Wampus Cat Marching Band

Handbook
Under the direction of: Ms. Elaine Snowden
Last Updated: 2018

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 Welcome
Welcome to the Wampus Cat Marching Band! You are now a member of
one of the largest and proudest organizations on campus. As a member, you
have the opportunity to be a part of a special tradition taking place over 50
years. Through the investment of your time and energy, you will not only make
lasting friendships, travel more places, and entertain more people, you will also
be given the tools that are essential to succeed in the world outside of Wampus
Cat High School. (It is no coincidence that the highest achieving and most
successful students of the school belong to our music programs)

Contact Information:
Office Phone: (123) 123-1234
Band Website: EMAWCBand.net
Director: Ms. Elaine Snowden
Email: ESnowden46@ksu.edu
Assistant Director: Mr. John J. Johnson
Email: JJJohnson50@gmail.com
Please call with questions regarding scheduling/performances
Directors will provide cell phone numbers prior to band trips

“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine
picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not
obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the
human soul.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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 2018-2019
Wampus Cat Marching Handbook
Table of Contents:
Welcome………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Contact information…………………………………………………………………………..2
Mission Statement…………………………………………………………………………….3
Program Goals…………………………………………………………………………………3
Fall Semester Schedule……………………………………………………………………...3
Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………………………….6
Rehearsal Expectations……………………………………………………………………..6
Performance Requirements………………………………………………………………...7
Conflicts with other Activities………………………………………………………………7
Uniforms………………………………………………………………………………………...8
Equipment………………………………………………………………………………………8
Grading Policy…………………………………………………………………………………9
Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………………9
Social Media Policy………………………………………………………………………….10
Substance Policy…………………………………………………………………………….11
Leadership Hierarchy and Selection…………………………………………………….11
Auditions………………………………………………………………………………………12
Awards…………………………………………………………………………………………12
Band Boosters……………………………………………………………………………….12
Traveling and Expectations……………………………………………………………….13
Practice Log………………………………………………………………………………….13
Medical Release……………………………………………………………………………..14

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 Mission Statement
Here in the Wampus Cat Marching Band Program we are dedicated to
developing essential core values of success such as self-discipline, pride,
determination, leadership, and professionalism while also providing a satisfying
and enjoyable music experience. Being a part of the band is to be seen as an
honor and students will be expected to help serve as role models for the school
and the other organizations within it.

Program Goals
• To make participation in this organization inviting to all fellow students
• To develop the performing programs
• To develop the musical, visual, and performance knowledge of the
individual student, thus enhancing the student’s overall education
• To provide a suitable background in music for those who choose to
pursue music after high school
• To develop a life-long appreciation for music and performing in all
students in order to foster a continuation of musical activities in the future
• To bring pride to your school, your community, and YOURSELF

Fall Semester Schedule

*Key: E=Everyone, L=Student Leaders, P=Percussion, C=Colorguard and
auxiliary, O=Optional, Con=Concert Bands, J=Jazz Band, WCBB=Wampus Cat
Band Booster (Any parent)
Date Call Event Group Other
Time Attending
7/31 10-1 Band Camp L, P
8/1 9-2 Band Camp E
8/2 9-2 Band Camp E
8/3 9-2 Band Camp E
8/4 9-2 Band Camp E ACT Excused
8/16 7:40AM First Day of School! E
8/17 7:45am Concert/Jazz Auditions Con, J For chair
placement
Date Call Event Group Other
Time Attending

