patriot band student handbook - jefferson county schools...

Special Notice to Parents/ Guardians:

Please complete the signature page of the band handbook, the personal information form and the band health form and either mail or send it to band practice with your child during one of the summer band practices before band camp. The band handbook was created a few years ago in an effort to answer many of the questions students and parents have about the band program. It seems a little long, but we have tried to be as thorough as possible in order to give band members a solid understanding of what is expected of them in band at Washington.

If you have any questions about band next year, please give us a call @ (304) 885-5110 ext. 5169 or 5168. Also, check the band website for updates in the schedule and any news concerning the band. We try to update the website at least once a week. A new way to access the WHS Band website is being worked on and we expect it to be completed very soon. Go to the WHS homepage, click on Organizations, WHS Band tab will be in the drop down menu

Mailing address:300 Washington Patriot DriveCharles Town, WV 25414

Sincerely,

Donald E. Showen, Jr.Band DirectorWashington High School

Lisa HazlettAssistant Band DirectorWashington High School

2016 – 2017Patriots Band Student HandbookWashington High School

2016 – 2017

Table of ContentsGOALS AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM..................3POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.........................................................................4FEES AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................5GRADING POLICY....................................................................................................6UNIFORM CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY...................................................................6

Wearing the Uniform............................................................................................6Storage of the Uniform.........................................................................................7

INSTRUMENT CARE AND EQUIPMENT RENTALS....................................................7Reed Players (oboes, bassoons, clarinets, saxophones)........................................7All Wind Instruments............................................................................................8Percussion.............................................................................................................8Music Stands.........................................................................................................8Chairs....................................................................................................................8Accessories...........................................................................................................8

SHEET MUSIC CARE AND REQUIREMENTS.............................................................9BAND ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS..................................................................................9

Eligibility................................................................................................................9Attendance / Absences.........................................................................................9Bus Conduct and Procedures..............................................................................10Equipment Truck Procedures..............................................................................10

REHEARSAL PROCEDURES (daily).........................................................................11REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE........................................................................................11SMALL ENSEMBLES AND REHEARSALS.................................................................11PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES AND ETIQUETTE...................................................12

Concert Performances........................................................................................12Marching Performances – Football.....................................................................13

FUNDRAISING.......................................................................................................13TRIP PROCEDURES................................................................................................14BAND CAMP INFORMATION................................................................................15

Band Camp Policies and procedures...................................................................15Daily Band Camp Schedule (subject to change)..................................................16What to Bring......................................................................................................16

What NOT to Bring..............................................................................................16BAND BOOSTERS..................................................................................................17

Who Are We?......................................................................................................17What Do We Do?................................................................................................17How Can I Help?..................................................................................................17

D E S I G N C U S T O M I Z A T I O N

GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAMThe band program shall provide training of technical as well as theoretical and aesthetic musical aspects pertaining to the students’ instrumental performance and general music education as defined by the West Virginia Department of Education.

The goal shall be to provide each student with a positive and educational musical experience. All policies described in this handbook are for the benefit of the program, which is designed to benefit the individual student.

The success of the program depends upon a group or team effort. Therefore, each student is expected to perform as a team member. Students are expected to perform at a standard required by the Director and the West Virginia Department of Education.

Philosophy of the Washington High School Instrumental Program

Every student who wants to learn will be able to do so in a safe, supportive environment.

Leadership is based on respect through positive interaction. Fear and intimidation tactics will not be used in this band. Any student leader who uses these tactics will be immediately dismissed and referred for bullying to the appropriate administrator.

All attitudes must be checked at the WHS Band Room Door.

We will always strive to perfect the art of music. We will always play with our best sound, and we will continuously seek ways to become better musicians.

We will respect all Washington High School Band members. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIESDirectorThe Director of Bands is responsible for all instructional subject matter and coordination of all schedules, rehearsals, programs, performances, inventories, libraries, uniforms, fundraisers and activities.

S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K

Assistant DirectorThe Assistant Director is responsible for instructional subject matter as assigned by the Director and/or the school administration and shall assist in all performances, rehearsals and departmental/support group activities.

