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Croatan Band Handbook
Croatan Band Handbook
Croatan Band Handbook
BANDS
Band
Handbook
2018-2019
Welcome to the band program at Croatan High School! At Croatan, the band program has consistently
been one of the top performing ensembles in the State. I am excited that you have chosen to be part
of that ongoing tradition of excellence.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide information about our program, its policies and
expectations of its members. Please take some time to read and review this handbook as you will be
asked to sign a membership contract that states you have read and understand our policies and
procedures.
The success and quality of our band depends on contributions from every band member and every
band parent. We intend to “Be the best we can be” at Croatan and look forward to growth and
success with your involvement.
Mike Self
4. To acquaint students with music theory/history and how history and musical compositions relate to
students’ lives and musical experiences.
5. To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self-
expression, and a healthy social experience.
6. To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, enhance interaction, and
develop esprit de corps.
8. To be the best version of ourselves, striving to improve ourselves and environment each day.
Attendance policy
Attendance at all performances and practices are an expectation of each member
For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student and parent:
• The director must be notified at least 7 days in advance for a rehearsal and 30 days in advance of
a performance.
• Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity that same day must be
cleared with the director as well - please call or email.
• “Work”, “Family matters”, “Important matters”, “Homework” are not usually considered
excusable.
Athletic Conflicts
Communication is key. Please take a moment and review calendars as soon as they are received. We
are willing to plan ahead and make arrangements for athletes to participate in the band program. Last
minute planning for conflicts does not benefit the band or your sports team. Lets develop a plan and
allow the director and coach time to develop a plan for student-athletes.
• Upon arrival to a rehearsal, get your instrument and any required materials and report to your area.
• When the director or a staff member or student leader asks for your attention, all talking should
cease.
• Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis and establish a good practice routine.
• At the end of rehearsal put all of your materials in their designated area. Take PRIDE in your facilities.
• Become responsible and assume all responsibility for your actions. Admit when you are wrong.
Communication
Communication is vital to our success. There are several avenues though with the director will
communicate with students and parents. The director will send a weekly update containing important
information for students and parents each Sunday evening during the school year. Parents and
students should take part in reading the announcements section.
Remind
The first is Remind text messaging. This requires some action on your part. To subscribe, text the
number 81010 with the message @cougarmb18 Students AND Parents should both subscribe to
these updates.
Charms
Each student will have an account created in Charms. Charms will have a calendar of events as well
as financial details. Our charms manager is Johanna Owens. If you have questions about information
contained within charms, please contact her by email at croatanmbandboosters@gmail.com
Email
At times, the director and boosters will utilize email as a means for sending information to parents.
Emails will be generated through Charms. If you are not receiving any emails from Charms, please let
the director or Johanna Owens (Charms manager) know.
Grading Policy
Grades are assigned for band class, rehearsals, and performances which are co-curricular.
Musicianship = 40 percent
This includes playing tests, pass-offs, written assignments, reflections, assessments, and any other
assignments.
Performances = 20 percent
This includes any scheduled performances. Some terms this will include several events, others just
one or two.
To Ourselves…
You have the primary responsibility of developing your own abilities. The benefits of a good instrument and
private instruction can never be underestimated. What you put into is what you will get out of this activity. The
director is always available for your guidance and encouragement — just ask!
To the School…
The school district provides us with the resources for rehearsals, performances, and equipment necessary for our
success. The Band Boosters also provide a support network, both financially and philosophically. We have the
responsibility to provide the best possible services to our community.
To Music…
Music has always been a part of our culture. We must take what we have and use is for the betterment of that
culture. No one expects you to be virtuoso musicians, only to do your VERY BEST.
To Each Other…
We must always do what is best for the welfare of the group. There can be no selfish acts solely for the benefit of
the individual. Respect each other. If there are conflicts, find a way to resolve them. Never insult another band
member’s integrity. The word “band” implies that we are banded together without divisions.
Expectations and Rules
• Shoes and socks must be worn at all times for outside practices.
• Each band member must respect his or her uniform and wear it properly at all times.
• Drinking, drugs, and vaping are strictly prohibited. All school district policies regarding such are in
force during any band activity.
• Students are to remain with the band after performances and will be dismissed as a group.
• Any money that is turned in should be in a sealed envelope, with your name, dollar amount, and
the designated use on the outside of the envelope.
• Students may practice in the band room before school, after school, and during lunch.
