Marching Panther Pride Marching Panther Pride consists of all students who play an instrument, are in the color guard and the drum majors. While there are separate sections with very different skills sets, the entire group makes up the Marching Panther Pride Band. Objectives: • To teach music by its actual performance • To develop performance skills on various wind and percussion instruments and visual equipment. • To provide for the musical needs of the school and community • To acquaint students with music theory/history and history and musical composition relate to students’ lives and musical experiences. • To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self expression, and healthy social experience. • To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and develop esprit de corps. • To foster leadership skills within each student. Did you know? That the band students from the class or 2011 earned over $1 million in scholarship money, most of that was earned by their leadership and academics. Calendar of Events Band Camp – August 12 ‐ 16 – 8:00AM‐1:00PM August 19‐23 – 8:00AM‐3:30PM August 26‐30 – 3:00PM – 6:00PM Rehearsals when school begins: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 2:45PM‐5:15PM Football Games: Aug. 30 – Away at Courtland Sept. 6 – Away at Albemarle Sept. 13 – Home vs. Chancellor Sept. 20 – Away at Colonial Forge Sept. 27 – Home vs. Franklin County Oct. 4 – Home vs. Riverbend Oct. 11 – Home vs. Mountain View (Homecoming) Oct. 18 – Away at Stafford Oct. 25 – Home vs. North Stafford Nov. 1 – Bye Nov. 8 – Away at Brooke Point
Band Competitions Sept. 19 – Caroline HS Sept. 28 –Neptune Festival Parade, Virginia Beach/Menchville Compeition, Newport News Oct. 5 – Spotsylvania HS Oct. 19 – Lee‐Davis HS Oct. 26 – VBODA (Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association) State Marching Band Assessment at Massaponax. Nov. 1‐3 – Cary Band Day, Cary, N.C. Attendance The only excused absences are prearranged school conflicts, and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, death in the family, or religious holiday. Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the director. Unexcused absence to rehearsal = not participating in weekend activities Second unexcused absence to rehearsal = end of participation in marching for the remainder of the year (this includes winter color guard and drum line) Unexcused absence to a performance = end of participation in marching for the remainder of the year (this includes winter color guard and drum line) For all absences, the following procedure must be followed by the students and parents: • Mr. Koch must be notified in advance. • An absentee request form must be filled out and on file with Mr. Koch. • For illness, absentee form or doctor’s excuse must be submitted. • Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity that same day must be cleared with Mr. Koch as well. Please call at 540‐710‐0419 ext 5242 and leave a message. • If student is ill on a nonschool day with a band activity, please call Mr. Koch at above number to keep him informed. The mere filing of an absentee request form does not constitute approval. General rule if Massaponax will excuse it so will we. Conflicts with Band Resolution of conflicts with band activities is the responsibility of the student, with guidance from parents and Mr. Koch. Since we do not practice afterschool on Mondays and Wednesday, we ask that doctor appointments and tutoring sessions be scheduled at that time. Students who have club meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays are permitted to attend the club meeting, but need to be at the practice field no later than 3:00PM. Full calendars are available on the band website www.mhsmp2.com, and should be given to employers. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.
Student Awards Band Letters – First year marchers who complete the entire season through the Christmas Parades will receive a Band Letter. Pins – Second, Third and Fourth year marchers who complete the entire season through the Christmas Parades will receive a pin to place on their letter. Medals – Should the band earn a superior rating at the VBODA Marching Band assessment, all students who participated will receive a medal for their accomplishment. All awards will be presented at the spring band banquet in the month of May. Duties of a Band Member *Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time – on time is late. *Upon entering the rehearsal setting, get your instrument, and go directly to your seat. *When the director or staff member steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking should cease. *Come to rehearsal with a good attitude *There should be no excess playing (e.g. horsing around on the instrument), only good, solid playing. *Make an effort to improve on a daily basis, and establish a good practice routine. *At the end rehearsal, put all materials in their proper place. *Maintain a strong academic standing in all course work. *Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong. *Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority. *Read and Play music with insight – have musical expectations The Importance of Attitude The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is attitude. The kind of per you are is an individual choice, and how you feel about something is one of the few actual independent choices you have in life. It takes intense dedication to reach goals. Students should learn to discipline themselves to practice fundamentals daily. The right attitude must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication as the basic foundations. Such an attitude makes an artistic performance in evitable and is the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group. The band can do so much for you. Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance. The Importance of Discipline Because of the nature of the organization, band discipline must be strict. Band students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles, and philosophy of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for him‐or – herself. Any misconduct casts a bad light on the school, community, and band program. Any member who discredits the organization by his or her conduct or actions in band, in another class, or on a trip shall be subject to dismissal from the Marching Panther Pride or may lose privileges within the program. This may include participation in winter guard, winter drum line or participation in spring trip.