Camp Commander(s)The Camp Commanders are elected each year by the band membership (with approval from the directors) and must be a member of the senior class. The Camp Commander is the liaison between the section leaders, members and the Directors. He/she shall represent the band at all meetings where student input is required or deemed beneficial by the Director. He/she shall be the student leader in-charge of band operations at band camp. At marching band events, the Camp Commanders shall assist the Directors, section leaders and drum majors in logistical matters.

Drum MajorsThe Drum Major(s) is selected by the Band Directors using an audition process. Drum Majors are the student leaders of the band on and off the field. Students must be a rising Junior or Senior to audition. The number of Drum Majors selected is at the discretion of the Directors.

Section LeadersSection leaders may or may not be seated in the 1st chair position. These individuals will report to the Directors, librarians and equipment managers any needs for members of his/her section. Section leaders will meet with the Director when necessary to make group decisions pertaining to performances and policies. Section leaders must also coordinate within their sections students to load and unload the truck. All section leaders must make themselves available for truck duty and are responsible for their section’s instruments.

FEES AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIESFees

Band Fee..............................$20.00Band Camp Fee..................$180.00Total...................................$200.00

Band Fee ($20.00)

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This is due by August 1 of each year and must be paid prior to the issuing of the uniform or any school instrument. The band fee pays for one (1) cleaning of the uniform and covers the cost of band shirts issued to each student every year.

Band Camp Fee ($180.00)Each year, the Washington High School Band spends a working week at Camp Frame in order to prepare for marching season. This fee covers camp rental, food and medical supplies. Students are responsible for bringing their own instruments and proper clothing. Band Camp dates are set very early so personal schedules may be planned. All mini-camps and band camps are mandatory and only on rare occasions will an absence be excused. If a student does not show for rehearsal, we will replace them in the ensemble. This fee is due by August 1.

School InstrumentsSCHOOL INSTRUMENTS ARE LOANED, NOT RENTED. Every school owned instrument that is used by a student will be loaned with the parents’ consent and agreement to return the instrument at the end of each year in the same cosmetic and playing condition. During the loaned time, the student will be responsible for any repairs to the instrument in a timely fashion and will be responsible for the cost.

Instruction Books and MusicAll textbooks and music for this class are provided for classroom use by the band program and will remain property of the WHS band. The cost for lost books and music will be assessed accordingly. Flip folders and lyres are the student’s responsibility. These items can be purchased at Ellsworth Music in Charles Town or a music vendor of your choice.

Band T-ShirtsThe shirts are furnished by the band program and are required of all students. The replacement cost is $15.00. Shirts are ordered in advance and are available after band camp.

GRADING POLICYThe actual grading policy will be issued the first day of school. Grades in band are determined on a point system. Each event is assigned a certain number of points. Total earned from total possible will determine a student’s grade. Grades will be given for rehearsals, performances, playing tests, quizzes, and any written assignments.Rehearsals are scheduled well in advance. Students are expected to arrange their schedules to attend rehearsals. We will work with other school activities on a one for one basis. Work is not an excuse! If commitment to afterschool rehearsals will be an issue, band may not be a good fit for you.

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UNIFORM CARE AND RESPONSIBILITYEvery student is responsible for the care and upkeep of his/her uniform. Although the uniform is stored and cleaned by the WHS Band, students must constantly check their uniform for wear and tear. If there is damage to your uniform, you must report it to the band director immediately.

Wearing the Uniform (we are switching to black shoes)1. The uniform must be worn completely when in public. All buttons must be

fastened and all jackets must be worn. A complete uniform is jacket, bibber pants, band t-shirt, black shoes, long black socks, and white gloves. (Hat and plume will only need to be worn during performances).

2. If you must eat while in uniform, you must cover your jacket and pants to prevent any food from getting on your uniform.

