2000-2001 Handbook
Rules and Guidelines

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter
About the Director
Bands Auxiliary (Booster) Information
2000-2001 Cost Items
Parents Page
What To Expect
Attendance Policy
Band Guidelines, Discipline and Suspension
Band Guidelines, Discipline and Dismissal
Rehearsals and Performances
Athletic Participation
Uniform Care Policy
Instrument Care and Maintenence
Stand Behavior Policy
Bus Behavior Policy
School Facilities
Fundraising
Band Council
Band Awards
High School Bands
Emergency Medical Form
Wide Coverage Permission Form
Acceptance Form

Dear Band Student and Parent/Guardian,

As a new year begins, the Elkins High School Band finds itself with many new and exciting changes, increasing enrollment and a high level of pride. In the interests of having a GREAT year, it is also very important that we have a
safe year. In the near future, the Band will be traveling throughout the state of
West Virginia to show off it's high level of excellence!! It is very important that all medical information is known, so that proper care can be given in the event of an emergency. Please take the time to carefully read over the enclosed information and return all forms by day camp registration! This information is vital to the success and safety of the Band during this school year.

The rules and guidelines of the band are also spelled out in great detail!
Please know these guidelines well, so that each band member and their parents
can have a positive experience.

In the back of this packet, you will find a schedule for the upcoming year.
Please post this where both the parent and the student can see it. It is very
important that we have 100% attendance at both rehearsals and performances!!
Read over the schedule carefully, NOW, so that problems or conflicts can be
avoided.

Most importantly remember that our band program is designed not only to
perform and entertain, but to develop musical perception and musicianship in a
positive social environment. The benefits of music study to total academic
success are well documented. Be proud that your son or daughter is a member
of the Elkins High School Band and be supportive of all of all students.

Jeff Caplinger
Director of Bands

Mr. Jeffrey Caplinger was born and raised in Elkins. He attended the schools of Randolph County graduating from Elkins High School with the Class of 1981. While attending EHS, he was a member of the jazz band, concert band and was Drum Major of the marching band. Following graduation, Mr. Caplinger attended Davis and Elkins College majoring in history and political science. While serving as an instructor with the Elkins Junior High School Band and director Jack Basil, he decided to change majors and transfer to West Virginia University. While attending WVU, Mr. Caplinger majored in Music Education and was a member of the jazz ensemble, pep band, wind ensemble, concert band, the Mountaineer Marching Band, "The Pride of West Virginia" and was a conducting student of Don Wilcox. In addition, he was a member of the Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, band fraternity and an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma, band
sorority. While a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Mr. Caplinger chaired the "Amerithon" fundraiser for the Mountaineer Band. This fundraiser netted over $50,000 for the "Pride".

In 1988, Mr. Caplinger graduated from Fairmont State College with a BA in Music Education. While at FSC, he was a staff member for the Falcon Marching Band and performed with the jazz ensemble, concert band, percussion ensemble, and orchestra. During his tenure at FSC, Mr. Caplinger colonized and became the founding father of the Theta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. He was also honored as Outstanding FSC Bandsman of the Year in 1987. Following a student teaching assignment at Bridgeport High School and college graduation, Mr. Caplinger took his first teaching job in Preston County, WV.

As Director of Bands at East Preston High School, Mr. Caplinger took over a struggling program of 20 band students in a rural area of Terra Alta. In addition to the marching band, he taught; concert band, jazz ensemble, junior high band, and elementary band. By the end of the 1988-89 school year, the band had grown to 75 members. Mr. Caplinger then took a new job in Barbour County, WV. He was followed at EPHS by current EHS choral director and band staff member, Elizabeth Marshall.

