CNE Marching Band Hand Book

CNE Marching Band Hand Book
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*Clermont Northeastern* Marching Band The Rockets *Official Handbook* Band Handbook Director: Chris Moore Phone: 685-1396 Email: Chris Moore Purpose of this handbook The purpose of this handbook is twofold. The first is to act as a syllabus for Band Class, and the second is to acquaint members with the policies of the organization. All band members must read this handbook and sign the form at the back indicating that they have read the handbook and will comply with the rules and procedures of the band. Clermont Northeastern High School Mission Statement To create a safe and secure environment and to graduate students with the ability to be responsible, successful adults, function productively in a multicultural world, and become lifelong learners. Clermont Northeastern High School Band Statement of Philosophy The Clermont Northeastern High school Band endorses and is strongly supportive of the letter and spirit of the missions of Clermont Northeastern High School. In order to give substance and meaning to those statements, the CNE High School Band is an ambassador to the Clermont Northeastern Local School District and will be composed of dedicated and accomplished musicians striving for the highest levels of excellence in academics, discipline, and performance. The cohesiveness and unity of the organization make it unique in that individuals not only have the opportunity of creating and generating their own excitement and enthusiasm, but arousing and becoming a part of the entire group’s strengths and capabilities. The CNE marching band has been, is, and shall certainly remain The Most Exciting High School Band in the Land! Membership Membership to the CNE Marching Band is open to any student currently enrolled at CNE High School. New band students should notify the director if they wish to join the CNE Band Program. The band is for students who want to be there, and who want to work hard – a positive attitude and excellent attendance are expected of all band members. Attendance Attendance at band rehearsals and performances is not optional. It is mandatory and will be part of your class grade. If you are not there, then there are holes in the show (both music and drill), and it is taking away from the overall performance. If you have a conflict with a performance or rehearsal, let Mr. Moore know at least 3 weeks in advance. Mr. Moore is the only person who can excuse a student from class, practice or performances. Acceptable absences include death or serious illness in the family Doctor’s excuse. Examples of unacceptable absences include: Work Not having a ride Social activities Field Commanders Each year, the director selects two outstanding student leaders for the positions of field commanders. The field commanders should embody the overall spirit of the band, and should lead by example. They should motivate the other members of the band to perform and conduct themselves to the best of their ability. The field commanders’ responsibilities include: Attending field commander camp in the summer prior to band camp Teaching the marching style to incoming band members Leading fundamentals during band camp and practice Conducting the band during performances (they may play during some songs and conduct during others) Being a model of leadership for the band. Members of the band are expected to give the Field Commanders their complete respect, with no exceptions. Dance Commanders Each year, the director will select two outstanding student leaders for the positions of dance commanders. They have responsibility for the precision and uniformity of dances performed by the band during performances (Includes choreographed dances, grooving, and parade dances). The dance commanders’ responsibilities include: Creating and teaching the marching band dances for the year (with some help from the director) Encourage and demonstrate the correct form of "grooving" during a performance Helping the Field Commanders with the teaching of marching style Helping the Field Commanders to lead fundamentals during band camp and practice Teaching parade dances to incoming band members (Cherry, Funk, Skeet Skeet, others) Be leaders within the band, helping to motivate band members and keep spirits high. Members of the band are expected to give the Dance Commanders respect, particularly when they are teaching or leading dancing. Band Procedures and Rules In addition to the rules and procedures of the band, all school rules apply during band class, practice and events. Failure to comply with school rules will result in disciplinary action. Overall Be on time. "If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late." That means to be in the CNE Band Room (or other specified location) at least 5 minutes before the time on the schedule. Listen. People like Mr. Moore, band boosters, and the field commanders will give you instruction throughout the season, and you’re expected to follow them. This also means NO TALKING when you are getting instructions or information from Mr. Moore or others. Work hard. The band is only as good as you want it to be. Memorize all music, dances, and