In the Glenpool High School Band, members learn how to march, how to memorize music, and how to work together. Through practices and contests, bus rides and band trips, we come together to become friends and mentors to one another. We learn respect and hard work through our new friends and teachers.

In the Glenpool Band, we work hard to have fun, we make mistakes and make friends, but most of all, We achieve our goals... together.

2009-2010 GRADING POLICY

August 12, 2009

Dear Parents and Students:

We are looking forward to this school year and anticipate another successful year for our music program. In this handbook we have outlined the system which will be used to determine grades for each student in the band. Please read the handbook and schedules carefully. Any changes in the schedule will be made as needed. If a question should arise we ask that you consult the handbook FIRST. If there are any questions not addressed in the handbook or questions regarding the grading policy or the band program please feel free to drop by the Fine Arts Building before or after school, call us at 322-9500 x 523 or email glenpoolband@gmail.com and we will be happy to answer any questions regarding the instrumental music program.

There will be a Glenpool Band Booster meeting at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 26, at the band room. Membership is open to any interested adult. Please consider joining and becoming an active part of the Glenpool Band Booster Club as they work to support your child's musical efforts.

Mrs. Johnson

Mr. Reynolds

PERFORMANCE / REHEARSALS

In order to receive credit for a performance, you must participate in a performance. Students may not be allowed to participate in a performance or travel with the band if they do not have the required equipment, are not wearing the proper uniform, or are academically ineligible. Any student without the proper equipment or uniform may be given a 30 minute detention. All performances will be announced at least 2 weeks in advance of their scheduled date whenever possible. Please keep the calendar at the back of this handbook in a convenient place for reference throughout the year. If a student has a conflict with a performance please turn in the performance conflict sheet at least one week prior to a performance. Please realize that completing the performance conflict form does not excuse a performance, however, it does allow us to make the necessary adjustments for a successful performance.

After or before school rehearsals will be announced one week in advance whenever possible. Please consult the bulletin board for the practice schedule.

GRADES

Grades will be calculated in the following manner for performance and practices:

1) a letter grade will be deducted for each unexcused absence from a performance.

2) rehearsals will be worth 10-50 points each. Points will be deducted for arriving late, leaving early, not participating in a positive manner, or being a discipline problem.

3) daily points will be earned by participating in the class in a positive manner. Daily makeup work must be completed per school policy.

4) playing tests will be worth a possible 100 points each and will be calculated with the performance, rehearsal, and class grades.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Students who become ineligible put the entire band at a disadvantage. Once your grade has dropped to failing it is difficult to earn a passing grade. All grades are cumulative for the trimester. Each Glenpool Public School student must be academically eligible to participate in all performances. The loss of even one student is devastating to the entire ensemble. Therefore, any student who is academically ineligible for two consecutive weeks will be withdrawn from the competitive marching show or concert band. Any student who is consistently academically ineligible will be removed from the band class at the end of the trimester. Alternative playing assignments for ineligible performances and rehearsals will be due three school days after each performance and will be scheduled after or before the school day. Late assignments will not be accepted.

CHAIR/LEADERSHIP PLACEMENT

Chair placement is determined by three factors determined to be essential to every strong music program. These factors are: ability, attendance, and attitude.

Ability is the student’s comprehension and performance level. Does the student understand the style, phrasing, articulation and can they demonstrate this understanding on a CONSISTENT basis?

Attendance is the student’s desire to be in class each day. Is the student here ON TIME each day and every day?

Attitude is the student’s desire to participate appropriately in class each day. Does the student listen to all instructions? Does the student demonstrate a positive attitude? Does the student have a desire to help others and go above and beyond what is asked of them?

While all of these factors are important individually, the leadership positions require students to CONSISTENTLY do what is asked of them and to serve as a positive model for other students. With this in mind the success of the Glenpool Band stems from the fact that every part have dedicated leaders. We ask our leaders to sometime rotate parts and play inner voices because it will make the band stronger and produce a more mature musical sound.