From 1989-1997, Mr. Caplinger served as band director of the Philip Barbour High School Band and also chairman of the music department. While at Philip Barbour, he taught music appreciation, music theory, brass quintet,
woodwind quintet, indoor percussion, indoor color guard, symphonic band, concert band, jazz ensemble, freshmen ensemble, pep band, concert chorus, advanced chorus and women's ensemble. During his tenure at PB, Mr. Caplinger was instrumental in bringing the Tournament of Bands (TOB) marching curcuit to central West Virginia. The 140 member "Pride of Barbour County" was one of the founding bands of TOB Chapter 8 and competed regularly throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. In the 8 years under Mr. Caplinger's direction, the PB Band won over 145 awards, was recognized as the West Virginia High Band of the Year for Academics 1994-1996 and received numerous superior ratings at the Regional Band Festival. In addition, the PB Music Department produced 10 All-State Band members, 46 WVU Honors Band members and 34 All-State Choir members. Mr. Caplinger was also involved in several non-musical activities. He was class advisor for the PB Class of 1992 and a 7 year advisor of the 120 member PB Key Club, having been recognized as an outstanding district advisor 5 times. He was named to the Who's Who Among American Teachers in 1990. Looking to return "home" and take on a new challenge, Mr. Caplinger accepted a new position in Randolph County in 1997.

As music instructor at Midland Elementary School, Mr. Caplinger had the opportunity to work with students K-5. Teaching general music classes and beginning band, he gained new insight into a well rounded music education curriculum. This past school year, he was also a part time teacher at Beverly Elementary School. In addition to teaching music classes, Mr. Caplinger started the "Family Feud" fundraiser at Midland and served as the 1999-2000 Faculty Senate President.

Mr. Caplinger is very involved in the community as well as the school system. He is presently serving a second year as chairperson of the Forest Festival Band and Field Competition. Active in many associations, Mr. Caplinger is a
member of Elkins Kiwanis Club, West Virginia Bandmasters Association, West Virginia Music Educators Association, West Virginia Education Association, Music Educators National Conference and the Nationsl Judges Association. He is the father of three children; Greyson, Sydney and Emily and is involved in area youth soccer. Mr. Caplinger is also an active music clinician, judge and musician.

Band Booster Information
Elkins Area Bands Auxiliary

As parents, the need to support your children in everything they do
becomes more evident as maturity increases. Many think that as individuals,
most parents can do nothing more than help their own children. The EHS and
EMS Bands have seen in the past that total parent involvement produces an
enthusiastic and financially sound Band program!! As a group, parents can do
many things to promote the continued success of OUR band programs!

The EHS Band (and EMS Band) is supported by a fine group of parents
who give many hours of their free time to help not only their students, but all of
the students in the Band. The Elkins Bands Auxiliary has been a vitally
important part of the Elkins Band programs success for many years!

One of our biggest problems seems to be manhours. In many cases, only
a small handfull of parents are doing much of the work. In this day and age of
long work hours and an activity driven society, we sometimes don't have the time.
But it's our kids we are talking about!! If our band program is to progress and our
kids are to benefit, then we need the help of ALL parents whenever possible. If
you feel that your child enjoys Band and is benefitting both socially and musically
by participating in the program, won't you enhance his/her experience by
becoming involved yourself?? WE NEED YOU!!!!!!!

Personally, I would like to see 100% involvement! Imagine what we could
do with participation like that. It's been proven in other places that the stronger
the booster group, the stronger the band program. Won't you commit yourself to
our success? It doesn't require all of your time. I realize that some can work alot
and some can work only occassionally, but the key word is WORK! WORK for
our kids!

A special meeting of the Elkins Bands Auxiliary has been called for ------
------------- at ----pm in the EHS Bandroom. Many things need to be discussed. If
at all possible, please make every effort to attend this VERY important meeting.
It sets the standards for this year and the years to come. Become a booster
today!! Thank You!

EHS "Fighting Tigers" Marching Band
Cost Items 2000-2001

The goal of the EHS Band is to educate students in a musical setting, expose students to a variety of musical experiences, and to promote positive social interaction. This requires funding in most cases. the following is a list of cost items for band members of the 2000-2001 season:

Band Camp: $30 per band member (this covers the cost of staff, music)
(EHS)

Black Band Shoes: $28 per pair (These must all be the same style.)

