Boosters

About the Band Program
Mr. Robert M. Gibson, director

Dear New Student,

This course orientation has been prepared to communicate the expectations, course content, course requirements, policies and any other information that will give you the opportunity to achieve and have a positive learning experience. Please read it carefully and share it with your parents. If you do not understand this orientation sheet or have questions about this course, please see me personally.

Mr. Robert M. Gibson, director of bands

1. Introduction of Course
This is a semester course in instrumental music (band). During the course of the year, our repertoire will include various styles and periods of literature. Also, included will be several performance techniques to accompany the many performance functions of the band during the year.

2. Course Outline
    A. Marching Band
    B. Concert Band
    C. Pep Band
    D. Jazz Ensemble*
    E. Small Ensembles*
*Your required participation in band includes marching band, concert band, and pep band. Enrollment in these groups are a pre-requisite for participation in the following optional ensembles: Chamber ensembles, woodwind ensembles, brass ensembles, and percussion ensembles, jazz ensemble, jazz-rock combos, and musical theatre orchestra.

3. Grading System
You will be evaluated on all aspects of course functions and expectations. All performances, sectionals, classroom rehearsals and participation will receive a numerical value which converts to a letter grade. Your grade can be determined by dividing the number of points earned, by the number of points possible, then determine your grade by comparing the resulting percentage with the following scale.
100-97=A+    89-87=B+    79-77=C+    69-67=D+    59 and below=F
96-93=A         86-83=B        76-73=C      66-63=D
92-90=A-        82-80=B-       72-70=C-      62-60=D-

Attitude, conduct, and participation        25%
Daily classroom rehearsals                    25%
Weekly sectionals                                   25%
Scheduled performances                         25%

4. Course Requirements and Prerequisites
    A. Private Auditions (see #6 Seating)
    B. Performance Schedule--Commitments
        1. Band
            Marching Band Field Show competitions (4-5 Saturdays)
            Football Games (5-6 Friday Nights)
            Basketball Games (5-6 Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights)
            Pep-Rallies (During school hours)
            Winter and Spring concerts (3 week nights)
            District Honor Band (Auditions Mandatory)
            District Solo & Ensemble Festival (Participation optional)
            Band Tour (Participation optional)
            Pops Concert (1 week night)
            Graduation
            Fundraising
        2. Jazz Ensemble
            Jazz Festivals (3-4 Saturdays)
            Winter and Spring Concert (2 weeknights)
            Pops Concert (1 Weeknight)
            Jazz Pizza Nights (1 night per month--fundraiser)
            Recording Session (1 Saturday)

5. Class Credit
Instrumental Music (Band) is a five credit per semester course. These credits can be applied toward the fulfillment of a fine arts or physical education requirement (first semester only). Second semester, only fine arts credits may be applied.

6. Seating
    A. Assigned seating within sections according to audition results.
    B. Audition format:*
        "Excerpts" (fall field show music)
        Scales (major and minor chromatic scales)
        Arpeggios (major and minor)
        Tonguing drills (honor band)
        Sight reading
        Prepared solo (your choice)
    C. Any reseating, will be done at mid-term. Second semester seating will be determined as a result of all honor band audition scores. Reseating may be done at directors discretion or as needed.

*Those of you meeting the requirements and wishing to be in Jazz Ensemble, this will be your audition (see Jazz Ensemble). Rhythm section personnel, and all instrument doubles, will be auditioned separately.

7. Materials and Supplies Needed
    A. Instruments (exception being large winds and some percussion)
    B. Instrument care supplies (reeds, mouth pieces, oils, etc.)
    C. Marching flip folders, pages, and lyres needed by band camp)
    D. Writing Utensil (#2 pencil to be with you at all times)
    E. Music
        1. All music will be furnished by the band for each student.
        2. Folders to keep your music in will be given to each student.
            (All music must be returned by the end of the year. Music lost by or destroyed by a student will result in an appropriate replacement assessment)

8. Attendance Policy
Band is a performance oriented class, because of the nature and function of this class. Participation in all rehearsals, sectionals and performances is expected.

This class follows school attendance policies (see student handbook)

    A. Practice - (Daily class rehearsals and before and after school rehearsals)
        1. Truancy - A class truancy will result in your removal from the next performance, detention and other possible school action.
        2. Tardy - A class tardy will result in detention and other possible school action.
    B. Sectionals - After school, weekly
        1. conflicts of interest interfering with sectional attendance are not acceptable. Any and all conflicts must be adjusted (sports, work, etc.)
    C. Performances - evening and weekends
        1. Participation in all performances is expected. (Students will have an opportunity to earn make-up credit for any missed performance or period or ineligibility through an alternative written assignment.)

9. Classroom/Performance Management Policy
    A. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
        You should have the following with you:
            Instrument
            Music Folder and music
            Pencil
    B. No food or drink in the band room at anytime.
    C. Be courteous and respectful of the teacher, assistants, and other students.
    D. Be respectful of all band instruments and color guard equipment. (Do not touch any equipment other than your own.)
    E. Students will not be allowed to interrupt the teaching and learning process. (Students will be subject to school and district disciplinary actions.)

10. Uniform Policy
    You are responsible for all uniform parts while it is in your possession. (from check out in August, till check in in December) If any part is lost, stolen or soiled while in your care, you will be responsible for it's immediate repair, cleaning, or replacement.
    A. While in uniform or in concert dress:
        1. Hair-All hair must be worn up in your hat and not seen, no colors, cuts, styles or fashions allowed that would be considered non uniform, unnatural, inappropriate or excessive.
        2. No Jewelry - earrings, watches, bracelets, rings, or necklaces of any kind allowed that would be considered non uniform, inappropriate, excessive or a safety concern.
    B. Uniform Parts supplied by the band:
        Jacket
        Jumper Pants
        Plastic Bag and Wooden Hanger
        Hat, Plume, Tube, and Box
    C. Uniform Parts Supplied by You:
        Black Dress Socks (Must be Black)
        Black Dress Slacks (No Jeans)
        White T-shirt (Plain, no graphics or designs)
    D. Uniform Part purchased by You
        Those student members in need of "Special Purchase items" may order the following items:
        Black Marching shoes ($25.00)
        Band Dress Shirt ($20.00)
        White Marching Gloves ($5.00)

11. Membership Contributions
Each member is required to purchase a "Saugus Band Spirit Pack". This band spirit package is patterned after the spirit packs that are required by several other Saugus High School organizations. (See Membership Page)

12. Award Requirements
    Must be a full time participant for the complete term of the activity. Students must earn a passing grade to be eligible for Band awards.
        Freshmen Award - Band Service Letter
        Sophomore Award - Band Service Medal
        Junior Award - Band Service Medallion
        Senior Award - Band Service Plaque

13. Eligibility
All band members must adhere to the districts co-curricular policy. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA at each 50 week reporting period. All ninth graders begin high school with academic eligibility, all other band members must have a 2.0 GPA from the previous semester. Summer school work may be necessary (see assigned counselor). When the GPA falls below a 2.0 the student is ineligible to perform/compete or travel with the band. If the student does not improve their GPA during the semester, the student will be transferred from the class at the end of the semester.

14. Jazz Ensemble
    Students selected for participation in Jazz Ensemble are subject to the following criteria:
        A. All criteria as stated in the instrumental music (band) syllabus.
         B. Jazz Ensemble is a separate and special class, class meets daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (end of fall through spring)
        C. Due to the performance nature of this class, daily attendance is expected. (All matters concerting attendance will follow established school policy.)