FOREWORD

This handbook is written as a guideline for students of our instrumental
music department. This handbook is an effort to explain to every band
member and parent what is expected of them in the band program and to
outline as many of the procedures as practical that govern the operation of
the band. The guidelines contained herein have evolved over a number of
successful years, either here in our own program or in some of the model
programs in the area.

The band has a unique place in the school curriculum. While it is an
academic class in the sense of having a definite curriculum and expected
competencies, there are some aspects of band membership that requires
participation outside of the normal school day. Responsibilities to the
group cannot be divided by the hours of the school day. Students and
parents should understand that the success of the band activities depends
on each band member being in place to perform their responsibility to the
group and that participation is required of each band member.

There are many benefits that students can realize by participation in the
band program. The intense concentration and training required to perform in
band is the very same kind of training that produces success in every
field. Playing in the band develops coordination, organization and mental
discipline and this explains why bands invariably have such a high
percentage of the school's highest ranking academic students in the
organization. Scholarship and musicianship go hand in hand.

Through the cooperation of every student, parent, and teacher, we can have
many enjoyable musical experiences affording musical growth,
accomplishment, appreciation, and recreation. Students will experience many
hours of work and play as a member of the band, and hopefully each member
will share in the spirit of doing a quality job.


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PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons are the best way for students to help with their individual
playing habits. They are also the best means of developing the refined,
mature playing habits that help students compete for honors such as: top
band membership, District Honor Band, first chair positions, and All-State
Band membership. Most All-State Band members begin private instruction at
an early age and study and practice diligently to achieve that honor. We
encourage each middle school band member to study privately, and we have
had excellent response in this area in the past. I want to encourage all
parents to consider this very important advantage for your child.

We are fortunate to have many fine teachers in our area. A "fundamentals
oriented" teacher, one who has a proven record of successful teaching, is
recommended. I will be happy to recommend a private teacher to those who
are interested. I caution parents about signing up for lessons with a
teacher about whom you know very little. Private lessons are not mandatory
to participate in the school band program, but are highly recommended.


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BAND OFFICERS

President:
1. Student representative of band (8th grade)
2. Reports problems or suggestions to director
3. Displays student leadership

Vice President:
1. Assists president
2. Represents his/her class on band staff

Secretary:
1. Assist the director in band record keeping

Librarians:
1. Responsible for music filing and cataloguing
2. Responsible for handing out and collecting music.
3. Keeps track of every musicians music number.

Class Representatives:
1. One student from the 7th grade and the 8th grade will be selected to represent their class with the band officers.


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PERFORMING BANDS

The following are the five performing bands and one non-performing group at
Whitewater Middle School:

Football Band: (7th and 8th grade)
The members of this band will perform at the football games and pep
rallies. To be a member of the football band the student must complete the following requirements:

Concert Band: (7th and 8th grade)
Students in this group are also selected by audition. This band will
perform at the Christmas and Spring concert . Concert Band members will
also have the option of performing in the football band. If the concert
band member attends all performances and rehearsals then they will be
eligible for the spring trip.

6th Grade Advanced Band:
This band is open to all students who have one year experience playing
their instrument. This band will perform at Band festival and the Christmas
and Spring concert.

6th Grade Beginning Band:
This band is open to any student who has not played an instrument before or
students who are switching from other instruments. For those who have never
played before, prior experience is not required. This band will play at
selected concerts throughout the year.

Basic Band (7th and 8th Grade)
This band is a non-performing group. They will work primarily on music
fundamentals during class. It is designed for students who cannot or will
not attend afterschool rehearsals or performances. Students who are in
Basic Band will be ineligible for trips, awards, etc. They will meet with
the concert band during the school day.