Available from:

Fawley Music of Morgantown. A representative
will be at EHS to size and order shoes for students
who need them on --------------

School Instrument
Rental Fee: $15 per instrument (costs cover repair and maintenence of
a school instrument played by your child)

White "Sure Grip"
Band Gloves: $4 per student (to be worn throughout the year)

Band T-shirt: $10 per student (band t-shirt will be part of the travel uniform)

Misc. Items: Reeds, oils, lyres, flip folders, etc., any item needed for proper
playing and maintenence of your instrument. Percussion
mallets/sticks will be order seperately in order to match brands
and size. These will be property of the school. Available from
Music City or Foxy Music Co. Band section shirts may also be
ordered by each section or section leader. See Mr. Caplinger for
questions.

Please include all items being paid for in the memo section of your check and your child's name. This is for record keeping purpose.

Parents Page

How Parents can help:

A: At home...

1. Show an interest in the music study of you son/daughter
2. Arrange a regular time for them to practice (remind the student
that it doesn't happen thru magic)
3. Give them a safe place in which to keep their instrument
4. Keep the instrument in good repair (Both Music City and Foxy
Music has repair shops)
5. Be VERY careful with school owned instruments
6. Teach them to be on time for rehearsals and performances
(on time means ten minutes early so that the student can be ready
to go at the start time)
***7. Make faithful attendance at all activities VERY important
8. Encourage them to play for others when the opportunity arises...
home, church, school, community etc.

B. At School...

**1. Notify the director if your son/daughter will be absent or late
(please do this in advance if possible)
2. See that they are prepared with all the necessary materials
3. Visit rehearsals occassionally
4. Discuss with the director anything that will help him or the staff
understand your child better
**5. Attend performances and Band Auxiliary meetings whenever possible
6. Help with parent activities BECOME ACTIVE!!

Other things you should know:

- Rehearsal and practice are two different things! Students are to practice at home. Rehearsals at school are not practice, but band time designed to put things together. You cannot just practice during band and think that is giving 110% effort!!

- The director expects a parent note when a student is absent from rehearsal or performance. There is a two day grace period in which to turn this in. If this is not done, the student absence will be deemed as UNEXCUSED!

- Woodwind players should always have at least 3 reeds in their case. This provides a backup reed. Parents please help enforce this policy!!

- Instruments are to be taken home for practice on a regular basis!! If transporting the instrument is a problem, contact Mr. Caplinger or Mr. Tacy (BOE office) (bus carrying problems).

- Your child will be given music only once! Extra copies will cost $1.00 a page. It costs the band and the Auxiliary to buy music arrangements. Encourage your child to be responsible and care for the music much like the instrument. Replacement costs will be passed on to you and your child.

HS STUDENTS NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MATERIALS
AND ACTIONS!

What To Expect This Year?

As we finalize our schedule for the upcoming year, the excitement is beginning to build. The plan is for the Band to experience a maximum amount of exposure in a minimal amount of time. By this I mean will will try to participate in activities that do not take up a whole day (ie: the 18 hour band trip). This way we can get the message out about our band program and also give the student time to spend with his/her families!

Being an alumnus of Elkins High School and the EHS Band, I am quite familiar with thededication and traditions of the school. I expect the band to excell and be one of the premierbands in West Virginia, period! It also stands to reason that I expect total effort from everyoneduring rehearsals and performances!! The responsibility for an outstanding band lies in manyplaces. The following list details the things that must happen if we are to excel and besuccessful. Great bands work in levels other than the first three. We must be concerned andconcentrate on ALL levels!

1. right notes (YOUR responsibility) - practice
2. right rhythms (YOUR responsibility) - practice
3. playing style (JOINT responsibility)
4. good tone quality (YOUR responsibility) - listen
5. good intonation and tuning (YOUR responsibility) - listen
6. correct volume (YOUR responsibility) - listen
7. music interpretation (MY/STAFF responsibility)
8. attendance (YOUR responsibility) - parents responsibility
9. 110% every day (JOINT responsibility)
10. hard work and dedication (JOINT responsibility) - parents too

A story to think about:

A young man was driving down the road one day when a State Trooper pulled him overto the side of the road. This was not the first time for the boy and he nervously sat in his car. Speeding was the violation. The boy said he didn't know what the speed limit was. The trooper said "It's your responsibility". The boy could not find his registration, insurance, or license. The trooper said "It's your responsibility". When the trooper learned that the boy was driving on a
suspended license, the boy said he didn't know, no one had told him! The trooper said "It's your repsonsibility". Finally when the tow truck was towing his car for the suspension violation, the boy exclaimed "How do I get home"!! The trooper said, "It's your responsibility"!!