3. Never allow your uniform to touch the ground.4. Students must supply their own LONG BLACK SOCKS.

5. Never sit on the ground or any place there may be dirt.6. Never polish shoes while in uniform and never wear shoes with wet shoe polish

while in uniform. Please clean and polish shoes at home.7. Always make sure your uniform is properly pressed. Wrinkles in the pants or coat

are unacceptable uniform dress. Wrinkled uniforms reflect a lack of pride on the student’s part. Students must hang uniform properly before it is stored.

8. ALL buttons must be fastened while wearing the uniform.9. Band T-shirt and shorts MUST be worn under the uniform. Cold weather

conditions will require additional clothing. Under NO circumstances may long pants show while being worn under a uniform.

10. Socks are to be BLACK AND LONG!!! (For the third time)11. Shoes must be purchased. We will provide details on shoe vendors. We order

them in one big order so we can get a discounted rate. More details will be available in the summer.

Storage of the Uniform1. Place the pants on the hanger with proper creases in pants. The pants must be

balanced so they will not fall from the hanger.2. The coat is then hung on the hanger so the hook of the hanger points to the left

shoulder of the coat.3. The coat must be zipped, and the collar hook must be fastened to help the

uniform keep its shape.

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4. Hats go back in your hat box and placed in the proper storage area. NEVER store a wet hat. Wipe the hat down if necessary.

5. Report any missing or damaged parts of the uniform to the uniform committee immediately.

6. Place your shoes in a plastic bag or box and store them in your locker or other designated area...DO NOT STORE IN UNIFORM BAGS.

7. We can always use parental help to make sure each student meets these guidelines.

8. Plumes must go in the plume case. Do not store them in the hat box.

INSTRUMENT CARE AND EQUIPMENT RENTALSThis section is general enough to be beneficial to all instruments. For specific care and equipment needs, please refer to the band directors or your owner’s manual. The items listed below which pertain to your instrument are required.

Reed Players (oboes, bassoons, clarinets, saxophones) Reed players must always have 3 working reeds in their instrument cases. The

band director will let a student use a reed the band has purchased only if an emergency arises at a performance. Students are responsible for reeds! Students without reeds will receive a “0” for participation for the day.

Never store your reed on your instrument. Place the reed in a reed holder and wipe the mouthpiece dry.

All Wind Instruments When finished playing, drain the moisture out of the instrument. Woodwinds use

a proper swab. There is enough time given every day to do this.

Percussion All school-owned sticks, mallets and small percussion instruments are stored in

the percussion cabinet or other location designated by the directors. Available covers are to be placed over all drums and mallet instruments.

Music Stands Are to be placed on the storage racks after every class.

Chairs Are to be stacked on the chair racks after rehearsals.

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AccessoriesSuggestions for all applicable instruments are as follows:

Swab - flutes, oboes, bassoons, clarinets, and saxophones. Cork Grease - oboes, bassoons, clarinets, and saxophones Valve and Slide Oil - All brass instruments Tuning Slide Grease - All brass instruments Neck Strap - alto clarinets, bass clarinets, and saxophones Polishing Cloth - All wind instruments Cleaning Snake - trumpets and trombones

Special Section for PercussionistsThe Washington High School Band program allocates a very large portion of the yearly budget toward percussion equipment. The school provides mallets for Bass Drum, Timpani, Gong and Marching Percussion. Since percussionists are not required to provide their own instruments, it is required they have the following equipment: Stick Bag with ID Concert snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1 (Generals) or SD2 (Boleros) A pair of yarn mallets A pair of xylophone mallets

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SHEET MUSIC CARE AND REQUIREMENTS1. All music is to be stored in the proper folder. Students are provided folders.

2. Never make any markings on music with anything other than pencil. No markings are allowed other than those instructed by the Director.

3. Never fold any music or place it in the folder in a way that will crease the music when the folder is closed.

4. Students are responsible for providing their own flip folder and lyre for marching band music.

BAND ACTIVITIES AND TRIPSEligibility

1. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Performance standards must be achieved before any student will be allowed to perform. This includes major trips or competitions.

2. ATTENDANCE: If an absence cannot be avoided from a band rehearsal, students will need to supply a note to Mr. Showen or Mrs. Hazlett a week in advance. Students with chronic absentee issues will not be permitted to participate in performances and trips! Make-up assignments will be required for excused OR unexcused absences. Three (3) unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the ensemble.