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

Students are responsible for any school owned equipment that is issued to them. Damage done to the equipment due to abuse or neglect will be the student’s financial responsibility to repair the equipment. The band director will determine who repairs the equipment. There will be occasions when students will be asked to share in the financial upkeep of an instrument that has been issued to them due to budget restrictions. Students using a school owned instrument will be required to pay a $20.00 cleaning fee if the instrument is not thoroughly cleaned at the end of the school year or season’s use.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GLENPOOL BAND MEMBER

The main emphasis of the band program is on musicianship and pride of accomplishment, followed closely by citizenship, tradition, morals, spirit, and loyalty. It is the pride of a job well done and the accomplishments achieved that make the sacrifices worthwhile. It is possible, by setting your schedule in a reasonable manner, to have a highly successful band career and still maintain high scholastic standing. The success of the organization will lead to the success of the individual and vice versa. Because of the important roles that student leaders have in the band, it is extremely important that student leaders are aware of the examples that they set for other band members and classmates. Student leadership roles will be forfeited if a student becomes involved in actions that do not represent the school and the band in a favorable manner.

RESPONSIBILITY TO OURSELVES

We owe ourselves the benefit of proper equipment and proper lessons. Whenever possible, you should avail yourself of the best possible quality instrument you can afford and endeavor to take private lessons. Group lessons at school only teach at a moderate level. You have the primary responsibility for learning and contributing your talent to the group.

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SCHOOL

The school district provides the necessary setting and facilities for our performances and some of the larger more expensive equipment. We then have an obligation to provide the best possible performances for the school, community, and citizens of our area. This means, you agree to give up some of your free time on holidays and vacations for the entertainment of others. It also means that if the school owns your instrument you are willing to maintain it and repair it.

RESPONSIBILITY TO MUSIC AS AN ART FORM

The performing arts have always been a vital part of humanity. You have been blessed with a very special talent; you now have the obligation and responsibility to use that talent for the betterment of our community and mankind.

RESPONSIBILITY TO EACH OTHER

Getting along with each other in our complex society is indeed a difficult task by itself. You have the obligation and responsibility to respect the rights of others. Anti-social behavior will only breed the same from others and will bring unwanted trouble. Excessive talking, rumors, bad manners, etc., are all examples of anti-social behavior. Please respect the rights of others, both in and out of uniform, and treat them as you wish to be treated.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

This is a serious problem throughout society. While costs are kept to a minimum, the students maintain a neat and uniform appearance. While appearance is only one of the judging criteria at contest, it is important to make a good first impression. Please read the following list of required equipment carefully. Students are required to provide these items when it is appropriate. Marching lyre, marching flip folder, black shoes (approved by the director), black socks, and a band t-shirt for their uniform. Warm weather uniform will be a Glenpool Band polo shirt and khaki shorts. Polo shirts and shorts will be ordered through the band department. Shirts will be worn with the shirts neatly tucked in shorts.

GENERAL CONDUCT

No foul or abusive language or gestures are permitted. Yelling is not permitted at all on the bus. This can cause serious accidents. Singing songs on the bus is not permitted. All body parts must stay inside the bus. “Mooning” is not permitted. Moving from the seat while the bus is moving is not permitted. Quiet talking is permitted. All audio players will have headphones.

UNIFORM CODE: It should be considered the highest honor to be allowed to wear the uniform of your organization. When in uniform, you are no longer an individual; you are a representative of your community and your school. No contest medals, pins, jewelry are to be worn on the uniform. When traveling on a trip with your organization your uniform will be properly stored in the garment bag assigned to you. The complete uniform is to be worn at all appearances unless specific instructions are made otherwise.

BEHAVIOR IN UNIFORM: Fighting, overwhelming displays of affection, gum chewing, dipping, smoking, or drinking of alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated. When you put on the uniform, you lose your identity and anything you do is personally identified to our school and town.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTENDANCE

The size and transportation problems in our school district cause this to be a serious problem for some of our members. Attendance at regularly schedule rehearsals is required for membership in the band program. The attendance in the band is the same as any high school policy. Absences are permitted in the event of personal illness, death in the family, or close family wedding. Any absences should be presented in writing in advance if possible. Failure to appear at a scheduled practice or performance without proper notice will result in possible performing group and/or a failing grade for that period. It is impossible to “make-up a performance” and the other members carry an extra burden because of someone else’s inconsideration. Extenuating circumstances should be discussed with the director prior to the event when at all possible.