If we are going to have a GREAT band progam, "it's our responsibility" as
parents, students, director, and staff!!

Attendance Policy
2000-2001 EHS Band

Excused Absences Unexcused Absences

1. Personal illness (must have a parental note) 1. Work or Employment Conflict
(abuses of this policy will be discussed with parent and principal)
2. Skipping
2. Pre-arranged sch. activity (agreement with director) 3. Club Meeting
3. Doctor's excused absence 4. Forgetting
4. Death in the family (must have a parental note) 5. Other (Director's discretion)
5. Other (Director's discretion)

This policy includes rehearsals and performances! Summer attendance is also very important. If something extraordinary should come up, please contact Mr. Caplinger to make arrangements! See rehearsals and performances page for more clarification.

*****************************************************************************************************************

**** Any absence that does not meet the above criteria will be deem unexcused. If you have an unexcused absence at a performance, you will sit out the next performance!! If you have two unexcused rehearsal absences, you will sit out the next perfromance!! Personal illness is only excused if a note of explanation from the parent/guardian is given to Mr. Caplinger no later than two days following the absence. This is known as the parental note grace period. Extreme excessive unexcused absences will result in serious grade problems and possible expulsion from the Band!!!

*****************************************************************************************************************

The following grading system will be strictly adherred to: (possible points for each)

50 points - each rehearsal (attendance and participation)
10 points - each class period (attendance and participation)
100 points - performances (attendance and participation)
500 points - attitude, behavior, and conduct

Total points possible divided by total points earned = grade!!

Extra Credit will also be available on a limited basis. This credit will be on a TBA (to be announced) basis. The percentage of points earned will determine the grade for that term.

Grades - A= 93-100%, B= 85-92%, C= 77-84%, D= 70-76%, F= 0-69%.

- If you leave a rehearsal early, you will receive half of the possible points for that rehearsal.

- Excused absences are not figured into the grading formula.

- Unexcused absences receive no points for the activity and are figured into the the grading formula!

Band Guidelines, Discipline & Suspension

Mr. Caplinger, Mr. Pritt, the Band Staff, the EHS Faculty and the Elkins community at large will accept no less than excellent conduct from any of our band students. You must remember that we are always in the public eye and therefore must act accordingly. Your actions good and bad will most definitely reflect on the Elkins High School Band program. There is
always someone out there who will say "Isn't that kid in the band"? Let's hope that they are speaking in a positive manner when they make that comment. Be proud that you are in this organization and act accordingly!!! Those who cannot, will be suspended and possibly dismissed!

You are expected to:

- be on time and prepared for band each day
- keep a pencil handy or in your folder
- respect parents and staff personnel at all times
- attentive and not disruptive during rehearsals
- give 110% effort and dedication at all times
- follow school and band rules at all times
- be a leader (not the boss) and lead by example
- be respectful and considerate of your fellow band students
- be respectful of equipment
- uphold the standards and traditions of the Elkins HS Band
- represent the school and the community with PRIDE!

When students make mistakes however, there will be consequences. Listed below is the policy on band suspensions and a few examples:

1. As school policy dictates, any student that is suspended from school is not
permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity while they are
suspended.

2. Any band student that misses a performance due to school suspension may
have his/her grade reduced. Please avoid any situation that can result in
school suspension. When you are suspended, you not only hurt yourself,
but you hurt the band as well.