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8/29 7pm Parent Meeting (WCBB) Parents In Band Room
8/30 6pm Back to School Rally E
9/5 7pm Parent Meeting (WCBB) Parents In band room
9/8 6pm Football Game! E At School Stadium
9/11 7:15am Early Morning E Be early!
Rehearsals Begin!
9/15 6pm Football Game! E At School Stadium
9/18 Fundraiser Op. 1 E Info in class
9/22 9:30am- Pictures and rehearsal E Yes, I know there is
12 no school!
ACT Excused
9/29 6pm Football Game! E At School Stadium
10/1 Fundraiser Op. 1 Due E Due in class
10/5 Last Early Morning E Still come to class!
Rehearsal
10/6 2pm Homecoming Pep Rally O At School gym
ACT Excused
10/6 6pm Homecoming Game! E At School Stadium
10/7 7:30am KSUMB Festival E Meet In Band Room
10/10 7pm Parent Meeting (WCBB) Parents In Band Room
10/13 7pm Away Game none
10/16 Fundraiser Op. 2 E Info in class
10/23 7:30am Ft. Hayes Festival E Meet in Band room
10/27 7PM Football District none
Playoffs
10/30 3:45pm WInterguard Auditions O/C Meet in Band Room
10/30 7pm Trip Meeting Parents, O Meet in Band Room
11/2 Payment 1 Due Check made to
WCHSMB
11/6 7pm Parent Meeting (WCBB) Parents In Band Room
11/16 Payment 2 Due Check made to
WCHSMB
11/30 Payment 3 Due Check Made to
WCHSMB
12/4 7pm Parent Meeting (WCBB) Parents In Band Room
12/7 6pm Concert Band Winter Con, O In School
concert Auditorium @7
12/8 6Pm Jazz Concert J, O In School
Auditorium @7
12/26 10am Luggage Check E Taxslayer Bowl
12/26 11am Load and depart for E Taxslayer Bowl
Florida
12/31 TBD Arrive Back in town E

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 Attendance Policy
Conscientious rehearsal attendance is vital to the growth and
development of the Wampus Cat Marching Band. The presence of our Band
members are essential to put the drill on the field in a timely and successful
manner. The following are the band programs adaptations to the school
district’s already present attendance policy:
• Only excused absences from a rehearsal or a performance will be eligible
for make-up credit
o Excused absences include (but are not limited to): illness, family
emergency, or previously planned family vacations
o Some examples of unexcused absences: oversleeping, work, or a
runny nose
• Any unexcused absence will result in a ZERO for that rehearsal or
performance
• Four tardies will equate to one unexcused absence and thus a ZERO in the
gradebook
o Remember that to be early is to be on time!
• Missed rehearsals can be made up using the practice log
• Missed performances can be made up by appointment with the director
o Student will perform key points in literature just as one would for a
playing test

Rehearsal Expectations
“To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is
unacceptable.”
• First and foremost, keep a positive attitude!
o It’s more fun that way
• Plan to arrive 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled rehearsal or report
time so there is time to set up instrument and equipment.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing:
o When it is hot, it is a good idea to wear sunscreen and a hat
o When it is cold, it is a good idea to wear layers
o Always wear tennis shoes to outdoor rehearsals
• Wear clothing that falls within the school district’s dress code
o This includes all lengths, ad fabrics and such of school-appropriate
clothing

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 • It is expected of you to have your instrument, music, and a pencil ready
with you for rehearsal. If you are missing your instrument on a regular
basis, you will be marked absent!
• Absolutely NO electronics on the field, keep them in your bags
• Minimize conversations in order to facilitate an efficient rehearsal
o If you spend half the rehearsal talking to your friends, you will only
get half of the work done

Performance Requirements
• Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to scheduled report time
• Still no cell phones!
• All performances are required
o In case of absence, a written note is needed from parent 24 hours in
advance
▪ Emergencies are always exempt from this rule, but
communication is still needed afterwards
o If the performance conflicts with another school organization, the
director will communicate with the director of said organization
• Be ready to listen to instruction
o Things need to happen quickly and in order for that to happen, you
need to be able to hear your directors
• When you put on a Wampus Cat Marching Uniform, you represent you, the
school, and your band:
o Be courteous to each other
o NO profanity
o Take pride in your work
o Be positive and supportive of other bands and school organizations
o HAVE FUN!!!

