Newton I.S.D.
Band Handbook
2020 – 21
HANDBOOK CONTENTS
Philosophy …………………………………………….….………. 3
General Information ……………………………………….…… 4
System of Grading …………………………………………….... 5
General Rehearsal Procedures …………….……………….… 5
Football Games ...…………………………………….……….… 7
Bus Information …….. …………………………………....……. 8
Band Uniform ……………………….……………………………. 9
Instrument care ……………….…………………………..….…. 9
Letter Jackets ……..…………………………………….…….….10
Eight Hour UIL Rule Form ………………………………….….11
UIL Marching Band Acknowledgment Form…...……….….12
Handbook Acknowledgement/Consent Form ……………..13
PHILOSOPHY
NEWTON EAGLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND
The Newton Eagle High School Band is trained under Corps Style Marching, and is held to perform at a high standard. This philosophy is built solely around educational values as well as keeping tradition within the program.
Band does more than just teach a student how to play an instrument, or how to read music. It is to solely help students identify that music is, indeed, a true universal language amongst all of the arts as well as other subjects. Students who come into the band program receive numerous amounts of highly recognized qualities such as responsibility, determination, dedication, teamwork, honesty, leadership, and taking pride of whom they are in and out of the band program.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SYSTEM OF GRADING
The High School Band grade is comprised of two components: Daily grades & Test grades. Daily grades will represent 50% of the student’s class grade, and test grades will represent the other 50% of the student’s class grade. Daily grades are demined by general attitude, participation, practices/rehearsals (including the summer band practices/rehearsals), football games, as well as periodic pass-offs. Test grades are determined by any contests (marching/concert), concert performances, and clinics.
REMEMBER: I UNDERSTAND that conflicts may arise, due to certain activities, (such as athletic events, etc.), death in the family, illness, and/or hospitalization. These are excusable circumstances. My job is to work with you and be here for you. The big key to all of this is COMMUNICATION. Don’t be afraid to come and talk to me if you have a situation come up. If you work with me, I’ll work with you. It’s that easy and simple – bottom line- do not “plan” a conflict.
If for some reason, you can’t attend practice/rehearsal due to an inexcusable circumstance, you are responsible for making up that lost time.
GENERAL REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
All absences MUST have a written note from the parent or admit slip from the office or it will be considered unexcused.
FOOTBALL GAMES
Attendance at all football games are MANDATORY. Remember, as stated back in the grading system, football games are considered as a daily grade, which is half of your overall band grade. Result in missing a game without an excused absence may be removed from the marching band, or will have to make up for the time they were not at the game depending on the discretion of the band director.
Guidelines for Football Games:
NOTE: Uniform/music – flip folder inspections will take place at the beginning before each football game and contest performance.
DURING THE FOOTBALL GAME
BUS TRIPS
For bus trips going to games, concerts and contests, students will be assigned to “boy-boy” and “girl-girl” seats. Boys and girls will NOT be allowed to sit with each other. Adults as well as the Band Director will be supervising the bus.
BAND UNIFORMS
Band uniforms come with no cost toward the student, but are very expensive to purchase. With that in mind, the uniform should be well taken care of by the student and should be worn with pride. Here are simple guidelines to follow:
NOTE: Take pride in the uniform you wear! It’s what will make out stand out from among the rest! Dress to impress – uniformity is what defines you as a group and how you present yourself.
INSTRUMENT CARE
Instrument care is of the utmost importance when it comes time to play your instrument. All instruments MUST be treated with respect, from school to your own – so that it can ensure quality work. Here are guidelines to follow for proper instrument care:
ALL THE WAY AW AY. This will prevent damage to the instrument.
LETTERMAN JACKETS
Letterman jackets can be awarded to all seniors and to band students who have been in the band for at least two years and have met attendance requirements prior to their senior year (the eighth grade year in band is not considered “varsity credit” for a letterman jacket – it is equivalent to a JV year for band letterman credit.)
Varsity Football Games
Aug. 28th @ Woodville
Sept. 4th vs. Diboll
Sept. 11th vs. Kirbyville
Sept. 18th @ West Orange - Stark
Sept. 25th vs. Kountze
* Oct. 2nd @ Anderson - Shiro
* Oct. 9th vs. New Waverly
* Oct. 16th @ Warren
* Oct. 23rd --- Bye
* Oct. 30th vs. Hemphill
* Nov. 6th @ Corrigan - Camden
* DENOTES DISTRICT GAMES
WE WILL INCLUDE TIMES BAND WILL DEPART FOR AWAY GAMES SOON.
PARENT/STUDENT UIL MARCHING BAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
No student may be required to attend a marching band related practice for more than eight hours outside the academic school day per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday). This provision applies to students in all components of the marching band. Exception: For schools that begin instruction prior to the fourth Monday in August the limit of eight hours of rehearsal outside of the academic school day per calendar week shall begin on the Tuesday immediately following Labor Day. Schools under this exception shall be limited to eight hours of rehearsal outside of the academic day per school week (12:01 AM on the first day of school of the calendar week through the end of the school day on the last day of instruction of the school week) until the Tuesday immediately following Labor Day.
On performance days (football games, competitions and other public performances) bands may hold up to one additional hour of warm-up and practice beyond the scheduled warm-up time. Multiple performances on the same day do not allow for additional practice and/or warm-up time.
Examples of Activities Subject to the UIL Marching Band Eight Hour Rule.
• Marching Band Rehearsal (Both Full Band and Components)
• Any Marching Band Group Instructional Activity
• Breaks
• Announcements
• Debriefing and Viewing Marching Band Videos
• Passing Off Marching Band Music
• Marching Band Sectionals (Both Director and Student Led)
• Clinics for The Marching Band or Any of its Components
The Following Activities Are Not Included in the Eight Hour Time Allotment:
• Travel Time to and From Rehearsals and/or Performances
• Rehearsal Set-Up Time
• Pep Rallies, Parades and Other Public Performances
• Instruction and Practice For Music Activities Other Than Marching Band And Its Components
NOTE: More information about Marching Band practice limitations can be found at: www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band
“We have read and understand the Eight-Hour Rule for Marching Band as stated above and agree to abide by these regulations.”
Parent Signature____________________________________Date____________________
Student Signature____________________________________Date___________________
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