3. Any incident during a band activity where drugs and/or alcohol is involved will
warrant suspension from the band and school. In addition, students could
possibly be required to attend a drug and alcohol awareness clinic and
possibly appear in magistrate court. Repeat offenders will be expelled from
the band. (Major Infraction)

4. Smoking or tobacco use during a band activity is also not permitted. Such an
action will warrant suspension from the band and school. In addition,
students could possibly be required to attend a tobacco awareness clinic and
possibly appear in magistrate court. Repeat offenders will be expelled from
band. (Major Infraction)

5. Other activity that is demeaning to the band program will not be tolerated and
could result in suspension from the band and school (Director's discretion).
Repeated infractions of any school or band guideline could result in dismissal
from the band (Director's discretion). (5th Offense - see Dismissal Policy)

6. Minor infractions will be dealt with by Mr. Caplinger and/or the school
administration. All discipline situations will be dealt with in a fair and
equitable manner after careful review of the situation. (see Dismissal Policy)

Band Guidelines, Discipline and Dismissal

Occasionally it is necessary for a student to be dismissed from band. This is not an action taken lightly or without a prior record of band and/or school violations. When it is necessary for a student to be dismissed from the band program, several steps will be taken prior to and during the dismissal process. The following is a step by step list of the process that will be followed to warrant dismissal from the band program.

__________________________________________________________________

Students with minor infractions of band guidelines:

1st Offense

Verbal Warning!

2nd Offense

Private conference with student (documented by director and student)
Detention hall assigned (3 days)

3rd Offense

Private conference with student
Parents notified by phone (documented by director)
Detention Hall assigned (5 days)
Possible band suspension

4th Offense

Parental conference with director and administration (documented by all parties)
Detention Hall assigned (5 days)
Possible school and/or band suspension

5th Offense

Dismissal from Band Program!!!

__________________________________________________________________

-- Major infractions will be treated as a 4th Offense minor infraction. Additional
infractions will constitute dismissal from the band program. Examples:

- alcohol, tobacco or drug use during a band activity
- cases of school or band vadalism
- activity demeaning to the band program

-- Cronic absenteeism from rehearsals and/or performances may also warrant
dismissal from the band program.

DUE TO THE FACT THAT DEFINING SEVERITY OF RULES INFRACTIONS VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON, THE DIRECTOR AND ADMINISTARTION RESERVE THE RIGHT TODETERMINE WHAT IS A MINOR AND MAJOR RULES INFRACTION IN ADDITION TO
SITUATIONS MENTIONED ABOVE!

Rehearsals and Performances

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are the lifeblood of the band program. It is during rehearsals that all instructional materials will be discussed, passed out and/or used. Rehearsals are your time tolearn all you can about your active and successful membership in the Elkins High School Band. It is of the utmost importance that you attend all rehearsals in order to be current and updated on all of the latest happenings. One rehearsal can make the difference of your success or failure on a given assignment or activity. In order to maximize our rehearsals so that we get the maximum
benefit from the precious time, there must be some guidelines to follow:

1. Be on time, at the right place, at the right place.

2. When the director, Drum Major, staff member or guest clinician steps onto the podium or infront of the band, all talking must cease and you must give your undivided attention to that person. This also applies to the marching field. The quicker you respond, the faster we can acheive our goals of excellence!!

3. All rehearsals are considered mandatory and your presence in required for grading purposes (see excused absences and attendance policy).

4. Absence will not be excused for the following (director reserves the right to excuse an absence in extreme situations):

a) work or job related activities
b) activities that are not school related
c) truancy

Performances

Any performance by the band is an important representation of the band program, theschool and the community. Whenever the band or an auxiliary unit is to perform, it will be a required performance. Your reputation as well as that of the band program is scrutinized each time the band appears in public. It is necessary to have guidelines governing these activitie and appearances:

1. Absences from performances are covered in the attendance policy of the Elkins High School Band. A reminder that a parental or doctor's note is required for excused absences.

2. No one performance is more important than another. Each time the band performs, we are center stage. Therefore, a pep band performance is just as important as a bandcompetition.

3. You are expected to behave as a young adult, with self-responsiblity at all times.

__________________________________________________________________

Mr. Caplinger's Golden Rule:

"To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be
late and to be late is to be in trouble!"