CONFLICTS WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES

Students should do their very best to be at all band rehearsals and
performances. However, conflicts with other activities are sure to happen so to
avoid any confusion, please let Ms. Snowden know immediately. It will then be
up to Ms. Snowden to find a solution to the problem, not the student. Failure to
notify Ms. Snowden promptly can result in the lowering of the student’s grade.

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 Uniforms
Each marching band member will be fitted with the following during the
first week of school: jacket, “bibber” pants, hat, gloves, and gauntlets (Guard
and percussion do not need gloves. Guard will not need gauntlets). Marching
shoes will be ordered during band camp. Each uniform, garment bag, and hat
are organized by a numbering system. Each student will check out their uniform
pieces by number, are responsible for that number and so should go out of their
way to keep that number. The student will store the uniform at home and are
expected to be at performances wearing every piece of that uniform.
Uniforms are cleaned at the end of each season. If a student spills or soils
the uniform in any way, they are responsible for having it dry cleaned. If there is
a problem with or other than that, communicate with your band director.
Because of the expense of dry cleaning/purchasing uniforms, certain food and
drinks are prohibited from performance areas. Our goal is to make these last as
long as possible.
When transporting the uniform, you must keep the jacket and pants
(jacket and pants only) in the protective garment bag. Treat the uniform well
because any damage that happens to it under your watch is your responsibility.
In addition to this, any hemming of the jacket sleeves or pant legs will be taken
care of by the directors. Keep scissors and fusible web tape away from them!
It is expected of each student to wear form-fitting pants underneath the
bibbers—as well as the seasons T-shirt that will be handed out during the first
week of school—for modesty reason. No jeans or bulky pants. Be sure to wear
long, black socks. Plain Black. No logos. During the winter, blankets can be
worn in the stands but no jackets under the uniform.
To participate in ANY performance, student must be wearing their full
uniform.

Equipment
Instruments:
• Students may borrow school owned instruments for a $25 fee
o Priority go to students without instruments first
• Students must take proper care of all instruments and make sure that they
are in good playing condition

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 • Students are responsible for all accessories needed for their instruments.
Failure to do so will have consequences as they are needed to play the
instrument
o This includes valve/slide oil, reeds, neck straps, cork grease, etc . .
.
o Mouthpieces are provided with each brass instrument
• Take care of your equipment!
o Your instrument/flag/other props are not easily replaceable and
should be treated as such

Grading Policy
Grading is primarily based on active participation in each rehearsal and
performance.
Rehearsals—50%
• Students are evaluated based on the following:
o Observing rehearsal expectations
o Quality of participation (including a positive attitude)
o Effort towards growth in music and performance
Performance—30%
• These include parades, halftime and festival shows, and the end of the
year concert; all of which are required
• Students are evaluated based on the following:
o Observing performance requirements
o Quality of participation
Individual Assignments—20%
• This includes practice logs, playing tests, and make-up work

Code of Conduct
• Since Marching Band is a Wampus Cat High School activity Band
members MUST adhere to all rules and regulations as set forth by
Wampus Cat High School and its district
• Superior, attentive conduct is mandatory at all rehearsals and
competitions. Full cooperation with the Band staff and faculty is expected

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 • There will be no use or carriage of illegal substances, drugs, alcohol, or
tobacco in any form at any time
• Violent actions or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. Band
members are to keep their hands to themselves
• Band members will refrain from any questionable behavior or action (aka,
avoid the perception of wrongdoing!)
• Vulgar and profane language, in any form, will not be tolerated
• Band members are to act courteously and dress appropriately at FHS,
host schools, busses, and festival facilities. Students are to show respect
for all people, property and local rules at all times Band members will
respect the equipment they are using including but not limited to
instruments, sound equipment, poles, silks, rifles, sabers, uniforms,
props, carts, and transportation vehicles
o Band members who carelessly damage equipment will be
responsible for the replacement cost of the damaged equipment
• Band members must be in place, with their equipment, ready to rehearse
prior to the beginning of every rehearsal
• Band members will follow all bus driver rules during transport. Disruptive
or distracting behavior will not be tolerated.
Any Band member who fails to abide by this code will be subject to Wampus Cat
High School’s disciplinary policies and procedures and will forfeit their
membership in the Wampus Cat Marching Band.