3. UNIFORM PRIVILEGES: Privileges are determined by the student’s attendance and performance standard level.

Attendance / Absences1. ATTENDANCE- is required at all rehearsals for trips and performances

throughout the year.2. ABSENCES- from rehearsal must be communicated to the Director in advance

(one week) via a parent signed note. Any unexcused absences will result in a 0% for the rehearsal. Emergency absences are handled with a much different criteria. Students will be required to complete a make-up assignment for each rehearsal missed. Again, three (3) unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the ensemble.

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Bus Conduct and Procedures1. NUMBER 1 RULE!! The bus driver is in charge of the bus. The bus driver has

the final word in all matters while students are on the bus.2. NUMBER 2 RULE!! Any student who must be reprimanded by the bus driver

will receive disciplinary action from the main office and jeopardize his/her eligibility for future band trips.

3. When students get on the bus, they must sign the attendance sheet provided by the band.

4. Each band member is responsible for his or her instrument used in the performance. Provisions for folders and stands for a concert performance will usually be made by the section leaders and loaded by the equipment crew. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOUR EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING MUSIC, IS LOADED.

5. There will be only two people to a seat.

6. No instruments are allowed on the personnel bus, with the exception of small instruments.

7. NO food, drink, gum, cologne, perfume, body spray, or shoe polish is allowed on any school bus at any time.

Equipment Truck Procedures1. All students must help in the loading and unloading of the truck. Section

leaders are responsible for coordinating their sections.

2. First responsibility is to load your instrument. Then, you need to ask your section leader what else needs to be loaded.

3. Sometimes the equipment crew will load by themselves. It will depend on the situation.

4. When we get to a performance, wait for instructions and return to the equipment truck at the designated time.

5. Once you have your instrument, close the case and RETURN it to the equipment truck.

6. All instruments must have ID tags.7. All students must help unload and return all equipment to the band room

when we return from a performance. Section leaders, drum majors and camp commanders will be responsible to coordinate this activity.

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REHEARSAL PROCEDURES (daily)

1. Place your books under your chair or in your instrument locker.

2. Get your folder and instrument. Then, report to your seat.3. Be ready to begin rehearsal 3 minutes after the bell rings.

4. The final couple minutes of class will be available to put materials away. This includes: Instruments, folders, chairs and stands.

5. NOTE: The Director will dismiss class, NOT the bell. All materials shall be put away before class will be dismissed.

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE1. Be ready to begin with the Director at ALL times throughout the rehearsal.2. Stop with the Director and listen. When the Director stops, it is usually to fix a

problem or offer a suggestion to the ensemble.3. Hold your instrument properly.

4. Sit in the proper playing position.5. NO Food, Drink, or Gum is allowed at any rehearsal (water will be allowed on

a trial basis). No cell phones during rehearsals. 6. When we have guest conductors, give them the same attention and respect

you give the WHS Directors.7. No talking during class or any rehearsal. You may ask the conductor or your

section leader a music question in a very low volume.

SMALL ENSEMBLES AND REHEARSALSBand members are encouraged to participate in some sort of small ensemble. Playing in a small ensemble increases a musician’s ability to listen while playing and improves his/her overall skills tremendously. Interested students will be assigned to an ensemble and will be expected to rehearse and perform at festivals. Students may form their own ensemble with the band director’s approval. These ensembles are expected to perform in the West Virginia Solo and Ensemble Festival at Shepherd

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University on the first Saturday in February of each year. Times of rehearsals will be arranged between the director and the members of each ensemble. Possible ensembles may be formed from the list below (although other combinations are possible):

Flute Quartet Clarinet Choir Saxophone Quartet Duets, Trios, and Quartets of any combination Brass Quintet Brass Choir Percussion Ensemble(s) Selected Wind Ensemble

ALL BAND MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SMALL ENSEMBLE.

PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES AND ETIQUETTEThe Washington High School Band has done very well in performance etiquette. This section describes the concert and marching procedures in order to fine tune public appearances.