__________________________________________________________________

Athletic Participation

Band students are encouraged to be athletes!! The self-discipline, dedication, work ethic and attitude of athletes is much the same as that needed to
be a successful band member. This includes all sports offered at Elkins High
School. Band-Athletes will be expected to sign a "Dual Participation Agreement"
which will outline when and where the student will be during conflicting band and
athletic events. The Athletic Director, Band Director, Band-Athlete and Parents
will sign the agreement. The Band Director and Coach will keep a copy for
reference during the particular seasons etc. Band-Athletes are expected to follow
the agreement completely!!! Never let it be said that the EHS Band program
does not allow band members be athletes and does not cooperated with athletics
and all departments within the school.

Uniform Care and Policy

Uniform Care

The Elkins High School Band uniform is an expensive item. Each time you wear the uniform, you are wearing as much as $400 worth of clothing items. Although cost is not the primary reason for taking care of the uniform, many people relate to the dollar value of an item.

The primary reason to take proper care of the uniform is the respect for what the uniform stands for and the understanding that it is after all school property much like a school owned instrument. It should be considered an honor to wear an Elkins High School Band uniform. Wear the uniform with pride and treat it with the same respect and pride when not wearing it. A dirty, unpressed uniform being displayed by a band member reflects that band members attitude
toward the band.

Uniform Policy ("All on or all off")

You will be shown how to wear the uniform properly (after uniforms are issued). You will be expected to wear the uniform properly at all times. This means completely with all zippers zipped, buttons buttoned etc. There will be times when the jacket will not be worn with the rest of the uniform. If carrying the jacket, it must be carried over your arm. It should not be carried over
your should (hitchiker style). If you are wearing the uniform, it must be all the way on. Not unzipped or unbutton and "hanging" on you. Report any uniform problems to Mr. Caplinger immediately after noticing the problem. Waiting could make the problem larger and more difficult to fix. Band hats will be worn at all time unless intructed to remove them by the Director, Drum Majors or Band Staff. Black socks (without writing or logos) must be worn with the uniform at all
times. Socks must be calf length and not ankle socks. You are responsible for all parts of the uniform. If you lose a part of the uniform (or the uniform itself) or damage it while participating in something unbecoming an EHS Band member, you and your parents will pay for repair or replacement costs. Section Leaders will be responsible for uniform inspection within their sections before each performance!

When not being worn, the uniform is to be properly place on a hanger. Uniforms should not be placed in garment bags immediately following usage. They should be allowed to "air out" before being placed in the bag. Mr. Caplinger will check all of the above this periodically!!

Uniforms must be dry-cleaned on a regular basis. Arrangements have been made with Peter Pan Cleaners for a special band cleaning rate. You are encouraged to use this dry cleaning establishment when cleaning your uniform. This band does not perform in dirty uniforms!!! Also, please do not cut any material from the uniform. Only sewn alterations are permissible. Peter Pan Cleaners can also do alterations for a small fee.

Travel Uniform

At every band performance you are expected to be in travel uniform or full uniform unless instructed by the director. Travel uniform: band t-shirt (old one, new one, section shirt), band pants, black socks and band shoes (not street shoes). Wearing shorts under the uniform pants is recommended. No jackets worn without a shirt underneath! Questions? See Mr.Caplinger!

Respect your uniform and what it represents!!!

Instrument Care and Maintenence

Instrument Care

Your instrument is one of the most important items you possess. Without instruments, there could be no band. It is vital that you maintain your instrument in proper working order. Like the uniform, most instruments cost several hundred dollars. Again, like the uniform, please respect your instrument and the investment your parents have made in purchasing it. In case of possible damage or theft, we encourage you to have the proper insurance coverage of each
musical instrument that you own (your homeowners insurance?).

