Piggott Band Student Handbook

PREFACE

	This handbook is provided to inform parents and students of those policies
and procedures which apply to participation in the Piggott bands.  All band
members and parents are urged to read this statement carefully to avoid conflicts
with the policies and rules stated here.
	If there are any questions regarding the information provided in this
handbook, please feel free to call the director at any time.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

	A proper rehearsal atmosphere will be provided for the band members.  The
directors  will see that all aspects of the administration of the department will
conform to the policies of the school, the Arkansas Activities Association, and the
Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association.  Students and parents will be
provided rehearsal dates, performance dates, and all other special dates well in
advance of the scheduled events.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

	Participation in band is a privilege which carries with it certain
responsibilities.
A band member should be regular in attendance and account for all absences.  A
band member should endeavor to improve performance on his or her instrument. 
A band member should strive to have a proper attitude of pride.  An attitude of
cooperation and willingness to work is expected of each band member.  A band
member should be respectful of other band members and faculty.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS

	Parents can be most helpful by encouraging home practice, as well as
reminding the student to have proper equipment which is always clean and in good
repair.
	Parents should assist the student by making sure that transportation is
provided to and from band functions, and by helping to see that the student is
punctual.
	Parents also may help by notifying the band director of any absences or
tardiness that would affect the students participation in band.
	The directors  hope parents will show an interest in the band program by
attending performances and becoming active in the band parents organization.

REMOVAL FROM BAND
The director reserves the right to remove a student from band under the
following circumstances:
			* Rank insubordination to a director.
			* An unexcused absence from a major competition or any performance.
			* Failure to perform required work.
			* If the overall GPA falls below 2.00.  This is an
		  		 Arkansas Activities Association rule.
			*Failure to notify the director of an upcoming absense.  
				Whether or not the absense would be excused.
ATTENDANCE POLICY

	Every band member is vital to the bands performance.  If even one player is
absent from a performance, there is a risk of ruining the performance and weeks of
hard work for all the members of the organization.  
	Membership in band  assumes  attendance at rehearsals and performances. 
Prior notification of  excused  conflicts also is expected whenever possible. 
Discretion is left to the band director to accept excuses in the cases of unusual
circumstances.
	Absences will be excused in the following instances:
		* Personal illness.   Students are required to inform the director in case of
			illness before a performance. A physicians statement may be required.
		* Illness in the family requiring temporary help from the student in
			question.  A physicians statement may be required.
		* Death in the family.
		* A recognized religious holiday.
	A student is responsible for notifying the director at	least two weeks
in advance of a school-related conflict, so the matter can be resolved.


TARDIES

	A student will be considered tardy if he or she is not prepared to  Begin 
rehearsal at the scheduled time.

TRAVEL POLICY

	Transportation will be provided for band events.  All band members will
use the school transportation to and from all events.
	On trips with chaperones, a student is expected to treat the chaperones with
respect and comply with their instructions.

FOOTBALL GAME PROCEDURES

The Senior Band will perform at a designated number of football games.  Certain
procedures will be followed at football games.

		*Band members will not be allowed to leave before group dismissal
		*Band members will wear the uniform correctly throughout the
			game.
		*Band members will sit in their designated section.
		*Only band members and alumni are allowed in the ranks, no other 
			visitors in the ranks.
		*Band members are allowed to go to the concession stand during the
			3rd quarter and must be back in their seats with 2 minutes
			remaining in the 3rd quarter.
		*Band members are expected to support the team in a positive way.

OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
 
	Senior and Junior All-Region Honor Band Clinic
	All students will be expected to play their Sr. Clinic or Jr. Clinic music for
	playing tests.All students playing the music at a level of 80% or better will
	be allowedto audition for the All-Region Honor Band. Those students who
	are"region ready" will be eligible for special rewards (including partial
	payment of the trip at the end of the year.)  Students are encouraged to try
	their hardest on this music and these auditions.