Concert Performances1. After students have instruments, they should warm up in the band room.

After a 3-5 minute warm up, each student should tune his or her instrument to the chromatic tuner.

2. Band members will proceed to the proper seating on stage or waiting area.3. When entering the stage, the band will file in the following order:

1st Row, 2nd Row, 3rd Row, 4th Row, Percussion4. All students will take their seats with their instruments at concert rest.

5. Be attentive at all times while on stage.6. After a performance, exit the stage in an orderly fashion. (This will be

different at each performing facility)

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Marching Performances – Football1. Students should get all uniform parts and change into the entire uniform.

2. Get instrument and start warming-up.3. Line up outside the band room 20 minutes prior to “step off” – (Step off 6:25)

4. We will tune in the marching block. Uniform inspections will be done at this time. Students who are out of uniform at this time will lose points from their grade.

5. While at football games, the following procedures must be followed:A. Students must stay in their uniform the entire game. (Extreme weather

conditions may alter this slightly.)B. Students must sit with their sections for the entire game. (We perform

for quarters 1, 2 and 4.)C. Bathroom breaks need to be cleared by section leaders and the Directors

D. Everyone needs to be in the stands 6:00 minutes before halftime so that we may warm-up as a group.

E. Students will have the 3rd quarter off at most games. Failure to return by the end of the 3rd quarter will result in the loss of this privilege.

F. At the end of the game, the band will line up on the track and march back to the band room. Dismissal will be done by the Drum Majors.

G. Once we get back to the band room, all students must hang uniforms and return their instruments to the proper place (mentioned previously).

Usually in the fall, students take their SAT, ACT and other admission tests for college, technical schools or military. If students are registered to take these exams, they will be permitted to leave marching performances early with prior notice – never before halftime.

FUNDRAISINGEvery year, the band does several different types of fundraisers. We do the concessions for fall sports and multiple other fundraisers that are sold by individual band members.

All of these fundraising efforts require parental help and support. More information will be available over the summer for parent volunteers.

The band typically goes on a large trip every four years, but we also try to do a smaller trip every year. This will be assessed on a yearly basis between the band directors, band boosters, and school administration. The money that students raise helps them when it comes to paying for these trips and band camp.

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The Band Boosters play a huge role in raising funds for the band program and are always looking for new members. The program here at WHS is continuing to grow. Therefore, we need additional parental help. The Band Boosters meet every First Tuesday of the month in the band room at Washington at 7pm.

TRIP PROCEDURESAny activity in which the band leaves the campus of Washington High School is considered a band trip. We do quite a large number of small trips every year.

On all trips, rules that apply to students while in school or on school grounds apply. The band’s policy is consistent with the Washington High School and Jefferson County School’s policy:

1. Absolutely no alcohol, *drugs, weapons, or fighting. If you are caught with any of these items or involved in any illegal activities, you will be immediately suspended from the band program for at least one (1) year and a discipline referral will be filed in the main office where you will receive the same consequences as if you were on school grounds when the incident occurred.

*All prescription drugs must be checked-in with the medical assistant that will be traveling with the band.

THERE MAY BE PERIODIC BAG AND ROOM SEARCHES DURING TRIPS!!!!!

2. The Band staff and chaperones are here to help and students need to be courteous to them. If they were not here, we would not be able to go on trips. Treat everyone with the same respect that you would expect from others towards yourself. If there is an incident with a student, parents will be contacted and students will be issued a discipline referral at school. The Directors reserve the right to remove the student from any upcoming trips if the incident is severe enough.

3. Overnight trips:A. Room lists will be finalized two weeks before we leave for the trip. Once

you are signed-up, you must stay in that room and only that room for the entire trip. (You signed up for it, so you need to be there). No guys in other guys’ rooms and no girls in other girls’ rooms- and of course, no girls in guys’ rooms and vice versa.

B. When we stay in hotels, we are not the only people there. Students are expected to act like adults and keep the noise down. When it is time to go in the rooms, students must stay in rooms. When it is lights out, students

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must turn all lights out and there must be no noise coming from the rooms.

