HANDBOOK
You are now a member of an exciting musical organization and this manual is designed to help you better understand what is expected of you. The SPIRIT OF UNION COUNTY TIGER BAND is built upon a tradition of excellence, a tradition that you will now share and be responsible for carrying forward.
It is the mission of the Tiger Band program to foster knowledge and appreciation for the musical arts. To help students achieve the highest possible performance in the areas of music and musical creativity and to promote ethical character, good citizenship and life-long learning. It is also the desire of the Tiger Band program that students will always aspire to be better than they are.
It is the hope of all Tiger Band alumni and current members that you will accept your responsibility seriously and conscientiously. If you can always say, "I have done my best" then nothing more will be asked of you.
Individual excellence and commitment is the key to any group success. Do not allow any part of your load to fall on your neighbor's shoulders.
At the beginning of the year, all students and parents will receive/have access to a calendar. All Performance Dates and Rehearsal Dates are MANDATORY unless otherwise notified. When even one student misses a performance, it can drastically affect the outcome of the performance.
Parents must discuss Attendance Conflicts directly with the Band Director. An absence from a rehearsal may result in an automatic benching from the upcoming performance. Students are expected to arrive at events at least 10 minutes before call time so that rehearsals may begin on time. Students are considered late if they are not in attendance block by call time. Students who are late and or unprepared for rehearsal may receive as much as 20% off the participation grade.
We understand that students will often find jobs to earn money while in school. Because the band wishes to perform at their highest level, please understand:
Students must find jobs/employers that will work with their schedules.
Under no circumstance is work considered a valid excuse for missing rehearsals or performances. (Because all students are provided a calendar well before the beginning of the season, students are expected to communicate their obligations to their boss.)
(JOB RELATED ABSENCES ARE NEVER EXCUSED)
Student’s band grade will be composed of:
1. Playing tests
2. Written tests
3. Participation during class
4. Participation in all after school rehearsals
5. Participation in all performances (graded as a group project)
Student participation in practices, required performances, and district/state festivals is an integral part of the band class/program. Since this is a form of supervised homework, grades are given for these activities. Rehearsals and performances are not activities that lend themselves to make-up work therefore, failure to participate can only result in grade reduction.
Be the first, never the last, to rehearsals.
Always have the needed and required rehearsal equipment.
Demonstrate desire, spirit and enthusiasm for learning, working, and contributing.
Be one of those students who is always “there.”
Prepare and master your part of the performance in advance when possible.
Believe that “Only your best is good enough.”
Refrain from making comments or carrying on a conversation during a rehearsal.
Maintain eye contact with the Instructor or Leader in Charge.
Use “High-Intensity Listening.”
Stop immediately when cut-off is given or move is completed.
Exhibit enthusiasm for practice and understand the need for repetition.
If you experience failure, analyze it and make a plan to improve and succeed the next time.
Turn work into play. Enjoy rehearsing – hot, cold, or rainy. Try to learn something new every day. Remember: “The Band will only be as good as my attitude and my contribution.”
Be humble in your success. Strive to be “classy” in all situations.
Prepare for the next rehearsal.
It is unacceptable for parental discipline to cause their child to miss a rehearsal or performance. This imposes severe complications that involve everyone in the program and affects the overall success of the band. Therefore, should this situation arise, the said student will have their grade lowered accordingly.
Failure for parents to give a reason for an absence will result in it being unexcused. This will cause the participation grade to be lower by a full letter grade.
Students with an unexcused absence from marching rehearsals will not be permitted to perform at the game that week. Should absences persist, membership may be revoked and an alternate assignment implemented.
Students that have multiple unexcused absences from symphonic rehearsals (daily or after school) will not be allowed to participate in the concert MPA. An alternate assignment will be implemented.
A student must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken that are required by s.1003.43(1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of each semester to be eligible during the following semester, a student whose cumulative high school grade point average is below a 2.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken that are required by s.1003.43(1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of a semester shall not be eligible during the following semester.