Parent’s Responsibility to the Band It is the responsibility of every parent or guardian to see that the policies outlined in this handbook are followed. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his or her child at all band functions. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that their child practices their instrument (including flags, rifles, and batons) daily. Mr. Koch’s hands are tied without the help of parents. How Parents Can Help When a band questions arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more falsehoods presented as facts. If questions arise, it is important to remember this axiom: If it is a performance issue or anything dealing with the band proper, contact Mr. Koch. If it is a fundraising question or anything dealing with parent issues, talk with Jackie Boudreaux, MBPA president. *Show interest in the musical study of your child. *Arrange a regular time for your child to practice. *Find a quiet place where he or she can practice without interruption. *Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so. *Come up with a reward system for daily practice. *Keep the instrument in good repair, and keep at least three reeds in the case; get a metronome. *Be extra careful with school‐owned instruments. Repair costs are high. *Teach your child to be prepared and on time for rehearsals and performances. *Provide private instruction if possible. *Make faithful attendance to all band activities important. *Help your child keep track of important dates. *Refer to handbook as needed (www.mhsmp2.com) *Notify Mr. Koch if your student will be absent from rehearsal or performance (540‐710‐0419 ext. 5242) *Double check to make sure student has their instrument. *Visit rehearsals occasionally *Attend Band Parent meetings (second Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM) *Turn in fundraising money on time, and volunteer to help. You have a gift, why not share it with the band. Financial Obligations Each marching band member is assessed a fee of $375.00 for the fall season. If parents volunteer with band parents on three occasions you will receive a $50.00 rebate on your fees. All band fees should be paid in full by October 9. Parents can earn points (1 point = 1 dollar) by working in the concession stand or helping with field clean up. Students can earn points by participating in fundraisers. 75% of the profit will translate into points, the remaining 25% will go to the band general fund to help with budgetary needs. The MBPA treasurer will keep track of the student points. Points maybe used for band fees, spring trip or other band related expenses. At times the financial obligation may be heavy, but no member will be denied the opportunities of the organization due to financial difficulties. Please speak with Mr. Koch, Mike Monroe, or Anita Jansch.
Students’ Responsibility to the Band As members of this organization, you have a great deal of responsibility. These expectations coordinate with the privileges, rewards, and duties of the band program. To Ourselves You have the primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and private instruction can never be overestimated. What you put into is what you will get out of it. Mr. Koch is always available for your guidance and encouragement – Just Ask! To the School Spotsylvania County Schools and Massaponax High School provide us with resources for rehearsal, performance, and equipment. The Band Parent’s Association also provides a support network, both financially and philosophically. We have the responsibility to provide the best possible services to our community. To Music Music has always been a part of our culture. We must take what we have and use it for the betterment of that culture. No one expects you to be virtuoso musicians, only to do the very best you can. The great composer Gustav Mahler once said that only 10 percent of a piece of music is on the page. If that is the case, we as musicians have the duty of creating and producing the other 90%. The joy of music is not in everything that is apparent. It must be discovered and created. To Each Other We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group. There can be not selfish acts solely for the benefit of the individual. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve them. Never insult another band member’s integrity. The word “band” implies that we are banded together without divisions. Rules and Procedures *Shoes and socks must be worn at all times for outside practices. *Chewing gum is not permitted during rehearsals or performances. *Be in your seat, warmed‐up, and ready to go on time. *Respect authority and others, including their personal property *Band members will wear no exposed jewelry while in uniform. The only exception will be class rings, watches, and stud earrings. *Drinking and drugs are strictly prohibited. The Spotsylvania County Schools code of conduct is in force for ALL band activities. *ALL school rules will be enforced. *Young adults shall not damage property or equipment. *Fundraising material will be collected in the safe in the band office. *If you share music and are absent, make the music gets to school. *Students may practice in the band room before school, after school, and during lunch on B‐ days.
Uniforms Uniforms are provided to each student and maintained by volunteer parents. Uniforms are stored in the band room and are checked out to the students prior to performances. Uniforms are checked back in when we return from performances. If there is problem with your uniform, please inform our band The uniform is to be worn properly at all times. Shoes cleaned Black Socks Band t‐shirt and shorts must be worn under the uniform Hair must be pulled inside the hat for winds and percussion, Guard will wear hair as deemed appropriate by Mr. Koch. Only stud earrings, class rings and watches may be worn. No other exposed jewelry. We will do everything together; if we take off jackets we all do it together. Football Games *Be on time and ready to go. Home games warm‐up in courtyard at 6:30PM. *Students must wear full uniform, unless Mr. Koch gives other instructions. *Following home games students will be dismissed from the band room. *Away games and competitions, students may ride home with their parent or another adult. Give Mr. Koch a parent signed not prior to the event, and when leaving Mr. Koch must see your parent or designated adult prior to you departing. *When marching to and from the stadium, the band will remain at attention. When you have class it shows – when you don’t , it shouts. *Only uniformed band members allowed in the band section. *All members are to remain with their section. No stand music will be played without Mr. Koch’s approval. *The band will have third quarter off and must be back in their seats at the beginning of fourth quarter. *All members should be alert down front. Be ready to react immediately to instructions by the drum majors or Mr. Koch. *If a student needs to leave the band section, they are to be accompanied by a chaperone, and must have permission from Mr. Koch. Traveling *If a conversation can be heard in front of the bus, it is too loud! *There will be no hanging out or talking out of bus windows. *Please lower volume when entering school grounds. This is for your safety, is courteous to the driver, and is an act of class. *Please keep the bus clean; pick up after yourselves, and always thank the chaperones and drivers.
In Hotel Situations *Parents and students will be responsible for paying for any incurred charges, including lost room keys. *Rooms are to be locked at all times. *There will be no one of the opposite sex in your room. No girls on the boys floor and no boys on the girls floor. *Do not play your instrument in the room. *All school rules are enforced on trips. *All students should realize any personal desires may have to be put aside for the duration of the trip in order to facilitate large group control and management. *No one is to leave the hotel. Any student found leaving the premises without permission will be dealt with severely. *Profanity is not part of the organization! Make sure your language is not offensive. *Band members are expected to be at the right place at the right time, ready to go. Competitions Competitions are special events in which we get to perform for a sophisticated audience and very competent judges. We are there to do our best – not to win. If we do our best, everything else will take care of itself. Specific information is given prior to competitions as to directions, departure, and anticipated return times. All parents are encouraged to attend competitions and support the band. Students may use the band phone to call following a trip. Parents, please come immediately when called.