You will be expected to have your instrument repaired when needed. Mr. Caplinger can do minor adjustments (ie: mouthpiece pulled, pad replacement, etc.), but we do not have the facility for a full fledged repair shop. See Mr. Caplinger first. You will not be charged unless supplies (ie: pads, corks, springs, screws etc.) are used. A nominal fee will be charged to cover supply replacement costs. If it needs to go to the shop, he will tell you. Use the local musicstores when at all possible. Music City has a repair shop inhouse. Foxy Music sends their repairs to Clarksburg. Both have a one week or less turn around time.

Instrument Policy

You are the only one who should play your instrument!!! Don't share your instrument for sanitary and instrument safety reasons (this includes sticks and mallets). When not playing your instrument, always place it in a safe place to avoid damage (YOUR CASE if the best place!).

Woodwind players should always have at least three reeds in their case and keep an extra reed with them at all times. If a reed breaks, you don't have to go back to your case this way. Rotate your reeds by playing on a different one each day. This ensures that you aren't always "breaking in a new reed". Keep all joints greased and in working order. Don't twirl flutes or clarinets!!! They are not batons and if you drop them, they will break!! Never leave you reed on the mouthpiece. This causes premature damage to the reed! Keep reeds in reed cases.

Brass players should keep mouthpeices in their hands or pockets during cold weather to ensure a warm embrochure when it is time to play. Simply place the mouthpiece on the instrument before you play. Keep all valves and slides oiled daily!

--Instruments go home with you!!! You MUST Practice!!!!

--Clean your instrument!!! Woodwinds daily, and brass periodically!! (We
have enough forests around us, we don't need a new one growing in your
instrument!!

School Owned Instruments

Your school owned instrument fee ($15) covers normal wear and tear repairs to you instrument. You and your parents will be responsible for any blatent damage to the instrument. All of the above items apply to care for the instrument. If you blatently abuse a school instrument, you will lose the priviledge of using a school instrument and will be dealt with through the school
administration. One set of sticks and/or mallets will be provided percussion students. You will pay for replacements sticks, mallets or accessories. Majorettes will provided their own batons. Auxiliary equipment will be provided. You will pay for any blatently damaged equipment.

Stand Behavior Policy

1. You must sit in your assigned section. All band members should be seated at
all times unless otherwise instructed. Always sit in your section!

2. Do not leave your section of the band bleacher area unless you have Director
permission.

3. Always be ready to play. Keep you eye on the Drum Majors or Director.

4. When the band plays, we all play, not just certain people.

5. Do not put your instrument anywhere that it might be damaged. (see Inst.
Care page)

6. Do not play another students instrument. (see Inst. Care page)

7. Reed players. Always have an extra reed handy. (see Inst. Care page)

8. Keep the seating fairly close, because spreading looks messy and the band is
highly visible from the other side of the field. Also spreading makes it
harder for us to play together.

9. When playing in the stands, play with musical taste. Don't blast like a bunch
of wild animals.

10. Band members are permitted to leave with a parent if prior arrangements
have been made. Also in case of an emergency!

11. No eating or drinking during the game unless given permission by the
director. Food stains are the number one cause of uniform drycleaning
needs! (see Uniform care page)

12. Absolutely no one is allowed to sit with the band except for staff and
approved chaperones. That includes: boy and girl friends, relatives, friends
etc.

13. Visitors are to check in with the director.

14. Only band uniform hats are to be worn unless told otherwise by the director.

15. Uniforms are to remain on in the stands unless told otherwise by the
director. (see Uniform Care page)

16. Students will only be reminded of minor infractions once. Persistant
infractions could result in suspension from performance.

17. Times will be given for various dismissals and returns in the stands. Lateness
will result in disciplinary action by the director and cause other students to
possibly be late as well.

Warnings!!!

-- Since all band activities are school functions, major violations will be dealt with according toschool policy.

-- Any person of the public disrupting band activities will be dealt with through the police!