Students are expected to be LADIES and GENTLEMEN at all times and will be suspended from band activities for misconduct. All school rules as established by the Union County School Board are in effect with the Tiger Band at all times.
Students are responsible for cleaning the buses and band room after each rehearsal and performance. Student leaders must be the last ones off the buses and out of the band room to ensure this happens.
Students MUST have appropriate attire (ie. shirts and shorts that are in compliance with the school dress code, also tennis shoes are required no sandals or flip-flops), equipment and WATER at every outside rehearsal.
Cell phones are not allowed at rehearsals or performances with the exception of using the tuner or metronome. Students found texting or talking on their phone during rehearsal or performances will have their phones confiscated.
All members are expected to attend every engagement in which the band participates. If you are unable to attend a performance, you must inform the Directors several weeks in advance. Sickness or death in the family are usually the only legitimate excuses for missing a performance.
No band member is permitted to leave the organization in advance of group dismissal at any time unless excused by the Director prior to the performance.
Students and parents should NEVER allow negative comments about the program or its members on social media i.e. facebook, twitter, etc.
All students must travel with the band to activities. They may ride home with a parent once they have been signed out with the director or chaperone in charge.
Parents please work with us when making doctors' appointments and out of town trips so as not to conflict with the practice schedule and performing dates. Your cooperation is as important to the Band Program as your child's ability to perform.
Band members are expected to perform with the band at all parades. Students will not be excused to drive cars or ride floats except under the following conditions: UCHS Homecoming King and Queen Candidates, class presidents, and elected attendants will be excused from the Homecoming Parade only.
1. The band will be inspected at call time before the game. They will enter the stadium approximately 30 minutes before game time.
No playing by individual members except as designated by the Directors or Band Captains.
Visitation to the guest band will be by the Band Captains.
The band will be dismissed at the end of the game by the Director. We will play our traditional “Amazing Grace” at the end of each game. All members are expected to stay in bleacher formation. Clean up duties are expected to be completed by all students before they may check out with their section leader.
No one is allowed into the bands' bleachers except current UCHS band personnel unless it is cleared by the Director.
The band will always march back to the band room or buses after each game.
Food and drink, with the exception of water, is never allowed in the bleacher formation.
Students are expected to eat dinner before they report for call times unless otherwise stated. A Meal Plan for away football games is available for purchase during registration.
The band will not leave the seating area until instructed to do so by the Directors.
Captains (Band, Drumline, and Tigerette) - Are an extension of the Band Directors. They are the primary “go to” people. They can handle most issues as they arise before they reach the directors. However, when necessary, they will defer to the directors for guidance. Before they may check out with the directors, Captains must make sure the Sections Leaders have completed their duties. They will be the last students to leave at the end of each rehearsal/performance.
Drill Assistants - Are specially trained to aid the directors in teaching marching fundamentals as well as the performance drill for halftime. They will attend several training sessions throughout the summer.
Section Leaders - May not necessarily be first chair players. Section Leaders will maintain an updated telephone and address list of members of their section. These leaders are responsible for all members of their section (having what they need, when they need it and where they need it) at all times. From time to time, section leaders may call a section rehearsal (only with director approval) to help their sections with their music. They are to make sure their section has completed their cleaning duties and that each of their member’s cubby is cleaned before they are dismissed. Section leaders are also the last person in their section to check out with the Band Captains after each rehearsal and performance.
Quartermasters - Are in charge of the uniform inventory. They are responsible for checking the uniforms out and back in from the students during each performing event. At the end of each event, they will list the number of items going to the cleaners and report that to the directors. They do not leave at the end of a performance until all parts issued have been accounted for. Quartermasters must check out with Directors at the end of each performance event.
Loading Crew - Is responsible for coordinating the loading and unloading of all equipment each time the band travels. The loading crew will check out with their Crew Chief and Driver.
Librarians - Are responsible for keeping track of inventory in the music library. They will coordinate copying, filing, and labeling of all music. This job often involves several hours of summer work.
