Justin Sumners, Director of Bands
Greg Murphy, Assistant Director of Bands 
Marching Band Handbook 2019-2020

Marching Band Handbook

Information For All Students
The marching band performs at various activities throughout the year, including all football games, parades, competitions and other community events. Students who are interested in dance may choose to audition for the Color Guard.

The marching band season begins at the end of July, before school starts with band camp, a mandatory activity. Band members are expected to coordinate schedules so there are no conflicts with band camp. Students will represent their school and community at events throughout North Carolina.

Student leadership positions will be based upon individual student performance and ensemble needs.

Band Fee

The marching band fee for the 2019-2020 calendar year will be $300.00 (the color guard fee, which is generally higher, will be discussed during auditions). Your student will not be guaranteed a spot until the marching band fee has been paid. This fee includes music, drill, staff salary, clinician fees, props, band shirts, band shoes, uniform rental, uniform cleaning, and transportation costs. The marching band fee is due by June 1st. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Sumners. We will work with parents to ensure that every students has this opportunity.

Attendance Policy
A calendar is posted with a listing of all after school rehearsals on the band website. Students are expected to be present for all rehearsals. The band director will work with all school activities including teachers, coaches, and directors of other activities to give each student every opportunity to be part of other groups. Non-school sponsored activities, teams, and organizations must not conflict with the practice/performance schedule of the band. Unlike other classes where students may succeed or fail independent of others, the band’s success relies on the participation of all its members as a whole.

It is expected that the band member and the family will make every effort to avoid or solve conflicts before requesting to be absent. The band director and other staff members understand that student’s time is valuable, and we take pride in the fact that we use time wisely and begin/end rehearsals as promptly as possible. Students and parents are asked to give the band program the same consideration and cooperation. Students with jobs should realize that work is NOT an excused absence and should present their employers with the band schedule as soon as possible.  Any conflicts should be discussed with the band director as early as possible in order to be considered excused. Students need to be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the rehearsal ends.

• In order to count an absence as excused, special permission must come from Mr. Sumners and be considered an emergency situation.

• Marching band students are permitted a maximum of one excused rehearsal absence based on previous notification to the director.

• Unexcused absences will result in the loss of 3rd quarter break for that student and his/her section leader or designee.

• Students that miss the Thursday rehearsal preceding a Friday football game will not be permitted to march the half-time show due to changes that may have occurred at rehearsal.

• Students who miss more than 3 rehearsals or 1 competition, for any reason, will not continue in marching band.

Any special emergencies should be addressed only to Mr. Sumners via email or direct phone call.

Check your calendars!  Routine doctor and dentist appointments are not considered excused and therefore should not be scheduled during your rehearsal time.

Fees
Fees for marching band are due before the season begins.  Many items for the show have to be contracted and paid for before the season begins.  To insure all students have a spot for the first day of band camp, all fees are non-refundable and due in full by the due date.

Football Games and Other Marching Performances

• Know the schedule and be on time (early).

• Do not arrive at the beginning of practice. Be ready to practice at the beginning of practice. We will practice before each game and competition

• Know what the uniform is for each performance. Come dressed, unless otherwise directed. We will inspect your uniform.

• In the case of inclement weather, practice will be held indoors. Students will receive a remind text when locations are changed. Practices are never canceled because of weather!

• Band members are responsible for all the band equipment; their own and others. Make a special effort to help the battery and pit percussion during marching band season.

• During football performances, the band may earn the privilege of a break during the third quarter. In order to keep this privilege, the entire band must return to their seats in order to perform at the end of the third quarter. Failure to do so may result in individuals, or the band, forfeiting this privilege.

• NO visitors are permitted in the stands, not even parents.

• When other schools march at our field, make them feel like the greatest band in the world.

• Always be ready to play. Short notice is given during football games. Be alert and remember that you are a performer, not a spectator.  

• Do not eat or drink anything in the stands.

• Stay with a group of band members when not performing.

• Always follow the uniform dress code designated by the directors before, during, and after the game. Remember you are a visual element of the ensemble.

Marching Rehearsal Survival Guide

Before a Rehearsal

• Take care of your personal needs. Eat, drink, put on sunscreen, and go to the bathroom. This is not to say we won’t let you use the bathroom, but we won’t make a habit of letting you leave rehearsal.

• Know the schedule. Plan to be early, and to stay the entire time. Know when the next rehearsal is.

• Resolve conflicts. Do not tell an instructor that you can’t make tonight’s practice. That is to be done at least a week in advance, in writing. Rehearsal absences will be excused on an individual student basis.

• Know your music and drill. Bring everything you’ll need: uniform, dot book, water, lyre, flip folder, and music. Memorize show music and school songs.

• Dress appropriately. Know the forecast and prepare. Wear comfortable athletic shoes with socks. Never wear flip flops. Bring a hat and shades if it is sunny.