C. All itineraries are planned well in advance. Do not be late for an event, rehearsal, or a meal. It is easy taking band students on trips because they tend to be very responsible. You are expected to follow itineraries when they are given to you. BE ON TIME!!!!

4. Trips in General:A. A bus sign-up sheet will be posted. Once students sign up for a bus, they

will not be permitted to switch.B. Do not abuse the privilege of going on school trips. We know that taking

trips is one of the more memorable and enjoyable things students will do in band.

C. We are always looking for parent volunteers. Please sign-up!

BAND CAMP INFORMATIONWe are one of a very small number of bands in this area that still travel for band camp. Taking students on a trip before school starts is tremendously rewarding for students and incredibly valuable to the learning process in marching band. We get a great deal of the drill learned and move it to the music the week we are away. It also allows students to meet other students before they brave the halls of WHS.

In order to keep the long tradition of traveling to band camp alive, we need parental support. We need parents willing to patrol camp, prepare food, sleep in the bunks, and serve as night security.

Band Camp Policies and procedures Students will not be allowed to drive to Band Camp. There will be absolutely NO VISITORS. Alumni are welcome at home camp,

but not away camp. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Being absent from Band Camp may result in a loss of a permanent spot in the

drill. This will be dealt with on an individual basis. All clothing policies that apply during school will apply at Band Camp. Follow all rules and policies that have been stated in this handbook.

Daily Band Camp Schedule (subject to change)7:00 am Wake up (use this time to shower and clean bunks for inspection)8:00 am Breakfast9:00 am Marching Rehearsal12:00 pm Lunch1:00 pm Rehearsal (Sectionals/Full Band)

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3:00 pm Break (swim, volleyball, basketball, hang out, or you can always practice)5:00 pm Dinner6:00 pm Marching Rehearsal10:00 pm Rehearsal ends10:15 pm Snack11:00 pm Everyone in Cabins 11:15 pm LIGHTS OUT!!!!

What to BringInstrument, PencilMarching Music and Stand MusicBed RollToiletriesClothes for all kinds of weatherExtra socks to keep your feet dry2 pairs of shoesSunscreenMusic StandsLyre and Flip FolderBug Spray (Insect Repellent)

What NOT to BringRollerbladesBicyclesSkateboardsMONEYElectronics (bring at your own risk)

Please use common sense when deciding what to bring to band camp. If you are not sure about a particular item, please ask the band director

BAND BOOSTERSWho Are We?We are a support organization for the bands made up of the parents, guardians and family members of band students.

What Do We Do?Primarily, we help raise money to support the band program at Washington High School. We do this through running the concession stand for fall sports (football and soccer) and holding other fundraisers throughout the year (some for the general band

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fund and some to directly help students cover their costs). We also serve as chaperones during band events (band camp, football games, competitions and our spring trip) and help get the band’s equipment from place to place as needed.

How Can I Help?Participate. Helping support the band program takes a lot of people and time. We need your help working the concession stand for a few football and/or soccer games, acting as a chaperone for a day or two (or the week) at band camp or one of our away trips, helping with a fund raiser or two or helping us get the band’s equipment where it needs to be.

We meet the first Tuesday of each month in the Washington High School Band Room.

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Washington High School Instrumental Music ProgramHandbook Agreement

We have read the handbook and fully understand the requirements to become a band member at Washington High School. In addition:

1. I must be present at all practices and performances. Tardiness is not acceptable. I have received a copy of the fall schedule, and understand my responsibility of being at all scheduled activities and rehearsals. I understand I will also be responsible for being at all rehearsals during the winter and spring months as will be outlined in the schedules to be provided prior to each season. In the rare case I must be absent from a rehearsal, I will supply a note to the Directors one week prior to my absence.

2. I must maintain good behavior in and out of school.

3. I understand that I am representing the Washington High School Band, Washington High School, and The Jefferson County School System when I am a member of the “Patriots” Band.

I agree to follow all rules and regulations stated in the Washington High School Band Handbook.

Student Name Student Signature

Parent Signature Date


.

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