The Tigerette team is considered a section of the band that is in a separate class, just as is the drumline. They are an integral part of the marching band. All marching band activities take place during the first semester. The second semester consists of Winterguard along with Solo and Ensemble activities.
Classroom expectations
Students are to dress out daily during class.
Dress out attire consists of:
Black leggings or black long bike shorts
Tigerette or marching band shirt
Tennis shoes
All equipment must be kept in proper working order.
Uniforms are purchased annually by students to keep.
Parents that work a minimum of four games in the concession stand (two MUST be a varsity game) are eligible for a fee waiver (see below).
Members Eligibility Waiver
HS Concert Band/Tigerette $65.00
Tigerettes $45.00
Each band student will be issued a uniform. The Director and Quartermasters keep an inventory of all parts issued. Students must pay for any unnecessary damage or loss of uniform parts which could cost as much as $500.00.
Parents that work a minimum of four games in the concession stand (two MUST be a varsity game) are eligible for a fee waiver (see below).
Members Eligibility Waiver
HS Band Members $150.00HS
Concert Band/Fall Sports $65.00MS
Rookies $45.00
Inspection will be held before each performance. Failure to pass uniform or horn inspection before a performance will result in a participation grade reduction. For Marching Uniforms, each student must have long white socks, white gloves, and white band shoes. Khaki shorts and the designated travel shirt must be worn underneath the uniform. The uniform jacket, pants, and hat must be turned into the uniform room following each performance. Concert Band uniforms consist of black bibber pants, white tux shirt, black vest and bow tie. Students are to wear a white t-shirt, black band shoes and long black socks with this uniform.
On time for call time
Clean instrument with shiny appearance if applicable
Clean mouthpieces
Instrument must be in proper working condition
Travel uniform worn under performance uniform
Clean shoes
Clean gloves
Flip Folder and Lyre with all stands music
Clean official water cooler for outside performances
Four good reeds (woodwinds only)
Clean Cubbies
Performance & Practice Mallets/Sticks (Drumline only)
We will come in contact with several other bands throughout the year. We are ALWAYS polite and courteous to other bands. We show support and enthusiasm for other band members. They work as hard as we do and they deserve our respect. You must always congratulate other bands on a job well done. Professionalism is essential to a successful program!
Dress appropriately for all performances. If we are not wearing Band Uniforms, girls are to wear dresses or dress pants with an appropriate blouse, boys are to wear dress pants, with a dress shirt and tie. NO JEANS OR TENNIS SHOES ARE ALLOWED! Non-uniformed performances would be the Solo & Ensemble MPA.
1. Students must ride the bus to all functions. You may leave with your parents after you are dismissed from the performance. Your parents MUST sign you out with the head chaperone before you may leave. Students may not ride home with anyone (other than your parents) unless prior permission has been given by the Director. This would require a note and verbal confirmation from a guardian.
2. Stay in your seat at all times while the bus is moving.
3. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.
4. If a chaperone has to give instructions more than once, they will move to sit with you.
5. Keep arms, hands and heads inside windows.
6. Boys and girls will be separated by bus. If there is ever a time when they must ride
together, they will be divided by the front and rear of the bus.
Solo and Ensemble participation is not required but is definitely encouraged for each student. However, once a student signs up for S&E, that event becomes a required performance. If a student does not follow through with the performance, they will be responsible for reimbursing the program for their performance assessment fees. Music must be performed in its entirety before the director will sign you up.
There are several areas within the band program that require the help of volunteer band parents. We have the following committees: uniforms, concessions, chaperones, and advocacy. Each committee has managers or chair persons that are appointed by the Band Director. If you would like to serve in one of these capacities, please contact the Band Director.
The majority of band programs throughout the state charge an extremely high fee for students to become members. This goes against our philosophy. Because of the combined efforts of the county school board and the football concession stand we are able to keep costs to the parents at a minimum. This is why we ask EVERY parent to volunteer in the concession stand at least one time (including Tigerette parents). The funding from the concession stand covers a multitude of costs and fees incurred by the program whenever we perform that would otherwise have to be paid for by the students.