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OBLIGATIONS

There are some rules and/ or guidelines which will help develop the sense
of responsibility and self-discipline. This will help achieve success in
the band program.
1. Students should always read, have parents read, and return signed, all
material sent home by the band director. All correspondence sent home is to
be signed by a parent and returned promptly. This will be a consideration
in the band grading process.
2. Students should read, study, and know all Whitewater Middle School rules
as defined in the student handbook, and abide by them at all times.
3. Students should always make plans to be a little ahead of any announced
schedule. Punctuality is respect for the time of others.
4. Students should take suggestions and criticism in the proper spirit.
Mistakes in music hurt not only the individual performer, but the entire
ensemble.
5. Students should conform to the rehearsal and performances routine,
practices, and policies as explained by the band director.
6. Students who have uniforms are to wear the uniform in its entirety while
in public. This means tie in place, shoes polished, and all parts of the
uniform in place. Our goal is to show the pride we have in our band.
7. Band members in performing groups will need to acquire uniform items
that match and complement the group.
8. Each student is assigned a storage place for their instrument. It is
each student's responsibility to store his/ her property in the correct
location.
9. Students are to show proper care for all band property. Percussion
equipment is off limits to all students other than percussionists.
10. Band members should attend each rehearsal with the following items:
a. An instrument in top playing condition.
b. All assigned music, books, and other instructional material.
c. Pencil
d. Any mutes, reeds, oil, or other needed accessories.
e. Any other items necessary to do a first-class job. Single reed players
should never have fewer than 3 broken-in, good quality reeds. Double reed
players should always have at least two properly conditioned reeds.
11. Each member is expected to do his/ her share in helping to keep the
band room neat and clean. Our facility shows the pride we take in our
bands.
12. Good band members always have a clear understanding of what is expected
of them. If ever in doubt, students should ask for clarification.


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UNIFORMS

The following is the uniform for each performance group:

FOOTBALL BAND UNIFORM:
1. Band Shirt
2. Nice pair of blue jeans
3. White socks
4. Tennis shoes in good condition

SYMPHONIC BAND:
1. White tuxedo shirt (student provides)
2. Tie and cummerbund (provided by the school)
3. Black tux pants (provided by school)
4. Black dress shoes( student provides) No tennis shoes
5. Black socks (student provides)
6. Black tux jacket (school provides)

CONCERT BAND:
1. White tuxedo shirt (student provides)
2. Black tux pants (school provides)
3. Black socks (student provides)
4. Black lace up shoes (student provides) No tennis shoes
5. Tie and cummerbund (school supplies)

6TH GRADE ADVANCED, INTERMEDIATE AND BEGINNING BAND:
1. Band Shirt ( band will order these shirts-details to follow)
2. Navy Blue slacks-No jeans
3. Nice dress shoes


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SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS

Students who play school owned instruments are responsible for keeping them
in good playing condition. The following will be the procedure for using a
school owned instrument:
Brass and Woodwinds
1. Student fills out instrument check out form. Student and parent signs form.
2. Student receives instrument.
3. Before returning instrument at the end of the year, the student is
required to have a qualified repairman check the instrument to see that it
is in good working condition. They should bring the repair receipt to
school.
4. Students found not to be properly caring for the instrument will have
parents their contacted and the instrument taken away. Any damages will be
paid by the student.


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REHEARSAL PROCEDURES

Students should observe the following rehearsal regulations:
1. The student's first responsibility when arriving for a rehearsal or
program is to make all necessary preparation to play, not socialize.
2. There is to be no extraneous talking, individual playing, or random
noise while the director, guest director, or any designated person is on
the podium.
3. Random playing between selections, both in rehearsal and concerts is not
allowed.
4. School regulations govern all rehearsals and programs.


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ATTENDANCE

Participation in a performing band class necessitates attendance at all
performances and rehearsals, both during school and outside of school time.
Absence and tardiness mar the effectiveness of the entire group. Adherence
to a strict attendance policy is necessary for the good of the band. The
following guidelines should be followed:
1. When a student learns of the necessity to be excused from a rehearsal or
performance, a note from the parent should be submitted at that time...not
after the absence.
2. When a student unexpectedly has to miss a rehearsal or performance, the
student must bring a note from his/her parent to the next band function.