Parental responsibilities
It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in this handbook
are followed and that the form that accompanies this handbook is signed and returned. This states
that you understand the policies within and that any questions are to be directed to the band director.
Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his or her child at all band functions. It is the
responsibility of each parent to see that their child establishes a regular practice routine on their
instrument. The hands of the director are tied without the help of parents.
• Arrange a regular time for your child to practice, and hold them accountable for doing so.
Uniforms
For Marching Band
The Band will provide the following:
• Shako/Plume
• Jacket
• Bibbers
• Gauntlets
• Black Socks
• Black Gloves
Gentlemen
• Black Tuxeudo with a Black Bowtie, Black socks, and Black Shoes.
Uniform Inspection…
Prior to some performances, all band members will stand for inspection. Any member who does not
pass inspection will not participate in the performance.
Band members will be checked for the following:
• Clean uniform
• Cleaned shoes
• Hair correctly worn - all hair will be up off of the collar at all performances.
Football Games
• Report time for all football games will be announced on the Sunday prior to the game.
• Students must wear their full uniform at all times unless instructed to be in “halves”
• Following games, students will be dismissed from the band room following announcements in the
band room.
• Students will carry themselves in a dignified manner when entering and exiting the stadium, and
during the course of the game. When you have class it shows — when you don’t, it shouts!
• Only uniformed band members will be allowed in the band section during games.
• All members are expected to remain in their sections. All Stands music will not be played unless
rehearsed and approved by the band director.
• There will be no eating or drinking in the stands except for water. The band will have 3rd quarter
off and must be back in their seats for the downbeat of the fight song at the buzzer of 3rd quarter.
• All members should be alert to what is going on down in the front. Be ready react immediately to
instructions given by the director or drum majors.
• If a student leaves the band section during the game, they must be accompanied by another
band student and both must have permission from the director.
Traveling
• If a conversation can be heard at the front of the bus, it is too loud.
• Please lower the volume considerably when entering towns or stadiums. This is for your safety ]is
courteous to the bus driver, and is an act of class.
• Please keep the bus clean; pick up after yourselves, and always be sure to thank chaperones and
drivers.
Performance Calendar
Please note: these are just performances. There will be a few other events throughout the year that
students will need to prepare for. Those dates will be communicated on the first day of classes in
August and the First day of 2nd semester.
August
24 - Home Football vs. Swansboro
September
14 - Home Football vs. White Oak
October
5 - Home Football (Homecoming) vs. Dixon
27 - Competition - Sanderson HS
November
3 - Competition - Havelock HS
15 - Fall Concert
December
7 - Atlantic Beach Christmas Parade
March
5 - Pre-MPA Concert
May
TBA (most likely May 23) - Spring Concert
June
7 - Graduation
Summer Schedule
This is the Summer 2018 Band schedule. Students should make every effort to attend all rehearsals. If
there is a conflict with one of these dates, please turn in an absence request as soon as possible.
June
11 - Student leaders training, 9am-12pm
12 - Summer Camp 1
July
8-12 - Western Carolina Summer Symposium (**Optional, register online. Cost is $450. Transportation
will be provided for students that choose to attend). See Mr. Self for details.
16 - Summer Camp 2
29 - NightBEAT Trip. (Optional. Cost will be approximately $100. We will be traveling by charter bus
with students from West Carteret and East Carteret HS.
August
1-3 - Guard and Percussion Camp, 8am-5pm
Financial Obligations
Each band student is assessed a dollar amount determined by the budgeted needs of the band for
that year divided by the number of members. Students may earn credit toward this assessment by
selling items during the various fund-raising activities during the school year. Invoices will be sent out
monthly as a reminder. Please note that this assessment does not pay for extra travel expenses. At
times the financial obligation may be heavy, but no member will be denied the opportunities of the
organization due to financial difficulties. Please contact the director and alternative arrangements will
be made. The exception to this is Winter Percussion and Guard. In order to participate in these extra-
curricular ensembles, the majority of fees for the Fall should be paid.
It is our goal to provide the finest experience possible for our students at Croatan High School. Part of
that desire is providing a first rate marching band experience. With that goal, we incur quite a few
expenses throughout our season. Arrangement and composition fees, drill writing fees, pay for extra
staff, etc. These expenses are a necessity in order to provide the best experience possible for your
child. For Marching Band, we charge a modest fee to cover these expenses, as well as the expenses
that we have during our band camp. These fees are consistent among the three high schools in our
district. It is not our intent to turn any student away from our program for financial concerns. We
provide multiple fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and we are willing to work with families
to develop an alternative payment plan if needed. Please understand that fees are non-refundable as
often times money is already pre-allocated to pay for expenses. We strive to keep expenses as low as
possible for members, but this allows for very little “wiggle room” within our budget. Siblings will
receive a 25% reduction in fees for each child for band camp and fair share, but not travel expenses or
“extras”.