Bus Behavior Policy

1. All Randolph County bus policies are expected to be followed and will be
strictly enforced!

2. The following items are not permitted on a MOVING BUS

a. louder than normal talking
b. screaming or yelling, whistling, profanity or abusive language
c. public displays of affection
d. hanging out the windows
e. blocking the aisle, fire exits or windows
f. standing in seats or sitting on back of seats or being out of a seat
g. eating on bus (chaperone, driver and/or director's discretion)
h. headphoneless radios (discmen OK) (chaperone, driver and/or director's
discretion)
i. full dressing (changing of clothes) (see Uniform Care policy)
j. playing of instruments
k. throwing of any object, water guns etc.
l. standing up or sitting on knees

3. The following items are not permitted on a NON-MOVING BUS

a. screaming and yelling, whistling, profanity or abusive language
b. public displays of affection
c. hanging out the windows
d. standing in or sitting on the backs of seats
e. full dressing (changing of clothes) (see Uniform Care policy)
f . running on the bus
g. throwing of any object, water guns etc.
h. leaving clothes, uniform etc. in seat
i. leaving valuables on the bus
j. playing of instruments
k. talking while director, staff or chaperones are addressing the bus

4. Students are expected to obey all Director, Staff, Chaperone or Driver
instructions. Students are also expected to be quiet for all announcements
and directions by director, staff etc.

5. Bus times are set to minimize costs. All students are expected to be on time in
bus reporting.

6. Mr. Caplinger is the trip leader and has final authority on all trips.

7. Policies will be enforced throught the school and county office administration.

8. Students are not to leave any items on the bus at the end of the trip. Students
are expected to clean their area of the bus at the end of a trip.

9. If a student has been mishandled by a driver, chaperone, staff or the director,
an investigation will occur with the assisitance of the school administration
and Transportation Director. Complaints against a band member will be
dealt with in similar fashion.

10. All students must sign their bus roll sheet at the beginning of the trip.
Roll sheets will be submitted to the county Transportation Director.

11. Parents taking students after an activity (one where the student is on the bus
roll), must notify Mr. Caplinger or a chaperone on that particular bus.
Students may only leave withparents!

Bus Safety and the Band's reputation are very important!!

School Facility

Our school and bandroom is still relatively new and we want to keep both looking that way. Each band member should do his/her best to keep the bandroom in the best possible shape. Please pick up any trash items that you might see inside or outside of the bandroom. With over 150 students using the bandroom every day, there are some guidelines that students must follow:

1. GUM, CANDY, FOOD OR DRINK are not permitted in the bandroom or any room associated with the band at any time (planned social activities may be excluded). Soft drinks may be consumed in the music wing area or outside the bandroom. Put any trash you see in the trash can! No gum chewing while in uniform and/or playing your instrument.

2. All instruments are to be stored in the proper place.

3. Only handle and/or play your instrument. This includes percussion instruments and jazz studies instruments. In extreme cases, see Mr. Caplinger or Mr. Dunkerley.

4. Do Not write on the chalkboards,marker board, music stands or any other surface not designed for such an activity.

5. Do Not move chairs and stands from or to rooms without specific instruction to do so. If you move any item in the bandroom, please put it back in it's proper place. Do Not lean on band chairs or damage a chair in any way.

6. Do Not leave money or valuables in the bandroom.

7. Do Not touch, move or use any equipment that does not belong to you or is not checked out to you. Everything in the bandroom has a STOP sign on it. STOP before you touch anything!

8. The uniform room, practice rooms, and band offices are off limits to all students unless given permission to use that room by the Director or band staff.

9. The band office telephones are business lines and are not to be used for personal calls during school hours. Use the school payphones for this on non-band time. The band office phone will be available for emergency calls after school. A seperate phone will be available outside of the band office for calls following or preceding a trip!

10. Try to avoid the bandroom as a social meeting place unless given permission by the director. Always make sure that the director or a staff person is in the bandroom when you are there. This ensures supervision at all times.

11. The bandroom is not the social gathering place for the school. Band students and invited guests only!

12. Objects are not to be thrown at any time. Students throwing any item will be dealt with under the safe schools policy and will remanded to the prinicipal, superintendent of schools and dismissed from the band! PERIOD! This includes chair caps!

The student and/or parents will be responsible for any damages to the
bandroom area, equipment etc. incured by the student.

Return to Tiger's Den