All excuses must be in writing and must be thorough enough to clearly
indicate the need for the absence. Failure to observe these procedures may
affect the student's placement or enrollment in the performing band.
Students removed from the performing bands will become ineligible for
awards, spring trips and other band privileges.


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REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Football Band:
The football band will rehearse on Monday and Thursday afternoons starting
the 1st 6 week . The rehearsal will run from 3:40-4:40. On the weeks where
the football game is on Thursday the band will only rehearse on Monday
afternoon.

Symphonic Band:
The symphonic band will start rehearsing as a group about the middle of
October. This band will continue to rehearse throughout the entire year.
They will rehearse Monday and Thursday: 3:40-4:40p.m.

Concert Band:
Wednesday: 3:40-4:40p.m. The rehearsals will start about 1- 2 months before
major concerts.

6th grade band:
The sixth grade band will not practice afterschool.

Please be on time to pick up your child from the schedule rehearsal or event.


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PRACTICE RECORDS

1. Students are required to practice their instrument 30 minutes a day, 5
days a week. A student who practices this amount will receive an
A for that week of practicing.

2. Students will turn in their practice records by Monday or Tuesday of
each week. Each student will be given several practice record slips.
Each week they will turn in one slip with the dates of practice and amount
of time practiced. Parents are asked to sign the form verifying the
student has practiced that amount. Parents will need to be sure that
students fill out the reports in pen.


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GRADES

Band grades will be derived by calculating the percentage of points the
student receives student in relation to the number of points available to
the student during the grading period. Points will awarded in he following
manner:

Daily Class Work: - A set number of points are earned for each class.
Points are subtracted for not having an instrument, materials, pencil, or
other required equipment.

Tests - Students can earn points on written and playing test.

Band Homework/ Practice Records - Points can be earned by consistently
turning in the student's practice record.

Band Citizenship - Points can be earned for proper behavior, cooperation,
equipment and facility care, and for other appropriate activities.

The following percentage will be used to determined grades: 60% Daily Class
Work; 30% Tests/ Notebook; 10% Band Homework/ Practice Records.


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DEMERITS

Demerits are given to students for offenses which are in nature of nuisance
rather than serious problems. Demerits are not given for offenses of a more
serious nature which demand the immediate attention of the band director
and/ or the school administration.

Each student will begin at 0 demerits at the beginning of each 6 weeks. The
following are the consequences for receiving demerits:

Demerit: Consequence:
1st- Warning
2nd- 15 min. detention
3rd- Parents Contacted
4th- 30 min. detention
5th- Office Referral
6th- Office Referral


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REWARDS

Students who demonstrate the correct classroom behavior, participate in
class, and show a good positive attitude will be rewarded with extra time
on their practice record, extra points, demerits being erased, etc


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AWARDS

A. Each band member that makes the Middle School All-State Band will be
presented with a trophy at the Awards Concert.

B. Each student selected to attend the District Band Clinic will be
presented a bronze medal with a white ribbon signifying participation in
District Honor Band.

The following awards may be earned at the District Solo and Ensemble Festival:

1. A blue medal for each Superior rating.
2. A red medal for each Excellent rating.
The following awards are given at the Middle School Awards Concert in May:

The Director's Award - given to the student who has made the most valuable
contribution to the band.

Outstanding 8th grade Band Member - given to the 8th grade student who has
distinguished him/herself as an outstanding band member through
musicianship, attitude audition results, discipline, etc,

Outstanding 7th grade Band Member - given to the 7th grade student who has
distinguished him/ herself as an outstanding band member through
musicianship, attitude, audition results, discipline, etc.

Outstanding 6th grade Band Member - given to the 6th grade student who has
distinguished him/ herself as an outstanding band member through
musicianship, attitude, audition results, discipline, etc.

Most Improved 6th, 7th and 8th grade Band Member - given to a band student
who has made the most progress on their instrument during the year.

NOTE: Awards are not given when reprimands, disciplinary action, or
unsatisfactory conduct jeopardizes the award eligibility.