• Show Shirt
• Props
• Choreography
“Extra” expenses
Some of these “extras” are for all members, while others pertain to certain groups
• Gloves - $10
• Percussion Fee - $50 (helps cover the cost of wear items such as sticks/mallets/heads)
Travel expenses
We will likely be competing at James Madison University in Charlottesville, VA on October 20th. This
will involve a charter bus and overnight hotel stay. The estimated cost is $125
Payment Schedule
Student Leadership
Drum Majors
Rachel Leonard
Madison Sonzogni
Shiloh Waite
Section Leaders
Flute - Sara Nelson
Equipment Managers
Evan Frame
Sam Gyles
Ensembles
Performing Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
• All members (except color guard) are required to participate in Wind Ensemble.
• Most rehearsals take place during the regular school day. There will be 1-2 after school rehearsals
to combine with percussion leading up to performances. All members are required to attend
rehearsals that are scheduled outside of the regular school day. This will be reflected in the
student’s grade.
• The Wind Ensemble will perform a Fall Concert, Holiday Concert, Pre-MPA Concert, MPA, and a
Spring Concert as well as perform during our annual Spring Trip.
Marching Band
• All Members are required to participate in the Marching Band.
• All marching members are required to attend all rehearsals including band camp. This will be
reflected in Student’s grades.
• These ensembles will perform at concerts with the Wind Ensemble as well as other gigs around
the area.
• An additional membership fee of $225 will be assessed. Payment should be made in accordance
with the schedule that will be provided.
• Students must be current with their financial obligations in order to participate in this ensemble.
Winter Guard
• Members will be selected by audition.
• A Winter Guard membership fee of $225 will be assessed. Payment should be made in
accordance with the schedule that will be provided.
• This fee will not provide members with the required uniform. Uniforms typically cost $100-$150.
• Students must be current with their financial obligations in order to participate in this ensemble.
I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the Croatan High School Band and understand that
I am responsible for all policies set forth in the band handbook. I fully agree to carry out my
responsibilities to the very best of my ability.
__________________________________________________
Student Name
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the band
handbook. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member or the Croatan High School
Band. In addition, my child has permission to attend all band functions. Furthermore, I understand that
I must meet all financial obligations.
__________________________________________________
Parent Name
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
STUDENT ADDRESS_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN_____________________________________________________
MEDICADE #__________________________
DRUG _______________________________________________________
DOSAGES________________________________________________________________
_______________________________ _____________________________
Croatan Band students are sometimes photographed or videotaped. We are requesting to use these
images on our website, social media or in promotional publications. No last names will be used in
these publications. If you would give such permission, please fill out the form below. Likewise, if you
do not consent, we ask that you mark the appropriate statement and returned.
I DO give permission for your to include my child’s image on the Croatan Band website, social
media, or promotional material as he or she participates in band activities. No last names will
appear on any materials submitted by the teacher.
I DO NOT give permission for you to include my child’s image on film, videotape, or website as
he or she participates in activities with the Croatan Band.
Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________
Please be advised that the school will take every precaution to provide for the safety of your child on
each trip. You are requested to grant permission for your child to attend and participate. You are also
requested to relieve the school, the Carteret County School Board, school administrators, band
directors, and chaperones of liability for any accident that may occur on these trips.
Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________
July 8-12 - WCU Summer Symposium - Cullowhee, NC July 29 - NightBEAT - Winston Salem,NC
Aug 22 - East Carteret HS. Aug 29 - Cleveland HS or West Craven HS
Oct 13 - White Oak HS - Jacksonville, NC Oct 20 - JMU Parade of Champions - Harrisonburg, VA
Oct 27 - Sanderson HS - Raleigh, NC November 3 - Havelock HS - Havelock, NC
January 5/12/19/26 - All District Band or Region Jazz Auditions - Greenville, NC
February 7-9/21-23 All-District Clinic or Region Jazz Clinic Greenville, NC and Wilmington, NC
March 13, 14, or 15 - MPA (Music Performance Adjudication) - Havelock, NC.
Spring Trip 2019, location TBA