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Description:

Our organization is designed to introduce you to the fundamental principles of the traditional marching band, while also showing you the individuality that a contemporary design offers.  You will be given the opportunity to grow as a musician or dancer, as the course is designed to advance student technique in the areas of rhythm, tone, performance, and style.  Throughout the season, you will be provided with a multitude of opportunities to practice applying these skills though rehearsals, halftime performances, parades, festivals, and competitions.

Expectations:

1. Students are to report on time to all commitments with the necessary music and equipment.
2. Each individual is accountable for their contribution to the team.  Therefore, students are responsible for practicing their music and guard work outside of rehearsals.  The students will be testing on this material.
3. The success of the band relies on the attitude of each member.  Students are expected to treat the staff and fellow band members with respect at all times.  This means following the dress, bus, and conduct codes of the district.

Attendance:

You cannot learn if you are not here!  It is imperative that you make it a point to refer to our attached schedule in order to make marching band a priority.  When one person is missing, it affects the whole band.  Remember that we are a team!  We understand that conflicts may happen.  Therefore, please let Mr. Carpenter know, in writing, one month in advance of any absences that may occur.  If an emergency arises please contact Mr. Carpenter ASAP.  Refer to the contact information above in order to do this in a timely manner.

****If a student misses a rehearsal, football game, or competition without Mr. Carpenter’s prior knowledge; the student will not be permitted to perform in the next scheduled competition.  Students will be required to attend the competition, however, will stand on the sideline with the staff to show support for the group.

Commitments:

• Rehearsals
  • Band camp and Mini-Camp
  •  Weekly evening practices
  • Saturday morning practices prior to competitions

***Additional practices may be called for special events

• Football Games
• Competitions
• Festivals
• Parades
• Sectionals

Philosophy:

We would be lying if we said that marching band is not hard work!  There are a lot of long hours and repetitions that can certainly take a toll, both mentally and physically.  There will be some frustrating times, but the fun and rewarding ones will be far more valuable and occur much more often.  The end result after all those rehearsals will make everything worthwhile.  After the first show, you will feel the emotional drive of a lifetime, and we promise that the emotions will only grow larger as we move throughout the season.  We hope you decide to become a part of our marching band family!

Uniform Policy

·          No eating or drinking (other than water) in full uniform.  The only time that students will be allowed to eat or drink is when they are in half uniform.  Exceptions will only be made by Mr. Carpenter.

·          No running, swearing, or spitting in uniform.  While in uniform YOU represent PMHS and the Pennsville community.

·          No jeans under the uniform.  The uniforms are designed to make the  students look good out on the field.  The uniforms are going to loose enough for long-johns or under-armor.  Jeans will make the uniform look baggy on the students and create an unprofessional look.

·          No jewelry including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc.  Jewelry can cost the band points in the competition.  Judges look at uniformity when they are giving us numbers.  Also you are under the lights at competitions and the jewelry will reflect the lights.

·          No make-up, unless you are with the guard.  The guard will wear make-up as per their staff members.

·          No public display of affection (PDA) while in uniform.  PDA will not be tolerated by any student while in uniform or on the bus.

* Please note that Marching Band is not about individualism.  I understand the latest styles, but unfortunately this sport is about uniformity.  Please follow the rules when you are in uniform.  When we are in the stands, you still represent PMHS and will have to follow the rules the School District has set forth (no pajama pants, halter tops, etc).

Uniform Infractions

1. You will not march in the competition that night.
2. There will be a parent-teacher conference.
3. You will no long be allowed in the Marching Band.

Uniform Maintenance

• Students will be required to hang their pants, on a hanger, seam to seam to minimize the wrinkles.  The jacket will be hung separately to air out.
• Students WILL NOT keep the uniforms in our garment bags unless we are going on a long bus ride or trip.  If the uniforms stay in the garment bags overnight or for an extended period of time, they will grow mildew and begin to smell HORRIBLE.
• Hats will be placed back in the hat box and stored in the designated area.
• Gloves and shoes are the property of the students and will be taken home with them.  All gloves and shoes that are left behind will be thrown out
• Before students leave for the night, the uniforms and closet will be checked.

We are trying to keep the uniforms nice and clean.  We are also trying to keep the closet nice and clean to avoid a safety hazard.  Please follow these directions to ensure that the closet is safe for the students.

Bus Policy 

• Students will follow all district bus policies.  Including screaming from bus.
• Food will be allowed on the bus, but students will be responsible for their own clean up.
• Long trips - students will change on the bus and need to be in proper “under uniform” attire.
• Short trips - students will be in half uniform (determined by director).
• The director is NOT responsible for student’s personal property.
• NO PDA ON THE BUS AT ALL!!!!!

Note:  If students fail to follow the rules they will require additional transportation to each competition. This transportation will be provided by the parents and/or guardians.

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(detach here)

I, ____________ (print student’s name), have read the above information and understand the consequences if not followed.

 

Student’s Signature  ______________________________ Date ____________

Parent’s Signature     ______________________________ Date ____________

 

Please return, only this portion, to Mr. Carpenter