During a Rehearsal

• Be where you are supposed to be, BEFORE you are supposed to be there.

• Music must exist against a backdrop of silence. You will be given time to socialize. Otherwise, extra chatting will not be tolerated.

• Give your enthusiasm and your effort. Do your part to make it a great rehearsal; one which is productive and fun. Make the band better today!

• Execute to the best of your ability. You will perform the way you practice. Get your toes up higher each time. Run it back as fast as you can. Play your best.

• Self-evaluate. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you. You can fix it, too. Be demanding of yourself and strive to do it better next time.

• Do what you’re told. The staff and student leaders are working hard to create a superior performance. What we’re telling you to do is solely towards that goal. Whether or not you agree is not relevant. Insubordination will not be tolerated. If you have a problem with someone in command, we would appreciate if you do the mature thing: suck it up for now and deal with it after rehearsal is over. Bring all personal conflicts to the attention of the director.

• Do what everyone else is doing. This is a group activity. If we are all singing, sing. If we are counting, count. Look around; there are role models everywhere.

After a Rehearsal

• Every rehearsal ends with important info being dispensed. Listen carefully. The sooner you let the staff finish announcements, the sooner we can all go home.

• Clean up. It is EVERY band member’s responsibility to make sure the practice field and the band room is clear of equipment and trash. Help others. Don’t be the person overheard saying, “That’s not mine,” or “I didn’t do it.” That equates to saying “I’m not a member of this band.”

Prepare for the next rehearsal based on what you learned in this one

Cell Phones
Cell phones must be turned OFF and kept out of sight during all band rehearsals and activities, including athletic events and marching band competitions  Students are permitted to carry and use cell phones during any band trips, and to use cell phones to contact parents for pick-up when the band returns to campus. Any cell phone that is seen or heard during a band activity will be confiscated by the band director and will only be returned to the parents.

 Duties of the Band Member

1)  Be on time for all practices and performances.  At least five minutes early is “on-time”, and “on-time is LATE!

2)  Arrive at all practices with the correct supplies and a positive attitude.

3)  Make a real effort to improve on your instrument daily, including practicing your instrument at least 150 minutes per week

4)  Be responsible for your actions, and assume the consequences, positive or negative.

5)  Have proper respect for those in authority, including using polite manners.

6)  Follow all class and school rules both on and off school property, including school dress code.

7)  Show respect and courtesy to directors, teachers, substitutes, instructors, parents, and fellow students at all times.

8)  Respect all school-owned property including: band instruments, sheet music, method books, stands, chairs, percussion instruments, equipment, etc.

9) Always support other programs in our county and those that visit.

10)  Be responsible and not have GUM, food, or drinks in the band room.

Uniform
Each marching band student has two uniforms:

1. A main uniform, which is kept at school. Please be sure your student wears solid black shorts and their show t-shirt underneath, to allow the uniform to go on easily & quickly, along with black socks (their black dress socks must reach the calf at a minimum) and their black marching band shoes.

2. A second uniform, which consists of their show t-shirt, khaki pants, black socks and their marching band shoes.

If a student forgets an item, they may “rent” that item from the uniform parents. If the student does not return the item (cleaned) within 7 days, they will be charged the full value of the item.  It is the student’s responsibility to have each and every item at every performance. Excessive “renting” (over 3 times) will result in the student being charged full price for the item. A determination of which uniform will be worn to football games, will be made during the Thursday Practice before each game. Be prepared for your student to wear both uniforms each weekend during the marching show season. It is helpful to purchase a second show shirt to avoid late night launderings.

Discipline Policy

All successful band students possess a degree of personal discipline.  This element is essential to a strong band program and is a must for every individual.  Examples of personal discipline include:

1. Prepared for rehearsal

2. Responsibility

3. Individual practice

4. Dedication

5. Effort

Behavior Policy
We believe that all students can behave appropriately. Students are expected to do so at all times. No student has the right to interfere with the teaching or learning of other students in the ensemble. Due to our large size and expensive instruments, good behavior is a must to participate in marching band.

Travel
The Atkins Band Program is a very active program that provides opportunities for students to travel off-campus for performances. These performances can include festivals, clinic bands, competitions, football games, and other scheduled performances. Students will be notified in advance when a trip has been scheduled. All band trips are school sponsored and students will follow all Atkins High School Guidelines.

Inappropriate behavior will be handled by the director in the manner outlined by Atkins High School and the WS/FCS School Board of Education, and if deemed necessary by the band director, the student will be sent home at the parent’s expense.

• All students must ride designated buses.

• All bus safety rules will be observed

• Buses are to be treated with care and trash will be picked up before any student is dismissed.

NOTE:  The Atkins High School Code of Conduct will be in effect at all band-related functions.  Please familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct as well as the rules that relate to the band.

