be explained.  Always conduct yourselves as ladies and gentlemen.

 

SPECIAL BAND TRIP RULES

 

Remember: School rules are in effect at all times! Young adults do not roughhouse or damage property.  As WBHS band members you reflect not only the values you learn at WB, but those of your community as well.

 

1. Adult chaperones will be on each bus.

2. Put all trash in trash bags.  Designated individuals will see that all busses are cleaned when we get home.

3. Adults should be allowed to board and exit the busses first at all stops.  The order of boarding for students will be as follows: loading crew, seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen.  For time purposes, the order of exiting the busses will be from front to back.

4. There must be silence while the bus captain checks roll on each trip.

5. Tape and CD players should only be played with earphones or permission of all those around.

6. The bus driver has the right to set rules as needed.

7. Each trip will have an itinerary and special instructions.  These will be given to students prior to each trip and announced by the bus captain on each trip.

8. When the lights go out there must be silence on each bus.  Please respect other’s rights to sleep or rest quietly.

9. For nighttime bus rides there will be no co-ed sharing of seats!

10. Keep a minimum noise level on the bus.  No yelling, sitting on arms of the seats, or walking up and down the aisles while the bus is in motion.

11. All members must practice good habits of personal hygiene while participating in band activities.

          Because band members are constantly on display, each must always be aware of the importance of good behavior.  The student should remember that he/she represents his/her band, school, and community whenever he/she performs or appears in public.  Any misconduct casts a direct reflection on our school and community and may well undo the good work of hundreds of loyal students.  Any hint of misconduct or activities that are not acceptable or defined in this book will result in possible expulsion from our program.

 

 

PUNISHMENTS

 

          Infractions in the above listed rules can result in the following punishments (in any order) by officers or the director:

 1.       CONFERENCE WITH THE DIRECTOR.  As a first means of discipline, a student may be asked to have a conference with the director.

2.       LOSS OF THIRD QUARTER PRIVILEGES.  As a form of punishment a member may not be allowed to leave the stands during the third quarter of football games.  A bathroom break may be taken accompanied by a chaperone.  This punishment can only be assigned by the director as a last result.

4.       OTHER PUNISHMENTS.  Units will be given by the director when needed. A unit can be one of three different options.

             1. One unit equals one push-up.

             2. One unit equals four high mark time steps standing in place.

3. One unit equals writing the following sentence: “This sentence equals one unit.”

5.       SUSPENSION FROM A PERFORMANCE.  When a member is suspended from a performance he/she will not be allowed to perform or travel with the band.  This will be considered an unexcused absence and will result in possible loss of band letter or awards.

          Failure to adhere to given punishments will result in a conference with the band director and the director shall make further decisions.  Discipline and respect are mandatory and attitudes will not be tolerated.