Social Media Policy

As a member of the Wampus Cat High School Marching Band, you
represent the group at all times, including on social media platforms. It is
expected that you hold yourself and the group to the highest of standards. Any
instances of slander, hate speech, cyber bullying, or other inappropriate
comments directed toward individual members or sections of the band, the band
as a whole, or its directors and staff will not be tolerated and may result in
dismissal from the band.

In an effort to guide social media practices, including group chats, we suggest

the following:

▪ Understand that social media websites are not a place where you can say and
do whatever you want without consequences
▪ Think twice before posting. If you would not want your parents, family, teachers,
or boss to see your post, do not post it!

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▪ The internet is permanent. Even if you delete something, it still exists
somewhere.
▪ Remember many different audiences will see your posts, including fans, alumni,
band members, parents, staff, etc . . .
▪ Do not post comments that you would not speak about openly person to person
▪ Remember that directors and staff are aware of what you post on social media.
Eventually, we will hear about it
▪ Keep in mind that potential employers and colleges use social media websites to
screen candidates. Your career path can be directly impacted by your actions
on social media websites
▪ Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of years from
now

Substance Policy
In addition to the school’s and its district’s substance policies, members
of the Wampus Cat Marching Band are held to the following expectations:
• To not use or possess any alcoholic beverages, drugs of abuse or tobacco
during marching band season
• To support his/her fellow students by setting an example and abstaining
from the use/possession of drugs/tobacco/alcohol
• To not enable his/her fellow students, who use drugs/tobacco/alcohol
o This includes covering or lying for them if any rules are broken.
Hold other band members accountable for their actions
• To seek information and assistance in dealing with his/her own or other
band members’ problems
• To be honest with his/her parents about feelings, needs, and problems
• To be honest with his/her band directors or other school personnel when
the best interests of fellow students are jeopardized

Leadership Hierarchy and Selection

• Students will have the opportunity to audition for several different
leadership positions. These positions include drum majors, rank leaders
(Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion), section leaders, and colorguard
captain
• Along with the directors, previous drum majors will audition potential ones

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 • Every student leadership position requires an application, only drum
major positions require an interview
• The hierarchy goes as follows:
o First, go to your section leader
o Second, you can go to your rank leader
o Third, you can go to your drum majors
o Finally, if all else fails, you can go to your director for any issues in
the band

Auditions
No audition needed for membership in the Wampus Cat Marching Band!

Awards
• Wampus Cat Spirit Award: presented to the student selected by his peers
as one who personifies the ideals of the Rebel Band organization.
• John Philip Sousa Award: presented to the overall outstanding senior
bandsmen as selected by directors
• Service Award: Presented to students who have devoted extra time,
energy, and resources to the band beyond the expected
• Growth award: Presented to students who have shown great growth over
the season musically and personally
• Director’s Award: Presented to two students who display high qualities of
dedication and conduct
• Section of the year: Presented to an entire section for outstanding
teamwork, progress, and leadership throughout the season

Band Boosters
We enjoy the support of a very active, energetic, and creative parent
organization, called the WAMPUS CAT BAND BOOSTERS. It consists of parents
and friends of our band program, and it is designated to enrich our program by
providing financial, physical, and moral support to all our bands in grades six
through twelve!

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Although we really consider every parent a part of this group, we hope you
choose to become an active member of WCBB! Here are a few ways you can be
involved:
• Attend the meetings
• Be on committees and voice opinions
• Get involved with the total program. (You will be provided numerous
opportunities to help out!)