Spiritwear
Students receive a show t-shirt at the beginning of each marching band performance season supplied by the Arts Boosters.. Many students find it useful to purchase at least one back-up show t-shirt, in the event the original is lost or misplaced (or to avoid doing laundry at midnight following a Friday football game). All students are sized for black shorts, marching band or guard shoes, guard gloves, etc. during band camp. Other items such as section shirts, hoodies, etc., may be purchased from the spiritwear team. Contact: Rokkitwear for more information.

Percussion Specific Information
Students will be selected by audition for the percussion section.  Auditions will be based on ability on the current instrument, behavior, and natural talent. Students are responsible for taking care of the school owned equipment.  Students who do not take care of the instruments may be removed from the section.

Percussion students will need to own the following sticks listed below for their instrument.  These items should be marked with the student’s name and can be rented or purchased through our local music store.

• Snares – Innovative Percussion FS-SG Shane Gwaltney Model x2

• Tenors – Promark TS8 System Blue Sean Vega x2

• Bass Drums – Innovative Percussion FB 1-5 (Number correlates to size of drum)

• Front Ensemble – Mallets will be assigned after auditions

It is each percussion student’s responsibility to provide the mallets and/or sticks required by the percussion director(s) for the performance season.  No exceptions.

Behavior is a must for this section! Students should be looking over music and not talking during rehearsal.

Colorguard Specific Information
Students will be selected by audition for the colorguard. Students are responsible for taking care of the school owned equipment. Students who do not take care of the equipment may be removed from the section.

If you are not a member of the Atkins Band class it is your responsibility to keep up with the weekly band newsletter for all information and periodically stop by the band room for directions printed on the board.

As a member of the Atkins Band Colorguard, all band rules including discipline and attendance policy apply to you and must be followed.

Content
Practice with the Colorguard will consist of the basics of dance, body, equipment and show elements. We do these as a group during the spring, August practices with the whole band, and after school until November. It is your responsibility to practice at home to be prepared for practice. We have many elements to learn in this activity and it is up to you to be prepared because we are adding to our guard vocabulary while together. Individual time is to be done at home so you are not behind.

Clothing
Wear appropriate clothing that is tasteful, not too short, covers the body and is appropriate to wear on school grounds.  Please make sure it is comfortable enough for you to move, dance and bend in.  Items not allowed are long fingernails, jewelry, halter tops or bathing suit outfits, see through undergarments and very short pants, skirts or bodysuits. Make-up and hair styles will be determined by the staff before competitions and must be uniform throughout the guard.

We require you bring a water bottle during practice time. Also, eat a nutritious meal in the morning before August practices and a meal or snack before evening rehearsals during the spring and band camp practices. Always try to have a small snack with you in case you need food during rehearsal time. Bring towels, sunscreen, insect repellant, proper tennis shoes and foot coverings if we are working inside. We prefer students never to be barefoot.

Guard Uniform
Each student will be issued two basic types of uniforms:

1. A performance uniform that is chosen specifically for the marching band performance season. This uniform is fitted to you for your exclusive use, and is stored in the high school uniform room in between performances. This uniform is yours to keep, and you are expected to treat it with care and respect until the end of the performance season.  You are responsible for promptly reporting damage to your uniform to the Booster parent(s) in charge of student uniforms.  The cost of repairing or replacing lost or damaged performance uniforms will be assessed to the student’s band account.  All guard members are issued a pair of special gloves at the beginning of their band career.  Replacement gloves are available for purchase.

2. An alternate uniform, consisting of a show t-shirt (issued by the Boosters at the start each marching band performance season, and yours to keep), black shorts of appropriate length, and your guard performance shoes (which may or may not include socks, depending on the style of guard shoe worn). This uniform, identical to the uniform worn by non-guard members of the marching band in most respects, is to be worn during designated performances in place of one’s performance uniform (such as at the start of the performance season, when high temperatures could make wearing your performance uniform impractical). Replacement t-shirts are available for purchase from the Booster parent(s) in charge of student uniforms.

Equipment
Your equipment is your responsibility whether at school for practice, during a performance or at home. Equipment is to be treated with respect. Every member is responsible for all the equipment assigned to that member. Taking care of the equipment is a very important part of being a member. Without the equipment, we would have nothing which to show color and emotional expression of the show. Equipment is not to be left anywhere except for the designated areas during practice, in the guard room or at your house.  Please understand that we (the staff/school) try to provide the best equipment for all members and would appreciate your cooperation.

Home Practice
Members are strongly urged to practice at home every day. There is no set amount of time but it would be in the member’s best interest to practice as often as possible understanding that school work needs to be your first priority. The amount of personal practice time will greatly determine the growth of the member but more importantly, the growth of the group.