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WHITEWATER BAND BOOSTERS

The objectives of the Band Boosters are:

A. To arouse, stimulate and maintain an enthusiastic interest in the
Whitewater Middle School Band program.
B. To cooperate with the Band Director, Principal, and the School Board to
the end that the instrumental music department be brought to and kept at
the highest possible degree of efficiency.
C. To assist financially in the purchase of uniforms, instruments and other
equipment not regularly provided for in the school budget.
D. To help with educational trips, festivals and concerts that are approve
by the school, and to aid with chaperoning.


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FUNDRAISING

All students are expected to do their part in fundraising. The money they
raise for the band program benefits everyone including themselves.


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PERCUSSION PLAYERS

The band program owns thousands of dollars worth of percussion equipment.
The students may use this equipment with certain restrictions:
1. Students are responsible for putting away all percussion equipment at
the end of each rehearsal.
2. Student found not caring for the equipment or found damaging equipment
will be required to pay for the replacement of that equipment.


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MICHAEL GRECH ENCORE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

The Whitewater Band Boosters sponsors a music scholarship to the Encore
Band Camp. The Encore camp is held in Milledgeville, Ga. each summer. The
camp provides the students an opportunity to receive individual instruction
on their instrument as well as participate in ensembles and concert bands.
The benefits they receive from this camp are great.

The Whitewater Band will award one full scholarship to the Encore camp. In order to be eligible
students need to meet the criteria listed below. An independent committee will select the winner.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant must be a bona fide member of a Georgia High School or Middle
School Band Program.
2. Applicant must have a 92 average or higher in band.
3. Applicant must have been actively involved in auditions for District
Honor Band and/or All-State Band.
4. Applicant must have been actively involved in the GMEA Solo and Ensemble
festival.
5. The application deadline will be posted in the band calendar.


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SPRING BAND TRIP

The Whitewater band will be taking a spring band trip during the 1999-2000
school year. This trip is open to all members of the Whitewater band. We
give every student a chance to fund- raise money for their trip to help
offset the cost. Even six-graders now who raise money on designated
fund-raisers will have that "on account" waiting for them when they take
their trip this year and in 7th and 8th grade. Please encourage your child
to "plan ahead" now when the designated fund-raisers occur.


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WHITEWATER MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS

Contract for Performing Band Membership

I, _________________________________________________________desire to be a
member of the __________________________________________________performing
band. My signature below signifies that I will to the very best of my
ability meet the obligations as outlined below.


1. I will conduct myself in an orderly and responsible manner during all
classes, rehearsals, and programs.
2. I will practice my assigned parts diligently and work hard to make my
playing be a positive contribution to the group.
3. Understanding that my inclusion in class rehearsals makes my part
integral to the group and depended on by others, I accept the obligation to
attend all rehearsals, concerts, etc. unless I am legitimately ill or have
serious unavoidable conflicts which cannot be resolved. In cases where a
conflict is unavoidable, parents and students should notify the band
director as early as possible so that steps may be taken in rehearsal to
avoid having the student's absence create problems for the group.
4. I agree to have any absence from any band function thoroughly explained
in writing by my parent.
5. I agree to post the performance and rehearsal dates given to me at the
beginning of the year on my home calendar and work to avoid conflicts
during the year.
6. I agree to acquire and properly wear the uniform as agreed upon by the
students, parents and director. (No student is ever denied performing band
membership due to financial problems. If a problem exists in this area,
parents should inform the director and other uniform arrangements will be
worked out.)
7. Understanding the tremendous cost of sheet music arrangements, I agree
to properly care for the music provided and return it in good condition
when it is collected.

Student
Signature____________________________________________Date________________


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Parent's
Signature____________________________________________Date________________

acknowledging that you and the student have read over these commitments and
that you will support the student in meeting their obligations to the band.
Please Return This Section To Mr. Melton

I have received and read the handbook of the Whitewater Middle School Bands.

Student's Signature_________________________________________

Parent's Signature___________________________________________

Date__________________________

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