WCBB is an integral part of our entire band program. We hope that you will
choose to become a part of this organization!

Traveling and Expectations

• All normal bus rules apply to bus trips. There will be consequences to any
student who does not abide by these rules
• Students will make sure to leave the bus better than they found it. No
belongings or trash should be left behind
• Be early for any trip the band might take. Remember, to be early is to be
on time . . . to be late is to be left!
• When the bus arrives to any location, stay seated and wait for instruction
from a director or an adult sponsor
• Most importantly, remember that you are representing not only yourself,
but your school, your band, and your community. Take pride in your words
and actions

Practice log
DAY: Time Practiced: What You Are Making Up:
Ex: 1/31/18 / 30 Min. / Missed Rehearsal .
/ / .
/ / .
/ / .
/ / .
/ / .

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 Medical Release
Wampus Cat High School Marching Band
Medical Release Form Health Insurance Information Travel Release Form
Health Insurance Information

Student’s Name:__________________________________ Birth Date:_____________________

Address:______________________________________________________________________
City/Zip:_______________________
Parent/Guardian Name:________________________________________________
Relationship:_________________________
Home Phone:______________________________ Alternate Numbers:____________________
Second Contact, if above Parent/Guardian cannot be reached in an emergency:______________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number/s:___________________________ Relationship:_________________________
Known Allergies:_______________________________________________________________
List Any Prescriptions Being Taken:________________________________________________
Cause for Prescription:___________________________________________________________
Family Physician/Phone #:________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Medical Release Form

I, ___________________________, hereby give my permission and consent for my child _____

____________________ to be given the medical treatment, aid, or care they need by a medical
doctor or hospital as required on an emergency basis, in the event that the said student become il
l or be injured while participating in any Band event or excursion. I am aware that this is in the
event of a non‐life threatening injury if I cannot be reached.

____________________________________________________ _________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Health Insurance Information

Insurance Company:___________________________________________________
Name of Insured:_____________________________________
Insurance Company Address:____________________________________________
Company Phone Number:_____________________
Insurance Policy Plan/Group Number:_____________________________________

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 Travel Release Form
I, ____________________________, request that my child, __________________________, be
permitted to attend all excursions approved by the Music Department during the current school
year. I understand that only general supervision can be given at these activities and will not hol
d any school employee responsible for any injury the student may obtain on such activities.

____________________________________________________ _________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Student/Parent or Guardian Information Sheet

Student’s Name:________________________________________ M/F:_____

Birth Date:___________ Student’s Email:_________________________________

Student’s Phone #:____________________

List Any Additional Extracurricular Activities:________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian:_______________________________ Relationship:___________
Parent’s Email:__________________________________ Home #:_______________________
Phone #(Best Way to Reach You):___________________________ Work or Cell (circle one)
Second Phone #:_____________________________________ Work or Cell (circle one)
Please List the Best Times to Call You:______________________________________________
Second Contact:_______________________________________ Relationship:______________
Email:___________________________________________ Phone #:______________________
Third Contact:_________________________________________ Relationship:______________
Email:___________________________________________ Phone #:______________________

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 Handbook Agreement
(Code of Conduct, Substance, and Social Media Policies)

I have received a copy of the Wampus Cat High School Marching Band Handbook. I have read
and reviewed all of the band policies. I understand the expectations that are to be upheld by the
band students and will encourage my child to abide by the rules set in place and to fulfill their
obligations to the band.

____________________________________________________ _________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date
I have received a copy of the Wampus Cat High School Marching Band Handbook. I have read
and reviewed all of the band policies and I understand that it is a privilege to be a part of this
program. I know that by signing this form I have agreed to uphold these policies and have
accepted the responsibility to attend all performances and activities in which the band
participates. I recognize that each member of the band contributes greatly to the success of the
program.

____________________________________________________ _________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Credit: Dracula High school Falcon Marching Band, Lassiter Bands, Huntington
High School Band Program, Holdenville High School Band

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