The support and assistance of parent chaperones is necessary to the success of band activities. Selected parents of band students will act as chaperones at band functions. Chaperones are expected to support the philosophy of the program as stated by the directors. Chaperones will ride on the buses and stay with the band during the entire activity. Anyone who volunteers to be a chaperone accepts certain responsibilities and will be expected to carry out assigned duties. The Band Directors will coordinate recruitment of chaperones for overnight trips. Punctuality is necessary. Chaperones are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages immediately before or during band activities or trips. Tobacco, alcohol and the use of profanity is not allowed. The Directors will make rules and guidelines with the safety and welfare of the band members in mind.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Report on time and pick up your chaperone badge from the Chairperson. Bus and duty assignments will be made at this time. Turn in the chaperone badge at the event's end.
Stop all conversation during roll call and railroad crossings.
See that all UCHS band rules are followed. Basic rules appear in this handbook. The Directors will provide more specific rules as needed.
While the band is out of the stands some chaperones will stay to watch the seating area, while most will help with equipment.
There will be no food, drink, or gum in the band seating area except coolers of ice water.
Individual permission for a student to leave the seating area may only be granted by one of the Directors.
The band will not leave the seating area until instructed to do so by one of the Directors. Restrooms can be used during the third quarter with the permission of the Directors and must be accompanied by a chaperone.
After the band has left the seating area at the end of the game, check to be sure that all trash is picked up and put in garbage bags, and that no items have been left behind.
For safety reasons, when leaving a football game, close all bus windows and keep them closed until the bus is several blocks away from the stadium.
When the students have left the buses at the conclusion of a trip, check to be sure that the bus is neat and clean, that all windows are up, and that no belongings have been left behind.
If you have a problem with any student failing to follow directions or showing disrespect, see the Director(s) immediately. The role of a chaperone is to guide and assist. The Band Directors will handle all discipline issues.
If a student becomes ill enough (in the opinion of a chaperone) to warrant calling his/her parents, the Band Directors will be informed of the situation and will be responsible for contacting and discussing the problem with the parents. If there is such a problem, see the Directors!
The Chaperone Chair must keep the director’s informed each time a student becomes ill or hurt. They will also fill out an incident report to be given to the director’s at the end of each event.
Medication will only be given to a student with the expressed permission of their parent. Directors will instruct chaperones when medications can be dispensed.
Please be reminded that your children who are not band members are not to be brought with you when you chaperone. If you have any questions concerning chaperoning, or to volunteer to chaperone, please contact the Chaperone Chair whose names appear on the Band Website www.UnionCountyBand.com.
Every band student has the option of acquiring a travel account. This account is funded by student participation in fundraising events. This money may be used for band trips and summer music camps. In addition, Travel Account funds may be used for supplies during Marching Band registration. If a senior has money remaining in their account upon graduation, that money will be transferred to their sibling or will revert to the scholarship fund.
Full Marching Band rehearsal is scheduled every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. Band students are required to attend these rehearsals. Attendance is a factor in 9 weeks grading as well as qualifying for the halftime performance that week (refer to band policies).
"Call Time" means in place, ready to go. Rolling into the parking lot "on time" is not good enough.
Seniors load the buses first, followed by the student leaders, juniors, sophomores, etc.
Percussion equipment is provided by the band, however, all percussionists will be required to furnish their own sticks, mallets, etc. A list of required equipment will be furnished.
School owned instruments are assigned to students and inspected at time of issue. There is no rental fee, however if the instrument is mistreated it will be confiscated and the student will be forced to either purchase an instrument, borrow one from someone else, or change their schedule out of band. If a school instrument is damaged, the student will be held responsible for the full cost of repair.
Students are judged throughout the year as to their suitability as a future student leader. An outstanding tryout is not the single criteria for a leadership position.