	Solo and Ensemble
	The Solo and Ensemble festival in the spring semester is an opportunity
	students to develop their individual playing skills.  Each student will
	participate in a solo or ensemble for a classroom playing test grade.
	Ratings of a I or II will receive a medal.  Participation will be rewarded.


	Concerts
	There are three public concerts during the school year:  Christmas, Winter,
	and Spring.  There are also parade performances.

MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT

	The school owns most of the larger and more expensive instruments.  These
are issued by the directors as needed.  Students are expected to provide their own
accessories for their instrument such as mutes, reeds, oil, cork grease, swabs, lyres,
neck straps, drumsticks, etc.  Students should not play any instrument that is not
theirs or has not been issued to them.

REHEARSAL RULES

	*Only play your instrument.
	*Reed players are to have at least 3 decent reeds.
	*Check the blackboard for the rehearsal order before the rehearsal starts.
	*Percussionists should have their section set up before rehearsal starts.
	*You may warm up before rehearsal begins.
	*Rehearsal begins when the director steps on the podium.  Playing and 
		talking should stop.
	*Please maintain a professional attitude during rehearsal this means not
		talking and maintaining concentration.  Do not do homework (or makeup, 
		girls) during rehearsal.
	*Students who forget their music or instruments/equipment may have their grade
		lowered.
	*Any questions or problems regarding discipline will be handled after
		rehearsal.
	*Come to rehearsal ready to perform.  Practice at home!

BAND COUNCIL

	The band council will be the governing body of the band.  The council will
promote discipline and serve as a voice for the band.  The council may make
recommendations regarding band policy and organize social events.

	The band council will consist of the following:
	Elected Officers:		Appointed Officers:
	President			Drum Major
	Vice-President			Librarians
	Secretary			Squad Leaders

OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES

	President
		1. Promote band activities
		2. Coordinate band council meetings.
		3. Report to directors any problems or suggestions to improve
			the band
		4. See that all duties of other student officers are carried out, and
			talk over any problems that exist.
		5. Set a leadership example.

	Vice President
		1. Be able to assume all the duties of the band president.
		2. Serve as social committee chairman.
		3. Assist president whenever possible.
		4. Set a leadership example.

	Secretary
		1. Collect daily attendance.
		2. Hand out all band instructions
		3. Help directors with office work when required.
		4. Assist with resale items.  (Reeds, oil, etc.)

	Drum Major
		1. Be in charge of band while in marching performances
		2. Supervise the teaching of drill.
		3. Set a leadership example.
		4. Represent the band at games and other functions.

	Squad Leaders
		1. Promote good spirit and discipline.
		2. Provide a positive example of band membership.
		3. Provide positive encouragement for other band members.
		4. Teach marching drill and techniques.
		5. Supervise loading crews.
		6. Squad leader duties will constitute the 10% "other assignment"
			grade.
		7. Push the squad to improve.

GRADING POLICY FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR BANDS

	The band grade will be based on a total points system:
		Regular performance (ballgame, home concert) 	- 100 points
		Contest performance (marching and concert)	- 200 points
		All playing tests				- 100 points
		Computer theory unit				- 100 points
		Extra Rehearsals (before and after school)	- 150 points

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY LAB

	Use of the music technology lab will be under the technology policy
	of Piggott School District.  Rules special to the music lab include:

		*No food or drink at the computer tables
		*Browse the internet only with permission and when work is done
		*If the computer is off, it stays off
		*Do not change any of the settings of the computer
		*Do not chat on the internet
		*Do not download anything without permission and supervision
		*Do not play internet games

UNIFORM POLICY

	A student in senior band is expected to wear the uniform properly during
designated performances.  The student is expected to keep his or her uniform
clean.  The student is expected to hang up the uniform correctly and to be
responsible for all the parts of the uniform.


	It is important for the band program that every student fulfill the
responsibilities as outlined above.  It is equally important that the parents of the
students be involved as much as possible.  Please encourage and support your
child's participation in the band program.