drill. Work hard during practice, and perform to the best of your ability during performances. Be respectful. Be respectful of everyone around you, this means no throwing things, no foul language, no fighting, and keeping the noise level reasonable at all times. Treat the band room, equipment and uniforms with respect. The uniforms and band instruments are expensive pieces of equipment. Do not mistreat them, or let other mistreat them. Clean up after yourself. Everywhere you go should be left cleaner than where you found it. Pick up trash around you (even if it’s not yours) when you’re at a game, on the bus, or in the band room. Have pride. Be proud of your school and your band. Don’t let others mistreat the school or equipment. Only marching band members, band boosters, and school employees are allowed in the band room during performances. If there is anyone else in the band room during this time, ask them nicely to leave, and tell Mr. Moore. At practice Practice begins at 2:30 every Thursday afternoon during the marching band season (through October). Be in the band room by 2:30 with your instrument ready to go. We will practice until 4:45. Please have a ride ready to take you home at 4:45. March and play during practice just like it is a performance. If you don’t practice it like you want to perform it, then the performance will not be as good as it could be. If you have questions or forget something, ask someone how to do it right. Practice is a time to correct mistakes – you’ll never get in trouble for making an honest mistake. Perform marching and dances with precision and energy at all times. Motivate each other and have fun! Before a performance Be in the band room when you’re supposed to be. Make sure you’ve already eaten. You won’t have a chance to eat until 3^rd quarter (bring money if you want to do this) Wear/bring the appropriate clothing for under your uniform (see Uniform section for details) Get your uniform, shoes and hat from the uniform room and cabinet – make sure they are yours. Get dressed quickly (if you’re supposed to be getting dressed) If it’s an away game make sure you have your instrument loaded up and all parts of your uniform before getting onto the bus. If it’s a home game, the band will line up outside of the band room for uniform inspection before you parade into the stadium. Personal belongings such as purses and cell phones should be left in the band room – it will be locked during the game. The only thing you need during the game is money for concessions during the third quarter. During a performance During home games, the band will sit in the stands behind the East end zone. During third quarter, the band will be allowed to go purchase food at the concession stands and socialize with family and friends. No one but the band is allowed in or around the stands during the game. You will have 3^rd quarter off to talk with your friends. Anyone in the band’s area during the game will be asked to leave. Behave appropriately. You are representing CNE and the band. Be ready to play at all times. During timeouts and between quarters the band will play stand music. Everyone is required to stand and play during this time – point toward the home stands when playing. Do not leave the band area without permission. If you have to use the restroom, a band booster or chaperone will accompany you. DO NOT leave the stadium during the game – even during third quarter. You are representing the band at all times when you are in uniform. Make sure you’re back ON TIME after the third quarter break – be back when there’s 2 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter so the band can play between the 3^rd and 4^th quarters. Don’t be late. Pay attention to the game and cheer on the Rockets – the band is there to support the team! Halftime is the band’s time. You are there to entertain, so go out and have a great time. Keep the energy up at all times! If there is a visiting band, kneel on the sidelines and watch them attentively – you’ll want them to do the same for you. After a performance The band will return to the band room after the game is over. Students will be allowed to call their parents for pick-up at this time. Remove your uniform and hang it on the hanger properly. Return your uniform to the uniform room, and your hat and shoes to the cabinet. Clean up any mess in the band room and take your belongings with you. Inspection will be conducted before the band is dismissed. Uniforms The uniforms should be treated with respect and care. Each band member is responsible for picking up and returning their uniform and hat (assigned by number) before and after each performance. Band members should learn their uniform numbers. Formal Uniform The formal marching band uniform issued to each member consists of: Blue uniform jacket Black suspender pants Band hat with plume Black marching band shoes (ordered during band camp) For the band to have a "uniform" appearance, each member will be expected to wear the following as part of their formal marching band uniform: Black Socks (No exceptions) Blue CNE Marching Rockets Band Shirt This will provide consistency when students are permitted to take off the jacket. Athletic shorts (non-baggy) or leggings under the black band pants. No jeans or long pants will be permitted under band uniforms. Long hair should be pulled back and tucked under the hat. Note: Any loss of the uniform parts or any damage due to inappropriate conduct is the responsibility of the student to clean or replace. Summer Uniform At certain times band members will wear their "summer uniform." This could be during a band day, at a parade, or during performances when inclement weather is expected. The summer uniform consists of: Blue CNE Marching Band T-Shirt – tucked in Blue Jeans (No holes, may not go below shoes) White Socks Athletic Shoes Long hair pulled back into a pony tail (girls and boys). No earrings that go past the lobe of the ear (studs only) Other piercings should be covered with a band-aid. Marching Style Terms The marching style of the C.N.E. Rockets is a modified corps step style, which is taught to band members during band camp. Following are a list of terms pertaining to the style of the C.N.E. Band. Roll-Step —The marching step of the band. This is a heel-toe step. It begins with the toe high in the air and then it rolls down to the ground. 8-to-5 —This is the term that means a marcher should take 8 steps for every 5 yards. Guiding—Band members should use their peripheral vision to stay in a horizontal line with band members on either side of them. This is called guiding. Squad—A group of 4 band members that stay together during the band drill. Specific band moves can be performed in squads, such as slants and gates/pivots. Attention—The field commanders will call the band to Attention before any parade or performance. The call and response of Attention is as follows: Field Commander: (4 claps) "Band Ten Hut" Band Response: "Rocket Pride! Horns Up—Before playing a song on the field, the field commanders will call Horns Up. The call and response for Horns Up is as follows. Field Commander: (4 claps) "Band Horns Up" Band Response: "Huh" Horn Angle—Horns should be held at the appropriate angle (for the instrument) at all times – band members should have a consistent horn angle. Brass instruments: Bells should be 10 degrees above parallel Flutes: Flutes are parallel with the ground. Clarinets and Saxophones: Horns are held out from the body. Grooving—Grooving is the term for the moderate dancing that each band member does during a non-drill song. Band members should have their feet shoulder-width apart and should move around to the music – feet should not come off the ground and hands should not come off the horns. Cadence —A beat played by the percussion that the band marches and/or dances to. The C.N.E. Marching Rocket cadences are Cops, Cherry, Funk, and Skeet Skeet. Grading Marching Band is class, and students will be graded on participation, attendance, and effort, like other classes at C.N.E. High School. The grading system for Marching Band is as follows: Performances = 100 points each Daily Participation = 10 points each day After-School Practice = 20 points each Students who are misbehaving will be docked points at the discretion of Mr. Moore. If a student fails to attend or participate, they will not be awarded the days points. Awards Band awards, presented at the annual band banquet, are given to signify dedication, accomplishment, and completion of activities and responsibilities with the C.N.E. Marching Rockets. Students must have a "B" in band to be eligible for an award. Awards are given as follows: First Year: Certificate Second Year: Varsity Letter Third Year: Chevron Fourth Year: Chevron and Senior Award Band Boosters The Marching Rockets need a lot of support from parents during the marching band season, from providing water and bake sale items, to chaperoning away games, to working at the Pumpkin Run. Parents of marching band members are expected to participate in the Band Booster organization. The Band Boosters have a bake sale for fundraising during each home game. All parents are expected to bring 25 items to sell at each home game. We really appreciate your support of the band and your child. For more information about helping the band, please contact Mr. Moore at 513-685-1396 or moore_C@cneschools.org. Dismissal Band members are free to go after each practice and performance after the field commanders and Mr. Moore formally dismiss the band. Before dismissal, inspection is conducted in the band room—Mr. Moore and the field commanders will make sure that there was no trash left in the band room and that all equipment and uniforms were put away properly. During dismissal band members should huddle around the field commanders and Mr. Moore and listen for any and all instructions. Non-band members should not be in the huddle (including family members and friends). Then the field commanders will call the band to attention and dismiss the band. Student Contract I have read and understand the policies of the C.N.E. Marching Rockets. I intend to follow all rules stated within so I can be an active member of the band. _________________________________________ Print Student Name _________________________________________ Student Signature _________________________________________ Date

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